This episode of the Pinescast serves as a vital guide for residents as Ocean Pines approaches its next election season. Host Tony Russo welcomes Election Committee members Cheryl Jacobs and Marlene Ott to discuss the importance of civic participation and the mechanics of a successful vote.

The conversation highlights critical pitfalls that can lead to disenfranchisement, such as failing to update mailing addresses with administration or making marks on a ballot that invalidate the vote.

The guests explain the eligibility requirements for both candidates and voters, emphasizing that "good standing" must be maintained to participate.

Listeners will also learn about the timeline for the upcoming election, from the May 10th candidate application deadline to the annual meeting on August 8th. Whether you are a long-time resident or a new property owner, this episode ensures you have the transparency and tools needed to help shape the future of the Ocean Pines Board.

Join host Tony Russo as he sits down with Liz Wist (Education Coordinator) and Ellen Turnbaugh (Education Program Manager) from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. They discuss the upcoming 7th Annual Bay Day, a large-scale environmental festival dedicated to celebrating the coastal watershed and providing families with tools to protect their local environment.

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: Whitehorse Park, Ocean Pines (behind the White Horse Park pavilion and boat ramp.

Cost: Free to the public

Free Boat Rides: Enjoy a 15-20 minute educational cruise on the St. Martin River provided by Bay Hopper Boat Cruises.

Exploration Station: Located inside the pavilion, this area features hands-on engineering challenges and crafts focused on horseshoe crabs, terrapins, and oysters.

Native Plant Giveaway: Attendees can take home free native plants tailored for various yard types (shaded, drought-tolerant, etc.) to help build natural buffers for local waterways.

Live Music & Food: Catch live music by local favorites The Boogeymen and enjoy food from various vendors, including the Ocean Pines Kiwanis.

Interactive Exhibitors: Over 25-30 environmental and community organizations will be on-site with engaging activities rather than just pamphlets.

The event was birthed in 2017 to address the health of the St. Martin River, which is one of the more unhealthy waterways in the coastal bay watershed. Bay Day serves as a resource for property owners to learn how they can improve water health through living shorelines and better lawn management.

Volunteers Needed: The program is still looking for volunteers to help with tabling and public interaction. No long-term commitment or classes are required.

Sign Up: Visit mdcoastalbays.com under the "Events" section to find the volunteer form or contact the office directly.

In this episode, Tony Russo sits down with Chief Tim Robinson of the Ocean Pines Police Department. After a brief catch-up on how the department handled the recent "taxing" blizzard and the upcoming spring influx of residents, the conversation dives deep into the rising tide of sophisticated scams targeting the community. From fake court summons to "romance" decoys, Chief Sarah breaks down the red flags everyone needs to know.

• The Blizzard Aftermath: How Public Works, EMS, and Police managed "hundreds and hundreds" of downed trees during the recent storm.

• The Anatomy of a Text Scam: A detailed look at a recent fraudulent "Baltimore City District Court" text and why the QR code was a major trap.

• The "Grandparent" & "Romance" Scams: Heartbreaking tactics where scammers prey on family loyalty or the search for companionship using fake social media profiles.

• New "Funeral Home" Tactics: Tony shares a growing national trend where scammers monitor obituaries to demand "unpaid fees" from grieving families.

• Home Security 101: Why a porch light on in the middle of the day is a "glaring sign" to burglars and how to avoid being "easy pickings."

Chief Sarah identifies several key indicators that a communication is likely a scam:

• High Pressure: Any demand for immediate action or threats of arrest.

• Unusual Payment Methods: Requests for gift cards, Bitcoin, or wire transfers.

• Official Errors: Mismatched signatures, vague charges, or incorrect agency names (e.g., "Department of Motor Vehicles" instead of Maryland's "Motor Vehicle Administration").

• Unsolicited Contact: Being contacted out of the blue via text, app, or computer pop-up.

1. Stop and Breathe: Take a step back to avoid making a rash, emotional decision.

2. Verify Independently: Hang up and call the official number of the company or agency in question.

3. Contact Your Bank: If you've shared info or money, notify your financial institution immediately to change account numbers.

4. Report It: Notify local law enforcement so they can alert the rest of the community.