PinesCast: An Ocean Pines Association Podcast

Chip Bertino discusses his life and career in Ocean Pines, from newspaper as sales, to publishing The Courier, and eventually moving into local politics. 

Learn about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore through the eyes of Project Lead Katie Douglas. Discover how her passion for helping kids led her to this vital role. Find out how the mentoring program works, the need for volunteers, and how you can make a real difference in a child's life. Get information on becoming a mentor or enrolling a child in this impactful local organization.

Discover the journey of Bob Ciprietti, from building restaurants to owning a thriving group across the Delmarva Peninsula. Learn about his customer-first philosophy, commitment to quality, and surprising transition from construction to the restaurant industry. Explore his plans for the Ocean Pines Golf Course, Beach Club, and Yacht Club, emphasizing guest experience and local flavors.

The second annual Season Kickoff event will be held at Veterans Park on May 17th. This event aims to connect residents with local organizations, amenities, and each other. It has expanded significantly from its initial concept and will feature interactive exhibits from vendors, a wider variety of food and beverage options, and a larger venue to accommodate more attendees. The goal is to create a m...

This episode features Doug Murphy and Lee Phillips, dedicated Ocean Pines Anglers Club board members who've enriched the community through fishing. Learn how the club cultivates a love for fishing among all ages. From catch-and-release programs to supporting families through "Believe in Tomorrow," the club fosters community and passion.  Plus, learn about their fundraising efforts including the an...

In this episode, we speak with golf pro Matt Ruggiere, who found his calling in Ocean Pines=. From teeing off as a child to launching Ruggiere Golf Academy, Matt has transformed his lifelong love for golf into an inspiring career. Matt shares his unique approach to teaching, blending the challenges of competitive play with a nurturing environment for players of all levels. Listen as he unveils his...

In this episode of PinesCast, we dive into the vibrant green world of the Ocean Pines Garden Club with our special guests, Ann Shockley and Nancy Mulligan. Ann and Nancy share their enchanting garden club origin stories, highlighting how their personal journeys of exploration and passion for gardening led them to this thriving community group. From organizing captivating monthly meetings featuring...

Welcome to another episode of PinesCast, where we delve into the vibrant history and stories of Ocean Pines. Our guest in this episode is Karen Adcock, a dynamic member of the community who brings her unique perspective as the treasurer of the Pine Tones, a local community chorus. Karen shares her journey to Ocean Pines back in 2009, a move sparked by the need to care for her mother, Audrey Menden...

In this episode, we are thrilled to host Susan Mohler, a dedicated Ocean Pines resident and cat enthusiast who has been helping transform the local feline scene through her involvement with Town Cats of Ocean City. Susan shares the ins and outs of operating a volunteer-based rescue group, and the innovative programs that support both cats and cat lovers alike. Discover how Susan and Town Cats are...

Welcome to another episode of PinesCast, the official podcast of the Ocean Pines Association. In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Beverly and Marvin Steen. Marvin delves into his early days with selling homes, his transition to becoming a builder, and the unique experience of living in the community he helped shape. Beverly, a passionate community advocate, describes her involvement with lo...

In this episode, Tony Russo sits down with Bob Reifsnyder to explore his illustrious past, from playing football at the Naval Academy to being drafted by the LA Rams, and his unexpected turn from potential pro athlete to beloved high school educator. Reifsnyder shares tales of his transition to Ocean Pines 30 years ago, a place he and his wife chose for its close proximity to family and the vibran...

In our latest episode, we speak with Debbie Donahue, longtime resident and director of recreation in Ocean Pines. Debbie shares her journey from banking to bringing exciting community programs to life, and how she fosters engagement and opportunities for all ages. From summer camps to the glamorous Vienna Boys Choir, Debbie's dedication has shaped our vibrant community. Join us as we explore her p...

In this heartwarming episode of PinesCast, we welcome a truly festive guest, Kris Kringle, who takes us on a journey through his unique life as one of Santa's helpers. Kris shares the joyful beginnings of his calling to embody the spirit of Christmas, starting from his early days in Southern Maryland. From donning the iconic red suit and growing an iconic white beard, to spreading joy among childr...

In this episode we speak with Sharon Puser, President of the Ocean Pines Pine'eer Craft Club. This dynamic club blends artistry with community service, selling crafted creations to fund local initiatives. Celebrating 50 years, they've donated over $185,000 back into Ocean Pines. Under Sharon's leadership, they've grown from a close-knit group to a thriving business model, emphasizing inclusivity a...

In today's episode, our host Tony Russo is joined by Marie Gilmore, a dedicated resident and influential figure in developing and supporting the Ocean Pines Veterans Memorial. We'll discuss the evolution of the memorial from its humble beginnings as a simple flagpole project to its current status as a full-blown tribute to veterans, complete with significant community support and major events, lik...

Welcome to PinesCast, where we explore the unique stories of Ocean Pines, Maryland. Today, we have Nobie Violante sharing his journey from city life in Baltimore to the peaceful waters of Ocean Pines. Nobie reflects on his early years and career transition to working on bulkhead replacements. Learn how his role helps maintain the integrity of the community's waterfront properties. Dive into the lo...

In this episode, we spoke with Ed Moran, a seasoned resident and property developer with over 30 years of experience in the area. Ed shared fascinating tales of his role in transforming the community, from negotiating utility sales to influencing the placement of the tennis courts. His stories shed light on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped Ocean Pines into the vibrant place it is today...

Click here for more information on the Mary Mac Foundation In this episode talk to Tim McMullen about the early days and growth of growth of some of Ocean Pines' recreational facilities, touching on everything from the early summer programs for kids to the expansion of pickleball courts. Tim also shared the heartfelt story behind the Mary Mac Foundation, created in memory of his wife Mary, aiming...

In today's episode, host Tony Russo sits down with Josh Vickers, who has dedicated 16 years of his life to working in Ocean Pines. Starting as a seasonal laborer, Josh worked his way up to become the chief inspector, overseeing a variety of responsibilities from street sign design to implementing new permit guidelines. Listeners will get an inside look into the challenges faced by Ocean Pines, inc...

In this episode, we dive into the rich history of Ocean Pines, Maryland with guest John Talbott, a man who witnessed the growth of the community from ground zero. John shares captivating stories of his time as a real estate agent, selling properties in the early days of Ocean Pines. From getting "Lost in the Pines" at night to the fun-filled social life of the 1970s, John paints a vivid picture of...

In this episode, Marleme Ott takes us on a journey back to the early days of Ocean Pines, recalling her active involvement in the community through organizing yard sales and the formation of the Ocean Pines Players, as well as her role in advocating for school bus services and addressing the community's needs. Join us as we explore how Ocean Pines evolved from a small, private community into a flo...

In this episode, we speak with Joe Enste, president of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, and we're excited to explore the world of volunteer firefighting with him. From fundraising efforts for essential equipment to the evolving landscape of the volunteer fire service, Joe will share valuable insights into the impact of community involvement and the vital role of volunteers in public safe...

In the latest episode of the PinesCast host Tony Russo interviews dockmaster Ron Fisher, the longtime Ocean Pines resident who has served the marina for years. Fisher sheds light on the growth and changes he has witnessed in Ocean Pines over the past two decades. From the initial lack of local amenities to the eventual abundance of resources, Fisher discusses the evolution of the community and the...

Jack Barnes shares his 1969 experience coming to Ocean Pines, highlighting its early charm. He vividly describes Ocean Pines' transformation over the years. It discusses Ocean Pines' diverse community, tranquil surroundings, and positive changes. Jack talks about the origin of, and his involvement with, the "Focus on the Pines" webseries as well as the show's legacy and how its archives are now ac...

At the Ocean Pines Racquet Club, Director of Racket Sports Terry Underkoffler brings a wealth of experience and passion to the world of racket sports. With a background in coaching soccer for almost five decades, Terry made a seamless transition to tennis, where he now leads the tennis and racket division at Ocean Pines. One of Terry's key focuses is on creating a strong instructional staff and im...