
News
17th annual Veterans Memorial Tournament raises funds for education programs

(Sept. 27, 2024) The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation hosted its 17th annual Veterans Memorial Tournament on Sept. 18 at the Ocean Pines Golf Club, raising crucial funds to support educational programs for Worcester County students.
The tournament, which serves as the major fundraiser for the Memorial Foundation’s education initiatives, brought together 132 golfers, marking a successful event that supports an important cause. Highlighting the day was Mickey Lobb, who scored a hole in one on the fifth hole — a first in the tournament’s history.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit programs that provide local fifth-grade students with the opportunity to tour the Worcester County Veterans Memorial grounds. The field trips are part of a long-standing collaboration between the Worcester County Board of Education and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, which has sponsored the trips since 2010.
The tours, led by volunteer docents, offer students a chance to learn about the sacrifices made by veterans, the history of American military service branches, and proper flag etiquette. Junior ROTC cadets from Stephen Decatur High School, Snow Hill High School, and Pocomoke High School provide additional support by demonstrating flag handling and folding, fostering meaningful connections between generations.
In addition to the hands-on learning, each student receives an activity guide designed to reinforce the lessons learned during the tour and encourage further discussions about their family’s military service history.
The Veterans Memorial Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN# 20-3130695). Those interested in giving back to the community can volunteer to become a docent. Training begins in April, ahead of the annual student tours in May and October.
For more information about the Veterans Memorial Foundation or how to get involved, contact Marie Gilmore at 410-726-2881 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Don McMullen at 443-388-2941 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To learn more about the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines, visit wocovets.org.
The tournament, which serves as the major fundraiser for the Memorial Foundation’s education initiatives, brought together 132 golfers, marking a successful event that supports an important cause. Highlighting the day was Mickey Lobb, who scored a hole in one on the fifth hole — a first in the tournament’s history.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit programs that provide local fifth-grade students with the opportunity to tour the Worcester County Veterans Memorial grounds. The field trips are part of a long-standing collaboration between the Worcester County Board of Education and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, which has sponsored the trips since 2010.
The tours, led by volunteer docents, offer students a chance to learn about the sacrifices made by veterans, the history of American military service branches, and proper flag etiquette. Junior ROTC cadets from Stephen Decatur High School, Snow Hill High School, and Pocomoke High School provide additional support by demonstrating flag handling and folding, fostering meaningful connections between generations.
In addition to the hands-on learning, each student receives an activity guide designed to reinforce the lessons learned during the tour and encourage further discussions about their family’s military service history.
The Veterans Memorial Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN# 20-3130695). Those interested in giving back to the community can volunteer to become a docent. Training begins in April, ahead of the annual student tours in May and October.
For more information about the Veterans Memorial Foundation or how to get involved, contact Marie Gilmore at 410-726-2881 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Don McMullen at 443-388-2941 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To learn more about the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines, visit wocovets.org.
Hops Scramble nets more than $2,600 for local charities

(Aug. 27, 2024) The Ocean Pines Golf Club on Aug. 23 played host to the annual Ernie Stiles Memorial Bavarian Hops Golf Scramble.
The 17th annual event paid homage to the late Ernie Stiles, who founded the event in the early 2000s as a fun fundraiser for local charities.
During the tournament, players teed off for a nine-hole experience.
Ed Kessler earned the coveted “hops hat” with his closest-to-the-pin shot of two feet, three inches on the seventh hole – he also made birdie.
Proceeds this year of $1,336 went to Diakonia and a $1,286 donation went to the Worcester County Humane Society. The tournament has raised more than $35,000 for local charities since its inception.
Organizers Patty Curtin and Don McMullen thanked the golfers and in-kind donations from patrons that made the event possible.
“A special thank you to our friends at the seventh hole cheering us on, to John O'Connor and the bag drop personnel for their work, and Judie and Grayson for their work at the Clubhouse Grille in making our 17th annual event a success,” they said.
The Ernie Stiles Memorial Bavarian Hops Golf Scramble is sponsored by the Ocean Pines Golf Members Council.
The 17th annual event paid homage to the late Ernie Stiles, who founded the event in the early 2000s as a fun fundraiser for local charities.
During the tournament, players teed off for a nine-hole experience.
Ed Kessler earned the coveted “hops hat” with his closest-to-the-pin shot of two feet, three inches on the seventh hole – he also made birdie.
Proceeds this year of $1,336 went to Diakonia and a $1,286 donation went to the Worcester County Humane Society. The tournament has raised more than $35,000 for local charities since its inception.
Organizers Patty Curtin and Don McMullen thanked the golfers and in-kind donations from patrons that made the event possible.
“A special thank you to our friends at the seventh hole cheering us on, to John O'Connor and the bag drop personnel for their work, and Judie and Grayson for their work at the Clubhouse Grille in making our 17th annual event a success,” they said.
The Ernie Stiles Memorial Bavarian Hops Golf Scramble is sponsored by the Ocean Pines Golf Members Council.
Annual Ocean Pines-Taylor Bank Golf Scramble returns for 40th year

(June 13, 2024) The Ocean Pines Golf Members’ Council will host the 40th annual Ocean Pines-Taylor Bank Golf Scramble at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on Wednesday, July 17 with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
Players and sponsors are still needed, and the deadline for both is July 12.
The annual tournament benefits junior golf in the area by supporting junior golf clinics and an annual tournament for junior golfers.
The scramble also raises funds for scholarships for local high school seniors who have shown an interest in golf. In the last nine years, the Golf Members’ Council has raised almost $73,000 for local scholarships.
The public entry fee is $120 per person, which includes greens fee, cart, team prizes, men’s and ladies’ closest-to-the-pin prizes, door prizes, on-course refreshments and lunch at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille following the tournament.
Players may sign up individually or as a foursome. Individuals or incomplete teams will be paired.
Taylor Bank is the longtime event title sponsor. Platinum, gold, and silver level sponsorships are still available.
Tee sponsorships are available for $60 for businesses and nonmembers, $40 for golf members. The deadline for tee signs is July 10.
To download player or sponsorship forms, visit https://oceanpines.org/documents/20124/91011/2024+trifold+flyer+Updated+040524.pdf/9a502fa3-b74b-d32a-0d42-d2ca33acf63c?t=1717002996007. The sponsorship form includes a tax identification number for those providing sponsorships or donations.
Entry and sponsorship forms may also be picked up at the Ocean Pines Golf Club. Fees may be mailed to Ocean Pines Golf Members’ Council, PO Box 1356, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Checks should be made payable to “Ocean Pines Golf Members’ Council.”
For more information, contact Steve Howse at 571-239-8469 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Bob Long at 410-208-0606 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Players and sponsors are still needed, and the deadline for both is July 12.
The annual tournament benefits junior golf in the area by supporting junior golf clinics and an annual tournament for junior golfers.
The scramble also raises funds for scholarships for local high school seniors who have shown an interest in golf. In the last nine years, the Golf Members’ Council has raised almost $73,000 for local scholarships.
The public entry fee is $120 per person, which includes greens fee, cart, team prizes, men’s and ladies’ closest-to-the-pin prizes, door prizes, on-course refreshments and lunch at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille following the tournament.
Players may sign up individually or as a foursome. Individuals or incomplete teams will be paired.
Taylor Bank is the longtime event title sponsor. Platinum, gold, and silver level sponsorships are still available.
Tee sponsorships are available for $60 for businesses and nonmembers, $40 for golf members. The deadline for tee signs is July 10.
To download player or sponsorship forms, visit https://oceanpines.org/documents/20124/91011/2024+trifold+flyer+Updated+040524.pdf/9a502fa3-b74b-d32a-0d42-d2ca33acf63c?t=1717002996007. The sponsorship form includes a tax identification number for those providing sponsorships or donations.
Entry and sponsorship forms may also be picked up at the Ocean Pines Golf Club. Fees may be mailed to Ocean Pines Golf Members’ Council, PO Box 1356, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Checks should be made payable to “Ocean Pines Golf Members’ Council.”
For more information, contact Steve Howse at 571-239-8469 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Bob Long at 410-208-0606 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ravens Roost announces 2024 scholarship recipients, golf tournament results

(June 4, 2024) Ravens Roost #44 of Ocean City recently announced the presentation of annual scholarship awards.
This year, scholarship awards totaling $15,000 went to six students at three area high schools. The 2024 scholar/athlete awardees are:
- Daniel Karchevski, Stephen Decatur High School
- Abigail Melito, Stephen Decatur High School
- Vanesska Hall, Worcester Preparatory School
- Esther Mehilli, Worcester Preparatory School
- Heather Smyth, Indian River High School
- Grace Robinson, Indian River High School
Don McMullen, Scholarship Committee co-chair, said the Ravens Roost Scholarship Committee awards individual scholarships based on SAT/ACT scores, grade-point averages, participation in athletics, community service, work history, letters of recommendations, and an essay on how athletics are important in today’s society.
Ravens Roost #44 has awarded $258,900 in scholarships over the last two-plus decades.
The nonprofit held its 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on May 31. More than 100 golfers participated.
The winning teams and players were:
- First Place Ravens Roost team: The Ravens Roost #44 team of Bob Grice, Frank Nechay, Scott Ballweg and Andrew Thompson
- First Place overall: Dean Hamburg, Mike McCuster, Tracy Piper and Michael Decker
- Closest to the Pin (men): Mike Decker
- Closest to the Pin (women): Samantha Boger
- Closest to the Line (men): Bob Grice
- Closest to the Pin (women): Samantha Boger
- Putting Contest: Don Owrey
The Scholarship Committee wishes to thank signature sponsor American Legion Post 166 of Ocean City, and major sponsors District Cannabis, Ocean Downs Casino and Ravens Roost #44.
“We would also like to thank our tee sponsors, local golf courses who donated rounds of golf, and businesses who donated gift certificates and prizes,” McMullen said.
“In addition, we would like to thank our golfers who played on a beautiful sunny day at the Ocean Pines Golf Club, and all our Ravens Roost #44 volunteers who made this event another success,” he continued. “A special thank you to Ocean Pines Director of Golf Bob Beckelman and his staff and Director of Golf Maintenance Justin Hartshorne and his staff for the excellent course conditions, and Judie and her staff at the Clubhouse Grille restaurant for an outstanding luncheon.”
McMullen said the Scholarship Committee is currently seeking donations for 2025 scholarships.
Donations may be mailed to Ravens Roost #44, Post Office Box 4161, Ocean City, Maryland 21843.
Ravens Roost #44, Inc. is an IRS 501(7)(c) nonprofit. The federal tax ID is 52-2160753.
For more information, visit https://ocravensroost44.com.
Ravens Roost seeks sponsors, participants for 2024 Scholarship Golf Tournament


(UPDATED May 6, 2024) Ocean City Ravens Roost #44 will hold their 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament on Friday, May 31 at the Ocean Pines Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones designed course.
Tournament organizers are seeking players and sponsors for the event.
All tournament proceeds will fund college scholarships to three local high schools: Indian River High School, Stephen Decatur High School, and Worcester Preparatory School.
Event committee member Don McMullen said scholarship funding this year would at least match the 2023 totals, which tied a record donation by the nonprofit.
“Due to successful fundraising by our members and the continued support by our local business community, Ravens Roost #44 is proud to announce that we will award a minimum of $15,000 to our local students graduating in 2024. This will take our total awards to $258,900 to local students since the inception of our grant giving,” he said.
“We welcome participation in our event as golfers and tee sign sponsors. Merchandise and gift certificates for our silent auction are also needed for this event,” McMullen continued. “Please inquire to a Ravens Roost #44 golf committee member if your business would like to become either a Signature or Major Sponsor. These types of sponsorships help underwrite the cost of the banquet or merchandise given to participating golfers.
“Again, we appreciate your continuing support of our local students by providing them with education assistance to better their future,” he said.
Ravens Roost #44, Inc. is an IRS 501(C)(7) nonprofit organization.
The following sponsorship levels are available:
- Signature Sponsor: $2,000 – Includes two team entries, four tee signs, recognition at the tournament banquet, and business recognition on the tournament banner. Signature Sponsors without team entries will cost $1,400.
- Major Sponsor: $1,000 – Includes a team entry, two tee signs, recognition at the tournament banquet, and business recognition on the tournament banner. Major Sponsors without team entries will cost $700.
- Tee Sign Sponsor: $100
For more information, contact Scholarship Golf Committee members Don McMullen at 443-388-2941, Gary Miller at 443-618-9972, Bob Rose at 410-926-2558, Marc Grimes at 302-222-0159, or Anita Satterfield at 443-743-6359.
To download sponsorship and registration forms, visit https://oceanpines.org/documents/20124/92950/tee+sponsors+and+reg+forms+2024.pdf/93be0712-42ab-c50a-fc36-8d28e3332a1d?t=1709671059448.
For more information about tournaments and other events at the Ocean Pines Golf Club, visit www.oceanpinesgolf.org.