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.

Join host Tony Russo as he sits down with Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department program supervisors, Katie Goetzinger and Josh Vickers, to discuss the packed schedule of activities planned for the upcoming spring season. From youth sports and unique new events to adult fitness and educational classes, there is something for everyone in the community to enjoy.

• Spring Sports: The department is gearing up for a busy season featuring peewee soccer, T-ball, co-ed softball, and the return of the cornhole league. They are also excited to introduce a new bocce ball league at the Yacht Club courts.

• Extreme Sports Event: Don't miss the inaugural extreme sports stunt show on June 13th. This ticketed event includes BMX and jet ski performances, food trucks, and a message on anti-bullying.

• Family Events: Highlights include breakfast with the Easter Bunny, a glamour day spa experience, and the highly anticipated spring celebration and egg hunt at Whitehorse Park.

• Spring Trips: The team is organizing bus trips to New York City and a Baltimore Orioles baseball game. Additionally, they are planning an exciting new excursion to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, featuring a tour of local farmers markets.

• Enrichment & Fitness: From Dungeons and Dragons sessions for all ages and birding classes to a variety of adult fitness options like yoga, Tai Chi, Pound, and line dancing, there are plenty of ways to stay active and learn new skills.

Registration for all programs is open to both residents and non-residents. Interested participants can sign up by calling the recreation center at 410-641-7052 or by visiting in person.

In this episode of the Pinescast, host Tony Russo sits down with Carly Toulon (Environmental Scientist) and Sandy Smith (Marketing and Outreach) from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. They discuss the organization's 30-year history, their passion for estuarine science, and how the local community can get involved in preserving the delicate coastal ecosystem.

Getting Started: Sandy reflects on the program's 1998 beginnings and its evolution from a grassroots volunteer effort. Carly shares her journey from a 2019 intern to a full-time scientist, driven by a lifelong love for the ocean.

Horseshoe Crab Rescue: Learn the critical difference between actively spawning crabs and those that are truly stranded. Carly explains why these "prehistoric" creatures are vital for human health and shorebird survival, and why you should never pick them up by the tail.

Oyster Gardening: Discover how the program successfully transitioned to an independent, community-driven model after funding cuts. The team discusses the upcoming Oyster Cage Building Day and how volunteers can help restore local reefs.

30th Anniversary & Upcoming Events:

• • Trivia Night: A fun evening at Seacrets on February 26th.

    Bay Day: A partnership with Ocean Pines featuring free boat rides and local environmental groups.

    30th Anniversary Gala: A milestone celebration taking place September 17th at Assateague State Park.

Volunteer: From beach cleanups to terrapin monitoring and "Adopt a Street" programs for community service hours.

Sponsorship: Businesses can fund free community boat tours to help neighbors explore the local watershed.

Connect: Visit the Maryland Coastal Bays Program website for event schedules and donation opportunities.