BERLIN – Homeowners recently got a firsthand look at the workings of the Ocean Pines Association with a resident’s academy.
Thirty people took part in the first-ever Ocean Pines Resident’s Academy that wrapped up in mid-June. The six-week program gave them the chance to learn how the homeowner’s association truly works.
“It provides residents the opportunity to learn in more detail how their association functions,” said Teresa Travatello, the community’s marketing director. “Being allowed to meet with the department directors and being able to see what they do and ask questions seemed to be what they enjoyed most.”
Travatello brought the concept of a resident’s academy to Ocean Pines management last year after experiencing one in a Florida community. She said it was a good way for residents to become knowledgeable community members who were aware of the association’s tools and resources.
“The academy provides residents with the information, resources, and tools to become knowledgeable community members and effective neighborhood leaders,” she said. “Classes will include an overview of Ocean Pines governance and pertinent information from departments.”
According to General Manager Bob Thompson, participants learned about the community’s amenities, finances, emergency services and its public works department. He was thrilled with the interest residents showed. Though the class was meant to be for 20 people, it was expanded to allow for 30.
“People just wanted to be more informed about their community,” Thompson said.
He said the feedback the association received was positive. What surprised him was the fact that many of the attendees wanted to see the classes lengthened. This session, two-hour classes were held each Tuesday night for six weeks.
“They wanted three-hour sessions,” Thompson said. “That was the most surprising comment I got.”
He said the program had worked just as it was meant to and had provided participants with a better understanding of their homeowner’s association.
“There’s often misinformation or partial information that leads to a lot of confusion in the community,” he said. “This was an opportunity to educate our members at a much more detailed level.”
Participants praised the program.
“I think it was an incredible experience,” participant Sharon Dorsey said. “I learned a great deal.”
Resident Bernie Flax says she’s lived in Ocean Pines since 2005 and thought she knew a lot about the association.
“The class gave me a different dimension,” she said. “It was a good time.”
The resident’s academy will be held again this fall and possibly during the winter. For more information contact the Ocean Pines Association.
