Have you ever heard the phrase “Circle of Trust” used in your HOA? It might sound harmless even friendly. But when that phrase starts to define who gets heard, who gets included, and who gets shut out, it becomes more than just a social bond. 

In this episode of ROC BUZZ, we explore how informal cliques and private gatherings can create the perception or reality of insider governance. 

When the same group of board members consistently socializes, aligns on decisions, and controls the flow of information, it raises questions about transparency, fairness, and accountability. 

Let’s take a closer look at what happens when an HOA’s "Circle of Trust" becomes the real seat of power.

Support the show

Should HOA board candidates be held to the same scrutiny as business or government leaders? 

In this episode, we examine why background checks, financial disclosures and identifying conflicts of interest are critical especially when millions of dollars, community trust and your vote are at stake.

In many communities, HOA boards manage multimillion-dollar budgets, approve high-value contracts, and make decisions that directly impact homeowners’ lives. Yet unlike corporate or government leaders, candidates for these influential roles are often not subject to even basic background or financial screening. In this episode, we dive into why transparency matters and what’s at stake when candidates are allowed to run unchecked with minimal vetting requirements.

Host: Sherrie Clifford, Ocean Pines ROC Inc.

Support the show

The Worcester County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-friendly, safe and neutral location in which local law enforcement and Child Protective Services investigators may conduct and observe forensic interviews with children who are alleged victims of crimes. The CAC provides child and non-offending family members with support, crisis intervention, trauma based therapy, and medical intervention.

Guests:

Lauren Cooper, Executive Director
    Worcester County Advocacy Center

Jessica Burke, Family Advocate
    Life Crisis Center

https://www.worcestercac.org  

To report suspicions of abuse:

Call 410-641-0097 or 1-800-91-PREVENT (7738368)
After Hours and Holidays - Call 410-632-1111 or 911

Support the show

Worcester County Department of Social Services / Adult Protective Services

Help the Elderly or Vulnerable Adults from financial exploitation which involves wrongfully taking or using an older adult’s funds or property through theft, scams, fraud, or predatory lending. 

Report suspected Medicaid or Medicare Fraud where free medical devices such as back braces are offered and requires your Medicare or Medicaid information.

Keep our Elderly and Vulnerable Adult population safe by reporting suspected incidents of abuse and neglect.

All suspected cases of Adult Abuse and Neglect should be reported to your local DSS Office or by calling:  1-800-91Prevent  ( 1-800-917-7383 )

Guests:  Interviewed 4/10/2024
Becky Colt-Ferguson, Advisory Member
Roberta Baldwin, Director - 410-677-6800

https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-adult-services/adult-protective-services/

Support the show

The 2024 OPA Election is off to a questionable start.  Directors Farr and Heavner are running to retain their seats.  The BIG questions are:  Where is the Search Committee? 
Is the Board disregarding the governing documents by not having a Search Committee?Is not having a Search Committee a conflict of interest and a way for Farr and Heavner to eliminate competition?

Ocean Pines needs independent candidates that are willing to step up, work and adhere to our governing documents.  Rules need to be followed and NOT ignored. 

The application to run for the Board of Directors can be found online and the deadline is fast approaching (May 8 at 4PM).
 
Reference:  OPA Resolution M-09 2 (b):
https://www.oceanpines.org/documents/20124/111995/M-09.pdf/80e99734-8baa-6a77-152d-21f884140f42?t=1710026380278

Reference:  OPA By-Laws Section 5.02 (b):
https://www.oceanpines.org/documents/20124/92825/Amended%20and%20Restated%20By-Laws%20Amended%205-24-2022.pdf/72251647-1758-82d5-165f-8224581958f2

Reference:  OPA Board of Directors Application:
https://www.oceanpines.org/documents/20124/126321/Candidate%20Registration%20Form.pdf/9e3faff7-56ca-1cf9-4008-fc4a0da89c9a

Support the show

Don't miss Ocean Pines first ever Season Kickoff & Expo Event on Saturday April 20th from 3-7pm at White Horse Park.

Explore Ocean Pines Amenities, Activities, Clubs & Businesses along with so many Exhibitors & Sponsors.  Discover activities and opportunities, meet your neighbors & the OPA staff.

Food & beverage trucks, music, interactive displays & demonstrations, dunk tank & more.

FREE ADMISSION TO ALL

Guests are Gary Miller & Linda Yurche

Contact Information:
Email:  [email protected]

Website:
www.OceanPinesSeasonKickoff.com

Support the show

Landscaping Solutions for Drainage, Beautification, Maintenance, Cleanup, Safety and more as we talk with Andy Park, owner of Scotland Yards Landscaping who provides service to Ocean Pines, Berlin, Ocean City and the surrounding areas!   
Contact Andy today for your FREE estimate to begin the amazing transformation of your property!

Guest: 
Andy Park, Owner of Scotland Yards Landscaping
410-208-3593
https://www.ScotlandYardsLandscaping.com

Support the show

Worcester County Department of Social Services / Child Protective Services shares the services of DSS and outlines the services of DSS and how local families can help with Foster Care.
------
Foster Care is a temporary Service that provides short-term care and supportive services to children who are unable to live at home because of child abuse or neglect. 

Who are the Children in Foster Care?  Children in foster care are children from your community. They are children who want to remain attached to their families despite their experiences. They are children whose families need the help of your family.  Worcester County currently has 27 children in Foster Care that need your help,

Guests:  Interviewed 2/22/2024
Becky Colt-Ferguson, Advisory Member
Roberta Baldwin, Director - 410-677-6800
Tess Waller, Foster Care Unit -Resource Homes  - 410-422-9731

https://dhs.maryland.gov/foster-care/

Support the show

Worcester County Schools on Banning Library Books, School Funding/Budget and the concerns of parents that our Commissioners will underfund the required budget and begin putting much needed programs on the chopping block.  Will the Commissioners fail to provide the necessary funds to keep Worcester County Schools at the top of the grade?

Special Guest:
Mr. Tom Simon, Parent & Founder
Worcester United / Facebook Group

Support the show

Does your HOA operate as a Democracy or a Dictatorship under a Board Majority or Board Super Majority?  Is the Board Majority listening to its Association Members and its Committee Members?  Is the Board Majority ignoring the governing documents and making up their own rules as they go along?  

Support the show