OceanPinesForum.com is pleased to announce a new weekly online video series, "Focus On The Pines," hosted by Jack Barnes (click thumbnail at left).

Each week, "Focus On The Pines" will bring you interviews with newsmakers and interesting residents of Ocean Pines, as well as coverage of various events in and around the area. In our premier program, Jack Barnes talks with County Commissioner Tom Cetola about the eagerly awaited YMCA on the south side of Ocean Pines.

Commissioner Cetola took over spearheading the fundraising efforts for the YMCA after the death of Jim Barrett. Jim Barrett was a tough man to follow, but Cetola volunteered to step into the breech and make sure the YMCA project was brought to fruition. Anyone interested in the YMCA will want to see this presentation of "Focus On The Pines"

Among upcoming programs are interviews with Ocean Pines Police Chief David Massey; Paul Desmond, a nose-gunner in bomber raids over Berlin in World War II; Dave Blazer, Executive Director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program; Sharyn O'Hare, co-chair of the fund raising committee for the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines.

"We intend to cover important news around the Pines," says host Jack Barnes, "but, perhaps as importantly, the people who live in Ocean Pines. I don't think many of us realize the depth of life experience, interesting backgrounds, and talents of many individuals who now call Ocean Pines home. I hope to bring some of their stories to you."

Jack Barnes retired to Ocean Pines in 2002 after 30 years in the Pittsburgh area. Much of his career was as a Financial Planner with Smith Barney. However, his family is from the Eastern Shore and his parents built a home in the Pines way back in 1972. Retiring was a homecoming. Jack is a member of the Stewardship Committee at the Community Church; handles publicity for the Ocean Pines Anglers Club; is a member of the Ocean Pines Communication and Technology Committee; and makes weekly visits with residents of the Berlin Nursing Home, along with his dog King. Jack's wife, Andrea Barnes, is president of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony.

Look for links to "Focus On The Pines" on the OceanPinesForum.com home page. The initial show, featuring the interview with Tom Cetola is available now. Subsequent shows will be released weekly, on Wednesday mornings. There is a version for those who access the Internet with a high speed connection like cable modem or DSL, as well as one for those on slow dial-up phone connections. Naturally, the high speed version provides the best video experience. Audio is excellent for both.

While each week's show is highlighted on the OceanPinesForum.com home page for a week, all shows will be available indefinitely in the site's video library after release.

To view "Focus On The Pines," point your Internet web browser to http://www.OceanPinesForum.com. Those needing technical assistance accessing the shows may send an email to jr@oceanpinesforum.com. Viewers may also interact with host Jack Barnes on the site's message board.

"Focus On the Pines" is Produced by Dave Schwarten and Directed by Joe Reynolds. Schwarten's background is in electrical engineering and information technology. He moved to Ocean Pines in 2002. Reynolds is a 14-year resident of Ocean Pines and founder of OceanPinesForum.com.

Editors:

For additional information or interviews, contact:

Jack Barnes 410.641.7662
Dave Schwarten 410.208.3406
Joe Reynolds 410.208.0114