Announcement

'Compound Group' donates food to first responders

Sunday, April 5, 2020

(April 6, 2020) A group of about 40 Ocean Pines residents last week took up a collection to buy family meals from the Yacht Club for local police, fire and EMS personnel.

Organizers said it’s their way of showing support for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The collective, affectionately known as the “Compound Group,” formed about two years ago, according George Ball.

“It’s just about 40 of us in our neighborhood that hangout and socialize at the Yacht Club and do a lot of things together,” he said. “We’re year-round supporters of the Yacht Club and are all within walking distance, and we all really enjoy it there.”

Ball said several members of the Compound Group talked about doing a cookout to send food to local doctors and nurses. When they learned about restrictions on delivering food to hospitals, Ocean Pines Board member Tom Janasek suggested instead sending Yacht Club family meals to members of the Ocean Pines Police and Fire/EMS departments.

First responders received food deliveries last Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Ball said that would continue through this week.

“They’re out there every day with this virus that’s going on, so we thought it was a good idea to show our support,” he said.

Ocean Pines Police Chief David Massey said the gesture has been great for morale, especially during this challenging time.

“We really appreciate the contribution,” Massey said. “The first responders put themselves in harm’s way, and we appreciate the all support that we get from the community.”

Ball said the idea to host a big cookout to help local doctors and nurses, as well as first responders, is still on the table.

“After all this mess is cleared up, we may put something together and all hold a cookout so they can grab something and go,” he said. “We appreciate everything our nurses and doctors and first responders are doing for us, and we want everyone to stay healthy.”

Until then, Ball said he and the rest of the Compound Group would continue to support the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, which is open for delivery and carryout each Wednesday through Sunday. He thanked Matt Ortt and Ralph DeAngelus who run the Yacht Club, as well as restaurant staff, for helping the group in their efforts to give back.

“We love what the Yacht Club are doing and think it’s a great idea, but we’re also ready for them to get back to normal operations,” he said. “We’ll get through this – sooner than later, hopefully.

Janasek added a note about the giving nature of the Compound Group.

“These are some of the most generous people in the Pines,” he said. “They’ve given jobs to some laid-off employees and they are the primary reason the Yacht Club can open in the winter.”

Delivery and carryout orders at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club are taken beginning at 3:30 p.m. each Wednesday through Sunday by calling 410-641-7501, or ordering online at http://toasttab.com/ocean-pines-yacht-club. A special menu for delivery and carryout service is available at www.opyachtclub.com/restaurant-menu.

Announcement

'Compound Group' donates food to first responders

Photos: The “Compound Group,” pre-COVID-19, show their support of the Ocean Pines Yacht Club.

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