BERLIN MD BLOG

A couple of weeks ago I was online seeking time and place information regarding our annual Memorial Day parade and celebration party to be held at Henry Park here in town. I went to our official Town website – TownofBerlinMD.com and under the third column on the home page at the bottom, clicked on ‘Town Events‘. This link redirected me to the Berlin Chamber of Commerce website at BerlinMDCC.org where I then went to the left side and clicked on ‘Event Calendar’. A page quickly popped up saying – “There are no events this week”. Wow, I had struck out there – at which point I had to ask myself for probably the 500th time – WHY?

And yet, I can probably answer my own question. For the past several years the Berlin Chamber has limited events to be listed on their website calendar to ‘member only’ activities. If a Chamber member business wants something to be listed they must email or phone a request to the Chamber office. Yet, falling further short, it seems that very few Chamber member events are ever listed. What’s with that? To my mind it stands to reason that to fully support Berlin businesses, encouraging publicity is primary – positive marketing is key. A few signs along the local roads may help, however folks from afar – never see these – (and they do not have access to the local info crawl on TV) they do however, when planning a trip to our big sister town of Ocean City Maryland – like to be aware of activities area wide. I was one of these folks for many years. And, because at that time, Berlin and it’s Chamber of Commerce having NO website, this town didn’t exist for me! Another story – another time.
Which brings me back to the official Berlin MD Town website. Yes, we have a website – although having pertinent information – unfortunately it is not attractive and certainly not truly representative of our community as are many other Town websites up and down Delmarva. Our new mayor, after having listened patiently to many complaints, some months back proposed that we have an IT (Internet Technology) Committee – made up of a few interested citizens along with our new Administrative Director and Deputy Director. (I’m now one of the ‘complaining’, citizen committee members.) It was decided during one of the three meetings held during the past five months that an overhaul of the Town ‘hardware’ would be first on the agenda – requiring a lot of our tax payer dollars – that’s fine and determined necessary. It was then proposed that money for a new website (requiring far fewer of those dollars) be held off and put into the new 2010 budget. OK, we’re there. The budget has been passed *. When’s the next website planning meeting?  Berlin Maryland proudly hosts some of the best events around, enjoying much public participation – and we could welcome more!
In the meantime, this very frustrated citizen will, in the next few weeks attempt to place a comprehensive and interactive Berlin Community Calendar of Events on this site and with your participation put up public-welcomed activities pertaining to any and all non-profit organizations within our Town limits. I’ll keep you posted as to the progress of this venture.

* The 2010 Town of Berlin budget was passed last week including a 3% raise for Town Staff at the same time many in our community were receiving news that there would be NO cost of living increase for FY 2010 in Social Security benefits. And, what’s with that?

Next Saturday (May 9th) beginning at 10 am Berlin Maryland will offer up a return engagement of last year’s newest (surprise) musical event – now the Second Annual JAZZ AND BLUES BASH.  The ’surprise’, that a first-time effort such as this was already just about perfect!  For many of us who were just leaning that bright spring morning of the sudden passing of our Mayor, Thomas Cardinale, the quality of this event and the professionalism exhibited by the performers help reconcile that deeper understanding of what Mayor Cardinale always stood for – his love, allegiance and unabashed pride toward his adopted home – the small, yet fine, Eastern Shore village of Berlin.
This year, again, our own ‘music man’, event chair Steve Frene (also chairman of the ever popular fall Fiddlers’ Convention) promises even more and better.  Frankly, I don’t know if that’s possible!  Going over the listings for the bands to be performing that day one can hardly imagine better.  Again, eyes and ears will be focused on the two stage sites along Main Street – and with our own beloved historic Atlantic Hotel back in full Victorian-inspired dress – the porch too will be overflowing with jazz aficionados amid just plain folk seeking a day of pleasure with good sounds.
Finally, to the many volunteers and to the event sponsors – special THANKS – your work and generosity helps Berlin continue to stand tall!
P.S.  Seating will be limited so remember to bring a lawn chair!
To enlarge any photo – just ‘click’!

Recently, when stopping by my favorite Berlin Maryland “feel good” shop, Victorian Charm, I picked up a lovely ‘rack card’ from the counter. On it was advertised the activities for next Saturday (April 11th) taking place downtown on Main Street – SPRING CELEBRATION! Frankly, although a bit past the age of believing in the Easter Bunny – this is one of my favorite events. For 14 years our Town, through the auspices of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, has celebrated our own Berlin-style rites of springtime with this joy-filled, colorful and just plain FUN event. Beginning at 8:00 am one can have breakfast with that cute furry character – the Easter Bunny, this year held at the Worcester County Arts Council on Jefferson St. and sponsored by the PINK BOX bakery (that means the food will be terrific!) Next, the lovely lawn at the Taylor House Museum at the corner of Main and Baker Streets becomes the site of the ubiquitous egg hunt followed by games for all ages – providing too a time to work off that breakfast! At noon, the newly re-opened Atlantic Hotel becomes a place of fashion – with a ‘homemade’ Easter Bonnet Contest sponsored by Bruder Hill. From noon until 2:00 pm our ever-cheerful, Mayor “Gee” Williams will be walking the streets passing out shiny quarters – change your outfit and get two! Concurrently, the Worcester County Arts Council building becomes the place to decorate a ‘Bunny Cake’ – more treats! Reservations are necessary for this and for the ‘Tea with the Easter Bunny’ held at Tea by the Sea at 1:30 pm. That Bunny is surely a busy fellow!
OK, here’s where the ‘feet meet the street’ – at 3:00 pm (only in Berlin) it’s time for the Hog Calling Contest. This is really fun – don’t be shy – more giggles than ‘calls’ but no matter, the kids try real hard! Finally, it’s 4:00 pm and it’s time for the main event…the infamous Berlin Maryland Official Pig Races where the contestants are first rounded up and then “encouraged” (this is the fun part) to run a course of 25’, in heats, to determine the day’s official winner! The prize – bragging rights for a full year added to whatever else our beloved emcee, Steve Frene can round up!
Throughout the day – all along the Main Street will be additional attractions: craft activities sponsored by Children’s Book Garden, rides (mechanical) by Jolly Rogers, rides (live, horse) from Autumn Grove Stables, a Mobile Learning Adventure (what’s this?) sponsored by PNC Bank and of course, the street vendors.
All of this amounts to a really full day – full of smiles – delight and wonder from the kids and broad smiles of pride from the adults. Never let it be said that the coming of Spring, celebrated Berlin-style, is not the very BEST anywhere! See you there!

A special thanks to Lindsay Parker of Wiggles and Giggles Daycare for chairing this super event!
For further information – visit www.berlinmdcc.org

This past week throughout our Historic Downtown District the real spirit and resilience of Berlin MD was revealed – proving once more we ‘CAN DO’ the heavy lifting! It all began at 11 am on Thursday when our most beloved Atlantic Hotel reopened its doors. Second District, Berlin Councilwoman Lisa Hall accompanied by her son, Berlin Firefighter, Adam Tinnell were the first to be seated for lunch in the re-restored, Victorian influenced Drummer’s Café. Seems that Award-winning, Ocean City restaurateur, John Fager has taken over – and judging by the weekend crowds his efforts are being enthusiastically celebrated. With a most traditional dining menu accompanied by a special dessert menu provided by Phil Cropper, former candidate for Berlin Council, there are many choices! On Sunday, a fashion show and luncheon, sponsored by Deb and the gang at Victorian Charm, filled to overflowing the Atlantic dining room with eager faces determined to snag the latest looks from the ‘Fresh Produce’ line of clothing which she offers!
Though a bit on the damp side, Thursday evening too proved a boon to the many attendees at the special ‘Ribbon Cutting’ ceremony at Culver’s Antiques of Berlin MD on north Main Street at the site of the former Berlin Hardware store. Being one of the lucky attendees and a former antiques dealer I can honestly say that this shop is chock full of goodies – with many, many authentic, high-quality examples of late Victorian period furniture along with both unique and complimentary, traditional lighting. And, Ernie Gerardi and family have thoughtfully incorporated a frame shop in the rear – to provide that special enhancement for those treasured photos! Another welcome presence in Berlin and one that, it is to be hoped will remain for a long, long time!
Again, looking forward, on Wednesday, April 1st at 7 am another new business will open the door…on Jefferson Street across from the Worcester County Arts Council in the former Solstice General Store building behind the hotel. According to new owner, Peggy Hagy, it is to be a - coffee house with ‘art’ and conversation. We can now boast of offering both an elegant tearoom,Tea by the Sea, and a coffee house! Too much fun!
With all of these recent enhancements to our Town we can again be at the forefront of providing both fine service to our community while offering superior attractions for our visitors! Thank you everyone – Go BERLIN!
To enlarge any photo, just ‘click’!

A visit to the Home, Garden & Condo show at the Convention Center in Ocean City this past weekend turned up a very nice surprise.  While examining a bucket of live algae (very interesting stuff) at the Maryland Coastal Bays booth, Kate Patton, Director of the Lower Shore Land Trust, strolled over and asked if I had visited our “Berlin” booth yet.   Being ever curious I turned the corner and there it was – a wonderful display (predominantly GREEN in color and thought) of Berlin in photos, manned by two very pleasant volunteers standing beside a rain barrel and one of our old street corner signs (Graham & William).  There were take-away goodies here too – some candy and a nifty little attachment for a spigot – to aerate while reducing overall flow – saving our water!  With the current impetus by all on those three very important “E’s” – energy, environment = economy, Berlin MD with the overall enthusiasm of many local groups may become a leader in both learning and action in the new millennium!   For more on these fine efforts – keep watching for word from the newest group –“Grow Berlin Green”.  A website should be up soon at this address http://growberlingreen.org.
Alas, there is a down – rumor has it that we’ve finally hired a utilities director but as of this writing the Berlin Utility Commission hasn’t been notified.   The other day, out of frustration I perused ten months worth of approved “meeting” minutes and identified a large number of unresolved issues – including questions and requests for updated information – made by the BUC to the Town.  Sharing a home with an interested BUC member, attending public meetings and being Berlin ratepayers has led to many lively conversations often ending in the mutually frustrating question as to why the Town is not responsive – not keeping the Berlin Utility Commission informed of the frequent actions often taken by Town – even without informing the public.  Certainly too, anything to do with Water, Wastewater and Electric qualify as subjects for BUC oversight under our Town Charter, why then is this happening?  These days with everyone faced with rising costs and husbanding their checkbooks we need the positive participation of every interested citizen.
One further question – if Berlin has enough funds to consider a new Town Park can we find the same money for purchase and installation of an AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) water/electric system for Town ratepayers?  These do work and encompass those all-important “3 E’s” – ENERGY CONSERVATION thus ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION thus ECONOMIC CONSERVATION – SAVING OUR DOLLARS!  HOW MUCH MORE “GREEN” CAN ONE GET???
Note: To enlarge any photo, just “click”!

Note: The voting in this contest ends on April 3rd at which time the votes will be counted and the top 10 will be selected as “America’s Coolest Small Town(s)”. Berlin, currently standing in 12th place (992 votes) probably won’t make the cut! Seems that our neighbor, Onancock VA – presently standing in 4th place with 4,019 votes and a population of less than half (1,525 vs. Berlin’s 3,491) has more folks willing to use their keyboards to cheer for their town. Have you voted yet? If not click the link below and get busy during this last week of voting!
OK, so it’s a bit gimmicky…but at the heart of this contest, it’s true – Berlin Maryland is one of America’s Coolest Small Towns! Recently an entry was posted on the Budget Travel Contest website making our town a contestant for this honor! The editors have narrowed it down to a mere 22 towns nationwide…! YOUR vote can take us to the top (where we already know we belong)!!! Here’s the link – please go cast your ballot TODAY! (No online registration necessary) Note: Ballots may be cast weekdays from 10 am until 8 pm.

http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/coolestsamlltowns/

Our entry says…”Berlin Maryland is definitely one of America’s coolest small towns — there is something for everyone! Located at the heart of the mid-Atlantic coastal region, a mere 7 miles inland, time and nature have created a most perfect place to live…and a very exciting place to visit! From surfing, sunbathing and fishing at the acclaimed Assateague Island National Seashore, (located on one of the few remaining natural barrier islands) to canoeing the quiet, peat-blackened waters of the meandering Pocomoke River this area has much to offer any water enthusiast . Hiking, biking or driving is enjoyed along the nearby scenic, 63 mile long old Algonquin Indian “beach to bay” trail is also available for the land lubbers. And, viewing the famed Chincoteague Island ponies in their natural habitat or the endless variety of wild fowl stopping to rest here along the famed Atlantic Flyway is also within an easy drive from town. Within our towns’ small Main Street commercial district, along tree lined streets one may view not only lovely period historic homes but set forth on a journey of discovery to seek that special something within our myriad of unique shops and to view the works of the many resident artists and craftsmen of renown within their galleries. We must mention too the multi-acre Stephen Decatur Park, that includes a large nature pond and public tennis courts! Berlin was recently honored with the State’s much coveted “Arts & Entertainment District” designation. As for the “entertainment” portion of the honor — along with the usual eateries there is the fully restored, Globe Theater…serving trendy bar food along with a full menu of year round live musical performances. However, like any small town our civic pride forces focus towards our annual Chamber of Commerce sponsored festivals including the Spring Jazz and Blues Fest, the well loved Fall Fiddler’s Convention and caroling during our month-long Victorian Christmas celebration. Our Town museum — the Calvin B. Taylor House also sponsors a series of popular summertime Concerts on the Lawn. To enjoy a picture view of our very real, small town flavor, you may rent the now 10-year-old Paramount movie — Runaway Bride starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere — where you can experience see Berlin Maryland up close! You will see that we’re a very cool, small town and certainly are one of the best places to live or visit. Come join us anytime!”

After nearly two weeks of intense cold, some things here in Berlin Maryland are finally beginning to turn around.  With the warmer weather on Friday this writer ventured downtown to accomplish some long past due errands.  Upon parking the car on Main Street some welcome activity caught my eye.  Looking up, workmen atop ladders in front of our the old hardware store were busy caulking and painting second floor windows.  My first thought was, “I love that guy”…by ‘that guy’ I mean Mr. Girardi, the new owner – and while I really don’t know him I’m already very grateful for his prior restorations – other town buildings and with the quiet, yet confident manner with which they’ve been accomplished.  Thank you for your vision and serious investment in a place we’ve come to call home – you are my first 2009 Valentine!
Later, finally completing those errands seemed to call for some celebration, perhaps a lunch out was in order so I dropped down to the new Dave & Kelly’s Deli.  Looking over the menu, and tossing diet resolutions to the wind, I ordered a chilidog with the works.  Wow!  Upon unwrapping the foil I found a generously sized hot dog topped with chili, melted cheddar and cooked onion on a fresh, crusty, yet tender roll – you know the kind, the type we often seek yet seldom get!  A real treat!
These two serendipitous events really topped off a week of  “good news” meetings at Town Hall.  On Tuesday the Berlin Utility Commission met and during a lengthy meeting considered several options for that long anticipated, very much needed, Purchase Power Agreement going forward for the Berlin Electric Company!  Also, that evening two new members were introduced; Jennifer Smith and Jason Walters.  It is to be hoped that with new energy (and added intellect) the BUC may continue to provide our Council with timely and wise counsel toward making the very best of Berlin-owned utilities for the benefit of all Town rate-paying citizens!
One more event stands out during this busy week  – a public work session was held Thursday evening within Town Hall.  In attendance were representatives from various organizations – “green” people – those folks who strive to preserve and protect our local environment and people who care enough to improve our already considerable charm.   The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the concept of an “environmental park” to be located a few steps from the downtown area on an eight-acre parcel of undeveloped land.  This meeting was the beginning…let’s see where it goes!
Wrapping up I must wonder if perhaps we haven’t caught a little of that new promise from our Nation’s capital…a spirit of “can do” – we can, and we can do it very well!  Here in Berlin, the lengthening days hold a lot of promises – things are looking up!

Last Sunday when I drove by and noticed a shuttered and bleak silence emanating from the Atlantic Hotel I became seriously reflective. First feeling shock (OK, I had heard rumors), and then sadness, I then went on to consider the importance of this building’s history as it relates to the people of Berlin MD.

Early in my own history here, I remember immediately learning that “the hotel” was at the geographic center of town – furthermore, that it was the town “heart” – and certainly a strong social force! Phrases such as, “see you at the hotel”, “they are at the hotel” and “let’s hold it at the hotel”, became to this listener, almost everyday statements. If one wanted a good lunch or dinner on a dreary winter day, it could be found at “the hotel”. If a donation for a Town function or other good cause was needed, we could ask at “the hotel”.
Thinking about my own experiences then made me realize what a huge part the Atlantic Hotel has played in the lives of other town residents. Perhaps a quiet, romantic dinner here led to an engagement party on the porch, which then led to a toast during a summertime wedding reception and yet later to hosting a Christening celebration in the main dining room. Add to that the countless bereaved Berlin families who have held a reception after a funeral. “The hotel” has always been a dignified yet familiar place in which to hold the most serious rites of a Berliner’s life.
I’m sure too that if the walls could talk, we would learn of business conducted, political fortunes won and lost, angry words uttered and then hands shaken upon agreement – all within “the hotel”.
More than 20 years ago, it was with foresight and determination that a group of leading town citizens, “visionaries with pockets”, gathered to rescue and restore an already old building at the heart of Berlin – I’m asking that you please do it again!

With the recent swearing in of Troy Purnell, as Council representative for Berlin MD District I we now have, for the first time since May, our full complement of “determiners” on the dais. It is to be hoped that combined with the intense energy of our other new Councilmember Lisa Hall, Mr. Purnell’s knowledge and business experience will help Berlin move forward. Add to that mix the dramatic authority revitalization of the Berlin Utility Commission and we may perhaps finally resolve several of the most long-standing, critical issues…those pertaining to our Town utilities – wastewater treatment and the successful operation of the Berlin Electric Company. The ultimate result though must be based on value.

As is custom, near the conclusion of each Town meeting the Town Administrator reads off a list of Purchase Orders to be approved by the Council. My understanding is that any purchase over the amount of $1,000 is to be brought forth and voted upon before the public. Actually seldom is any expenditure questioned although the totals bi-monthly may run into the tens of thousands of dollars. On occasion however, my favorite fiscal “watchdog”, Councilperson Paula Lynch, will ask if a contract was let out for open bid, question the particular reason for the expense or evaluate the inherent VALUE afforded. She will even sit and hypothetically add and subtract items like the good bookkeeper that she is. I like this line of questioning – it’s what we do in our homes, with our own budgets in order to meet current and future needs. It’s what we must do with our businesses – in order to make a profit, or these days, to even stay solvent. I consider it a huge value that I’m getting this same level of intense scrutiny in the Town budget funded with my tax dollars.

In these times and with the Town elections now behind us, it’s time to ask, and yes – even demand, for that much promised VALUE for our votes! We are owed just that!

As interested citizens and regular attendees of Berlin Maryland Town Meetings for the past several years, my wife Sue and I occasionally find that we still have questions on the various and challenging issues presented to the Mayor and Council. We’ve found a very reliable solution – “Ask Troy!”
Troy Purnell, as a “town boy” has KNOWLEDGE of the past, the EXPERIENCE of the present as a successful businessman and the personal qualities – objectivity and honor, to offer prudent LEADERSHIP for the future of our town.
Let’s put this guy to work for us – We can afford nothing less!

Mike Beaman
West Street

Please remember to vote on Tuesday, December 16th, Buckingham Presbyterian Church, South Main Street.