BERLIN MD BLOG

SHOULDA’, WOULDA’ and COULDA’ – just politics?

I for one am tired of hearing those three words, this near “mantra” from friends, neighbors and now numerous times from our Town officials, past and present. How about you?  We all know that story! And, more importantly those words have not and do not provide a solution!!!

Attending, the “Yellow Poster” citizens meeting held on Thursday (August 27th) evening at the Berlin Intermediate School did surprise…it was NOT the total, reckless, “rant” session I had envisioned. Chaired by Lisa Hall (now I have the face with the name), and with the main presentation offered by Ron Birely, former Berlin Town Administrator, it turned out to be informative although again, those words above were mentioned too many times for my taste. Mr. Birely, after giving a brief history of the Berlin Electric Company, did explain with the use of an overhead projector how our daily usage rates are determined.  He also offered several reasonable ideas for personal conservation and overall tried to answer questions from the very large audience. However, it wasn’t until local citizen, Greg White stood up and offered his “take” that the fog began to clear for many. Followed quickly by Erik Quisgard, current member of the Berlin Utility Commission and a professional “numbers” guy, the clarity became complete for most. Berlin MD Town Councilwoman, Paula Lynch further endorsed these explanations. Both Mr. White and Mr. Quisgard carefully explained that for us to get our current real rate each month, the charges listed, – Residential Electric, the PCA (Power Cost Adjustment) as well as those niggling little unavoidable charges such as the Franchise Surcharge, Residential Customer Charge, Environmental Surcharge, and Universal Service Program Charge Res should be totaled (located under Total Electric Charge) then divided by the number of kilowatts used. This is the real rate we’re currently paying. Many ask, “Why is it more than that of my friend in West Ocean City, Bishopville, etc.?” A portion of our charges goes to the operation of the BEC – and debt service – the $11.5 million dollars that is still owed due to the past upgrades on our electric utility that must be apportioned.  And, with the ever increasing costs of energy nationwide impacting our costs it all adds up.

Can anything be done, any ratepayer relief in sight? That’s the real-time question that will hopefully be answered quickly through the actions of our Town Officials. Recently hired by the Town, a professional enginering team from Booth & Associates has already begun an analysis and has told our officials…”there is hope”. We should be hearing something by October. In the meantime it would be preferable if we could refrain from the finger pointing, blame and those wildly overused words above…shoulda’, woulda’ and coulda’. Obviously, they just don’t work!!! This issue is way too important to each of us all to be “just politics”!

Who are these “YELLOW POSTER” people?

Almost, as if by magic, late last week yellow posters appeared throughout the area announcing a “Town” meeting decrying the current issue of our recent high electric utility bills here in Berlin MD. Sometimes numbering as many as three on a pole, the signs have provoked much attention and curiosity. Alas, being of a curious nature I stopped yesterday to find out more and found no name/sponsor, nor contact number, for this “meeting” appearing. Is it a secret?  Why?
Let’s back up, for some time now Berliner’s have been experiencing “electric shock” – high rates along with an unfathomable PCA (Power Cost Adjustment) charge on our bills each month. The rates are understandable when viewed from the wider perspective of nationwide increased energy costs overall. Though, the PCA charge remains a puzzle for most! We are owed a better clarification on the reverse of our bills!
Regardless, citing citizen concern, Councilwoman Ellen Lang during a public meeting many weeks ago, requested that our rates be more closely investigated by Staff and Council. The result of that request – announced at last night’s (August 25th) gathering is the hiring of Booth & Associates, an electric consulting service, to take a hard look at the operation of our Berlin Electric Company toward reducing costs while increasing efficiencies thus saving money! Having followed this issue closely I was delighted! Thank you Ellen, Staff, Mayor Williams and Council members!
Nevertheless, the remainder of last night’s meeting continued rife with testimony from economically stretched and unhappy ratepayers including several allusions to the upcoming “yellow poster” meeting. Finally, it was carefully explained that the Town of Berlin Maryland government had nothing to do with that meeting and that our Mayor, Council Members nor staff would be present for any rebuttal to any possible accusations. So, if not Town sponsored, who then are these mysterious folks? During the M & C meeting one clue came clear – it’s campaign season! How could I have forgotten?
To my mind these unnamed sponsors of the “Yellow Poster” meeting are doing a disservice to both concerned citizens and to themselves. To “capitalize” and politicize the current economic distress of many for whatever gain is wrong especially in light of the varied and numerous available avenues of direct access to our legitimate elected and appointed officials – our neighbors in fact! Town Hall is but a mile, a phone call or an email away from any of us! Don’t be misled by these anonymous “Yellow Poster” people – whoever they are!

ELECTRIC SHOCKing in Berlin MD

By now all we folk served by the Berlin Electric Company have received our July bills…and most are suffering from shock. In many/most cases the PCA (Power Cost Adjustment) is even higher than the cost for actual kilowatts used, putting totals far above many household budgets. And, unless the recent cooler August weather holds we will be faced with high bills for August use that will be mailed out in September. What can we do about this other than whine?
A look at our recent past history shows an attempt by the Berlin Mayor & Council to sell Berlin Electric to others – but it’s pretty clear that the “others” statewide (nationwide) are facing the same high cost for power with frequent rate increases being applied for from the Maryland State Public Service Commission. In my humble opinion – the plan for the aborted sale was not well thought out and wound up costing the Town around $500,000 in legal and other fees. UG! Regardless, it’s over!
It’s time to move on – and take stock – what do we have? We have a power plant that is costing what I consider a small fortune to operate – yet only running those aging and sometimes-faulty generators for mandatory testing once a month. I hear the Purchase Orders for payment of diesel fuel for these generators being recited at the regular Monday evening M & C meetings – it adds to my “shock”! However, we still own a transmission and distribution system that is fully functional and more than adequate for some time to come.
This said – again, how then do we reduce our increasingly shocking monthly bills? Another brief visit to our history has the Town telling us that a Town-wide presentation of effective conservation measures would be forthcoming…nearly two years ago! Also, that the BUC (Berlin Utility Commission) along with Town Staff would reorganize and prioritize the operating and fiscal structure of Berlin Electric. This has not happened – any recent attempts by the BUC to establish new guidelines have fallen on seemingly deaf ears. In the meantime too, we have lost our best “rate cost” watchdog, Joe Davis, who has gone on to other employment. Also, due to delays we are no longer eligible for State “credit benefits” by owning our own generation plant.

We’re back to square one – maybe even zero! At times, I enjoy denial, including finger-pointing as much as the next person but, although complex, this isn’t rocket science. We must use less energy in order to reduce our costs. We can do it! Noted in an article the other day that American’s drove several billion (with a B) fewer miles this year due to the high cost of gasoline. We can use less energy too – electric, in our homes and businesses. Turn stuff OFF – become more aware of all the little things – camera, cell phone, iPod chargers, fountains, pumps, computers, printers, scent diffusers, etc that are plugged in and dangling all over our homes. Turn stuff OFF! Check thermostats! Pull some plugs – take a close look at each outlet and make a reasoned decision if you really need what’s on the other end – or at least when and how and also how often, you use it. If it lights, heats, makes noise or moves then it is using power and YOU are paying for it!
It’s time to take charge of your bill – those Electric Shock-ing bills in Berlin MD.

Something to keep in mind – all of the for-profit companies that supply the energy “grid” from which we purchase power are faced with the same increasingly high fuel costs – whether oil, coal, gas or wind (infrastructure) to produce the power purchased to supply our town. Of course, these businesses work to make a profit – however, to emphasize again, YOUR personal efforts at economy can decide just how much!

A Meandering Orange Trail…for everyone!

What’s orange, offers resilience and traction, and winds around beneath the lovely sheltering trees throughout our own Stephen Decatur Park for six-tenths of a mile? Give up?
It’s the newly completed “tire path”! A paved-surface trail made from old tires (recycled) ground up, combined with a polymer and dyed a bright pinky-orange! This new feature offers both casual strollers and serious runners a perfect place to exercise on our most level, well-landscaped, park grounds. It is comfortable!
With funding and installation supplied through the Maryland Environmental Service, an independent State Agency that aims to protect and enhance the state’s air, land and water resources, the path was given to the Town at no cost to the taxpayers! According to Mary Bohlen, Town staff liaison to our hard working, citizen based Berlin MD Parks Commission; signs have recently been ordered which will mark distances throughout. The path is fun, having several distinct sections allowing the walker to “choose his own path” making any routine exercise more interesting! It is hoped also that through a grant application from Program Open Space (a Maryland State based environmental group) several workout or exercise stations will be erected along the path by Spring 2009 making this project complete – giving many more of us the opportunity for some much needed, complete outdoor exercise! Recently overheard from one regular “tire path” user – “I like it a lot – and others are quickly discovering it too…and path traffic in the morning is becoming heavy”!
The Stephen Decatur Park serving all of Berlin is located on Tripoli Street beside Rt. 113 here in town. Amenities in the nearly six acre park facility include tennis courts, several well-equipped tot playgrounds, picnic tables with adjacent grills, comfortable benches, a large covered pavilion, and a nature trail surrounding a mini lake (it’s got fish, frogs and ducks!). Convenient parking is available. Visit your park today and see the new orange trail!
For more information contact Mary Bohlen at 410-641-2770.

Berlin’s Annual SIDEWALK SALE – bargains vs. beach!

Friday morning dawned cool and clear…promising what is termed locally as a perfect “beach day” in nearby Ocean City MD (7 short miles east). However, it was a “no brainer” choice for many as today also marks the beginning of the Annual three-day, SIDEWALK SALE held on Main Street in downtown historic Berlin MD. (see the accompanying photos) Each year local town merchants put aside the odds and ends, overstocks and such that accumulate during the seasons and hold a big street party for shoppers at the end of summer! Certainly a great time to stock up on some grand gifts for the holidays – a remembrance for a relative or even snag something for your own closet – all obtained at real bargain prices! Authentic Vera Bradley brand handbags, Crabtree & Evelyn lotions and potions and “Fresh Produce” summer-wear were all piled high in front of Victorian Charm. Noticed some nice serving pieces in front of Abigails, dynamite clothing and accessories were going for up to 70% off at Bruder Hill and down the street, MR Ducks had a huge selection of tees and sweatshirts going for rock bottom prices. Even Cody’s Christmas Shop had some pre-season goodies displayed. Noticed too the tables being readied in front of the Atlantic Hotel for weary shoppers in need of refreshment! Doing double duty – other town merchants and local galleries were gearing up for the regular monthly 2nd Friday celebration – tonight’s “Arts Stroll” that begins at 6 pm! Notwithstanding, there are two days remaining for the Sidewalk Sale in Berlin this year…stop by – you’ll really be glad you did! And, remember to mark your calendar for next year – bargains vs. beach – it’s a “no brainer”! (Click to enlarge any photo!)

In search of a Good, FRESH EGG!

Residing here on Delmarva with much of its fame and fortune derived from the poultry industry one would think that a good egg would be easy to find. With a strong, hard shell, a bright deep yellow yolk, a thick, non-watery white that when meeting a preheated skillet, stands tall, an egg that above all TASTES GOOD!
The town of Berlin MD is literally surrounded by chicken farms – with new feed houses going up frequently – noticed a couple of new ones along Liberty Town Road the other day. Farms growing corn and soybeans also surround us – producing potential feed for these chickens. So where are the eggs? Chickens make eggs, right? Much to my chagrin it was recently explained to me that the poultry grown locally is processed for meat and the birds are considered market-ready long before they are old enough to lay an egg.
With the recent departure of Tom, the “egg guy” at our local Berlin Farmers Market (he’s now selling at a Farmers Market in DC) it became clear that a visit to our local supermarkets had become necessary. Spending several months sampling eggs and egg substitutes far and wide – price notwithstanding, has brought me to the simple conclusion that there is no longer a good, fresh egg on Delmarva! Cartons claims including cage raised, free range, brown, white, large, small, vegetarian fed, with or without antibiotics, supplements or not, branded with names or initials, whatever – still do not reveal the good tasting, really fresh eggs I’ve been seeking! Certainly too – in my opinion, the things that are claimed to be eggs on the fast food breakfast menus can in no way be considered an egg – a good tasting egg! No rich, deep yellow yolk in which to dip toast…no crispy edged white to peeking from a biscuit or combined into a fluffy golden scramble. Homemade deviled eggs are still OK – with other ingredients to add flavor.
On the serious side an egg is a great source of complete, high-quality protein, packed along with essential nutrients – the once “bad press” for eggs has mostly disappeared in favor of moderation. An egg is low calorie and easy to prepare, eminently digestible – moreover, inexpensive compared to other protein choices – Egg vs. Steak – think about it! Especially in our current economy many turn to eggs dishes as an alternate to meat.
So why is it so very difficult to find a GOOD, FRESH EGG?
I continue my search…if you know of a good local source for this most elusive item please comment below. Thanks…

In Berlin – a metamorphosis @your LIBRARY!

There’s an interesting sign hanging from the front of our Berlin Maryland town Library these days stating, “Metamorphosis…@ your library”. This message bears a bit of thought – strictly speaking, as a zoological term, metamorphosis means to transform, in two or more distinct stages from the immature form to the adult. A second meaning can be the change or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one by natural or supernatural means. In other words – an evolution!!!

Particularly noticed during these more stringent economic times are the increased numbers of library patrons…more cars in the lot outside and more patrons inside. And why not – our library, a full-fledged branch supported by the Worcester County Public Library System and State of Maryland, offers the full line of library services – FREE! No just longer a place to “get a book” or look something up, the library here in Berlin has definitely “morphed”. No longer greeted with a glance or hearing a “sssh”, patrons are greeted with a smile, most times with a warm “Hello”. Often these days some sort quiet special-interest meeting of local citizens or book club is seen being held at the table in the comfortable reading area near the fireplace – or a lively story hour is being conducted in the Children’s area. And, since the placement of five computers within our branch, it is seldom that one finds a vacant seat! These activities are supplemented by the widened selections of loan-able materials including audio (some rockin’ music!) CD’s and visual (current and popular) DVD materials. One cannot forget the “bulletin board”, where announcements of community interest vie for attention or the shelves where stacks of weekly area tabloids are kept – free for the taking. There’s also the newest service (5yrs) whereby one can ask a question via their home computer and receive an answer from any library or from many institutions of higher learning Maryland wide using the askusnow.org website! Very cool! Don’t take my word for it…stop by soon and ask Alice, the ringleader of this wonderful transformation or her helpers Doris or Robin – you’re sure to get an answer and a smile! A metamorphosis for sure!