BERLIN MD BLOG

Looking up…a week of promise!

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!

Our town HEART at pause…”the hotel”

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!