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Optimism with ‘ACTION’…Berlin’s open for business!

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!
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March – UPS & DOWNS…around our “growing Green” Town!

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”!

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