BERLIN MD BLOG » Uncategorized

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

Sue — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:21:00 +0000

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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Our town HEART at pause…”the hotel”

Sue — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:13:45 +0000

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!

Around Town…a busy week backwards and forwards

Sue — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:36:07 +0000

Above and below our usually placid surface (excepting Town Hall), the town of Berlin Maryland has been exhibiting some unusual activity recently. For three days over the weekend our Historic Main Street Commercial District became host to an estimated 9,000 visitors during the ever-popular Annual Fiddlers Convention with acoustic concerts and competitions providing the entertainment. Steve Frene, along with his band of merry citizen volunteers is to be highly commended for his expertise in producing this glorious showcase event for Berlin. Thank you Steve! Next up on our calendar of events is our always-magical Victorian Christmas holiday activity beginning with Arts Night on Friday, November 28th.
On Monday evening, with barely time to exhale, many concerned town citizens showed up at the Town government sponsored presentation by electrical engineering firm Booth and Associates, Inc. to examine on-going issues within the Town’s electric utility. This renewed focus has been caused by our recent increasingly, high electric rates. In my opinion, the guys from Booth along with a Maryland State Energy Administration representative gave us a strong basis of fact upon which the second public presentation, October 7th will build. At that time, we will hear a professional assessment outlining our options going forward. Several folks seemed disappointed that immediate resolutions were not already available.
On Wednesday morning, an out of area friend stopped by and commented on the political signs blooming all over town – overwhelming even the numerous For Sale signs – a phenomena which began late last week. It’s election time in Berlin and we currently have a couple of contests that may only be resolved with YOUR vote on October 14th. Primary of course there is the somewhat heated race for Mayor between acting Mayor Gee Williams and former Mayor Rex Hailey. Personally having spoken with both yet unable to define specifics from either my vote is still up in the air. No matter, it is apparent that both candidates have the best interests of Berlin citizens as a top priority. Perhaps I’m expecting too much? Mr. Hailey did hand out a flyer to some (obtained a copy from a friend) stating his interests and intents however, for most of us, especially this year it will be vote by pocketbook. As for Mr. Williams, judging by his recent activities – he’s been too busy “doing” as interim Mayor to be “saying” much. However, I personally am disappointed that he has not found the time to fill the recent openings on two important Town Commissions. This is the Mayor’s duty.
The vote by pocketbook will again hold true for the three-way race in Council District II. To his credit, newcomer Jason Walter has lengthy professional technical expertise in the utility/energy industry that could benefit us greatly once a final determination is made relating to the Town owned electric company. He also makes claim to being a conservative – stating his goal as ensuring high quality services while trimming out excess expense. Another short term resident, but long-time local business owner, Thom Gulyas has also sent out a campaign letter to district II residents – the message contained therein is somewhat ambiguous, while not clearly stating specific goals he does offer a lengthy personal biography. The final applicant for our Council job is Lisa Hall, a long-term resident who yesterday took the time to visit personally. After a pretty intensive questioning by both my husband and me it’s apparent that Ms. Hall knows well the issues but perhaps not all of the specifics. In fairness to Ms. Hall, Mike and I attend most all of the major Town meetings regularly and would be hard to please by any of our current candidates!
Ultimately though, no matter the good intents put forth by any of our candidates they will certainly be held to the tough, realistic (OK, pretty cruel in today’s economy) standards of COST, VALUE and BENEFIT! What can we really afford? What is the overall value? What is the real benefit going forward?
Yes, it’s been an extraordinarily busy week here in town for everyone – even if the ongoing financial and political saga running concurrently on the national level had not demanded even more attention. It is only to be hoped that with a little time off for reflection we can meet our obligations and make some wise choices for our Town on October 14th and then again on November 4 for our Nation!
Please remember to VOTE (and then we can take down some of those signs!) New polling place – Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main Street. Polling hours – 7 am until 7 pm.
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