BERLIN MD BLOG

GEEZERS into GEEKS…via facebook!

For a few brief hours this afternoon I attended an enlightening presentation held at the  Art League of Ocean City…on the ‘social media revolution’.  The presenter was  Dr. Ira S. Wolfe.   Dr. Wolfe is the author of the book, “Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization“. Wait a minute…what’s that you say…’what is social media revolution?’  Here’s a video that may help understand this concept…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8

Seems I’m a bit late to this party – time’s already made me a geezer, however the good news is that information is turning me into a geek.  Since joining facebook two weeks ago I’ve found that there are a lots of ‘already geeks’ – aka ‘friends’, right here in Berlin MD.  In the meantime, I’ve also reconnected with long lost schoolmates from all over…(what happened, they look old!) and made closer connections with my kids and their kids – the grands, who live far away!  Uh Oh, Grammy’s lookin’! Finally, I’ve found and leaned more about many of our local organizations and businesses – all on facebook.  Surely, there’s more to learn…and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.

Come on…there’s still time, join the party!

Note:  You may have noticed that this old blog has a new look…many thanks to my new friend, Rodrigo Galindez of Cordoba, Argentina.  This generous and brilliant young man is the web design artist who created this beautiful blog space – called Modern Clix, which is now available as a free upload.  There are more in the works…you may visit Rod at http://rodrigogalindez.com to learn more about graphic design, typography and web development – more of that fascinating geek stuff.

Berlin Becomes Chicken (hen) Sanctuary!

The most recent edition of the ‘add on’ amendment to Chapter 107 of the Berlin MD Town Code involving the keeping of hens in Town was read at the December 28th Mayor & Council meeting. Seems the chickens may stay with the following provisions…

• Limited to no more than six hens (sorry, no fellows allowed)
• Must be penned and have adequate shelter – not less than 25′ from any residence
• Must be registered with the proper local authority
• No pecking on lawns (or some such wording)

This last one was a little blurry for me…the whole point of producing ‘free range’ quality eggs is to enable the hen to have a variety diet; to forage.  It was suggested at the meeting that the pen be portable and be moved frequently.  That’s a possibility however probably not an option for many of us.  Oh well, short of creating another Town position – that of Chicken Police, I think that we may rest assured that we now can raise a few hens and enjoy the delicious eggs they produce.

The final reading with Public Hearing on this issue will be tomorrow night (Janaury 11th) beginning at 7 pm in Town Hall.  Come join us!

Update:  Hold your Chickens!  No vote.  Ordinance missing a couple of words…to be added in time for final vote at next meeting!

Pets with “BENEFITS” in our neighborhood!

Reading and listening with interest to the many comments on the now great ‘Berlin Chickens as Pets” debacle nowhere have I found listed the true benefits of owning a couple of laying hens.  I think perhaps it’s time to learn some facts about backyard chicken culture.

1. Chickens lay eggs – a noted source of high quality protein in the human diet.
2. After being cracked open, eggshells may go right into the compost pile or bin – thereby decomposing to offer excellent soil amendment!
3. Chicken manure is also an excellent soil amendment for the home garden – both for flowers and vegetables.
4. Chickens eat bugs and worms – offering an effective and natural, larva and mature insect control.

Does your dog or cat do this?  No?  Well, neither does mine.  He is cute and cuddly (at times) and he’s loyal beyond measure.  Yet, having raised both chickens and dogs I’ve found they both require about the same amount of care – feeding, watering, containment, proper waste disposal, etc.

Recently, someone mentioned that ‘bird flu’ was a factor…not so!  I will quote the following from the Murray McMurray Hatchery catalog – http://www.murraymcmurrayhatchery.com -

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT AVIAN INFLUENZA (THE BIRD FLU)

H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (also know as “bird flu”) is not in the United States and never has been.  Avian Influenza is not passed from the hen to the embryo in the egg.  A baby chick hatching from an egg does not carry the disease.

You can NOT get avian influenza from properly handled and cooked food. Microorganisms of all kinds are destroyed when the product reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.  McMurray Hatchery is concerned about all poultry diseases not only Avian Influenza.  Here at the hatchery we have very stringent biosecurity procedures, vaccination program, and testing to insure you receive healthy chicks.

You can help by following biosecurity guidelines recommended by the United State
Department of Agriculture. For more information click on this link:
Biosecurity For The Birds.

OK, so what’s this fuss all about?  Having been present at the recent Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals hearing whereby a resident of Ann Drive was taken to task by some neighbors all I can determine is that ‘neighborliness’ or really, the lack thereof, was the contributing factor.  Apparently, the noise from several types of poultry – a couple of chickens, ducks and possibly geese owned by one neighbor, squawked too much – often disrupting the sleep of other neighbors.  To my recollection, except for my barnyard boss, a nasty old rooster, the ‘girls’ made little sound except for a brief protest when laying their daily egg…frankly, I would too!

The way too rapid, knee jerk response to this complaint is a proposed change to an ordinance of the Berlin Town Code abolishing all domestic poultry from within the Town limits – our neighborhood.  No, is what I say – that’s plain silly.  Am I going to attempt to abolish all pet dogs that bark in the night or local cats that dig (mess) in my gardens?  Hardly!  Let’s please take another look at this over reaction and try and behave like real neighbors by finding an equitable solution that doesn’t impinge on everyone wanting to enjoy these ‘Pets with Benefits’.

If you are interested in this debate please attend the regular meeting of the Berlin Mayor and Council at Town Hall on Monday (November 8^th) beginning at 7 pm.

CLICK and VOTE to do more…We all WIN!

Beginning tomorrow evening and throughout this three day annual Berlin MD ‘Fiddlers’ Convention ‘ showcase weekend please remember to stop by the Grow Berlin Green booth. I think you’ll find something very interesting going on!
Despite the reports of the growing Texas-sized island of plastic trash floating around in the Pacific Ocean, one has only to flip to any media source to learn of the viable and strong counter measures to this and other alarming environmental phenomena that are taking place throughout our country and our world. Here in our town the Grow Berlin Green group is promoting these efforts. Although a young organization it is already wise – showing its wisdom by teaching the small, everyday but nevertheless significant ways by which each one of us can make a difference. We can be proud and we can support these ongoing efforts not only in practice but also by promotion of this group…
To that end, there is a contest – sponsored by Tom’s of Maine Community Award Sponsorship. Tom’s is a line of natural personal care body products featured in many of our local stores (Food Lion) – the one with the white and blue packaging. Seems Tom’s has selected our Grow Berlin Green team effort as one of the top 50 final entries. Depending on the vote count we can win an award – and $20,000, which could go a long way to continue the beneficial grass roots education being offered within our own community!

To learn more about Grow Berlin Green – click here!

To learn more about Tom’s of Maine and CAST YOUR VOTE for Berlin’s team under Assateague Coastal Trust – click here!  Voting ends October 30th!
(we’re still pretty far down that list of 50 entries – so be prepared to scroll!)

To learn more about the Texas-sized island of plastic trash – click here!

“Not in my backyard” – beyond our boundaries…

Self-interest, fear of the unknown or just plain bigotry (prejudice); were these the all too human of motivations for the ‘vibrant’ citizen testimony during last night’s regular Berlin’s Mayor and Council meeting?  At issue again was the abatement of a total $31,500 in property tax contributions from the developer/builder/manager to be spread over 5 to 10 years for the proposed 12 buildings (housing 40 units) senior housing complex to be located along Broad Street.  No matter, there was a litany of objections – location being the most often mentioned.  Specifically, ‘seniors have a slower reaction time when driving and Broad Street cannot handle it’.  I thought about this, (while stifling an internal snicker) – if some of these objectors could view their own driving performance, trying to navigate one handed with a cell phone stuck to their ear, then that couldn’t possibly be construed as a valid reason.  Daily, sitting at the stop sign on the corner of Broad and West Sts. I get to see some pretty fancy and unsafe maneuvers by some of our good town folks.   If the speeds necessitated by this tiny intersection weren’t already so reduced these oh so busy, ‘younger people’ could cause some ‘big bangs’.

Another impacting ‘infrastructure’ problem mentioned  – that of most ‘west side’ residents experiencing an already reduced water pressure.  This, despite the fact that the property is already located on an approved plat for residential development and anything that speaks to ‘infrastructure’ comes under the purview of Berlin’s Planning and Zoning Department and Berlin’s Utilities Depts.  Our Town’s Director of Water, Jane Kreiter spoke to that by saying that a test model had been constructed and the impact of an additional 12 EDU’s was negligible – at most, under extreme circumstances, a reduction of 2 psi.  Perhaps, again the objectors could look at the widespread use of lawn irrigation throughout our community (mostly on the west side).  Often, I’ve seen local ‘sprinklers’ at work on a rainy day.   What’s with that?

For grins, let’s imagine placing the ‘senior housing’ at the location most suggested last evening –Route 346 – beside a platted but yet as yet undeveloped assisted living facility, creating essentially a segregated community of old folks.  There, the road width differs not – in fact the speed limit is higher making the nearest intersection far more dangerous.  The already existing lack of ‘west side’ water pressure and the overall Town need for more water still then could only be remedied by a new ‘water tower’ and the placement of such would necessitate building it in closer proximity to Broad Street.  Would we then hear again the refrain, “Not in my backyard”?  We continue to seek control beyond our own boundaries.

Opportunity & Immeasurable Benefits – Housing for Seniors in Berlin!

NOTE: SEE FOR YOURSELF…EVERYONE WELCOME – Open House for ‘Cottages at River House’ in Salisbury, Saturday, September 12th, 2 until 4 pm.

Still fresh in my mind, a discussion at the most recent meeting of the Berlin Mayor & Council, along with a looming significant birthday, has kept my thoughts turned toward a most important issue. Specifically, the real need for senior housing in our community; the need cannot be denied, the how and what and where is causing some concern. That evening’s Town discussion focused on the request of the developer/builder/manager planning a modest senior community here in town asking for a 10 year long declining/proportional abatement of Town property taxes to meet the requirements of Maryland State subsidized housing for those over 62 years of age. Sounds alarming – Berlin ‘giving’ up tax income and with an already depleted economic situation? Not at all – the math has been done – a spreadsheet produced, and the total loss to the Town over the 10 years requested – a mere $31,500 (one or two employee vehicles?) while the ultimate benefit to all of us is immeasurable!
Immeasurable in many ways…no matter how we choose to ignore or deny facts we are all growing older, every day. If we live out our time as hoped, in relatively good health we may still reach a point of needing at least some assistance; in poor health this time could come sooner. Many may find that our single-family homestead has become ‘too much’ to maintain on our own. The loss of a helpmate or a temporary disability combined with diminishing income could cause careful consideration of, or in the event of a catastrophe a rapid, move to a smaller, more sustainable independent living arrangement. Yikes! As for ‘diminishing income’, unless very prudent or darned lucky, during our recent world-wide economic ‘shake-down’ most have seen a decline in value of our 401K’s, retirement and certainly our Social Security benefits (no COLA through 2011 planned) leaving us with less – in straightened circumstances with less to sustain our later years. Because of the dearth of affordable senior housing here, for many of us this would mean a move to another town. It would mean the giving up of all things familiar; our friends and neighbors, nearness to our families, our Church, familiar shops, doctors, banks and pharmacies. Disquieting, unhealthy and certainly nothing to which I envision for my ‘golden’ years!
The model for our proposed community is available for your inspection (see above) – The Cottages at River House are located off Pemberton Drive in Salisbury. Drive over and take a peek. I’ve looked and the community is lovely – flowers on the patios – people busy outdoors and smiling! The area is walk-able, beautifully landscaped and well maintained. The residences are single story, generously windowed and definitely safe. Having others nearby too heightens comfort and furthers that ever-important sense of community as we age.
This project and the accompanying request for a pittance tax abatement could just provide the answer to many – if approved by the Council it would mean that the Town of Berlin Maryland would become a viable part of the solution to this nationwide growing dilemma and offers both opportunity and immeasurable benefit to all of our town citizens.
The next regular Berlin Town Council Meeting will be held on Monday, September 14th beginning at 7 pm. To hear more about this subject, come on out!

MISSING SOMETHING HERE…?

En route to someplace located near U.S. Route 50 yesterday I passed OUR town sign located in the median strip across from the Maryland State Police Barracks. I had to do a double take to see if the back looked the same as the front. Yep, it too was bare!
My thoughts also took a quick turn – aren’t we preparing for the largest and most popular event that our town holds annually – The Berlin Fiddlers Convention? Sure we are, I saw a poster through email the other day. And, isn’t this coming ‘end of summer’ weekend (and the one that follows) historically the last and best – with visitors traveling right past the sign to our beautiful beach in Ocean City Maryland? As I recollect, a lot of interested people spent time and money having the original sign erected in the late 1990’s. It’s a good informational sign about our town and along with the billboard at Camp Whaley, serves notice to folks traveling in our direction that Berlin is here and we are an active, fun, and interesting place to visit also!
The responsibility for keeping this sign up to date has been on the Berlin Chamber of Commerce membership – specifically, member Steve Frene, who did a great job. I have no idea to whom this responsibility has fallen now. It matters not who though – it just needs doing!
If the Chamber is having a problem finding someone to do this – then perhaps both the purpose and means needs to be re-examined. In addition to our busy event calendar being listed here throughout the year, the space could be thrown open to Chamber member businesses for a small fee and a brief time. Something like, “New Chef at Globe”, or “Vera Bradley Sale at Victorian Charm”. It’s just a thought, however this would offer further opportunity for Berlin to strut and brag, which is why the sign was placed there originally!

There is NOTHING missing in Berlin except someone to put up the letters!

Summertime in BERLIN – done ‘just right’!

On Sunday, September 13th beginning at 1 pm the Berlin Main Street group will sponsor an Old Fashioned – Victorian Picnic on the Lawn at the Taylor House Museum to benefit the purchase of permanent decorations for our annual Victorian Christmas celebration.  Tickets are available at MR Ducks, Treasure Chest and Stuarts’ Antiques through September 7th.
Now that those niggling details are out of the way…WOW, we’re having a Town picnic where everyone is welcome to join in.  Admittedly, the Taylor House Museum lawn is the very best place Berlin has to offer for this event – spacious, with soft, green grass, seasonal color flowerbeds and large, lofty trees offering cool shade on a warm day.  In the background, our favorite ‘home of history’ too will lend a special feeling to this day.  As for the day’s main event – the picnic fare – Toni Stuart, chairperson has assured us that the catered Fried Chicken, Potato salads, Baked beans and HOMEMADE pies will be just right – of course, accompanied by fresh lemonade and iced tea!  We’re also told that there will be lawn games, old time photo ops and music for those with excess energy.  For the more staid among us there will be a live auction of oil paintings by our Town’s own artist of renown, Lynn Lockhart, as well as a silent auction of other special stuff.  And for those that like to take a chance – this is your opportunity – a 50/50 raffle with tickets at $100 each – the odds, pretty good…only 250 to be sold!  To mention again – the proceeds will go toward the purchase of special holiday decorations to be placed around town in December – so everyone shares in the winnings! Following the picnic that day, beginning at 6 pm the Museum will hold their monthly summertime Lawn Concert!
Come on – come out and enjoy an old fashioned, summertime Sunday afternoon in your town – done just right!

911 for 411 – time for a change!

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?

Berlin’s own – JAZZ & BLUES BASH…’play it again, Steve’!

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’!