BERLIN MD BLOG

HOW DO WE SPEND OUR $$$ – all of it?

One day last week, out of the blue, while talking with a respected area businesswoman (although not a Berlin resident), I was asked,” Why are Berlin’s (property) taxes so high”? Caught off guard – I fumbled, offering an uncertain reply.  I quickly realized I didn’t really know.  As a regular attendee at the nearly bi-weekly Berlin Town Council meetings, I’ve listened to the sometimes-lengthy list of purchase orders recited by our Town Administrator, Tony Carson – often wishing for more specificity.  Frequently, the name of a company and an amount are described…but for what, what department and more to the point – why?

Nevertheless, since then my friend’s question has echoed in my consciousness.  Perhaps it’s time to take a closer look.  During this coming year I plan to take time to examine the Town’s recently audited, annual budget – readily available at our Town Hall.

After all, it is also our Town, our money.  Each of us has finite personal income (if you don’t – I don’t know you) and consequently must deal with budgetary decisions every day – decisions regarding everything: purchases, what, where and when to buy and what will serve: personal and household services vs. what we can do for ourselves and eventually, hopefully, what to save.

I plan to take a close look, examine if you will, how our Town really fares and, frankly, whether or not we can continue to afford it.  Bottom line, I don’t want anyone power-trippin’ with my money but me!

…

“New Balance Shaping Shoes Don’t Work”…’ yes, this was a story headline on NPR radio (89.5FM) the other morning.  I must confess I was relieved to hear this most critical of information. LOL   Several months ago, after viewing some TV commercials and finding myself suddenly in need of a new pair of gym shoes, I hiked up to Vernon Powell and anxiously asked the salesperson for a pair of those ‘leg and glut enhancing’ shoes.  Oh vanity – thy name is woman (no matter the age)! Upon telling the woman that I was a treadmill user, my hopes were dashed when told that due to the convex sole design – use of this shoe on a treadmill could be dangerous.  I came away saddened – without any new shoes – realizing too, that perhaps it was another case of want rather than need!

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DROP A STITCH? We all do…from time to time!

This past Tuesday evening found an eclectic group of women arriving, one by one, through the door into the cozy Berlin Coffee House on Jefferson Street in Downtown Historic Berlin Maryland.  Seems our host, Peggy Hagy had put out the word – the 2011 knitting group was now in session – interested needle workers welcome (men too, if you dare)!  Finding a seat among the comfortable sofas and settees scattered about, the evening began with everyone being offered a drink – coffee or tea served alongside a heaping mound of welcoming chatter.  The usual furtive looks came forth when projects were pulled from bags. (Peggy admitted she’s still working on last year’s scarf.  Hmm!) Beginners pulled out brightly colored, new yarns…ever hopeful of good result.  The more experienced had projects already begun – also hopeful of good result!  Soon, needles were clicking, and we got down to some serious knitting.  Time flew.  This most companionable evening concluded around 8pm.  Unfortunately, when I checked my project the next morning I found that I had ‘dropped a stitch’, many rows back…UG!  Being an obvious pattern, there was nothing to do but ‘rip it out‘ and begin again… a tedious chore.  Seems that’s pretty much what life is about anyway, right? Looking forward to next Tuesday!  Won’t you join us…?

There’s room for more…if you want to learn, share your skills or just want to spend an evening in most excellent company – drop by any Tuesday at 6pm – Berlin Coffee House, Berlin Maryland.  Peggy does ask for a donation of $2 to help cover costs – sadly, Berlin’s Commercial electric rates remain high.

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A Little Stumble (I dropped the ball) – then Berlin’s Great ‘First Step’!

It’s the first workweek of the New Year…and all eyes are looking forward.

Two thousand, eleven is already different.  As a life-long fan of calendars, with a tradition of purchasing far too many, this year I’ve limited myself to just two; a brainteaser, ‘puzzle a day’ calendar for Mike and a new ‘word a day’ for me.  Mike is a canny observer, and although sometimes hampered trying to express himself orally, he’s a wizard with anything that requires a little quiet contemplation.  By ‘little’ I mean the first time he was handed a Rubik’s Cube, he sat studying for a few minutes and then with a determined series of rapid rotations, had it solved.  I sat for three days twisting that infernal thing with no success.  On the other hand, I love words…their origin and meanings.  WARNING: Readers, be prepared as I try to use some of my new learning’s. -  So we’re good…and along with the half-dozen inspirational, perpetual calendars scattered around we are armed for most anything this year!

The ‘stumble’ mentioned above was my best intention to attend the first ever Berlin MD New Year’s Eve – Ball Drop party!  As Mike was heading to bed around 9, I was getting myself presentable for the evening – a little dressy.  My escort – a ten month old Kerry Blue pup named Lucy Brown, had been brushed…we were just waiting for 10:30 to head downtown to view the grand event.  Then I sat down…I awoke with a start ( a heap of rumpled clothing)– the clock showing 1:14am.  Yikes, and I had promised photos to someone…!  Fortunately a friend, Geren Mortensen Sr. had shot a series of really good, still photos, capturing the essence of that special evening.  Thanks Geren!  They are available on facebook under his profile for anyone who cares to look.  It was a ‘great first step’ for our Town, with many attending – and now another Berlin MD runaway HIT!

By the way, I don’t know about the rest of you in cyber land, but during the recent holidays I received quite a few notices in my inbox stating that there are ‘E-cards’ waiting to be opened.  A thank you to sender, however, the ‘E-card’ program is not Mac friendly and so I am unable to open and view…it’s the thought that counts, right?

Until…

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New Year’s Eve…a day of anticipation indeed!

Returning from yet another errand around 2 o’clock this afternoon, I drove through town trying to scope out a parking place for tonight’s much touted festivities – the first ever, Berlin Maryland BALL DROP at midnight. Frankly, except for our big daytime events, I’ve never seen the streets so crowded with people…walking in and out of shops, some stopping to take photos and all just generally seen to be enjoying this fine little town. Makes me think that Berlin has definitely arrived! Much of this success may be ‘laid at the door’ of Michael Day, the Town’s Economic & Community Development Director. Thanks Michael! Great job!

Speaking of tonight’s event…Mike (aka Grumpy) has made it very clear that he will be asleep by 9pm and I’ve found myself in need of an escort to attend. While considering what to do, Lucy Brown came up to the computer for a ‘pet’. Aha! …Lucy is the little, 10 month old pup who gets me up most nights around midnight to go outside for a quick tinkle… tonight she will get more than a run outdoors…she gets to go to a party – and I think she will enjoy it! I don’t have a coat for her and it’s too late to knit something but perhaps she can manage the cold for 30 minutes or so!

I find that facebook has been unusually busy today…lots of back and forth chatter including many spirited quips from friends. One of the best things to happen to me this year – has been facebook…the premier social media site (IMHO). I’ve reunited with some great “OLD”, old friends (Joan and Helen) and deepened relationships with new friends and neighbors. In fact, I’ve met some great new folks during several classes learning management of ‘social media’/viral networking, including Kay, Sandy and Kelly. Listing these dynamic women I cannot forget our leader, Mindie Burgoyne who along with her husband Dan Burgoyne and increasing extended family…four week old Tristan, have become very dear to me. Then there are the people, with whom, through facebook, I’ve found a commonality – shared interests. In fact, a group of us are now planning to attend a’ knitting club’, to be held each Tuesday evening at the Berlin Coffee House hosted by Peggy Hagy!

Anyway, all considered, 2010 has been a pretty good year…despite the economy; we’re all here and in spite of planning to have whole grain bread and filtered water for supper after fueling my car today, we’ve made it work! That’s about all I can ask!

Very Best Wishes for a GREAT 2011 to EVERYONE!

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Preamble to Ramble…(further)!

The New Year will bring a new title for my Berlin blog…”The View from My Window… a Berlin MD blog”. Occasioned by a recent relocation of my computer from a back corner to the front window overlooking West Street…re-titling seemed a natural segue!

Attempting to blog for the past seven plus years, through several incarnations, I’ve struggled to find a ‘tone’ with which to comment upon those many, sometimes humorous and charming (sometimes not so charming) everyday, real life experiences, in and around the little Eastern Shore town of Berlin MD.

To further qualify my intent – if as a reader, you’re looking for the sexsational – you won’t find it here. Growing up during the age of Ozzie and Harriet (their twin beds and chin to ankle pj’s), has instilled a respect for the true privacy of others. As a consequence of this early imprinting, I still find the recent Victoria’s Secret (FCC approved), TV commercials a bit risqué (possible envy?)! LOL  Nor am I a fan of ‘reality’ TV…often found to be exploitative and humiliating to the both participant and viewer – IMHO.

Yet, with Time Magazine naming Mark Zuckerberg, 2010’s ‘Person of the Year’, creator of the world-changing, social media smash hit, FACEBOOK, it’s apparent that privacy, whether by the often, rather revealing (TMI), self-authored, status blurbs or personal information ‘piracy’ via apps, we’ve all pretty much EMERGED! Yikes!

Finally, if you do find the early morning ramblings of a 66 year old woman at all interesting or amusing, I invite you to join me in this new written journey of continued observation and discovery of places familiar to most all…

Note: Occasionally I use text messaging abbreviations to express opinion in my writing…for a comprehensive directory visit this website…
http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php

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A little HUBRIS + A lot of HURRY = ‘Historic’ HUMILIATION

First, it is with regret that I read last week about the resignation of Mr. Bob McIntosh from the Berlin Historic District Commission.  His long and dedicated citizen volunteer, service plus his caring expertise will be sorely missed.

To begin, what arose from simple property maintenance need has created a most confusing situation.  Reading reports this weekend in the local tabloids I came away wanting to record my own thoughts.  My story goes something like this…

The Atlantic Hotel, the beloved landmark property located in the heart of Berlin MD’s Historic District, was found to need a window upgrade.  Apparently, the old, single pane, wood sashes of yore weren’t getting the job done – certainly understandable.  An upgrade to a more energy-efficient window system was deemed advisable.  Sadly, this is where the problems began…an owner representative contacted a local contractor of long standing.  Together it was decided that vinyl replacements would be both inexpensive and efficient…and soon, without benefit of obtaining a Town of Berlin building permit, 16 windows were replaced, unfortunately, without notification to the Berlin Historic District Commission as required under the Town Code…<http://www.ecode360.com/?custId=BE0619&guid=12485850&j=23>.

Was this lack of notification to the Town a little hubris or ignorance of the Town Code – I guess we’ll never really know?

Nevertheless, after installation of those now infamous sixteen windows, and being cited (caught) by the Town’s Code Enforcement officials, the Hotel’s representative deemed it advisable to come before the Town’s Historic District Commission and the case was presented on Wednesday, December 1^st.

That evening, finding myself present that at this ‘packed house’, most newsworthy event, I didn’t have long to wonder the identity of the strange woman seated beside me.  After lengthy testimony by Mr. Larry Wigeon reciting that vinyl windows were the most affordable and efficient way for the Hotel to affect a solution and the representing attorney, Mr. Hugh Cropper, pleading forgiveness of the oversight. The mystery woman woman then got up and identified herself as Ms. Elizabeth Beckley, a representative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Eastern Shore Field Director of ‘Preservation Maryland’.  Indeed!  She quickly proceeded to refute Mr. Wigeon’s conclusions, saying that historically accurate, wood framed, sash replacement windows were available and in fact, were equal to or greater than vinyl in R value (energy efficiency) and equal to or lesser than vinyl in cost!  She ended her testimony by offering to supply a list of various local contractors who would be happy to submit a window estimate to the Hotel.  Further testimony from Staff caused even more consternation. Yikes!

A couple of glances up to look at the faces of the Historic Commission Board members; Chairman Bob McIntosh, Mary Rose and Kit Matthews (Betty Hammond having temporarily stepped down due to possible conflict of interest and Mary Moore being absent) told me that this issue was indeed causing confusion and concern.  To rule against long time friends, neighbors and town investors in order to enforce the Code was difficult.  After a couple of false starts it was voted that the Hotel was in violation and the sixteen vinyl windows would possibly have to be removed, to be replaced with wood…and with a to-be-determined fine levied for the violation.

The next hearing of the now ‘Atlantic window deal’ was when a notice circulated stating that the Hotel had filed an appeal and the ‘window deal’ would come before the Berlin Zoning Appeals Board on Wednesday, December 14th.

A further later installment to this regrettable story came about last week when Mayor Gee Williams, hastily decided to defy Berlin Town Code and allow the Hotel’s vinyl windows to remain and forgive any fines.  Again, understandable, practical – but perhaps not wise or even legal!  Certainly not setting an example of ‘leadership by example’ – the old ‘do as I say not as I do’!

We’re up to current with this story…and the Town’s in a fine pickle!  The never to be discounted, ‘Berlin grape-vine’ is wondering if what Gee has done is legal…I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about that.  Certainly our Town Code Enforcement has been effectively neutered – with a, ‘if they can do it, why not me?’ defiant attitude echoing from most everyone.  Also, innuendos abound as to the basis for Mayor William’s actions…again, we’ll never know!

Finally, by his summary action has Gee placed Berlin in further jeopardy with the various Historic Preservation groups – the ones that support with future grants and tax breaks?

In conclusion…my thoughts are that having no real industry except tourism, to speak of in Berlin, – our capital is in our ‘Historic-ness’ and to put this ‘…ness’ in jeopardy is perhaps more than a little bit of hubris plus a lot of hurry which equals much unwanted ‘Historic HUMILIATION’, within our fine little town of Berlin MD.

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Upside Down…Let’s join together to right this!

Having just returned from a Thanksgiving visit with family at a small, beach town in North Carolina; some of the things witnessed there have set me to thinking more ‘right-side up!

On Friday after Thanksgiving, the weather changed; a cool, wet front had rapidly moved through.  No more fishing, pool, beach or boating – no visiting the skate park! This change subsequently caused four adults to confront head-on, four, active, healthy children between the ages of 7 and 12!  It became a more than YIKES moment!  The feast leftovers had been inhaled, Scrabble, Candyland and other board (or should that be spelled ‘bored’?) games had been quickly exhausted and although WII and accompanying electronic gadgets littered the floor, it was apparent that some form of physical diversion, namely exercise, was needed – quickly!  Not far from panic, my son remembered the Town’s sponsored Rec Center. Then, a quick call to Grammy and Mike (who had wisely retreated to a nearby condo), “Meet us behind the old Season’s Restaurant in 15 minutes.”  Done!

In short order, from various directions, we all pulled into a sizable, already partially filled, parking lot.   The Carolina Beach Recreation Center building looked very similar in size and appearance to Berlin’s own Tyson Plant on Rt. 346.  Upon entering, we were greeted by a pleasant man behind a counter to the right.  Beyond him one could see a vast office/storage area containing cubbyholes filled with ‘stuff’ to borrow…related to every type of indoor sports activity!  Our small ‘team’ had brought their own ‘stuff’, and so after signing in, we quickly moved into a huge room  – a double/quadruple basketball court… anyway it had six baskets!  The floor was not wood but some sort of waffled tile and there were pull-down bleachers all around.  The young boys rapidly found their ‘goal basket’ and the girls went off in search of something more interesting.   For more than three hours, the kids moved from basketball court to the ping-pong /foosball game room, on to the weights/exercise facilities, past the video game room and to the racquetball court where they had the most fun taking turns against the ‘old’ folks – Mike finally crying, ‘Senior Abuse’!   During our indoor journey we saw many rooms, even a second floor where an area had been fitted out for dance lessons.  Classrooms and meeting rooms were everywhere…lists and flyers announcing current and upcoming community oriented activities posted on bulletin boards throughout.  Have I mentioned that on this Black Friday the center was filled with people – young and old?  The annual cost for a resident family…$80.00!!! Not much when you figure the benefit.

Later, during Saturday’s long drive home I couldn’t shake the thought that something like this indoor recreation facility is sorely needed in Berlin!  We cite the need for outdoor parks filled with trees and other environmentally correct, native flora – we spend time and money to beautify our Town’s landscape.

I think we need to do more to improve our ‘peoples-scape’ – to fill the real need for healthy, communal, indoor activities consisting of active, indoor recreation and offering ongoing adult education.  At least equal focus on ‘do’ and ‘look’!

If there’s an underlying point to this story it’s that instead of increasing Berlin’s Police presence to deter criminal activity it might be time to do some ‘right-side’ thinking – by offering attractive, guided, yet ‘fun’ and safe activities for all ages in order to possibly effect the same result?  It’s been done before!

Our Town has suitable vacant land – we even have land with suitable structures – we have the need – now we need a plan… and the money…perhaps a joint venture with Worcester County?

If you’d like to see what one small town (very similar to Berlin) can do…dare to take a look at this page (click on the link below).  Scroll down to see all that’s offered!  There’s even a copy of the Master Parks Plan – Final Draft, showing how another small town went from discerning the need, through execution and on to fulfillment in a few short years.

Carolina Beach Recreation Center - http://www.carolinabeach.org/site_new/pages/parks_rec.html

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QUID PRO QUO… Now it’s YOUR turn!

It’s been almost a week since the mid-term elections here in the U.S.  We’ve done our part.

WE VOTED!

For months we’ve watched, listened and studied an almost endless stream of candidate posturings – opinions with few facts – noise without action.  We’ve answered your annoying ro-bo calls, received your large, colorful postcards/blue letters, shaken your hands and suffered through a barrage of politically motivated TV and radio commercials…we’ve even had our visual ‘landscape littered’ with your signs!  Short of living underwater there’s been no way to avoid you…you spent a whole lot of money to court us – at least a coupla’ billion!  You said you wanted a job.

We got it…WE VOTED!

The losers of this election are packing up, heading home.  The few ‘un-decided’ candidates, remain hoping!

For those of you that won…I think you‘ve learned (if you care to look), that we no longer care about your hairstyle or lack of one; the color of your skin or shoes; designer of your clothes.  And, ironically we no longer seem to care much about your party labels!

We’re now a nation of tired folks who only want one more action from you, to

“STOP TALKING and DO YOUR JOB!”

If you are working – doing your JOB, they’ll be no time to perfect a tan, participate in the endless ‘2012’ dialogue on the FOX news, ‘do’ lunch with lobbyists or really do little else other than seriously create, study and vote on the needed legislation set before you.

REASONED LEGISLATION for US!

Quid Pro Quo

Note:  YOUR  ‘JOB PERFORMANCE (including attendance record) report card’ will be handed out again on November 2^nd, 2012!

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Summer’s Summary

It was hot!  The summer of 2010 broke temperature and rainfall records here on Delmarva; too hot, too little.  Yet, despite the unusual weather patterns, most of us here in Berlin MD seem to muddle along.

The ‘West Street Girls’ (our two remaining hens after an late spring attack by feral cats) continued to lay beautiful, large eggs throughout and taught me that chickens do play in water.  While fiddling with the hose one day looking for ways to help them through the hottest part of the day, I made a little mud puddle in the lawn.  Juliet and April jumped right in, cackling and splashing.  Since then, if that puddle is dry, one or the other comes to the back door protesting loudly, reminding us to ‘fill the pool’.  They’ve surely become our pets, with ‘tangible benefits’!  Apparently others in the area are interested…we’ve had visitors, several of whom, after meeting our hens, have begun their own flock of backyard birds.  No matter, I remain in awe of nature.

And, hats off to our area farmers!  Getting to know these hard-working folks further through my Berlin Farmers Market facebook marketing efforts, my appreciation continues to deepen.  Despite difficult growing conditions all season long, these growers continue to offer (Wednesdays & Fridays 10-3) the best in fresh and local.  Fall crop varieties; crispy greens and squashes (including the ubiquitous pumpkins) are coming in – right on time.  Our plant guy, Paul, promises a good supply of pretty, fall pansies too!

Finally, under the heading of a “… Believe It or Not” moment; it can’t be late summer in an even-numbered year without the biennial noise of the political campaign; not only noise but also the growing crop of visual campaign – landscape litter.  It’s almost as if strategic property placement and the number of signs has become its own commodity!  Nevertheless, my hope for these ‘hopefuls’ is that there are enough good deeds behind the candidates’ names; people really don’t vote for signs!  Tomorrow is the Primary and November 2^nd is the General Election.  After that time, the signs disappear, but those deeds, past and present (which are fairly good indicators of future performance), remain!

Vote!

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The aftermath…

Sitting here thinking in the aftermath of last night’s Mayor and Council meeting where the Town of Berlin MD added about $1 million dollars of land purchase debt to it’s already stretched budget.  And, while still personally concerned with the details of financing this effort,  I’ve learned a few additional things:

• That hope trumps reason for many
• The future of Berlin’s youth is important to most

The ‘hope’ lesson was gleaned from the several who spoke in favor of the purchase ignoring the sad fact of adding debt which will prolong, if not eventually increase, the need for income derived from the Town’s levied property taxes upon Berliner’s.  An answer to ‘reason’ was apparent when our Mayor Williams stressed our dependence upon ‘slots’ money to erect a future Community Center and Police Station.  That kind of anticipatory financing is again called ‘hope’ – however, judging from the final vote…perhaps we all could use a short course in fiscal responsibility as well?

The ‘future’ of Berlin’s youth is important to many, if not all…several folks (discounting unnecessary testimony from a few politicians) testified of a nearly life-long wait for a local, crime-free gathering place for children.  Somehow, I’ve always believed that school provided necessary socialization and that after school and weekend hours offered unstructured playtime: pursuit of outdoor activities and quality opportunities to spend with family.  Berlin already boasts of some well-appointed, well-maintained parks thanks to an active Berlin Maryland Parks Commission.

Guess I’m not with the times.  I had to make do with creating my own recreational pastimes; often playing with friends outdoors – hopscotch, hide & seek and sandlot ball were favorites.

Nevertheless, we are getting our land (along with the debt)…and we’ll ‘hope’ for funds to erect the proposed, very much-desired, buildings.