Betterton Maryland is indeed the Jewel of the Chesapeake, stay tuned for issues that impact its residents and those that visit
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It is leap year day so hopefully many of my B-town friends and families will celebrate this extra day that helps to delay your tax filings. There is quite a bit happening over the next several weeks and just wanted to remind you of those events. Today, that's right February 29th our Community Center will be hosting a round table discussion on youth and families in Kent County. Check out this flyer to the left.
Tonight is also the community dinner at the Betterton United Methodist Church. The focus will be around working together and representatives from all five of our community organizations such as the BCDC and Betterton Fire Company will be sending their members. However, all Bettertonians are invited. So Don't Cook Tonight and enjoy the UMC's amazing spread of food, beginning at 7 PM!
March 23rd will be the next Movie night and Mary Ann Smith and Patti Bone would both like to hear what features you might like to consider. Sue Cooper will be whipping up some of her amazing popcorn and if you'd like to help with other goodies, do give her a shout.
Mrs McDougall aka Jean has asked that the blogger remind all those in town that Thursday night is community night at the Sunset Grille. The crowd grows with each and every new week, so come on down. B-Towners usually begin to gather around 6:30 PM. Never been to a community night, then Jean says just come on over and ask to sit with Mel, Ken, Jean etc. It's addictive!
If you want the blogger to publicize other events just post them below or email aacupoints@gmail.com.
A big thanks to all those "Jewel" blog readers who wrote their delegates to support HB 438. Unfortunately our local delegates, once again, demonstrated their lack of respect and inclusion for all their constituents regardless of race, color, religion and or sexual orientation. This bill passed because of your efforts as well as across the aisle compromise within the Maryland House of Delegates, sans Jacobs, Smigiel and Hershey, and will move to the Senate and then to the Governor's desk. It is expected that opponents such as Delegates Jacobs, Smigiel and Hershey will attempt to derail this proposed legislation with a public referendum this coming election day. With its proposed implementation in January 2013, Maryland will be able to stand proud and strong as a state that respects all its residents and for this reason shall reap the benefits of more jobs, tourism and money in our State coffers.
The time has come to grab your tablets, smartphones or one of many beautiful Betterton note cards and tell our State House Delegates to vote yes on HB 438. This past Friday, HB 438, Maryland’s bill
to achieve marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples, had a hearing in the
House Judiciary and Health & Government Operations Committees. It is expected that the
full House of Delegates will be considering this bill very shortly, so your comments are needed ASAP.
Why do gay and lesbian couples want to get married?
Marriage matters to gay people in similar ways that it matters to everyone. Gay and lesbian couples want to get married to make a lifetime commitment to the person they love and to protect their families. Marriage says, “We are family” in a way that no other word does. Marriage is one of the few times where people make a public promise of love and responsibility for each other and ask our friends and family to hold us accountable.
Gay and lesbian couples may seem different from straight couples, but we share similar values - like the importance of family and helping out our neighbors; worries - like making ends meet or the possibility of losing a job; and hopes and dreams - like finding that special someone to grow old with, and standing in front of friends and family to make a lifetime commitment.
Does this change the definition of marriage?
No. Allowing committed gay and lesbian couples to get married does not change the meaning of marriage. It simply allows same-sex couples to marry the person they love, to establish and protect a family, and to make a lifetime commitment in the same way other couples are able to.
What defines a marriage is love and commitment, and the ability to protect your family.
It’s as basic as the Golden Rule. Treating others as one would want to be treated includes allowing marriage for gay couples who are truly committed to each other. Most straight couples would never want someone telling them they couldn’t marry, and when they think about it, many say they wouldn’t want to deny that for anyone else.
How would gay and lesbian couples marry?
All couples who marry in the United States must get a license for a civil marriage, usually at a courthouse or city hall. These civil marriages would also be available to same-sex couples. Some couples also choose to marry in a religious setting if permitted by their religious institution.
Does civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples affect churches or other religious institutions? What if my religion opposes same-sex relationships?
Civil marriage for gay couples does not affect religious marriages, religious institutions or clergy in any way. No religion would be forced to marry same-sex couples, or recognize same-sex marriages within the context of their religious beliefs.
Aren't there other alternatives to marriage for gay couples?
There have been attempts to create marriage-like relationship systems, but they don’t provide the same security and protections. In many states, same-sex couples that have domestic partnerships have been barred from a dying partner’s bedside, and denied the ability to say goodbye to the person they love. That just doesn’t happen when you’re married. Civil unions and domestic partnerships create a second-class status that often does not work in emergency situations when people need it most. In hospital emergency rooms, funeral homes, and when discussing benefits with employers, everyone understands the protections and responsibilities that marriage provides.
This information and more can be found at Equality Maryland or by calling (410) 685-6567.
Our Delegates can be contacted directly at the following numbers:
Betterton is once again proud as it was chosen by the Maryland Historical Trust to receive one of the 2012 Maryland Preservation Awards. Mayor Sorge accompanied those Bettertonians who were integral in making this honor occur due to their efforts to transform Precious Blood Catholic Church into a fully functional community center while preserving key architecture and design elements. Surrounding this award has been some spectacular weather that made the Jewel seem like early April rather than late January. So now enjoy this pictorial!
It is leap year day so hopefully many of my B-town friends and families will celebrate this extra day that helps to delay your tax filings. There is quite a bit happening over the next several weeks and just wanted to remind you of those events. Today, that's right February 29th our Community Center will be hosting a round table discussion on youth and families in Kent County. Check out this flyer to the left.
