Neighboring Village Looking for Solution

The T shirt says "Where the hell is Betterton? 3 miles north of Still Pond". However after the recent fire at the Still Pond store and post office, the village is hurting over the potential destruction of this historic place. Check out the video from the Baltimore Sun at :

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-stillpond-20110214,0,7248097.story

or just click on the title of this post. If you have ideas for saving this structure or other thoughts to aid our neighbors, why not leave a comment below! Perhaps we could offer our new community center as a site for a local fundraiser?

Only 6 months to Betterton Day 2011

Its hard to believe that with wind chills bringing our ambient temperatures well below 32 degrees, that anyone in their right mind would say its time to plan for Betterton Day, however, the B-Blogger says its the perfect time. Mayor Sorge has said, very accurately, that Betterton is not a destination but rather a location. The B-Blogger says an ever improving Betterton Day can make the Jewel into a destination. When people come then local business survives and our town can then look to new sources of revenue, rather than the resident's wallets.

Enhancing Betterton Day means getting the word out early to near and far as well as coming up with new ideas and events to draw the crowds and have a great time. This being said the B-Blogger has been told that the first order of duty needs to be an enhanced working relationship between our Fire Company and the BCDC. The organizers must be aligned with respect to the betterment of Betterton. Hopefully, some of our Blog readers will belly up to the bar and get a joint committee up and running.

The next step will be determining what should be new and what should remain? How do we use and showcase our new community center? Should we have an early morning Boomer Bike Ride or Walk? More floats, bands and/or vendors? What about a bake off where the men with the best recipes show their stuff to a panel of women judges? How about a kid's tractor pull in the firehouse lot? A tennis tournament? Do we have some Red Hatters who would march? I can't wait to see the suggestions that you come up with, posted below. Have at it friends and neighbors, where do we go from here?

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thanksgiving is a little over a week away and the Blogger would like to thank all of our readers for their participation and posts. Would also like to take this time of thanks and wish speedy recoveries to John McDougall and Mel Rapelyea. John took some nasty falls but thankfully is on the road to recovery with Jean at his side. Mel will start Thanksgiving week off, under the knife, as he has a shoulder repaired. Rumor has it that Mel plans to organize a softball team next Spring.

I think we all need to thank those Bettertonians who have devoted their time to volunteer activities both in B-Town and the County, as well as our City Council members and Mayor.

The blogger is off to Virginia to see parents who unfortunately are coming to the end of their days but I have to give thanks for the love and care they have given my sisters and me for so many years.

I have some suspicion that there are some B-Towners who may not have a place to go for Turkey and stuffing, so check on your neighbors and perhaps offer them a chair at your table or a dish at their door.

Speaking of sharing and giving, Ben Kohl recently surprised his amazing wife Kim with a 25th birthday gift of a trip to Vienna, where they will participate in the New Year's Waltz gala. Kim is looking for a floor length gown that won't take up much space in her luggage as they will be off to ski in the Alps the next morning. Any ideas or gowns to share? The Blogger hopes to post pictures of Kim and Ben counting 1,2,3; 1,2,3 as they glide across the floor. Who knows they may audition for "So You Think You Can Dance."

Millie Massey will be returning to the fold and staying a few days with Linda Hall, if you care to say hello.

This reminds me that Linda and Ken Warwick still have a few pieces of art that would make a great holiday gift, so give them a shout.

For those of you who asked when Chanukah is this year, its early and doesn't coincide with Christmas. It will be celebrated from the evening of Dec. 1st through the ninth.

Please share your thoughts on happenings and people that or who deserve thanks as a post below.

Volunteers Needed

Bettertonians it wasn't too long ago that there was much discussion over lack of awareness of volunteer opportunities in the Jewel, well the time has come to help out. Linda Hall has recently informed me that the BCDC needs people with a truck that can volunteer to transport the ARK to key events, such as the recent Downrigger weekend. We also need some younger volunteers who would be willing to help us establish a BCDC presence on Twitter and Facebook. There are lots more activities too that could use your help so remember that the BCDC meets on the third Thursday of every month, except on holidays. Contact Linda Hall, Judy Kohl and or Joan Zellers if you have interest. Remember that BCDC is all about improving the Jewel's appearance and fostering a positive environment.

Don't forget the speedo's and two pieces will be coming out of the closet for the last time this year at the Goose Bump Jump on Saturday the 13th at 11:00 AM. If you can't take the leap, then be there to shout the bathers on!

So Much To Do, So Little Time

The B-Blogger just returned from Chestertown where the parking meters are already decorated for Halloween and the Sultana is readying for her down-rigging. If this is not enough Artworks begins its 2010 Studio Tour that happens both this weekend and the next. Don't forget to visit Ken Warwick's Betterton Studio on either of the weekends and Linda Hall's wonderful watercolors on the first November weekend. Let's not forget that the Betterton American Legion has their Halloween auction on Friday night October 29th.

On my way to Play It Again Sam's I stopped for my Washington Post at Scotty's where restaurant critic Miss Anna told the blogger that she was giving the Lemon Leaf Cafe a 4 out of 5 for their food and pricing, especially breakfast. Have you been? Share your thoughts with a post below.

There are great handouts from the Sultana and Artworks if you need event times and directions.

The weather is simply splendid for all these upcoming events. Let's not forget that today, October 28th is the final day for early voting at the Chestertown Library. The polls are open till 8pm tonight. If you miss it, you can always make your vote count on the official election day this coming Tuesday, November 2nd.

For those Betterton Blogger readers who can't make it down this weekend enjoy the following photos. Oh! Many B-Blog readers have asked for the anonymous option to be removed, so if you post you will need to "sign in" at the upper right corner of our blog. Signing in will allow you to use a pseudonym such a "foot warmer" or "sky diver" in place of your actual name.

Enjoy and don't forget the Goose Bump Jump at Betterton Beach is just around the corner. Stay tuned!

Community Center Links Past with Future

While clouds lingered above, the official opening of Betterton's first community center brought smiles and warmth of conversation as neighbors and friends wandered through the new building, enjoyed music, cider and sweets. With the Town's elections over and the voters spoken, it is time to move from politics to action. The slide show that previewed inside the community center's meeting space reminded everyone of the vibrance that was once Betterton and more importantly a vision for tomorrow. Everyone admits there is work to be done, the ceiling has been raised and the only way to reach its new heights is by banding together as a community that is committed to a Better Betterton. It is time to temper the complaints and work towards solutions. It is our time for commitment, have an issue? Lets hear it but also if you raise it, you are also volunteering to work with Mayor and Council to bring about an equitable solution. It is our time to recognize and celebrate those neighbors that donate hours to Betterton and the surrounding communities, such as Karen Russo and Kent Kids, Linda Hall for BCDC, Joe Stock for securing grants to purchase trees for our public space and our volunteer firemen and women to mention just a few. It is time to congratulate and celebrate major family events such as the upcoming Hollidge nuptials. It is time to commit to Town Leadership and volunteer to work on projects and committees as well as breaking down all barriers to community involvement. BCDC and the Betterton Fire Company need to leverage the power of teamwork. We need to foster communications that lead to understanding. The B-Blogger has committed to help our new leadership communicate better and to that end hopes that you who read this blog will publicly commit to helping Council and Mayor in areas of interest and expertise. Let's applaud people like Bob Thomas who has bellied up to the bar and assumed the Chair of Zoning and Planning. As you contemplate your commitment to our wonderful town, enjoy a few pictures of our very own Community Center and its opening!

Get Out the Candidates

In a little over 24 hours residents, neighbors and friends will be at our FIRST EVER League of Women Voters Candidate Forum. Word on the street is that people want to know what the candidates think but others have let the B-Blogger know that while the residents will be there some of the candidates may not. I know Mayor Sorge will be there as well as Maggie Patterson, but what of the others? Can you vote for someone whose vision and solutions are not being voiced?

I encourage all who read this blog to contact the candidates you know and let them know the citizens of Betterton want to hear what they have to say, so alter your evening and be there.

The B-Blogger has changed plans and will be present, will you?

Be There or Forever Hold Your Tongue

The Kent County League of Women voters will hold the first ever candidate forum for Betterton Council and Mayor on Monday evening 7:00 PM, September 27th, 2010 at the Betterton Firehouse. Whether you are happy with town government or frustrated with it, this is your time to hear from the candidates as they vie for seats of leadership. Not a full time Betterton resident, doesn't make a difference , you should attend. Non voter residents can play a major role in promoting the candidate of their choice to those who can visit the ballot box. But supporting and or voting for a candidate requires a thorough understanding of what these candidates see as the future of the Jewel.. The B-blogger will be there listening, learning, and taking note of those who dare to care.

No need for Activia this week

Bettertonians gathered on Saturday evening August 28th to celebrate the town's fig harvest. Residents, neighbors, and friends flocked to Mare and Craig Smith's for a feast of figs incorporated into appetizers, main courses and desserts. There is no doubt that our townspeople will have no problems with regularity. Take a look for yourself!