Whether Or Not The Groundhog Saw His Shadow - The Jewel Is Readying for Spring

While today is overcast and cold, the outlook for the rest of Winter does not appear to be gloomy. As you walk the streets and byways of the Jewel you will find hyacinths and daffodils in bloom.  However the true sign of Spring is the return of garden waste clean-up, so grab you i-pads, google calendar or more traditional versions of your daily planner and pay attention to the latest update from Annette Green, our Town Clerk.

"Yard waste will be collected by the Town of Betterton within Town limits for two reasons: first to provide a service to residents who would otherwise have no means of disposing of Yard waste safely and efficiently, and as a way to keep garden waste out of the regular trash collection cycle.  This reduces the weight of trash collected and therefore reduces the cost of tipping fees at the landfill.

Yard waste is defined as: leaves, grass clippings, small branches (not to exceed 3inches in diameter), and small plants. The collected waste will be taken to the Nicholson Transfer station to be mulched.  The mulch is available to all Kent County residents at the Nicholson Transfer Station.  No plastics or other non-mulchable materials will be accepted.

The following is the criteria for garden waste collection.  Any waste not conforming to the following specifications will not be collected and is the responsibility of the property owner to remove and dispose.

Yard waste will be collected on the March12, 2012; and then the second and fourth Mondays of April and ending the fourth Monday in October,with the exceptions of July and August where pick up will only be on the second Monday.  A pick-up of live Christmas trees will be scheduled for the second week in January. This collection will be advertised inthe quarterly Town Newsletter. 

Leaves, grass clippings, and small plant matter must be bagged and the bags can not contain any other materials (no plastic flower pots, plastic bags,paper bags, ribbons or bows). Not more than four (4) bags will be collected at each property bi-weekly; and a bag is not to exceed 30 lbs in weight.

No tree roots, sand, stones or plastic will be accepted.

Tree branches no larger than 3 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length will be collected.  All branches must be stacked neatly and the stack can not exceed 3 feet in height.  Any stacks of branches or limbs exceeding this limit will be the responsibility of the property owner to remove."

When one thinks Spring, visions of flowers, emerging fields of grain and of course weddings come to mind.  This past week marks the signing by Governor O'Malley of the Gay Marriage Act.  Just prior to signing this legislation into law the Governor was quoted as saying  "for a free and diverse people, for a people of many faiths, for a people committed to the principle of religious freedom, the way forward is always found for the greater respect of the equal rights of all, for the human dignity of all."

To all the Bettertonians who too believe in liberty and justice for all, thanks for writing our local legislators and encouraging them to stand up for all of their constituents and not their party line.  Sadly, none of our local State representatives had the bravery and courage to do so.

In a recent interview on "Talk of the Nation" a member of Maryland's Black clergy, Reverend Delman Coates spoke on his view of gay marriage. He is the senior pastor of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, Maryland. Specifically the Reverend said "I've been able to support the Civil Marriage Protection Act because I believe that it's critically important in a pluralistic democracy that we don't use theology as a basis for public policy.

And so I believe - while there are well-intentioned people on all sides of this question, I think that it's a dangerous public-policy precedent to use one's subjective and personal theology as a basis for determining whether all citizens, and in this instance the residents of the state of Maryland, deserve the same basic civil liberties."  For more of his comments as well as those that continue to stifle this liberty, check out Talk of the Nation.

Who knows if all goes well in 2013, Betterton could be the site for the first Gay Marriage in Kent County.

Perhaps Delegates Hershey, Jacobs and Smigiel along with Senator Pipkin could learn from Pastor Coates.  Wouldn't it be great if Betterton's UMC hosted Pastor Coates for an evening's presentation?  Let's hear your thoughts in a post below.

Time to Write Our Legislators - Jacobs, Smigiel, Pipkin & Hershey

Equality Maryland 

Monday night, Governor O’Malley introduced the Civil Marriage Protection Act. This bill would provide same-sex couples in Maryland the freedom to marry while preserving the religious freedom of all churches and places of worship in the state.

On Tuesday morning, the Governor invited clergy, advocates, legislators and gay and lesbian couples to join him for breakfast at the mansion (Government House). I was honored to stand before this distinguished group of people to thank the Governor for his leadership and pledge Equality Maryland’s commitment to help him pass this bill. I thanked him on behalf of all of you—the thousands of individuals and families Equality Maryland is humbled to fight for. The breakfast was followed by a press conference on the steps of the mansion. If you haven’t seen the video, you can view it here. I was so proud to bear witness to this moment that all of us, including you, worked so hard over the course of many years to make happen.

Now, let me tell you about what is happening next week. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will hold a hearing on Tuesday. We are waiting for a House hearing date, so stay tuned for that. This bill cannot pass without all of you raising your voices and demanding equality for our families. There are several things you can do—help us call voters in key districts, attend Lobby Day or make a contribution to help us continue our work.

Thanks to all of you for being engaged and, as always, do not hesitate to contact me with questions, concerns, compliments or suggestions!

Rumors have it that Wendy and Barbara are already discussing their Wedding Planning and Consultation business- Bringing Jobs and Business to Betterton.

Wicked Winds of Winter

I'm looking out my window and watching the gentle waves of the Chesapeake Bay as they march up the Sassafras River.  If I didn't know any better, I would think this is early November or April as the sun is out, a coat is needed and there isn't a remnant of snow.  Alas it is the middle of January and Betterton has seen barely a wisp of white.  Don't misunderstand me as I'm more than happy that I haven't yet had to lift a shovel nor skid on ice, but it is a true rarity to get this far along into winter without a hint of snow.  This being said we haven't been spared the winter winds and for those who have flown the northern coop, let it be known that we have had our share of cold and strong winds toppling trees and tossing anything loose across the ground.

While the local population has dwindled from its summer highs, neighbors still abound and Thursday nights at the Sunset Grille have really flourished with residents and friends gathering for gossip, news and good food beginning at 6 PM.  If you've got a Thursday evening free be sure to pop in as it is great to commingle with neighbors from both sides of Main Street.

Speaking of news, for those who haven't dipped their toes in the Jewel lately, I'm happy to report that recent visits to the hospital by Wendy Coslett and John McDougall have all ended well.  Please feel free to wish them rapid recovery as a post below.

While crime is still minimal, the opportunity to be part of a Town Watch team still exists, just check the link to the town's website or contact Annette.  Rumors are running that Marzella's will soon be offering hot coffee and breakfast snacks, so if it does you'll be able to avoid those gas guzzling trips for a table at Play It Again Sam's, although the B-Blogger must state that this is a favorite stop on Friday mornings.  Jean McDougall is in love with their smoked salmon on a toasted bagel.  Jean says to always ask for Doris to make it, she is the best and her husband heralds from the Jewel.

The Jewel Shines Over Thanksgiving Weekend

While the days prior to Turkey Day kept everyone a bit wet, Thanksgiving Day and the 3 days that followed certainly verged on perfection with moderate temperature, sun kissed skies and a medley of neighbors, family and friends.  While the B-Blogger was in Philadelphia on Thursday serving up turkey and all the trimmings to his in-laws, it is rumored that Judy Kohl put out a wonderful Thanksgiving spread for those Bettertonians that would otherwise have eaten Turkey all alone.  Participants each brought a dish or two and the wonderful conversation far exceeded any tryptophan induced sleep. While some neighbors rushed out early on Black Friday to snarf up those bargains, the weather created a great atmosphere to get out and walk or bike.  The B-Blogger wore out his standard poodle with multiple laps around the neighborhood on his bike.  Don't worry, I did carry my pooper scoop bags in my back pocket to assure a clean neighborhood.  Speaking of clean neighborhoods, the Farnham boys were busy on Friday too, mowing lawns and cleaning leaves, they certainly demonstrate the will to work, but thankfully on Saturday the Blogger did catch them throwing a football with their kids. So now is your chance to share your happenings and recipes with a post below.  Perhaps we'll even see some comments from former Bettertonians.

After catching your breath tomorrow, Cyber Monday, remember that Christmas and Hanukah are not far off.  The Chester River Chorale will be holding two very unique performances this coming December 2nd and 4th where they will celebrate the holiday yuletide and the festival of lights.  That's right, Christmas and Hanukah coincide this year so the Chorale will feature favorites from both holidays.  Performances will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown and only a $15 donation per person is suggested.

Speaking of performances don't forget the BCDC's annual Christmas party on December 14th at 6 pm.  Plans are to hold the event at the Sunset Grille, bring your friends and family.  The BCDC will be holding its annual meeting and elections at the same time so don't forget to offer yourself up for one of the several openings on the Board.  Contact Linda Hall or Joan Zellers for more information.

When you think traffic jams, DC, Philadelphia, Baltimore come to mind but Lynch?  Check out the photos that Dr. Z grabbed while waiting in a line of traffic as the lone choo choo made it across the road.

If you haven't been to B-Town in a few weeks you are probably unaware that the yacht that appeared stranded in Betterton harbor since mid-August has been repaired and moved out under its own power the week before Thanksgiving.  According to Bob Thomas, the owner had been coming down to B-town on Fridays and using a small power boat to travel out to the stranded ship and administer repairs which included some underwater scuba activities. As you'll see in the picks below the yacht moved from its spot in the harbor to Betterton's public dock.  Had it stayed in its previous position much longer, the B-Blogger was tempted to swim out and claim it for the town.  Since the yacht's owner has attempted to befriend Barbara Palma, perhaps we can get an update as to where it is berthed now.

A note of caution during the holiday season in that the Jewel continues to be plagued with a few petty thefts, so lock your cars, sheds and doors before going to bed or leaving your homes and don't forget to call the police IMMEDIATELY if you see anything that looks suspicious.

Sally Get Your Gun !

Whether Sally wants a gun for Christmas or JoAnn needs sports memorabilia get yourself to the Betterton Volunteer Fire Company's hunting and sports extravaganza on Saturday October 1st.  All you need is $35.00/pp to get in the door and then the fun happens with both a silent and live auction.  For a mere $300.00 you can purchase a table where your closest friends can gather too.  What no friends?  Don't fret you have time to collect a baker's dozen or two on your Facebook page or Google+.  Remember that without the men and woman of our Jewel's fire company the homes and lives of Bettertonians and their nearby neighbors are at risk.  Rumor has it from the Blogger's trusted source that donations of cash are more than welcome if you can't make the date.  Oh! Its from 4- 8 PM.

Betterton Volunteer Fire Company To purchase tickets, call 410-348-3030

B-Town Makes It Big Time

Bettertonians you did it again with an amazing Fig Fest, thanks to organizers Wendy Coslett and Barbara Palma.  While the US Congress may not know how to work together, B-Towner's and their friends sure do.  This year's Fest was larger than ever and the food unbelievable as you'll see from pictures above.  Its acclaim has even garnered a story in the "Chestertown Spy", check it out at http://www.chestertownspy.com/missing-the-fig-festival/ .While the two previous Fests have had judging and prizes, this was the first year for "junior judging" where the future adults of our community brought their own creations and Doyle DiStefano got first place.  Don't be surprised if in another 15 years Doyle doesn't open a great dining establishment right here in Betterton. Oh, how could I forget the great Judy Kohl article in this week's Kent County News, next year could bring pieces in Travel and Leisure, New York Times, Washington Post and the Baltimore Sun.  By the by did you know that Paul McCarty's yacht dropped anchor in Betterton Harbor outside the Coslett compound?  Wendy said she tried to swim out to invite them to come ashore, but getting the food out for neighbors did take precedent.

A few weeks prior to Fig Fest, B-towners hosted another big event and that was the Chestertown Havurah's Friday night service at the Zwanger/Kram house.  This was the second year for the Havurah to celebrate the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath with prayer and an Oneg.  The Oneg is all about food and friends.  This year's gathering brought not only tons of appetizers and desserts but also a crowd of about 25 members from Chestertown, Galena, and Middletown.  The prayer service was led by Cantor Gary Schiff, history professor at Washington College.  Many of the newcomers commented how beautiful Betterton is and how welcoming the neighbors are. 

As for upcoming events, the Betterton Volunteer Fire Department has a Sportsman's event planned for early October.  Any readers with more information should list it as a "Post" below.

Joan Zellers wanted to publicly thank all those Bettertonians who wrote comments to "Just Say No" to a Kent County Dumpsite.  Let's hope that as the Susquehana dam gates are opened to deal with the flooding to our North and West, that storm rampage will not turn our beautiful bay into a garbage dump.

Hope you enjoyed the pics!