Award Winning Town and Weather

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!

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.

Sunset Grille and More

If its Thursday night in Betterton, then get yourself to the Sunset Grille at least that's the thought of resident Wendy Coslett.  For the past month or so, Ms. Coslett has encouraged neighbors and friends to join a "get to know" event on Thursday at the Sunset Grille at the Beach beginning at 6:30 pm.  The Grille's owners are there and want to hear how they can make this establishment better.  The Blogger can honestly say that over the past few weeks the quality of their burgers have improved along with their service.  Many neighbors who come will order dinner but you're welcome even if you just want a cold beer, glass of wine or diet coke. Mayor Sorge has joined the group several times and we'd welcome Town Council members too. The conversation is always lively and gives us all a chance to get to know each other better.  This Thursday there will be a BCDC meeting at the Community Center at 7 PM so why not go there first and then head over to the "Grille."  Perhaps we'll hear more about the robberies that have been occurring within the Jewel and develop plans to end this petty theft ring rapidly.

Feral Felines Fear Fragrance

Today, November 16th is National Feral Cat Day!  The dilemma of feral felines is something not unique to Kent County, Maryland and is an area of intense interest to the Shelter Medicine program at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine.  In the most recent edition of the Cornell Feline Health Center's "CatWatch" magazine, there is some interesting advise on keeping these unwanted felines out of your gardens and other outside areas. 

Citrus, specifically the rind of oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes is a fragrance that most cats despise.  So if you have feral felines spending time digging, pooping, peeing, and or lounging in your vegetable or flower gardens try a citrus compost.  The suggestion is to chop, grate or grind the rind of your favorite citrus fruit and sprinkle it throughout your garden on a regular basis, this will encourage all felines to look elsewhere for a comfort zone.  Camphor balls will have a similar impact and can protect your precious flower bulbs from moles and squirrels too. However, camphor balls if not buried in the soil can poison some canine friends.

Cornell's recommendation for feral felines is institute a trap, neuter, release program but assure that no one is feeding these felines.  Create a town event where neighbors can help build cat shelters deep in a wooded area within the township.  Plans for these feline shelters are readily available online.  All privately owned felines should be micro-chipped so that they can easily be identified and returned to their rightful owners should they stray from home.

He's Back!

No we are not talking Freddy Kruger but rather the B-Blogger after a 15 day lecture tour through Asia.  Needless to say the good Dr. Z in addition to handling his shifts at CRHS was busy walking the dog, cleaning the cat litter box and did I mention replacing the drywall and painting it after Irene's damage at our Philly abode.  Thanks to our amazing Annette Green I was able to keep an eye on the Jewel from S. Korea, the Philippines and mainland China.  It was in the Philippines that Annette reminded me she needed my recipe for carmelized figs with goat cheese and almonds.

Prior to my departure to South Korea and the World Small Animal Veterinary Conference, my personal physician warned me that my return trip home would take a toll on me.  Indeed, the twelve hour difference has had me going a bit wacky as I'm ready for bed at 10 AM EDST and  wanting breakfast at 7 PM EDST.  I gather I should be back on schedule by Thanksgiving.

So what about Asia?  The people were great and I spoke on communicating with pet owners to audiences of veterinarians that ranged in size from 70-200 people.  As I flew from South Korea, to the Philippines, then to Shanghai and Beijing China, on to Tokyo,Japan and finally in Taichung, Taiwan, I learned a lot about veterinary medicine in these locales.  Dogs and cats in Asian cultures have traditionally been considered outdoor animals and not pets.  This has been changing slowly over the past 10-20 years with many Asian families owning small dogs and some cats as household members.  To my surprise most of the medicine practiced is of the Western influence and only a few practices are doing Eastern medicine such as acupuncture.  While the majority are small 1-2 person veterinary facilities it was surprising to me that there were also a good number of multi-doctor, multi-hospital facilities, some with 24 hour emergency care and a few that even offered pets ultrasound and /or CT scans.  This being said, dogs and cats are still being raised for food and inhumane treatment of them made it to the Chinese newspaper's front page.  I was also supposed to have spoken in Bangkok, Thailand but due to flooding from the recent Typhoons, that trip was cancelled.

Many of the Asian countries that I visited had veterinarians who could understand English but concerned about their speaking abilities and since I'm not fluent in Mandarin I had interpreters at each conference at which I spoke.  Lecturing with interpreters is a bit of a challenge if you haven't done this before as not only must you slow your pace down but in certain cases you can only speak a few sentences before stopping so the interpreter has time to rapidly digest the speaker's words and then transpose them into the appropriate language.

I'm pretty adventurous with my willingness to try different foods and for the most part everything was delicious.  There were a few fishy things in Manila that could break a tooth if you chomped down hard, so I did elect not to consume them.  What was another surprise was the delicious and varied breads that were served in China.  "Against the Grain" would really have to work hard to compete with the taste, texture and content of these Asian breads.  Did anyone say wine?  Well Dr. Mel, wines in the Philippines, Korea, China and Japan are not what we get here.  The Asian wines are most frequently drank from a shot glass and sipped pretty slowly, they are sweet and powerful with an alcohol content of greater than 40%.  B-town's Mayor may need a sip or two after battling with the Maryland legislature over refunding our gas tax.


With the exception of Jeju Island, S. Korea, most of the nations are still battling with pollution and as you will see many of my photos are backgrounded in haze. Perhaps our very own environmentalist Kim Kohl should visit to bring them some real sunshine.  This being said Shanghai was my most favorite spot, having visited there in 1987.  What a change! It is a modern city with amazing public transportation where all signs including main street signs are in Chinese and English.  While B-town suffered some recent bout with bad boys and girls stealing and damaging neighbor's properties, I felt very comfortable walking through the many parks and streets of Shanghai.  Went to the People's Park, where parents are offering their daughters for marriage to eligible Chinese men.  Parent's of the men must come with a suitable resume of the future husband and much discussion pursues.

Well enjoy some pictures and let the Blogger know what your holiday plans will be?  Happy Halloween! Oh! What do you think of the blog's new format?