FIG FEST ON HOLD

Breaking news from meteorologist Dr. Mel states that Hurricane Irene is on a course that could bring 100 mph winds and downpours to the Jewel on Saturday and Sunday.  With this threat Wendy Coslett and Barbara Palma the Fig Fest organizers have put a "Hold" on this much anticipated event with a rain date for next weekend, Sunday September 4th at 4 PM. B-town neighbors and residents are being urged to put away chairs, tables and other items that could become projectiles with Irene's strong gusts.  Some reports are claiming that this storm could be the worst that we have encountered since the early 1990's.  Needless to say power outages are highly likely as a result of our unwanted guest, Irene.  Get out today or at the latest tomorrow and secure batteries for flashlights, canned and dry food as well as plenty of bottled water.  For those of you with pets remember to keep them indoors as strong winds can send cats and small dogs smashing into trees and or over the bluff and into the Chesapeake.  Stay safe, get a good book or two and save those fig recipes for a week from now.  Remember that phone lines may go down so assure that your cell phone is charged and use TEXT messaging when lines are busy.  For up to date weather information click onto Betterton Weather Update.

Betterton Shakes, Rattles Rocks and Rolls

It was Sunday morn while many were at Church as Nature showed her force with excessive winds and torrential rains in B-Town.  Several residents were totally unaware of the damage this storm brought to the Jewel as they sat in pews in Chestertown that was spared the deluge. Trees and their limbs were torn from the ground as electricity and phone service were downed for several hours.  Several homes experienced damage to buildings and their grounds while winds whipped outdoor furniture on their side or onto the bluff.  Just as the Town was beginning to revive, the ground shook from an earthquake centered in VA.  The shake was felt both North, South, East and West of B-town but thankfully with only minimal scares and slight damage.  Interestingly for the B-Blogger, not even a tremor was felt, as he drove down 95 from Philadelphia to Bear,DE.  If that isn't enough the weatherman/woman is reporting the potential for Irene to come and visit B-Town this weekend.  I'm sure my neighbors would agree we are a welcoming community but Irene please don't come.

Thursday and Friday are big days for B-town inhabitants to be activists with the Town Hall Meeting on Rigby Bluff and the Condo's at the Community Center on Thursday ;and the public comment period on a Kent County Dump Site proprosal coming to a close on Friday of this week.  The Sassafras River Association is encouraging everyone to write our County Commissioners with the message of "Just Say No."  There is a B-town petition circulating and for those in Town, contact Joan Zellers to place your "John Hancock" on the document.  For those who are out of town send an email, no later than Friday morning, to the following addresses:

 

Kent Commissioner Contact Information:

President Ronald Fithian, rfithian@kentgov.org                                                                                     Commissioner William Pickrum, wpickrum@kentgov.org                                                                      Commissioner Alexander Rasin, arasin@kentgov.org                                                                   Commissioners' Office, kentcounty@kentgov.org
(Direct your emails to all four of these addresses)

Mailing Address:
Kent County Commissioners
400 High Street
Chestertown, MD 21620

 

So now you have your work cut out for you!  Please leave a post below and tell us about how you and your family fared during the recent weather and what your plans are for Irene should she come for a visit.

What Does Betterton Day and the US have in Common?

The day was clearly beautiful and there were some winners, however, Betterton Day similar to the US credit rating were downgraded this weekend according to a poll from Miss Anna at Scotty's along with feedback from many of the attendees.  While the 6th Avenue Outsiders caught the spirit with their float and goats, there could be so much more if the parade was marketed better.  While the Blogger helped sell T- shirts many parade on-lookers wanted to know where the fish fry vendor was?  Weren't there some amusement type rides for the children last year, one resident asked? As for T-shirts, the two most requested were "Where the H is Betterton" and the Linda Hall Sailboat design with the American flag.  The former seemed to be the favorite of men and the latter was requested by women.  Speaking of women, many wanted to know why few if any of the T-shirts had women's collars?  Several other members of the female gender commented that shirts should include both medium and large sizes, as not all women are supersize nor do they buy these shirts just for nighties.

So what can we do better, according to Miss Anna and many others the BCDC and Betterton Fire Company need to work on this day together.  Start the planning process early and that means this Fall with joint meetings between these two groups.  Utilize town talent especially in the area of marketing and promotion.  Create a Betterton Day Website where ideas can be shared and developed.  Let's go neighbors and friends bet we can get our AAA rating back faster than our country if we don't play partisan politics.

A big thanks to all those who put in the time whether driving a float, manning a booth or helping prepare.  2012 will be amazing!

Forget Toasty Its Dawg Gone Hot in the B-town Tonight

With the temperature passing the 100 degree mark and my plants screaming water me! water me! No one in B-town is cooking except for Marzella's.  Rumor has it that the orders delivered to the Beach are at their highest levels of the season and its only Friday night.  The town is bracing for continued heat and lots of company this weekend as the "Babes of Bayside" hold their annual event. While many in the town will be flocking to the cool waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Sassafras River, let's not forget some of our seasoned elders who may not have AC.  Now is the time to be neighborly and check in on them and offer up some cool air if your house has the air conditioner blowing!

Betterton Day is only a few weeks away and the B-blogger has learned that there could be several new and interesting floats.  I personally suggested a parade of Canine Jewels at the recent BCDC meeting but the idea didn't seem to float.  Remember that our canine friends are equally prone to heat stroke as any of us, so keep them cool, give them plenty of water and don't over-exercise them despite their apparent enthusiasm.

Speaking of the BCDC, volunteers are needed to help set up tables and man or woman them throughout the day.  Tee shirts, mugs and other items will all be up for sale with their proceeds going to BCDC efforts such as greening up our town's public spaces.  If you have the time or have a guest that weekend from whom you will need a brake, contact Joan Zellers or Linda Hall to assure your favorite time slot.

As Babka and I took our morning walk, we noticed some increased items on the old Dublin Dock Deck along with its new pergola, anyone got any news on the potential "go live" date as the summer is half over.

Don't be surprised if the "For Sale" signs on the condo's seem to be disappearing as the B-blogger has learned that all units are now sold or under contract, guess our economy is on the way up, hooray!

Its always good to start off with a bang and I'm ending with a boom.  For those of us that have been here during the week, the Aberdeen booms seem to be more robust than usual.  Anyone feeling the same way or have had their home's shake? Don't hesitate to let our Town's leadership know as they have some phone numbers that will provide some feedback to our neighbor across the Bay. 

Enjoy the weekend! Stay cool and start working on your family or street's B-day float!

It's a Bit Toasty in B-Town

While the weather has been on the dry and hot side,  B-Town has begun its summer fun!  July 4th brought local fireworks to the bluff where kids gathered as dads and granddads set off streamers and rockets.  As moms and grandmas oo'ed and ah'ed at the sounds and sights.  Guess we gave Aberdeen a taste of their own!  This past weekend, Bayside neighbors banned together to help the B-blogger and his partner, Dr. Mark , celebrate the summer with friends and family as some 65 + people ate, drank and threw horse shoes, while the B-blogger's sister and brother-in-law ran the kitchen and the grill.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect with a gentle breeze blowing across the front lawn as guests took in the view. Despite some recent medical issues, Dr. Mark's parent's were able to attend, thanks to his sister Helaine.

Have you seen the latest issue of the Betterton newsletter?  Seems that your Betterton Blog has stirred some interest in neighbors getting together and creating floats for Betterton Day, August 6th.  Contact Amanda Clark at 410-348-5678 to assure your float's presence.  Marzella's seems to be hopping especially with the lack of any other restaurant in Town. The B-blogger has learned that Mr. Marzella likes a glass of fine red wine at the end of a hard day if you wish to bring one along with your order. Anyone got information on when the Old Dublin Dock will re-open?  

The B-blogger has also learned that plans are being finalized for Ladies Diane and Pauline 's Garden Party, later this month.  Also, get in touch with Lady Coslett and Tinkerbelle about the date for Betterton's Annual Fig Fest in late August.  The Chesterown Havurah is also planning a Friday evening service and reception in mid-August at the B-Blogger's home. September 17th the Methodist Church is planning its barbeque chicken dinner, so save some room in your belly.

Anyone know about the proposed "vacations around the world" event that BCDC may sponsor at the community center with photo's and narrative on B-towner's recent sojourns beyond US shores?  Personally, I can't wait to see some pics of Ben and Kim Kohl dancing the Waltz in their latest formal wear and or Dr. Mel sipping a cocktail at Plaza San Marco.  The B-blogger has offered to do an electronic media class for interested residents who would like to improve their understanding of gmail and facebook, let your BCDC leaders know.

Remember if you have information to share, your neighbors want to know, so share as a post below!

Condolensces to Betterton Friend and Neighbor

The B-Blogger has just learned of the passing of Brian Distefano's father this past weekend.  Needless to say Brian is and continues to be a great friend and neighbor to all of us in the Jewel and now its time to be there for him.  Click onto the blog title to see his Dad's obituary in the Philadelphia Inquirer and send Brian and his family your good thoughts and wishes as a comment below.

Weiner Roast

Clearly these are not Betterton residents nor does the Jewel have any elected members of Town Council who are parading their anatomy through the internet via email, tweets or Facebook.  However, the recent stories on Representative Weiner should serve as a note of caution to all, that what you say, do and or post should always be considered as front page headlines whether the Washington Post, New York Times or Kent County News.  So beware what you write.  The biggest caution is for those who do not or rarely use the internet as a form of communication, you may think you are protected but when truth be told, your comments, pictures and or beliefs can indeed go viral through organizations and or friends with whom you speak, write and or support.  Hand written notes, checks, and even home videos can easily be put out for the world to see without any advance notice.  One recommended precaution that can be taken is to simply "Google" your name at least once a quarter and see what comes up, you might be very surprised!  If you know a B-town resident who doesn't use a computer or have access to the internet, you should offer to "Google" them if they agree.  Remember a local traffic ticket can easily be found on the internet.  If you do own a computer don't forget to purchase security software to minimize the chance that someone can access all your information and that of your friends.

Speaking of weiner roasts , the B-blogger has learned that this summer is once again slated for many gatherings and festivities, not the least of which will include Betterton Day and the annual Betterton Fig Fest.  However, only 3 individuals have responded to the B-blogger's inquiry as to whom will be having floats on Betterton Day.  With all the artists, craftsmen/women and other talented folk, we need to bring back the parade of floats or get them from the outside.

The B-blogger knows that some of our followers have been sleeping a bit and not been offering any comments to the posts below, so now is the time to hop back in the saddle and offer up your thoughts, ideas and gossip.  Don't forget this coming Wednesday for the Town Hall on the Waste Water Treatment Plant and its new beginnings.  What's up with lawn recycling?  I thought it was happening twice a month but many residents, including the B-Blogger placed their compostables appropriately, yet they are still sitting there.