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.

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.

Councilman Zellers On the Road to Recovery

B-Blogger just got this update from Joan on Ed's path to health.  

Ed's open heart surgery went well yesterday. He is currently in the ICU at Lancaster General Hospital and doing well. He will stay in the ICU today and then be moved to the cardiac step down unit where the "drill sergeants" will start him on his way to recovery. The plan is for him to be discharged to Lisa's (daughter) home Tuesday or Wednesday where he will stay until his follow up visit with the surgeon and cardiologist. We are anticipating 14-18 days and then we will be going home to continue his recovery and start rehab.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. It is very comforting to know so many people are surrounding us with love and prayers.

Joan

Talk About Political Spin

The B-blogger just received a legislative update from our Maryland State Delegate Michael D. Smigel.  He is very proud of being elected to head the Maryland House of Delegates' Tea Party Caucus.  However, what caught my eye was his proud sponsorship of House Bill 9 " which would allow law abiding citizens from Maryland's contiguous  states to carry their concealed weapons in our state if they have a vaild permit from their home State." But here is the "spin": "By not recognizing permits from other states we are losing revenue from tourism and shopping because citizens are unwilling to travel here without their concealed weapons for protection."  Can you believe this statement?  Is Maryland a dangerous state?  Do you really think that people aren't shopping at Peoples because they can't carry their concealed weapon?  I may not be the brightest bulb in the Jewel but I can think of a lot of other ways we can boost tourism and shopping in Maryland.

If building State revenue from tourism and shopping is truly a goal of our delegate, than why didn't he step up to the plate and co-sponsor the bill to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.  Massachusetts, New York, Iowa and other states are taking in millions from weddings and tourism since they passed this law.

The B-blogger would love to hear your comments as a post-below. Just for the record the B-blogger is not against hunting, in fact I believe it is a necessity to control populations of deer and other wild animals that are multiplying at phenomenal rates and or spreading disease such as Lyme, Rabies, Leptospirosis to name a few.  So what say you Bettertonians?

Oh! Don't forget this coming Monday is not only the start of Passover but the day you must file your tax returns.