Got Gas? Where?

No the B-blogger hasn't lost his mind nor am I looking for comments such as "my mother-in-law's three bean salad", or "my neighbor's dairy cows." Instead, this post is for you to use to post where you are getting the best gasoline prices. In case you weren't aware price per gallon can vary as much as 10-12 cents/gallon on the Chestertown - Middletown corridor. The B-blogger thinks today that Molly's Mart gas at 2.59/gallon is your best bet. So bloggers let us see your recommendations as the days proceed. Just post a recommendation.

Dates to Remember and More!

August 19th - 7PM - The BCDC will meet at Betterton's Town Hall to discuss the new community center's landscaping as well as the fund raising needed to furnish our Center. For more information contact Joan Zellers or leave a post. Unable to attend, donate some dollars to this tax deductible organization. To sponsor a piece of the new interior contact Larry Crew.

August 28th - The Second Annual Betteron Fig Fest! Come by with a fig dish and sample many others. To learn more about specific events during the day contact the Fig Fest chair, Wendy Coslett. To share a favorite fig recipe leave a post below

Who's Jimmie?

The B-blogger has been hearing chatter about this Jimmie character who feels slighted by B-Town residents at least by his comments to these posts. So Jimmie show yourself and perhaps your alleged discrimination will disappear. Please remember this blog only accepts respectful comments and pics. Anybody know of Jimmie's identity?

For Whom The Bell Tolls

Today the 14th of August could not have been nicer, 80ish with just enough humidity to remind those who ventured out that summer in Kent County Maryland was far from over. Accompanying the wonderful weather was a line of cars winding their way into parking spaces throughout the Washington College campus. But no! this was not to see a sporting event or participate in a summer program, but rather to carry family,friends and neighbors from near and far to the memorial service for B-town resident and scholar Benjamin Gibbs Kohl Sr.

It is said that only our maker is perfect but this celebration of his life was as close to perfect as mortals can get. It was a symphony of verse, song and heartfelt feelings that filled the auditorium as individuals spoke of Ben's wisdom, sharp wit, love of history, literature, family and friends. Former students and faculty from both Vassar and Washington praised his ability to nurture those who shared his love for learning,research,and critical thinking. As those gathered listened to those who spoke, we learned that this entire event was scripted by Ben Sr. himself.

But why the title of this post, one might ask? The B-blogger learned just today that amidst all of his scholarship, philanthropy and guidance was a love for the sport of boxing. As with any champion boxer who goes down for the count for his last time, the bell rang ten times to remind those living beings and those above that Ben Gibbs Kohl Sr, a true champion, was leaving for the great archive in the sky.

The B-blogger encourages its readers to leave their thoughts for the Kohl family as a "post" below.

Grace and Elegance

Betterton Day evening would not be the same without the annual Clark party. It is no lie when we say that Betterton has its own Grace Kelly and that indeed is Ginna Clark. A lady who exudes warmth and charm in everything she does and assures these traits are extended to her family. Food, friends and neighbors were abundant at her cottage overlooking the mouth of the Sassafras. Guests were from near and far including former Bettertonian Millie Massey. She along with Tom Hollidge will go down in the books for being tops in gathering Cow Plop donors. Miss Millie is up for the week from Mars Hill, NC and residing with Linda Hall and the Bayside Docs. Oh! Did I forget to mention the party's great Margueritas and shrimp! Ginna and her family were certainly helping out the LA. economy with those large crustaceans, and I can guarantee you there was no oil on these giants.

Strike Up the Band

The gods must have been looking favorably at the citizens of Betterton on Saturday, 07 August, as the weather was superb for the annual Betterton Day celebration. The Duke of Bayside a.k.a. Dr. Mel was up early in order to claim space for his court to view the parade that kicked off the day. While the parade did have its share of politicians, dignitaries, fire trucks and a marching band, the B-Blogger got plenty of comments that it didn't live up to its usual collection of floats, fancy equipment and fire station princesses. Rumors have been circulating that famed Bettertonian and architect, Ken W. may be asked for design ideas for next year. Might the McD's move from T-Shirts to float? What say you (please offer a comment or two)? While it was very apparent that local residents did their share of support through presence and purchase, it's the Blogger's thought that more time and effort in preparation could have brought out more bands, more floats, and more people that would only serve to bring more vendors and hence more dollars to our own Betterton Fire Department. While the B- Blogger was happy to purchase cow plop entries from the young off-spring of a fire-fighter, it might have been better if the person asking was an actual BFD volunteer. Do you know your fire-fighter? Are you ready for a firefighters calendar? Perhaps we should put a hold on that idea until their bellies firm. Oh! Did you purchase a tee shirt? The choices were mind boggling do you get one from the Fire Department, BCDC or Sassafras River? To my better half's chagrin I just couldn't choose so bought them all. While the prices varied from $5 - 18.00, I couldn't tell a difference in quality could you? In the end a good day was had by all, especially Marianne and Craig Smith's sister in law who was spot on with where the plop would fall.

History in the Making!

On the eve of Betterton Day some fifteen members of the Chestertown Havurah gathered at Bayside Docs Malcolm and Mark's home to celebrate the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath. The service began with a candle lighting performed by Dr. Mark's mother Shirley. To the B-Blogger's knowledge this is the first time that any Jewish religious service has ever been held in B-Town. Approximately fifteen congregants joined in in the sunset service, including first timer Phyllis of Phyllis and Dave from the Rigby Condos. The service was led by the Havurah's cantor Gary Schiff and followed by an Oneg Shabbat, a welcoming of the Sabbath with blessings of the wine and bread (Challah)accompanied by delicious desserts and beverage provided by those congregants in attendance. The blessing of the wine was performed by cantor Schiff and that of the Challah by father and son, Barry and Mark.

The B-Blogger has also learned that other history is in the making with the decision by Bob Thomas, that hulk of a husband to Lady Jeanette, to create a photographic essay of today's homes in Betterton and their owners and families. That's right you may soon here a "knock,knock" at your door with a request from Bob to gather in front of your home for a photo or two. In discussion with the B-Blogger , Bob explained he wants to give back to the town he loves with this historical collection so that our children, their children and future residents will all have a visual of B-Town at the start of the 21st century. The B-Blogger believes that this special collection deserves a place in our soon to be community center.

Last but not least, thanks to Judy Kohl, our blog got mention in Judy's wonderful column in the Kent County News. Who knows we may make it to CNN or Fox News, did I hear someone say Oprah?