Don't Rain On My Parade

This song's title was the chant at Bettertonian Melvin Rapelyea's kick off party on Friday evening just prior to Betterton Day!  As always Dr. Rapelyea's gatherings are spectacular, unfortunately for the host he spent the majority of his time frying up some delicious halibut sliders in his garage. Neighbors and friends gathered and the chatter was all about the coming day and the forecast of rain.  There was also some talk about the lack of pre-event promotions and the question was anyone going to be in the parade.  Alas, the Betterton Volunteer Fire Department made it all happen and the man or woman upstairs kept the raindrops from falling. Unfortunately the B-Blogger had to work all that day caring for the sick so I was unable to take any pictures.  I'm sure our readers would love if some of you  photographers would share your picks whether taken on your I-phone, Android tablet, or Canon SLR, so go forth and post in the comment section below.

Blooms of the Rain Garden

Earlier this Spring a group of residents got their hands dirty as well as their knees turning over the soil of what was to be our Community Center's rain garden.  Thanks to those hard working Bettertonians and a somewhat wet summer, those plants they placed have come into their own.  According to the Rain Garden Committee more plants are scheduled to be added as the Fall season comes upon us.  In the meantime, enjoy these pictures and offer your thoughts on rain gardens, their beauty and their value.  I'm sure that Joan Zellers, Kim Kohl , Mare Smith and Merceda can add their knowledge and expertise to this blog post.

What Are We Chopped Liver?

Just saw this you tube video about the Jewel of the Chesapeake and guess what it has nothing to do with Betterton, so do we have any videographers and or drone owners who want to put this video to shame and show where the Jewel really shines?  Check out this link:

Out on the Chesapeake

Sustainability Committee Needs Your Feedback

By now all Bettertonians should have received an invitation to complete a survey on where the Jewel should go with respect to seeking grants for sustainable community projects. Mayor and Council have assembled a team headed by Joe Stock and Kim Kohl to attempt to have Betterton declared as a Sustainable Community  and thereby be eligible to seek grants for a variety of projects. Joe and Kim and their team are reaching out to each and everyone in the Jewel to determine just what's important to YOU.  Thanks to assistance from Annette Green each of you should have received an online link to a "Survey Monkey" poll explaining just what areas sustainability covers and asking for your insights.  If you haven't received this yet or you are uncomfortable with online surveys you can visit Annette during normal business hours at the Town Office and get a printed copy of the survey to complete or just email her at info@townofbetterton.com. Joe and Kim's team have come up with some interesting options from bluff restoration to ferry service to and from Aberdeen but perhaps you have others such as the chicken concept in the New York Times (check this out)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/27/realestate/new-york-city-backyards-welcome-chickens-and-bees.html?hpw&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpHedThumbWell&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well

Starting From Scratch

After a long respite the Betterton Blogger is back with a list of potential blog posts that include the sustainability survey, the community center rain garden, upcoming elections and more.  So as I begin today's blog post, can you identify this bird enjoying the sights on the Bay from the Betterton Bluffs?

Please offer up your thoughts Falcon, Osprey, Eagle in the comment section below.

A Pajama Party and More says Impresario and Jazz Festival promoter Mel Rapelyea

Tonight's the night as the rocket shall roar off its launch pad says Dr. Mel also known as the Duke of Betterton and most recently the Impresario.  Make sure to take a nap so you can look up at the heavens and see the NASA rocket go through its stages beginning at 11:27 PM tonight.  For more insights on this event see the previous blog post.   Don't plan on getting too much sleep, however, as at 10:30 am Wilmer Park will open to kick off the Jazz Festival with the Chestertown River Arts' annual Art in the Park and at 11:30 am the "100 Voice Choir of Kent County" will entertain with gospel music.  Starting at 3:15 pm the headliners will appear including Sue Matthews and Cyrus Chestnut.  Remember to leave your animal companions at home, as pets will be restricted from Wilmer Park during the festival hours.  On Sunday, if the horns, drums and piano's have saturated your senses, go for some nature at Priapi Gardens Open from 10 am - 3 pm.  While the Jazz festival tickets are $25.00/pp, Priapi is free and their plants will all be buy one get one free. Don't forget your smart phones and or camera's and post your favorite pictures on the Blog.

The Jewel Has It's Own Diana Nyad

Cuba to Florida is an amazing accomplishment and shows how true grit, determination, and living your dream    propelled Diana Nyad through those rough and dangerous waters. See this lady at the finish line . What most people don't know is that one of the Jewel's very own Anthony McCarley of Crew's Landing just swam the English Channel at age 59.  Like Diana this was a dream come true for Anthony and one that the Blogger thinks the town should celebrate, perhaps as Guest of Honor at next year's Betterton Day!  Check out Anthony's amazing 13 hour 29 minute journey at  Anthony's Challenge. If you have ideas as to how best to recognize Anthony and his feat post it on the blog.