Bayside Gazette

Debate over signs and tables boils over at council meeting

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BERLIN — Downtown merchants turned out in mass at the Monday meeting of the Berlin Town Council to register their discontent with actions by the Historic District Commission to curb the use of sandwich board signs and café tables along Main Street. Joining that dissent were Mayor Gee Williams and Town Administrator Anthony Carson.

The following morning, Planning and Zoning Director Chuck Ward, the town liaison to the commission resigned, after reportedly being given the option to depart on his own or be dismissed.

Citing editorials and news articles in this paper, Williams and Carson took issue with the commission assumption of jurisdiction over the placement and appearance of moveable structures and sought guidance from Town Attorney David Gaskill.

Williams commented on the efforts the town had been taking to create a business-friendly environment for the downtown Main Street sector.

“The idea of restricting or outlawing sandwich board signs is something that is a major step backward,” he said.

Ward said the town was undergoing a revision of its comprehensive plan and that a revision of the zoning code would likely be a part of that process.

Williams asked if Ward had discussed the matter with Carson or Public Works Director Michael Gibbons. When Ward responded that the issue had been the topic of discussions, Carson interjected that the decision to bar the signs would not have been his opinion.

During an April 17 special meeting, the Historic Commission discussed the practice of the owners of the Globe Theater and Si’Culi restaurant placing café tables along the sidewalks in front of their establishments.

Town Councilmember Lisa Hall told the commission that she was concerned that the tables might hinder passage by wheelchairs and strollers, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the meeting’s minutes. At the time of the meeting, the commission was waiting to receive advice from the town attorney on the legal ramifications of the sidewalk tables.

In a separate April 19 letter, the commission ended an agreement allowing the owner of Town Center Antiques to place the store’s sandwich board on Main Street.

“The Commission found that the sign’s quality and design were not consistent with other signs in the District, but did provide the allowance of the sign for the remainder of the 2012 calendar year,” the letter said.

Ward said in the letter, “As the enforcement officer for the Commission, it is my duty to advise you to no longer display your sidewalk sign until you have returned to the Commission to either receive approval for the existing sign [or] approval of a new sign.”

At that time, it was expected that the staff would recommend the sandwich board signs be eliminated in the new draft of the town’s zoning code, based on the discussions of the commission.

According to Williams, the commission had no authority to change the town’s zoning code to disallow the signs. Fixed sidewalk structures do fall under the purview of the commission, however, according to Gaskill.

Williams said later the fear of the business community was not based on real information and that the commissioner’s questions never came through the proper channels to the town employee with the responsibility for the decision. The commission should have been given more guidance and they were not, he said.

At the council’s direction Gaskill has drafted a proposed ordinance to formalize the town’s policy on the use of café tables and signs to ensure that they comply with the zoning code and Americans with Disabilities Act. The proposed ordinance is expected to be presented for a first reading during the May 28 council meeting.

According to a copy the proposal, changes (italicized for emphasis) pertaining to sidewalk obstructions would direct that:

It shall be unlawful except with the permission of the Mayor and Council for the owner or occupant of any premises within the corporate limits of the town to place, erect or store, or to cause or permit to be placed, erected or stored on the sidewalk abutting his premises any articles, chattels, tables and chairs or merchandise of any type, except that this article shall not apply to placing or maintaining on said portion of the sidewalk any scales or weighing devices, stands for the use in selling newspapers or stone flower boxes.

The mayor and council shall not permit any articles, chattels, tables and chairs or merchandise of any type to be placed on a sidewalk unless said obstructing items comply with and meet the minimum sidewalk accessibility standards contained in the Maryland State Highway Administration’s accessibility policy and guidelines for pedestrian facilities along state highways, June 2010 edition.

Any sidewalk sign permitted to be placed in a commercial district pursuant to Chapter 108, Article X, Section 108-91 of the Town Code shall be exempt from the requirement of seeking permission of the mayor and council for the placement of said sidewalk sign; but shall comply with and meet the minimum sidewalk accessibility standards contained in the Maryland State Highway Administration’s accessibility policy and guidelines for pedestrian facilities along state highways, June 2010 edition.

During Monday’s council meeting, Councilmember Paula Lynch had questioned Gaskill’s assertion that the commission had no jurisdiction over the street signs and had asked Ward to research the similar practices by other historic district commissions. She said she had noticed some signs that clearly did not meet the town’s standards.

Ward had said that when he came into the position as planning director the commission granted approval of the town signs.

Planning Commission gives prelim OK to development

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BERLIN — The Berlin Planning Commission unanimously voted to grant preliminary approval for the site plan of a 40-lot residential subdivision between Tripoli and Bay Streets, proposed by Main Street Homes at Berlin, during the commission’s May 8 meeting. The development would be adjacent to Route 113.

The preliminary approval for the plan, however, was contingent on the developer addressing several points that were raised by the commissioners relating to street width, easements for adjoining properties, and adherence to the town’s new stormwater regulations.

David Dombert, president of Gaithersburg-based Main Street Homes, and Steven Hutchins, the development’s project manager from Georgetown, Del.-based Morris and Ritchie Associates Inc., discussed the plans for the development and responded to questions posed by the commissioners.

Dombert said the plan had not substantively changed since it was first submitted in 2009.

However, several issues had been raised since that time. One concern, raised by William and Charlotte Dennis, and William and Susan Ferster, was that a planned open space buffer between their homes and the proposed development could restrict future development of their properties. The landscape design would leave them without road frontage, which would be required to subdivide the property at any point in the future, the homeowners said.

Another concern was that the State Highway Administration wanted the width of the development’s roads expanded from the planned width of 24-feet to 30-feet, to allow for emergency vehicles entering the proposed community and traffic clearance.

In a May 6 staff report, Berlin Planning and Zoning Director Chuck Ward, recommended that only a preliminary site plan be approved if the commission’s concerns were adequately addressed. He recommended that the commission not make a final determination that planned unit development provisions of the Town Code had been met until the final site plan was approved.

The report also said, the staff recommended the commission condition any approvals with the requirement that other applicable approvals are secured by the applicant. The other requirements the development plan must also meet included the county’s Forest Conservation Act, an erosion and sediment control plan and construction requirements for sewer, electric, infrastructure construction and stormwater management designs.

Regarding the effect of the development on adjoining properties, provisions under the town code require that structures and open spaces within a development’s site plan not adversely affect adjacent properties. Vice Chairman Ron Cascio and Commissioner Newt Chandler asked the developer whether he would be amenable to granting an easement through a section of open space that would give the neighboring property owners road access to the other side, where the plans included a town-owned street inside the boundaries of the development.

Ward said since the area in question was open space, granting an easement might pose a few complications, such as additional requirements that would have to be met under the town’s subdivisions code. For example, if the open space area in the developer’s plan was left in place, the adjacent properties might still be blocked from access to the street, if the developer intended to maintain ownership of the open space between the internal street and the short boundary line with Dennis and Ferster.

Dombert said that he was open to finding a legal agreement that served the purposes of the development, town and adjoining properties.

Chandler also asked about height and density issues, specifically if there were height restrictions and whether there would be other living spaces allowed in the development. Dombert said the residences were primarily two-story dwellings, although some might have attics, and the garages were single-story structures. Ward noted the code only allowed one dwelling per lot.

Dombert requested help from the town regarding SHA’s concerns with the width of the street entrance. He proffered the idea that town officials might intercede by writing to SHA on behalf of keeping the entrances narrow.

Cascio asked how parking needs would be accommodated on narrower streets and whether a landscaped planter island in the middle of the intersection would meet the mutual needs of the development and SHA. Dombert said the streets were not set up for parking because the garages were designed for the rear of the housing units. But the discussion seemed moot, since Ward pointed out that if the development is approved it will be the town that decided whether street parking would be allowed.

On the issue of the planting strip, Dombert said the design of the development was intended to be a subtle and low impact addition to the surrounding community. Medians, he said, give the impression something large and new. He seemed more amenable to an entrance that gradually narrowed from 30-feet at the cross street to 24-feet a short distance inside.

Also, the commissioners discussed current plans that called for a street that would dead end at the last home on that street. During the discussion, it was suggested that a cul-de-sac would serve a similar purpose. Dombert appeared to be hesitant to agree to build a cul-de-sac at the location.

Near the end of the meeting, Cascio made reference to a waiver letter the developer received from EA Engineering, Science, and Technology Inc., the town’s storm water consultant. Cascio told the developer, “This causes me some heartache.” Referring to Berlin’s new stormwater management plan, Cascio said, “It pains me that this property will come up under the old regs.”

New stormwater management rules are set to begin on July 1 and will include billing other town businesses a fee based on the square-footage of water impervious space that exists on their properties.

Dombert said at the time the preliminary plans for the development were being compiled, stormwater standards were being handled by the county. He said the waiver was granted based on the understanding that the plans were 5 percent to 10 percent away from final approval at that time.

In an April 22 town council meeting, Councilmember Lisa Hall said she had been assured that no grandfathering of existing properties would be permitted under the new stormwater policy. Town Administrator Anthony Carson said the waiver, which was approved by stormwater engineering contractor Darl Kolar of EA Engineering, was still in affect when the stormwater program was approved.

In a Dec. 21, 2011 letter, Kolar told Jeffrey Harman of the architectural firm Becker Morgan Group the approval “[I]s based on the fact that the number of lots and planned density was established and the project’s stormwater management review was substantially completed by Worcester County prior to May 4, 2010 and occurred prior to the Town of Berlin initiating its own stormwater management plan review program. The project is required to obtain stormwater management approval through the Town of Berlin under the pre-Stormwater Management Act of 2007 requirements.”

Kolar further said “[T]his Administrative Waiver will expire on May 4, 2013 unless final project approval has been obtained to include any and all phases or sections.” It would expire on May 4, 2017 if final project approval was received prior to May 4, 2013, Kolar said, adding that all authorized construction would be required to be completed by the May 4, 2017, deadline.

In a May 10 interview, Kolar said the stormwater approval was more of a review process than a formal letter, which he said did not exist. “It’s more like they have addressed all the comments,” he said, estimating that the discussions generated several iterations of comment and responses. The developer was required to submit and resubmit the environmental site design, until the stormwater consultants’ requirements and questions had been addressed.

Kolar said the final project approval was granted just under the wire on May 3, “When we informed them that our comments were satisfied.” He said the developer actually went beyond what was required. While the development was grandfathered under stormwater management regulations that existed before 2010, by incorporating rain gardens, it included features that were reviewed against the new stormwater regulations, Kolar said.

He said it was a misconception that there was a waiver from stormwater management requirements. “They still have to meet stormwater management requirements,” he said, whether under the old regulations or new ones.

Parks Commission discusses mural contest for Decatur Park

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BERLIN — The Berlin Parks Commission at its May 7 meeting discussed plans to hold a mural design contest to replace fading artwork along the racquetball court wall behind the tennis courts in Stephen Decatur Park.
According to a proposed application for the contest, the commission would seek original artwork depicting scenes from Berlin.
The commission’s town liaison, Deputy Administrator Mary Bohlen, said she could contact local schools to publicize the contest.
The commission also discussed a proposal to allow individuals or organizations to sponsor several flowerbeds in Stephen Decatur Park. The areas would be designated with signs. A proposal to establish a “Friends of Berlin Parks” board that would operate under the supervision of the commission was briefly raised as a possibility.
The commission also discussed replacing faded walking path distance signs in the park. Bohlen said she was reviewing the costs of making the replacements.
For William Henry Park, the commission was updated by Terran Wright, who serves on the commission’s Henry Park Subcommittee, on a first-time proposal for “Berlin Day in the Park,” which would be held at on May 25 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on May 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wright, who would spearhead the events, said activities during the Memorial Day weekend event would include basketball and horseshoe tournaments and activities for children.
The Berlin Town Council approved the proposal at its May 13 meeting. Also, a pin oak has been planted in Henry Park in memory of former Parks Commission member Mary Burton, who served on the commission from 2004 to 2007 and was a strong supporter of developing Henry Park. A sign will be ordered to mark the memorial.
Melanie Windsor of Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services reported that four additional paver stones were needed for the children’s outdoor reading garden on Flower Street across from Henry Park. There are currently 16 stones that are used as seating areas.
Patricia Dufendach briefed the commission on the possibility of asking the town to participate in Maryland’s Oyster Recovery Partnership, which collects recycled oyster shells that are used as a substrate by oyster hatcheries to provide surfaces for oyster spat to attach to until they mature.
The commission discussed the feasibility of placing shell collection receptacles at the recycling center near Burbage Park on William Street.

With new chef, Tex-Mex and Beyond gives itself a restart

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BERLIN — Tex-Mex & Beyond hit the “restart” button, with a May 11 re-grand opening of the renovated boarding house at 119 Main St.
Tara Wancowicz has been managing the restaurant since it opened on Labor Day 2012. She said the reason for the re-grand opening was to introduce Chef Jason Purkey to the community. Purkey does everything from prep to presentation, according to Wancowicz. “He even makes the homemade desserts,” she said.
Dessert offerings include banana bread pudding, coconut crème pie, flan, strawberry shortcake and tres leches, she said.
The menu includes a wide selection of favorites for Mexican cuisine lovers. It includes staples such chili relleno, burritos, empanadas, nachos rancheros, quesadillas, handcrafted tamales, and tortilla soup. Just the right prescription for a set of taste buds needing a spicy and affordable indulgence.
But Wancowicz said one misconception the owner sought to avoid, with the name of the eatery, was that it only serves Mexican cuisine. She noted that one of Purkey’s specialties is chicken or pork tortas, but added that lunch specials include pork barbeque and hamburgers.
Wancowicz peeled off a list of entrees to prove her point. “It’s not just Mexican,” according the Baltimore native, who has lived on the Eastern Shore for the past 15 years. The menu includes Texas-style brisket, chicken, braised beef short ribs, seafood and rib eye steak. That would represent the “Texas” part of the Tex-Mex name, she said.
There is a children’s menu as well with a fresh fruit cup alternative to sugary desserts, although the sugary offerings are there too.
The location was fully remodeled by owner Ernest Gerardi, and is a mix between warm and earthy, and crisp and modern. Diners seeking to dine al fresco have a choice between an upstairs balcony and street-level patio. Wancowicz took the opportunity put out the word that she is seeking entertainers who can unobtrusively serenade patrons outside. Specifically, she said she is looking for a low-key mariachi band.
Happy hour is from 3-6 p.m. and lunch special are available from Monday through Friday. After Memorial Day, closing time will be extended by one hour to 10 p.m., according to Wancowicz. The hours until then are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Shooter’s Sports Pub opens doors on Route 589

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

OCEAN PINES — Shooter’s Sports Pub on Racetrack Road opened just in time for Kentucky Derby weekend last Friday.
The venture attracted 200 customers in its maiden run and is the brainchild of pub owners Charles Blake, Chris Ward and Vincent Wood, who have freshened up the former Steer Inn site with boldly painted walls and ceiling to lighten up the “man cave” for guys and gals. With the billiards and electronic sports games, the pub looks like a comfortable Friday night hangout spot.
Wood is a lab technician, who makes animal vaccines and has 20 years of restaurant experience, having worked at the Royal Exchange in Salisbury, Waterman’s Cove and the Marina Deck. Blake, who owns B&B Security, also worked at the Marina Deck. Ward, who is a videographer at Seacrets, is the newest member of the trio.
The décor is definitely shooting for a sports bar feel, with team and bar memorabilia on the walls, windows and light fixtures and football grid carpet in the dining area. The deck and yard in back are being prepped for full service outdoor dining this summer.
Wood said new games that will soon be added include foosball, bubble hockey, and inside basketball.
According to their menu, the drink lineup includes domestic and imported beers, domestic and specialty drafts, and wine and wine-based liquor. Wood said the pub hasn’t concocted its own signature drink yet. “But it’s something we should sit down and work on,” he joked. In the meantime, he said, they can make an orange crush like anybody else can.
For diners, the selections are bar staples with daily specials and steamed items like clams, mussels and shrimp.
Avid sports enthusiasts, Blake said they chose the name “shooters” because of its reference to ball sports. They are counting on the pub to be the go-to spot for game day gatherings for all things sports, including Ultimate Fighting Championship fights, horse racing and special events. There will be Ladies’ Nights on Saturdays, Wood said, stressing that female sports fans were welcome anytime.
Wood said he would also like to start a pool league for competitors 60-years-old and older and shuffle bowl competitions.
Shooter’s Sports Pub is located at 10514 H Racetrack Road (Route 589). The telephone number is 410-208-1900.

Industry's conversion to digital forces old-time movie house to upgrade

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

DAGSBORO, Del. — If only Frank Capra was still around, he’d probably appreciate the irony of his films being used for Joanne Howe’s “Save the Place” campaign to fund a needed upgrade to digital movie projector technology for her 65-year-old Clayton Theatre.
Howe, who bought the movie theater with her husband in 2000, is still showing first run movies like “Les Miserables” in 35 mm celluloid film on the original MotioGraph projector that came with the building, which was built in 1948. But MotioGraph went out of business because its products never broke down, she said.
Fast forward to the new era of cinema, where imaging in general is now going digital. “We knew it was coming,” she said, with film manufacturers Kodak in bankruptcy and Fuji no longer making film stock.
But the sudden decision of major studios last year to save millions by no longer printing film in the 35 mm format has forced Howe to accelerate her conversion to the new digital technology, she said. Doing so, however, will require an $85,000 investment to update her equipment.
The conversion is hitting small town theaters like Howe’s hard, she said, because while the studios are offering theaters help with the costs of converting to digital, that help is available only when theaters order first run movies on opening day.
Since studios receive a percentage of ticket sales revenue, opening day receipts are key, Howe said, because ticket sales progressively decrease the farther away from opening day a movie is shown. Small theaters don’t tend to qualify. Although they show first run movies, they might not show them on opening day.
So fire up the community, Howe is looking for the kind of pocketbook full of miracles George Bailey found at the end in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Hence, Howe is showing movie classics to save her classic theater. On Mondays the doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the movie begins at 7 p.m., when the theater is otherwise dark. Tickets for the classics series are $4 across the board, unlike the $8.50 per adults and $6.50 for kid’s ticket rates for the regular movies shown during the rest of the week.
During January the classic series featured Humphrey Bogart in “Casablanca,” “The African Queen” and “The Maltese Falcon.” Jimmy Stewart will be the headliner for February, leading off with “Harvey.” In March, Howe will feature John Wayne movies, she said.
She said she is also selling theater memorabilia and accepting donations.
The theater is located at 33246 Main St., in Dagsboro, Del. The theater telephone number is 302-732-9606, and the box office telephone number is 302-732-3744.

‘Great moms’ sometimes are volunteers who simply care

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

WORCESTER COUNTY —With the annual commemoration of gratitude for the caring and selflessness of biological mothers and grandmothers in recognition of Mother’s Day on May 12, a canvassing of local child service and faith organizations uncovered a small sampling of some pretty “great mom” surrogates in the area as well. Here we highlight three.

Great foster parent: Robin Cook of Bishopville
Terry Edwards, resource home worker for the Worcester County Department of Social Services, who said the term “foster parent” has been updated to “resource parent” to reflect the expanded roles they play in the lives of the young people they help, said all of the 19 resource parents in the program “Do such an outstanding job.”
She commended Robin Cook for her ability to maintain biological connections between the children placed in the foster care system and their biological family members. “She is very good at helping the children maintain their cultural identity,” Edwards said of Cook.
According to Edwards, even when parental rights to their children have been terminated, Cook stays in contact with the birth parents if possible. Cook and her husband have fostered three children, and have adopted one child privately and one child through the Worcester County G.O.L.D. (Giving Other Lives Dignity) program.

Great child advocate: Pat Schumaker of Ocean Pines
Brigitte Saulsbury, program director for the Lower Shore CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) organization described Pat Schumaker as, “Extremely dedicated to the program and her role of advocate.”
The CASA program, which operates within Worcester Youth and Family Counseling services, helped 77 children in the area last year, according to Saulsbury.
She said the program has 45 advocates, who have each undergone hours of intensive training, background checks, and taken oaths of office. Their roles are to get to know the abused or neglected children in their care, along with the family members, therapists and teachers who also touch the lives of those children, in order to submit reports on behalf of the children in court. “I’m pretty amazed at the work they do,” which Saulsbury said can be heart wrenching.
She said Schumaker goes beyond what is normally expected and has been extremely involved with the two teenagers, one young girl and baby boy she has been assigned in the program. Schumaker helps the children build life experiences and basic social skills with activities like dining out and tea parties, according to Saulsbury.
“She also helps train new volunteers,” she said.
Schumaker, a retired business owner, said her objective was to help the children she advocates for establish permanence in their lives, in addition to assuring their safety and well-being. She has two daughters and four grandchildren, although, she pointed out she is legally barred from allowing interactions between her court appointed children and her own children.
She said of the children she represents, “I call them my CASA children. They call me Miss Pat.” She said she sees the program as a sacred relationship, one where she has been entrusted to be in their lives at a time when the children are in their most vulnerable situations.
Schumaker said her saddest moments are when she sees the levels of abuse and neglect some children are forced to suffer when the need for drugs or alcohol blinds parents from seeing the negative impacts their behavior has on their children.
She said her happiest moments are when a child is reunited with family members they previously thought were lost to them.
“That is a profound moment,” she said.
She also celebrates when a child who was previously convinced he or she were incapable of achievement gets that first job and takes that initial step toward becoming a productive member of society, or when a baby goes to a permanent loving family.
Most of all, Schumaker said, a memorable moment for her is when she sees that a child has developed enough trust in her to know that he or she can call on her when needed.

Great philanthropist: Betty Tustin of Berlin
Pastor Bryan Pugner, of the Worship Center in Berlin, was quick to name Betty Tustin as “A great lady in our church,” whom he called a “Super Great Mom!”
Pugner described Tustin as a tremendously sweet and kind-hearted woman, whose entire family was absolutely amazing. He said she has a daughter with special needs and still finds the time for philanthropic projects.
At Christmas, according to Pugner, Tustin heads the church’s Christmas Outreach program, which reaches out to single mothers to find out what toys, clothes and shoes they need to help their families enjoy the holiday.
Her program coordinates with the Toys for Tots organization, as part of the effort to request the items and organize the gifts, he said. In all, Tustin’s Christmas program helps children from 30 to 35 area families have a happy Christmas each year.
Tustin also hosts the Kid’s Port program, a boat-themed Sunday school at the church, and a book club for seniors at the Gull Creek Senior Living Community, along with a monthly hymn sing, all of which is sponsored by the Worship Center, which is an Assemblies of God church.
But Tustin was noticeably uncomfortable with the thought of an article focusing on her because, she said, she was only doing God’s work and that was where the praise should be directed. “It is only through prayer and the Holy Spirit that these things can be done,” she said.

Delmarva Chorus will sing to your valentine

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

OCEAN PINES — The Delmarva Chorus of Sweet Adelines International will kick off its “Singing Messages” serenading services with Valentine’s Day performances in Berlin, Ocean City and Ocean Pines.
The Sweet Adelines are a feminine take on the traditional male barbershop harmony, and are dedicated to teaching women how to sing a cappella (without musical accompaniment). It is an independent, nonprofit music education association for women singers that was founded by the wives and friends of male barbershop singers in Tulsa, Okla., and has 500 chapters worldwide, primarily in the U.S.
Carol Ludwig, director of the 10-year-old Delmarva Chorus, said the Ocean Pines-based group has 28 members and will send members out in quartets to the location of the sender’s choice including homes, offices, restaurants or nursing homes.
The $25 performance fee includes two personalized serenades and a picture of the recipient that can be e-mailed to the sender. She said organizers are also trying to arrange a way to include a chocolate flower gift for recipients with the Valentine’s Day performances.
The singing messengers are available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The performances are a fundraiser to help the chorus pay royalty fees for copyrighted music, vocal education and costumes, used in competitions held by the international organization. The regional competition for this area is scheduled for Apr. 23 and includes chapters from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Ludwig said.
The chorus performs regularly in the area, according to Ludwig. She said its annual schedule includes two performances at the Berlin Nursing Home, a Halloween show at the Gull Creek Senior Living Community, Memorial Day and Veterans Day appearances at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial, and a music and comedy show in Ocean Pines.
Even with all those shows Ludwig still called the chorus “a pretty well-kept secret.” The Singing Messages will continue year-round, she said, and the performers will also be available for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
“We try to personalize the songs as much as we can,” Ludwig said. “Most of the people are very surprised when we show up.”
One of the benefits of the serenades for Ludwig, she said, is that they are as fun for the singers as it hopefully is for the recipients. “I like to bring joy,” she said.
Information on Delmarva Chorus performances is available at 410-641-5091.

'Victorian Christmas' events in town

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BERLIN – Victorian Christmas, a month-long series of downtown events sponsored by the town and businesses, begins this Friday, Nov. 23.

Town of Berlin Christmas Tree Lighting

Friday, Nov. 23

The Atlantic Hotel

5 p.m.

Free

The annual Christmas tree lighting will kick things off at the Atlantic Hotel on North Main Street. Mayor Gee Williams and other guests will conduct the ceremony. The tree will remain lit throughout the season. Local musician Carol Ludwig and her Delmarva Chorus will provide musical entertainment.

Festival of Trees

Friday, Nov. 23 through Friday, Dec. 14

Downtown Berlin

Holiday trees decorated by the owners of nearly every downtown shop will be displayed in their storefront for almost an entire month. All trees can be bid on through a silent auction. Anyone interested can go in while the tree is displayed and place his or her bid. Bidding will end at 8 p.m. on Dec. 14 and winners will be contacted the next day.

Santa Claus Visits Berlin

Every Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-22

Berlin Chamber of Commerce

Noon-2 p.m.

Free (no camera provided)

Residents have weeks to prepare their Christmas cards, as Santa Claus, himself, will be at the Berlin Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center on South Main Street to take pictures with children and their families. Although there is no admission fee, those who wish to take a picture with Santa must bring their own cameras.

Annual Christmas Parade

Thursday, Dec. 6

Downtown Berlin

7 p.m.

Free

Now under guidance of the Main Street Berlin program, the 42^nd Annual Berlin Christmas Parade is being sponsored by the town for the first time since the Berlin Lions Club took over about 25 years ago. Still, not much has changed: the parade will still feature floats, marching bands and other entries proceeding down Main Street, with a special appearance from Santa Claus at the end. Main Street will be closed during the event and spectators will have a long length of sidewalk on both sides of the street to view the parade.

Reindeer Run

Saturday, Dec. 8

Downtown Berlin

9 a.m.

Both a 5K and 1 mile run will take place, starting at the Atlantic Hotel on North Main Street. Sponsored by Live Long Fitness, runners will wind through the streets of downtown Berlin. They are encouraged to run while wearing holiday clothing. In its fourth year, the event has grown significantly, as more than 250 people participated in last year’s run.

Afternoon Tea & Fashion Show

Sunday, Dec. 9

The Atlantic Hotel

3-5 p.m.

$30 for each adult, $20 for each child

Renovations can be made for an elegant tea and fashion show, the proceeds of which will go to the Victorian Christmas fund. To reserve a spot, call the Atlantic Hotel at 410-641-3589.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Monday, Dec. 31

Downtown Berlin

Free

It went so well last year, the town will do it again. Musical entertainment from a soon-to-be announced disk jockey will keep the energy going while refreshments are served on the streets for both adults and children. The night culminates with the ball drop across from the Atlantic Hotel.

While these are the town’s biggest Victorian Christmas events, several downtown shops have planned numerous events throughout the holiday season. For more information about everything that’s going on in town for Victorian Christmas, brochures can be found around the downtown area, and an electronic version can be found at www.berlinmainstreet.com.

Smoked salmon canapes follow basic rules

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

There is nothing quite like seeing the flash of fear on a child’s face when he realizes that his seat on the water park ride is now at the bow of the craft ... heading backwards as he plummets over the falls.
It seemed that the more he requested of the lifeguards to be facing the deep and fast drop the more they employed their stealthy tactics of spinning the multi-person tube just right. I guess it’s the same as pushing the “close door” button on the elevator when someone with an armful of groceries is asking you to hold the car.
Our children enjoyed their weekend at Great Wolf Lodge a few weeks ago as did we. While enjoying the three-acre, four-story water park, it seemed as though the more hair-raising rides we went on, the more our youngest would defy his young mind’s logical processes and continue to get on the rides for more excitement.
Arriving home, there was no rest for the weary. It was time to get down to business as I had to plan and cook a cocktail party for some acquaintances in the following week. In going through my mind’s rolodex of items I recalled these beautiful and simple cold smoked salmon canapés, knowing that they would fit the bill.
In the cold smoking process, it is important that you cure the salmon first. There is absolutely nothing difficult about this, but it is time-consuming. You can coat the salmon and let it sit in the icebox for 2-3 days, rinse and dry and then smoke. Nothing is difficult. It just takes time.
The Scots are well known for their cold-smoked salmon and it does my heart good to try to recreate the nova lox of the old country. Mine will not be identical, but then if they were, I would just buy the side of salmon and be done with it.
I use a basic formula when making canapés and it is one that I share with all of my employees and students. Follow this simple guideline and you won’t go wrong:
n Base: think crouton, cucumber slice, Parmesan crisp, cracker, et al.
n Spread: Cream cheese, mayonnaise or aioli, flavored butters.
n Main item: The reason why the guest is choosing the hors d’oeuvres – shrimp, chicken, tuna, et al.
n Garnish: caviar, herbs, candied fruits, coarse sea salt, et al.
As you go through the recipe, feel free to substitute herbs and flavorings. Let’s face it, not everyone wants caviar or fish roe as a garnish. And some people truly despise dill. It’s acceptable to cook to your taste. That’s the name of the game.
And while I finish making these, I can’t lie. I can’t stop laughing about the little one and his flashes of fear and adventure. It’s all in a day’s work.

Cold-Smoked Salmon Canapes
serves 6
1/2 pound cold smoked salmon (recipe follows)
1 cup herbed cream cheese (recipe follows)
18-24 Scallion Blini (recipe follows)
Tobikko or other inexpensive caviar, as needed
Fresh chervil leaves (Italian parsley is a good sub)
Step 1: Lay out the cooked blini on a lined baking pan
Step 2: Place your cream cheese on the blini using a pastry bag or two spoons to shape a quenelle (quasi-football shaped torpedo of food)
Step 3: Top the cheese with a thin slice of cold=smoked salmon
Step 4: Garnish with fish roe of your choice and a small sprig of chervil or Italian parsley

Cold Smoked Salmon
makes 1 pound
1 pound fresh salmon, skinned with pin bones removed
3/4 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup fresh dill and parsley
2 Tbsp. black peppercorns
5 bay leaves
Step 1: Grind any large spices such as peppercorns and bay leaves
Step 2: Combine with remaining ingredients except for salmon
Step 3: Sprinkle a liberal layer of the curing mix in a small pan
Step 4: Lay salmon on your cure mix and press
Step 1: Top with remaining cure mix and press with another pan on top
Step 2: Cure the salmon under refrigeration for at least 2 days
Step 3: Remove from the cure and rinse the salmon; pat dry
Step 4: Lay out unwrapped in the refrigerator and let air dry so that the surface develops what is called the pellicle; the tacky surface that attracts the chemical compounds from the smoking process
Step 5: Smoke at 150 degrees with apple and hickory chunks for about an hour
Step 6: Allow to cool unwrapped in the refrigerator and when ready, slice thin for use on the canapess

Scallion Blini
1 cup All-purpose flour  
1/2 tsp. baking powder  
3/4 tsp. kosher salt  
3/4 cup whole milk
1 egg
1/2 bunch scallion greens, finely chopped 
1/4 pound unsalted whole butter, melted   
Step 1: Sift dry ingredients together
Step 2: Mix milk and eggs and then add the wet and dry together to form a smooth batter. Do not overmix!
Step 3: Drizzle in the melted butter until well incorporated
Step 4: Add the scallons and mix
Step 5: Cook the blini as you would a normal pancake, ensuring that they are cooked through but not dark on the outside
Step 6: Allow to cool to room temperature and set aside until ready to use

Herbed Cream Cheese
3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
juice and zest of 1 lmon
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh scallion
1 Tbsp. chopped Italian parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredient and season to taste

— Paul G. Suplee is a certified executive chef and ProChef certified Level-3. He is a writer and culinary instructor. Find his ePortfolio at www.heartofakitchen.com.

'Murka! : No matter how you say it, it’s a good burger

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Raised in a country that thrives on patriotism, it is second nature to pronounce the four syllables of our national moniker when singing one of the myriad anthems written to inspire and move us. Mayhap when one is speaking to a board of some sort, or arguing his case in front of the magistrate, “Amer-
ica” is quite polysyllabic.
Yet, after a week-
end of monster trucks, mechanical construction and the Super Bowl, one all but falls into the habit of yelling “’Murka!” at the top of his lungs.
It is the rally cry of the masses; a country brought together by 5-ton trucks hurled into the stratosphere, a feat that salutes the ingenuity of Gravedigger and Ghost Rhyder.
It is the battle drum of a nation united to help the USA to regain ground in technology and science.
It is the summons of all football fans, followers of the contenders or not, to come together to watch the most observed sporting event of the year.
But most of all, it is a salute to a day of peace on which countless people are sharing their pride in expressions of food and entertaining.
The Super Bowl party is a phenomenon much akin to Thanksgiving for many, and it is staggering to consider how much time and effort is placed into the planning. Particularly, since this is the first time our state team has played in the big dance in 22 years, it doesn’t seem possible to take more than a few steps without running into the color purple.
And while I’m on that subject, I have to digress in order to share a story about a couple I met today at the food store. I’ve known the woman for a number of years, but just met her boyfriend, former and latter draped in Ravens regalia.
What I found out not only confused but also confounded me — he was a lifelong Eagles fan and has been converted to a Ravens fan. Ah, the power of love. It seemed almost as bizarre as someone trying to make my brother a Dallas fan. Sometimes truth truly is stranger than fiction.
So as I rekindle the fond memories of the trucks on Friday, despite the fact that Loco Hombre ended up flipped over instead of making a full backflip (let’s face it, crashes at monster truck shows are pretty cool), I try to muster and define my thoughts on the weekend. What should I eat before the Super Bowl?
What one food would sum up our experiences? Chicken wings are old hat, albeit one of my favorites. Chips and dip need no formal introduction. Chili? We ain’t in Texas.
No, I want a burger, and I want a burger with bacon and fried deli and country ham. A burger with fried onions and mushrooms. A burger with Buffalo sauce chiming in for a command performance, and of course a smattering of Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar.
I think that says “’Murka!” more than anything else I can think of.
I’ll get back to four syllables tomorrow.

’Murka! Burger
per burger
8 ounces ’Murka Burger Patty (recipe follows)
cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked Applewood bacon
2 slices pan-fried ham
fried onions and ’shrooms (recipe follows)
french fries
Buffalo mayo (recipe follows)
Step 1: Heat a frying pan with some whole butter and cook until the foam has subsided
Step 2: Add the patties, making sure not to overcrowd the pan
Step 3: Cook on a high heat to create a nice crust
Step 4: Turn the burgers over and cook until done or remove to a pan to finish in the oven
Step 5: Toast the buns after spreading with some butter
Step 6: When ready to serve, top the burgers on the pan with the onions and ’shrooms, ham and cheddar
Step 7: Place in oven for 1 minute until the cheese has melted
Step 8: Remove from oven, top with bacon and place on roll
Step 9: Top the burger with fries (Primanti-style), lettuce, tomato and Buffalo mayo

Murka Meat
makes 6 burgers
2.5 pounds ground chuck and brisket blend
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. Stubb’s liquid smoke
2 Tbsp. Spatini Spice
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper, or to taste
Step 1: Combine all ingredients well, beating the eggs first to more easily incorporate them
Step 2: Separate the beef into 2 parts, and then split each one of those into 3 even parts
Step 3: Press into patties and set aside until ready to cook

Fried onions and ’shrooms
2 Tbsp. whole butter
1 ounces diced Virginia country ham
12 medium button mushrooms, sliced
1 medium white or red onion, julienned
salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Heat the butter and add the country ham. Cook for 3 minutes
Step 2: Add the onions and cook for 10 minutes. Add the mushrooms
Step 3: Cook for ten minutes, or until the mushrooms and onions are tender and the onions caramelize a touch
Step 4: Season to taste and set aside in the accumulated liquids until ready to serve

Buffalo Mayo
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup bleu cheese crumbles
1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot
Step 1: Combine all ingredients and let stand covered in icebox for at least 24 hours if possible

Simplify dinner, allow for more game time

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

So it is now almost midnight.

My keyboard is well-warmed as I have already finished tomorrow's agenda and menus are done for the various parties that I have coming up this holiday.

I wish the game could have been a little closer to at least be interesting, but you can't always get what you want.

But football or no, I did get what I want in this particular case as I work through the virtual pile of work that I have on my desktop.

Dinner was hours ago, and I feel like eating as do the Spanish. Traditionally, many if not most Spanish families eat dinner very late in the evening, starting their repast at 9 or 10 in the evening; and this is with young children. This eases my mind as I catch my second wind.

So wait; aren't we all being told to 'eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper'? Shouldn't we not eat late since 'that' is part of what's causing our national obesity epidemic?

Oh, you know where I'm going with this. There is no more frustrating topic to me on this green earth than that of diet. Everyone is right, and yet no one seems to be.

I shake my head as I wrest the truth from the issue, and decide to grab something to eat despite the prevalent literature on our lazy, sleepy, anomalous, American metabolisms.

In my old age, I am not able to rebound from binge and/or late night eating like I used to when I raced mountain bikes or when I was in the Marine Corps. The human body has an amazing ability to burn calories when it is regularly...well...burning calories.

I don't race mountain bikes or even really ride anymore. I do have a beach cruiser, but it is one speed and I ride it as intended and sold, and cruising the calories shall not burn, to quote Yeats, albeit poorly.

After a fair amount of perusal, I decide to at least act responsibly in the remotest of manners in that I bypass the Rice Krispie Treats. I scoff at the ripple chips that I simply cannot stand. I love potato chips, but ripple chips remind me of a famous quote by the inimitable Samuel Clemens:

"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning. "

Or in layman's terms, it's like being almost pregnant. It's either a bag of potato chips, or it's not. These ripple chips have got to go. Potato dealers, please take note.

Nothing else in the snack cupboard looks good, so I shoot for the icebox. It does not take long for the mushrooms to jump out at me.

A bowl of sautéed crimini mushrooms is the first of dishes that quells my late night munchies as I move my way through the refrigerator.

Next up, and the last thing that I will eat tonight, is so simple as to make it a little ridiculous to write about, but it deserves a page all its own; Jamon Serrano.

I was able to pick some up from Teeter's and I had forgotten that I had it. That makes it all the better.

Serrano Ham is one of the finest exports from Spain and matched with a dry Sherry, it stands as a true ambassador to this great Mediterranean nation.

rooting through the door, I find capers and then move to the pantry to find the extra virgin olive oil and sherry vinegar; two ingredients that work magically together. They make me think that there just might be something to this whole 'Mediterranean' thing.

Simply tossing together a total of four ingredients pleases me, but a fair addition of freshly cracked pepper tops the ordeal as I have second thoughts on how I am to perfect such a simple dish. To quench my thirst, and since dry sherry is something that I never have around, some fairly young Rioja is found and I can assure you that neither the ham nor the wine are overstating the other.

And now the game is over, the commercials are worse than they've ever been and I could not care less. The Jamon was superb, the wine was enjoyable, and the simple addition of a few, traditional ingredients reminds me of the simple things in life.

The entire experience makes this a wonderful way to start the holiday weekend. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Jamon Serrano

serves 4 for starters

12 paper thin slices jamon Serrano

1 tbsp. Capers

1 Tbsp. EV Olive Oil

1 tsp. Sherry Vinegar

1. Skewer the Serrano on twelve forks and arrange on a plate

2. Top each piece of ham with capers

3. Drizzle your starters with the olive oil and vinegar

4. An easy addition at this point is a nice Manchego cheese shaved on top of the forks

5. Serve alongside an assortment of tapas or hors d'oeuvres . Think olives, cheeses, meats, seafood; Spain has so many great things to offer.

Casino funds will aid small business

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The recent announcement that the Maryland Board of Public Works has designated Worcester County one of three fund managers to oversee distribution of casino monies set aside to provide loans to small, minority and woman-owned businesses, is great news for small businesses locally that have had trouble getting traditional loans to expand or modernize in recent years.
Approximately $430,000 in annual loan funding will be available for companies with fewer than 500 employees and revenues averaging less than $35 million over three years. Fifty percent of the funding must be lent to businesses located within a 10-mile radius of Ocean Downs. These monies will be available for up to five years, with a total estimate of more than $2 million to be allocated over that period.
Regardless of which side of the casino fence you sit, this is a real boon to our local economy, as small businesses make up the largest segment of the marketplace, and more importantly provide area residents with the majority of job opportunities.
The influx of new retail and other commercial space in the West Ocean City, Ocean Pines and Berlin areas the past few years has been encouraging, providing more of a year-round job and economic base for the areas outside the resort.
These funds will go a long way in ensuring this progression. Whether it’s helping a business maintain employees through leaner winter months or used to expand product lines and services, the money will be well spent.

EDITORIAL: Wait until MIEMMS reports its findings

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The story on Page 1 this week concerning who did or did not do what at the scene of a Dec. 26 accident at routes 818 and 50 comes after a week of sorting through rumors, speculation and conjecture in search of facts.
Although what was written was documented and double-checked, facts are at a premium at this point, which is why the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems has been asked to look into the situation.
Its panel of reviewers will determine the facts of the case and respond accordingly. That’s as it should be, since any dispute between two community institutions — in this case, town government and the volunteer fire company — is bound to be fraught with emotion and driven by personal opinion.
As is the case in just about any disagreement, people will pick sides and support positions based on who they know and what they want to believe.
That’s much different than waiting to see the hard evidence as collected by dispassionate and impartial investigators. That’s what MIEMSS does and it takes its role of protecting the public very seriously.
There is no need, in other words, to rush to judgment before a judgment has been rendered. MIEMSS will complete its tasks and a report will be issued. Then the public conversation can continue with the facts in hand.

With Main St. filling up with businesses, is Flower St. next?

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The innumerable amount of people walking through the streets of downtown Berlin this season gives a hint at how profitable the area has become for businesses. As Berlin grows, so does the area around it, and thus the search for the next center of prosperity in town begins.

When talks began to institute a major renovation project for Dr. William Henry Park on Flower Street, the community got excited thinking about invigorating what is now not a prosperous area for businesses.

The park will likely feature improvements such as a new basketball court, an additional pavilion and additional landscaping, but people around the community also hope the new park project will bring a special interest to the area surrounding it.

For at least 20 years, community organizers have staged basketball tournaments that routinely brought large crowds to Henry Park. About five years ago, the tournaments stopped because of the community’s waning interest in the event.

When the project is complete, a soccer field could accompany the basketball court and would allow more frequent and larger sports tournaments to be held at the park. Movie nights, in which a large screen would be erected in the park, could be held as well.

When the Henry Park sub-committee met with the Berlin Parks Commission last Wednesday, the discussion briefly turned to the potential for growth there.

If Henry Park turns out to be everything residents using the park were looking for, it could mean this isn’t the last we hear about prosperity on Flower Street.

Charles Lee Johnson

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BERLIN — Charles Lee Johnson, 89, died Monday, May 6, 2013, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in Virginia, he was the son of the late Charles L. Johnson and Margaret Lewis.
Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Lewis; two brothers, Evan S. Johnson and David B. Johnson; and a sister, Margaret Zeimer. He is survived by his daughter, Martha Ann Johnson.
A graveside service was held Thursday, May 9, at Taylorville Cemetery in Taylorville. The Rev. Dr. Olin Shockley officiated.
Expressions of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Norma W. McCabe

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BERLIN — Norma W. McCabe, age 76 of Berlin passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury.
Born in Berlin on July 22, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Charles Farrell and Alice Mae (Jarvis) Wainwright. She was a private home caregiver before her retirement. She loved sewing, cooking, gardening and talking to anyone who would listen.
In addition to her parents, Ms. McCabe was preceded in death by a brother, Roland Wainwright. She is survived by two sons, Michael McCabe and his wife, Sandra, and Mark McCabe, all of Berlin; two granddaughters, Michelle McCabe Littleton and her husband, Keith, and Tracy McCabe Adkins, all of Berlin; two great grandchildren, Koby Littleton and Brianna Taylor, both of Berlin; two brothers, Wilson Wainwright of Laurel, Del., and Earl Wainwright of Salisbury; and two sisters, Frances Holloway and her husband, Richard, of Salisbury and Joanne Pisapia of Dover, Del.
A memorial service was held Monday, May 13, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services in Frankford, Del. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coastal Hospice at the Lake, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.
Expressions of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Patrick Joseph Fennell

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

OCEAN PINES — Patrick Joseph Fennell, 81, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at his home in Ocean Pines. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Brennan Fennell in 2009.
Mr. Fennell was born and raised in Washington Heights, N.Y. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School and went on to college on a track scholarship at St. John’s University, in New York. He was the loyal and loving husband to his wife, Peggy, his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life.
He was the devoted father of five children, Kevin Fennell, Jessica Hoopes, Jennifer Fennell, Pamela Jacobs and Patricia Restivo. He adored his grandchildren, Rachael, Patrick, Tommy, Danny, Jessica, Courtney and Nicholas; as well as his sons-in law, Tom, Fred and Mark.
Mr. Fennell was a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, who patriotically served two tours in Vietnam. He worked with the National Security Agency during the Cold War and was trained in Russian and Spanish for specific missions. He was a decorated and distinguished leader, who put serving his country first and made his family proud.
Committed to public service, he did graduate work at American University in city planning and enjoyed a second career as the city manager in Salisbury.
A special project, while in Salisbury, was working with the Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, who formed Joseph’s House, a nonprofit charity established to help the poor and homeless.
He also was an active member of Saint John Neumann Catholic Church near Ocean Pines. He took great pride in serving the church as the head usher for the past 20 years.
Mr. Fennell was the patriarch and leader of a great and loving family. He was also a very well respected and cherished member of the community. He will be missed, utterly and completely, by all who knew him.
A service was held Friday May 10, at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. The funeral Mass was at St. John Neumann Church on Saturday, May 11. Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Joseph House, 411 N. Poplar Hill Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801. Expressions of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Letters: Sandwich sign vital for business

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Editor,
This letter is in response to the article concerning the tables and signboards in Berlin.
My business, the Berlin Coffee House, is located behind the Atlantic Hotel on Jefferson Street. Because we are off Main Street, we do not have the advantage those merchants have when visitors come to town.
Our sandwich board is vital to our business. The sandwich board is located in front of the hotel and there has not been a complaint to us on the board from the hotel or anyone else. Visitors have said that if weren’t for that little sign, they would not have known we were “back there.”
Perhaps those who are having a problem with the tables for the restaurants and the signboards should come to a chamber or merchant meeting and talk to us, the “off the Main Street merchants.” We could discuss the problems they have and they may have a better suggestion of how to let visitors know there are businesses off Main Street.
Visitors really enjoy our little town and they remark on how nice it is to be able to sit outside, and to our visitors the signboards are a nostalgic form of art.
Peggy Hagy, owner
Berlin Coffee House

Letters: Told sign not up to par

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Editor,
I’m a merchant in the downtown area of Berlin, and have been for many years. I am a past president of the chamber and have done lots of community works for our lovely town.
I wish to take issue with some of the recent events a few overzealous members of our community are spearheading. Council member Lisa Hall has deemed it necessary to get rid of sidewalk tables and sandwich signs from the downtown area. Of course this will only hurt a few merchants of our great community, but why?
The ambience of our town is very nice and a few tables in front of The Globe do not hurt anyone; in fact, it brings a nice homey feel that welcomes all our guests. Something we have tried very hard over the years to get people talking about, and to encourage them to bring their friends to our gem away from the beach.
Lisa didn’t present this revelation to us, the merchants, at our monthly merchant meetings, but just went to the press and presented her case. And the effort doesn’t stop with café tables but continues to sandwich signs. The Historic District Commission is taking up the banner of getting rid of sandwich signs and here as an example, we have a 36-inch by 24-inch sign in three basic colors — teal border, white background and black letters — and painted by an artist with stenciled letters. The HDC, notably Mary Moore, found the sign not to the quality of its liking and has asked that it be removed. When I received a letter from the HDC, I went and talked to Chuck Ward, the city inspector and was informed that we were only given a temporary license and to get the sign permanently approved we had to get it redone to meet his and the HDC’s approval.
To me, this is a slap in our business face. The sign was not on Main Street, but down in front of our Pitt Street Store to get people on Main Street’s attention. The sad part is, we have to pay the town for a business license, not including any kind of signage outside of our store, which costs additional money. Then we have to bend to the wishes of some committee members’ preferences, which is not in the guidelines.
Chuck Ward expressed to me that he didn’t want people walking in the streets to go around signs. However, there are only a few places in town that the sidewalk is limited. Main Street has on one side of the street a 6-foot-wide or larger sidewalk, which can accommodate any sign, so the effort to get rid of these informational and direction markers for the side street merchants is not a productive move.
If you check out old photos of Main Street, you will find the signs all over the place and even merchandise in front of stores everywhere.
Our town has grown and we present a clean friendly place to bring the family for a day trip so why the intrusion. Our community needs better direction than this, and friendlier officials to help keep the business community growing.
Bill Outten
Berlin

Letters: Need to keep approved sign

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(The following letter was sent to Berlin Mayor Gee Williams and to Bayside Gazette for publication.)

Dear Mayor,
I have heard rumors in town regarding the removal of all “sandwich board” signage for downtown business per the request of the Berlin Historic Committee. I would like to express my disapproval and disappointment in even the idea or suggestion of this.
As a small business owner, we followed the guidelines of applying for, getting approval of and paying the permitting fee to have a “sandwich board” sign promote our business. When we opened in 2010 and were located on Main Street, our “sandwich board” signage attracted many customers into our store.
In 2012, when we moved to our new location on Bay Street, we were given the approval to place our sign outside of the Atlantic Hotel since we were not on Main Street and the sidewalk outside of our shop is too narrow. This “sandwich board” is now essential to the success of our small business.
On or off of the Main Street, these “sandwich boards” are a vital marketing/promotional tool, directing a significant amount of customer traffic to all of our locations. This type of signage is even more important for all of the downtown businesses that are located off of the “main drag.”
More than 40 percent of our “walk-in” business mentions that, and I quote, “we would not have found you, if not for your sign on Main Street.” Other business owners in small towns who have been forced to remove “sandwich board” signage, have noticed a significant drop in business, which results in loss of revenue and jobs.
“Sandwich Boards” are historic, gaining popularity in the 19th century and can be seen in most towns from Berlin, Md. to Sonoma, Calif. They are without a doubt effective in increasing customer traffic to and therefore revenue generating for every business that chooses to use them and I strongly disagree with their removal. Thank you for your careful consideration regarding this matter.
Robin Tomaselli
Owner/Operator
Baked Dessert Café and Gallery