Voices From The Readers

Voices From The Readers
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Curiosity, Anyone?

Editor:

(The following was addressed to the Berlin Mayor and Council and Planning and Zoning Director Chuck Ward.)

I was a bit surprised, and somewhat disappointed, at the lack of intellectual curiosity exhibited by the Mayor and Council and town staff at Monday’s council meeting when Paula Lynch asked what shoddy manufacturing was. Nobody seemed to know; moreover, no one seemed to care. I found it difficult to believe that the town code would encourage any commercial enterprise with such a negative connotation, which the term shoddy certainly conveys, so I resolved to decipher this linguistic puzzle. Therefore, when I arrived home last night after the meeting, I Googled.

Here is what I learned. Shoddy manufacturing was, and to some degree still is, an important subset of the textile trade. Basically, shoddy is reprocessed fabric, or cloth made with old wool. Shoddy manufacturing began in England in the mid 1800s and found its way to this country a few years later. By the early 1900s there were hundreds of shoddy manufacturers in America and, for all I know, there may have been one or more here in Berlin (a question that might best be answered by the Taylor House Museum).

And since there are many shoddy manufacturers still doing business in this country, maybe Michael Day might be able to convince one of them to relocate here – an ideal choice, perhaps, to replace our noisy, disruptive, annoying neighbor, Kool Ice (but I digress).

With that mystery solved, it’s time to move on to more pressing business – like why we keep pumping money into an electric utility that we voted to sell.

Geren Mortensen
Berlin

Insider To Be Missed

Editor:

Very disappointed that the "Insider" is calling it quits. I will miss the observations. Please locate another resource to pick up and plug the gap.

Dan Piett

Richmond, Va.

So Long Old Guy

Editor:

After reading this week’s paper, I am saddened by the news that the Insider is calling it a day. I really looked forward to his stories and comments. He will be surely missed…at least by this reader.

On another note, Steve, I have kept up with your weekly updates on being a father. Great Insights. Happy Father’s Day.

Tom Morehead

Ocean City

Shame on the YMCA

Editor:

The YMCA (Young Mens Christian Association) wants Ocean Pines residents to forget the meeting of May 30, 2002. During that meeting, the YMCA representatives tried to convince Ocean Pines residents to vote for a new facility that would include indoor pool, gym, meeting space, workout room.

The YMCA representatives even went as far to give estimated membership cost. For singles, the monthly cost would be $19.50, senior $10.25. And for the family, the monthly cost would be $26.50, senior $18.50.

The YMCA representatives did not say anything about a “wildlife viewing stand.” YMCA was very clear that if YMCA didn’t get their permits within five years, the facility would not be built and the land would be turned over to Ocean Pines Association.

The Mid-Delmarva Family YMCA website states: “YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”

The Young Mens Christian Association should turn the land over to the Ocean Pines Association now. If their word is no good, who can you trust?

Becky Lawson
Ocean Pines

Support Appreciated

Editor:

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who made the Special Olympic Fund-Raiser at the Blue Ox a success. The staff of the Blue Ox did an outstanding job in keeping the tremendous buffet stocked and taking care of all of the people who attended. We would also like to thank "Batman" for making great music, and Mitch Scott, of Great Scott Broadcasting, as the Guest Bartender. Mitch was also very instrumental in advertising support. We cannot say enough to acknowledge Steve Pappas for his very generous support of this project. Without his support, and the support of the numerous businesses in the area, this event would not have taken place. Of course we can’t forget the men and women of the Ocean City Police Department who volunteered their time to gather all of the items and be present at the event. Last, but not least, we would like to thank all of the people who attended the fund-raiser and gave of their hard earned money to support Special Olympics.

Special Olympics Torch Run Committee

(The committee consisted of Lt. Richard Currence, Cpl. Dennis Eade, Cpl. Sydney Findley and Pfc. Andy Yeager.)

Pet Drive A Success

Editor:

We would like to thank all of those who helped make our first pet supplies drive and adoption, held May 25-30, such a success. Because of the generosity of so many, our troop was able to make cash donations and give much needed supplies to Town Cats, Delmarva Cat Connection and the Worcester County Humane Society. Several pets were also placed in new, caring homes.

At a time when our economy is struggling, we greatly appreciate all of the people who gave their time, talents and resources to help improve the lives of animals waiting to be adopted. We especially want to thank the kind people at Town Cats, Delmarva Cat Connection and the Worcester County Humane Society; Waterman’s Seafood; Cat & Canine Comforts; The Children’s Book Garden; Raggamuffin; Showell Elementary School; and all of those who contributed money and supplies to our drive and adopted pets.

Brownie Troop 367

Pet Walk Raised $42K

Editor:

The Worcester County Humane Society would like to thank everyone who made the “Board Walkin’ for Pets” a great success.

We had over 300 registered walkers, and raised nearly $42,000. The money raised from this event is necessary to keep the shelter running. The funds raised will help pay for the shelters everyday costs such as food, medicine, veterinary care, spaying and neutering, vaccines, heartworm and flea preventatives for the many homeless cats and dogs that call the shelter home.

There are many people to thank for the events great success. Thank you to our event sponsors ABBA Bail Bonds, Barefoot Mailman, Custom Mechanical Inc., Donald’s Duck Shoppe, Flying Dog Brewery, Game Over Fishing Charters, Harbourside Refrigeration, Inc., House Pawz Pet Sitting, Johnson-McKee Animal Hospital, Ocean City Animal Hospital, Ocean City Taxi, Red Sun Custom Apparel, Ryan Haley Realtor

of Compass Resort, Shore Dog Magazine, Smooth Jazz 97.1, World Gym, and Harrison’s Harbor Watch Restaurant, who always generously open their lobby doors and provide coffee and tea.

We would also like to thank Debbie Dickerson and Dixie of Smooth Jazz 97.1 for providing music and emceeing the event. Pepsi of Salisbury for providing soda and water. Layton’s Dip’n Donuts of 16th Street for providing donuts. We would also like to thank Bruce Bennett and the staff at the Harley-Davidson of Ocean City for graciously allowing us to use their parking area for our flea market. We were able to raise nearly $600 to go towards the costs for our walk-a-thon.

Thank you to everyone who supported the sale by donating items and purchasing.

Thank you to all the local businesses who donated prizes for our top pledge collectors: This year’s grand prize winner was Dale Pfeiffer, raising almost $7,000; first place, World Gym; second place, Scott Fornwalt; third place, Ray Jackson; fourth place, Teza Gonzalez; fifth place, Sally & David Jones; sixth place, Anna Ramsburg; seventh place, Michael Musk; eighth place, Briana LaVorgna & Stephen Decatur High School Student Government Association; ninth place Lois Schenrock; and 10th place, Shirl Mast.

The kid’s prize went to Summer Brenner. The cutest cat contest winner was Beth Harrison with cats Lucy amd Lyon d’Bateau.

This event wouldn’t be possible without all the volunteers who helped at the Boardwalk and those who stay at the shelter. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. We couldn’t do it without you.

I would also like to remind everyone that summer is here and pets should not be left in a car. On a 78-degree day, a parked car can reach 160 degrees in minutes. Even opening windows in the shade won’t prevent a dog from overheating. So, when the mercury rises, it is safest to leave your pets at home.

Please visit us on Eagle’s Nest Road and consider opening your heart and home to a homeless pet. The shelter has many cute little kittens waiting for a new home. Please remember to spay and neuter to help reduce the number of unwanted pets.

If interested in volunteering, please stop by the shelter and speak with a volunteer. Our furry friends are always in need of newspapers, blankets, Purina products, toys and treats. The shelter is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thank you and we hope to see everyone at next year’s event.

Kristy Haley

Berlin