Smokers As Second-Class
Editor:
With all the no smoking laws being made and sometimes smokers being out right attacked for smoking, I can’t help but wonder what is going on in this great country Of area’s where we the people of the United States of America should all have equal rights and equal freedoms.
So one of the questions that I ask myself as a smoker is where is my place in sun where I don’t have to be made to feel as a second class person. Yes as some might say the law is here and the line is drawn in the sand.
Now, in Ocean City at the beach, staying back behind the line just before the no smoking begins just before you cross over the line to board walk this is our place in the sun and the small areas marked out in the sand up and down the beach are our place in the sun.
So smokers, let us take what little area that was given to us for now and use it to the fullest. Go get yourself a beach chair and or an umbrella and set it up within the smoking areas on the beach. So, if you don’t like the law as it is now, then make this a peaceful statement that we want a bigger place in the sun and as free Americans and not second class people. We want a place in the sun where we can enjoy a place to set down, relax and see and hear the sound of the ocean — a place in the sun where we can be equal to those who don’t smoke.
No one should be better than another and no American should be made to feel like a second class person.
I believe that America will never be destroyed from the outside but if we lose our freedoms one by one it will be because we people destroyed them ourselves. Thus, when we allow the freedoms of one person and/or group to be taken away and not be equal to all the others, we truly have started down the hill to our own destruction of true America land of the Free.
Nathan Reckart
Somerset, Pa.
Solution Possible Without Government
Editor:
Just a thought, we hear so often these days about the need to limit the government’s intrusion(s) into our daily lives. Consider applying this philosophy to the situation confronting the property owners of Teal Drive and similar enclaves in our town.
Rather than pursue government intrusion through the planning and zoning processes, why don’t the property owners take it upon themselves to organize their own group, hire counsel and develop their own property rights concord or codicil or covenant, that they may choose to apply to all their fellow owners.
This might require them to ensure agreement of all the owners to become enforceable but would seem to be in their own self-interest. More importantly it avoids the government intrusion so many seem to lament.
Joe Moran
Ocean City
Thanks For Success
Editor:
On behalf of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to thank everyone who helped make the 58th Annual Old Timer’s Day an absolute success. After a year hiatus, the show successfully returned to Selbyville on Saturday, June 20. Church Street was lined with over 90 classic cars, trucks, tractors and military vehicles from 1979 and earlier. The occasion also featured door prizes, food, vendors, live classic country and rock entertainment from the Bo Dickerson Band and children’s activities including crafts, pony rides, a moon bounce and an obstacle course.
We would like to extend a huge “thank you” to all of the sponsors, vendors and volunteers who helped to make this event a reality. As this was the Chamber’s first year running the event, we are especially grateful to see all of the support and backing among our members and the community for this Selbyville tradition. Thanks to our sponsors for helping to provide everything from moon bounces, an obstacle course, pony rides and golf carts to each and every award given to our participants. Also, kudos to our vendors for the excellent food, artwork, jewelry, clothing and health information available to all involved.
Finally, thank you to all the volunteers for giving us your time to help make Old Timer’s Day run as smoothly as possible. Collaboration is one of the greatest reasons why are business community thrives.
Kristie Maravalli
Bethany Beach
(The writer is the executive director of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce.)
Veterans Deserve Appropriate Care
Editor:
Every year on July 4th we celebrate the birth of our nation, taking special pride in the men and women who wear the cloth of the nation in defense of our freedom. For more than two centuries now, Americans have been called to serve and sacrifice, enduring hardships of all kinds to protect those same ideals of freedom and liberty for all.
From the service of the Minutemen more than two centuries ago, to the service of today’s men and women in all branches of our armed forces, the fight for freedom continues. Two hundred thirty-nine years after our nation was founded, we were attacked on our own shores by a group whose philosophy opposes our ideals, forcing us to again take up the struggle to fight for freedom.
Now our service men and women are returning with visible and invisible wounds, needing help and support to transition back into civilian life. President Theodore Roosevelt said, “A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards. More than that no man is entitled, and less than that no man shall have.”
The VA Maryland Health Care System is committed to providing safe, quality and compassionate health care to our military veterans. We are hiring new providers and support staff, partnering with community providers and working hard to improve the services offered to Maryland’s veterans. As a 36-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, this is a mission I hold very dear. It’s our duty and privilege to provide veterans the care they have earned through their service and sacrifice.
If you know veterans who need assistance, please refer them to the VA Maryland Health Care System where we can help at www.maryland.va.gov. If you know a veteran of any war era, please remember to thank him or her for their service on this 4th of July holiday.
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD
(The writer is the acting director of the VA Maryland Health Care System.)
Paddle Helped Charities
Editor:
We want to thank all of our customers who helped make our fundraiser, “Paddle for a Purpose” on Sunday, June 14 a success.
This was the fifth anniversary of our “Paddle for a Purpose” campaign. Each year, we choose a few local non-profit organizations as the beneficiaries of paddleboard and kayak rental proceeds on a weekend day. This year we selected Delaware Wild Lands, Tri-State Bird Rescue, and Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation (QRCF). Each of these charities responds to specific and very different needs in the community. We feel fortunate that we have the ability to help these worthy area non-profits.
We are grateful to those who those who came out and enjoyed time on the water and to our employees who volunteered. Special thanks to the 3 Blonde Bakers, Baja Beach Grill, Bethany Beach Books, Bethany Boathouse, and Cottage Café, for providing snacks and door prizes.
And a special thank you to Delaware Wild Lands, Tri-State Bird Rescue, and Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation for all the great work they do.
Mitch Mitchell and Jenifer Adams-Mitchell
(The writers are the owners of Coastal Kayak in Fenwick Island.)