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Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

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Letters to the Editor

Note of thanks
Editor,
On Monday, July 28, I had the misfortune of falling to the ground as I was crossing the parking lot at the library. Well, I’m writing to thank all the people who gave me attention, and got me up. The ambulance came and the men had the stretcher out already to take me to the hospital, but I refused that offer because I didn’t feel I needed that attention.  
My daughter-in-law was with me and I was able to be driven by her to the hospital. I got to the hospital and had x-rays and the doctor said about 13 stitches would be needed to close the wound on my cheek. My sincere thanks to all who assisted me, I’m doing fine for an old lady 92 years old.
Helen L. Webb
Ocean Pines
 
‘Dressed up flea market’
Editor,
On Friday, Aug. 8, Main Street was shut down from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. for a Sidewalk Sale. This might be a cool event except that the Sidewalk Sale appeared to be a colossal clearance sale for one merchant. Only one block of town was affected by the street closure. The same shop was set up outside in the street on Saturday, however this blockage was only until 5 p.m.
As a new resident of downtown Berlin, I understand that a part of Berlin’s coolness is the town events. Yet, is it really cool to shut down one block so that one shop can fill half the block with last season’s merchandise?
I can tolerate and actually enjoy what seems to be an event every weekend that closes down our little Main Street. Classic cars, live entertainment, running in high heels, bathtub races, and a myriad of other kitschy events bring visitors into the town; but to shut down one block for two days for a clearance sale is not cool. It is inconvenient and a nuisance, especially the blaring oldie’s tunes that forced me to turn my television to a volume level reminiscent of an elderly deaf relative.
Berlin, I must ask if the Sidewalk Sale is important and a part of the Berlin town history then why was only one portion of Main Street blocked? Why didn’t other merchants throughout town have their wares for sale outside of their businesses?
The sidewalk sale looked like a dressed up flea market and a special favor for one shop owner.
Dimitra Cushwa
Berlin
 
New program  
Editor,
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines–Ocean City is about to start a new program year on Oct. 1, and it should be a good one. The club has a strong new officers team with Carolyn Dryzga as president, Mike Morton as president-elect and Mark Joseph as vice president. They, with the help of the membership and the community, will build on a very successful 2013-2014 program year.
The membership can be proud of the contribution that the club made to our community this current year. This club does "Serve the Children." Starting with our $1,200 contribution to the Worcester Gold Infants Pantry, the club supports local children through high school. The school-based clubs supported are K-Kids at Buckingham Elementary, Builders Club at both Berlin Intermediate and Stephen Decatur Middle School, and Key Clubs at Stephen Decatur High School and Salisbury School, which provides children an opportunity to learn both leadership skills and the needed to help others.
The club also makes a contribution to those schools, including Showell Elementary and Ocean City Elementary that do not presently have clubs, yet. In addition to money, Kiwanis Club members help with their art fairs, Science fairs, and "It’s Academic" programs as judges.
Outside school, the club provides funding for many children’s programs: Cub Scouts, OP Children’s Theater, McGuffy Readers Program, Cedar Chapel School, CASA, OP Recreation and Parks Summer Camp, Therapeutic Riding School, and Sisters with a Goal. The Kiwanis Club support, both financial and mentoring, to the Beach Bots Robotics team, provided a new opportunity for the club this current year.
Overall, the club will contribute $11,250 toward children’s activities during the current program year. Then we help them go on to college. This year 2013-2014, the club has awarded 15 college scholarships amounting to $15,500 to deserving graduating senior students.
The local Kiwanis Club goes beyond children. Support is provided for many other community activities. The club contributes $2,700 and many volunteer hours in support for OPA summer concerts, OPA Fire Department, Worcester County Interfaith Caregivers, Diakonia, Worcester Gold Christmas, Appalachian Service Project, Companion Dolls and Bingo for the Nursing Home and Meals On Wheels Treats. The club funds all of this by volunteer hours and hard work on its fund raising events. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but the club grosses over $22,000 in sales and contributions with the continued support of our wonderfully receptive community.
Membership in the local club is open to all over 21 years of age, both male and female.  For more information about the local Kiwanis Club, visit www.kiwanisofopoc.com or follow on Facebook at Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines/Ocean City. It may be of interest and informative.
Mark Page
Treasurer, Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City

Editor,
I want to thank everyone who had participated in the Festival of Boats for doing such a fantastic job. In spite of the rain, this fun event didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the participants or spectators. Everyone went beyond the call of duty by doing a fabulous job in dressing themselves and their boats. Not only the participants but the spectators enjoyed the parade of all the boats parading down the canals.
If it were not for you and your enthusiasm, this parade would not have been such an overwhelming success. The entire parade reflected your hard work, organization, and creativity.
It was the first time Fred Heinlen, my co-chair, and I had done a parade and we were initially a bit apprehensive but quite pleased with the results which were possible because of you. Again thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you again in next year’s boat parade.
Co-Chairs,
Fred Heinlen and Steve Stein