July 4th, 2011
The legal separation of the 13 colonies from Britain occurred on 7/2/76; therefore the date the Resolution of Independence was approved.
John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail:
“The second day of July, 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
He was off by just two days because the revisions were finally approved on July 4th.
As I walked my neighborhood and drove up and down the beaches, the predominant colors, whether decorating a mailbox or displaying with pride our flag, were definitely, red, white and blue.
Then, I could not help to think about our servicemen overseas; some of us celebrate, while others are defending it, so that we can celebrate.
 Official Flag of the U.S. from 1877 - 1890 with 38 stars July 4th, 1776, a day of deliverance….have a great fourth….talk to you later….
June 5th, 2011
This is your opportunity to sample great food; foodies take notice. Great chefs and innovative cuisine. Two Resort Towns with Restaurant Week at the same time. Oh my, where to go? Too many choices for all those with discriminating palates.
Rehoboth Beach is a destination in itself. Rehoboth has great restaurants and this week, they take center stage. From 6/5 to 6/11 participating restaurants will be offering menus with $30 or $20 prix-fixe dinner menus.
There are so many participating restaurants. Perfect time of the year before it gets too crowded. For more info. please call 302-227-2772. Or better yet, visit http://www.downtownrehoboth.com. You will be able to see a list of all the restaurants.
Ocean City, Maryland is just about 25 minutes away. Their restaurant week is from 6/5 until 6/19. The participating restaurants will offer $30 3-course meals and $20 2-course meals. For more information, please call 410-289-6733. You can also visit http://www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com.
I guess we all will be prolonging our exercise routines in order to accommodate Restaurant Week. Have a good one!!
June 2nd, 2011
Simple Colonial lines, a National Historic Landmark, the oldest of the 11 Worcester County Museums, standing since 1756. And, now this unique church has been “restored for the new millenium.”
If you live in the Eastern Shore, this museum is around the corner from you. Granted, you might have to drive a little bit but I will tell that is so worth it. The preservations continues; that never stops. St. Martin’s Church will be holding another open house on Saturday, June 4th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. This will be the beginning of open houses on Saturdays so everyone can get a chance to discover it and appreciate it. Tours are available, as well.
St. Martin’s Church is located at Rt. 113 & 589 Junction. 4 miles north of Berlin, Maryland. Website: www.historicstmartinschurch.org. Tel. 410-430-2142. E-mail historicstmartin@aol.com. You can also visit Worcester County Museums at www.octhebeach.com/museum.
The Open House on Saturday is sponsored by the St. Martin’s Church Foundation with volunteers from Sinepuxtent Questers, Worcester County Garden Club and other community volunteers acting as docents.
I wrote a post with pictures on St. Martin’s on May 9th. All you have to do is click on the month of May 2011 and scroll down to the 9th.
I visited St. Martin’s Church during the last open house celebrating International Museum Day. It was so nice to see the people come in with a true interest for this church that sits by itself on this major corridor called Rt. 113.
Mrs. Sherrie Beckstead is at the helm of the St. Martin’s Church Foundation. St. Martin’s graciously accepts donations; all tax deductible.
A key pendant, a replica of the key to the doors of St. Martin’s, will be available in 18 karat gold or sterling silver as a keepsake. I believe a charm is in the works, as well.
A commemorative plate of St. Martin’s Church is also available.
If you are interested, please call 410-430-2142. Eventually, you will be able to purchase keepsakes through their website, as well.
On my last visit I noticed that the windows and the Church were dressed so appropriately, with beautiful greenery.
I found out that it has been the work of The Worcester County Garden Club. This club is busy.
The Worcester County Garden Club was formed in September, 1959. It then became part of the Maryland Federated Garden Clubs, Inc. It also became a member of the National Garden Clubs.
It is a non-profit organization that provides volunteers to work with the community in promoting conservation, environmental and beautification projects.
Current projects are: Decorating at St. Martin’s Historic Church for special tours, seed planting and tree planting with area school children, maintaining a garden at the Genesar Historic Marker in Berlin, Maryland, maintaining a butterly garden at the Snow Hill Elementary School, planting with senior citizens at various nursing homes and assisted living facilities, placing flags and wreaths at the Hurlock Veteran’s Cemetery, assisting at the Ocean Pines Veterans War Memorial in Flag protocol for students and various ceremony activities.
In addition to the inside and outside gardening projects, they also do floral design workshops and are having a Standard Flower Show on September 16th and 17th, which is open to the public at the Ocean Pines Library.
On Monday, June 6th this Garden Club will be holding its annual scholarship fundraiser at 11 a.m. at the Calvin B. Taylor Museum in Berlin, Maryland. Rain Date is Tuesday, 6/7.
This fundraising event is a sale and auction of plants and other garden related items.
Lunch will be served; reservations are needed. Open to the public and it is free to attend. Call Joan Vetare for reservations and more info. at 410-641-1305.
I told you they are one busy club. New members are welcomed. If you have an interest please call Mary Lou Scott at 410-208-6558, or e-mail her at mlgsguru@aol.com.
Have a great day!! It is one gorgeous day at the Delmarva Peninsula!!
May 20th, 2011
If you decided to cruise up and down Rt. 1 and get to Ocean City you will find yourself at the 21st Annual Cruisin’ Ocean City week-end. This is when over 3,000 hot rods, customs, classics, street machines, muscle cars gather for days of enjoyment. One local said that this week-end is better than Christmas.
The venue is the Convention Center, Inlet Parking Lot at 4001 Coastal Highway. This is a family event; to be enjoyed by all. There is a general admission of $10 but children under 14 are free with a paying adult.
For further info. you can visit http://www.specialeventpro.com/cruisin.php.
Danielle Colby Cushman who is the star of the History Channel American Pickers will appear on Saturday from 11 – 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 until 1 p.m. She will sign autographs, pose for pictures and talk with the fans.
As part of the festivities there will be a concert Saturday at 9 p.m. at the Convention Center. Enjoy the Cruisin’ Legends Concert and Dance. It will be a tribute to the Blues Brothers, Sir Rod, and Johnny Seaton’s “Elvis”. Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-551-7328.
Saturday and Sunday, 5/28 – 5/29 – Is the Spring Arts & Crafts Show at the Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway. This is Ocean City’s only Memorial Week-End craft show. You will find vendors displaying garden accessories, jewelry, candles, florals, nautical items and wood crafts. And, a good selection of homemade chocolates, fudge and dip mixes. Saturday is 10 until 5 p.m. and on Sunday 10 until 4 p.m. It is Free.
Have a great week-end. Relax…you are at the beach.
May 9th, 2011
I am not sure if you are feeling like I do. The older I get the more I am paying attention to my surroundings. A beautiful tree, the bright color of an azalea, the marshland, a wooden bridge, a row house, a blue heron, the way the ocean sounds as you stand at its edge, a historic town; a historic church.
For about 10 years I drove to Berlin, Maryland from Bethany or Rehoboth Beach. It was a bit of a hike. I did not mind, though. I always took the scenic route. The road was Rt. 113 going south to Berlin, Maryland. But, before I got there I would have to pass the town of Showell. Did not dare to blink or I would miss it. Then, right after Showell, a small church sat there. It has sat there for 255 years and I cannot believe that the other day was when I finally got to, actually, meet Historic St. Martin’s Church.
The location is Rt. 113 & 589 Junction. Four miles north of Berlin, MD. St. Martin’s Church Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 590, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-430-2142. Website? www.historicstmartinschurch.org. You can find them on Facebook.
You will have the opportunity to meet St. Martin’s Church, as well, because there are 2 Open Houses scheduled in the near future. Other Open Houses will be added later on in the year.
The first Open House will be next week on Wednesday, May 18th from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. This is in celebration of International Museum Day. Every year since 1977 International Museum Day is organized worldwide. The reason? To raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society. From America to Oceania, including Africa, Europe and Asia almost 30,000 museums get involved in more than 100 countries.
The next Open House will be on Saturday, June 4th, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Worshippers would have arrived by carriage, horse, boat or by foot to worship at St. Martin’s Church. It was 1756; 20 years prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence. I cannot imagine what life was like during the times of our country’s founders. Definitely, the simplicity of this Church says it all; it was built in colonial times when life was a challenge; it took brave hearts and determination.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is the oldest of 11 Worcester County Museums. Worcester County is the easternmost county located in Maryland. The county contains the entire length of Maryland’s Atlantic coastline. Its county seat is Snow Hill.
St. Martin’s Church once sat next to a tributary of the Saint Martin’s River; Windmill Creek. A lot has changed through the years. The geography has and the river no longer flows by. But guess what? The building that once housed this Anglican Church, where people came and worshipped remains, along with its secrets.
This was an Anglican Church. Anglican vs. Episcopal? When the Revolutionary War occurred in North America, the U.S. declared its independence from England and American Anglicans changed their name to “Episcopalians” to avoid persecution. Episcopal means to have bishops, but Episcopalians are still Anglicans today.
And there I was with Sherrie, Sue and Cindi. I wanted to see St. Martin’s so that I could write this post. I had heard that for years a group of community leaders were determined to preserve this gem of architecture. This group is working hard to promote St. Martin’s. They are trying to help raise awareness of its historic value and its funding needs.
The first thing you will notice as you get out of the car and take the surroundings in is that even though it is adjacent to a major highway, it is so quiet and serene. Towering pines surround the property.
A Historical Marker by the Maryland Historical Trust will tell you that St. Martin’s Church was established around 1692 as a Chapel-of-Ease for Snow Hill Parish, and later, in 1744 designated as the principal church to Worcester Parish. The original frame building was replaced with the Georgian brick structure, completed in 1764.
With its Flemish bond brick walls and the glazed checkerboard pattern on the south wall, you can tell it was built in colonial times. Rubbed brick borders highlight the church’s windows and doors, and the roof features what are called “kicked waves” and cove cornices”.
I was so honored to be able to step inside this historic museum. The entrance has double batten doors. One of the unusual features is the flat arches above the entrances.
The restoration effort started in 1994. The Foundation Board of Trustees selected award winning Architectural Historian, Paul Baker Touart, to guide the project. Although most of the building and the grounds restorations are pretty much complete, ongoing preservation continues.
Foundation President, Mrs. Sherrie Beckstead, together with master goldsmith Steve Clarke, has designed a key pendant, which is a replica of the key to the doors of Saint Martin’s. The copyrighted key will be available in sterling silver and 18 karat gold for those who want to purchase this keepsake in support of the historic church. You can call Sherrie Beckstead at 410-430-2142 or e-mail at Historicstmartin@aol.com.
And, then as I entered the Church I stepped on the Brick floor. This is the original brick floor.
And a look at the simple pine box pews. As you take a look at these pictures, please notice that the darker color of the pine, is what was replaced. The rest is all original.
The windows, for obvious reasons had to be replaced.
And, that majestic raised Pulpit. I climbed to the Pulpit where I could get a full view of the pews.
Although St. Martin’s Church is small, it can still accommodate 60 to 100 people.
I climbed to the Gallery. From that point of view there is a complete different perspective. Who sat here? Wide plank pine boards are intact.
There is a wall left unpainted and unretouched on purpose. If you look closer you will see all kinds of scribbles and dates. It is a Wall of Remembrance. A mark left by a visitor or worshipper, perhaps. Some dates are that old.
Since its restoration, open houses, weddings, musical and art events and lectures have taken place at St. Martin’s. “Historic Weddings” are starting to take place within the Chapel as couples that love history and the Eastern Shore region cannot resist the charm and setting of St. Martin’s. A collaboration involving several historic properties and hotels in the region is working with the Foundation on the creation of “Eastern Shore Historic Weddings”. All you have to do is give them a call or visit the website above mentioned for more information.
The grounds are beautifully kept. Plenty of parking and enough space for a tent, as well.
Hours of Operation:
Open every Saturday, beginning June 4th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Tours are also available.
Admission:
St. Martin’s graciously accepts donations. All donations are tax deductible.
Handicapped Access: For special assistance, please call or e-mail prior to your visit.
The websites? www.historicstmartinschurch.org, or visit Worcester County Museums at www.octhebeach.com/museums.
What do you think? It takes my breath away. It has taken a group of people with a lot of help from the community to bring beautiful Historic St. Martin’s Church back to where it should be. Lets appreciate it and enjoy it. This special and unique church is “Unlocking The Past…While Preserving the Future”.
Have a great day!!…Talk to you later….
Note: Information for this post came from Historic Old St. Martin’s Church Foundation.
May 7th, 2011
We really had a gorgeous day here in the Delmarva Peninsula. When Spring shows its colors, it is truly beautiful. Definitely, my favorite times of the year are Spring and Fall. A day like today, I could take it every day.
I got an e-mail from the Delray GreenMarket and it was so cute. It was about the reasons why Moms deserve their own Holiday.
She brought you into this world — through her own body.
For at least 2 years, she changed your dirty diapers.
Her first instinct was and is always to stick up for you.
Her lullabies, and later her lectures, could put you to sleep. Isn’t that the truth!!
“When you’re a mother, you’ll understand” turned out to be true.
Her chauffeur services and there were many, were first-rate.
She cooked your favorite meal when you came hom from college. Cooked for your friends too.
She did your laundry when you came home from college.
 The golf course looked fantastic!! Two words; homemade pie.
Mom does the worrying for everyone in the family!!
She taught you to play fair and watch your mouth.
She is there 24/7!! That’s my own comment.
So, to all of you who are Mothers in many ways; an aunt, a mentor, a grandmother, a stepmother, a teacher, I wish you a great day.
April 25th, 2011
I was out and about today with no direction in mind when I decided to visit The Freeman Stage in Selbyville. This outdoor art venue is located at 31750 Lakeview Drive, Selbyville, DE. If you are at the Delaware or Maryland Beaches the best way to get there is to travel on Ocean Highway to Fenwick Island. At the intersection of Rt. 54 then go west for about 4 miles. When you see Harris Teeter turn towards it. It is also the entrance to Bayside, a golf community on the water, and where The Freeman Stage is located.
Upon entering the Bayside community then proceed straight on Americana Parkway. The outdoor theatre is on Town Lake at the intersection of Americana Parkway and Lakeview Drive.
Last year I had mentioned a few of the live entertainment that were on the schedule. After seeing how pretty it was today, I am definitely attending some of them. It must be gorgeous on a balmy summer night.
It is an outdoor setting; not a big stage. You can bring your lawn chairs, bug spray and blankets but leave behind your pets (unless service dogs are assisting patrons with disabilities) and your alcohol. If you wish to purchase alcoholic beverages, then do so at the Freeman Stage Cafe. No smoking, as well, and no recording equipment and cameras during the performances unless by authorized press and personnel.
The summer event calendar is out and you can take a look at it by visiting www.freemanstage.org. If you decide you want to attend a performance, you can buy tickets through the website. You may also purchase general admission tickets for $10 per person, per performance when the gates open at 5 p.m. The website has all that info. and more.
If you need to call them, please do so at 302-436-3015. You can find them on Facebook.
One thing to remember is that since this is an outdoor venue, it is subject to the weather. You can visit their website for cancellations or call the above mentioned telephone number.
This will be their 4th season and the opening act will be on May 28th with a Memorial Day celebration featuring Zany Umbrella Circus. It will be for the whole family. Patriotic celebrations will highlight the day; circus illusions and acrobatics. It will be on that Saturday of the Memorial week-end starting at 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. It will be FREE!!
If you are a fan of LeAnnRimes, then she will be appearing on Saturday, 6/25 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 plus. The Freeman Stage is inviting all of us to spend an intimate evening under the stars with one of the biggest country stars.
You will be impressed with their schedule; a little bit for everyone to enjoy.
Have a great day…I am still digesting my Easter meal; I feel sluggish.
March 30th, 2011
I might have to blame Cindi for having to drink water for for all meals for the next few days. Washing all those calories out. You saw the heading of this post; Five Guys, Hamburgers, Fries.
I met Cindi at Five Guys in Ocean City, Maryland. The address is 6401 Coastal Highway. Tel. is 410-723-4411. Website? www.fiveguys.com.
I had never been to any of them. They have been around for years; since 1986. Rehoboth Beach and Lewes in Delaware have one each.
Every time I say that I have never been to one, people are surprised. Their comments range from “they are the best”. Then, another comment was “best beef without all that crap”. Pardon my French.
Five Guys is considered to be a fast food joint; a very casual atmosphere, as well. The one in Ocean City had plenty of tables available. When we arrived it was packed. It was 12:30 p.m. But, by the time we left, everyone was gone.
I found out that they have zero artificial trans fats. That’s a relief!! 200 Five Guys will be opening up in 2011. 350,000 burgers are sold daily. I can’t even imagine how many potatoes.
Don’t forget the bulk peanuts. They were so good; adding fuel to the calories.
The menu is limited but there is a reason to their madness. They want just a few items, serving them to the best of their ability. Makes sense.
Cindi decided to order the Little Hamburger. It looked great. A normal size one.
I, decided that doing this would require for me to go all out. I got the Bacon Cheeseburger with everything on it. That meant, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, mustard, relish, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles.
It was huge and very messy. Yes, I am guilty because I ate it all.
When I said that it was off the chart, I meant it in two ways; flavor and calories. Just the Bacon Cheeseburger without the many toppings was 920 calories. Add a few hundred for the toppings. Cindi’s normal burger was a mere 480 calories.
Then, how could we not have fries? We split them, thank God because they would have been 620 calories. I figured we had 310 calories each, give or take. They were so tasty!!
Even though I am telling you all this, I really don’t feel guilty. Cindi and I don’t do this often. Last time we ate this much was at the Oktoberfest in Bear Mountain, NY, in October.
Anyway, always the best times are spend with a girlfriend….talk to you later…
 
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