Life on Delmarva: 2016

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Reflections on New Year's Eve | "What I Learned From the Past Year"

December 31st, 2016 ~ what I have learned during the last twelve months:

New Year Wishes and Charming Vintage Greetings

Goodbye to the past 12 months....you can't get out of here FAST ENOUGH. I've learned more about myself, life and my family than I cared to know, made some tough decisions and found out things that changed everything. Some of it was overdue and needed to happen.....other aspects may have been best left alone....either way, I MADE IT.

Vintage Holiday Greetings | A Retro Christmas Collection

Some images I found while looking for the perfect holiday wishes to order in Christmas cards for this year. How lovely are these vintage scenes of Santa Claus, scenic countrysides, decorations and those beautiful ornaments we all remember!? Click on any picture to open in a larger window and see the links for more seasonal collections at the end of this post too!

Christmas By The Sea | Celebrating the Holidays at the Beach

What does a "tropical Christmas" mean to you? Perhaps it brings to mind stately palm trees by the seashore, festooned with colored lights and starfish, or maybe you think of festive beach cottages adorned with wreaths, garland and greenery.

#ChristmasLightTracker featuring Holiday Lights on Delmarva

Photos taken featuring local businesses and towns of Maryland's eastern shore and southern Delaware. I'm posting pics from around the area as #ChristmasLightTracker to bring you local displays of lights and Christmas Spirit. For more follow me on Facebook.

Jim's Bait and Tackle Shop in Roxana, DE. Find them on Facebook.

Newark, Maryland and the Queponco Railway Station

Tucked away on Maryland's eastern shore, located between Berlin and Snow Hill, you will find the town of Newark. Most people assume, when you mention it, that you are mistaken and of course referring to it's namesake in northern Delaware - but no, there is indeed a Newark in Worcester County, MD. Turn off of Route 113 and go perhaps a mile or two and there you are.

A Collection of Vintage Christmas Cat Greeting Cards

What started out as a wish to cheer a friend who is down because of the pending holidays turned into my sort of fascination with these greetings of yesteryear. The wishes for Christmas range from ornate and stylish, such as well-dressed caroling cats and images depicting a number of felines outfitted in hats and clothing, to very simple faces and a few sprigs of holly (as shown below).

Maybe I should look up more often....

The parking lot of the local grocery store is a zoo when I arrive on the Wednesday before Turkey Day. I knew it would be crowded and that they would probably be out of many items, but that's what you get when you're running back and forth to another state trying to take care of an elderly parent. Everything becomes a blur; time gets away from you, and suddenly the holiday is here.

the First Annual Delmarva Toy Run | "Thoughts on Community"

In a couple of hours I'm scheduled to be at a local radio station to talk about an upcoming event. This project grew out of a discussion held at a fish fry a few months ago where the gist of the conversation centered around "we could all come together and make a difference". And thus was born the idea for the First Annual Delmarva Community Toy Run. A suggestion for a radio contact landed me this opportunity to talk publicly about what, when and why - and it's also the reason for me being up before 5AM. I'm a little nervous, making notes and writing myself reminders of what to say in case I'm tongue-tied, and then it occurred to me that perhaps I should just speak from the heart.

From the beginning the focus was on "community and people working together". It was decided that the run would benefit two separate types of collections, one a Toys For Tots drive being held at a small business, and the second, a local program hosted by an area police department. This would give everyone the opportunity to gather at one location for coffee, meet and greet and donate our first toy and then we'd roll out and onto the next stop. Two unique places with distinctly different affiliations and yet both for the same cause. But can we get that message out to everyone? How do we ask people to set aside details such as labels or connections or who they ride with or belong to, and just for a few hours on a Saturday morning, come out to join us as Rick or Angela or Bob?

"It's not about you and it's not about me. It's about what we can do together", stated an image I found and posted online yesterday, and that's the honest truth. So what would I say if someone were to ask me what my hopes or goals were for this event? I would reply that it's to stand there and look out over a variety of people, a blending of individuals and a gathering of vehicles and groups from across the area. NO LINES, no labels. Sometimes I think we forget in our world that "together we can accomplish more", don't you think? We are so busy doing things, attending activities, helping others perhaps, but does it maybe become too much about whose name is up in lights, which logo is represented or who the host is?

Lying in bed thinking a few hours ago, I had thought at this point in the post I'd go into mentioning some of the organizations which we've spoken with, perhaps offer a glimpse of the wide range of groups which have expressed interest and support for the event. And now I've changed my mind on that, because it's not what matters. What matters is the basics; I'm no better than you, that those folks from another town don't care who they ride next to and that we all charge out there to mingle with one another and fill some big boxes with toy donations. Because really, when it comes down to it, we are all part of this place we call home. We are all in this together.

I'm going to mention one more thing that months later, still resonates with me. At a community gathering this past summer, organized to bring members of the neighborhood together, a pastor from a local church spoke out. He encouraged us to work together, reminded us that hate and division solve nothing, and that unity was key for success. And then he offered a small tidbit of advice which stayed with me: "Don't stand with the person you came with", he said. "Walk around and greet your neighbors, meet others, reach out to someone new." A few people shifted uneasily, not quite willing to walk away from their spot or the ones they arrived with, and then I saw a couple of folks begin to drift slowly from where they stood and moved into the crowd - I hoped, to say hello to a stranger and connect with someone else. We tend to cling to what is familiar and safe and often we don't want to go even a little bit out of our comfort zone, and so maybe we don't reach out enough to see someone new and introduce ourselves. Maybe we need more of that. Maybe now is a good time to grow.

We're looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, December 3rd. Please find the how, when, where and so on listed below so you can make your plans and mark your calendars! Remember to invite your friends and neighbors and people you've been wanting to meet.

First Annual Delmarva Community Toy Run

When: Saturday, December 3rd

What: Toy Collection Ride/Run for our local area

Why: An opportunity for members of our community to come together with one purpose, that of supporting local area families and kids.

Where: Our meeting point is the Iron Horse cafe in Willards, MD at 9:30AM. You can grab coffee or a quick breakfast there, mingle and chat with everyone. Our first toy is being given to the owners of the cafe for their Toys for Toys drive.

At 10:30AM we will leave there to ride to the Salisbury Police Department which is approximately 20 minutes away. The second toy donation is for their program which works directly with local area families. There will be a few comments from members of our community and then group photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is a short ride as it's our first time doing this and we wanted to keep it all nice and simple. Remember that you don't need to ride a motorcycle to attend! Cars, trucks, buses.....whatever you drive is welcome to come on out and participate!

For more information please visit the event on Facebook here. See you there!

#delmarvausa • community advocate • localist

believer that "together we accomplish more"

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Police Officer Lesley Zerebny | Police Officer Jose Gilbert Vega

Just hours after participating in a community gathering I saw the news....

I'd been at a gathering where people had come out to tell area law enforcement officers they are appreciated; that we care; that their lives matter. As with so many events I attend, it was emotional to see the love from local citizens, watch little interactions between individuals, and stand together with others who support our cops.

Flagpole Dedication at BJ's On The Water (75th Street in Ocean City, Maryland)

On August 8th, members from various organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, VVA Chapter 1091, Hogs and Heroes, Legion Riders and others attended the dedication of a new flagpole at BJ's on the Water. Local officials including Senator Mathias presented the owners of BJ's with certificates and items acknowledging their involvement in the community.

~ Grow your mind and expand your world ~

"Expanding your world" sometimes can mean reading, becoming educated and learning more about issues and community matters. I think and hope that everyone makes some time to explore the challenges facing their local towns and cities, read up on problems and work together towards solutions. Grow your mind by continually keeping and processing a list of "articles to read" and share them along with your thoughts to invite new perspective and input from others.

Postcards of Yesteryear | Wicomico County, Maryland

Images of downtown Salisbury as well as a few landmarks from nearby. I was delighted to find myself in the area of the beautiful church recently and stopped to photograph it; the memorial has been a project undergoing restore for some time. See more links at the end of this post .

It's Not A National Day (yet) But Our First Responders Deserve It

For several years now an effort has been underway to dedicate a day to first responders. While it has stalled and been held up repeatedly, there are a number of cities and towns which are recognizing the date of September 27th as "National First Responders Day". After all, don't the people who aid, assist and protect our communities deserve it? While is isn't a national date (yet), here is what we have found out about First Responders Day.

Two years later: Labor Day Weekend

Two years ago I went through the most difficult Labor Day Weekend of my life. Everything I knew was ending and most things I cared deeply about were crumbling before my eyes. A month earlier I had posted that after 19 years my beloved shop would be closing for good and the feelings of failure and loss and disappointment were overwhelming.

How Can Our Community "Do Better"?

Since last Friday when many of us gathered at Pohanka of Salisbury Automotive for the "We Stand United" event....I've been thinking. Turning over some of the words that were said in my head; tossing around some phrases and statements that were made; wondering HOW does a community "do better". There must be a special ingredient in those select few places where people do, in fact, act and live in a way which promotes open dialog, respect and a culture of togetherness.

There's a question floating over my head, words in a bubble like a giant blimp hovering nearby - and I'm sure I can't be the only one thinking this: "How can we avoid being the next Ferguson, Dallas, Baton Rouge?" Honestly, someone else besides me must have considered the same exact question....right?

Vintage Images from Ocean City, Maryland (Part Two)

"Memories of Ocean City, Maryland" - Postcards, memorabilia and advertising featuring local landmarks from Maryland's favorite beach towns. These images which feature travel brochures, motel advertisements and depictions of the famous boardwalk, offer a fascinating glimpse into life in our towns from years ago.

Local Ice Cream! Dairy Farms and Creameries on Delmarva July 2016

*** UPDATE *** We have revised our info for the Delmarva Ice Cream Trail. Check out the blog post here and view the new #DelmarvaIceCreamTrail Google Map too!

What better what to celebrate National Ice Cream Day than by enjoying the independent farms and dairies right here in on the Delmarva Peninsula. While while you can go to a chain place anytime, we think the REAL delicacies are found at the local shops and area creameries Below we've listed some of our favorites from Delaware and the eastern shore areas of Maryland and Virginia.

DELAWARE

Fifer Orchards in Wyoming, established 1919

http://www.fiferorchards.com • Facebook

Think For Yourself / Grow Your Mind (part I)

“Grow your mind and expand your world”

1) “Why We Don’t Accept Delays and Appreciate the Gift of Empty Time"

2) "We now live in individual bubbles of our own making"....this is a good read. "There's a Battlefield at Home and Only First Responders See It"

Wake up World (We can't live like this)

Why is "active shooter" a term we have all come to know? Why does it seem commonplace - almost a daily occurrence - to read about another violent act or outburst by someone walking a thin line between right and wrong?

We Will Not All Get Along, All The Time (and that's okay!)

"Learning to accept others"

Sometimes we go about our lives with the expectation that everything must be a certain way, that other people should share our views (because they are the right ones!), or simply fall into the trap of feeling as everyone should see our perspective. Unless you have some fairy dust and a magic wand, chances are good life is not going to go exactly like that.

Visiting the Delmarva Peninsula | the town of Berlin, Maryland

The town of Berlin is one of my favorite places here on Delmarva and it's one that we often recommend to visitors. Located just off Route 50, about 8 miles inland of Maryland's favorite beach town of Ocean City, it's a refreshing change from the souvenir shops and boardwalk stores. See the links and info after the photos.

"Be Careful of What We Are Becoming"

Something dark and disturbing appears to have overtaken our world. A foreboding shadow is emerging perhaps, beginning to creep in as a faint but persistent fog which seems to be settling over us and dulling the perceptions of right and wrong; love vs hate; pitting apathy at war against kindness. What happened to us??

An American Icon | Shelby Mustang GT500 King of the Road

Taken June 2016 in Ocean City, Maryland. Late 1960's model GT500, KR edition (believe it's a '68). About this car:

April 1, a street-legal version of the 428 cid V8 CJ "Cobra Jet" drag car debuts as the Shelby GT-500KR. Inspired by Rhode Island dealer/race car builder Bob Tasca, the "King of the Road" is rumored to produce 400 horsepower. A Ram Air induction setup was installed, as noted by the hood scoop and black hood stripe. The transmission options were a 4-speed manual or six-speed automatic. There was an initial run of 50 units inspired by Ford dealer and Mustang racer Bob Tasca's efforts, but eventually 2,253 CJ Fastbacks and 564 CJ coupes were produced. Note the new, functional C-pillar vents.
Source: http://www.shnack.com/history/1968

Forty years ago, at the 1967 New York Auto Show, Ford introduced the most powerful Shelby Mustang ever. The 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR was a mid-year introduction, based on the 1968 Shelby GT500. Ford added ‘Cobra’ to the Shelby’s moniker to help usher in the beginning of a new performance era at the company. The Cobra name referred to the new 428 Cobra Jet V-8 that was planted under the KR’s custom fiberglass hood. It was the engine that would once again vault the Mustang to the head of the pack.
Source: http://www.supercars.net/blog/1968-shelby-gt500kr-fastback/