The Berlin Parks Commission discussed the following items during a meeting at Town Hall on Jan. 5.
Summer Movie Nights
Heather Layton and Robin Tomaselli, from the Berlin Md. Arts & Entertainment committee, briefed the commission on the second-annual Summer Movie Nights event.
This year, the town-supported Parks Commission and the arts and entertainment committee, a nonprofit supported by grants, will join forces for the screening series. The town will sponsor four movies, and the committee will pay for an additional two showings, for a total of six.
Last year, Summer Movie Nights consisted of just three screenings.
Both groups tentatively agreed to start on June 18, with “Tuck Everlasting” on Jefferson Street, downtown. Additional films will show on every other Saturday evening, alternating between Stephen Decatur and William Henry parks. The final film, likely “Runaway Bride,” will again play on Jefferson Street on Aug. 27.
Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen, the staff liaison for the parks committee, said she would write a request for proposals for a vendor for a portable screen, and attempt to obtain a bulk price for all six movies.
The groups also discussed compiling a list of roughly 10 films for the four final slots, and allowing the public to vote on the selections. “Goonies” and “Princess Bride” were both mentioned as potential options.
“I think it’s important to make sure that the selections are appealing to everyone,” Tomaselli said. “The whole point of us doing this is to really be inclusive of the entire Berlin community.”
Both parties also discussed allowing a limited number of nonprofit groups to participate during each screening, and using the town’s CodeRED notification system to alert the public of scheduled dates, as well as potential postponements.
Heather Layton and Robin Tomaselli, from the Berlin Md. Arts & Entertainment committee, briefed the commission on the second-annual Summer Movie Nights event.
This year, the town-supported Parks Commission and the arts and entertainment committee, a nonprofit supported by grants, will join forces for the screening series. The town will sponsor four movies, and the committee will pay for an additional two showings, for a total of six.
Last year, Summer Movie Nights consisted of just three screenings.
Both groups tentatively agreed to start on June 18, with “Tuck Everlasting” on Jefferson Street, downtown. Additional films will show on every other Saturday evening, alternating between Stephen Decatur and William Henry parks. The final film, likely “Runaway Bride,” will again play on Jefferson Street on Aug. 27.
Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen, the staff liaison for the parks committee, said she would write a request for proposals for a vendor for a portable screen, and attempt to obtain a bulk price for all six movies.
The groups also discussed compiling a list of roughly 10 films for the four final slots, and allowing the public to vote on the selections. “Goonies” and “Princess Bride” were both mentioned as potential options.
“I think it’s important to make sure that the selections are appealing to everyone,” Tomaselli said. “The whole point of us doing this is to really be inclusive of the entire Berlin community.”
Both parties also discussed allowing a limited number of nonprofit groups to participate during each screening, and using the town’s CodeRED notification system to alert the public of scheduled dates, as well as potential postponements.
Spring Celebration
This year’s Spring Celebration was set for Saturday, April 9. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual event.
This year’s Spring Celebration was set for Saturday, April 9. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual event.
Just Walk
The commission reviewed a Worcester County Health Department survey, showing largely positive feedback, of the Nov. 14 Just Walk event.
“I think it went well. People did seem to enjoy it,” Bohlen said, adding that there was significant public interest in creating a longer route during the next Just Walk event, set for May 7.
The commission reviewed a Worcester County Health Department survey, showing largely positive feedback, of the Nov. 14 Just Walk event.
“I think it went well. People did seem to enjoy it,” Bohlen said, adding that there was significant public interest in creating a longer route during the next Just Walk event, set for May 7.
Berlin Youth Club update
Amanda Chaffee, from Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, provided a brief update on the Berlin Youth Club, which is sponsored by the town.
Chaffee said participants enjoyed laser tag and a Salisbury University football game in November. In December, 10 children participated in the town’s Christmas parade, and others from the SAGES program, also part of WYFCS, helped make parts of the nonprofit group’s float.
Also in December, 11 children participated in the United Christmas Spirit Campaign, eight of which belonged to the youth club. The campaign allowed each child to spend $100 at the Berlin Wal-Mart on Christmas presents. Bless Our Children provided additional funding.
This month, the youth club will take its first trip to the Discovery Center in Pocomoke. Chaffee said she is also exploring options for a possible movie night, either at the Fox Sun & Surf 8 Cinema in Ocean City, or in the “Ray” community room at WYFCS.
Amanda Chaffee, from Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, provided a brief update on the Berlin Youth Club, which is sponsored by the town.
Chaffee said participants enjoyed laser tag and a Salisbury University football game in November. In December, 10 children participated in the town’s Christmas parade, and others from the SAGES program, also part of WYFCS, helped make parts of the nonprofit group’s float.
Also in December, 11 children participated in the United Christmas Spirit Campaign, eight of which belonged to the youth club. The campaign allowed each child to spend $100 at the Berlin Wal-Mart on Christmas presents. Bless Our Children provided additional funding.
This month, the youth club will take its first trip to the Discovery Center in Pocomoke. Chaffee said she is also exploring options for a possible movie night, either at the Fox Sun & Surf 8 Cinema in Ocean City, or in the “Ray” community room at WYFCS.
Berlin Falls support
Chair Mike Wiley said the commission wished to write a letter of support for the town’s purchase of the former Tyson’s Chicken plant, which is expected to be on the agenda during a Jan. 11 Town Council meeting.
The town plans to convert the former industrial site into a large public park tentatively called “Berlin Falls.”
“We realize it’s going to be a long-term thing, and I actually have some examples of other jurisdictions that were proactive in a property they knew they couldn’t develop right away,” he said, citing similar actions taken in Betterton and Anne Arundel County, Md.
Chair Mike Wiley said the commission wished to write a letter of support for the town’s purchase of the former Tyson’s Chicken plant, which is expected to be on the agenda during a Jan. 11 Town Council meeting.
The town plans to convert the former industrial site into a large public park tentatively called “Berlin Falls.”
“We realize it’s going to be a long-term thing, and I actually have some examples of other jurisdictions that were proactive in a property they knew they couldn’t develop right away,” he said, citing similar actions taken in Betterton and Anne Arundel County, Md.