From The ASPCA ~ *We Are Their Voice*

APRIL IS PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS MONTH

From the ASPCA:

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and each year, the ASPCA urges supporters across the country to support our efforts and Go Orange for Animals in honor of the signing of the ASPCA's charter in 1866. Throughout the month, we’ll be encouraging our members to show their support by donning our signature color and going orange for animals. Please join us for this month-long celebration of our victories in the fight against animal cruelty.

How To Recognize Animal Cruelty

Signs That an Animal Might Be Abused

Recognizing cruelty is simple, right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. Aggressive, timid or fearful behavior doesn't always tell the whole story. Animals may appear to be timid or frightened for many reasons other than abuse.


“It’s almost impossible to make conclusions based on a pet’s behavior alone,” says the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT. “The best way to tell whether a pet is being or has been abused is to examine him and his surrounding environment.”

Check out our list of signs that may alert you an animal needs help:

Physical Signs

• Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
• Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
• Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
• Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible
• Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
• Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes
• Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
• Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
• Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
• Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Environmental Signs

• Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
• Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
• Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
• Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals

“Reporting suspected animal cruelty ensures that animals in jeopardy receive prompt and often lifesaving care,” says ASPCA Special Agent Joann Sandano. “By making a complaint to the police or humane society in your area—you can even do so anonymously—you help ensure that animals in need are rescued and that perpetrators of animal cruelty are brought to justice.”

If you see signs of animal abuse, don’t keep it to yourself. Here’s how to report cruelty in your area.

From Richard Douglas- Candidate for US Senate- 2012

Senate Candidate Richard Douglas on Primary Loss

From US Senate Candidate Richard Douglas:

"I want to congratulate my opponent on a hard-fought race in the Republican primary.  Republicans and Democrats challenging Ben Cardin know that defeating elite royal family rule in Annapolis and incompetence on Capitol Hill is an enormous undertaking.  I
urge like-minded Democrats and Independent voters to close ranks with Mr. Bongino to replace Ben Cardin in November.  It is time for a strong Maryland voice to be heard in the U.S. Senate.  Today was the first step toward that goal."

Author and Poet Maya Angelou

Today is the  84th birthday of Maya Angelou. 

 An American author and poet,  born  Marguerite Ann Johnson,  she has been called  "America's most visible black female autobiographer".




"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating
 that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can
 introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other,
 we may even become friends."  ~Maya Angelou~
 

16 Inch Gun From USS Missouri To Pass Through Pocomoke Via Railroad

Traveling the railroad sometime this afternoon through Pocomoke will be one of  16 inch  gun barrels  from the decomissioned USS Missouri.

For the photo and story go HERE

Accomack School Registration For Pre K and Kindergarten

Accomack County Public Schools well conduct registration for 4 year old and kindergarten students on April 18, 2012. A variety of registration activities are planned. At that time parents and students will have an opportunity to visit the classrooms, tour the building, and talk with the principal and teachers. The hours for the registration are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the school day and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the evening.


All Elementary Schools will register on April 18. Enrollment for both Kindergarten and the 4 year old program requires the following information for each child.Birth Certificate and a certification of immunizations from a physician or health agency; Social Security number;Social Security number;completed physical examination on MCH213F Part 1,2 and 3 . Hemoglobin or Hematocrit and urinalysis are required. Income verification for Pre-K registration only; proof of residency, a utility bill, valid drivers license, car registration or contract papers.


Students who attend Accomack County Public Schools Pre K program are required to have a physical if the one for preschool would be over 12 months old by September 4, 2012. The childs original birth certificate is required to begin school in September.

VA. State Police Sergeants Honored For Valor and Leadership

Virginia State Police

RICHMOND

Two Virginia State Police sergeants are being recognized today in Philadelphia, Penn.,by the Mid-Atlantic Association of Women in Law Enforcement (MAAWLE). Sgt. Michelle Anaya of the Chesapeake Division and Sgt. Becky G. Curl of the Salem Division are receiving the association’s 2012 Leadership Award and 2012 Award of Valor,

respectively, at an awards luncheon during the 26th  Annual MAAWLE Conference.

 Sgt. Anaya is being honored for her vital leadership and assistance with launching "The Got Sole Project" in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. Since its inception in 2010, the non-profit program has helped provide more than 1,000 impoverished, migrant
families with gently worn shoes and socks. Sgt. Anaya got involved
when she was approached by Ms Contreras- Rowe who was looking 

for an opportunity to give back to the local community. Through their determination and compassion, "The Got Sole Project" became a reality and has made a significant difference in the lives of countless children.

A 14-year veteran of the Virginia State Police, Sgt. Anaya currently serves as the Chesapeake Division’s Public Information Officer and also serves as the Virginia State Police Representative for the annual Special

Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run® – which raises funds to support the Special Olympics and its athletes. Sgt. Anaya is a firstgeneration Mexican-American and a graduate of Christopher Newport University. During her careerwith state police, she has also served in the Recruitment Unit and in the Sex Offender Investigative Unit.

Sgt. Becky G. Curl was recognized for her role in apprehending a Franklin County deputy who was wanted by Roanoke police as a suspect in the slaying of his ex-wife. The apprehension involved an exchange of gunfire. 

She is a native of Californina and a decorated military veteran.  While serving in the U. S. Army, Curl moved to Virginia in 1987.  She served in the Hampton Police Dept. before joining the Virginia State Police in 1994.  Since then she has been assigned to the Department’s Chesapeake, Culpeper and Salem divisions.

She is currently assigned to the Salem Area Office and also oversees the division’s Motorcycle Unit.

SHORE BEEF & BBQ

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

Pit Beef Sandwich w/ Side

Drink ~ $7.95

**A message from the cook:  "See you there....or Dee and KK will see you there.  I just cook and take orders.  Thanks ! " 

Pocomoke City Good Friday Community Service

The Pocomoke City Good Friday Community Service is at 12 noon - 1 pm at New Macedonia Baptist Church at 6th & Young Streets.

An offering will be collected for the Samaritan Shelter, Inc. and Save the Youth, Inc.

This service is hosted by the Pocomoke City Ministerial Association, Inc.

Alleged Rape Occurs at Cape Charles

The Cape Charles Police Department and the Northampton Sheriff's Department are both investigating an alleged rape on the beach front at Cape Charles last week. A 20 year old woman told authorities she was walking on the beach at approximately 6:30 PM when she was approached by a man who talked to her for a few minutes before supposedly moving on. She said the man quickly returned and attacked her.


Chief Charles Brown of the Cape Charles police said nothing like this has happened before and his department is trying to piece together the story pending the return of forensic lab results. The suspect is believed to be between 25 and 30 years old.


Anyone with any information is encouraged to call the Cape Charles Police Department at 757-331-3096.

Don't Forget To VOTE !!

PRIMARY DAY IN MARYLAND

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE !!

April Is Distracted Driver Awareness Month

Pledge to drive cell free this

 Distracted Driving Awareness Month 

Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council promotes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and encourages everyone to take the NSC pledge to drive cell free at nsc.org/pledge. Thousands of fatal crashes each year involve drivers using cell phones. Those interested in getting involved in this issue can get started by taking the pledge and also find a variety of downloadable materials including posters, videos and more at nsc.org/ddmonth. 

“It’s time to start changing the social acceptance of cell phone use while driving,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “While many understand the dangers, they still use their cell phones when they drive. We hope people will take the pledge this April to help prevent needless tragedies and keep our roadways safer.” 

April also is a perfect time for employers to begin implementing total bans on cell phone use while driving for all employees. NSC developed its free Cell Phone Policy Kit to help employers interested in implementing or enhancing a policy.  

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month was introduced as a resolution by former Rep. Betsy Markey (D-CO) and passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in a 410-2 vote on March 23, 2010. The resolution mentions 9-year-old Erica Forney, who was struck and killed by a distracted driver in Fort Collins, CO, in November 2008. Erica’s mother, Shelley Forney, is a founding board member of FocusDriven – Advocates for Cell-Free Driving. 

Visit nsc.org/ddmonth throughout the month of April for additional materials. NSC also would like to thank FirstGroup for being a sponsor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. 

About the National Safety CouncilFounded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council (nsc.org) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety and safety beyond the workplace.

Williamsburg Pottery To Reopen

WVEC News
WILLIAMSBURG -- A pottery store than has been a big tourist draw for decades in Williamsburg is reopening.

The doors of Williamsburg Pottery closed more than a year ago for a major renovation.  Now, the finishing touches are being put on the $30 million transformation of Williamsburg Pottery.   It will officially reopen on Thursday.

Many people have been eagerly awaiting the store's reopening.

"People would stop in here and ask when it the pottery reopening, or where is it, what happened to it," said Cheryl Chestnutt Brown.

Nearby business owners are hoping shoppers and tourists going to Williamsburg Pottery will also give their businesses a boost.

"We're thrilled that its opening, and we expect a lot more traffic to come through," commented Beverly Grimes.

During construction, the pottery store had only 50 employees.  When it reopens, it will have 150 employees with plans to hire more.

Source:

Emergency Alert Signals To Sound Saturday

Worcester County residents:

 Saturday, April 7, Worcester County emergency alert signals will sound from area fire sirens. Officials say to expect a steady alert tone at 10A.M.  lasting for one minute.

These signals are tested the first Saturday of each month. In the event of an actual emergency, the sirens would be used to warn of danger

Presidential Proclamation --

 National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As parents, as communities, and as a Nation, the work of raising our children stands among our greatest responsibilities and our most profound blessings.  The support we give and the examples we set form cornerstones for their success, and by teaching our children to trust in themselves, we equip them with confidence, hope, and determination that can last a lifetime.  Tragically, neglect and abuse erode this fundamental promise for too many young Americans.  During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to break the cycle of violence, strengthen support for all who have been affected, and empower our young people with the best we have to offer.

Over half a million American children suffer neglect or abuse every year.  A strong and well informed family unit is the surest defense against child abuse, and parents and caregivers who have support    from relatives, friends, neighbors, and their communities    are more likely to provide safe and healthy homes for their children.  Trusted friends and active community members can help ensure families get the support they need by offering their time and resources, taking an active role in children's lives, and fostering a safe environment for young people to learn and grow.  By coming together in service to our communities, we do more to meet our obligation to do right by the next generation.

My Administration continues to prioritize the health and well being of children across our country.  With partners at every level of government and throughout the private sector, we are supporting services that protect young Americans from abuse and neglect and extend help to those who have been affected.  We are investing in early learning programs and supporting initiatives that promote positive outcomes for children and families.  And we are connecting parents and professionals to new tools to identify, treat, and prevent abuse.  I encourage all Americans to learn more about what they can do at:  www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing.

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up with the promise and protection of a loving family.  This month, we recommit to that vision, and to providing care, stability, and a brighter future for our sons and daughters.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2012 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide for children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

-----
Attention- Slim:

Regarding your comments on the early 60's crash that claimed the life of Pocomoke's Dr. Hamilton.. email me and I'll email back the original front page headline story about the accident.

Same goes for anyone else who would be interested in seeing the story.

Email me at tkforppe@yahoo.com

tk for ppe

-----

Legislative Updates From Delegate Mike McDermott

DELEGATE MIKE MCDERMOTT: PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4.2.12

“Urge the Members of the Ways and Means Committee to Take Action on HB966”

On March 15th, 2012, the House Ways and Means Committee heard HB 966 - Wicomico County - Board of Education - Selection of Members - Straw Ballot.  This bill, sponsored by Delegate Michael A. McDermott (Worcester and Wicomico Counties), would simply allow the people of Wicomico County to voice their opinions about the selection method of the members on the Wicomico County Board of Education.  It proposes a non-binding referendum that would ask whether voters favor changing the selection method of school board members from being appointed by the Governor to a direct election by county voters.

What has happened since the hearing on March 15th? Absolutely nothing. In response to this, Delegate McDermott is asking the citizens of Wicomico County to urge the Ways and Means Committee Members to vote on this bill.  In particular, please contact the Ways and Means Committee Chairwoman:

Delegate Sheila E. Hixson

Phone Number: 410-841-3469 or 301-858-3469 or 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3469 

Address: Room 131, House Office Building, Annapolis, MD 21401-1912

E-mail: sheila.hixson.annapolis@house.state.md.us

Fax: (410) 841-3777, (301) 858-3777

Delegate McDermott is also asking the citizens of Wicomico County to contact the members of the Wicomico County Delegation who did not support this bill:

Delegate Norman Conway

Phone Number: 410-841-3407 or 301-858-3407 or 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3407 

Address: Room 121, House Office Building, 6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401

E-mail: norman.conway@house.state.md.us

Fax: (410) 841-3416, (301) 858-3416

Delegate Rudolph Cane

Phone Number: 410- 841-3427 or 301-858-3427 or 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3427 

Address: Room 364, House Office Building, 6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401

E-mail: rudolph.cane@house.state.md.us

Fax: (410) 841-3780 or (301) 858-3780

If the people of Wicomico County want the right to simply ask a question at the ballot box, they must act now!

From Richard Douglas U.S. Senate Candidate - 2012

Ambassador John Bolton Backs Douglas, Romney

Ambassador John Bolton, appearing on behalf of Governor Mitt Romney'spresidential campaign at the Royal Kosher Restaurant in BaltimoreApril 1, voiced strong support for Douglas's April 3 primary bid tochallenge 45-year Democratic incumbent Ben Cardin.
"I am grateful to Ambassador John Bolton -- a native son of Baltimoreand Maryland resident -- for stating once again his support for mySenate candidacy and for serving as co-chairman of my campaign," said Douglas.

Douglas looked forward to the Ambassador's possible role in a new
Administration.

"If the people of Maryland choose me as their next U.S. Senator, I
will look forward to leading Senate action in January to confirm Mr.
Bolton for a senior national security position in a new Republican
cabinet."

SPCA EASTERN SHORE PET WALK

Celebrate Your Birthday At The Delmarva Discovery Center

Scott Rigell ~ 2nd Congressional District of Virginia

The Rigell Report: We Need Action, Not Studies, to Solve Our Energy Challenges


Friends and Neighbors,Last week the Administration announced it was drafting a programmatic environmental impact statement to "inform future decisions about whether, and if so where, energy leasing would be appropriate off of Virginia's coast," according to a press release from the Department of the Interior.

But the announcement was not news – it was a classic Washington head fake. Energy experts say since the President has banned lease sales in the Atlantic for at least the next five years, this study is just another attempt to infer action when there is none. So this ‘news’ was simply the Administration giving the appearance of moving toward an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy without actually doing anything.

The President's ban on coastal energy is a ban on jobs and a ban on the revenue we need so Virginia can have superior schools, healthy children, and better roads. I believe the President truly wants to lower gas prices and create jobs for the good people of Virginia, but his approach is wrong. Now is not the time for more government studies. Now is the time to begin real development of the bountiful wind, natural gas, and oil off the coast of Virginia.

In February I introduced the Mid-Atlantic Energy and Jobs Act of 2012 (HR 3882) to open, in an environmentally-responsible way, the Outer Continental Shelf off the coast of Virginia for energy development. My legislation would help move America away from its dangerous reliance on foreign oil and create an estimated 18,000 direct and indirect local jobs. At the same time, the legislation would generate $1.4 billion in royalty revenue for the Commonwealth, a percentage of which would be required to go toward environmental preservation in Virginia.

We must pursue a true ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy policy in this country. We’re Americans. We can – and must – do this so we can pass on the blessings of liberty and freedom to our children and grandchildren.
Mindful that I work for you, I remain

Yours in Freedom,   Scott Rigell
Member of Congress

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

Apr. 1st, 2012

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

Week 12 March 26-30 , 2012
Monday Afternoon Regular Session:Third Reader Bills
These bills had some opposition:HB-443 creates the Health Care Exchange in support of Obamacare. It seems the democrats missed the news on the Supreme Court hearing this case and are happy to rush forward with legislation so we can be “first”. A real waste of effort and tax dollars.HB-1006  gives collective bargaining to all Baltimore City school employees. This was pretty much a party line vote.
Hunting License Increase-Shot Down on the Floor: HB-1419 was a rare victory snatched from the floor. The bill would have doubled Hunting License fees. Strategic questioning of the Floor Leader on the bill led to the opening of many eyes in the House on the democratic side. Following a hearty debate, the bill was defeated on a 62-69 vote. This will keep the cost of a license at $24.50. I must say, it felt pretty good to lead the charge and defeat a bad bill…as rare as it may be.

Monday Evening Regular Session:Third Reader Bills

Tuesday Morning Regular Session:First Reader Senate Bills, Messages from the Senate
Cross Filed Senate Bills Heard on Tuesday:
The following bills were heard (listed with their previously heard cross filed House Bill):SB-41 (HB-212), SB-59 (HB-117), SB-131 (HB-115), SB-374 (HB-251), SB-421 (HB-875), SB-439 (HB-379), SB-535 (HB-1029), SB-588 (HB-739).SB-70 has no cross file in the House. This bill seeks to codify the hearing process pertaining to guardianships and would require a hearing with the child who is the subject of the guardianship. SB-141 would repeal certain provisions concerning the reporting of information to the criminal justice system.

Wednesday Morning Regular Session:First Reader Senate Bills, Messages from the Senate
 Cross Filed Senate Bills Heard on Wednesday:
The following bills were heard)listed with their previously heard cross filed House Bill):SB-18 (HB-252), SB-170 (HB-524), SB-198 (HB-161), SB-514 (HB-396), SB-521 (HB-604), SB-640 (HB-715), SB-650 (HB-631), SB-673 (HB-926), SB-691 (HB-670)SB-245 would allow for the transference of a juvenile in custody to another treatment facility based upon a decision by the Dept. of Juvenile Justice. It provides, by amendment, the opportunity for judicial review and assignment. SB-247 addresses juvenile records and would seek to allow for additional sharing of criminal-detention information with other states which enter into a Memorandum of Understanding.
Maryland currently only has this agreement with Virginia and the District of Columbia.SB-16 is a similar to HB-353 concerning Jury Service and time off allocated by an employer. This is not a business friendly bill.

Thursday Morning Regular Session:Second Reader, Third Reader
On Second Reader was HB-411 which is the O’Malley-Brown Off-Shore Wind Bill. The bill has been amended several times and the dollar demands on consumers have been lowered (but will rise with inflation). In fact, the industry folks say that it is financially improbable that a company would be willing to enter into an agreement with Maryland under these terms. The fact is, without significant government and ratepayer subsidies, Off Shore Big Wind is too costly. If you consider wind produced kilowatts coming in at .24 cents and natural gas generation at .07 cents, this is not rocket science. On the floor, I argued that we should join with Virginia and their announced project to allow Dominion Energy to build one such tower three miles off the coast of Cape Charles and a monitoring station so they can determine if the technology will produce the results needed to make it a viable option. They put a three year moratorium on natural gas drilling that would net billions, yet they rush forward on an unproven technology that would bind our people to higher utility rates in the future. In a word, unbelievable! The Governor wants a “green” shingle to hang on his national resume, and, as ridiculous as it may be, the democrats in the General Assembly will deliver.
Cross Filed Senate Bills Heard on Thursday:SB-175 (HB-8), SB-283 (HB-1022), SB-353 (HB-318), SB-396 (HB-822), SB-453 (HB-707), SB-496 (HB-480), SB-512 (HB-1310), SB-562 (HB-614), SB-565 (HB-942), SB-612 (HB-1074), SB-647 (HB-1146), SB-711 (HB-774), SB-797 (1042), SB-856 (HB-762)
We also had our initial review of HB-15, the Medical Marijuana Bill. This one was assigned to Health and Government Operations as the primary committee, but we are reviewing it as well. The bill seeks to allow folks who provide marijuana to a person who has a medicinal need for the drug to be classified as “Care Providers” and would give them certain protection from prosecution. I think this is a terrible idea and the bill has so many holes in it legally, I do not think it can be repaired. The big problem in the General Assembly is that we have some who want to legalize marijuana or, at least, decriminalize possession, yet they use medical marijuana for cover to try and relax laws. Well, if they want the debate on legalization, let’s have it…but let’s stop trying to come in the back door behind this ruse of medicinal marijuana. I do not want Maryland to look like California when it comes to marijuana. We already look like them when it comes to taxes and environmental laws. We did not vote on the bill, but I doubt it receives a favorable report from Judiciary next week.

Friday Morning Regular Session:Second Reader, Third Reader House and Senate Bills
HB-441 is the Off-Shore Wind Bill. The bill is fraught with cost issues that could and would eventually be passed onto ratepayers and taxpayers. The bill makes provisions for union hiring and would eliminate non-union folks from being able to work on this project. In the end, it is government picking the winners and losers. On one hand, we fight against drilling for natural gas, and on the other we grant rate subsidies and make demands on utility companies to provide alternative energy that costs two to three times what is paid now. This is what happens when government gets involved in energy policies. The final vote was 88-47 in favor of the bill.