Wounded Veterans Ride Bikes Through Baltimore

( Written by: Brent Jones)
Sgt. Miguel Antia, an Army Airborne Ranger whose body is peppered with seven gunshot wounds from a 2005 attack in Iraq, survived that incident only to find himself suffering from a debilitating disease he contracted while on duty in South America last year.

Antia has spent the past five months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, battling leishmaniasis, a disease caused by parasites that causes skin sores and spleen damage and nearly paralyzed him permanently. Bedridden until the past couple of months, Antia has since undergone a speedy and somewhat miraculous recovery, leaving him strong enough to participate Thursday in a 13-mile bike ride through Baltimore designed to help other injured veterans.

"I volunteered to do this ride because it is taking care of our own," Antia said. "It helps our morale. If your morale goes down, then everything else goes south."

Antia and more than 30 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are riding bikes for three days in Maryland to raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit group that provides services to those injured in combat.

The cyclists departed Thursday afternoon from Under Armour headquarters in Baltimore for a three-hour ride, followed by trips to Andrews Air Force Base and Annapolis today and Saturday.

Most of the cyclists lost limbs during the wars and use adaptive equipment to bicycle.

Sgt. Larry A. Draughn Jr., 22, said he was participating in his first organized bike race. Draughn did so without his legs, which he lost after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan last May.

Draughn spent months going from hospital to hospital, learning how to live with his injuries.

"It's great that people support us and the other wounded vets," Draughn said. He joined the Marines in January 2007 after proposing to his girlfriend. "I knew I was going to be starting a family, and I wanted to serve my country."

Army Sgt. Jack Schumacher lost his right leg last year after a bomb went off in Afghanistan. A Washington native, Schumacher, 25, has served since June 2005 and done tours in Iraq.

Dozens of Under Armour employees and other onlookers cheered the veterans as they set off for the Baltimore ride.

"It's awesome to see people come out and spend their free time with you just to support you," Schumacher said.

The project is in its seventh year, switching from cross-country rides the first three years to regional routes since 2007.

Vice President Joe Biden helped launch this year's tour, welcoming the veterans at the White House on Wednesday before they rode through the streets of Washington.

"We do it to assist the warriors in their rehabilitation," said Steve Nardizzi, executive director of the Wounded Warrior Project. "It gives them the opportunity to get out of the hospital and see that they can be physically active again."

The route took the riders from the Inner Harbor to Fells Point, through East Baltimore, Lake Montebello and Waverly, and back downtown.

It was Antia's first time participating, and he said he plans to use some of his vacation after he returns to duty to volunteer in future rides.

"I feel great," said Antia, originally from Greenwich, Conn. "Everybody helps each other push up hills. The support we get, it's good."

www.baltimoresun.com

Wonder What Bernie Did Today..................

Bernie Madoff
Born 4/29/1938 in Queens New York and married to Ruth.... or was. It's hard to say who he is dedicated to now..............

Former stockbroker and financial advisor........NOW a COMPLETE THEIF and TOTAL LIAR!

Serving 150 years imprisonment and forfeiture of $170.179 billion in Butler Federal Correction Institution..........(in case you're stupid enough to want to send him a card).

I mention his birthday only because I wonder if it was all worth it and can't help but wonder how he spent his day........................
Release date: 11/14/2139.................. Now that's ALOT of birthdays!!!!! Suck it up, Bernie!!

The Rural Sign Painter

Do you know what "shadders" are?

Hummingbirds Have Arrived!!

Usually around the 19th of April every year the hummingbirds return to my yard. I've been a little lax on looking for them this year even though I have seen small dark images dart past the kitchen window and some of my friends have already been feeding them. Rudy, our resident cat, has been in "my" kitchen window a little more often than in his recently and I should have known why.

It was my mission yesterday to get at least one of my seven feeders filled with fresh nectar to hang just outside the kitchen window. That accomplished I went about the rest of my morning leaving Rudy our resident cat to stand guard in the window. Within a short period of time the hummingbirds were there! That's fine with me and Rudy seemed proud of his discovery. The more the merrier!!

This morning, just at the crack of dawn, they were feeding and Rudy began his watch. He's still standing in the window watching.......... Clearly, when you stop and observe them they are quite amusing and hummingbird watching is not for slow movers. Did you know that hummingbirds are attracted to bright vivid colors, not just red? If you wear a brightly colored shirt and sit outdoors you'll be surprised to see that you can attract them.

So, if you have hummingbird feeders get them out. If you don't have a feeder because you don't think you have hummingbirds I suggest you invest in one anyway to try to attract them. The feeders can be purchased at any dollar store for just a few dollars. No need buy the commercial nectar you see in the stores. Hummingbirds will drink the clear nectar you can make right at home. I've done it for years.

This year I will have seven feeders for these delicate tiny birds and by June all of the feeders with be occupied off and on from dawns early light until almost dark and even after dark. My favorite time is when the mimosa trees in our yard blooms and the hummingbirds along with the honeybees head for the trees and go into a nectar feeding frenzy.

And as soon as I have the time Rudy, the resident cat, is getting his own bird feeder for his own window. He's been in my way for two days.

Hummingbird Nectar
Add 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water
Boil solution for 1 to 2 minutes to disolve
Be sure to allow water to cool before filling feeder
Leftover solution can be stored in the refrigerator

Suspects Still Being Sought By Accomack County Sheriff's Office

According to Sheriff Larry Giddens, an extensive investigation conducted by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office in connection with several robberies reported during the months of March and April of 2010 has led to the identification of five suspects. The investigation involved two residential robberies in Parksley and Mappsville and a robbery at the El Remolino Store in Tasley. Felony warrants have been obtained for the following suspects and the suspects have been entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network and the National Crime Information Center as wanted persons.

Keshawn Terrell Kellam, age 21 of 29340 Bayside Road, New Church. Description of this suspect is black male, approximately 58 and 150lbs. Kellam is wanted on charges of 1 count of Robbery and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Felony.

Juarez Dolman Barrios, age 21 of 34 Johnson Road, Onancock. Description of this suspect is hispanic male, approximately 52, small build. Barrios is wanted on a charge of Attempted Robbery.

Keyron Montrell Bess, age 27 of Beartown Road, Mappsville. Description of this suspect is black male, approximately 511, 158lbs. Bess is wanted on charges of 1 count of Robbery and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Felony.

Jermaine Curtis Blake, age 21 of 30448 Greta Road, Atlantic. Description of this suspect is black male, approximately 55, 135lbs. Blake is wanted on charges of 1 count of Robbery and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Felony.

Keenen Scott Goodwine, age 18 of 33207 Nocks Landing Road. Description of this suspect is black male, approximately 54, 125lbs. Goodwine is wanted on charges of 1 count of Robbery and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Felony.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of these suspects is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriffs Office at 787-1131 or 824-5666.

www.shoredailynews.com

Photos of suspects are a few posts back.

Bodie Island Lighthouse To Be Renovated

NAGS HEAD, N.C. (WAVY) - The Bodie Island Lighthouse has been a beacon near Nags Head since 1872. Now, the landmark is getting a facelift, that many say is long overdue.

With its signature black and white stripes, the Bodie Island Lighthouse stands 156 feet tall. Its sweeping beam of light can be seen for up to 19 miles at sea and is in need of repair.

"In the last three years we have a lot of pieces that have fallen off the light house, a lot of rust," said Doug Stover, a historian.

The renovation project includes replacing the windows and balconies and all the metal; repairing all 214 stairs; refurbishing the marble floors; extensive work to the lantern...and even a fresh coat of paint.

The Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of four working lighthouses in the Outerbanks with a long history of folklore and mystery.

"We've heard anywhere from bodies washing ashore to potentially a land owner who's name was Bodie so we still don't know," said Stover

One person who may know is 94-year-old John Gaskill, whose father was the last principal keeper. For 21 years his family worked the lighthouse.

"My early chore there was filtering the kerosene for the light for the night," Gaskill said. "It was three gallons, best I can remember. I would measure it for him; that was my first job."

Other jobs like cutting the grass and painting the lighthouse kept Gaskill busy. When he turned 17, he enlisted in the Navy and moved away. In his retirement he has returned to the lighthouse as a volunteer--perhaps to clear up a few mysteries/

"I lived here from 1919 to 1933," he said. "Practically every summer--at least parts of every summer--and never knew of a body washing ashore."

And although most ships these days use modern technology like GPS for guidance, it's still nice to know the Bodie Island Lighthouse and its beacon will once again keep a silent watch over the waters, which are known as the graveyard of the Atlantic.

"It will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up to think of what went on here years and years and years ago," said Larry Cooley, a visitor at the lighthouse.

After the renovations are completed the lighthouse will be open to the public.

www.wavy.com

POCOMOKE CITY: 8 month investigation yeilds cocaine arrest

A Pocomoke City man has been arrested on 15 counts of cocaine possession and distribution.

Police spent eight months investigating Jeremy Deshawn Moore, 29, before executing a search and seizure warrant at Moore's residence Wednesday. He is being held at the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team,the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force and the Pocomoke Police Department were all involved in the investigation, which is ongoing.

VIA: DelmarvaNow.com

"WW II Posters Found"

I wonder whatever happened to this kind of thinking. I got a lump in my throat when I read this. I "grew up" thinking: patriotism, it is the AMERICAN way! I am glad to see that somebody saved them. The statement at the end says it all!

I guess we are the last generation to see, or even remember anything like these? Whatever happened? Political correctness (or "re-education") happened, lack of God's name happened, lack of personal responsibility happened, lack of personal integrity and honesty happened, lack of respect and loyalty to our country happened, lack of being an American happened. Did all of these die along with common sense?!?
I'm proud to be an American!

Hat Tip; Kack

Parksley Fire Dept. Hosts Fire Covention

PARKSLEY — The Parksley Volunteer Fire Company will host more than 50 fire companies from all over the Delmarva Peninsula and more than 250 people during the 81st Delmarva Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention.

The three-day event will be held Thursday, April 29, Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 in the town of Parksley. Also taking place will be the 76th convention of the Delmarva Ladies’ Auxiliary.

It is the 12th time Parksley has hosted the firemen’s convention — the most of any Delmarva town, said Wayne Marshall, a Parksley volunteer and the company’s fire convention committee publicity chair. It was held last year in Lewes, Del.

The popular event ends with a 2 p.m. parade on May 1 from Metompkin Elementary School on Bennett Street and turning on Dunne Avenue, ending at the fire hall. Almost 50 trophies will be presented to appearing companies in various categories. The public is invited to watch the parade procession.

The public also is invited to an April 30 memorial service for volunteer firefighters from all over Delmarva who have died in the past year. It will be held at 9 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church.

The event begins at 6 p.m. on April 29 with a reception at the Parksley fire hall featuring food and beverages. Friday the convention opens at 9 a.m. and meetings throughout the day feature a Past President’s Luncheon.

April 30 events begin with a 6 p.m. social hour and continue with a 7 p.m. banquet.

Association officers will be installed for 2010-11. In addition, inductions for the Firefighters’ Hall of Fame and Ladies Auxiliary Hall of Honor will be made.

Parksley volunteer firefighter Ricky Taylor is the outgoing association president — Parksley has had seven past presidents of the association. The association has 92 member companies in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

The company gets to host the convention during a special year — 2010 is the 75th anniversary of the Parksley Volunteer Fire Co.

www.delmarvanow.com

Accomack County Sheriff"s Dept. Needs Help In Finding These Men

Accomack County deputies are searching for five suspects wanted in a string of robberies over the last month.

Keshawn Kellam, age 21, and Keyron Bess, age 27, are wanted for robbery and using a gun in a felony.

Jermaine Blake, age 21, and Keenen Goodwine, age 18, face the same charges, and 21-year-old Juarez Barrios is wanted for attempted robbery.

Deputies say the five men robbed two homes in Parksley and Mapsville, along with a store in Tasely.

If you have any information related to these crimes please call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office.

www.wtkr.com

Energy Star Rebates Available Beginning Today

If you've been thinking about replacing an appliance, you might be eligible for an energy star rebate from the Va. Department of Energy. The program starts Wednesday, April 28 and will offer Virginians up to $300 off on certain energy star qualified appliances.

Heat Pumps will earn up to a $300 rebate, gas furnaces are eligible for a $250 rebate; tankless gas water heaters are eligible for a $225 rebate; a new energy efficient washer carries a $75 rebate; refrigerators are eligible for a $60 rebate and if you plan on replacing your storage gas water heater you can earn a $35 rebate.

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Department of Energy has provided $300 million for states to set up the programs to encourage residents to replace old appliances with newer more energy efficient models. Rebates will not be available on appliances purchased before April 28 and are limited to one per family.

Federal rebates and tax credits are also available for on demand water heaters and certain biomass heating appliances. Visit the U.S. Dept. of Energy website for details.

Kathy Wert of the Sears Hometown Store in Onley says they are ready and willing to help customers take advantage of the program.

"We will work with customers to simplify the process," says Wert. "Sears carries more Energy Star Appliances than anyone and we carry all of the top appliance brands."

According to Wert, a purchase of an energy star appliance can qualify buyers for rebates up to $75 for their old and inefficient appliances.

More Information Va. Dept. of Energy Website

www.shoredailynews.com

Kristen Is Home

Just wanted to let everyone know that Kristen Shockely is now at home with her family. Her mother has expressed her many, many thanks for everything that was done to keep Christine's face and name out into the communities.

Kristen may not realise this yet but she's lucky! There have been alot of mothers that have gone off (for whatever reason) and have never returned home. NEVER! EVER! Some of those mothers are murdered. Some of those mothers are drugged and put onto the street.

For whatever reasons Kristen left home on April 6th I hope she gets a good dose of reality and understands real quickly that mothers don't leave their children for any reason! They don't go off not thinking about the people left behind who lie awake at night not knowing. It's just natural for those waiting at home to worry that something horrible has happened. Mothers just don't up and leave, for any amount of time with no regard for the child left behind who may be missing its mother. There can NEVER be and are NO excuses.

Let's hope and pray that Kristen will get the help she needs and that she learns how to be a responsible adult and mother. Let's hope and pray that she learns that she truly is better than the scumbag that has abused her. There is NO future with a person like that and certainly NO future with the people that verbally abuse a person for trying to protect ones self from a menace in society. These kinds of people aren't even any good for their ownselves.

This just breaks my heart. How can a young woman with the red hair and freckled face that reminds one so much of the adorable Pippi Longstocking be in such turmoil?

Here's hoping that Kristen and her precious child with the help of family and friends will begin a new life that is filled with happiness and good decision making.

Disturbing picture of Montana Bear

This is a disturbing view of what has been sighted all over America, in our zoos, wildlife parks and refuges, and even by campers in the wild.

The photo below captures a disturbing trend that is beginning to affect U.S. wildlife.




Animals that were formerly self-sufficient are now showing signs of belonging to the Democrat Party . . . as they have apparently learned to just sit and wait for the government to step in and provide for their care and sustenance. This photo is of a Democrat black bear in Montana nicknamed Bearack Obearma.


Hat Tip; Ree

Kristen is Home, It's Official

I received an email from Kristens Mother, Kristen is home.

Amazing Holes!

These holes are not only amazing, but some are really terrifying!

The sheer scale of these holes reminds you of just how tiny we are.

.Great Blue Hole , Belize

This incredible geographical phenomenon known as a blue hole is situated 60 miles off the mainland of Belize. There are numerous blue holes around the world, but none as stunning as this one.




Kimberley Big Hole - South Africa

Apparently the largest ever hand-dug excavation in the world, this 1097 meter deep mine yielded over 3 tons of diamonds before being closed.




Glory Hole - Monticello Dam, California

A glory hole is used when a dam is at full capacity and water needs to be drained from the reservoir. It is the largest spillway of this type in the world. It consumes 14,400 cubic feet of water every second.






Sinkhole in Guatemala

These photos are of a sinkhole that occurred in Guatemala. The hole swallowed 2 dozen homes and killed at least 3 people.




SHIT-HOLE, Washington D.C.

It is capable of swallowing trillions and trillions of U.S. Dollars annually! The money that falls into this hole is never heard from again. It is also reputed to be filled with at least 535 ‘assholes.’





-This message is an independent commentary not to be construed as ‘for’ or ‘against’ any political party or ideology; all have had some part in this hole’s excavation!

Hat Tip; Kack

Seashell Cafe Makes Donation To Jay Lewis Fund

Thursday April 29, 2010


The Seashell Cafe invites everyone to come out on Thursday, April 29 where they will be donating 20% of their proceeds for all orders that day to the Jay Lewis Fund!

****Jay is in need of a kidney and pancreas transplant due to diabetes. He has been a Police Officer and Volunteer Firefighter for over 16 years and worked with various Police Departments and Fire Departments on the Eastern Shore during that time. ****

Kristen Shockley Is Still Missing

**********We have just received a couple of comments concerning Kristen's whereabouts and it seems that she has returned home!
That is not the official word from her mother, Theresa, or a family member but we do hope so!******************

As of early this morning a Pocomoke mother still has not gotten any satisfaction from the Pocomoke City Police Dept. in trying to find her missing daughter.




Until the police dept. decides what they are going to do, if anything, please keep your eyes and ears open and keep this family in your prayers.


Kristen Shockley has been missing since April 6, 2010 and no one is helping her family locate her.

Hospital Reduces Support Staff At Riverside Shore Memorial

Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital (RSMH) today announced that it has reduced its staff by a total of 25 employees including individuals in both management and staff positions. Several recently-vacated positions have gone unfilled which lessened the severity of the necessary cuts. Clinical staff were not directly affected, as changes were focused in areas away from the bedside or treatment area.

This action is the result of continued severe financial pressures facing acute care hospitals, particularly hospitals in rural areas. For the last 18 months, the widespread contraction of the nations economy has negatively impacted hospitals: reimbursements to hospitals for Medicare- and Medicaid-insured patients have declined; people from all walks of life are deferring or delaying medical treatment; and those people who must seek immediate treatment are often less likely to have insurance.

"This is not a decision that anyone in our organization made lightly," stated Joseph P. Zager, Administrator at RSMH. "But labor costs are the largest expense for hospitals, so we are constantly evaluating and modifying our staffing needs in relation to current and forecasted utilization. Unfortunately, this is another example of the economy's continued decline impacting the good, hardworking people and families of the Eastern Shore."

Zager continued, "It is important that our patients understand that this adjustment will not compromise the variety of services we offer or the quality of care we deliver. We were spared more drastic action, like curtailing patient services, by the support we receive from our affiliation with Riverside Health System. Riverside remains strongly committed to our future and the future of healthcare on the Shore."

Staff were offered a transition package that includes 30 days pay plus an additional amount based on length of employment.

www.shoredailynews.com