Saturday, April 17, 2010

Options for Refuge Parking/Transportation Plans



CHINCOTEAGUE -- Interest in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Altern-ative Transportation Study proved to be high last week when it was unveiled before a large crowd at the Chinco-teague Center.


The study was released to the public last Tuesday night to a crowd estimated at about 500.

Refuge Manager Lou Hinds and Michael Dyer of Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, the organization that prepared the plan, unveiled the main options in it.


Hinds reminded those present that it was just a study. "No decisions are in this document," he said.


Dyer presented the options available in the study. It revolves around four main plans:



  • Alternative 1 --No action or status pro plus.



  • Alternative 2 --Retention of all parking capacity at the beach.



  • Alternative 3 --Partial relocation of beach parking capacity.



  • Alternative 4 --Elimination and relocation of all beach parking capacity.


    Alternative 1 has no new transportation solutions, but does mention ongoing plans to develop a better bike path from the Assateague Channel Bridge to the traffic circle where the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce is located.


    Alternative 2 involves the retention of all beach parking that presently exists, about 960 parking spaces. This option is a low-cost solution that lays the groundwork for large-scale investments in the future. But it assumes a high cost to maintain parking on the beach.


    Alternative 3 reduces the number of beach parking spaces and incorporates a system to transport beach visitors from offsite parking to the beach area. It also incorporates a reconfiguration of the Assateague Channel Bridge from a two-lane structure to a three-lane structure and the addition of a bicycle-foot bridge.


    Alternative 3 would extend the bike path all the way down Maddox Boulevard to Main Street. It would add sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian signals to the major roads on Chincoteague. This plan would expand equipment concessions at the beach, increase message boards and generally have high capital costs for some of the proposals.


    Alternative 3 requires satellite parking lots, probably located on Chincoteague.


    Alternative 4 has the complete elimination of parking on the beach. A new parking garage would be constructed, probably on Chinco-teague, and a shuttle system would take visitors to the beach area.


    This option involves the purchase of a new fleet of "purpose-built" transit vehicles and have bicycle lanes on Route 175 and Maddox Boulevard. There would be no widening of the Assateague Channel Bridge with the alternative.


    Of all the alternatives, Alternative 4 raised the most ire from the crowd. One member of the audience said, "Alternative 4 would be the death blow to Chincoteague." Most of the crowd applauded that statement.


    Hinds, Dyer and Trish Kicklighter, superintendent of Assateague Island National Seashore, answered questions from the audience after the four plans had been described.


    Hinds said the a new alternative parking plan must be adopted within the next two years.


    "Please read the document in its entirety," Hinds implored. "I can't do this without you. Right now we don't have a plan of action."


    Hinds told the crowd that sea level rise has had an impact on Assateague, and could have more of an impact in the future. He gave an example of a marker that he took a picture of on Assateague two years ago that was once 157 paces from the water line. Today the site of the marker is under water and about five feet of sand that used to be there is now gone.


    Kicklighter stated that about $200,000 is reserved each year for beach parking and lifeguards out of the funds raised for entrance fees. However, she estimated that up to $600,000 has been spent on Assateague parking with all the storms that hit the island this winter.


    The Volpe Team met with local people in a series of meetings last year to get their input into the study.


    The whole study with appendices is available on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Web site. There also is a place on the site to make a comment and Hinds urged everyone interested to make a comment, either on the site or in a letter.

    www.easternshorenews.com

  • Friday, April 16, 2010

    Bumper Sticker for the Day

    .



    Alabama Judge

    Some of you may be wondering what Judge Roy Moore has been doing since he was removed from the bench for refusing to remove the Ten Commandments from his courtroom wall.. Please read the poem he wrote. It's below his picture.



    The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama . Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama ! The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

    America the beautiful,
    or so you used to be.
    Land of the Pilgrims' pride;
    I'm glad they'll never see.

    Babies piled in dumpsters,
    Abortion on demand,
    Oh, sweet land of liberty;
    your house is on the sand.

    Our children wander aimlessly,
    poisoned by cocaine
    choosing to indulge their lusts,
    when God has said abstain

    From sea to shining sea,
    our Nation turns away
    From the teaching of God's love
    and a need to always pray

    We've kept God in our temples,
    how callous we have grown.
    When earth is but His footstool,
    and Heaven is His throne.

    We've voted in a government
    that's rotting at the core,
    Appointing Godless Judges;
    who throw reason out the door,

    Too soft to place a killer
    in a well deserved tomb,
    But brave enough to kill a baby
    before he leaves the womb.

    You think that God's not angry,
    that our land's a moral slum?
    How much longer will He wait
    before His judgment comes?

    How are we to face our God,
    from Whom we cannot hide?
    What then is left for us to do,
    but stem this evil tide?

    If we who are His children,
    will humbly turn and pray;
    Seek His holy face
    and mend our evil way:

    Then God will hear from Heaven;
    and forgive us of our sins,
    He'll heal our sickly land
    and those who live within.

    But, America the Beautiful,
    If you don't - then you will see,
    A sad but Holy God
    withdraw His hand from Thee.

    ~~Judge Roy Moore~~

    Hat Tip; Mrs.M

    Obama Payment Elimination For Unemployed

    On Friday, President Obama announced new help for people
    who can't make their payments by requiring
    lenders to temporarily slash or eliminate payments for
    many borrowers who are unemployed.

    See THIS page for how it all works

    That means your payment would be no more than 31% of your
    income. If your only income is unemployment, your payment
    would be 31% of your unemployment check.

    Obama also wants to help borrowers who owe more than their

    house or condo is worth by asking lenders to cut your loan
    balance and refinance you into an FHA loan.

    Q&A
    ="">Q. How many people will the plan help?

    A. It's designed to help all borrowers who are in trouble. This
    could reach up to 12 million Americans who can't pay because
    they lost a job or their house is worth less than they owe.

    Q. How does this plan work?

    A. If you don't have a job, you can get a 3-6 month break on
    making payments. If you owe more than your house is worth,
    your bank will get an incentive to reduce your balance.


    Q. I don't have a job. Do I qualify?

    A. You need to live in your home, owe less than $729,750
    and be on unemployment.

    Traffic Blocked on Rt. 13- Parksley


    A tractor trailer loaded with frozen chickens flipped this morning on Route 13 by the Parksley Family Restaurant. Traffic is still blocked or moving slowly in some areas of the highway and will remain so for a while longer.


    The truck cannot be moved until all the chickens have been removed from the trailer and reloaded.


    PLEASE use caution if traveling in this area. One lane in each direction is blocked by the trucks.


    Photo- Brittany Russell

    Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Chincoteague Library


    There will be a ribbon cutting for the Chincoteague Island Library's expansion on April 17th from 2-4pm. There will be a celebration in the Robert Reed Downtown Park with refreshements available in the park picnic shelter.

    The public will be invited to take a tour of the expansion after the celebration and ribbon cutting.

    The Chincoteague Elementary School Chorus will perform, Jack Tarr the Mayor of Chincoteague will be speaking and their will be other honored quests yet to be announced.

    7th Annual Oyster Roast To Fight Cancer

    Come one, come all to the 7th Annual Oyster Roast & Seafood Extravaganza! On Saturday, April 17, 2010, the Crusading Kippers Relay for Life Team and J.H. West Seafood will host the event. It will be at J.H. West Seafood in Oyster. Festivities begin at 4:00 PM and the fun lasts until midnight, with food being served until 8:00 PM. Guests will feast on oysters, clams, snow crabs, crab balls, shrimp, tuna, soft crabs, fish, scallops and mussels. Foods for the land-lover such as barbeque, meatballs, wings, baked ziti, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw will be served as well.

    The crowd will be delighted by the talents of the musical groups Thelma & Erika Peterson, and Heather & the Oyster Boys. Both silent and live auctions featuring local artwork and crafts, carvings and jewelry will be held. This event offers something for everyone.

    Tickets are $50. Beer/liquor cups can be purchased for $10. Tickets are available at J.H. West Seafood in Townsend, Sullivan's Office Supply, Rayfield's Pharmacy in Cape Charles & Nassawadox, the Eastville Post Office, Machipongo Trading Co, T&W Block and Whats Your Fancy in Parksley. Tickets are limited. For more information, contact Dana at 331-4420.

    All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Relay for Life is the signature event for the American Cancer Society. To become involved in Relay for Life in our community, visit the website www.relayforlife.org/nandua

    Mourning Continues For Exmore Police Chief


    The community continues to morn the loss of Exmore Police Chief Steve Eliott. Chief Elliott died Tuesday evening when a tire blew on the pickup he was driving causing the vehicle to go into a ditch. He died at the scene.
    Exmore Town Councilman Ken Carpenter had this to say about Elliott.

    "Officer Steve Elliot was the quintessential police officer in my opinion," said Ken Carpenter of the Exmore Town Council. "He was a natural born leader He was also very much aware of the limitations that police must exercise. Steve is irreplaceable.He will be missed by the town's people especially on the back of losing our Mayor ten months ago."

    Captain Tom Potts of the Exmore Police Department released this statement on Wednesday.

    The Exmore Police Department would like to thank everyone for their phone calls and prayers for the untimely death of Chief Steven T. Elliott. We cannot put into words how devastating a loss it is to this department and to the Town of Exmore. Chief Elliott was a great friend, confidant and mentor to many throughout the community. His passing will greatly affect his many friends and family for years to come."

    Chief Steven Elliott joined the Exmore Police force in 1982. In nearly three decades of service, people who knew him say he made an impact on everyone he met.

    A funeral service will be held Sunday at 2 PM at the Doughty Funeral home.

    Thursday, April 15, 2010

    The Little Dog and the Big Pig

    A giant farm dog and a tiny piglet cuddle up as if they were family after the baby runt was dismissed by its own mother. Surrogate mum Katjinga, an eight-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, took on motherly duties for grunter Paulinchen - a tiny pot-bellied pig - and seems to be taking the adoption in her stride. Lonely Paulinchen was luckily discovered moments from death and placed in the care of the dog who gladly accepted it as one of her own. Thankfully for the two-week old mini porker, Katjinga fell in love with him at first sight and saved his bacon.




    And the unlikely relationship has made the wrinkly piggy a genuine sausage dog. In these adorable images Paulinchen can even be seen trying to suckle from his gigantic new mum.
    The two animals live together on a huge 20-acre farm in Hoerstel , Germany , where Katjinga's owners Roland Adam, 54, and his wife Edit, 44, a bank worker, keep a pair of breeding Vietnamese pigs.




    Nose place like home: The baby piglet nuzzles up to its new mum
    Property developer Roland found the weak and struggling piglet after he was abandoned by the rest of his family one evening after he was born.
    He said: "The pigs run wild on our land and the sow had given birth to a litter of five in our forest.
    "I found Paulinchen all alone and when I lifted him up he was really cold





    "I felt sure some local foxes would have taken the little pig that very night so I took it into my house and gave him to Katjinga..
    "She had just finished with a litter of her own, who are now 10 months, so I thought there was a chance she might take on the duties of looking after him.
    "Katjinga is the best mother you can imagine. She immediately fell in love with the piggy. Straight away she started to clean it like it was one of her own puppies.
    "Days later she started lactating again and giving milk for the piggy. She obviously regards it now as her own baby."
    Mum of the year? Quite possibly.


    Have a Good Day!
    Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.



    Hat Tip; Kack

    Man found not guilty in sex abuse trial

    A Pocomoke City man has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl after a judge said the victim's story wasn't consistent enough to clear legal hurdles.

    After four hours of testimony, Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Theodore Eschenburg declared Roy Reed not guilty of the five assault and sexual offense charges he faced.

    "I don't know what happened to her -- something probably did happen -- but you don't put someone in jail on a probability," Eschenburg said. "I just cannot send him to jail and find him guilty based on the evidence presented."

    Reed, 40, was accused of sexually assaulting the then-six-year-old in the summer of 2008.

    According to the girl's testimony, she told the judge that it hurt, but she "didn't cry or scream."

    About a year later, the girl mentioned the incident to a social worker for the Worcester County Department of Social Services who was investigating accusations the girl had been sexually assaulted in a separate incident.

    When one key interview took place at the Child Advocacy Center in Berlin, the conversation wasn't recorded. In court Wednesday, prosecutors showed a tape of another session in which the social worker asked the victim to repeat the story.

    Public defender Burton Anderson elicited testimony showing that in one of the multiple interviews, the girl said Reed touched her with his fingers, a detail that diverged from her other accounts of the abuse.

    Assistant State's Attorney for Worcester County Diane Cuilhe argued that regardless of which body part Reed touched the girl with, it would still amount to sexual assault.

    However, Eschenburg said the testimony provided did not prove Reed's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Although the judge denied a motion for acquittal, he said he had little option but to find Reed not guilty.

    VIA: DelmarvaNow.com

    I hate to say I told ya so but.........................

    The History Of Pocomoke by Murray James (8)

    50 History of Pocomoke City,

    The dwelling houses are of modern style, and are, with few exceptions, fine buildings, indeed, some of them are of a palatial character, while the churches, seven in num- ber, are all good buildings, and amply accommodate, with seats, the church going people of Pocomoke City. Before closing our history of New Town, in its buildings and general improvements, from its earliest history to the present, we are compelled to record the fact, that its old name is no more, it has passed away, together with its former inhabitants, and they all lie in the grave together.

    The reader will be informed that the citizens of the place, by an almost unanimous request, petitioned the Legislature of Maryland for a new name, setting forth in that petition their desire that it should be called Pocomoke City, and by an action of the General Assembly of Mary- land, held in 1878, it was so named.

    The credit of this change is due chiefly to the Rev. T. O. Ayres, who was the prime mover in the whole affair. Now we take rank with other names of modern date and with modern advancement, with a population of 1500 inhabitants.

    CHAPTER IV. MERCANTILE ASPECT.

    In presenting the Mercantile aspect of New Town, now Pocomoke City, I shall give with it, a brief sketch of the lives of many who have been and are still engaged in the sale of goods. I have no information of any merchant in New Town earlier than 1790 or 1800. Formerly New Town. 51 During that period, there was a Frenchman, by the name of Boozee, who settled in New Town, and com- menced the sale of goods.

    He lived on the lot which faces on Market, Front and Willow Streets ; his store was on the corner of Market and Front Streets. How long he was engaged in the trade I have no information ; he was a man of some wealth, and when he died, Colonel Levin Pollett settled his estate.

    He had a wife and one child, his wife died some time after him ; they were both buried on the lot where they lived. What became of the daughter I have no information. In 1803 Michael Murray settled in New Town, and commenced the sale of goods; his dwelling and store house both were on the lot where William J. S. Clarkenow lives. He was also engaged in the shipping business.

    He sold goods until 181 8 when he retired from mercantile life. He accumulated considerable property. For several years after he retired from the busy whirl of mercantile life, he served as Post- Master for New Town. In 1827, he moved to the City of Baltimore, where in 1 83 1, he died, being at the time of his death sixty-nine years of age.

    Somewhere near 1803, Edward Stevenson settled in New Town, and commenced merchandising. He lived on the lot where Mrs. Mary Merrill now lives. His store- house was on the Hargis lot adjoining William Redden's Tiouse.

    Afterwards he built the store house, where Town- :send and Stevenson sell goods, at the corner of Front 52 History of Pocomoke City, Street and Public Square ; here he continued store keep- ing until he died, which event took place in 1816. Sometime after he came to New Town, he built the dwelling house now occupied by his grandson, Jacob- Stevenson, and lived in it until his death.

    He left a widow and six children. He also amassed considerable wealth, and left each one of his children a handsome property* His tomb is in the Methodist Episcopal Church burying ground, of this place, with the following inscription upon, the marble slab that covers his remains : " In memory of Edward Stevenson, who was born,. February 14th, 1771, and died the 22nd day of September,, 1 8 16, aged fourty-five years, seven months and eight- days." During the time aforesaid, there were several other- stores in New Town, kept by Jesse Henderson, Stephen Redden, Joshua Sturgis, and a young man by thenameof Bounds; but Michael Murray and Edward Stevenson were, the leading merchants of their day. The articles of merchandise, by the leading stores, were the finest dress goods, such as silks, satins, cambrics, Irish: linen, broad cloths, cassimeres, together with all other dry- goods, hardware, crockeryware, and a general stock of groceries and spirituous liquors.

    The other stores dealt in groceries, liquors and the more- common dry goods. As Jesse Henderson, Stephen Redden and Joshua. Sturgis were old citizens of New Town, it is but just to Formerly New Town. 53 their memory that the following tribute should here be inserted : Jesse Henderson was a ship carpenter by trade; when "he commenced the sale of goods, and how long he was engaged in it, I have no knowledge. With him, his wife, •daughter and grandchildren, I have been most intimately acquainted. He was an honest, upright man in his deal- ings, very retired in his disposition, and highly respected by the entire community.

    He was great grandfather to Edward H. Clarke and Mrs. Mary Quinn. He died in 1832 or '33, and his remains rest in the old Long Burying Ground, on the farm now occupied by William W. Quinn, where the most of the Long family, who have deceased, are buried. His wife, aunt Polly Henderson, for so we used to call "her, was a most exemplary woman, I knew her well from my infancy to the time of her death. While I am giving some account of her husband, I feel it due to her name to say that she was my ideal of a model wife.

    She was a keeper-at-home, no gadder-about, no tattler, no busy-body in other people's business. I never heard her speak an unkind word of any one; always had a pleasant word and pleasant face.

    She died in a good old age, and was buried in the Methodist Episcopal Church Burying ground, of this place. Stephen Redden sold goods, in New Town, for many years, and, although his stock in trade was not so exten- sive as the heaviest merchants, yet his business yielded 54: History of Pocomoke City, him a comfortable support.

    He raised an intelligent family of children, one of which was considered to be the smartest young man in New Town, in his day ; I allude to his son, George S. Redden, whose history will be given under another heading - . Stephen Redden was a good citizen, peaceable, inoffen- sive, and full of fun ; he was somewhat beyond middle life when he died.

    He was buried in the Methodist Episcopal Church burying ground, in New Town. Joshua Sturgis was one of the best of men, and his wife was equally as good as he was. They were the salt of the earth in all that was good and great ; great in the sense of natural and mental gifts, for they raised a family of boys, whose talents for mathematics have never been excelled by any boys raised in New Town. They both passed away, at a good old age, as ripe shocks of corn ready for the garner.

    400 Employees Needed For New Walmart in Onley, Va.


    ONLEY, Va. - Walmart is hiring close to 400 new employees to work at the new Walmart to open this summer in Onley, Va.


    A temporary hiring center has been opened at 23334 Front Street in Accomac. The center will begin taking applications Monday, April 26. Applications will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

    You may also apply online at http://walmartstores.com/Careers/7745.aspx.

    Store manager Frank Durst said in a release, the store will be hiring both full and part-time associates.

    "We are excited to add this Walmart to Onley and bring good jobs with career opportunities to the area," he said. Durst began his Walmart career in 1993 as a department manager in Lavale, Md.

    According to Durst, associates are needed in all areas, including supervisory roles.

    Walmart extends benefits to both is full and part-time employees. Benefits include healthcare insurance, 401(k) plan and profit sharing, store discount, life insurance and more.

    The majority of associates will begin work in June to help prepare the store for its grand opening late this summer.



    www.wavy.com

    Anti-Circus Message From PETA to Kids



    NORFOLK, Va. - Local students went to school Wednesday, not knowing the lesson they'd learn that day. PETA , the Norfolk-based animal rights group, passed out material to kids at Larrymore Elementary School in Norfolk telling them not to go to the circus.



    You know the circus is in town when the elephants leave the trains marching through the streets of Norfolk to Scope. You know Ringling Brothers-The Greatest Show on Earth is in town when the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals--or PETA--is handing out coloring books titled "Animals Belong in the Jungle."

    Melissa Davis's 10-year-old goes to Larrymore Elementary, and Davis wants PETA to remember the 'ethical' in PETA. "I think it is unethical for them to approach children without parents' permission to push their propaganda on them."

    Larrymore Elementary Principal Tom McAnulty confronted the PETA protesters.

    "My only issue was this is an elementary school," he said. "I went out and spoke to them and asked them to handout the coloring books only to parents."

    McAnulty also brings up the point children are taught not to talk to or take things from strangers.

    "We don't know you, the parents don't know you, and some of them would prefer not to have the materials distributed," he said.

    WAVY.com confronted PETA about this practice. Spokesperson Pulin Modi says, "The circus has a history of targeting kids, and making money off them, and all we are doing is trying to raise awareness of cruelty to animals."

    The difference is, however, Ringling does its work at Scope, and PETA did its work at a local school.

    Critics argue PETA pushed a political agenda to vulnerable children.

    "You can call it what you will. What we are doing is spreading a message of compassion and awareness," Modi said.

    Ringling Brothers sent this statement from Spokesman Crystal Drake:

    "Ringling Brothers considers it shameful for any activist group to approach children at or near their schools as schools are meant to be a safe place for children. One sided and potentially scary materials like these are unfortunate tactics. We welcome Norfolk to the Scope to see first hand and learn more about our excellent animal care."

    www.wavy.com

    Another Devastating Loss For Town of Exmore



    For the second time in a year, the Town of Exmore has experienced a devastating loss. Exmore Police Chief Steven Elliot age 64 died in a single vehicle accident last night on route 609 at 6:45. According to State Police press officer Michelle Cotton, Elliot died when the front left tire of his 1985 pickup blew out causing him to run off the road. The vehicle overturned ejecting Elliot who died at the scene. According to Cotton no alcohol was involved but Elliot wasnt wearing a seat belt.

    Elliot is the second Exmore official to die in an auto accident in the past year. Mayor Guy Lawson died in an auto accident last June.
    Residents of the town are struggling to cope with their latest loss. Northampton County Sheriffs Deputies have volunteered to work Exmore Police shifts to allow members of the department to grieve together.

    Elliot was well liked and respected in the community and among law enforcement officers on the Eastern Shore and beyond and was a valuable member of the Eastern Shore law enforcement community.

    A statement from the Exmore Police Department is expected sometime today.

    www.shoredailynews.com

    What the Eastern Shore Whimbrel Song Bird Has Done All Winter

    According to the William and Mary College website, Hope, a whimbrel song bird from Machinpongo that had a tracking device planted on her last spring, has just returned to the Eastern Shore of Virginia on Sunday, April 11th. Scientists have been tracking the year long journey of the approximately 15 inch bird, and were astonished that the bird traveled over 14,000 miles within the past year.

    After leaving the Eastern Shore, satellite tracking showed that the bird had been on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands since Aug. 14, where she has been observed foraging on Great Pond, a Birdlife International Important Bird Area. Hope left St. Croix on the evening of April 9, flew east of Puerto Rico and northwest out over the open ocean for nearly 1,500 miles. She came near land around Cape Lookout and then followed the shoreline around the Outer Banks of North Carolina and up to the Eastern Shore, making landfall around 3:15 in the afternoon. Hope covered approximately 1,660 miles in less than two days on her trip from St. Croix.

    Hope was originally captured and fitted with a satellite transmitter on May 19, 2009 while stopping over on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. She left Virginia on May 26 and flew to the western shore of James Bay in Canada. She staged on James Bay for three weeks before flying to the Mackenzie River near Alaska, and then on to the Beaufort Sea where she staged for more than two weeks before flying back to Hudson Bay. Hope then staged on South Hampton Island in upper Hudson Bay for three weeks before leaving on a non-stop flight of more than 3,500 miles over the open Atlantic to St. Croix where she has spent the winter months. In less than one year, this bird has travelled more than 14,170 miles, the CCB reports.

    According to scientists, this affirms how important habitat areas such as the Eastern Shore are to migratory birds such as whimbrels.

    Pictured top: Hope, the whimbrel that has traveled more than 14,000 miles in the last year.

    Pictured bottom: Center for Conservation Biology map shows Hope's full-circle migration.


    More Information The Willam and Mary Release on Hope's Journey

    Gov. McDonnell Proposes Funding to Spaceflight Center



    Gov. Bob McDonnell is proposing additional funding for the Virginia Commercial Spaceflight Authority on the Eastern Shore.

    Under proposed budget amendments outlined Tuesday, the governor would increase funding in the biennial budget by a total of more than $700,000.

    The authority and Orbital Sciences Corp. entered an agreement under which the company would invest at least $45 million and create 125 jobs, provided the authority oversaw improvements at the spaceport.

    The authority represents private investment at Wallops Island, which is a NASA flight center.

    Thursday, April 15, 2010--Tax Day




    Today is Tax Day!!

    And in case you didn't know Tax Day is the day tax returns are due to the federal and state government from all U. S. citizens.
    It is also the last day your tax return can be mailed. So unless you have made other arrangements and have applied for extensions you better hop to it!! The deadline is midnight for mailing!!

    Did you know that April 15 has been called Tax Day since the year 1955? And that no law exists that says U.S. citizens must file tax returns? BUT the IRS recommends that you DO in order to avoid trouble .

    Here's something you'll like alot!


    Don't forget that today SubWay is having Customer Appreciation day!! So if you have to mail a check with that tax return a good deal is just what you will be looking for.....


    On Thursday, if you buy any foot long sub at full price, you will get any foot long sub of equal or lesser value free.

    Tom Harding, owner of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Subway locations, says it is no coincidence the day falls on this Thursday.

    "We wanted to let our customers know we appreciate their business and to hopefully make their tax day a little better," explains Harding.

    Harding says the offer is good throughout the day on Thursday at all Eastern Shore Subway locations.

    Wednesday, April 14, 2010

    Toyota Reveals Repair for Sticking Gas Pedal

    With all the recent controversy over the Toyota (death traps) with sticking gas pedals Toyota has revealed their fix.

    There has been numerous TSB's, recalls, and general repair that has not seamed to work but Toyota has hired outside engineers that have made the repair and Toyota plans to add the new repair feature to each and every model in the future.

    Toyota urges every Toyota owner to take their vehicle to the nearest dealer to have the modification performed on their vehicle at no charge to the owner.

    To date there is not much information on the type of modification that Toyota has performed but we have acquired a video from the Toyota TSB (technical service bulletin) that shows the technician what the finished repair will look like. The video is posted below.

    .













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    "You Picked a Fine Time to Lead Us, Barack"



    Direct Link HERE

    Hat Tip; Eric

    Exmore Police Department Chief Dies In Accident

    ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. - The chief of Exmore police in Accomack County was killed in a car accident when his tire blew out at about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to Michelle Cotten with Virginia State Police.

    Chief Stephen T. Elliot was killed after the front left tire of his 1985 Ford pickup truck blew out on Route 609 in Accomack County, causing him to run off the road. His car overturned and he was ejected.

    Cotten said alcohol was not a factor in the accident, but Elliot was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.

    Elliot's vehicle was the only one involved in the accident, so nobody else was injured.

    WAVY.com has sent a crew to the scene.

    www.wavy.com

    Thoughts are with the family and all the fine people of Exmore. Such a tragedy.

    Tonight ~~ Delmarva Discovery Center ~~


    Free Lecture with Don Parks, Author of "Chesapeke Winds and Tides- Journeys Among Eastern Shore Island, Rivers and Communities"

    Delmarva Discovery Center

    Wednesday April 14, 2010

    7:00 PM

    "The Eastern Shore is full of culture and heritage. Come listen to author Dan Parks as he shares insight into the local culture from his personal historical investigation from his own family history. Mr. Parks has written a book titled “Chesapeake Winds and Tides: Journeys among Eastern Shore island, rivers and communities.”


    A retired educator, Don Parks is a native Eastern Shoreman who has lived along the banks of the Chesapeake for most of his life. His father was a waterman and Parks spent a great deal of time during his formative years learning the many moods of the Chesapeake. Never without a boat of som e description, Parks enjoys roaming around the Bay and its tributaries in his current boat, Yankee Rover. He currently resides in St. Michaels."



    Enter through Administrative entrance (right side of building behind the gas station)

    President Obama To Speak At Graduation


    Anyone interested in snagging tickets to watch President Barack Obama speak at Hampton University's graduation will have to apply online Monday, April 19 to get them.

    The university announced Monday that 1,000 tickets will be made available that day beginning at 8 a.m. on its site, commencement.hamptonu.edu.

    Each person can apply for up to two tickets, which will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket distribution begins at 10 a.m. May 8 at the HU Convocation Center.

    The bulk of tickets for the May 9 event will go to the about 1,200 graduates to give their family and friends. According to a release, each person will get up to seven tickets for guests and is not allowed to sell them. Graduates can pick up their allotted passes from 1-5 p.m. May 7 at the Convocation Center.

    Counterfeit-proof tickets are being produced for the event, which in the past has been unticketed and open to the public with an average audience of 17,000 packing Armstrong Stadium, said HU spokeswoman Yuri Rodgers Milligan.

    For those who can't get into the stadium, overflow areas will be set up around campus in places including the Convocation Center to broadcast the speech live.

    Guests will have to arrive early because of heightened security for the presidential visit. Gates will open at 6:30 a.m., and no entry is allowed after 9 a.m. Commencement begins at 10 a.m.

    For more information, log on to commencement.hamptonu.edu


    www.dailypress.com

    Good luck on that day!

    Eastern Shore Man Identified

    A 78-year-old Eastern Shore man died Tuesday morning after an accident in which he struck a tractor-trailer, then continued driving off the road and hit a Caterpillar grader, according to state police.

    George Roberts Stevens Sr., of Belle Haven, was driving a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup truck on Route 13 in Accomack County, just north of Nelsonia, when the accident occurred at 7:27 a.m., said Sgt. Michelle Cotten of the Virginia State Police.

    She said the Stevens ran into the back of the tractor-trailer, causing his airbag to deploy and filling the pickup truck's cabin with smoke. Stevens then drove around the tractor-trailer, went off the road for about 500 feet and slammed into a Caterpillar grader, according to police.

    Cotten said investigators believe the impact with the Caterpillar caused Stevens' death. George Wharton, a passenger in the pickup truck, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

    www.dailypress.com

    Licensed Private Investigator On Eastern Shore


    An Accomack County resident with almost three decades of federal, state and local law enforcement experience has been granted private investigations agency license number 11-6282 by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

    Atlantic Coast Services, LLC is the newly founded private investigator enterprise on the Eastern Shore. According to a press release, the agency is able to handle a variety of investigations for individuals, businesses and law firms.

    Atlantic Coast Services, LLC will also specialize in relocating and reuniting family members and friends as well as financial and property thefts, accidents and injuries. In an interview with Atlantic Coast Services, they say one of their specialties is identity theft investigation.

    For more information call (757)287-8442 for visit the website http://virginiagumshoe.webs.com/.


    Tuesday, April 13, 2010

    SUBWAY Customer Appreciation Day

    Thursday as we all know is tax day, but Subway has announced a special that will be sure to make the day a little brighter for all the hard working American tax payers.

    Thursday at Subway locations there will be a Customer Appreciation Day. On Thursday, if you buy any foot long sub at full price, you will get any foot long sub of equal or lesser value free.

    Tom Harding, owner of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Subway locations, says it is no coincidence the day falls on this Thursday.

    "We wanted to let our customers know we appreciate their business and to hopefully make their tax day a little better," explains Harding.

    Harding says the offer is good throughout the day on Thursday at all Eastern Shore Subway locations.
    Let's mark this on our calendars so we don't forget!!!

    FATAL CRASH UPDATE Rt. 13- Nelsonia

    An elderly man was the victim of the fatal traffic accident on Route 13 in Nelsonia has been reported by Virginia State Police.

    According to investigators, the elderly man swerved to miss a tractor trailor and struck a piece of heavy machinery and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of the ranger was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The accident took place around 7:30 AM.

    One lane and the shoulder of Route 13 northbound are closed due to the accident.


    Investigators are currently with holding the name of the victim as they contacting next-of-kin.

    http://www.shoredailynews.com/

    Walk MS Fundraising Event





    Grand Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland will host the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maryland Chapter in their annual 5k (3 mile) walk where hundreds are expected to participate to "keep us moving closer toward a cure". The walk will begin and end at Grand Hotel.

    One of the major fundraising events on the shore, Walk MS, will raise funds for programs and services along with reasearch that is provided by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

    If you are interested in more information on MS or want to see if there is still time to register go to http://www.walkmsmaryland.org/ or call 1-800-FIGHT MS.


    WALK FOR MS

    Saturday, April 17, 2010

    9am to 12 pm
    Registration begins at 9:00 am
    Walk begins at 10:00 am

    The Grand Hotel
    21st Street and Boardwalk
    Ocean City, Maryland
    There's still time to sign up!



    Walk MS Ambassador Cindi Pietroski will have a dynamic walking team again this year! Good Luck Team Pietroski!!!

    Fatal Crash in Nelsonia

    A fatal traffic accident on Route 13 in Nelsonia has been reported by Virginia State Police.

    The accident took place around 7:30 AM this morning when a Ford Ranger collided with a tractor trailer just North of the Royal Farms.

    One lane and the shoulder of Route 13 northbound are closed due to the accident.

    Details as they become available.

    Monday, April 12, 2010

    Surf Dog Ricochet's injury - turning it into something positive

    Ricochet wanted me to send this email to all her friends...

    I recently injured my wrist while chasing birds on the beach. I ran across a reef, lost my footing, and took the impact on my wrist, leaving a big gouge. I required surgery, and I'm doing fine, but on bed rest for another two weeks.

    As I became frustrated with what I can't do while laid up, I soon realized it's nothing compared to dogs suffering from canine cancer. So, in the spirit of focusing on what I CAN do, I figured I CAN be helpful even on bed rest! Despite my activity restrictions while I'm recovering, I'll be virtually walking in the 2nd annual K9 Cancer Walk benefiting the Morris Animal Foundation's Canine Cancer Campaign. Each day through April 24th, I'll be laying quietly at home, while my body virtually walks to raise awareness and funding for critical canine cancer research.

    If you'd like to help me help the 1 in 4 dogs who are dying of cancer, or the many others who will get very, very sick from the effects, please go to this link for all the details CLICK HERE

    If all my friends and followers donated just one dollar... we could raise thousands to fight this dreadful disease. Sadly, an estimated 50% of all dogs will die of this disease... but together we can make a difference!

    If you'd like to honor a beloved dog who is dealing with cancer, or lost their battle, details are also on the link above. Please feel free to post the above website link, or pass this email to anyone who will find comfort in my efforts. I'm doing this for all dogs everywhere... and their families!

    Thank you for your support!

    Ricochet, the SURFice dog

    Dog Logic


    If you think dogs can't count,

    Try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket

    And then give him only two of them.

    Federal Grand Jury Indicts "Missing" Man



    NORFOLK, Va. - A former Virginia Beach resident was indicted by a Norfolk federal grand jury Friday with making a false distress signal to the United States Coast Guard in an alleged attempt to fake his own death to avoid a probation violation hearing.


    According to the indictment, Larry L. Deffenbaugh, 58, also known as "Mike Meyers," was boating on the Chesapeake Bay on May 10, 2009 with his brother.


    At some point, the indictments says, Deffenbaugh caused his brother to believe that he had fallen from the boat and into the bay, thereby causing Deffenbaugh's brother to contact Coast Guard authorities seeking help.


    As a result of the allegedly false distress call, the Coast Guard deployed resources in an effort to save Deffenbaugh's life, though, according to the indictment, he was not in any danger. Despite an extensive search, the Coast Guard search team could find no trace of Deffenbaugh.


    Deffenbaugh's disappearance occurred two days before he was to appear in Calvert County, Maryland for a probation violation hearing.


    Deffenbaugh was sentenced to a suspended 15 years prison sentence and five years probation in 2008 after he was convicted for theft. 551 victims took Deffenbaugh to court, saying he bilked them out of cemetery services they purchased.


    After Deffenbaugh's dissapearance, investigators contacted the show "America's Most Wanted", which profiled the case in November 2009. The show aired again on February 13, 2010 and within hours, a tip came in that eventually led to Deffenbaugh's arrest.


    U.S. Marshal's Service deputies tracked him down at his home in Baytown, Texas. Officials say Deffenbaugh was living under the assumed name, "Mike Meyers." Deffenbaugh was arrested and extradited to Maryland where he is currently in custody awaiting his probation violation hearing.

    www.wavy.com

    Kindergarten and Pre-K Registration for Accomack



    Accomack County Public Schools will conduct registration for 4 year old and kindergarten students on April 21st, 2010. 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 registration are 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM during the school day and from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM during the evening.

    Enrollment in the 4-year old program requires a birth certificate, certificate of immunizations from a physician or health agency, social security number, completed physical examination, income verification for Pre-K registration and proof of residency.

    Students who attended 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 7, 2010. The child's original birth certificate is required to begin school in September.


    City Ordinance

    Dispute Between Neighbors - this is a true story....
    A city councilman in Utah , Mark Easton, had a beautiful view of the east mountains, until a new neighbor purchased the lot below his house and built a new home.

    The new home was 18 inches higher than the ordinances would allow, so Mark Easton, mad about his lost view, went to the city to make sure they enforced the lower roof line ordinance.

    The new neighbor had to drop the roof line, at great expense.
    Recently, Mark Easton called the city, and informed them that his new neighbor had installed some vents on the side of his home...

    Mark didn't like the look of these vents and asked the city to investigate.
    When they went to Mark's home to see what the vents looked like, this is what they found...




    The City Council said the vents can stay since there is no ordinances referring to shutter design.

    Hat Tip; Eric

    Think About This.............


    "Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions.

    You may have a heart of gold -- but so does a hard-boiled egg."


    ~~ Anonymous ~~

    Sunday, April 11, 2010

    Horld's Horniest Woman

    A 101-year-old Chinese grandmother just might be the world's horniest woman. No, she's not a cougar. With one pronounced horn in her head, and a second emerging, Zhang Ruifang is closer to a rhino.

    Last month, the nearly 2½–inch horn sprouting from Zhang's noggin made world news, and now, a report from the U.K.'s Metro newspaper states another horn is poking out on the opposite side. The good news is, she's thrilled about it.

    According to Metro, Zhang said she is "quite looking forward to when the matching one has grown a bit." She's refused offers to remove the horns.

    Such growths are generally cutaneous horns, which are composed of the same substance as fingernails, called keratin. Most cases are harmless, unless of course the horn pokes someone in the eye.

    Amazing as it sounds, Zhang isn't alone in the world of human horns. In fact, other elders from China have recently made headlines with their own impressive growths.

    In October 2007, 95-year-old Xiou Ling flaunted a 6½-inch horn that jutted out of her forehead and curled downward over her face. It had been growing for four years.

    Just one month later, 93-year-old Ma Zhong Nan showed the media the 4-inch horn growing on the top of his head. He hadn't thought much of it until it got itchy, at which point he decided to seek help.

    Human horns are hardly new phenomena. In 1930, Robert Ripley brought a Manchurian farmer named Wang to the world's attention under the moniker "The Human Unicorn." Wang -- who sported a 13-inch protrusion on the back of his head -- had been exhibiting himself with a group of Chinese fakirs when a Russian banker snapped a photo and sent it to Ripley.

    Unfortunately for Ripley, a photo was all he would ever get. Ripley spent years offering a large reward to anyone who could track Wang down and bring him to America. But the horned farmer proved as elusive as a real unicorn and was never to be found again.

    A year before Wang's discovery, Ripley had written about a 16th-century man named Francis Trovillou, better known as the Horned Man of Mezieres.

    According to a book published in 1860, "The Book of Wonderful Characters: Memoirs and Anecdotes of Remarkable and Eccentric Persons in All Ages and Countries," by Henry Wilson and James Caulfield, Trovillou's horn began growing at the age of 7. It extended from his forehead and bent backwards. By the time he was 35, "this horn had both the bigness and the resemblance of a ram's horn."

    Many cases of human horns are documented in the 1894 book, "Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine," by George Gould, M.D., and Walter Pyle, M.D. "Probably the most remarkable case of a horn was that of Paul Rodrigues, a Mexican porter," they wrote, "who, from the upper and lateral part of his head, had a horn 14 inches in circumference and divided into three shafts, which he concealed by constantly wearing a peculiarly shaped red cap."

    While the majority of horns seemingly appear on the head, Gould and Pyle also reported several cases of penile horns. One of these very unfortunate men grew his horn at the age of 52. He had been circumcised four years earlier -- which seems painful and disturbing enough -- only to have a small horn "the size of a marble" grow where the wound healed.

    The book also lists examples of horns growing on the arms, legs, buttocks and nipples.

    VIA: AolNews

    Dog Logic


    Dogs are not our whole life,

    But they make our lives whole.

    Michelle Obama is a "Birther"?

    Every since Balack Hussein Obama as entered the scene as a POTUS candidate there has been a big controversy over his birth place.

    Hussein Obama has yet to provide a 'real' birth certificate but the certificate of live birth was good enough for the progressive left liberals.

    The liberals have, and continue to chastise anyone that even questions Husseins birth place.

    So with that the liberals better start calling Mechelle Obama "ignorant" "fear monger" "birther" etc. etc. they are good at throwing out degrading names when anyone questions their savor.

    Watch the video below and hear Mechelle Obama admit that Hussein Obama's home country is not America, she says;

    "when we took our trip to Africa and visited his home country in Kenya"

    I wont even go into the homophobia bull crap she is spewing as I said above, liberals love to throw out degrading names.

    Watch and listen to Mechelle admit where her husband Hussein Obama was born.






    Direct Link HERE


    Saturday, April 10, 2010

    Volunteers Needed To Refinish Chairs



    WALLOPS -- The Marine Science Consortium is looking for a few good men and women to help with a unique project. The consortium is refinishing more than 200 wooden chairs that will be classroom and lab seating in its new Leadership in Environment and Design Certified Education Center. The certification denotes the level of sustainability and green design that goes into a building.

    The Education Center is being built with sustainable products, has high efficiency heating and cooling systems, low VOC paints and other products used indoors, low water use systems and is landscaped with plants native to the Eastern Shore.


    "It's so wonderful to have a building that can be a model for other new building projects on the Shore," says Executive Director Amber Parker. "We not only want the building to be sustainable, but also the furnishing and other elements that fill it. The chairs we are refinishing were originally used in classrooms in Bloomsburg College in the late 1950s. They were donated to MSC, probably in the early 1970s. These attractive, comfortable chairs only need a facelift to continue to serve MSC for years to come."


    Restoring and reusing the chairs creates a story of sustainability by allowing the consortium to show how, with just a bit of elbow grease, sturdy, old furniture can be revitalized and reused, instead of throwing it away and purchasing something new.


    Sanding and giving multiple coats of polyurethane to more than 200 chairs does take some effort. Many have been completed, thanks to the efforts of staff and college student service weekend; however, there are many left to complete. The consortium would like to invite volunteers from the community to assist with this big project so that they can be a part of its story.


    Volunteers should be comfortable using belt or circular sanders. The consortium will provide all training necessary. Service groups and individual volunteers are welcome.


    Please contact Amber Parker at 757-824-5636 or execdirector@msconsortium.org if you would like to donate your time.


    The Marine Science Consortium is a nonprofit environmental learning center and field station located on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

    www.easternshorenews.com

    Dog Logic


    If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous,

    He will not bite you;

    That is the principal difference between a dog and a man.

    Internet Sondbird WOW!

    I think she's in the wrong profession.

    Erin Paula, an aspiring dental hygienist in Los Angeles, probably already knows that Alicia Keys' 'Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart' is an incredibly challenging song to sing. Written to be sung at the top of its performer's range, the ballad is gorgeous, dripping with heartfelt desperation and redemption.



    Snatched From; HERE

    Putting the Sightless Behind the Wheel


    Students at Virginia Tech University have succeeded in breaking down another barrier for the disabled: Building a vehicle that allows the blind to drive.

    Virginia Tech's Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory developed a driver-assist system that uses laser range finders, an instant voice-command interface and a host of other cutting-edge technologies to guide blind drivers as they steer, brake and accelerate. The new system was put to good use last year at a summer camp where 20 blind and low-vision teens were able to take the wheel of a retrofitted dune buggy and navigate a course completely on their own.

    "Although we are in the early stages of testing, the National Federation of the Blind -- which spurred the project -- considers the vehicle a major breakthrough for independent living of the visually impaired," said Dr. Dennis Hong, faculty adviser on the project.

    Hong saw similarities between the technology used in Virginia Tech’s DARPA Urban Challenge, a military vehicle research and development program, and the requirements of the NFB’s Blind Driver Challenge.

    "Our original goal was to simply make the vehicle accessible to the blind," noted Hong. "After speaking with the NFB, we decided to make a vehicle that could be independently operated by a blind driver."

    To read the rest of the article CLICK HERE



    Watch this video by the Virginia Tech Robotics team Blind Driver Challenge

    Would you rat out a tax cheat?

    Admit it, it drives you nuts: You know someone who has cheated on his or her taxes, and you think you can't do a thing about it. Or maybe you can.

    The IRS Whistleblower Office was established by the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to encourage taxpayers who witness tax problems to make reports to the taxing authorities. Mechanisms for making reports had been in place for nearly 150 years, but the 2006 law created new procedures and incentives for processing and investigating taxpayer claims. To encourage more taxpayers to come forward, the IRS made a public show about the fact that they may pay awards to people who provide specific and credible information to the IRS about non-compliant taxpayers.

    Remember those words: specific and credible. The IRS wants details. They don't want guesses or beliefs. They don't want to hear that your neighbor has to be under reporting her income because she otherwise couldn't afford a new car on her salary (you don't know that her long lost uncle just died and left her a bunch of money). And just because you've never personally walked a tax return to the post office for your employer doesn't mean that he or she hasn't filed one.

    If you can provide sufficient information that leads to the collection of taxes, penalties, interest, or other amounts from the non-compliant taxpayer, you can be eligible to collect one of two awards:
    • If the amount in dispute exceeds $2 million, the IRS will pay a whistleblower up to 30% of the amount collected. If the alleged tax cheater is an individual taxpayer, his or her annual gross income must be more than $200,000 for the whistleblower to be eligible to collect this award.
    • In most other cases, the maximum award is 15% of the amount collected up to $10 million




    If you're sure you have a claim -- and you're willing to swear to it under the penalty of perjury -- you kick things off by filing a federal form 211. The form requires that you include your name and personally identifying information, such as your Social Security number and address. You must then detail the information you have that you believe supports your claim of unpaid taxes, including the amounts; you must attach any evidence you have to support your claims. You're required to share with the IRS how you know about the potential tax violations. Finally, you have to reveal a complete description of your relationship to the taxpayer (hint: using "my jerky ex-boyfriend" will not help your cause).








    READ MORE HERE