Wednesday, April 28, 2010

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.

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

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.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

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.

Pocomoke Crime Reports, Still no Missing Persons?

THEFT
26 Apr 2010
400 BLOCK BONNEVILLE AVENUE
Distance: 0.98 miles
Identifier: 10-0002716
Time(24h): 15:27
THEFT: LESS $500 VALUE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
24 Apr 2010
600 BLOCK LINDEN AVENUE
Distance: 0.58 miles
Identifier: 10-0002653
Time(24h): 15:34
THEFT LESS THAN $100
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
ASSAULT
23 Apr 2010
500 BLOCK WALNUT STREET
Distance: 0.83 miles
Identifier: 10-0002635
Time(24h): 22:43
ASSAULT - SECOND DEGREE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
BREAKING & ENTERING
23 Apr 2010
900 BLOCK ACORN CIRCLE
Distance: 0.8 miles
Identifier: 10-0002619
Time(24h): 12:37
BURGLARY - FIRST DEGREE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
BREAKING & ENTERING
22 Apr 2010
900 BLOCK ACORN CIRCLE
Distance: 0.8 miles
Identifier: 10-0002604
Time(24h): 19:40
BURGLARY - FIRST DEGREE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
19 Apr 2010
1900 BLOCK CLARKE AVENUE
Distance: 1.45 miles
Identifier: 10-0002525
Time(24h): 17:25
THEFT: LESS $500 VALUE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
19 Apr 2010
900 BLOCK LAUREL STREET
Distance: 0.66 miles
Identifier: 10-0002516
Time(24h): 10:14
THEFT LESS THAN $100
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
18 Apr 2010
100 BLOCK CHERRY STREET
Distance: 1.26 miles
Identifier: 10-0002494
Time(24h): 08:56
THEFT: LESS $500 VALUE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
ASSAULT
18 Apr 2010
600 BLOCK BANK STREET
Distance: 0.66 miles
Identifier: 10-0002505
Time(24h): 22:36
ASSAULT - SECOND DEGREE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
17 Apr 2010
2100 BLOCK OLD SNOW HILL ROAD
Distance: 0.53 miles
Identifier: 10-0002467
Time(24h): 10:37
THEFT LESS THAN $100
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend

Delmarva Discovery Center Announces Acrylic Class

The Delmarva Discovery Center has announced plans for a four session beginner Acrylic Class instructed by local artist, Jenny Somers.

The course will use paper as the painting surface while focusing on techniques similar to watercolor. The process will reveal how to transfer sketches to a prepared panel and basic color mixing.

Practice between classes in encouraged. A supply list will be provided upon registration.

Fee for the class is $60 and the classes will be held on tuesdays throughout the month of May.

Maximum 15 students per class.

To register, contact the Delmarva Discovery Center at (410)957-9933 or email events@delmarvadiscoverycenter.com.

Fundraiser Dinner For Chincoteague High School After Prom Party

Chincoteague High School After Prom Party Presents Dinner at Mr. Baldy's

The Chincoteague High School After Prom Party and Mr. Baldy's are holding a fundraiser on Wednesday, April 28 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM to support After Prom Party 2010.

Mr. Baldy's is supporting Chincoteague High School students by donating 50% of their profits to the Parents and Students for Safe Socials (PASSS) Committee for the Chincoteague High School After Prom Party.

Discounted Amusement Park Tickets For Sale



Accomack County Parks and Recreation has announced they currently has discount amusement park tickets for sale.

Parks and Recreation has tickets for Kings Dominion, Kings Dominion Spring Savings Days, Water Country and Busch Gardens Fun Passes.

The Parks and Recreation Office is Open Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.




No credit cards or personal checks accepted.

For more information, contact the parks and recreation office at 787-3900 or 824-0314.

Monday, April 26, 2010

The History Of Pocomoke by Murray James (10)

60 History of Pocomolce City r He died 1861, aged sixty-seven years, and his tomh> stands in the Presbyterian Cemetery, of Pocomoke Cityv In 1840, Grove & Harris bought out the stock in trade- of John S. Stevenson, and pursued the mercantile business, until 1844, when they retired. In 1844, William J. S. Clarke and William H. T.Clarvoe- united in co-partnership, in the sale of goods, in New- Town, under the firm of Clarke & Clarvoe, which firm continued successfully for eight years, when by mutual, consent they dissolved partnership.

Mr. Clarke, at slight intervals, has conducted a business, on a large scale ever since ; part of the time by himself" and the balance of the time with his son, Edward H.- Clarke, and his brother John H. Clarke. His business career runs nearly thirty-eight years. He built the first steamboat, the first Marine railway,, and the first three masted schooner on the Eastern Shore^ He has during his time built from forty to fifty vessels*.

During the last sixteen years he has, in common with his. brother, run the steam mill business and Marine railway,, which have done an average business of $40,000 annually.. He owns ten thousand acres of land, some of it is iia fme estates. He also owns thirty houses and lots, and amongst them is the well known Clarke House, which is one of the^ first Hotels on the Eastern Shore. He is also one of the directors and stockholders of the Eastern Shore Steam- boat Company.

He has been twice married, his first wife.- Formerly New Town. 61 was Miss Amanda C. Clarvoe, daughter of the well-known Dr. John B. H. W. Clarvoe ; his second wife was Miss Eliza- beth A. Hargis, daughter of Thomas M. Hargis. He has .four children, two by each wife. It will be no detriment to Mr. Clarke to say that he was -a poor boy. He was born the twenty-third day of June, -1823, in Somerset county, near this place.

His mother died when he was two weeks old ; he was then taken and .raised by Captain Robert W. Swan, whose wife was a relative of his mother. Captain Swan, being a New Englander and a sea cap- tain was well educated : consequently he was well pre- pared to give Mr. Clarke a liberal education, for those days' nvhich he did. Mr. Clarke began his mercantile life with John S. -Stevenson, in the fall of 1838, in the fifteenth year of his •age. He remained with Mr. Stevenson two years.

In 1840, he went to New Orleans at the age of seventeen years, and remained there until 1844, when he returned -again to New Town and commenced to do business for himself as before stated. In Mr. Clarke's case, we can see what can be done by -a man of push, who is determined to succeed, for he had -nothing to commence on but the wide world in which to ?ply his active mind, and this scrap of his life shows how well he has played his part.

There are two features of his character that are \worthy of notice : The first is, that he is an indomitable worker, always 62 History of Pocomoke City r full of business and always at business. The second is, aifc ardent desire to promote his friends. About 1835, Joseph Fisher engaged in the sale of goods in New Town, he occupied the old stand of his- father-in law, Stephen Redden, for several years and then, moved to the city of Baltimore.

Between 1S44 and 1850, there were several other- stores in New Town, such as : William Tcwnsend, Irving Merrill, William T. Hearn, Oliver Jones, J. Francis Hen- derson and David H. Long, doing business under the firm of Henderson and Long, Quinn and Sturgis, Ashcraft and Risley ; after a while David Long drew out of the firm of Henderson and Long, and Henderson took as a partner, George W. Hargis, then James Sturgis as a third partner. After continuing sometime Henderson bought out Hargis and Sturgis and transacted business by himself; after continuing by himself for sometime, he took as part- ners his brother Henry Henderson and Levin Conner. During this partnership J. Francis Henderson died,, then Henry Henderson and Levin Conner conducted the business for two years, when Conner sold out to Hender- son, then Henry Henderson transacted business in his own. name for five years or until 1S65, when he closed out.

All the above named stores were first-class stores, and the proprietors were all highly reputable men ; they have all passed away except Henry Henderson and Levin Conner, who are still living in this place, and David H.. Long, who lives in the City of Baltimore, and is engaged Formerly New Town. 63 in a very extensive wholesale phosphate house, as general agent. Mr. Long is something over fifty years of age, of high moral character, of tried integrity, and has ever been found faithful to all trusts committed to his care, and is worthy of any position of trust and responsibility which may be placed in his hands.

CHAPTER VII. MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED.)

In 1843, Captain Henry Long commenced merchan- dising, in New Town, and continued until 1855, in which year he died. His store was considered the poor man's store to deal at; he always kept a heavy stock of groceries, and sold his goods lower than others. It was said by some that there was no chance for other merchants in New Town, as long as Captain Long sold goods.

His eventful life is worthy of notice in this history ; in many respects he was a remarkable man ; he com- menced life a poor boy, with but little education, engaged as cook on board of a schooner, and continued the life of a sailor until he was 63 years of age. He then engaged in the sale of goods until he died. He rose from the position of cook to be master and owner of his vessel. While engaged in the vessel trade he amassed considerable wealth. Captain Long, though comparatively uneducated, had studied human nature, and had as large a share of the knowledge of men as the most scientific.

His was a 64 History of Pocomoke City, decided character ; integrity marked the whole course of his life. He was true to his engagements. No one ever feared that Captain Long would not meet his word. He was also kind and benevolent. Many a dollar he has given to the poor ; he took a real pleasure in accommodating and helping those who were in need.

Captain Harry long, for so we used to call him, was a bachelor ; and, as a matter of course, his associations were with the young folks. He was also quite eccentric ; would make it a point to go to church at least twice a year, when the preacher would come on the circuit, and go again to hear his farewell discourse. On one occasion he went out to church ; it so happened that the young preacher had the first appoint. Captain Long took his seat as usual near the door. After the sermon was over the young men gathered around him and asked him how he liked the discourse. Captain Long had a by-word, very pat, which he called " By Jing," and he was much in the habit of smacking his mouth and shrugging his shoulders in conversation.

When he was asked, " How did you like the discourse?" he replied : " O ! by jing, boys," with a smack of the mouth and shrug of the shoulders, " that other preacher is a big preacher." " How do you know, Capt. Long, have you ever heard him? " "No, by jing, I have never heard him, but I will tell you what I go by. They generally send them like shad — a big one and a little one together."

Next Formerly New Town. 65

Previous Chapters by reader request

(1) CLICK HERE

(2) CLICK HERE

(3) CLICK HERE

(4) CLICK HERE

(5) CLICK HERE

(6) CLICK HERE

(7) CLICK HERE

(8) CLICK HERE

(9) CLICK HERE

SURF DOG RICOCHET RAISES OVER $1800 FOR K9 CANCER

PRESS RELEASE
SURF DOG RICOCHET RAISES OVER $1800 FOR K9 CANCER BY VIRTUALLY
WALKING IN THE MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION'S CANINE CANCER CAMPAIGN

SAN DIEGO, CA, April 25, 2010… Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog who has won several surf dog contests, and more notably inspires people around the world as she raises awareness and funds for both human and animal causes, exceeded her fundraising goal for the Morris Animal Foundation Canine Cancer Campaign. Two weeks ago, Ricochet joined the K9 cancer walk as a virtual participant and set a goal of raising $1500. The walk concluded this past Saturday, and her end result was $1820 in donations.

The Morris Animal Foundation launched the Canine Cancer Campaign to help scientists worldwide prevent, treat, and ultimately cure cancer in dogs. The K9 Cancer Walks are fundraising events throughout the country that support this important campaign.
Four weeks ago, Ricochet suffered a wound injury to her wrist that required surgery, 12 stitches, and four weeks of bed rest. In the spirit of her inspirational SURFice dog video that went viral, the emphasis was put on what she CAN do, rather than what she can't. Ricochet quickly realized that many dogs have it much worse than her short term injury limitations, so she decided to get involved "virtually" in the K9 Cancer Walk during her downtime of recovery.

Ricochet posted her K9 Cancer Walk initiative on her website and Facebook page, and within 48 hours, her very supportive donors contributed almost $1000. On the day of the Walk, Ricochet again posted to her Facebook page, that she was $217 away from her goal of $1500. Within minutes, donations started pouring in, and she quickly surpassed her goal, collecting a total of $1820. Ricochet won the award of "Top Dog" for most money raised by an individual. The goal for the entire K9 Cancer Walk was $30,000, and that goal was surpassed as well, with a total of $54,788.00 in donations.

These funds will go directly toward Morris Animal Foundation's much-needed research that will help the one if four dogs who die of cancer, and the many more who suffer its terrible effects. While the Morris Animal Foundation seeks a cure, and a way to prevent cancer from ever occurring, they're also developing treatments that can help dogs now, and even help humans with cancer... especially kids.
Ricochet was slated to be a service dog for people with disabilities, but, due to her interest in chasing birds, which could be dangerous for a person with a disability, she had to be released from that part of the program. She went from service dog to SURFice dog, and is now raising funds and awareness for human and animal causes. She has raised over $22,000 in just six months, and continues to inspire people all over the world with her positive energy, and charitable lifestyle. She will continue creating awareness for canine cancer, and is supporting the efforts of a couple other canine cancer initiatives, including Chase Away K9 Cancer.

For additional information contact Judy Fridono at 707-228-0679 or pawinspired@aol.com.
http://www.surfdogricochet.com
On Facebook & Twitter: "Surf Dog Ricochet"
Morris Animal Foundation http://www.curecaninecancer.org/
Chase Away K9 Cancer http://www.chaseawayk9cancer.org/

Former "POISON" Singer In Critical Condition


CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - Bret Michaels, former singer for Poison and current "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant, fought to stay in the boardroom Sunday night, but the episode was taped months ago. In real life, Michaels is fighting to get out of the hospital.

Doctors found a massive bleed at the base of his brain stem after he complained of a sudden, excrutiating headache Thursday.

Chesapeake Neurosurgeon Charles Levy is not privy to Michaels medical records, but says that his condition sounds like an aneurysm.

"A large percentage of people who have aneurysm hemorrhage do not make it to the hospital," said Levy.


According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation , six million Americans have unruptured brain aneurysms, but only a small percentage will bleed.

Eight out of every 100,000 people with aneurysms will rupture each year. Four out of seven who recover from the event will have disabilities. Forty percent of people who have a rupture will die.

Michaels staff posted Internet updates, stating he has slurred speech and blurred vision.

"If he's awake, and still with the slurred speech, most likely a lot of that will probably recover quite well," said Levy.

This is the latest in a series medical problems for the singer. Aside from being a lifelong diabetic, ten days earlier Michaels had an emergency appendectomy.

He was also injured at last year's Tony awards when a moving piece of stage hit him.

Levy warns any sudden severe headache should be checked out right away. He says people who smoke and have high blood pressure are at greatest risk, but anyone can have one.

Host and Executive Producer of the "Celebrity Apprentice," Donald Trump, told TMZ Monday the prognosis is not great, but said Michaels is an amazing competitor and that could save his life.

Posted on Michaels' website's News and Information:

"As of now Bret remains in ICU under 24 hour surveillance. Further testing this week will help locate the source of the bleeding."
More updates may be available from Michaels' website, BretMichaels.com

www.wavy.com

William & Mary Student Reported Missing

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) - Williamsburg police are looking for a William and Mary student who was last seen by a friend on Saturday at around 9:30 p.m.

Police are looking for 21-year-old Ian Kramer Smith-Christmas. Police say Smith-Christmas was last seen in the 800 blk. of Westgate Circle on Saturday.

Smith-Christmas can be seen in the photo to the left of this story. He's described as a 6-feet tall white male, 150 pounds, with green eyes and blond hair.

Police say he may be driving a silver Ford Taurus with VA tags: YPC-9783.

Police don't suspect foul play at this time, however, they're asking anyone with information on Smith-Christmas' whereabouts to call Investigator Rice at 259-7207 or 220-2331.

www.wavy.com

Lillian Vernon To Close In Virginia Beach


The owner of Lillian Vernon, the catalog and Internet retailer that has called the city home for 22 years, plans to shutter its headquarters off International Parkway, citing a drop in sales.


Current USA Inc., a stationery and gifts company based in Colorado Springs, Colo., bought Lillian Vernon two years ago and employs about 200 warehouse and call center employees in Hampton Roads. It plans to wind down the Beach operation and terminate all positions there by August 2011.

The closure is "due to current and projected levels of business," the company wrote in a news release.

The Lillian Vernon brand name will remain. Current USA, a division of Taylor Corp., had shifted call centers for some of its other brands to Virginia Beach and will move all operations to other Taylor locations.

"Current USA Inc. is committed to growing the Lillian Vernon brand in the marketplace and serving its customers," the release read.

Two Lillian Vernon workers leaving the call center Friday evening said they had heard nothing about the closing. The man and woman, who declined to give their names, said the company had made no announcements to the staff.

Sue Hesse, Current USA's director of human resources, provided the news release but declined to give other information. The release quoted Colleen Willhite, Taylor's executive vice president, who was unavailable for comment Friday evening.

"This was a difficult decision for us as we realize the contributions of the Lillian Vernon employees to the organization and the commitment of the organization to the community for the past 22 years," Willhite said in the release.

Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms said he had no knowledge of Lillian Vernon's closure.

"I knew it had been declining over the years," he said of employment at the headquarters.

Sessoms said he would need to speak with the city's economic development officials to assess the impact of the shutdown and how to market the 900,000-square-foot facility.

"You hate to see any jobs lost, period," he said. "Lillian Vernon, over the years, has really been a major part of growth in the city."


Lillian Hochberg founded the company at her kitchen table in Mount Vernon, N.Y., in 1951, selling a personalized handbag and belt through a magazine ad. She named the company for herself and her hometown, changing her own name to match it, and took it public in 1987.

A year later, Lillian Vernon bought 61 acres in Virginia Beach to build its distribution center and spent nearly $37 million on an expansion to double its size in 1995. The retailer, which specializes in low-cost personalized gifts and home goods, held warehouse clearance sales that attracted diehard crowds through at least 2002.

Employment at its Virginia Beach center reached almost 800 year-round and swelled to as many as 5,000 in the fall for the holiday shopping season.


The founder remained Lillian Vernon's chief executive and chairman until July 2003, when she sold it for $60.5 million to a private equity fund managed by Ripplewood Holdings LLC in New York. That owner sold the company almost three years later to Sun Capital Partners Inc., an investment firm based in Boca Raton, Fla., for a reported $12 million, though terms weren't disclosed.

In 2006, Lillian Vernon moved its corporate headquarters from New York to Virginia Beach. It had annual revenue of $175 million that year and mailed 80 million catalogs. But the company hadn't posted a profit since 2000.

Under Sun Capital, Lillian Vernon sold its distribution center and leased it back. It shed hundreds of jobs. Sales faltered as the recession set in.

Lillian Vernon filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from creditors in February 2008. It stopped mailing catalogs and paying vendors, and halted deliveries of new merchandise.

Current USA acquired the company in a bankruptcy auction in April that year and paid a base price of $15.8 million before adjusting for inventory. Parent company Taylor Corp., a privately held firm based in North Mankato, Minn., owns more than 100 companies and has annual sales of $1.7 billion, according to Hoover's, the business information service.

Tim Arland, Current USA's president, took the helm of Lillian Vernon and said he would make it smaller and more profitable. At that time, he projected that the company would distribute 30 percent fewer catalogs as it rebuilt its business.

www.virginiapilot.com

Sunday, April 25, 2010

~ Yummy Thought ~

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."


- Charles M. Schulz -

Have You Seen Johnny The Boxer?

If you live in this area of Virginia:

This poor dog could be hurt and scared. I am sure he doesn't understand what has happened and I wouldn't be afraid to bet that he sure misses his master. Let's hope and pray that Johnny will be found alive......if he hasn't been found already.

A reward is being offered for Johnny, a boxer owned by Exmore Police Chief Steve Elliott, who was killed last week in a car crash. Johnny was riding with Elliott and has not been seen since. He was last seen in the Pungoteague area on April 14. People with information can call the Northampton County Sheriff's Office at 757-678-0458.

Thoreau Statue Will Return- Salisbury Univ. Students Have Left

SALISBURY — Two Salisbury University students accused of stealing a life-size bronze statue of Henry David Thoreau from the campus have left the university.

Salisbury spokesman Richard Culver confirmed that Samuel Cyrus and Jonathan Reddick have left the school but did not elaborate on the circumstances of their departure.

Cyrus and Reddick pleaded guilty last month to conspiracy to commit theft and each received three years of probation. Prosecutors dropped the other charges against them.

The 400-pound statue was stolen in January. The scheme was uncovered after a third man, Raymond Bunting, sold it to Delmarva Recycling for $442.

The statue was recovered except for its extended left hand, which had been sawed off. Culver says it should be repaired and returned to campus by the end of May.

www.baltimoresun.com

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Some Accomack Taxpayer-funded Workers Owe Back Taxes

ACCOMAC -- Nearly 350 School Board, Social Services and county employees have had their wages garnished for back taxes this year.

Accomack County Treasurer Dana Bundick said 82 county and Department of Social Services employees who were delinquent in real estate or personal property taxes had their wages garnished.

So far $18,000 has been collected.

And 258 school employees had their wages garnished, with $85,000 collected to date.

"Some people, we took all but a few dollars of their paycheck, which got their attention," Bundick said.

Vice Chairman Donald Hart Jr., praised the efforts, saying, "If you collect a check from the taxpayers of this county" the worker needs to pay taxes.

"If you have elected officials, zap them, too," he said, adding of the number of public employees owing back taxes, "That's 300-some employees -- that's embarrassing."

The Treasurer's office also placed 900 Department of Motor Vehicle stops on delinquent taxpayers since January.

The office this year was given funding for an additional employee to help collect back taxes, according to an agreement Bundick made with the county.

The stops prevent delinquent taxpayers from renewing their vehicle registration until personal property taxes are paid. Of the stops placed, 62 accounts have been collected, amounting to more than $38,000.

Additionally, Bundick reported that she referred 76 parcels since January to tax attorney Jim Elliott for collection of delinquent real estate taxes, with 28 accounts collected so far this year, amounting to more than $127,000.

Five tax sales have been held this year, with another planned in May.

The same night Bundick gave her report, the Board of Supervisors also voted unanimously for a zoning amendment that requires evidence of payment of delinquent taxes on properties from owners applying for items including special exceptions, special use permits, variances, rezoning, building permits and erosion and sediment control permits.

www.easternshorenews.com

STILL MISSING KRISTEN SHOCKLEY

STILL TRYING TO LOCATE THIS MISSING PERSON

Kristen Shockley

Pocomoke City, Maryland

Age: 19 Ht.: 5'3" Wt. 145 lbs.

Medium long red hair and freckles

Last seen Apr. 6, 2010

Boarded the transit bus enroute to WorWic Tech in Salisbury, Md. but never made it to class.

An anonymous phone call to her mother on April 8 stated that they had seem Kristen in Salisbury in the Booth Street area.

April 8, 2010 Kristen called her mother from a police department in Baltimore, Md.and her mother left immediately to drive to Baltimore to pick her up. The officer that Kristen's mother spoke with said that they could not hold Kristen because she was an adult. Kristen left the police dept. to get a pack of cigerettes and never returned. The police dept. and store Kristen was referring to are almost within sight of each other. This would be in the area of Windsor Mill Road and Woodlawn Drive, the western district in Baltimore County. Baltimore, Maryland.

Her purse and cell phone were stolen so she may have no identification.

If you have ANY information PLEASE CALL:

Pocomoke City Police @ (410) 957-1600

T. Parks @ (410) 603-5146

B. Northam @ (410) 957-2496 OR

email this site at pcitypubliceye@gmail.com

Walking Towards A Cure For MS

The annual 5k Walk For MS was held last Saturday in Ocean City, Md.
This event, hosted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maryland Chapter is one of the major fundraisers on the shore. Walk MS raises funds for research, programs and services that are provided by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.




Team Pietroski
Team leader is Cindi Pietroski, Maryland MS Ambassador
It is with devoted teams like this and every footstep that " Keeps Us Moving Closer To A Cure"

WONDERFUL JOB!!!!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Benefit For Eric White On Saturday

This information was just left in the comment section and I thought that since it is for a good cause it should be posted. Thanks swampcritter2 for the information.

If anyone has anymore info about this please leave a comment.

Live music at the Southern States store tomorrow in Pocomoke. Food and music to benefit Eric White, an excellent guitarist from Bloxom. Eric is suffering through cancer. He will be there and will play with the gospel band Second Chance. Somerset Animal control will be there with critters for adoption. I'll be there to . Bring your guitar if you play one . I'm going.

The Southern States is the Pocomoke Farm and Lawn, 7285 Dividing Creek Road.

Sounds like a wonderful cause and lots of fun!




Open For Business


Pocomoke Diner (formerly Trader's) is NOW open for business so I have been told.
Be sure to check that out this weekend!

Closed For Business

The Greene Turtle in Pocomoke has closed its doors.

It is said that reappearing in that same spot will be Don's Seafood.

~ MarVa Theater Events ~

Friday Evening and Sunday Afternoon At the MarVa Theater

As homicide detective Thomas Craven investigates the death of his activist daughter, he uncovers not only her secret life, but a corporate cover-up and government collusion that attracts an agent tasked with cleaning up the evidence.

Friday, April 23rd - 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 25th - 2 p.m.


RATED R

**Sponsorships are available for this movie. Email Emily at emily@marvatheater.com

ELVIS Is At The MarVa Theater


FYI
Beer and wine will be available for purchase at the show

Thursday, April 22, 2010

EARTH DAY 2010

Today is EARTH DAY

Please help take care of it.



RECYCLE


DO NOT LITTER


That's a good place to start.


Pocomoke Library to cut hours

A shortage of staff will mean the Pocomoke City branch of the Worcester County Library will be open for fewer hours starting next month.

Beginning May 1, the library will open two hours later on Tuesday's and Thursday and will no longer hold weekend hours.

In a statement, library officials said the new schedule would only be temporary.

VIA DelmarvaNow.com

COMMUNITY CENTER/BANQUET FACILITY DEDICATION


This Sunday, April 25, exactly 2 years after the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company dedicated their new firehouse, the fire company is dedicating their adjacent Community Center at 1410 Market Street.

An Open House will be held from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM and will feature tours of the magnificent new Community Center banquet facility.

At 3:00 PM, a cornerstone ceremony will be held. The time capsule from the Fifth Street firehouse cornerstone dedicated in 1939 will be opened by the senior members of the fire company. The contents of the time capsule will be revealed and should prove interesting. A time capsule containing modern materials will then be set in the new cornerstone.

Following the cornerstone ceremony, the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Companys new tanker truck will be dedicated and placed in service. The purchase of the tanker was made possible through a Homeland Security grant to the fire service.

www.shoredailynews.com


Another true asset to Pocomoke!

No Jobs Next Year For 42 School Employees


At its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 20, the Accomack County School Board voted to accept the Budget Reduction Plan which became necessary when the Commonwealth of Virginia cut $3.1 million in operating revenues from the School Boards Budget, according to a statement from Accomack County Public Schools.

Even with this additional appropriation, fifty-one positions will be eliminated from the School Boards 2010-2011 Operating Budget. Three of the positions are administrative positions, seven are instructional positions and forty-one are support positions. Retirements will cover six of the positions cut and three employees are eligible to transfer into required positions which will be vacant next year.

Forty-two employees will not be offered positions with the school division next year unless additional employees retire in the departments being reduced.

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors increased the school divisions budget by $730,000.


www.shoredailynews.com

Cockfighting Ring Busted By Accomack County Sheriff's Dept.

According to Sheriff Larry Giddens, on April 11, 2010 at approximately 5:57 PM, the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report of cockfighting activity on Kellam Lane near Accomac, Virginia.

Upon their arrival, deputies discovered evidence of recent cockfighting activity to include numerous roosters as well as a variety of fighting paraphernalia. During the investigation into this incident a variety of evidence was seized including 27 live roosters. The roosters are being held at the Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility in Melfa.

On April 19, 2010, a General District Court judge ordered the roosters to be turned over to the Accomack County Sheriffs Office for final disposition.

On April 21, 2010, Belarimino Bedoya Alvarez (photo above) was arrested and charged with promoting, preparing for, engaging in or being employed in, the fighting of animals for amusements, sport or gain. Alvarez is currently incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail in lieu of a $10,000 bond.


www.shoredailynews.com

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Two residents honored

Two residents of Pocomoke City were presented certificates of recognition for their accomplishments. One was Dr. Diane L. Kerbin, who was recently named Worcester County Woman of the Year by the Worcester County Commission for Women. She was honored for her community service.

The other resident was Zacheus Arnold, who was recognized for having attained Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts.

Zacheus Arnold, center, was honored by the Pocomoke mayor and Council Monday night for having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. (BIll Kerbin photo)


VIA: DelmarvaNow.com

J.R. CLARENCE BUTCH JACKSON Arrested BURGLARY-FIRST DEGREE

DISTRICT COURT OF MARYLAND

Case Information
Court System:DISTRICT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY - CRIMINAL SYSTEM
Case Number:4I00084634Tracking No:091001973300
Case Type:CRIMINAL
District Code:02Location Code:04
Document Type:WARRANTIssued Date:04/21/2010
Case Status:ACTIVE


Defendant Information
Defendant Name:JACKSON, CLARENCE BUTCH
Race:BLACK, AFRICAN AMERICAN
Sex:MHeight:603Weight:205DOB:06/26/1974

Address:2456 WORCESTER HWY.
City:POCOMOKE CITYState:MDZip Code:21851 - 0000


Court Scheduling Information
Trial Date:05/21/2010Trial Time:09:00 AM
Trial Type: PRELIMINARY HEARING

Trial Location:301 COMMERCE STREET SNOW HILL 21863-1007


Charge and Disposition Information

(Each Charge is listed separately. The disposition is listed below the Charge)

Charge No:001Description:BURGLARY-FIRST DEGREE
Statute:CR.6.202Description:BURGLARY-FIRST DEGREE
Amended Date:CJIS Code:2 3000MO/PLL:Probable Cause:X
Incident Date From: 09/22/2007To: 09/22/2007Victim Age:




Charge No:002Description:BURGLARY-THIRD DEGREE
Statute:CR.6.204Description:BURGLARY-THIRD DEGREE
Amended Date:CJIS Code:2 3020MO/PLL:Probable Cause:X
Incident Date From: 09/22/2007To: 09/22/2007Victim Age:




Charge No:003Description:BURGLARY-4TH DEGREE THEFT
Statute:CR.6.205.(c)Description:BURGLARY-4TH DEGREE THEFT
Amended Date:CJIS Code:2 3040MO/PLL:Probable Cause:X
Incident Date From: 09/22/2007To: 09/22/2007Victim Age:




Charge No:004Description:THEFT: $500 PLUS VALUE
Statute:CR.7.104Description:THEFT: $500 PLUS VALUE
Amended Date:CJIS Code:3 0521MO/PLL:Probable Cause:X
Incident Date From: 09/22/2007To: 09/22/2007Victim Age:

How a Bowl Should be Licked:



How sweet the owner grabbed a camera

instead of chasing the puppy away.














Hat Tip; Eric

Kristen Shockley Is STILL MISSING

All posts for today will go below this one. There is NO update on this situation. When there is you can believe we will post it. Kristen is still out there........



This young woman went missing on April 6, 2010. That was the last day her mother saw her.
Now, exactly TWO weeks later, it doesn't seem that anyone is truly doing anything actively about this.

Maybe the question should be asked "how long do you wait before law enforcement makes up it's mind to do something?" The mother that is looking for her daughter did the right thing by contacting the local police department in the CITY THAT HER DAUGHTER RESIDES.


Theresa tells me today that she thinks her daughter may very well be in the Baltimore/Washington area. Kristen's cell phone is no longer working. Either it has been turned off or tossed. I agree with her.


She has spoken to a detective but things still continue to move a little too much on the "slow" side. There just seems to be no rush even after two weeks of missing and two LONG, ANXIOUS weeks of being missed. Sadly, Kristen's mom told me today she just wants her daughter to come home and she wants her home to her just like she was when she left. Now, any of you being a parent knows exactly where she is coming from.


At what point does a missing adult go from "just gone off to party" and rise to the "better look for this person because the outcome might not be so great" with the law enforcement?


Kristen has a young son at home. He is the love of her life. Kristen was waiting for her mother to come get her in Baltimore but when she got there Kristen was gone. I call that odd. If Kristen called to come home once why has she not called again? Baltimore is a big place if you're from little ol' Pocomoke. There are churches and police stations, fire houses, homeless shelters all around that busy area of Baltimore where she could go for assistance and make another call home!


I don't think she's able to. And I hope for the sake of this family and this little infant son of Kristen's someone gets off their duff and starts doing something real quick.
Please continue to pray for this family. We will try to post any information we get from the family and keep you updated.

Kristen 1 CLICK HERE

Kristen 2 CLICK HERE

Kristen 3 CLICK HERE

House Fire In Atlantic, Virginia


A woman was fatally injured in a house fire on Nock's Landing Road early Tuesday morning.

The house was fully involved when firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after the call came in to 911 at 4:41 a.m.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Virginia State Police and the woman who died has not been identified because of the pending investigation, but Atlantic Fire Chief David Grant stated that a male who emerged from the burning house told a bystander his wife had not gotten out after it caught fire.

Units from Atlantic, New Church, Bloxom, Chincoteague and Greenbackville responded to the blaze. Emergency personnel remained on the scene until 9:40 a.m.


www.shoredailynews.com

Railway Museum Spaghetti Dinner

The Eastern Shore Railway Museum will be having a

"Spaghetti Dinner"
At the Parksley Firehouse Social Hall

Friday April 23, 2010

Dinner will be served from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM

$7.00 for adults $4.00 for children under the age of 12

Menu: spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and cake for dessert

Carry-out dinners will be available.

For more information call: 665-5060 or 665-5905

All monies raised will benefit the Eastern Shore Railway Museum.