Wednesday, April 28, 2010

"WW II Posters Found"

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
























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

Hat Tip; Kack

Parksley Fire Dept. Hosts Fire Covention


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.delmarvanow.com

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

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

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













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












Deputies say the five men robbed two homes in Parksley and Mapsville, along with a store in Tasely.
If you have any information related to these crimes please call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office.

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