Locals Beware

There are a couple of guys riding around in a white SUV going from house to house claiming that they "sell cleaning supplies".

DO NOT open your door to these crooks, call the police and get a good description and tag number if you can. These goons are not trying to sell you anything they want to rob you. I have heard that they are looking for checks to wash, and I have also heard that they simply want to rob you.

Either way, just do not answer your door for any strangers especially if the above description fits.

Also, there is a rash of theft happening in the Clarke Ave. Laurel St area. I will have an article on that later. In the mean time make sure everything in your yard is put away and under lock and key, if not it WILL be stolen. If you see anyone in your yard, call the police.

Keep an eye on your neighbors property also if possible.

Overlarge Cargo Arrived At NASA

If your travels were delayed yesterday on Route 13 in Pocomoke heading south here's the reason.

Photo-Shoredailynews

This is another component to the Orbital Science's Corporation's Taurus II Launch Vehicle.  The component was transported on a specially designed truck/trailer and had traveled from the Port of  Wilmington  in  Delaware heading  south  towards NASA at Wallops Island.

Arrests In Keller Post Office Burglary

According to Major Todd Godwin, on Wednesday, April 6 at approximately 7:30 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report regarding a breaking & entering at the Keller Post Office. Taken from the post office was an undisclosed amount of property and damage was also reported as a result of the burglary.


Major Godwin stated that Accomack County Investigators processed the scene of the crime and further investigation led to the identification and arrest of several suspects involved.


Barry T. Dewaal, age 50 of Melfa, was arrested April 7 on a charge of receiving stolen property. He was released on a $2500 bond.


Brandon Durrua, age 23 of Onley, was arrested April 11 on charges of breaking & entering and grand larceny. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.


Alex Dewaal, age 21 of Melfa, was arrested April 13 on charges of breaking and  entering and grand larceny. He was released on a $1500 bond.


Assisting in the investigation were the United States Postal Inspectors and the Onley Police Department.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Rural Sign Painter

Robotics Team Gets Support From Pocomoke Mayor and Council

Written by

Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY -- Plans for a new 170-seat restaurant near the Delmarva Discovery Center should be ready to go out for bids later this month and ground could be broken as early as this summer, the mayor and council heard Monday.

Council members got a look at the plans for the proposed restaurant between Discovery Center and Pocomoke River after the board's newest members were sworn in.


Don Malloy and Mayor Bruce Morrison won seats on the council in recent city elections. Morrison has previously served on the council.


W. Ronald Morgan, president of Becker Morgan Group, presented the restaurant plans to the council.

City Manager Russell W. Blake said the town has received two grants for construction of the building: a $500,000 state grant and a $150,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.


Morgan said the plans were designed so that the restaurant could be bid with several alternates. If the bid for the entire facility comes in too high, two sections of 30 seats each could be individually cut off to bring it down to the available funding.

Fair fireworks

John Smith, president of the Great Pocomoke Fair Committee, appeared before the council to request funding for fireworks at this summer's fair. The cost is estimated at $3,200. Mayor Morrison said the council would work on the budget in the near future but he thought that the town could fund the project.

Smith also asked about a previous request for a one-day beer permit at the Truck and Tractor Pull on June 25. In their previous letter, members of the committee had said that it would be an adult-oriented event. Also in answer to a question Smith said that the committee expected to make about $5,000 on the sales.

Morrison said that since it was mainly for adults he would not object to the permit. The council voted to approve the sale.

Robotics team

Members of Eastern Shore Robotics made a request Monday night for funding to help with expenses for their trip to the World Championship.

According to Ashley Webb, a team member, the group recently returned from the regional competition in Richmond, Va. The group is made up of students from Pocomoke High School, Pocomoke Middle School and Virginia schools.

Working out of the MIST building in the Pocomoke Industrial Park, the students are building robots to be displayed at the competition.

The council voted to give the team $1,000 for the trip.

Bids awarded

City Manager Russell Blake informed the council that the city had received a $22,000 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration to increase the energy efficiency at City Hall. With the grant, he asked for bids to replace the present heating and cooling systems with a high-efficiency heat pump system. Tom's Refrigeration was the low bidder with a bid of $24,500 for the work. The council approved his bid.

Blake also wanted to tie the Maryland Avenue well into the generator system at the sewage treatment plant. This way it would give a backup in case the town's electricity was interrupted. A bid of $2,607 from C.F. Lambertson was OK'd.

Finally the town has a $141,000 state grant for the replacement of the water meters with meters that can be read by radio signals. Before the work is advertised, the town has to hire an engineering firm to help plan the work.

George, Miles and Buhr was the only company to reply to the Request for Qualifications. Since the firm is experienced in this type of work, the council decided to approve the work. Blake hopes to be able to replace 25 to 35 percent of the existing meters.

The council also agreed to accept a proposal from the EnerNoc Co. to allow the company to control the power at the wastewater treatment plant during peak times. The city would have the say during any time that a cutoff request was made. In agreeing to the proposal the city could save up to $15,000.

Under other businessm the council agreed to allow the use of the Winter Quarters Golf Course for an Elks Club tournament; to allow a Sunday beer and wine permit for the American Legion's fundraiser; and to give Save the Youth $250 for a motivational program for area youth.

A new police officer, Franklin Savage, was introduced to the council.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110414/WCT01/104140330/Discovery-Center-eatery-plans-move-forward-in-Pocomoke?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Worcester County Times|s

Ballard Found Guilty of Second Degree Murder

Jennifer Shutt

Staff Writer

Daily Times

SNOW HILL -- James Edward Ballard has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Russell Matthew Bailey III, an 18-year-old who was stabbed last fall in Pocomoke City.

Worcester State's Attorney Beau Oglesby said he will ask for the maximum sentence of 30 years at an upcoming sentencing hearing.

"If I could ask for more, I would," said Oglesby after the jury returned its verdict.

Ballard was originally charged with first-degree murder and first-degree assault after the Sept. 29 stabbing death of Bailey near Pocomoke Middle School. Oglesby said he respects the jury's verdict of second-degree murder.

"Considering the facts of the case and the evidence of the case, we can understand it," said Oglesby.

Jurors began deliberating just after 11 a.m., with an outburst from the defendant fresh in their minds. During Oglesby's closing statement, Ballard began arguing from the defense table, saying he was "irritated." While being removed by deputies Ballard threw several pieces of paper into the air.

"I called the police every time," Ballard said in court. In interviews before the trial, his family members said Ballard had arguments with Bailey and a few of Bailey's friends in the weeks leading up to the incident.

During just over an hour of deliberation, jurors weighed lengthy witness testimony including that of three men who said they saw a gun present during the fight between Ballard, Bailey and Martel Blake.

Several witnesses said at least three men threw rocks and spit on Ballard minutes before the stabbing.

After Ballard called the police, witnesses testified, the men throwing rocks ran away. After the police did not arrive for several minutes, according to witness testimony, Bailey returned to the 700 block of Ninth Street, where he met Ballard and a fight began.

Deangelo Townsend was the only witness on the street during the fight, according to public defender Burton Anderson. Townsend said he saw Bailey with a gun tucked into his hip area during the fight. He did not testify that he saw Bailey remove it or threaten Ballard with the gun.

"Just the mere presence of a gun is enough for a reasonable person to fear getting shot," said Anderson during his closing statement.

Ballard will remain in jail until he is sentenced in about 60 days.

Source;  http://www.blogger.com/goog_1994866205

topnews
text|frontpage

"Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds" Handwritten Lyrics Up For Auction

Reuters

Los Angeles— John Lennon's handwritten lyrics for the song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" are up for auction, in the latest episode for a storied Beatles classic.

Auction house Profiles in History said on Wednesday that it expects the draft lyric sheet to sell for more than $200,000 at a sale next month in Beverly Hills.

It has the opening lyrics for the song, and a rough sketch by of four people in a room with windows draped in curtains.

When the psychedelic song was released on 1967 album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," listeners and the media speculated it was a thinly disguised paean to the drug LSD, based on the first letters of Lucy, sky and diamonds.

But Lennon always disputed that notion, even though he was known to experiment with drugs. Lennon said he did not realize until later the title contained those letters in sequence.

As Lennon and others have explained it, the inspiration came from his son, Julian, who was then a child and drew a picture of his classmate Lucy. Julian Lennon is said to have showed the painting to his father and told him, "That's Lucy in the sky with diamonds."

A British woman named Lucy Vodden, whose maiden name was O'Donnell, revealed in 2007 that she had been the source of the song. She died in 2009.

Despite the explanation of the song's origins, the debate about its ties to LSD has persisted, in part due to the song's swooning melody and strange lyrics.

It was one of the most popular songs on an album Rolling Stone magazine ranks as No. 1 on its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

The draft "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" lyrics will be sold at an auction scheduled for May 14 and 15 at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills.

Source; http://www.wgnt.com/entertainment/sns-rt-entertainment-us-jotre73c8ib-20110413,0,359850.story

Chincoteague Seafood Festival

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2011 NOON TO 4:00 P.M.

CHINCOTEAGUE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Sponsored by

The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

TOM’S COVE PARK, CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, VA

Tickets available at the chamber office at 6733 Maddox Blvd., online @ www.chincoteaguechamber.com  , or at these outlets:
Shore Bank Branches in Cape Charles, Exmore, Parksley, Onley, Chincoteague,  
Pocomoke & South Salisbury
PNC Bank Branches in Onley, Oak Hall, Chincoteague, & Belle Haven
Tom's Cove Park

All sales final. No refunds.

2011 National Crime Victim' Rights Week

Once known as the Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation, Inc.

Today known as Maryland Crime Victims Rights' Center.  Here is how the caring parents,  aided by friends and family,  worked in the memory of their daughter to achieve what the organization is today for crime victims throughout Maryland.

From: www.mdcrimevictims.org

On April 3, 1982, Stephanie Roper became an innocent victim of crime in Maryland.

She was a college senior about to graduate from Frostburg State University, home for a weekend visit with with her family in Prince George's County. After leaving her friend's home, her car became disabled. Two men, Jack Ronald Jones and Jerry Beatty, came upon and kidnapped her, and over a five-hour period, brutally raped, tortured, and murdered Stephanie.

Stephanie Roper

Friends and neighbors who had known and loved Stephanie found it impossible to do nothing. Frustration and anger were diverted into acts of love toward Stephanie's family.

A small group was formed to help them through the funeral and subsequent criminal trial, the Stephanie Roper Family Assistance Committee. In October 1982, the group incorporated as the Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation, Inc.

Guided by the cause, Stephanie's memory, and the leadership of Stephanie's parents, Vince and Roberta Roper, volunteers came forward to form the staff. Goals and priorities were set, chapters were formed, space was donated, and the first office opened.



Roberta Roper



Twenty years later, in the Fall of 2002, the sister organizations bearing Stephanie's name merged to become the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc., a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to serving the interests of crime victims in Maryland, while maintaining a nationwide reputation for dedicated advocacy and services.

Today, the MCVRC serves Maryland's victims from two offices, in Prince George's County and in Baltimore City, and has diversified its services to include criminal justice education, court accompaniment, therapeutic counseling, support groups, community education, prevention education, legal information and assistance, direct legal representation, policy advocacy, technical assistance for allied professionals and criminal justice agencies, and faith-based referrals.

There is so much more to learn from this website. www.mdcrimevictims.org.  Please take time to visit there.

Possible Traffic Delays Thursday ~ Upper Accomack County

This is a notice of potential traffic delays for Northern Accomack County on Thursday, April 14, 2011.
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility anticipates the delivery of a component of Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Taurus II launch vehicle on April 14. This component is very large and constitutes an “oversized load”. It will be delivered on a specially designed truck/trailer combination and will travel from the Port of Wilmington in Delaware to Wallops Island in Virginia. Throughout its transit, the vehicle is expected to travel at relatively slow speeds, especially when turning at intersections.

The vehicle and its cargo will be entering Virginia from the north via Rt. 13 and travel south to Rt. 175 (at T’s Corner intersection.) It will then travel on Rt. 175 until reaching and turning onto Atlantic Road. It will then travel through the town of Atlantic until turning onto Wallops Island Rd. to Wallops Island.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110413/NEWS01/110413016/VA-SHORE-Expect-travel-delays-around-NASA-Wallops-on-Thursday?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Eastern Shore News|s

First-Degree Murder Trial Begins In Worcester

The trial of a man charged in the stabbing death of Russell Matthew Bailey III has begun in Worcester  County. 

The trial was postponed until April because prosecutors believe the defendant, James Edward Ballard,  had placed phone calls to witnesses even though  Ballard claimed  he contacted no one.

In September 2010 Russell Matthew Bailey III was found across the steet from the Pocomoke Middle School wtih a stab wound.  Ballard already had an extensive criminal background.

Jennifer Shutt
Staff Writer
Daily Times  4/13/11

SNOW HILL -- Opening statements started the first-degree murder trial of James Edward Ballard in Worcester County Circuit Court.
Ballard was charged with first-degree murder and first-degree assault after police alleged he stabbed and killed Russell Matthew Bailey last September. If found guilty, he could face up to life in prison.


During opening statements, the jury of six men and six women listened to State's Attorney Beau Oglesby recall significant historic events including Pearl Harbor, the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the events of Sept. 11.


"Sept. 29 is one of those days for Mattie Fletcher," said Oglesby, referring to Bailey's mother. "That's the day her life changed."

Burton Anderson, defense attorney for Ballard, told the jury "teenage gangster wannabes" had been threatening Ballard and told him that day he was not going to leave alive. During his testimony, Harvey Hall said the day Bailey died, Bailey, Richard Williams and Martel Blake had been throwing stones at Ballard, while he called 911 for help.

Phone calls to police and court documents were shown before Bailey was stabbed in an altercation about a scooter a week earlier, which would start off a series of progressively violent incidents between Ballard, Bailey, Williams and Balke.

Court documents show on Sept. 21 Ballard and Bailey argued about the scooter. A man named Jeremy Douglas was trying to take it. Bailey later became involved in the argument.

The ongoing conflict between Ballard and the other men in Pocomoke escalated. Police said Ballard was treated at the Pocomoke emergency medical station for a stab wound to his hand on Sept. 24 and told police Blake had thrown a bicycle at him just before Williams stabbed him in the hand. He said the men approached him about the ongoing scooter dispute.

"You don't have to wait until you are crumbled in the street in a pool of blood to avenge yourself," said Anderson during his opening statement.

Throughout the afternoon, jurors heard how Bailey, Blake and Williams confronted Ballard the afternoon of Sept. 29.

Harvey Hall testified he was with the men that day, trying to calm the situation as Bailey, Blake and Williams threw rocks at Ballard.

Hall testified that after Ballard called 911 for help and the police began to arrive, he, Bailey, Blake and Williams all ran away. A few moment later, Hall said he saw Bailey hunched over bleeding.

Witness testimony is scheduled to continue today.

Source; delmarvanow.com http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110413/NEWS01/104130385/1001/news/First-degree-murder-trial-begins-Worcester

~This Weekend At the MarVa Theater~

Fri, April 15th   

Sat, April 16th 

Time: 7 p.m.  

Tickets: $5  

PLOT:  

Set in a medieval village that is haunted by a werewolf, a young girl falls for an orphaned woodcutter, much to her family's displeasure. Rated PG-13

Non-Profit Slots For Worcester County ~ By Mike McDermott

Delegate Mike McDermott Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

• Press Release
• Non-Profit Slots for Worcester County

Apr. 12th, 2011
(ANNAPOLIS)--With less than two hours to go in the 2011 session of the General Assembly, HB-39 was passed on Third Reader providing qualified Worcester County Non-Profit and Fratenal Organizations the ability to utilize slot machines in their establishments. A concerted effort by the Worcester Delegation, including Sen. Mathias, Del. Conway, and Delegation Chair McDermott, moved the bill over the finish line and ended a 5-year effort in victory.

“Passing this legislation for our fraternal organizations and the Ameican Legion was a priority this year for me in the House”, said freshman Delegate Mike McDermott. “Our non-profits desparately needed this and our communities will be the beneficiaries of their charity”.

The bill provides an opportunity for Worcester County to join the ranks of every other county on the Eastern Shore who have enjoyed this provision for over 20-years. Worcester County had asked to opt out of the law when it was first passed when leaders feared gambling coming to Ocean City would be a detriment. Much has changed since that time, including a state operated casino near Ocean Pines.

“The qualified organizations will be able to have up to 5 slot machines on site”, said Delegate McDermott. “One half of the proceeds from the slots must be donated to other non-profit organizations in the community. This is on instance where everybody is a winner”.

PRESS RELEASE- From Mike McDermott

• 50% Tax Hike on Alcohol

Apr. 12th, 2011

Delegate Mike McDermott Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Delegate Mike McDermott on HB-1213:

“The process surrounding this bill was appalling”

(ANNAPOLIS)—“If we’re going to debate something let it be done fair and impartial and allow the views of the people of this state to be reflected in their citizen legislature. Not those that hide in the back room, making deals around a table deciding what the delegations are going to receive” said Delegate Michael A. McDermott(R-District-38B) on the House floor while discussing HB-1213 on Sine Die.  HB-1213, Sales and Use Tax - Alcoholic Beverages - Supplementary Appropriation, will dramatically increase the sales tax rate on alcoholic beverages by 50 percent.  Many Delegates, including Delegate Mike McDermott, were angered by the process of the floor proceedings when Speaker Michael E. Busch shut down debate for HB-1213 after only a few delegates had spoken.

“The people of Maryland are booing this process. That’s why they put so many freshmen in here: they’re tired of it! They’re tired of this process!  They’re tired of not being heard! They’re tired of you deciding what’s right on a dark night and ramming this through at the eighty-ninth day. They’re tired of you not letting them have a voice in this chamber, where they say ‘You have taxed me enough!’ ” argued Delegate McDermott.

The bill will be particularly tough on border areas like Worcester and Wicomico Counties where prices are cheaper in neighboring states. According to the Fiscal Note on the bill, the increased tax will likley result in job losses and a decrease in overall business for Maryland at a time when our economy continues to suffer.

“The people are weary. They’re weary of your taxes. They’re weary of your intolerance. They’re weary of your opportunity to tyrannically run this house any way you choose” concluded McDermott.
The bill is a sweetheart deal for Baltimore City, Prince Georges County, and Montgomery County who will recieve $27 million of the cut while 8 Eastern Shore Counties will only receive $156,000. HB-1213 passed with a vote of 78-62 in the House.

TIME MACHINE ... September, 1962

Pocomoke area residents were in shock on learning of the death of Dr. C. Stanford Hamilton. The Pocomoke City physician, who was in his mid 30's, died in a violent single vehicle crash on Route 50 west of Salisbury when the car in which he was a passenger left the roadway and struck an abutment. Two others, including Salisbury physician William Fisher Jr., were also killed and Donald Ramsey of near Pocomoke was critically injured. The four were returning from Baltimore where they had attended a Baltimore Colts game.

Footnote: Dr. Hamilton came to Pocomoke in 1955 when Dr. Lewis Llewelyn left to practice elsewhere. Dr. Hamilton's daughter Linda, who was six years old at the time of his death, is Hollywood actress Linda Hamilton. In later years Dr. Llewelyn's son Doug was host of the original "People's Court" TV program.

Quote Of The Day

The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible. 

- George Burns

Gun In Worship Service Permissable According To Cuccinelli

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says it is lawful in Virginia to carry a weapon into a worship service for personal protection.

But he also says a place of worship can restrict or ban firearms from its premises.

Cuccinelli released the opinion in response to a question from Del. Mark L. Cole, R-Spotsylvania.

Cole asked whether it is permissible for someone to carry a firearm into a place of worship for personal safety under a law that requires a "good and sufficient reason" to do so during a service.

"With respect to your second question, the church can ban guns on its property if it so chooses," Cuccinelli said.

He said the Constitution of Virginia protects the right to bear arms, "but it also recognizes the importance of property rights. Moreover, the Second Amendment acts as a restraint on government, not private parties."

Therefore, he said, "churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious entities can, like any other owner of property, restrict or ban the carrying of weapons onto their private property."

Source; timesdispatch.com http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/apr/11/cuccinelli-gun-in-church-ok-for-personal-protectio-ar-965170/

NASA And Boy Scouts of America Unveil New Merit Badge

WASHINGTON -- Boy Scouts now have the opportunity to work with NASA and other technology professionals to design, build, and demonstrate a robot to earn the new Robotics merit badge.


NASA and BSA developed the badge because of the wide-reaching impact of robotics and its role in science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM careers. The badge is now part of the BSA's new curriculum emphasizing STEM activities and will help young men develop critical skills relevant and needed in today's competitive world. The new merit badge is one of 31 STEM-related merit badges. Scouts will have access to engineering software and work with professional mentors worldwide to earn the badge.


"This unique partnership is another clear example of NASA looking at new and creative ways to inspire our youth to consider STEM careers," said Lyndon Bridgwater, NASA aerospace engineer and lead badge contributor from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The badge involved approximately 14 months of development and input from 13 organizations and more than 150 BSA youth members and leaders and industry professionals from across the nation. To earn the Robotics merit badge, a scout is required to understand how robots move, sense the environment and understand how to perform an operation. Scouts will spend approximately 14 hours meeting the requirements of the badge, during which they will design a robot and demonstrate how it works. The BSA anticipates more than 10,000


Robotics merit badges will be earned the first year.


"While the guiding principles of Scouting -- service to others, leadership, personal achievement, and respect for the outdoors -- will never change, we continue to adapt programs to prepare young people for success in all areas of life," said BSA Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca.

Source; nasa.gov http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/apr/HQ_11-110_Boy_Scout_Badge.html

Seattle, Washington School Renames The Easter Egg

By Stephanie Klein
MyNorthwest.com Editor

A sophomore at a local private high school thinks an effort to make Easter politically correct is ridiculous.

Jessica, 16, told KIRO Radio's Dori Monson Show that a week before spring break, the students commit to a week-long community service project. She decided to volunteer in a third grade class at a public school, which she would like to remain nameless.

"At the end of the week I had an idea to fill little plastic eggs with treats and jelly beans and other candy, but I was kind of unsure how the teacher would feel about that," Jessica said.

She was concerned how the teacher might react to the eggs after of a meeting earlier in the week where she learned about "their abstract behavior rules."

"I went to the teacher to get her approval and she wanted to ask the administration to see if it was okay," Jessica explained. "She said that I could do it as long as I called this treat 'spring spheres.' I couldn't call them Easter eggs."

Rather than question the decision, Jessica opted to "roll with it." But the third graders had other ideas.

"When I took them out of the bag, the teacher said, 'Oh look, spring spheres' and all the kids were like 'Wow, Easter eggs.' So they knew," Jessica said.

The Seattle elementary school isn't the only government organization using spring over Easter. The city's parks department has removed Easter from all of its advertised egg hunts.

Source; mynorthwest.com http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=459668

Taste Of The Eastern Shore

Almost two dozen Eastern Shore restaurants will bring out their most tempting edibles on Sunday, April 17 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club to raise money for the Foodbank on the Eastern Shore, a branch of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Taste of the Eastern Shore is the ultimate sampling of mouthwatering "tastes" of more that 20 of the Shore's culinary eateries. Presented by the Melfa Rotary Club, this annual event will be an exciting afternoon of food tasting featuring the appetizer, entree, and dessert specialties from some of the Shore's top restaurants and wineries.

"Our hungry neighbors up and down the Shore depend on our Foodbank," said Charmin Horton, Manager of the Eastern Shore branch. "The Rotary Club and all of the restaurants involved help us make it possible to distribute groceries to those who need it. I encourage everyone to come, eat, and support the Foodbank's mission of feeding the hungry."


The Foodbank on the Eastern Shore annually serves over 12,000 unduplicated local working individuals, children, and senior citizens struggling to put food on the table. It takes more than 900,000 pounds of donated and purchased food every year to keep them from going hungry. Money raised through ticket sales will go directly to the local Foodbank to help our neighbors in need.


A limited number of tickets are now on sale on and can be purchased from any Melfa Rotary member; at the Foodbank in Tasley; The Book Bin, Four Corner Plaza in Onley; Rayfield's Pharmacy in both Nassawadox and Cape Charles. Only 500 tickets will be sold. Early purchases are recommended. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door (if available). For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Foodbank at 757-787-2557.

Source; shoredailynews

How Liberals "Grow" An Economy....50% TAX INCREASE

• 50% Tax Increase
• Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
• By Delegate Mike McDermott

Apr. 11th, 2011

The war on rural Maryland continues with the 50% Tax increase on alcohol passed by the Senate and being fought out on the floor of the House of Delegates. This last minute shot at citizens and our business community carries with it an interesting fiscal note. The Department of Legislative Services states clearly that this bill will cause jobs to be lost in Maryland and result in a decrease in overall sales. In spite of these facts, we are having this rammed down our collective throats.

Interestingly enough, this tax was supported by the Disabilities and Mental Health communities as they shouted on the Lawyer’s Mall in the rain, “Dime a Drink, with a link!” They actually thought their liberal backers would give them this revenue. Well, to use wheel chair bound folks to push your tax, and then turn around and divide up the spoil for another purpose…in a word, “Shameful” even by liberal standards.

State line communities such as Ocean City, Delmar, and Pocomoke City will suffer greatly and lose jobs as Maryland residents simply cross the border to more tax friendly states. The retail loss is bad enough, but this bill will be implemented on July 1^st…the very height of our vacation season at the beach. Computers will need to be changed, software purchased, employees trained in the new tiered tax system, and all must be done overnight. Amendments were offered to alter this date to before or after the season to no effect. This will serve to further crush the only area of our regional economy where Maryland is still competitive tax wise.

With a budget already reconciled, here comes the slush fund. We asked, “Who decided, and who divided the spoil in this back room deal?” Well, the big three, (Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and Prince Georges County) made sure that they raked in $27 million for their schools; while they gave $1.25 million to be shared by 8 counties on the Eastern Shore. Divided evenly on the shore, we will receive $156,000.00 for each county…what a deal! It is these “back room deals” that the voters of Maryland have rejected with contempt. It is this “shadow government”, where the blinds are drawn and the shades are pulled that, more often than not, decides the winners and the losers in Annapolis.

Brought up on the 89^th day, after the budget was already settled, this tax bill slithered into the House Chamber with no warning. We fought diligently for 6-hours to amend a bill that we were not even prepared to address until the Speaker grew weary and cut off our opportunity to even offer amendments. It was totally out of order, but that does not matter when your government displays tyrannical behavior.

To make matters worse, we began our debate on this tax on Third Reader Monday morning and it was cut off almost before it began. What an outrage for the people of Maryland! Not only did they not have an opportunity to weigh in on the issue, their elected representatives were cut off as well. We were reduced to a two-minute statement to merely “explain” our votes. While business men and women filled the galleries in the House Chamber looking on in dismay, all of the delegates from the urban counties crushed the consumers in Maryland with this draconian tax.

This is not “representative democracy in action”; these are the actions of a banana republic. So while Rome burns, Nero fiddles, and the people of Maryland can name that tune in one collective note: Montgomery County $9 million, Prince George’s County $9 million, Baltimore City $9 million; and the tune for each county on the Eastern Shore: only $156,000.00.

AGENDA ~ Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting Tonight~

This sounds like an interesting meeting.  Hope alot of Pocomoke citizens can attend.

A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY

MAYOR AND COUNCIL

MEETING

MONDAY  April 11, 2011

7:30 PM

POCOMOKE CITY HALL

          1.  Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

2.      Old Business

a.    Review and approval of minutes from meeting of March 7, 2011

b.      Review and approval of bills to be paid

c.       Other old business

3.      Swearing-In and Reorganization

a.       Worcester County Clerk of Court Steve Hales to swear in Bruce Morrison as Mayor of Pocomoke City for a three year term

b.      Mayor Morrison to swear in Councilman-Elect Don Malloy (District 3)

c.       Selection of First Vice President and Second Vice President of the City Council for the coming year

4.      City Manager and Police Chief to introduce new police officer Franklin Savage

5.      Representatives of Great Fair Committee to discuss budget request.

6.      Presentation by Eastern Shore Robotics Team 1829.

7.      Representatives of Becker Morgan Architects to present plans for proposed restaurant adjacent to Discovery Center.

8.      Discuss request from Pocomoke Elks Club to use Winter Quarters Golf Course for golf tournament on May 21.

9.      Review American Legion request for Sunday Beer and Wine Permit for “Home of the Brave” fundraising event on May 22, 2011. 

10.  City Attorney Items

(a)    Agreement with EnerNoc Co. for electricity cost savings at Wastewater Treatment Plant

(b)   Agreement with Bloosurf Broadband Co. for use of City water towers for antennas

(c)    Discuss proposed Charter amendments

11.  City Manager to discuss bids and acquisitions.

(a)    City Hall heating system improvements  (MEA Grant)

(b)   Electrical work to connect generator to Maryland Avenue well

(c)    Radio read water meters specifications

Comments from the Audience.

Mayor and Council Items.

Adjourn.

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

National Crime Victims Rights' Week

From the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services:

Join us April 10-16, 2011 during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week for regional Open Houses to learn more about how our belief in the value of the human being is impacting victim services within DPSCS - and what we are doing to reshape thefuture for those affected by crime inMaryland, while also honoring the past:

Division of Correction

Division of Parole and Probation

MD Criminal Injuries Compensation Board

Division of Pretrial Detention & Services

Patuxent Institution

MD Sex Offender Registry

MD Parole Commission

MD Police and Correctional Training

Commissions

and our victim services partners by region

Monday, April 11

Eastern Shore Community Awareness Fair

Wor-Wic Community College

32000 Campus Dr., Salisbury, MD 21804

4pm - 6pm

http://www.dpscs.maryland.gov/