Robbin Thompson In Concert At Cokesbury Church In Onancock

Tickets are now available for a concert by Richmond musician Robbin Thompson, who will appear at Historic Cokesbury Church in Onancock at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 15.

Thompson has shared the stage with many recording artists, including Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby and longtime friend Bruce Springsteen. In the early years, Thompson was the lead singer in Springsteen's band Steel Mill.

Thompson has won two awards at the American Song Festival and has recorded more than a dozen albums. One of his more notable songs is "Sweet Virginia Breeze," co-authored with friend Steve Bassett.


Thompson enjoys sailing the Chesapeake Bay aboard his boat Songbird. He is particularly fond of Onancock, where in years past he has performed at Harborfest. Thompson will sail the Songbird into Onancock Creek for the performance.


A reception with refreshments will immediately follow the concert, where guests can meet Thompson and purchase CDs. The concert is sponsored by Blue Crab Bay Co. and Shore Bank. Proceeds will benefit the Historic Cokesbury Church Fund.

Tickets are $15 each and are available starting June 1 at Blue Crab Bay Co. in Melfa, Shore Bank's Onley branch, Mallards at the Wharf in Onancock and The Book Bin in Onley. Only 150 tickets will be sold.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Minutes From JUNE 6 Pocomoke Mayor and Council Meeting

June 6, 2011
　
The regular meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday, June 6, 2011. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison

Council Members: Tracey Cottman,
Rob Clarke, Diane Downing,
Bob Hawkins, Donald L. Malloy
City Attorney Mark Tilghman City Manager Russell W. Blake
City Clerk Carol L. Justice

Review Minutes:In a motion (Hawkins, Clarke passed), to approve the minutes of May 2, 2011.

Review Bills:In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed), the bills presented to be paid. (Copy of bill list attached to original minutes).

Introduction of new police officers, Jarmel Gibson and Jessica Villanueva. Mayor to swear in new officers:Chief Ervin introduced Jarmel Gibson, who graduated from Prince Georges County Municipal Police Academy in December 2011. He is Maryland certified and will only require firearms, field training and in-service training.
Chief Ervin then introduced Jessica Villanueva, who graduated from Messiah College with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in psychology. She will need to attend the academy in July to become certified.
Mayor Morrison sworn in both officers.

Presentation of plaque to former Mayor Michael McDermott in recognition of his six years of service as Mayor of Pocomoke City (2005-2011):Mayor Morrison presented former Mayor McDermott with a plaque of appreciation for his service to Pocomoke City as Mayor.
Mr. McDermott thanked Councilman Hawkins for being a great interim Mayor. He stated that it was a great honor to serve this City and hoped that he made a difference in the lives of Pocomoke City residents.

Special recognition of Mr. William Kerbin, of Pocomoke City, on his recent induction into the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association’s Newspaper Hall of Fame:Mayor Morrison read a "Proclamation designating June 18 as "Bill Kerbin Day in Pocomoke City". Mayor Morrison congratulated Bill on his recent accomplishments. (Copy attached to minutes).

Public Hearing on proposed City budget for 2011-2012 fiscal year as required by Sec. 49 of Pocomoke City Charter:Mayor Morrison stated that he was pleased to submit the proposed 2011-2012 City Budget. The General Fund, Ambulance Fund, and the Water and Sewer are balanced as required. He stated that he would like to mention a few items in the budget: Highlights of revenues: We have saved on personnel by not filling several vacant positions in various departments; some positions will be filled with seasonal or part-time workers. The Real Property Tax Rate for owner-occupied homes would not change. It was reduced by 1¢ in 2008. However, the Real Property Tax Rate would increase by 4 ¢ (to $0.80/$100) for non-owner –occupied real property. Water and Sewer rates would be increased slightly to make sure that the Water/Sewer Enterprise fund is balanced. There would be no increase in the rates for owner occupied properties, and a 15% increase for all other properties. Rates have not been raised in several years. Income taxes are expected to be down approximately $10,000 due to the economy. SHA Highway User Funds would increase to $59,300. In 2008, we received $240,000. Last year, we received $22,900. Fairgrounds grant funds from the State were cut from $20,000 to $14,000 last year and will be cut by 15% more next year. These funds are used partly to offset our expenses as well as purses, etc. Highlights of expenses: employees’ salaries and related expenses are the most important and largest portion of the budget. In April the Maryland General Assembly changed the policy to now require State and (City) employees to pay 2% more into the pension fund. The budget includes a 2% increase to offset the pension fund increase, and a 2% COLA (Employees have not received raises for three years). Donations to non-profit groups will remain the same as the current year. Some local groups have requested significant increases. There is an additional donation of $2,000 for the Worcester County Youth and Family Services Agency. The EMS budget is balanced, including a subsidy from the General Fund of $87,324. The budget includes $20,000 for a part-time employee who would concentrate on downtown and other economic development issues. The funds will be taken from a separate account that was set up with a grant several years ago for downtown business start-up and expansions. The new Police Department building will be remodeled this fall with an estimated cost of $100,000. The budget includes $100,000 for street paving and repairs. The budget will allow the City to continue providing essential services including public safety, water and sewer, ambulance, and street maintenance. The budget is balanced at a total of $8, 548, 71 including water and sewer, ambulance, and general fund. This figure is $2,060,898 less than last year’s budget of $10,602,769.

Mayor Morrison opened the Public Hearing.
Rev. George Tasker thanked the Mayor and Council for including the Worcester County Youth and Family Services in their budget.
With no other comments from the audience (Hawkins, Malloy passed) a motion to close the Public Hearing was approved.

 
First Reading of Res. No. 447 to set the tax rate for 2011-2012:

Resolution No. 4447

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF

POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND SETTING THE TAX RATE

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012.

First Reading of Res. No. 448 to adopt the proposed budget for fiscal year 2011-2012:

Resolution No. 448

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF

POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND ADOPTING THE BUDGET

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012.

First Reading of Res. No 449 to establish certain fees and other charges for fiscal year 2011-2012:

Resolution No. 449

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF

POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND ESTABLISHING THE

FEE SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012

Review proposal for architectural services for improvements to new police station building at 1500 Market Street:City Manager Blake stated that an ad was placed in the paper for proposals and the deadline was last week. No proposals were received. He added that he contacted Becker Morgan Group of Salisbury to ask for a proposal. They stated that they did not see the ad in the paper. He stated that the City may be able to negotiate with them for a proposal and that they were certainly qualified and had experience to do the work. They have done several other police departments in the area.

In a motion (Hawkins, Cottman passed) to allow City Manager Blake to negotiate with Becker Morgan Company a proposal to bring back to the Council.

Review of bids for electrical pedestals and wiring services at City docks. (DNR Grant funding):City Manager Blake stated that this was phase three of the improvements to the City docks. The first two included life rings and ladders. This project would include installing the new pedestals that were purchased last fall. The City received two bids with the low bidder being Fisher Electric in the amount of $57,165.21. (Bid summary attached).
In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed) to accept the low bidder Fisher Electric in the amount of $57,165.21 to install the new pedestals at the docks.

City Attorney to present revised lease agreement between Pocomoke City and Bloosurf Broadband Co. regarding the placement of antennas on City water towers:City Attorney Tilghman stated that he still had some concern regarding the changes that Bloosurf wanted. Bloosurf wanted to delete "and it is agreed by the parties that the minimum rental under each renewal term will cover any and all costs, fees, (including attorney’s fees), or any other expenses associated with Bloosurf’s presence on the tower, including the management of and administration of this contract with Bloosurf" and "or if Bloosurf loses its status as a non-profit corporation". He stated that he had a problem with the changes and wanted the Council’s input.
Councilwoman Cottman stated that she would like him to take the current contract and come to an agreement for the next council meeting June 20. The Council agreed.

City Attorney to introduce Emergency Ord No. 407: An ordinance authorizing the issuance of Pocomoke City Water Quality Bond for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements:City Attorney Tilghman stated that MDE needed the Ordinance passed and returned to them before June 30. The Ordinance is authorizing more than we may need but if the project runs over we don’t need to pass another Ordinance. The City would pay back approximately $104,000 with $716,000 being forgiven by the State.
In a motion (Hawkins, Cottman passed) to adopt Ordinance No.407 as an emergency Ordinance to borrow money from MDE to upgrade our Wastewater Treatment Plant. Roll call: Hawkins aye;, Downing aye;, Malloy aye;, Clarke aye;, Cottman aye.

Comments from the Audience:Rev. Barbara Bassuener, from St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, located at 18 3rd Street asked permission to use Cypress Park on Thursdays during the summer months to serve bag lunches to those in need. The lunch would consist of deli-meat sandwich, small bag of chips, fruit, and bottled water. She stated that she could serve between 15-20 people each week.
Councilman Hawkins asked if she was going to advertise this event.
Rev. Bassuener stated that she would.
Councilwoman Cottman asked if this was once a week.
Rev. Bassuener stated that it would be once a week.
Councilman Hawkins asked if she would be using the stage or the pavilion.
Rev. Bassuener stated that she would need to have a small table to serve the lunches from.
Councilman Clarke suggested using the larger pavilion.
Mayor Morrison stated that she would need to coordinate the event with City Hall, and that she would need to work around the Theater Camp which will begin June 23.
In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to grant permission for Rev. Barbara Bassuener to serve bag lunches in Cypress Park during the summer months.


Mayor Morrison suggested that the July meeting be held on Tuesday, July 5..

The Council agreed to meet July 5, at 7:30 P.M. The next meeting will be held on June 20, 2011 at 7:30 P.M.
With no further business (Cottman, Downing passed) a motion was approved to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 P.M.
　
Approved on ____________________, 2011
　
　
_____________________________________
Carol L. Justice
City Clerk

Truck and Tractor Pull This Saturday

THE GREAT POCOMOKE FAIR

Broad Street - Pocomoke City

PRESENTS

LUCUS OIL PRO-PULLING LEAGUE

Truck and Tractor Pull

Saturday  June 25, 2011

Show  Time - 7:00 P,M.

Gates Open - 4:00 P.M.

Admission:   $15.00 - Kids  6 and under FREE

East Coast Pullers, LLC Classes: Modified Two Wheel Drive Trucks
Modified Four Wheel Drive Trucks
Super Modified Tractors
Super Stock/Pro Stock Tractors

**Available for the first time - and for this event only- Beer will be sold on premises (Bud, Bud Lite  and Natural Lite) ONLY in a restricted area**

Contact email: info@thegreatpocomokefair.org
Contact phone: 443-614-3044

Mark Kelly Retires From Navy To Be With Wife

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Captain Mark Kelly, the astronaut who commanded the final Space Shuttle Endeavour flight, will retire from the Navy and NASA to focus on his wife Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' recovery and work on a memoir with her.

"I want to be by her side. Stepping aside from my work in the Navy and at NASA will allow me to be with her and with my two daughters," Kelly said in a statement posted to his Facebook page on Tuesday.

Giffords is recovering after being shot through the head at a Congressional outreach event in Tucson on January 8.

The as-yet untitled memoir will be published by Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, which said in a statement it will be a "deeply personal account" of the couple's courtship, Giffords' career in politics and the shooting.

It also will tell the story of her recovery process and trace Kelly's career from decorated Desert Storm combat pilot to his recent mission as shuttle commander, the statement said.

Jeffrey Zaslow, an author and Wall Street Journal columnist, will collaborate on the book, Scribner said.

Zaslow co-wrote "Highest Duty" by pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who safely landed a US Airways jet in the Hudson River in January 2009.

A publication date for the memoir has not been set. Scribner said a portion of the net proceeds will go to charity in Tucson and Arizona.

"Gabby and I are forever grateful for the heartfelt support we've received over these many months. We are looking forward to sharing our story," said Kelly in the Scribner statement.

Kelly said he would retire on October 1. He said he hoped to serve the country again in the future.

Source;  http://www.wtkr.com/news/sns-rt-us-giffords-kelly-rtre75k4sq-20110621,0,2170744.story

NASA Rocket Launch From Wallops Set For Thursday

Seventeen educational experiments will fly June 23 on a Terrier- Improved Orion suborbital sounding rocket from NASA’s Launch Range at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

The experiments built by university instructors and students from across the country were developed through programs conducted with the Colorado and Virginia and Space Grant Consortia. The programs are designed to provide participants an introduction in building small experiments that can be launched on sounding rockets.

Based on the approved range schedule, the rocket is set for launch between 6 and 10 a.m. EDT. The backup launch days are June 24 and 25. The rocket will be visible to residents in the Wallops area. The NASA Visitor Center will open at 5 a.m. on launch day for viewing the launch.

The launch will be webcast beginning at 5 a.m. on launch day at: http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/webcast

Launch status can be followed on Twitter at:http://www.Twitter.com/NASA_Wallops

Launch status also is available at the Wallops launch status line at 757-824-2050.

Further information on this mission is available on the Internet at: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/news/rockon2011.html

Man robbed bank for $1 to cover jail health care

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Desperation apparently drove a North Carolina man to commit a bank robbery last week. What made him sit down and wait for police to arrive to arrest him, is another story.

"I'm sort of a logical person and that was my logic, what I came up with," James Verone said.

Verone says he came to the decision to rob the RBC Bank on Thursday of last week. He had no gun but handed the teller a rather unusual note.

"The note said this is a bank robbery. please only give me one dollar," Verone said.

 Then he did the strangest thing of all.



"I started to walk away from the teller then I went back and said, 'I'll be sitting right over there in the chair waiting for the police," he said.

And that is what he did. So why did he did he do everything he could to get arrested?

"I wanted to make it known that this wasn't for monetary reasons, but for medical reasons," he said.

That's right James Verone says he has no medical insurance. He has a growth of some sort on his chest, two ruptured disks and a problem with his left foot. He is 59 years old and with no job and a depleted bank account. He thought jail was the best place he could go for medical care and a roof over his head. Verone is hoping for a three-year sentence.

He'd then be able to collect social security when he got out, and says he'd head for the beach.

"I've already looked at a condominium. I've spoken to a realtor, on Myrtle Beach," he said.

He admits his story is unusual and says he wouldn't recommend anyone else do what he did, but James Verone says he has no regrets. He says he is getting good medical care now, but the jail doctor accused him of manipulating the system.

"If it is called manipulation, then out of necessity because I need medical care then I guess I am manipulating the courts to get medical care," he said.

Verone may have a little problem with his plan. Because he only demanded one dollar and didn't have a weapon police charged him not with bank robbery, but larceny, so he might not get as much time in the slammer as he was hoping for.

Source: 9News.com

MarVa Theater Performing Arts Center

Thursday is the deadline to sign up for the Introductory Session of Theater Academy!
Call the Box Office at 410-957-4230 to sign your child up today!

 

 

This year the Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center will bring you three exciting sessions of Theater Academy. We will offer sessions for varying abilities.

 

Our Introductory Session is for those thespians that are beginning to learn the craft of theater and performing arts. Students with three years or more experience may register for our Advanced or Musical sessions.

 

Each session culminates in a production.

Sessions are 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Mon – Fri

Advanced: Midsummer Night’s Dream
Musical: Peter Pan and Wendy

Introductory Session: Ages 8-15
June 27 – July 1
Advanced: Ages 8-17
July 18 – July 29
Musical Session: Ages 8-17
August 1 – 12

Introductory Academy Fee
$100 members / $150 non members

2 Week Academy Fee
$200 Members / $250 Non Members

Hurry! Spots fill up fast! Email Emily to sign your child up! emily@marvatheater.com

A New Season Begins

~HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER~

SUMMER  OFFICIALLY BEGINS TODAY

AT 1:16 P.M.

155 Marijuana Plants Seized In Drug Bust

According to Sheriff David Doughty of the Northampton County Sheriff's Office and Major Todd Godwin of the Accomack County Sheriff's Office, their agencies along with the Virginia State Police and the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force conducted marijuana eradication in Accomack and Northampton Counties during the week of June 15-17.

A total of 155 marijuana plants were seized during the operation with a mature street value of over $400,000.00. Multiple arrests are pending and the investigation continues.


If you have any information related to the cultivation of marijuana or any other drug activity, you can contact the appropriate Sheriff's Office or the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force.

 A reward is offered for information that leads to an arrest for the distribution of or the recovery of illegal narcotics and you do not have to provide your identity.


Please contact the appropriate agency at the following numbers:
Accomack County Sheriff's Office 757-787-1131
Northampton County Sheriffs Office 757-678-0458
Eastern Shore Drug Task Force 757-414-0746

Source; shoredailynews.com

~Delmarva Discovery Center~

The Delmarva Discovery Center

2 Market Street

Pocomoke City, MD

PRESENTS

The Fintastic Festival

Saturday, June 25 ·

10:00am - 4:00pm

More fun than the Finfest last year!!

Food and drinks for sale in front of building.

Local artist Sara Grangier will demonstrate painting techniques.

Sara did the artwork for the children’s book "Bob the Big Bad Bluefish"

Local artist Ed Kuhn will display fish carvings for sale.

Captain Walt will tell true tales of fishing exploits and demonstrate fishing gear.

Assateague State Park will have children’s games *Bring your camera so you can get your picture taken as a dolphin or a turtle!

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Face paintings by Tracey Arvidson!

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mrs. Coleen Mister will read children’s stories in the Beaver Lodge.

12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bernadette Gesser, will be reading her book "Bob the Big Bad Bluefish" and talking about fishing with children.

1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Watch a SCUBA diver as she feeds the fish in our 6,000 gallon aquarium

This event is free with paid admission!

 Don't miss out on this day of fun
for more info go to http://www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org/.

Barge Collides With Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

VIRGINIA BEACH

A barge collision shut down northbound traffic on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel on Monday.

About 6:30 p.m. a 140-foot-by-40-foot barge loaded with rocks for an on-going construction project at the bridge came loose from its mooring at the west end and struck the bridge between the two tunnels, said Tom Anderson, deputy director of the facility.

Northbound traffic was halted while the barge was secured and workers could inspect the damage to the bridge. In the meantime, northbound traffic that was stuck at the bridge had to be turned around.

It took about two hours to secure the barge and tow it away. About that time, bridge-tunnel personnel began alternating traffic on the southbound span to help move motorists who were stuck waiting on the northbound side.

The inspection revealed that the bridge sustained only some minor damage. A few pieces of concrete were knocked off a pile of rocks at the bottom of one part of the bridge. Other piles only had scrape marks.

All lanes of traffic reopened before midnight.

The barge was there as part of an on-going project to lay rocks along the bed of the Bay to support the bridge. It was unknown how the barge came loose from its mooring.

Source;    http://hamptonroads.com/node/604454

No Taxpayer Dollars Are Planned To Be Use In Tangier Barge Project

No taxpayer dollars are planned to be used in a project initiated by Congressman Scott Rigell to help ease erosion on Tangier Island.

In a conference call on Monday morning, Rigell said that as of now no taxpayer dollars will be spent. Rigell, along with Ron Mills of Bay Bridge Enterprises, Mayor James Eskridge of Tangier, and Town Council Member laid out the plan to sink barges on the Islands east side.

Mills said the barges that will be used are seaworthy, will have never been used to transport oil or other substances that could harm the environment, but can no longer be used for commercial undertakings.

The barges will be placed in strategic locations, sunk and then anchored. In the fall, the Army Corps of Engineers will conduct a dredging operation near Tangier Island. Mills said hopefully those involved in this project will be able to convince the Army Corps of Engineers to dump the spoils on and around the sunken barges.

Bay Bridge Enterprises will work in cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be involved.

Rigell said this project will be complimentary with already existing projects to help erosion and it will help protect the jobs and livelihood of the watermen on Tangier.

Rigell hopes the project will be finished in 3 months, but said 6 months is a more realistic goal.

Source; shoredailynews.com

The Captains Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Greenbackville

The Captains Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Greenbackville, Virginia will cosponser with the  Breast Health & Healing Foundation (BH&HF) a Cancer Tournament on July 9th at 9:00 a.m.  The Tournament will be an 18 hole Florida Scramble with lots of prizes to win and a hat for everyone.  $20 for members and $25 for non members.  Call 757-824-3465 Pro shop

~Clever Inventions~

Things that make you go hmmmm...........OR "why didn't I think of that!"

This gizmo is for the purpose of saving the lives of frogs, toads, lizards, etc. that may get sucked into the skimmer in your swimming pool. You don't  have to pull their lifeless bodies out with your bare hands.  And since these small creatures have no GPS tracking devices it gives them a moment to rest and realise they made the wrong turn. 

So far it works!!

NBC APOLOGIZES...............

By Cindy Boren

NBC apologizes for cutting “under God” from Pledge of Allegiance before U.S. Open

NBC apologized for cutting the words “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance in its leadup to coverage to the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.

The move quickly drew criticism Dan Hicks said, during the broadcast of Open action:
“We began our coverage of this final round just about three hours ago and when we did it was our intent to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open Championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation’s capital for the third time. Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we’d like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it.”

Source; http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/post/nbc-apologizes-for-cutting-under-god-from-pledge-of-allegiance-before-us-open/2011/06/19/AG8MgtbH_blog.html?hpid=z3

Pocomoke Mayor and Council Meeting Tonight

A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Monday, June 20, 2011

City Hall

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

2.      Review and approval of minutes from meeting of June 6, 2011.

3.      Review and approval of bills to be paid.

4.      Second Reading of Res. No. 447 to set the tax rate for 2011-2012.

5.      Second Reading of Res. No.  448 to adopt the proposed budget for fiscal year 2011-2012.

6.      Second Reading of Res. No.  449 to establish certain City fees and other charges for fiscal year 2011-2012.

7.      Review proposed revised contract for restaurant building construction (Gillis/Gilkerson – low bidder). 

8.      Discuss request for abatement of real property taxes and waiver of water and sewer fees for Marva Theater.

9.      Discuss request from Great Fair Committee for funding for 2011 Great Fair.

10.  Review letter from Eastern Shore Gas Company regarding proposed upgrade of underground utility lines.

11.  Discuss proposed annual tax abatement for properties on Taylor Avenue and others.

12.  Review recommendation from Police Chief Ervin regarding new vehicles.

13.  Discussion of proposal by State of Maryland to increase tolls on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Comments from the Audience.

Mayor and Council Items.

Adjourn .

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

FATHER'S DAY

Ever notice how FATHER'S DAY never seems to get all the hoopla that Mother's Day does?  It really should.  After all, if you grew up in a family where the parents shared responsibily with the kids then it should pretty well even itself out when it comes to a separate day to celebrate each one. 

 I'm sure so many  wonderful father's celebrated the day with their children and grandchildren with bbqs and dinners and anything else that made the day special for dear old DAD.

I'm not much on celebrating either of the days now that both of my parents are no longer living.  My sister, brother and I had a Father that never needed a special day.  He knew that every day for him was Father's Day.  We are so thankful he was chosen to be our dad.  He was special.  His memories are special.  And the fact that all through our lives our father was always there for us - through the good times and the bad times, with words of comfort or words of.......well, you know what kind of words those were.  But he was THERE!~

But did anyone stop to wonder how DEADBEAT DADS celebrate FATHER'S DAY??

Kids Fined for Operating a lemonade stand For Charity

 This is just sickening. Our Government has become extremely too intrusive. When children are actually approached and given a $500.00 fine for selling lemonade for charity is just way, way, overboard in my opinion. And as long as we stand idly by and let the government get away with these kind of Marxist tactics they will only continue to 'progressively' get worse.

This happened right here in our state, make some phone calls, write some letters, however you can think of a way to contact our representatives do it, and tell them what you think about the government shutting down and fining these big hearted children 500 bucks when all they wanted to do was raise some money for charity. Good grief, it was a simple lemonade stand that I'm sure a lot of you had at least one of in your youth or that your children may have or planning on having during the dog days of summer. 




A group of young entrepreneurs got an icy reception by Maryland law enforcement this week, when their lemonade stand on the road to the U.S. Open golf tournament earned the children a $500 fine. 'Today' correspondent Savannah Guthrie chronicles the controversial lemonade stand permit debacle. Footage shows the kids selling their ice cold summery drinks as Guthrie reports, "A group of children set up a lemonade stand outside the tournament venue to raise money for pediatric cancer, but the Maryland county hosting the Open slapped the kids with a $500 fine for operating without a vending license."

The parents in the case are furious over the heavy-handed fine. "They say they're going to help these 4- to 10-year-olds continue to operate the stand throughout the tournament, no matter what the county does,"


VIA: MyDaily

Homeless Man Max Melitzer Learns He's Rich

SALT LAKE CITY -- A private investigator says he has tracked down a homeless Utah man and delivered some good news: He's inherited a lot of money.

David Lundberg said he found Max Melitzer pushing a shopping cart filled with personal possessions in a Salt Lake City park Saturday afternoon.

Lundberg declined to disclose how much money Melitzer will be receiving, but said the man's brother who died of cancer last year left him a "significant" amount in his will.

"He'll no longer be living on the street or in abandoned storage sheds," he told The Associated Press. "He'll be able to have a normal life, and be able to have a home, provide for himself, and purchase clothing, food and health care."

The story about Lundberg's two-month search for Lundberg has been reported by the Deseret News and KSL of Salt Lake City.

Lundberg said he was hired by the family's New York law firm to locate Melitzer, and some family members plan to meet Melitzer next week in Salt Lake City. He declined to identify them.

Melitzer's family wishes to remain private, and lawyers are deferring questions to Lundberg.

The investigator said he broke the news to Melitzer while they were sitting on a bench at Pioneer Park. While Lundberg said he didn't tell Melitzer how much money he was inheriting, the man was excited.

"He's still in shock. This came out of nowhere," Lundberg said. "He's a really mellow guy in his 60s, very sweet and more articulate than I thought for a man in his position."

Melitzer has been homeless for years and last had mail correspondence with his family in September. But when family members gave him a number to phone, he never called.

Don Hill, house manager at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake, told Lundberg on Friday that he had seen Melitzer near the facility two days earlier.

Hill said he has known the homeless man for four years, and Melitzer stayed at places like the Rescue Mission when he's not roaming between Salt Lake City and Ogden.

"During the summer, I'd imagine, once in a while he'll stay out nights – outside," Hill told the Deseret News.

Earlier this month, a police officer found Melitzer sleeping in a car in an Ogden salvage yard.

Lundberg said Melitzer was taken Saturday to an undisclosed location in Salt Lake City and doesn't want to talk to the media right now. But Lundberg said he would talk to family members about possibly holding a news conference next week.

The investigator said he found Melitzer with the help of a tip. He received about 60 or 70 such calls after news about his search went out Friday.

"Someone called today (Saturday) and said they saw him at Pioneer Park. I thought it was another crazy tip, but sure enough, there he was," Lundberg said.

VIA: AOL Weird News

Little Weiner

Rigell: Use Old Barges To Stem Tangier Island Erosion

By Scott Harper

The Virginia Pilot

U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell thinks he might have an answer to the erosion problems that threaten to wash away Tangier Island: anchor old barges along the shoreline, without any cost to taxpayers.

Rigell, a freshman Republican from Virginia Beach, also represents the Eastern Shore and Tangier Island. He says a local salvage company is willing to donate as many as four barges to act as breakwaters near the main channel leading into Tangier Harbor.

Wave action beats up many of the commercial fishing boats that call Tangier Island home. The fishing mecca in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay is losing between 4 and 12 feet a year to rising sea levels, exposure to storms, and sinking land.

"These people are desperate for help, else there might not be a Tangier Island anymore," Rigell said in a phone interview Friday.

On Monday, Rigell is scheduled to be on the island to discuss his rescue plan with Tangier's mayor and the
local contractor, Bay Bridge Enterprises. The Chesapeake-based company not only salvages barges, but also recycles unwanted ships from the James River Reserve Fleet, also known as the Ghost Fleet.

Rigell said he expects to move quickly, perhaps deploying the barges within the next month. The barges would be thoroughly cleaned before being placed.

But state regulators and scientists said such a project would have to undergo rigorous review and be approved by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard.

Scott Hardaway, a coastal engineering expert with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, said the Eastern Shore already has marine vessels acting as breakwaters - concrete ships anchored off Kiptopeke State Park.

He said much more information is needed before regulators would agree to the project: How would the barges be anchored? At what depths would they be placed? Are there underwater grasses on the site?



This is an ariel photo of Tangier Island. Note the well defined hook on the southern end of the island. This photo was taken in the 1980's.



"I would definitely say the commission would have some concerns with placing barges in the Bay like that," said Hank Badger, who reviews shoreline construction projects for the state marine commission. "But hey, stranger things have been approved, and if it can help, I'm sure we'd look at it."

Federal and state funds have been used to build a seawall near Tangier Island's airfield and sewage treatment plant. The Army Corps of Engineers also is studying the placement of a new jetty on the fast-eroding north end of the island, but those projects can take years to finish.
Tangier cannot wait that long, Rigell argued, noting that federal money is scarce these days.

"This doesn't cost anything," he said, "and we could get them some temporary relief by using the barges."
Also next week, Rigell intends to discuss another dicey issue on the Eastern Shore: beach parking at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

The refuge is considering buying a neighboring campground in case natural forces continue to eat away at beachfront parking areas.

Citing concerns from Chincoteague business and tourism interests, Rigell said he is worried that the government wants to do away with such waterside parking and instead shuttle visitors to the beach in trams and buses.

"I'm deeply concerned about a hyperactive, overly intrusive federal government impacting one of the great tourist attractions on the Eastern Shore," he said.

Kim Halpin, deputy refuge manager, said no decisions have been made and officials are only looking ahead for issues that might arise over the next 20 years. One of those could be a loss of beachfront parking due to encroaching sands and water along the barrier island, she added.

"Our parking areas are shrinking now," Halpin said. "There might not be land available in the future, so we're looking to preserve that" by negotiating for the campground sale.

Source;  http://hamptonroads.com.nyud.net/2011/06/rigell-use-old-barges-stem-tangier-island-erosion

Clarence 'Big Man' Clemons - RIP

Oh, that saxophone!  Today I am reminded of the albums "Asbury Park, New Jersey" and "The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle".

Clarence Clemons, Bruce Springsteen's longtime saxophone player and a legend in the music industry, died Saturday from complications following a stroke he suffered about a week ago.

Clemons' sax has been one of the most defining elements of the E Street Band's sound. He has suffered from numerous ailments over the last few years. He had double knee surgery and even had to perform from a wheelchair at one point.

But his health seemed to be improving. Just last month, he performed with Lady Gaga on the season finale of "American Idol."

Clemons scored a Top 20 hit in 1985 with the song "You're a Friend of Mine," a duet with Jackson Browne that appears on Clemons' album "Hero." Clemons was 69 years old.

The Newark Star-Ledger reports that: "Springsteen's oft-told story of his initial meeting with Clemons felt Biblical: with a lightning storm raging outside, the Big Man tore the door off an Asbury Park club, strode onstage, and made magic. Springsteen would later immortalize this meeting in "Tenth Avenue Freeze-out," a song on "Born to Run.""

Clemons was born in Norfolk, Va., to a Baptist minister who had no love for rock 'n' roll, The Star-Ledger reports. However, he got a saxophone at age 9, and when a car accident ruined his budding football career after college, he dedicated himself to music.

WBOC.com

TIME MACHINE ... January, 1880

(The New York Times)

Baltimore, Jan.7. - Advises from Pocomoke City note a curious sequel to the sensation caused a fortnight ago by the scandalous charges brought by Mrs. Polk against ex-State Senator Aydelotte, of entering her house during the absence of her husband and attempting to violate her person. Aydelotte is a conspicuous pillar of the Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Mr. Brown is an eloquent speaker and popular Pastor of the Presbyterian flock, having accepted a call from the West to take the Pocomoke City charge. The congregation has been violently agitated by the charges against Aydelotte, and a split is threatened. On Sunday the church was crowded, but in place of a sermon the Rev. Mr. Brown gave from the pulpit a scathing diatribe, denouncing Aydelotte and the whole community. He came there, he said, supposing he was coming into a Christian, moral, community, but found himself among a people without principle or morality, lost to all sense of shame, rotten to the core. He was ashamed to acknowledge his residence there, and recently in Philadelphia he could not acknowledge to a brother clergyman that he belonged to Pocomoke. He ended by resigning his pastorate, and the congregation dispersed in high dudgeon. The excitement throughout the county is intense.

Next time on the TIME MACHINE: In 1924 a movement against bootlegging, swearing, unclean stories and the like were part of an old fashioned revival that started in Pocomoke City and was sweeping the Delmarva Peninsula.