Beautiful Fall Sky

I was headed home a couple of nights ago and I noticed that the moon was full and the sky was full of abnormally high clouds. The night was fairly cloudy with the full moon only peeking through the high flying clouds every so often, but when it did it was a beautiful sight to behold.

I got out my camera (phone) and snapped a few pictures because I have never remembered the nighttime Heavens looking quite like it did that night. As the clouds passed in front of and below the full moon the reflection produced many bright, brilliant colors that sadly the camera didn't reproduce in the pictures. Either way the pictures are still beautiful and worth sharing so here ya go, enjoy.  BTW: the 'dot' to the right of the moon in pictures 3 and 4 was highly visible with the naked eye and is a very bright star or a planet.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

HOW TO ENJOY OBAMA SPEECHES

I used to avoid listening to Obama's speeches.  Now, I look forward to the next one.

Here is something to help make Obama's speeches almost tolerable. Just print this page, distribute it to friends, then tune in to his next speech........

Rules for Bullshit Bingo:

1. Before Barrack Obama's next televised speech, print your "Bullshit Bingo."

2. Check off the appropriate block when you hear one of those words/phrases.

3. When you get five blocks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, stand up and shout "BULLSHIT!"

"OPERATION MEDICINE DROP"

The Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit in partnership with the Assateague Coastal Trust, Berlin Police Department, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Worcester County Health Department will be participating in “OPERATION MEDICINE DROP,” a one-day medication take-back effort to be held on

Saturday, October 29,  from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.

“Operation Medicine Drop” is a bi-annual Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) federal program in conjunction with state and local law enforcement to encourage citizens to properly dispose of their prescription drugs.  The objective is to get unwanted, unused and expired prescription medication out of people’s cabinets and off of the streets.  Citizens are urged to not flush their medication or throw them away.  Disposing of medication properly prevents the medication from entering our waterways and landfills.

There will be six drop off locations in Worcester County. 

• Berlin Police Department, 10 Williams St.
• Worcester County Health Dept., Public Landing Road, Snow Hill  
• Ocean City Public Safety Building, 6501 Coastal Hwy, OC/MD
• Pocomoke Health Center, 400-A Walnut Street
• Food Lion, Manklin Creek Rd, Ocean Pines
• Food Lion, Rt 611, West Ocean City

The Maryland Executive Board Members of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) have hailed this effort as a success in keeping unwanted and unused prescription drugs out of the hands of persons who shouldn’t have them as well as out ofMarylandcoastal bays and waterways.  This program was considered a success last April, yielding over 130 pounds of prescription medication in Worcester County.   
The program is free and confidential.

  If you have any questions, please contact the OCPD Public Affairs Office at: 410-723-6665 or 410-529-5395. 

GIGANTIC YARD SALE

ANNUAL FALL YARD SALE

Pocomoke Fairgrounds

RAIN OR SHINE !

Saturday,  October 22, 2011

      Shop, sell, eat, browse -- just come to socialize if you'd like.

The kitchen will be serving up hot coffee, juice and breakfast sandwiches.

Tables are just $10 indoor or $5 outdoor

Space is limited so please call 443.614.4456 NOW to reserve your table space.
We will provide you with the table and a few chairs.
　
This event usually brings in a few hundred shoppers so gather up your junk, old furniture, glassware, old clothing, etc. and bring it out to the fairgrounds.

TOUCH the SEA ~ Delmarva Discovery Center

Touch the Sea

Delmarva Discovery Center

November 12th

10 AM to 4 PM

Join Andrew Wilson and the aquatic stars of Under the Sea for live animal programs at 1 and 3 PM. Visitors will learn about our fascinating underwater world in interactive presentations.

Guests will also be able to meet live animals, which may include a pufferfish, baby shark, and more and watch a fish feeding in the DDC's 6,000 gallon aquarium at 2 PM. Kid's crafts will take place from 11 AM to 1 PM.  Get your face painted, chat with local artists and view their work, or talk with a fossil expert. There is something for everyone at the DDC!

Event is free with paid admission.

U.S. Postal Service To Raise Stamp Prices By 1 Cent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service announced on Tuesday a one-cent increase in the cost of mailing a letter, starting in January.

The new prices lift the cost of a first-class stamp to 45 cents starting on January 22, 2012, the first increase in more than two years.

The Postal Service is facing a financial crisis because mail volumes have declined as more people use electronic mail or the services of private sector competitors such as FedEx and United Parcel Service.

The Postal Service said the cost to mail a postcard will go up three cents to 32 cents, letters to Canada or Mexico will increase five cents to 85 cents, and letters to other international locations will increase seven cents to $1.05.

The agency, which is allowed to raise prices in line with the rate of inflation, said it filed the new prices with the Postal Regulatory Commission on Tuesday. The regulator has 45 days to approve the changes.


Until the price changes take effect, consumers can still purchase 44-cent Forever stamps, which do not require additional postage after prices go up.

"The overall average price increase is small and is needed to help address our current financial crisis," said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. "We continue to take actions within our control to increase revenue in other ways and to aggressively cut costs."

The Postal Service has asked Congress for permission to drastically overhaul its business, including cutting Saturday mail delivery and eliminating a massive annual payment to prefund retiree health benefits. The agency also is studying thousands of post offices and processing facilities for possible closure.

Source;  http://www.wtkr.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-postaltre79h6z3-20111018,0,5507295.story

Annual Den of Darkness Haunted Attraction

COME PREPARED FOR AN EVENING OF FRIGHT !!!

7:00 PM until 10:00 PM

Admission:  $7.00 per person

4264 Firehouse Street

New Church, Virginia 

(Behind the scales on Rt. 13)

Food available by SHORE BEEF  and BBQ

SHORE BEEF and BBQ

2nd YEAR OF FANTASTIC BBQ !

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

Pit Beef Sandwich/ side

Drink ~ $7.50

~ALL DAY AT THE
ACCOMACK LOCATION~

Testimony Underway In Skylor Harmon Re-Trial

Written by

Scott Muska
Staff Writer
October 18, 2011
SNOW HILL — The re-trial of a 19-year-old charged with committing murder with an assault rifle got underway Tuesday with opening arguments and the first of the prosecution’s witnesses.

Skylor Dupree Harmon, 19, of Pocomoke City, had his first trial end in a mistrial in July when jurors were unable to agree on a verdict. Harmon is charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of Reginald Handy Jr.

Among the defense’s witnesses Tuesday were Deputy Dale Trotter, a crime scene investigator for the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. Cropper and members of the State’s Attorney’s office returned on Sunday night to the area of 500 Young St., where the military-grade assault rifle had been found the day after the murder.

Trotter testified that if he had been standing in that area with the gun at the time of night the murder was committed, he would have been able to shoot a person standing where the victim had been shot.

From the area where the gun was found to the area where Handy was shot was about 65 yards, according to Trotter, who said the distance was “definitely” in the rifle’s range.


Testimony is scheduled to continue tomorrow and Thursday.


Harmon's uncle, Alexander Crippen, was originally charged in the May 2010 murder, but charges were dropped before Crippen's trial. Crippen was later convicted of attempting to kill a different man, based on testimony about his actions at the same scene where Handy died.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111018/NEWS01/111018030/SNOW-HILL-Testimony-underway-Skylor-Harmon-re-trial

Legislative Updates ~ Mike McDermott

Legislative Field Notes

By Delegate Mike McDermott

October 18th, 2011
Special Session

Morning Session:
We received HB-2 and HB-3 from the Rules Committee. These two bills address redistricting for the Boards of Education districts in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties. We thought there might be an amendment offered out of the Prince George’s Delegation but it was not forthcoming.

The Senate was moving the governor’s redistricting plan today and spent quite awhile debating the bill. Ultimately it was decided largely along party lines with Senator Muse (D-Prince Georges) being the only cross over vote against the gerrymandered map.

Evening Session:
The House reconvened at 5pm to take up the governor’s redistricting plan passed by the Senate. There are many amendments in the hopper which will be introduced tomorrow as we take up debate on all of the redistricting bills. The session only lasted a few minutes.

Tea Party Rally:
There were about 300 folks from around the state that showed up on Lawyer’s Mall for the House Tea Party Caucus Rally from 12-2pm. Speakers included Grover Norquist (American’s for Tax Reform), Ambassador Ellen Sauerbrey, Charles Lollar (President American’s for Prosperity-MD), Senator Pipkin and myself along with a host of other leaders from various tax payer organizations. Del. Mike Smigiel (House Tea Party Caucus Chairman) was the MC and moved the program along. Many in the General Assembly heard the speakers and stopped to listen in on the clear, resonating message: No gerrymandering and No tax increases. There were plenty of homemade signs with messages for the governor.

Whether it was all of the angst expressed publicly in anticipation of tax legislation during this session, or the recent Gonzales polling which revealed a strong public aversion in Maryland to any tax increases, it seems the leadership got the message…for now.

Letter Regarding Newark Blast site

October 17, 2011

Fellow residents and neighbors,

As I testified at the Snow Hill BZA hearing and told individuals on the phone or in person, I promised to listen to your concerns regarding the Newark Blast site.


I had actually made up my mind last week against using the site, after talking with several of you personally. For those of you that spent your resources on meetings, lawyers and yard signs, I am sorry you wasted your time.
However the real loss was to our local economy.


Note, the site is currently an unlimited blast range and sand strip mine. Our activity there would have put limits on the charges, added security, and a link to the community so you would not be surprised. We had planned to environmentally baseline the site and closely monitor it. We were ready to further limit the site to scale testing only, something that is barely noticeable and the key thing that speeds our work. Working with the BZA and the county, we planned to let the public witness the first few tests to be sure everyone was comfortable. Fear of the unknown is usually best battled with simple reality. That is now lost. The range will continue to operate, as it has in the past, completely exempt and unlimited.


As one of the closest neighbors, the occasional noise does not bother or scare my family anymore than a random clap of thunder. I personally don't want our local law enforcement officers dealing with the real thing in a live situation, untrained.
     
During this process, I have been surprised by a few specific individual's public display of sensationalism and engineering ignorance. Images of nuclear explosions and narratives of jackhammers in people ridiculous. It's ok to say you won't make the minuscule sacrifice to hear a loud noise once in a while to help protect American lives, but just come out and say it.


Solid science and responsible resource use should be the basis of any good decision where a community, a country and our warfighter's safety is concerned. Since Hardwire's inception in a South Point garage, the County Economic Development office, County Commissioners, State Government officials, Federal
  representatives and most recently, the BZA, have all taken the time to understand the facts. They played key roles in helping create great products, good high paying jobs, and tens of millions in tax revenues for the Federal, State, County and City Governments. As a prime example, the City of Pocomoke has been an amazing place to do business, and played a pivotal role in our speed and resulting success.


Our company has been entrusted with the lives of the individual war-fighters that are ordered to use our products. The soldier in the field does not get a choice; he or she has to trust we have done our job. This is a responsibility we wanted, we earned and we will protect. As a CEO, as a father, and as an American, I will not let anything stand in the way of doing the best job imaginable, as fast as possible.


Being right is not what's at stake for us. It's being on time with just one piece of armor that saves a life, a limb, a hand, or just a few surgeries.


For those of you that supported the effort, thank you... for the rest, I am sorry you will not experience the pride of knowing you helped when you could have.


George C. Tunis III

Chairman & CEO

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES ~ Mike McDermott

• Special Session Field Notes
• Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
• By Delegate Mike McDermott

Legislative Field Notes
By Delegate Mike McDermott
Oct. 17, 2011

Special Session of the General Assembly
Morning Session:
The first matters that were taken up in the Special Session were the bills from the 2011 Regular Session which had been vetoed by the governor. There were 40 such bills to address. We had discussed all of these vetoed bills in our caucus meeting previously. Most were duplicate or cross filed bills which were passed under another file number and represented technical vetoes. Some of the vetoed legislation was reviewed following passage and found to have flaws which were not picked up prior to passage. These bills were vetoed by request of the sponsor. The only bill which we considered opposing was HB-22 which was a bill submitted by Del. Smegiel and passing easily in both chambers before coming to the governor’s desk. This bill simply called for a uniform Circuit Court subpoena process be established in the Maryland Circuit Courts. It was a money saving measure, but it was opposed by many in the judiciary and court clerks across the state. Following debate on the idea of attempting an override of the veto, it was decided by vote that this was not a battle we needed to fight at this time when considering that we needed to focus all of our efforts on redistricting.

All of the vetoed legislation was combined together by consent of the House members and the governor’s veto was sustained on a vote of 125-6.

There were 21 bills which were filed by several members for consideration by the House during the Special Session. Those bills were introduced into the House and were forwarded to the Rules Committee to determine if they will be assigned to a Committee for review. It is doubtful that any will be considered other than the bills addressing redistricting. On initial review, I did not see any bills calling for tax increases…but the session is young. I remain hopeful that we will stay the course and stick to redistricting issues.

Hearing in Judiciary

• Expungement of Records/Shielding of Records-

Del. Anderson/Walstreicher/Carter
Review of HB-878; HB-1342; HB-1279; HB-1255
We heard from the Task Force on legislation which would address the shielding of criminal records under certain circumstances. There is ongoing debate over the way the courts and the legislature should address expanding guidelines for the shielding/expunging of criminal records. Certain automatic expungements were discussed when a person was found not guilty of a charge as opposed to a written request being required. It was also suggested that one’s driving record should be examined for possible automatic expungement following a set period of time. Some of the committee members like to use the word “mistake” as a substitute for “crime”. There was quite a discussion over providing safe guards for businesses as well as those who may deserve a second chance. The committee took a lot of notes and it is clear we will be hearing this again in 2012.

• Maryland Trust Act

Submitted by the Maryland Bankers Association/Committee members
Review of HB-750 (as submitted in 2011)
We heard from a group of bankers and attorneys in Maryland on the need to revise and codify the laws governing Trusts. The general issue concerns the lack of codified law and the desire of the committee to simplify the process and eliminate the need for continually going back to the courts to address issues that could be done outside of the courts by mutual agreement. There was concern that in trying to codify the rules/law, the committee may have modified existing rules. The submitted legislation is 93-pages and will require a thorough review and many additional hearings to address all of the many concerns. After hearing from the committee members, I am not convinced the “Trust Act” will be ready for prime time in January. The technical law questions are extensive.

On the Lawyer’s Mall there were a few press conferences for alternative bills being offered for redistricting. There are three primary bills which people are rallying behind other than the governor’s plan. All three of the bills address the creation of an additional minority district. We expect all of these bills to be heard in committee tomorrow.

On redistricting, there may be an opportunity to work across the aisle with those from certain districts who may feel disenfranchised by the governor’s gerrymandered map. Currently, a map backed by the Fannie Lou Hamer PAC is being sponsored by Del. Hough (R-Frederick) and Sen. Pipkin (R-Upper Shore) in cooperation with the PAC. It is a good map and would create the potential for a third minority congressional district in Maryland. It would also make some of the other districts more competitive for both parties. It is a balanced approach and has bi-partisan support in both chambers.

The same can be said for a map being offered by Sen. Getty (D-Carroll) and Del. Smigiel (R-Cecil). This map also helps create an additional minority district and provides for greater sense of natural, political, and historic boundaries. In essence, it abides by the Maryland Constitution and is bi-partisan on approach.

The third alternative to the governor’s map is referred to as the “Good Government Map” which has been proffered by the Maryland GOP. This is probably the best drawn map, geographically and it lends itself to an additional minority district as well. Sadly, since it is the GOP map, it is not going to get very far.

Tomorrow at noon, a Rally for Good Government will be held on the Lawyer’s Mall in front of the Capitol steps. Special speakers include Ambassador Ellen Sauerbrey, Grover Norquist (American’s for Tax Reform), Sen. Pipkin, Charles Lollar (American’s for Prosperity), Del. Smigiel, as well as myself and others. The people are demanding good government, and all of the speakers will be encouraging Marylanders to press on. We are hoping for a great turnout.

Re-Trial Begins Today For Skylor Harmon

WMDT

SNOW HILL, Md. - An alleged murderer is set to face yet another jury on Tuesday in Worcester County.

Skylor Harmon is accused of gunning down Reginald Handy Jr. in Pocomoke City last year.

Back in June, the jury couldn't come to an agreement on a verdict, leaving the judge with no choice but to declare a mistrial.

Harmon faces first and second degree murder charges.

Source;  http://www.wmdt.com/story/15714348/murder-re-trial-for-skylor-harmon-set-to-begin-tuesday

October Is Adopt-A-Dog Month

Please consider giving a dog a forever home.













A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS ~ By Stan Rawlinson

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

WORCESTER COUNTY SCHEDULES ADDITIONAL RABIES CLINICS

If your beloved pets are in need of rabies shots PLEASE take this opportunity to get it done!  PLEASE PROTECT YOUR PETS!

 WORCESTER COUNTY SCHEDULES ADDITIONAL RABIES CLINICS

SNOW HILL – Due to the spike in confirmed cases of rabies in recent weeks in wild animals and a cat, the Worcester County Health Department and Animal Control would like to remind residents of the importance of making sure their pets have current rabies shots. To assist the public in protecting their pets, they have scheduled two rabies clinics in October and two more in November.

Rabies clinics will be held from 5:30-7 p.m.on:

• Wednesday, October 19, Showell Fire Hall, Route 575 and Old Route 113.
• Thursday, October 20, Stockton Fire Hall, Route 12 and Route 366.
• Wednesday, November 2, Worcester County Animal Control on Timmons Road in Snow Hill.
• Wednesday, November 16, Worcester County Animal Control on Timmons Road in Snow Hill.

The cost for a rabies vaccination is $5 per pet for Worcester County residents and $10 per pet fornon-Worcester County residents. Vaccinations are available for dogs, cats and ferrets. Below are requirements for the clinics:

• Worcester County residents must provide proof of residency, i.e. driver’s license, utility bill with address on it, or veterinary records showing address.
• If this is not the pet’s first rabies vaccination, written proof of the previous shot must be provided in order to receive a three-year booster shot. Otherwise, a one-year shot will be given.
• To receive a vaccination, dogs must be on a leash under the control of an adult, and cats and ferrets must be in a carrier or box with air holes.

Although there are several ways to minimize risk from this deadly disease, keeping pets’ required rabies vaccinations current is the best mechanism to prevent the spread of rabies from the wild animal population to the domestic animal population.

For more information on the clinics or to report animal bites or possible rabies exposures to pets from wild animals contact the Worcester County Health Department at 410-352-3234 or410-641-9559. If an incident occurs after normal business hours, contact your local law enforcement or the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.  

http://www.co.worcester.md.us/Articles/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=905

SHORE BEEF and BBQ ~ Celebrating ONE Year

CONGRATULATIONS RON AND DEE

SHORE BEEF and BBQ

CELEBRATES

ONE YEAR OF BUSINESS !!

Tuesday and Wednesday

 at their Accomac  location

TUESDAY ALL DAY SPECIAL

Pulled bbq chicken sandwich/ w side

Drink ~ $7.50

Stop by for some delicious bbq and congratulate them on a year of making great food.

Be sure to see the facebook page and let them know how you enjoyed their fantastic bbq.

WORCESTER COUNTY - Fake Marijuana Ban Considered

If  you  plan to attend this meeting: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 - 11:00 a.m.  @ 1 W. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD.

Written by

Brian Shane

SNOW HILL -- The public has the opportunity to weigh in on Worcester County's proposed ban on fake marijuana and similar hallucinogens.

The Worcester County Commissioners are scheduled to consider emergency legislation Tuesday that would ban "cannabimimetic agents and hallucinogenic chemical substances" -- a wordy way to describe products popularly known as K2 or Spice.


The meeting begins at 11 a.m., one hour later than the usual start time, because of a scheduled closed session beforehand.


The bill specifically outlaws chemicals that replicate the effects of the main psychoactive compound of marijuana, as well as chemical compounds deemed to be hallucinogenic chemical substances.

Anyone convicted of violating the proposed law could face misdemeanor drug charges bringing, at most, a penalty of six years in jail and a $1,000 fine.


Ocean City in August passed a municipal ban on such hallucinogenic substances, and the commissioners are poised to enact a law that mirrors the resort's. The goal is to prevent spill-over sales into the county.


Such drugs are sold under the guise of being incense. But in area shops, merchants have been known to push each as a substance that will bring the user a high similar to smoking marijuana, according to Chief Bernadette DiPino of the Ocean City Police.


Moreover, fake pot is marketed to young people who are eager to smoke marijuana, but perhaps don't want to break the law just yet, according to Worcester County State's Attorney Beau Oglesby. He wrote a letter to county leaders supporting a ban.


Oglesby said without the county adopting a ban similar to Ocean City's, a child of any age could legally purchase synthetic drugs outside the resort limits.


Representatives from Oglesby's office, the county Sheriff's Office and Ocean City police are all expected to offer testimony to the commissioners as to why products of this nature should be made illegal to possess.

The commissioners gave the green light to the ban at a Sept. 13 work session.


Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011110170304

Grey-Haired Brigade

They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, geezers and, in some cases, dinosaurs. Some of us are "Baby Boomers" getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were.
 
We have worked hard, raised our children, worshipped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill, and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.
 
In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone party-lines, 25 cent gasoline, and milk and ice being delivered to our homes. For those of you who don't know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators. A few even remember when cars were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days.
 
We are probably considered old fashioned and out-dated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II, fought in Korea and Viet Nam. We can quote The Pledge of Allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the battlefield. We didn't fight for the Socialist States of America, we fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave."  We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangled Banner, America, and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read about in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America.
 

Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our country and nobody is going to take it away from us.  We took oaths to defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent.
 
It was the young and infidels of this nation who elected Obama and the Democratic Congress.
 
You fell for the "Hope and Change" which in reality was nothing but "Hype and Lies." You have tasted socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don't like it after all. You make a lot of noise, but most are all too interested in their careers or "Climbing the Social Ladder" to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting. Many of those who fell for the "Great Lie" in 2008 are now having buyer's remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn't have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the 'Kool-Aid.' Now you're paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you got. We entrusted you with the Torch of Liberty and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house.
 
Well, don't worry youngsters, the Grey Haired Brigade is here, and in 2012 we are going to take back our nation. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and in 2012 we're going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the man in the White House nor to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to "We the People" and "We the People" plan to reclaim our land and our freedom. We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren. So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of  Allegiance, stand up, put your hand over your heart, honor our country,  and thank God for the old geezers of the "Grey-Haired Brigade."
 ~Author, Anon. Grey-Haired Brigade Member

Hat Tip; Kack

Volunteers Needed For "Friends of the Nature Trail"

Do you love Nature and being out in the fresh air?  Then YOU need to be a volunteer for Friends of the Nature Trail.

*VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED*

The Nature Trail Committee is still looking for community sprited people to volunteer to keep the Pocomoke Nature Trail alive and growing.


For many years the nature trail has been growing and it is so very important to keep this project alive and growing in the future.  Here is where the "next generation"  can step in.  Here is YOUR chance to have a role in being one of the Friends of the Nature Trail.


You know, the Pocomoke River is a beauty by boat but it is just as wonderful to see from the nature trail.


Needed for this continuing project are:

Planners

Money Raisers

Schedulers

And of course citizens to help build.

It's a beautiful part of Pocomoke.  Pocomoke belongs to YOU.  Grab a friend or relative or two and become members of the Friends of the Nature Trail.

Here's the number to call.  Pocomoke City Hall/ (410)957-1333

Give them your name and tell them what part you would like to play in keeping the nature trail growing into the future.

Search For Body Of Missing Boy Comes Up Empty

Curtis Lopez

By Derek Valcourt

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)– Montgomery County Police spent the day searching the woods for the body of an 11-year-old boy missing ever since his mother was found murdered last week.

Derek Valcourt has details on where police were searching and why.

Police will only say investigative information led them to search two parks in Montgomery County– one in Damascus, the other in Clarksburg.

Teams of police officers, volunteers and even cadaver dogs searched the woods in Damascus Regional Park all Sunday. They’re following the latest lead in the disappearance of 11-year-old William McQuain.

His mother, 51-year-old Jane McQuain, was found beaten and stabbed to death in their Germantown home Wednesday night. The boy’s stepfather, Curtis Lopez, was arrested in North Carolina and charged with the murder. But 11-year-old William McQuain hasn’t been seen in weeks.

“We still have the investigation open that has hope that William will be found alive,” said Capt. Paul Starks of the Montgomery County Police. “However, detectives cannot ignore bona-fide information that is causing them to be here today.”

Police won’t say where that information came from, only that nearly 80 people spent the day searching the hundreds upon hundreds of acres of woods in the two parks for the little boy’s body, finding nothing.

Police may not know yet whether 11-year-old William McQuain is still alive or if his body is in these woods or somewhere else but they say they do expect answers soon.



William McQuain/5'0" tall, 85pounds brown hair, brown eyes
Last seen Sept. 30 at his middle school in Maryland

“Life’s too short to begin with, but an 11-year-old, that’s unacceptable really,” Jim Stegeman said. News of the search heartbreaking to those who live in the neighborhood surrounding Damascus Regional Park.

“The path goes right to our house,” Lori Stegeman explained. “My daughter and I took the dogs out and we were just like heartbroken imagining if we found something, what would we do and how horrible.”

Some of Jane McQuain’s friends also organized their own search of the neighborhood and the woods near her Germantown home.

While the search for young William McQuain continues, so does the criminal case against his stepfather.

Lopez goes before a judge on Monday in North Carolina. At issue– his extradition back to Maryland.

Police say they found nothing significant in their search on Sunday. They may search the parks again on Monday.

Source;  http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2011/10/16/police-search-parks-for-william-mcquain/#comments

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council

Pocomoke to secure mortgage for renovation

Written by

Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY -- The Pocomoke mayor and council voted to approve an emergency resolution to secure a $1.08 million mortgage from Shore Bank for the acquisition and renovation of the building at 1500 Market St. for the new police department headquarters.

The loan will include $532,500 for the acquisition of the property and $550,000 for the renovations of the building. Last month the council approved the bid by Beauchamp Construction for the renovation work. The bid was for $468,400, which was to be "value engineered" to reduce the costs.

Mayor Bruce Morrison reported that the Delmarva Discovery Center had requested additional help to cover the utilities at the center. Currently the town is giving the center $15,000 per year toward the cost of the utilities. However, according to Brian Garrett, the executive director, the cost for power is approximately $25,000 per year.

The council voted to conditionally approve the increase in the reimbursement but wanted to see the accounts of the center. Councilman Robert Clarke voted against the increase, saying he wanted instead to work on controlling the center's costs.

Audit report

Saying that the financial position of the town had improved, Mike Kleger, vice president of P.K.S., town auditors, reported that they had given Pocomoke City an unqualified opinion, which is the highest opinion that an auditor can give. City Manager Russell W. Blake reported that Mona Van Ess does an "excellent job" in taking care of the town's bookkeeping.

Kleger reported that the town's fund balance had increased $199,450 to a total of $668,275, or 15 percent of the town's operating expenses. The increase would have been even higher if the town had not had to transfer $491,000 to the water and sewer fund and $60,000 to the ambulance fund. The ambulance deficit was an improvement from the previous year, when the town had to transfer $107,000 into the fund.

The council passed a second emergency resolution to apply for a Community Legacy Grant of $148,000 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. If successful, approximate amounts would be awarded to the following areas: Mar-Va Theater, $15,000; Costen House, $28,000; Delmarva Discovery Center for a generator system, $35,000; and downtown business development incentives, $70,000.

Blake suggested that the downtown business money could be used for business owners to make improvements and to help new businesses locate downtown. He said that maybe it could be used to pay the first few months rent for a new business or maybe for a deferred loan. He added that Angela Manos, the downtown coordinator, could work with the owners to find new businesses that would make a good fit downtown.

Awarding bids

The council voted to award a bid to Hill's Electric for the replacement of three four-inch valves and three six inch valves at the water treatment plant at a cost of $11,836. He said that some of the valves were leaking and needed replacing.

The other bid was for the demolition of the house at 707 Clarke Ave. and was awarded to Harry White at a cost of $10,000.

Under other business, the council voted to give Samaritan Shelter a round of golf for four players including a cart to be used in their Christmas gift basket; to allow the Chamber of Commerce the use of the Winter Quarters Golf Course for its annual tournament on Oct. 21; and to purchase an ad in the Pocomoke High School yearbook.

http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111016/NEWS01/110160302/Pocomoke-secure-mortgage-renovation?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|frontpage|p

TIME MACHINE

I'm on vacation but The TIME MACHINE will return with some "new" old stuff on Sunday, 10/23, and a preview a few days before. See you then!

tk for PPE



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

October Is ADOPT-A-DOG Month

"A dog is the only thing on earth

that loves you

more than he loves himself."

 ~Josh Billings~

The Rural Sign Painter