"Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" In Pocomoke City Part 3

"Old Fashioned Christmas Evening"

Nighttime festivities on the Eastern Shore are risky.  There's always the chance of wind or rain and sometimes snow.  Pocomoke City was blessed this year.  The Monday night annual Christmas Parade had the best weather it's had for a night parade in quite a while.  Friday night was perfect for an outdoor celebration.  There was no wind, no threat of rain.  A  completely clear  and still night for this occasion. 




Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison with wife Laura

 Seems like the simplest of ideas become the most magnificent occasions.  Mayor Morrison took a simple idea and the merchants said "Let's try it."  For over 20 years I worked full time at a local business downtown
and have find memories of wonderful things happening.  But there was never anything like this.


And it isn't my imagination that downtown Pocomoke is ALIVE!  For the first time in what I believe to be a long time the merchants are working together, there's more downtown to do and in case you haven't noticed there are new businesses downtown.




Greg Frostrom and wife Susan



City Manager Russ Blake enjoys conversation with
two Pocomoke City Police Officers





Mike Dean- Pocomoke Fire Fighter,
Member of  Delmarva Fireman's Assoc.
Hall of Fame and Funeral Director





 Great hat, Mike!

 







George Glovier with Mayor Bruce Morrison

Not only is this a business owner and the other the Mayor but these two guys are classmates of mine and good friends.  Who would have thought on graduation night many years ago  that so many of us would be together to help promote the businesses downtown?

And speaking of businesses.....

City Councilman Don Malloy (right) has conversation with Barry Wise the Warehouse Manager of Fuzion  a new business to the area  located in the Industrial Park.                   

                   

An evening of Christmas celebrations could never be complete without Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

They were the real Santa and Mrs Claus, that's for sure!  The children loved them and Santa had a busy knee

for quite a while.

Hope every child young or old told Santa what was on their list for Christmas this year.

To the right is Mrs. Anne Glovier. She has been a true asset and real "doer" in the Pocomoke community.

It is always a real treat to see and talk with her.  Whatever she told Santa she wanted for Christmas I hope she receives.  She is deserving of it.

                       

By this time it was close to 7:30 PM and time for the lighting of the first "Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" christmas tree.


The crowd counted down to 10 and with the flip of a switch
the tree came to life!

Raffle tickets were being sold Friday night for this handmade quilt.  The blocks were signed by friends and family, along with a donation to support the city's revitalization  effort.  Tickets for this quilt were also sold at The Enchanted Florist downtown.

Robinanne  Condon at Robinanne's  Quilting Service, with the helping hands from assistants,  created the masterpiece.

It was the Mayor's last task of the evening to draw the name of the lucky  winner in the Quilt Raffle.  (I was hoping it was me)

The winner of the handmade quilte from Robinanne's Quilting Service was Ed Weilbacher!

 

This was quite an evening and an Pocomoke event to remember.  The hard work poured into making this one night such a success was witnessed by the many.  I'm almost certain there will be a repeat. 

 

Businesses working together to revitalize downtown Pocomoke.  It's working.... and it shows!

 

Remember to visit downtown Pocomoke when doing your Christmas shopping - or any shopping-

 

The merchants are friendly and can suggest something for anyone on your Christmas list.   Gift Certificates are always nice choice and any of the business owners will be more that happy to help you with that.

 

~MERRY CHRISTMAS~

 



Mayor and Council Meeting- Revised Agenda

R E V I S E D    A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Monday, December 5, 2011

City Hall

1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Moment of Silence in memory of former Council member Robert Hawkins.
3. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of November 7, 2011. 
4. Review and approval of bills to be paid. 
5. Mayor Morrison to introduce new Police Chief  Kelvin Sewell and to present badge and pins. 
6. Chief Sewell to introduce new Police Officer Aaron Perkins. 
7. Rev. Isaac Jenkins to discuss “Save the Youth”. 
8. First Reading of Ord. No. 408 to authorize a new franchise agreement with Comcast Cable, Inc. for Cable TV, Internet and other services. 
9. Discuss letter from Planning and Zoning Commission recommending annexation of property at 1139 Ocean Highway.  (owner, Dr. Leroy Johnson) 
10. Discuss letter from Worcester County Commissioners concerning possible appointment to Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
11. City Manager to present status report concerning Pocomoke City Salvation Army Youth Club. 
12. Discuss possible appointments to various City boards and commissions.

Comments from the Audience.

Mayor and Council Items.

Adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, real estate, and legal matters as permitted under the provisions of Sec. 10-508 (A), (1), (7), (8) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and to perform executive actions.

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

Mayor and Council Meeting This Evening

A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Monday, December 5, 2011

City Hall

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



2. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of November 7, 2011.



3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.



4. Mayor Morrison to swear in Capt. Kelvin Sewell as Chief of the Pocomoke City Police Department.



5. Chief Sewell to introduce new Police Officer Aaron Perkins.



 6. First Reading of Ord. No. 408 to authorize a new franchise agreement with Comcast Cable, Inc. for Cable TV, Internet and other services.



 7. Discuss letter from Planning and Zoning Commission recommending annexation of property at 1139 Ocean Highway.  (owner, Dr. Leroy Johnson)



 8. Discuss letter from Worcester County Commissioners concerning possible appointment to Solid Waste Advisory Committee.



9. City Manager to present status report concerning Pocomoke City Salvation Army Youth Club.



 10. Discuss possible appointments to various City boards and commissions.



Comments from the Audience.

Mayor and Council Items.

Adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, real estate, and legal matters as permitted under the provisions of Sec. 10-508 (A), (1), (7), (8) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and to perform executive actions.

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

Family Pet STILL MISSING

STILL MISSING

Black cat currently wearing no collar due to a skin disorder.

His name is SHADOW

　
He is missing from the POCOMOKE HEIGHTS -

PAYNE AVENUE AREA

Be advised that SHADOW takes daily medication for a skin disorder AND SEIZURES.

Family has looked for him and has found no sign of him.

If YOU have seen him or have any information at all

 PLEASE call 757-999-1041

Shadow is missed very much by his human family............

"Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" in Pocomoke City, Maryland Part 2

Who would have thought about taking the parking lot across from city hall in downtown Pocomoke City and turning it into a evening of Christmas festivities?

Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison had the idea and in no time everyone downtown had ideas that when put all together,  turned into quite a magical night.  FREE was the keyword and with a meager donation of canned goods for the Samaritan Shelter one could have their choice of a host of yummy things to eat and drink.  Hotdogs, soda, hot cocoa, cider, mulled cider and even s'mores that seemed to be a big hit.

If you care to donate to the Samaritan Shelter in Pocomoke City......
You can still drop off canned and nonperishable foods at The Enchanted Florist downtown.



Barbara Tull and Don Holdren -
Were in charge of the free drinks



Pocomoke City Police Officer Ralph Corbin
with Marc Scher/ Owner of Scher's Bridal Shop
Downtown Pocomoke City



Marc and his helper

 I was unable to get photos of all the tents but every tent had it's own work cut out.  Hotdogs were going fast- the little kids and big kids were hungry.  There for a while there weren't enough marshmallows for the s'mores.........

I suppose the most asked question about the evening was "How do you build a bonfire in a parking lot?"  That was simple.  You call the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company.  They kept the bonfire burning all evening and at times pitched in to roast the marshmallows for the s'mores.  I sure was grateful for the warmth.  Those guys in the fire department can do anything and will do anything to help support the city. 





Pocomoke Vol. Fire Co. Chief Dicky Gladding
and Training Officer Keven Hall

 Entertainment for the evening certainly held alot of attention.  I wasn't able to get photos of the Pocomoke Elementary Afterschool Choir or The Larks.  The choir had already performed by the time we arrived.  The Larks were great....everyone seemed to enjoy them.

These children will be singing in a live performance at the Mar-Va Theater in the near future.

A Pocomoke City favorite, Sarah Bernstein entertained the crowd.  I admire anyone that can go on stage
in the cold and sing without shivering.  She was awesome. 

Pocomoke High School Show Choir were magnificent.

Wonderful selections  for entertainment.   I have to admit that the young voices win hands down for the simple fact that their voices seem to carry through the night air with such peace that Christmas spirit seemed to touch everyone even if you weren't paying attention..

How about those little red socks on the pony?  This was adorable and what I had waited for.  I have
never ridden in a horse drawn carriage.  But- and so many warned me- by the time I was ready for my
ride the little pony was cold and tired and had retired for the evening.  So, I still haven't ridden in a horse drawn carriage and I have added that to my "bucket list".  Those that did ride enjoyed themselves.

There's more........

We haven't even gotten to more of the  wonderful people of Pocomoke or Santa Claus yet-

OH- and the Mayor's famous tree!

There's more...............

TIME MACHINE ... Risking A Dash For Marriage In The 1880's!

January, 1884

(The New York Times)

MARRIED ON A STEAM-BOAT

From The Pocomoke City (Md.) Record

At Onancock, Va., on Wednesday morning of last week, as the steamer Tangier was preparing to leave her wharf, a young man, closely followed by a young lady, was seen making for the landing with hurried strides. The gang-plank, which had been drawn in, was again put out, and the couple, gasping for breath, hastily boarded the steamer. As the boat moved off an elderly man came rushing down to the wharf, gesticulating wildly and shaking his fist at the receding vessel, but the lucky couple- Mr. George S. White and Miss Annie T. Hopkins- only laughed at the old gentleman. They were aged 20 and 18, respectively, and were married speedily afterward by the Rev. George Bradford, who was on the steamer at the time on his way to Pocomoke City. The ceremony was witnessed by others of the boat and passengers, among whom the little romantic episode caused quite a ripple of pleasurable excitement. The newly married couple had intended returning to Onancock and facing the irate parents, but owing to the dense fog prevailing the boat failed to reach that place and they were carried on to Baltimore. They spent the first three days of their honeymoon, therefore, on the steamer Tangier, not even so much as going ashore to view the beauties of the city and enjoy the festivities of the holidays.
　
　
March, 1888

(The New York Times)

MARRIED IN SPITE OF HIM
BLOODSHED OVER AN ATTEMPTED ELOPEMENT

BALTIMORE, March 26- A special to-night from Onancock, Va., says an elopement in Accomac County Va., has nearly led to a double tragedy. Three years ago a daughter of Henry Williams, a farmer, ran away and married William Allen of Sykes Island. The father has never liked his son-in-law, and the latter on several occasions threatened the life of the old man. Several days ago Williams only remaining daughter left home, ostensibly to visit her sister on Sykes Island, but in reality to prepare there for an elopement with her lover. Her father, suspecting her intentions, started in pursuit with his shotgun loaded to kill, as he declared, any person who should prevent him from bringing his daughter home, as he was determined she should not marry any man. The angry old man crossed to the island, and as he neared Allen's house his son-in-law stepped out to meet him, gun in hand. The son-in-law fired first, and then several shots were exchanged at short range. Williams was badly wounded, but Allen escaped unhurt. While the battle raged the lovers escaped, and were wedded yesterday. Mr. Marshall, who tried to stop the fight, was wounded by a stray shot.
　
　
February, 1977

Pocomoke City lost one of its' longtime former business leaders with the death of Garland D. Bull at age 79. Early in his career he was in the trucking business and later was an owner of Small And Bull Poultry And Feed Company and Small And Bull Hatchery, and he also operated G.D. Bull Fruit & Produce Company, and The Pocomoke Frozen Food Lockers. He had served on the board of directors of the former Citizens National Bank, and was a board member of the Pocomoke City Rotary Club.


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!

TIME MACHINE ... 1878- "THE STRAIN UPON MODERN LIVING"

ACROSS THE USA

December, 1878

(The New York Times)

THE STRAIN UPON MODERN LIVING

(Excerpts)

Every man for himself is emphatically the modern sentiment, and there are some signs of completing this declaration of independence by adding the clause "Every woman for herself, also."

What is more clear than the fact that now no family is left to itself and to its own traditions and habits, but that the most out-of-the-way homes, whether in the backwoods or on the distant coast, are within reach of the world's vast and intense life, and no strangers to its hopes and fears, its learning and its folly, its triumphs and its disasters.

Not only every family that takes a newspaper, but every person who hears the village gossip, knows what is going on all over the globe, and every man who has to buy or sell anything, has cause to revise his estimates from day to day; and very often men lose their appetite for their breakfast by news from the great market of America or Europe that prices have changed sadly to their hurt. A considerable proportion of pain goes with the news of the day, and a large portion of unwholesomness, for disasters and scandals are dwelt upon with more minuteness than successes and satisfactions, and no great bargains or great weddings are reported half as fully as great frauds and great divorce and scandals.

It is not remarkable that the rich and conspicuous should strive to outshine each other in dress and living, but the remarkable thing is that in our modern life there are now no radical distinctions of class or fortune in costume or habits, and that all persons, and especially all women, follow the same fashions as far as they can, and catch the course of the same social ambition. So far as street dress is concerned, the wives, and especially the daughters, of the poorer classes, make, relatively, far more display than their richer neighbors, and to a certain extent, the exactions of modern society are in the inverse proportion of means and abilities, since they who have least fortune and talent are subject to the same high pressure from the reigning mode, and women who are not usually trained to earn their own living are beset by the same ruling passion for dress and ornament.

The palace of merchants and bankers, and the cottages of farmers and mechanics among us have a similar story to tell. Indeed it may be set down as part of the universal strain on modern living, that its exactions are out of proportion to its means, and the exaction presses upon every family, while the means at hand vary from wealth, or what is called competency, down to limitation and want.

Surely our modern living is under great strain, and many lives break down beneath the pressure.

Still Time To Enter Waste Watchers Essay Contest

Waste watchers of the Eastern Shore is offering $50 prizes at Elementary, Middle, and High school levels in both counties for the essay best answering the question: What is the real cost of litter on the Eastern Shore? Public, Private and Home Schooled students are all welcome to enter.


Jenny O'Neill, Coordinator of Waste Watchers, said the essays are coming in but she wanted to remind students they have until Friday, December 9, to enter.


"Quit procrastinating and take a shot at it, she said. I'm especially challenging the high school students to step up. It can only be for the good to have people articulating their understanding of the problems litter brings. I know $50 isn't a lot in some circles, but someone out there can win it. So why not try?"


The winning essay will show an understanding of the problems litter presents to the people, plants, animals, and communities of the Eastern Shore. Each entry will be judged on originality, depth of understanding, and ability to communicate the main points.


To enter, mail your essay to PO 191 Onancock Va 23417 or email it to wastewatchers.esva@gmail.com before December 9, 2011. For questions please call Jenny O'Neill at 757-787-7468.

Pocomoke City - "Old Fashioned Christmas Evening"

This bright star that proudly takes its place at Christmas time in Pocomoke City is a Christmas constant.  Year after year -  for as long as I can remember- it is there well into the new year and it just wouldn't be Christmas downtown without it. 

Downtown last evening.  No place to park- but that's okay. 

We'll walk!

What a wonderful evening to walk around downtown Pocomoke City and just observe the beauty of the Christmas lights.

Even the Mar-Va theater is decked out and in the

Christmas spirit.

Every town during this time of year is a winter wonderland to those that live there.  Pocomoke is no different for its citizens.  For those that grew up here - like myself-    downtown holds memories.

What Christmas spirit!!

They've added something different this year.  Businesses have had their windows painted with bright colors and Christmas themes.   

Students from the Pocomoke Hight School did this amazing artwork.  What a talented group.  I'd like to see more window painting during the fall months for the fall season and halloween. 

Be sure to take a trip to  downtown Pocomoke and take a peek at the paintings  and while you are there stop in to see the store keepers.

More photos to be posted.  We haven't even gotten to the "Old Fashion Christmas Evening" festivities yet!

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Risking A Dash For Marriage In The 1880's!

In 1884 and 1888 aspiring would-be brides are in the news on the Eastern Shore...will Cupid win?

Across The USA... from 1878, "THE STRAIN UPON MODERN LIVING."

Read more this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!
　
　
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!

The First "Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" In Pocomoke City

At 7:35 PM last night, Friday, December 2, 2011, without a hitch and as everyone counted down,  Mayor Bruce Morrison lit the first "Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" Christmas tree in downtown Pocomoke City.

This was an evening that will never be forgotten and I am certain will be planned for next year.

I have many more photos to post and will be working on them throughout the day.

It was so apparent yesterday evening that so many worked so hard to make Mayor Morrison's idea become a reality- not just for him-  but for so many others.  Truly an enchanted  and spectacular evening.  

 This just further proves that Pocomoke people ARE the best and Pocomoke City IS the friendliest!   

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you and it was so wonderful to be with so many of you once again.

Pocomoke City Mayor Morrison's First "Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" ~ TONIGHT

An Old Fashioned Christmas Evening and food drive in Downtown Pocomoke City

Friday, December 2nd 5:30 - 8:00PM In front of City Hall, 101 Clarke Ave. *Bring non-perishable food items for free refreshments! SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 5:30PM - 5:50PM Pocomoke Elementary School Afterschool Choir 5:50PM - 6:30PM The Larks www.larksjazz.com 6:45PM - 7:30PM Sarah Bernstein www.thesarahbernstein.com 7:30PM - 7:35PM Mayor Bruce Morrison's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting 7:35PM - 8:00PM Pocomoke High School Show Choir   Throughout the evening... Visit Mr. & Mrs. Claus in Santa's House Enjoy s'mores by the bonfire Toast friends and family with local wine from Layton's Chance Winery Appreciate holiday decorations via a horse-drawn carriage Keep tummies warm with hot dogs, hot cocoa & coffee Enter fun contests and raffles Visit with your neighbors and meet new friends... Finish the evening by going to the Mar-Va to see "Elf" at 8PM! Tickets are only $5!

*With your canned good or nonperishable food donation refreshments and entertainment tonight is FREE!
There is a fee for the Horse-drawn Carriage ride.*

Christmas Open House

The Samaritan Shelters "Bountiful Blessings Basket" has a value of over $1,150.00!! 

It's  filled with all kinds of goodies- gas certificates, restaurant gift certificates, prepaid VISA cards...and more.

Tickets are $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00

Pocomoke City Chief of Police J. D. Ervin Has Retired

As of November 30, 2011 the driving force of the strong police department in Pocomoke City, Chief J.D. Ervin, has retired.

His retirement, after 16 years as Chief of Police in Pocomoke City, was announced this past October.

With a resume filled with acheivements in law enforcement and military, J.D. Ervin became the Chief of Police of Pocomoke City in 1995. During the years of Chief of Police it must be mentioned that his accomplishments in Pocomoke City have been many.

Responsible for many youth-related events, Pocomoke children were not forgotten. Each year Chief Ervin made things happen. The Easter egg hunt, back-to-school event, Christmas Party, a fishing program gave children something to look forward to. Irvin did it without fanfare, without any hoopla, no pat on the back. He just did it. And he leaves many children that will remember him fondly forever and perhaps changed some young lives along the way..

Just as important as the happiness of children was to him came the protection of all citizens of Pocomoke City. He worked dilegently through the years to lower crime in the city and to introduce modern technology into his Police department. His work for the citizens never ended.

Chief J. D. Ervin was selected to serve and protect the citizens of Pocomoke City and he gave 110%. He leaves Pocomoke City with the best police officers the city has ever had and will go down in Pocomoke City history as the very best Chief of Police the city has ever had serve them.

The very best of luck to you and blessings for many days of a happy and enjoyable retired life. You have served Pocomoke City and its citizens well.

To read the many accomplishments of Chief Ervin published in a news release from Pocomoke City Hall go here:

　

　http://thepocomokepubliceye.blogspot.com/2011/10/news-from-pocomoke-city.html

Tom and I wish you well in your retirement.  May you have many uninterrupted family occasions, holidays fishing days and just sleeping days ahead of you.  I just just hope that after a lifetime of commitment to the protection of country and people you can relax.

　

Pocomoke City Has A New Police Chief

On December 1, 2011 Captain Kelvin D. Sewell was sworn in at Pocomoke City Hall as the new Chief of Police for the city of Pocomoke.

The new Chief is from Baltimore and has years of experience with the Baltimore Police Department.

With years of experience in police work Chief Sewell is well qualified to fill the shoes of the the retired Chief J. D. Ervin.

Chief  Sewell  has a police department that is ready for the future and his expertise. 

Welcome Chief Kelvin D. Sewell. 

More info on Chief Sewell can be found here:

http://thepocomokepubliceye.blogspot.com/2011/10/news-from-pocomoke-city.html

FRIDAY SPECIAL At Shore Beef and BBQ

TRY LUNCH AT

SHORE BEEF and BBQ

FRIDAY SPECIAL

Pulled Chicken Sandwich/ w Side

Drink ~ $7.50

Prices, Then and Now

I stopped at the fuel station tonight to put some well needed fuel in my truck and while the dollars were clicking away I had a reflection of what that hundred dollar bill used to buy.

My truck is a diesel with two fuel tanks, each holds 18 gallons. One tank was empty, one had just over 1/4 tank. Diesel fuel cost $3.79.9 today. I gave the cashier a $100 dollar bill. It filled the empty tank and the remainder went in the tank that had 1/4 tank and it put that tank to 3/4 full. That was a whole 26 gallons for $100.00.

                              
That's when I stopped to think of things I used to buy for 100 bucks. It's sad, I don't even want to think about that anymore. I have bought vehicles for 100 bucks when I was young. Now, they may not have been perfect cars/trucks but never-the-less they ran and drove and most needed only minor repair. Not to mention all the Vega's with blown head gaskets that I bought for 50 bucks to fix and resell.

My father used to send up the street to Mrs. Littleton's store to get him a pack of cigarettes, I think they cost $0.35 and while I was there I had to have one of her super delicious hamburgers ($0.30)...mmmmman they were good. All she had in her store to cook them in was a cheap electric griddle with a lid, and she'd put the bun in a waffle maker with the flat side up and smash the bun while it heated it.

Then there was Sam's Market. Remember Sam's? I'd have to stop Sam's for some penny candy, of course Sam's penny candy was 2 for a penny, and I'd usually have a couple of bottles to cash the deposit in on.

I could go on and on but I'll leave it at this.

Send us in your "Then and Now" memories in the comments, I love to see the prices that y'all remember in your youth. Don't be shy now.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Taking a risk and making a dash for marriage in the 1880's!

Aspiring Eastern Shore brides-to-be are in the news in 1884 and 1888... will Cupid win?

And Across The USA... from 1878, "THE STRAIN UPON MODERN LIVING."

Read more this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!
　
　
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!

Chincoteague Island Old Fashioned Christmas Parade

Chincoteague Island

Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 4

7:00 p.m.

This fun family-oriented event features fire companies from Delmarva, brightly illuminated floats, horses, bands, antique autos and colorful marching groups.

The parade will set the tone for an exciting holiday season.

Festivities begin with the traditional lighting of the town at 6:30 p.m. followed by the parade at 7:00 p.m.

For additional information contact the Chamber 336-6161.

Horses Could Soon Be Slaughtered for Meat in U.S.

WASHINGTON -- Congress has lifted a de facto ban on the slaughter of horses, a move hailed by Missouri farmers and state political leaders who say the prohibition had inadvertently caused more harm to the animals than good.

But some animal-rights activists decried the little-noticed provision, which sailed to passage earlier this month and was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Nov. 18. And they vowed to keep the issue alive, pressing for an outright prohibition of horse slaughtering in the U.S.

At issue is a ban, first enacted in 2006, that prevented the U.S. Department of Agriculture from using federal funds to inspect any meat processing plants that slaughter horses. Plants that are not inspected by the USDA cannot ship meat across state lines, so the provision effectively ended domestic horse slaughter.

There is no U.S. market for the human consumption of horse meat. But it is seen as a delicacy overseas, especially in some European and Asian countries. In addition, horse meat has been used in the U.S. to feed zoo animals, because it's a good source of protein.

Farmers and some policymakers say the ban resulted in old horses being abandoned and neglected. In response, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., successfully pushed for a provision requiring the non-partisan Government Accountability Office to study the impact of the ban. The GAO study, released in June, highlighted the concerns of Baucus and others.

The GAO report concluded that the slaughter of American horses didn't stop because of the ban, but simply shifted to Mexico and Canada. "From 2006 through 2010, U.S. horse exports for slaughter increased by 148 and 660 percent to Canada and Mexico, respectively," the GAO report states. "As a result, nearly the same number of U.S. horses was transported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter in 2010 -- nearly 138,000 -- as was slaughtered before domestic slaughter ceased."

In addition, horse prices declined for those animals most likely to be bought for slaughter, the report concluded. The GAO said that comprehensive data was not available on abandonment and neglect, but that state and local governments, along with some animal welfare groups, reported an increase in investigations of such incidents since 2007. "State, local, tribal, and horse industry officials generally attributed these increases in neglect and abandonments to cessation of domestic slaughter and the economic downturn," the GAO stated.

The agency suggested that Congress should either reconsider restrictions on the use of federal funds to inspect horse slaughtering facilities or consider a permanent ban of horse slaughtering.

Animal-rights groups have long pressed for the latter option -- and they hope they now have their opening.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said he thinks that if horse slaughter plants reopen in the U.S. that will provide "juice" to the society's effort to pass a ban on the practice.

He said he agreed with GAO's conclusion that the federal USDA ban has not stopped horse slaughtering. But he questioned the contention that it has led to more abandonment or neglect of horses.

"It's largely fabrication," Pacelle said. He said that if about the same number of horses are being exported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter as were killed in the U.S. before the ban, it doesn't add up that there is also a spike in abandonment.

The lawmakers who have embraced the GAO study are "slaughter proponents," he charged. "And that they are crying crocodile tears over abandonment is essentially a cynical and hypocritical line of argument. And it's a little too convenient."

But for critics of the USDA ban, the GAO study provided the evidence they needed to move forward with repeal.

As the 2012 agriculture appropriations bill moved through Congress this year, Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Georgia, moved to strip out the USDA funding ban. A spokesman for Kingston, who is chairman of the House agriculture spending subcommittee, said the provision was ineffective in stopping slaughter, but it did kill jobs.

"It's a $65 million industry in America -- it was before it was banned," said Chris Crawford, Kingston's spokesman.

The Humane Society and other groups say they think the repeal will prompt renewed interest in the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011, which would ban the interstate transport and live export of horses for slaughter for human consumption. The bill was introduced earlier this year by Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. There is companion legislation in the House.

The measure has been introduced in previous sessions, but could pass this time, Pacelle said, if there's fresh evidence of horse slaughter in the U.S.

"I think what will happen now is we will see cosponsoring of both bills accelerate as there's more talk of opening slaughter houses in the United States," he said.

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/story/2011-11-30/Horses-could-soon-be-slaughtered-for-meat-in-US/51495306/1

"Victorian Christmas Celebration" In Parksley On Friday

The Town of Parksley will welcome Christmas Friday night with their annual Christmas celebration on Dunne Avenue. The street will be blocked off and a big bonfire will warm the participants.

There will be hay rides so that riders can tour the town and vote on the Christmas decorations.

 Prizes of $100, $75 and $50 will be given to the top three deocrated homes in Parksley as determined by the vote of the hayriders.

There will also be carolers and Santa will arrive at 5:30 via firetruck.

Merchants will be open until 8 to allow for convenient local Christmas shopping.