Change Maryland Releases County-by-County Analysis of Tax Base

County-by-County Analysis of Tax Base

Annapolis - Change Maryland released today an analysis of how the state's 24
jurisdictions are performing in a key metric of their ability to
provide essential government services, improve quality of life and
maintain fiscal responsibility - the rise or fall of the tax base.

The Internal Revenue Service maintains tax file data between tax years
on both the state and county levels.  With this data, it is possible
to determine which counties are increasing, decreasing or are
remaining stagnant when it comes to their tax base.

 "A growing tax base is the ultimate win/win situation in public policy," said

Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "It eases the pressure to raise revenues, 

and conversely, a shrinking tax base often leads to a troublesome 

tax-and-spend downward spiral as actual revenues fail to meet estimates."

Some of Maryland's most successful counties in terms of increasing its

tax base are those with smaller populations.  Eastern shore

counties Worcester, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot are increasing their

tax base in percentage terms relatively higher than other jurisdictions

throughout the state.  Garrett and St. Mary's are also performing

well.  On the other hand, the state's largest jurisdictions -

Baltimore City and County, Prince George's and Montgomery range from

sharply negative growth to stagnant.

"I'm very encouraged by how well we're doing in the rural and outlying

counties," said Hogan.  "These small economic engines are powering the

state forward by attracting new residents.   Clearly where we need to

see improvement is in our largest jurisdictions.  Baltimore City is

losing its tax base at unacceptable levels and Montgomery County's

stagnant tax base will further tarnish its business reputation as

elected officials seek more revenue to make up for budget shortfalls."

Change Maryland noted this Spring that the state overall has lost its

tax base more than any other state in the region - and seventh highest

nationally.

http://www.changemaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/StateCountyTax.pdf

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes ~ June 18, 2012

June 18, 2012

The regular meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday, June 18, 2012. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.

Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison

Council Members: Tracey Cottman,

Rob Clarke, Diane Downing,

Donald L. Malloy, George Tasker

City Attorney William Hudson

City Manager Russell W. Blake

City Clerk Carol L. Justice

Review Minutes:

In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed), to approve the minutes of June 5, 2012.

Review Bills:

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

Second Reading of Res. 461 to adopt the City budget for fiscal year 2012-2013:

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF

POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND ADOPTING THE BUDGET

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013

In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed) to adopt the proposed budget for fiscal year 2012-2013.

Second Reading of Res. 462 to adopt the tax rates for various categories of real and personal property for fiscal year 2012-2013:

Resolution No. 462

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF

POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND SETTING THE TAX RATES

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013.

In a motion (Clarke, Cottman passed) to adopt Res. No. 462.

Second Reading of Res. 463 to adopt the schedule of fees and charges for fiscal year 2012-2013:

Resolution No. 463

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF

POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND ESTABLISHING THE

FEE SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013

In a motion (Downing, Clarke passed) to adopt Res. No. 463 establishing the Fee Schedule for fiscal year 2012-2013.

Presentation by representatives of Opto Traffic regarding speed cameras:

      Joshua Hathway, Account Manager, Opto Traffic, stated that they work with NASA with their parent company (Sigma Space which is a leader in laser technology). Mr. Hathway stated that they would provide the equipment for speed cameras for Pocomoke City. The speed cameras will provide two things: slows traffic down in a school zone and adds revenues to the City. There will be no cost to the City and the contract is very flexible with a lease agreement for 90 days. The cameras are portable on a four foot trailer. The laser sensors will work in dense traffic areas, multi-lane, lane specific, self-power supply and wireless connectivity, invisible infrared flash, small footprint and quick and easy deployment. Pocomoke City will keep 60% of the revenue and Opto Traffic will keep 40%.
      Councilman Malloy asked who the ticket will be issued to.
      Mr. Hathway stated the registered owner of the vehicle.
      Councilman Clarke asked the radius of school zone.
      Mr. Hathway stated ½ mile.
      Councilwoman Cottman asked what issues other municipalities have had with this.
      Mr. Hathway stated small number of complaints about speed cameras and the revenue can be addictive.
      Mayor Morrison thanked Mr. Hathway for attending the meeting and explaining the speed cameras to the Council and public.
      Councilman Tasker added that there would not be any points on driver’s licenses.

Representatives of Save the Youth Program to discuss future plans:
      Rev. Jenkins thanked the Mayor and Council for putting them on the agenda again. He stated that they will try to comply with the letter the Council sent them. The program is about thirty-three (33) years old now and he would like to see it continued.
      Mr. James Jones referred to the letter that they received concerning issues to be discussed. He stated that the maximum age requirement being 17 is a good requirement. He stated that they would like to have other areas available to use because it would be easier access to the gym from the front of the building and they would like to have an office area. He stated that the breakers could be turned off in areas that they are not using and they would like to use the building on Saturdays. He stated that the Pocomoke City zip code restriction is not a good idea because the programs that Mr. Davis had were allowed to use different zip codes.
      Mayor Morrison stated that the Council would review the material that they were given and will make a decision soon regarding the use of the building.
      Rev. Jenkins said he would like to compliment the new Chief of police. The crime seems to be down and the officers didn’t mind walking the streets late at night. "I thank God for sending us him."

Review report from consultant Ron Hamblin concerning condition of building at 124 Willow Street. (Lawson’s Bar):
      Mayor Morrison read excerpts from Mr. Hamblin’s letter, stating the problems observed with the roof, exterior walls, foundation and environmental concerns. Mayor Morrison stated that the building is in bad shape and one exterior wall is buckling and looks like it will collapse.
       Mr. Mike Dunn (owner) stated that he had not received a copy of the inspection and did not know what they were talking about. He wished that somebody had called to see what their intentions were before making plans for an inspection to have the building demolished.
      Mayor Morrison asked what the plans were.
      Mr. Dunn stated that they plan on marketing the building as a historic building and sell it to someone that would be interested in restoring it.
      Mayor Morrison asked about the safety issues that needed to be taken care of; what did they plan on doing about them.
      Mr. Dunn stated that they would look to see what they could do. He stated that at least one-third of the building is dangerous and should be demolished.
      Councilman Malloy stated that they liked what they have done to other properties that they own in town. Most of them look good and he will be willing to work with them on this property.
      Mayor Morrison asked the Duns to come back with a written plan within 30 days as to what they plan to do about the safety issues of the building at 124 Willow Street. If a satisfactory plan is not presented to correct the safety and other problems of the building, the City would have no choice but to have it demolished in six (6) months. Mayor Morrison stated that the City appreciates what they have done in Pocomoke City to other properties.

Second Reading of Ord. 409 to regulate the types of furniture that may be placed on open porches and other outside areas:
      City Attorney Hudson stated that there was a change in paragraph four which now requires that the property be posted and a letter sent to the owner of record.
      In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to pass Ordinance 409, as amended, to regulate the types of furniture that may be placed on open porches and other outside areas.

Review letter from Delmarva Discovery Center requesting loan funds:
      Mayor Morrison stated that this would be the last draw on the previously approved loan request for the Delmarva Discovery Center in the amount of $10,833.
      In a motion (Cottman, Malloy passed) to approve the request from Delmarva Discovery Center in the amount of $10,833.

Authorize bids for purchase of radio read water meters. (MDE Grant project):
      City Manager Blake stated that this is a grant funded project with a small loan. The MDE grant is in the amount of $123,813 with $17,688 loan. Engineers have completed their work and MDE agreed that the City would install the new meters. The City is ready to advertise for bids.
      Mayor Morrison asked how many meters would be replaced with this grant.
      City Manager Blake stated around 300 to 400 meters would be replaced; he suggested starting installing the meters in the older sections of town.
      In a motion (Downing, Malloy passed) to authorize City Manager Blake to purchase the radio read water meters.

Review bids for demolition of fire damaged house at 523 Young Street (Allen Blount, owner):
      Mayor Morrison stated that the City received two bids for demolishing 523 Young Street; one from Butch’s Tree and Lawn Care Service in the amount of $5,200 and the other from Beauchamp’s Construction in the amount of $6,300.
In a motion (Downing, Cottman passed) to accept the low bid of $5,200 from Butch’s Tree and Lawn Care.

Discuss vacancies on list of Boards and Commissions:
      Councilwoman Cottman stated that she would call City Clerk Justice with a name and which board the person is willing to serve on.

Review proposed mailer and application for ambulance department memberships:
      City Manager Blake stated that there were no changes to this year’s rate schedule, so he proposed to send out a flyer similar to last year’s flyer.
      Councilman Clarke suggested adding a place to include email addresses so that we can email for renewal instead of mailing the applications.

Comments from the audience:
      Mr. John Hutchinson, Maple Street, stated that he was not in favor of "Save the Youth" to be in the old police building. He stated that when functions were held soda cans and paper would be left on the streets. He felt like there was no supervision at that location. He also stated that there was old furniture at the back of the building that needed something to be removed.
      Mr. Walter Eskiewikz, Second Street, stated that he had a concern regarding "Save the Youth Program" being in the vacant building. He stated that there would be an increase of large groups of young people in the area, and peer pressure is greater when there are five or six kids in a group. He stated that after a function that they have had in the past there would be soda cans and paper left on the street. He continued to say that he doesn’t think that the old police building is the proper location for this group. Sometimes there could be a person waiting outside of the building for somebody that is in the building to come out to start a fight.

      Leona Hill asked to use the land on Willow and Clarke Ave for a science park in memory of her children. She stated that she has been working with someone from Salisbury State University in designing something that would go along with the Discovery Center. She doesn’t have land to place the park where it would be beneficial to children to visit. She also stated that she and her husband have set-up a foundation to take care of the park for many years to come and they also have a scholarship for students going into Science related fields.
      Councilwoman Cottman asked what she would need from the City.
      Ms. Hill stated that she would like to have the use of the lot at Willow Street and Clarke Ave. for the exhibit.
      Councilman Malloy stated that the City had agreed to use part of that lot as parking for the new restaurant.
      Mayor Morrison stated that the equipment would not cost the City any money.
      Councilwoman Cottman asked how close she is to having something ready to install.
      Ms. Hill stated that she could not ask for grants until she had land to put the equipment on.
      Councilwoman Cottman stated that she could complete grant applications with the intent of land use. Councilwoman Cottman offered to work with Ms. Hill to complete grant applications.
      Councilman Clarke asked to have the taxes abate for Salem Church since this year they did not have the parsonage house rented at 200 Walnut Street.
      In a motion (Tasker, Cottman passed) to abated taxes for Salem Church parsonage located at 200 Walnut Street. (Councilman Clarke abstained).
      Councilman Clarke stated that he would like to commend Bill East and the Public Works Department for a job well done before and after the Cypress Festival.
      City Manager Blake gave an update on the stormwater diversion project near Butler’s Village.

The next meeting will be July 2, 2012.

In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed) to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 P.M.

Approved: ______________________2012


___________________________________
Carol L. Justice
City Clerk

Andy Griffith Has Died

Former University North Carolina President Bill Friday says Andy Griffith died this morning in Dare County, according to WITN News.

Friday, who is a close friend of the actor, confirmed to the news station the 86-year-old actor died at his home around 7:00 a.m. today.

Deputy Chief Steve Hoggard of the Dare County sheriff's department said that emergency medical services had been called to Griffith's home earlier today.

Andrew Samuel Griffith was born in Mount Airy, N.C., on June 1, 1926. He was the only son of Carl Lee Griffith, a skilled carpenter and foreman in a chair factory, and Geneva Nunn Griffith.

READ MORE

America"s Vet Dogs: Md. Inmates To Train Service Dogs For Wounded Vets

HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- Maryland's prison agency is teaming up with a guide-dog group to have jailed veterans train service dogs for wounded and disabled military veterans.

Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Gary Maynard and leaders of America's Vet Dogs announced the program Monday at the Maryland Correctional Institution near Hagerstown.

Maynard called the project "one of the most significant restorative justice projects I have ever been involved with."

The prison agency says the trainers will include specially selected incarcerated veterans and other inmates at three institutions. They will care for the puppies, which will then get more specific service dog training.

America's Vet Dogs is a nonprofit organization based in Smithtown, N.Y. It provides guide dogs for blind or visually impaired veterans, and service dogs for those with other disabilities.

Source:

Some 4th of July Activities On Virginia Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore will be celebrating the Fourth with various activities. The celebrations get underway with an Ice Cream Social tonight at the Onancock Town Pavillion. The Accomack Unity Band will perform and free ice cream will be provided by the Onancock Business and Civic Association.

Accomac will have its traditional non motorized parade at 10 AM. The parade will assemble at Wards Exxon and will move down the street to the Accomack Courthouse Square where free popsicles and music by the Accomack Band will entertain participants. Kids are encouraged to decorate their bikes and come to Accomac and participate.

The Fourth of July aways means that the folks at Calvary United Methodist Church at Hunting Creek will be having their annual dinner. This will be the 124th year that Calvary has had this famous meal which consists of such Eastern Shore favorites as clam fritters, crab cakes, fried chicken, baked ham, baked corn, mac and cheese, baked tomatoes and much more. You can eat at the church or order a take out. Take out orders can be called in 665-6445 after 11:00 am Wednesday morning.


There will be fireworks at the Chincoteague Firemans Carnival starting at 9:30 and there will be fireworks at Shuckers in Onancock starting at 9:00.

The Wachapreague Carnival will be running Wednesday night with food, rides, games and entertainment.

The Town of Cape Charles, along with the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Company is planning an impressive, day-long July 4th celebration centered along the beachfront of Cape Charles.

Planned activities include a parade down Mason and Bay Avenues, horseshoes competition, beach volley ball, face paintings for children, a fishing competition at the pier with prizes for young adults 16 years of age and under, arts & crafts stands, sidewalk sales, food vendors and more. Beachfront fireworks will cap off the festivities after dark!

Source:

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting ~TONIGHT

AGENDA

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 P.M., MONDAY, JULY 2, 2012

CITY HALL

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

2. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of June 18, 2012.

3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.

4. Chief Kelvin Sewell to discuss recent grand opening of new police station building and National Night Out event (August 7).

5. Authorize Mayor to sign renewal agreement for monitoring and laboratory services for Water and Wastewater Treatment with Maryland Environmental Service (MES).

6. Discuss recommendation from Housing Coordinator Harvey Davis for repair or demolition of house at 724 Sixth Street (James Finey, owner).

7. Discuss proposal from building inspector Ron Hamblin for preliminary inspection services at Armory Building.

8. City Attorney to discuss proposed Ethics Ordinance as required by Maryland State Law.

9. City Attorney to discuss progress on right-of-way acquisition for Stormwater Drainage project near Butler’s Village.

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 perform executive actions.

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

Leave Your Dog At HOME

Virginia's New Laws That Began July 1st

RICHMOND, Va. --

The ideological division and pitched partisan battles that made the 2012 General Assembly session among the most tumultuous in recent memory have passed.

But the combative legislative legacy left by lawmakers is just now starting to be felt.

Hundreds of new laws take effect today that will affect nearly every aspect of life in the commonwealth, from voting to veterans, tax credits to crime and punishment, women's health to children's safety.

They include measures requiring women seeking abortions to have ultrasounds, and Virginians seeking to vote to present identification. There is no longer a one-gun-a-month limit on handgun purchases in the commonwealth, and drivers will face even stiffer sanctions for driving under the influence.

Nearly 3,000 bills and resolutions were introduced during the session. There were 849 measures approved — and all but eight of those were signed by Gov. Bob McDonnell.

Here's a look at some notable new legislation taking effect today in Virginia:

Abortion

Arguably the most controversial legislation passed this year, House Bill 462 requires all women to undergo an ultrasound before receiving an abortion. The original version of the legislation would have required an invasive vaginal ultrasound, but was amended following massive protests to be a noninvasive imaging procedure. The ultrasound is not mandatory if the woman having the abortion has reported being the victim of rape or incest.

Adoption

With the signing of House Bill 445, the law now eliminates the need for parental consent for an adoption in cases in which the birth parent has not visited or contacted the child for six months prior to a petition for adoption.

Child abuse

Inspired by the Penn State sex-abuse scandal, Senate Bill 239 broadens the list of people required to report suspected child abuse to include coaches, among others. It also reduces the time period for mandatory reporting of suspected abuse from 72 hours to 24 hours, and increases fines and criminal penalties for failing to make a report.

Drinking and driving

House Bill 279 and Senate Bill 378 bring a significant change to the state law governing driving under the influence. Now, first-time offenders convicted of driving under the influence must, as a condition of a restricted license, drive vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device. The device prevents a car from starting if the operator has been drinking. Previously, devices were required only upon conviction of a second or subsequent offense.

Employee retirement

Local government and school board employees will now contribute to their pensions in the Virginia Retirement System. Senate Bill 497 stipulates that they pay 5 percent of their salaries to VRS, but allows localities to phase in the employee contribution over five years, and requires them to provide a salary increase to offset the contribution.

Guns

Virginians may now purchase more than one handgun a month, following the signing of Senate Bill 323, which repealed a 1993 law restricting handgun purchases in the commonwealth.

School safety

Prompted by the allergic reaction death of Chesterfield County elementary school student Amarria Johnson in January, House Bill 1107 and Senate Bill 656 require schools to keep a supply of epinephrine on hand to administer to students in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

Unemployment

Senate Bill 54 keeps the minimum amount of wages needed to qualify for unemployment insurance at $2,700 for the two highest earnings quarters of an employee's base pay period. The level was scheduled to increase to $3,000 — now it will not go into effect until July 2014.

Veterans

Veterans who are permanently disabled due to a service-related disability can receive a free lifetime hunting and freshwater fishing license under House Bill 719 and Senate Bill 528.

House Bill 938 requires state occupational regulatory boards to accept military experience, education and training as equivalent experience required for certification by the sate, with the exception of requirements by the Board of Medicine and the Board of Dentistry.

Voting

Virginia voters who arrive at the polls without any identification will no longer be able to cast an official ballot by signing a sworn statement. Under Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 9, such a voter will be given a provisional ballot subject to review by the local electoral board. The voter has three days following the election to submit proper identification to the board in order to have the vote counted.

The new law also expands the list of acceptable identification that may be presented at the polls, which includes student identification cards issued by a Virginia college or university, utility bills and concealed handgun permits.

To promote compliance and address critics who say the law is designed to suppress the vote of minorities, students and the elderly, McDonnell has also issued an executive order requiring new voter ID cards to be sent to all registered voters in the commonwealth in advance of this year's November elections.

Wrongful death

Senate Bill 674 creates a cause of civil action for the death of a fetus that is caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default of another. Only the natural mother, or, in the case of her disability or death, her guardian, representative or the administrator of her estate, may file the claim. The natural mother herself cannot be sued.

* * * * *

Additionally, a number of significant new laws passed by lawmakers in the 2012 General Assembly session do not take effect until 2013 or beyond.

Among them:

A law that provides tax credits to corporations or individuals who provide scholarships for low-income students to attend private schools, scheduled to take effect in 2013.

A law placing on the November 2012 ballot an amendment to the Virginia Constitution that would limit the government's power of eminent domain to take private property for public use, and define how property owners should be compensated.

The so-called "Amazon bill," which forces online, telephone and catalog merchants from out of state to collect sales tax from Virginia customers if the merchants maintain a "bricks and mortar" presence in the state. The law is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2014, or earlier if Congress passes similar legislation.

Source:

Some Verizon Customers Experiencing Outages

***The outages included some parts of Virginia only. Problems have been resolved as of late in the afternoon.***

Some of you may be experiencing problems with your texting and voicemail today.

If you're a Verizon Wireless customer, don't count on sending any text messages or retrieving voicemail from your phone today. That's because the company is experiencing an outage that is affecting both services.

"We’re aware of the issues affecting some customers and are working to define the scope at this time," Verizon spokeswoman Melanie Ortel said.

Verizon has not provided a timetable for the restoration of service.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... Fourth Of July

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)　

　

July, 1830

(The Hagerstown Mail- Hagerstown, Md) (Community's name spelled Hagers-Town in this era.)

THE FOURTH OF JULY

The annual return of this memorable day is again at hand, and its arrival will be hailed by millions, with heartfelt joy and sincere gratitude;- gratitude to that all wise Providence, "who made and preserved a nation," and joy to think that this happy land is now in the enjoyment of every earthly blessing- of Civil and Religious liberty, of health, of peace and plenty.

We are like the children of Israel of old, a peculiar people; protected in our infancy, guided in our youth, led on to manhood so quickly, that even we ourselves are astonished at our own rapid growth and prosperity; it seems but yesterday when we took our place among nations, and we are already looked up to as a pattern by the people of every other nation, our march has been onward, and steady, in the cause of Liberty, and the day is at hand, from the least, we shall become the greatest among the nations of the earth; when none will dare to molest us, when all will be proud to call themselves our friends.

Our future prospects are bright, and promise to us a long and unclouded day of happiness, yet our destinies are in the hand of Heaven, which has hitherto been so visibly our friend, will continue to be so to the latest generations.

And our path is plain- our way is straight. To other nations, as well as to each other individually, we have only to follow the Golden Rule, as laid down to us by our great Master; "whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them"- and pursuing this course and adhering to this precept, as men, or as a nation, will ultimately secure to us the blessing and protection of Heaven. And even if the storms of War arise- should the pestilence devour, or Famine consume us- we will not be suffered to perish, but will be preserved through all dangers as our forefathers were.

And like them, let us be true to the principles of Liberty, let us like them resist oppression, and oppose tyranny in every shape and form, and like them, let us be firmly united in support of our country's rights and our country's laws. Be for our country through life, and be true to her even until death.

Fifty-four years have elapsed since that immortal band railed round the alter of Liberty, and proclaimed, "that these United States are, and of right, ought to be, Free, Sovereign, and Independent."- Of that illustrious band of brothers, one, only remains among us, Charles Carroll of Carrollton- he is the last, the only survivor; all the rest have departed from the world, but their memories, their dear memories, will live forever, will be cherished, affectionately cherished, whilst a freeman is to be found in any country, or in any clime.

On the Fourth of July, above all other days, we ought to lay aside party, and party politics; it is dishonoring the day to make it a party day, or through the medium of Toasts and Orations, to use it for the purpose of censure of declamation against those from whom we may differ politically in opinion, from whom we differ either as it regards Measures, or Men.- The Fourth of July is the Peoples day; the day when party ought to sleep or be quiet. The Fourth of July, 1776, the principles which brought about the American Revolution; the Statesmen; the Heroes; the Patriots; the Warriors; of "those times which tried men's soles," will always afford sufficient themes for the orator to dwell upon, and subjects enough for the indulgence of patriotic sentiments, without calling into view the men or the politics of the passing time; the theme of our National Independence, can never cease to be interesting, the subject can never cease to be pleasing, nor can it ever be exhausted.

The Worthies of the Revolution have left us a rich inheritance, nobly earned by their toil, their blood, and their treasure. Their lives, and their fortunes, were freely sacrificed for us, and for our children; shall we not then emulate their great examples? Shall we not then be ready to suffer, or even to die, in the same great glorious cause, in the cause of Liberty- in the cause of our Country? Yes, we will.

And this year, the Fourth of July comes on our day of rest, on our Sabbath day; let it be indeed a Sabbath day to us, let us on that day offer praise and thanksgiving to Him, to whom we owe our all, and let the prayer of every heart be, that what ever party may be in power, whoever may be chosen by the people to govern us that they may be actuated by the principles of Seventy Six; may walk in the path of Washington, and then the people, the whole people, from east to west, from north to south, will be able to unite, and in one loud voice proclaim ALL'S WELL.

(Unsigned)
July 2, 1830　

　

June, 1887

(The Herald And Torchlight- Hagerstown, Md.)

Worcester County will celebrate the Fourth of July at Snow Hill with a morning parade of citizens on horseback, orations in the afternoon, fireworks in the evening and music all day.

　

July, 1890

(The Denton Journal)

The Crisfield Leader says: There were fifteen hundred people at the celebration in that town on the Fourth. Prof. George E. Sterling, and Prof. Stephens, of Denton, were the orators, and both efforts werre highly spoken of.

　

　

　

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!

High-Tech Jobs Coming To Pocomoke

Vorbeck Materials Corporation has just opened an engineering/manufacturing company in Pocomoke Industrial Park located on Broad Street.

Here are some other links that will give you even more information of what the business is all about.


Our View: High-tech jobs coming to Pocomoke is more good news for Shore

WORCESTER BIZ: High-tech company has big plans for Pocomoke City

Lin's Asian Cuisine ~ A Readers Review

Many of you have been waiting patiently for a review on the new restaurant located at Newtown Blvd. in the same area as the flower shop Country Blossoms. I will be the first to admit that I did "drop the ball" on this one. And I know that many of you have already eaten there. But thanks to a couple of readers on the facebook PPE here is a review for you along with photos. Enjoy!

Lin's Asian Cuisine Restaurant

Let me start by stating that I am an avid sushi eater I have eaten at many different sushi restaurants and I’m more than happy that I can finally eat at one close to home. Since I've heard about Lin’s Asian Cuisine I made sure to find the exact date it was opening and I was excited that Pocomoke was finally getting real sushi. No longer would I have to take a forty five minute drive in busy traffic just to satisfy my cravings. So the 28th finally got here and my fiancé and I decided to go for lunch since we didn’t know how busy it would be at dinner time. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by some of the friendliest staff I have ever seen in any Asian restaurant. The décor was very elegant and as you would expect in an Asian themed restaurant. I didn’t know what to expect when I walked in. I figured there would be several tables with a hibachi grill sort of like at Tokyo Steakhouse in Salisbury.
However that was not the case. In the front there was the sushi bar along with one lone hibachi grill. This kind of turned me off at first but I was still intrigued to try their sushi.

As we were seated and given our menus I browsed through the large variety of food that they had. Everything from the usual Chinese takeout menu we all know and love from a whole section dedicated to nothing but sushi and hibachi. The menu was very extensive so even a non-sushi lover could eat here and be happy.
As I turned to the lunch menu I saw that they had a pick three rolls for ten dollars, my eyes widened, if you eat sushi then you know that this is a deal that you cannot beat. Even the lunch hibachi was cheap 8.95 for steak and that includes the freshly fried rice, steak made to your liking, and vegetables with yum-yum sauce. After getting our drinks we were ready for our order, I ordered a spicy salmon roll, a shrimp tempura roll, a salmon avocado roll and an order of lunch hibachi steak. My fiancé ordered a spicy salmon, spicy yellowtail, shrimp avocado roll, and an order of hibachi chicken. We also ordered a specialty roll called a Black Dragon Roll that has eel and avocado on top with shrimp tempura in the middle.
After our order we were each given an order of miso soup free of charge. I can say trying various miso soups in my past this is the first one I finished for it had a generous amount of tofu and vegetables and was very tasty.
It didn’t take long at all for our food to come out: roughly fifteen minutes and when the plates hit the table my mouth was watering the vegetables looked fresh along with the fish with very lovely plating. The first rolls to come out were the lunch. As I bit in to the spicy salmon my taste buds thanked me the salmon tasted like it was just caught and spicy mayo infused in the roll had a very nice kick to it. The avocado in the salmon avocado roll was perfect it wasn’t mushy or too firm and of course the salmon was fresh as ever. The leaf lettuce in the shrimp tempura roll was very crisp and the shrimp was fried to perfection that in every bite there was a satisfying crunch. The sushi here was no gimmick at all this isn’t a Chinese restaurant that sold sushi on the side or on a buffet that tasted less then mediocre. This was the real deal, the presentation was fabulous and the taste was more than satisfying.

The staff was very attentive to us for they came by our table several times to make we were satisfied and kept our drinks full. The next item that came to our table was our beautifully plated specialty roll “The Black Dragon Roll”. This roll had avocado and eel cut on top of a shrimp tempura roll. The eel was of course some of the best tasting smoked eel in unagi sauce that I have ever tasted. This roll was to die for and just about ate the whole thing to myself. Last but not least the hibachi plates came to the table fresh off the grill. The hibachi steak was cooked medium-rare, just as I asked, and the fried rice was very delicious you could taste the fried onions, eggs, bean sprouts, and carrots distinctively. This wasn’t like a regular pre-made order of pork fried rice this was far better. The side of vegetables with yum-yum sauce was the icing on the cake; the sauce was sweet and tangy while the vegetables were flavorful and crisp making the ultimate combination.




Overall this was an excellent experience and there is so much good to say about this new establishment. The pricing was very generous along with the food portions for we still had sushi and hibachi to take home we later ate for dinner. The staff was very friendly, attentive, and made feel appreciated as a new customer. Rating wise I would give them five stars. Now I have to re-budget and figure how I can make it so I can eat here every day.

I hope Pocomoke sees the beauty in this new restaurant and doesn’t by-pass it due to the other Chinese establishments in Pocomoke that all taste the same. This is new, fresh, and different; exactly what the friendliest town on Eastern Shore needed.
A huge thanks to Pedro B. for writing the great descriptive review and Brooklyn H. for the wonderful photos.

Deputy Allison Herrman Awarded Top Academic Honors

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Graduates
NUMBER ONE Academically From the Academy

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that Deputy Allison Herrman was awarded top academic honors from the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice academy June 13^th 2012 Deputy Herrman graduated number one in her class. Deputy Herrman joins her brother Sgt. Nate Passwaters in serving the citizens of Worcester County.

Deputy Herrman is pictured in the center flanked by the Worcester County Sheriff Reggie Mason and Chief Deputy Dale Smack

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Fourth Of July

The year was 1830. It was but 54 years since the birth of our nation. A citizen writes to a Maryland newspaper expressing thoughts about the upcoming Fourth Of July observance. The words seem to come to life as they express an enthusiastic and patriotic sentiment reflecting the true spirit of this holiday.

Please take a few moments to read these words from 182 years go.. 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!

WHY OUR HEALTH CARE COSTS ARE SO HIGH!

Kevin had shingles.

Those of us who spend much time in a doctor's office should appreciate this! Doesn't it seem more and more that physicians are running their practices like an assembly line?


Here's what happened to Kevin:


Kevin walked into a doctor's office and the receptionist asked him what he had. Kevin said: 'Shingles.' So she wrote down his name, address, medical insurance number and told him to have a seat.


Fifteen minutes later a nurse's aide came out and asked Kevin what he had...


Kevin said, 'Shingles.' So she wrote down his height, weight, a complete medical history and told Kevin to wait in the examining room.


A half  hour later a nurse came in and asked Kevin what he had. Kevin said, 'Shingles..' So the nurse gave Kevin a blood test, a blood pressure test, an electrocardiogram, and told Kevin to take off all his clothes and wait for the doctor.


An hour later the doctor came in and found Kevin sitting patiently in the nude and asked Kevin what he had.


Kevin said, 'Shingles.' The doctor asked, 'Where?'


Kevin said, 'Outside on the truck. Where do you want me to unload 'em??'

Obama to Soldiers: Pay Up

The Obama administration on Friday threatened to veto a defense appropriations bill in part because it does not include higher health care fees for members of the military.



“The Administration is disappointed that the Congress did not incorporate the requested TRICARE fee initiatives into either the appropriation or authorization legislation,” the White House wrote in an official policy statement expressing opposition to the bill, which the House approved in May.


President Obama’s most recent budget proposal includes billions of dollars in higher fees for members of TRICARE, the military health care system, and is part of the administration’s plan to cut nearly $500 billion from the Pentagon’s budget.


Some fear the administration’s proposal is an effort to increase enrollment in the state-run insurance exchanges mandated under the president’s controversial health care law.


The administration urged the House to “reconsider” to fee increase, arguing they are “essential for DOD to successfully address rising personnel costs.”


The House bill has significant bipartisan support, and easily passed by a margin of 299 to 120.

source: The Wasington Free Beacon

High-Tech Company Moves To Pocomoke-Offers Jobs

Great news for Pocomoke. A new business is coming to Pocomoke City. Vorbeck Materials Corp., a high-tech manufacturing enterprise will be opening a facility in the Pocomoke-Worcester County Enterprise Zone - aka Industrial Park on Broad Street.

John Lettow, the 38-year old president of Vorbeck, met with Pocomoke officials and other dignitaries on Wednesday and told them the plans are to hire 20 to 30 people in the first year and make a total of 50 high tech jobs to the area in 3 years.

WMDT News
By Alyana Gomez

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. - A new high tech company is bringing their business and products to Delmarva. Vorbeck Materials is well on their way to manufacturing innovative products that could change everyday technology. President John Lettow unveiled his company's new expansion project housed in this Pocomoke City facility.

"We make a new material and then form of that material in a powder, but we convert that powder into a range of different products," said Lettow.

"They're hoping that this could be the new Silicon Valley of the east coast and so we're excited about the opportunity here," said City Manager, Russell Blake.

What's more important: job growth. Vorbeck expects to employ 25 to 30 people in the first year, and 50 others soon after.

More of the story and video here.

Welcome to Pocomoke City John Lettow and Vorbeck Materials Corporation !

Pocomoke Fire Co. Annual Chicken BBQ

Don't forget the Pocomoke City Fireman's Annual Chicken BBQ this weekend!


Sources tell me that some freshly cooked BBQ'd chicken is about ready to come off the pit!


YUMMY!Route 13 South of Pocomoke

Menu includes: 1/2 bbq chicken, potato salad, baked beans, roll

Advanced tickets: $7.00
$8.00 w/no ticket

****While supplies last...****

Supreme Court Heath Care Decision

U. S. Representative Scott Rigell Statement

on the
Supreme Court's Health Care Decision

Washington/Thursday -- Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-2) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s health care ruling:

"Like the underlying legislation that it addresses, today’s 5-4 ruling by the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is lengthy and complex. I will be reviewing the decision thoroughly so I can fully understand the practical implications of the ruling.

A cursory review, however, makes it clear that much of the PPACA has been ruled constitutional. This is deeply disappointing because it sets a legal precedent that greatly expands government’s ability to “mandate” other aspects of American life. For the first time in our history, Americans will be taxed not for what they purchase, but for what they have not purchased. That is wrong, and in my view, unconstitutional.

I have often said the PPACA is misnamed because it does not do what the name implies it will: protect patients and offer them affordable care. Instead, it:

• Hits hard-working Americans and job creators with a mandatory tax disguised as an individual mandate increasing costs and uncertainty for our families and small businesses;
• Imposes $800 billion in additional tax increases on Americans and small businesses;
• Cuts $500 billion from Medicare, putting senior care at risk, while adding to our nation’s $15 trillion debt;
• Creates an Independent Payment Advisory Board of 15 bureaucrats which will restrict health care choices for seniors;
• Infringes on Americans’ religious freedoms.

For these reasons and others, I have and will continue to vote to repeal the PPACA and replace it with legislation that protects the patient-doctor relationship and ultimately ensures that individuals – not the government – maintain control of their health care."

Snow Hill 4th Of July Celebration !

The New Riverside Grill

Since last winter I have taken my share of photos of the new restaurant downtown. Some are really good- some not some good and some are so beautiful I even surprised myself!



But this photo is the best by far! ..... I didn't even take the photo but I sure do appreciate Councilman Rob Clarke sharing it with me so I could share it with you.

"Reflections On the Riverside Grill"

Photo by: Rob Clarke (Councilman/Pocomoke City

Thank you, Councilman Clarke!

Attorney General Eric Holder Held in "Civil Contempt"

Rigell Statement on House Action to Find

Attorney General Eric Holder in Contempt

Washington/Thursday – Today Congressman Scott Rigell voted to find Attorney General Eric Holder in “civil contempt” for withholding documents from Congress in relation to the Fast and Furious program that resulted in the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. The Congressman voted against finding Mr. Holder in “criminal contempt.” Rigell released the following statement on Thursday afternoon:

“In the wisdom of our Founding Fathers, there is built-in tension among the three branches of our federal government. This tension was reflected in two votes that came to the House floor this afternoon.

“I believe in progressive discipline. Accordingly, and after a careful review of the facts, I voted against a bill to hold the Attorney General in criminal contempt of Congress. Later, I voted for a bill that authorizes the Oversight Committee to initiate or intervene in judicial proceedings and force the Attorney General to comply with what are very reasonable oversight requests from this Congress.

“In my view, the Attorney General has not served the President or the American people well. I believe he should resign. I am intent on pursuing the facts and gaining a full understanding of the Administration’s handling of the events leading to the Fast and Furious program, and as importantly, the conduct of the Administration in the months that followed.”

HOT! HOT! HOT!

The weather predicted for the next few days is HOT! The weatherman says the "feel like" temperatures will be in the 3 digit area.

Since we all can't go to the beach to keep cool (and I'm not sure if the beach is the place to be either) try to go slow, take short breaks, drink lots of fluids- no not beer- eat light food, wear light clothing....you know the drill. And REMEMBER to check on your elderly neighbors and your animals!!

Here's the weather report that tk for PPE sent me last night for an area a little North of us:

Barrow, Alaska

Tonight...Cloudy. Areas of fog. Lows in the mid to upper 30s. West winds 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast.

Friday...Cloudy. Areas of fog. Highs in the 40s. East winds to 10 mph.

Friday Night...Cloudy. Areas of fog. Lows in the mid to upper 30s. East winds around 10 mph.

Saturday...Cloudy. Areas of fog in the morning. Highs in the lower to mid 40s. Northeast winds to 10 mph.

Stay Cool!

Camp Fragile Hearts ~ Application Deadline Friday

This fall Hospice and Palliative Care of the Eastern Shore will sponsor a grief camp for children ages 7-17 who reside on the Eastern Shore and who have lost a significant loved one due to death, incarceration, foster placement, military deployment or divorce. Camp Fragile Hearts is scheduled for October 19-20, at YMCA Camp Silver Beach.

Camp Fragile Hearts Grief Camp provides a safe, nurturing environment where children and teens ages 7-17 can express their grief over the loss of a loved one and begin the healing process. Campers not only get support from professionals and their "Big Buddy" volunteer, but also experience real healing from being around other kids and teens who have faced similar losses. And because it's a camp, they also get to be kids and participate in typical camp activities like canoeing, rope courses, scavenger hunts, sports and more!

Space is limited, so we encourage you to complete and return your application by Friday, June 29, 2012. Camp is made possible through generous donations, fund raising events and private donors to offset the cost.

To learn more about Camp Fragile Hearts or to download an application- visit our website at http://www.hpces.org/.
If you have any questions, please call Mozella Francis at (757) 787-3310x 205 or Fay Ellis Jones Eller at x206. If youd like to learn about how you can become a volunteer for Camp Fragile Hearts, create lasting memories and begin healing in the life of a child- we need you! Call Bill LeCato, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at (757) 787-3310 x109.
Source:

Pocomoke City Police Dept. Dedication and Ribbon Cutting /2

Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Pocomoke City Police Department

Friday June 22, 2012

A banner was on display from Lighthouse Counseling welcoming the Pocomoke City Police Department to their new location of 1500 Market Street

Tom Beauchamp- owner of Beauchamp Construction with daughter.
Beauchamp Construction handled the rennovations on the building.

Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell and his wife Rhonda. It was so wonderful to finally meet her. I knew there had to be a strong woman behind that smile Chief Sewell almost always wears. Maybe she should write a book. Being the wife of a Baltimore City Homicide Detective could not have been an easy task. I just can't help but wonder about her long dark nights. How many times did she have to appear brave, keep a smile, bite her tongue and hold back tears sitting at home while waiting for her husband to finish a case to the point he could return home. How many times were important family matters put on hold? How many sleepless night.

On the Dedication page of "Why Do We Kill" Chief Sewell writes that his wife Rhonda once stated "The Police Department took my husband away from me years ago."

Here's hoping that now with your husband being Chief of the Police Department in Pocomoke City you have gotten back your husband. Oh, there's still crime, his responsibilities are there. But being in Pocomoke has to make all the difference in the world.....for all of you. My very best to all of you.

Many thanks to Chief Sewell, Angel and everyone associated with the Pocomoke City Police Department. I appreciate everything minute of your time you have given to me and you will never know exactly how proud I am of all of you. If there are days when you think those around you are not grateful for everything you do remember always that I do. You kindness, your smiles will never be forgotten and I hold all of you dear in my heart. Please stay safe.

Thank you to those great people at Pocomoke City Hall for your words of appreciation. Pocomoke now has the best police department it has ever had with a new headquarters to be proud of for many years.

Councilman Malloy, thank so much for leading the way and making it possible for me to carry out my mission of keeping everyone informed mostly through photos. This is Mission Accomplished!

And a very special thanks to my wonderful husband. I love you. And remember: YOU bought me the book....and you bought me the camera.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Fourth Of July

The year was 1830. It was but 54 years since the birth of our nation. A citizen writes to a Maryland newspaper expressing thoughts about the upcoming Fourth Of July observance. The words seem to come to life as they express an enthusiastic and patriotic sentiment reflecting the true spirit of this holiday.

Please take a few moments to read these words from 182 years go.. 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!

Tips to Prevent Residential Burglaries

PROTECT YOUR HOME

While we enjoy a very safe community, in the United States, a residential burglary occurs every 13 seconds. In addition to the property loses, victims often develop personal feelings of vulnerability resulting from these crimes. To help prevent becoming a victim, the Pocomoke City Police Department offers some helpful hints:

•Have sturdy dead-bolt locks on all exterior doors – and use them.

•Trim shrubbery back to avoid giving burglars cover, and trim tree branches so there is no access to upper windows.

•Leave shades and blinds in normal positions.

•Keep porches, entrances, and driveways well lit – consider installing automatic lights that turn on at specific times or when there is movement in the area.

•Keep garages and sheds closed and locked when not in use – they offer excellent cover for a burglar attempting to break into a house.

•Store tools and ladders securely out of the way when not in use.

•Never carry identification tags on your keys.

•Do not hide "spare house keys" outside.

•Keep daily routines confidential and vary them when possible.

•Do not put valuables where they are visible from a door or window of your home.

•Do not let strangers into your home to use the phone – offer to make the call for them.

•Put lights and television and/or stereo on timers (not just when you are away on vacation).

•Make sure your exterior lights are not on during day light hours. (remember to adjust timers with seasonal day light changes).

•Do not let newspapers build up on your driveway and/or property - have a trusted neighbor retrieve your newspapers and mail.

•Do not let mail build up and/or over flow your mail box.

If you observe anyone acting suspicious call the Police immediately, you can remain anonymous.

If you have any questions or would be interested in further information on crime prevention, please contact the Pocomoke City Police Department.

Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

Pocomoke City Police