Sunday, November 11, 2012

OH! Those Trunk-Or-Treaters !!

Midway's annual Trunk-or-Treat hosted by Bay Country 97.9 on October 27th was lots of fun!  It's safe to say that not only did the little kiddies have fun but so did the "big kiddies".  A few hours of games, contests, and just freaky fun is what everyone needed on this day.

Thank you for letting me be a part of it.  Here are a few photos....



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Pocomoke City High School Jr. ROTC was on hand to direct parking.  GREAT JOB!!

Bay Country 97.9/ Photo BW



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Veterans' Day 2012

FREEDOM has never been free.

THANK YOU to those who have served and those who continue to serve.

Sanford and Saxis Area Hit By Storm (PHOTOS)

29  October 2012 Until Whenever

This is the first thing you see as you turn into the Tall Pines Campground/Sanford, Virginia  The boat has been there for as long as I can remember.  This photo was taken in August  of 2011 shortly after the storm Irene in 2011.  The campground was covered in water at the time as were the few streets of Sanford. 
The photo below was taken after Hurrican Sandy. 
It is the same boat as the one above but the waters from this  storm rushed across the campgrounds towards Saxis Road  upsetting the boat from its perch, turning it around  and sending it to sail towards the campground.  Tall Pines, a small community  itself,  has suffered great damage.
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The road to Sanford and Saxis were extremely flooded and I knew in the early evening of the storm that all of us were in danger when I witnessed a police officer (trying to turn around in our driveway) hit the ditch.  The winds were howling and the rain was so great there was  hardly no way to see.  During normal times my husband would have been to his rescue and have him pulled from the ditch in no time.  But then, during normal times none of this would have happened.  Four police officers and a rescue truck came to the officers aid and I could tell by the waters being well above their ankles that at some point very soon no one in their capacity would be able to help any of us.  I knew that if there were to be a horrific tragedy that night none of those rescue volunteers would be able to help us and it would be through no fault of their own.  You can't drive rescue vehicles through knee deep waters.  No one should expect them to. EVER.

This whole evening and the evening was a blur.  The electric went out early and the only way we could see was by the dim light from the full moon.  But what we could see was the tide- yes tide- rising in our own backyard.  My husband has been living in this spot since he was a young teen....myself a few years now.  We have seen many nor'easter's come and go leaving only water from the heavy rains to stand in our yard.  This night was so different and it was after the pine trees fell and my husbands voice that I became extremely frightened for only the second time in my life.


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My guess is that with the full moon, the winds blowing the tide water from the bay was pushed into all the nieghborhoods filling the deep ditches on all sides of all of us causing the waters to continue into our own yard.  You could almost see it moving and it stopped just about 30 feet from entering our garage.

It was in the morning that I learned that  the Sheriff's Dept. along with the Natural Recources Dept. personel  would be trying to access Sanfor/Saxis with an airboat.  Occurances back here like that are rare.  When you witness the National Guard passing your home you just simply know they are there to aid those that did not fair very well during the storm. 

There was no way anyone could get through to these people.  Not all the waters had subsided.  The stories that you hear concerning water in homes up to the window sills is so true.  So many homes are water marked from the tides.  So many residents in these areas witnessed water running out of their windows.  Some made signs to be rescued but couldn't be heard from the howling winds and pelting rain - IF anyone was out.


Waters actually were waist deep, chest deep.  Fish really DO swim in that water during a storm. 
Photo/ Skylar Reed

I snagged this photo from the internet (above) so show you what Sanford looked like on the 30th of October.  Possibly this could be on either side of the storm because I am convinced that waters rose much highter.  But keep in mind that not only were Sanford and Saxis under water but the other areas surrounding us also.


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Hard to believe that the road crews used snow plows to push the sea grass and debris to the sides of the roads just like they do with pushing snow after a storm.   "Drifts" of sea grass and pine needles line the roads.

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Some residents were out looking at the damages surrounding them.  Some had already hung their items out to dry.  Some were raking their yards and I am sure wondering what in the world some of the items were that had washed into their yards.  Their clothing, rugs and other essential items hung on cords zagzagging around their yards.  Some children searched for lost toys and even though I love to take photos my heart would not allow me to photograph their devastation.  I had only lost two pine trees in the 24 hours I was inconvenienced.  These people, many older, had lost all their worldly possessions.


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The above photos were taken the day before Sandy by my husband.  The dock is still completely there.  The barriers are still at the shore line and the little red crab house that I have always adored is still standing at the base of the churning waters.  I loved this little crab house and the dock.  It was always the place to go to capture some of the most amazing sunsets.  In the warm summer evenings you could hear the sounds of water that washes over the pealer crabs.  Not really a sound that is worth remarking about but it always made me aware of what this tiny town was all about.  And in the days ahead I would begin to hope that people would know that this tiny, quiet town would be about so much more.



Photo Martha Jane Linton

The photo above was captured by Martha Jan Linton.  My photo of this was blurred and I am certain she won't mind my using it to show how the small community she works so hard to keep together has been treated by the wind and waters of Sandy. 


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Part of the dock that the late Mayor Charles Tull loved so well was washed into the waters and the little red crab house is gone.  I should mention here that the current Mayor of Saxis, Denise Drewer is doing all she can to help her residents and has included the Sanford area as well.  Many people in the past few days have reached out to the areas and now lend a hand in the extensive clean up.
The sunsets are still there but the surroundings have changed dramatically.









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Straight ahead- the Bay.  Road to the left is Savannah Road.  Road to the right at the stop sign is Belinda.  Homes were greatly damaged in this area as well.

And again the sea grass lines the yards and for right now lays as lawns in yards covering the green grasses from summer.   These are the other neighbors of the area.  Homes damaged by waters too.  A boat from the area nearby even washed away in the tide and perched itself on the causeway leading to Saxis.  A swimming pool in a neighbors yard had water standing up to the rim of the pool itself.





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Photographer unknown

Through the past days vans such as this one and so many  kind hearted people have been to Sanford and Saxis to assist the people with the massive cleanup.  Please know that all of you are appreciated for every thing you have done and continue to do.

I will report more later.


Riverside Grill Pocomoke


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YUMMY SUNDAY SPECIALS
November 11, 2012

-Cream of Crab (6.99) or Vegetable Beef Soup (5.99) w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad
-Shepherd's Pie 7.99
-Tropical Salad 8.99
-Taco Salad 6.99

Appetizers
Chili Nachos  5.99
Crab Pizza  9.99

EVERY SUNDAY

HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY !

$2.50 bloody mary's and mimosas
$1.50 domestic drafts
$5 bombs

TIME MACHINE ... A Visit To Newtown In 1874.

 
(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)


March, 1874

(Bucks County Gazette- Bristol, Pa.)

LETTER FROM MARYLAND

Newtown, Md., March 22, 1874

(Four years before Newtown's name was changed to Pocomoke City.)

(Excerpts)

Newtown... is a specimen town of the South in every sense of the word. The majority of the buildings are old, some very much dilapidated from the wear and tear of time, and all, with the exception of those built in the last few years, constructed on the plan so much used in the long ago throughout the South. With their high, sharp roofs, chimneys built out-of-doors, and their general forsaken look, they remind one forcibly of a deserted village, or one which had gone to sleep in some previous age, and had never been able to shake off the lethargy which had taken possession of it.

But in spite of appearances, Newtown is not asleep. She has one large hotel, the "Clarke House," capable of accommodating 300 guests, and one or two of smaller dimensions, several restaurants and drinking saloons-although the latter do not add anything to her credit- and the usual number of dry-goods, grocery, trimmings, and other stores, which go to make up the trade of a Country town; and there is one thing about these stores which would be well for some of your Bristol storekeepers to take pattern by- they nearly all are run on the cash system- and in conversation with the proprietors of one of the largest of them they pay better than the practice of giving a miscellaneous credit.

There are two barber shops, one run by a white and the other a colored engineer, and even here we find the usual sign, "Friend, do not ask for credit, as I cannot and will not trust."

There are two saw-mills, a ship-yard (where there are two schooners now on the stocks), a carriage manufactory, and a canning factory.

Oysters are here in abundance, and large fresh oysters, only one day out of the waters of the Chesapeake bay, sell for 25-cents per bushel. On arriving at the hotel on Friday evening we were greeted with stewed oysters for supper, on Saturday morning we had them fried for breakfast, at noon oyster pie for dinner, and since that time up to the present writing (Sunday evening) we have had them in various ways four different times- so you see a man need not go hungry here for oysters.

There is one printing office here, from which are issued three weekly papers, "The Newtown Record And Gazette," "The Berlin Times," and "The Crisfield Index," the two latter being published for the towns whose name they bear, and which lie about thirty miles from here in opposite directions. 

The people of Newtown can not be said to be deprived of religious influences, having five churches from which to take their choice. There is a Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Methodist Protestant, beside two colored churches, one of which is a Baptist and the other Methodist.

... The people here, as a general thing, are of refined and intelligent manners, social in the extreme, and, like those of some or our northern country towns, anxious to make the acquaintance of a stranger. We had not been in town more than two hours before the business that brought us, the time we were to stay, and our name were known by the majority of the residents of the place, and we have almost begun to feel as though we were one of the "olden" inhabitants. 

Newtown is known for its good looking ladies. We have here seen some young ladies as handsome as it has been our pleasure to meet with anywhere, and in style and arrangement of dress they will compare favorably with those of any of our northern country towns.

The weather here is very unsettled. There has fallen a large amount of rain during the past week, but to-day has been beautiful, with the exception of a strong northerly wind.

Wishing you the continuing success which has crowned your efforts since starting your newspaper, I am respectfully, D.M.S.


  January, 1924

The Shore Transit Company was planning to establish a new route to its services that would go from Salisbury to Crisfield, Pocomoke, Snow Hill, and Berlin.

  June, 1940

(The Salisbury Times)

SUNDAY SWIMMING FACES COURT TEST IN BALTIMORE

Baltimore, June 19-(AP)- Another "Blue Law"- this time a question of swimming on Sunday mornings- was scheduled for airing in police court today.

It was described by Police Commissioner, Robert F. Stanton, as a "test case" which he hoped the courts will settle.

Police issued summonses both to bathers and managers and personnel of two semi-private swimming pools yesterday when bathers were permitted to plunge in before 2P.M.

The law forbids charging admission for profit, before that hour on Sunday.
A platoon of police "raided" the two pools shortly before noon.

Plainclothesmen who had preceded them said they had been able to rent bathing suits.


 
June, 1967

(Salisbury Daily Times "People Patter" column)

What reward can one expect after serving as a club secretary for many years. Ben Cohen of the Pocomoke City Kiwanis Club was given a "night" recently by the club in recognition of his service to the community and work as club secretary for most of the 13 years the club has been in existence.

 
  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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

TIME MACHINE Preview ... A Visit To Newtown In 1874.



It's four years prior to Newtown changing its name to Pocomoke City, and a visitor writes a letter to the editor of a Pennsylvania newspaper with his observations of the town. Oysters are abundant, selling for 25-cents a bushel. The residents "are of refined and intelligent manners, **social in the extreme." He comments that "Newtown is known for its good looking ladies."

**(Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore?)

Read more about the Newtown of 1874 on this Sunday's TIME MACHINE here at 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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Accomack County Residents PLEASE READ !


There still seems to be alot of confusion for  many citizens in Accomack County that have been so devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

Please read the information below that comes  from WESR.  Copy down the listed phone numbers and keep them until they are no longer needed.  They are the numbers to call in order to get any assistance you may need and some of the information you may have not known.

IF YOUR HOME IN ACCOMACK COUNTY WAS DAMAGED BY HURRICANE SANDY, report damages to your home or property by calling the Building and Zoning Department at 757-787-5721.
FEMA: The Commonwealth of Virginia has not received a Federal Declaration which means FEMA assistance is NOT available at this time.

WELLWATER: If well head was submerged, it is considered not safe for consumption until it has been chlorinated. For more information and assistance, contact the Department of Health at
757-787-5880


DRINKING WATER: Persons in need of drinking water and emergency food - A distribution site has been set up at the Saxis Volunteer Fire Department.

DEBRIS: Storm debris can be taken to the Accomack Northern or the Southern Landfill, as well as the Painter Convenience Center until November 20, 2012 at NO CHARGE. You will be required to provide your name and 911 address of the location where the debris originated.

Accomack County is currently working with volunteer groups to assist with debris removal caused by the storm. 
If you need assistance or would like to offer assistance with debris removal and/or fallen trees, contact Mr. Fischer of Public Works at 757-787-1468.

SCAMS: Be cautious of possible scams. Make thorough checks into businesses offering to clear debris with claims that FEMA (or
anyone) will reimburse you.

 FEMA assistance is NOT  available at this time.


  Please pass this information on.....                                     

Riverside Grill Pocomoke Specials For Saturday

Bring the kids out! *
ALL DAY this Saturday and Sunday

* Get a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult's meal if you mention you saw this special on Pocomoke Public Eye or Facebook*

SATURDAY SPECIALS
November 10, 2012



-Cream of Crab Soup w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad 6.99
-Ale Batter Fried Shrimp Basket w/ fries 8.99*
-NC Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich w/ hush puppies and cole slaw 6.99
-Tropical Salad w/ chilled shrimp and honey mustard 8.99

*Take another $1 OFF shrimp baskets ALL DAY every Saturday*


@ 8 Pm: $3 Corona, Corona Lights, and Red Stripes, $3.50 Stoli drinks



 

Friday, November 9, 2012

"Let's Hear It For The Bay!"

DELMARVA DISCOVERY CENTER

"LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BAY!"
Saturday   November 10, 2012


Here is the schedule of events:

• 11 AM & 1 PM- Diamondback Terrapin Presentation by Bethany Kivela from the MD Environmental Service
• 12 PM & 2 PM – Dive Dialogue featuring the shenanigans of Aquarist Sarah and Scorchy, the Center’s Diamondback Terrapin

• 3 PM – Turtle Terminology Animal Presentation



Photo/ DDC



Also Featuring

• Crafts
• Facepainting from 12 PM- 4 PM
• Our Store Holiday Event all day long!

COME JOIN THE FUN !!!



In Case You Missed It ~ Change Maryland


Maryland: A lonely state for RepublicansWashington Times 11.08.12

"Larry Hogan, who has railed against Democratic-driven tax increases in the state, said Republicans can unite both their base and non-Republicans by focusing on one issue: the economy. Most people want private-sector growth and jobs, not more government."
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/8/maryland-a-lonely-state-for-republicans

Watch out for the latest progressive scheme: the Genuine Progress Indicator
National Review 10.25.12

"It is troubling that the GPI can be used to simply paper over economic statistics political leaders dislike. Under O’Malley, Maryland is falling further behind its regional competitors, according to objective, accepted, and proven measures supplied by legitimate organizations." - Change Maryland
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/331558/redefining-american-progress-jim-pettit

O'Malley Again Uses State Resources To Promote Misleading Economic Data
SBY News 10.20.12

"There is no need to have economic development staff waste time concocting convoluted charts and graphs for what is simple and undeniable math," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "If the governor really cares about job growth, he should order his staff to determine what the problems are..."
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2012/10/omalley-again-uses-state-resources-to.html

Radical-in-chief in Annapolis

Maryland Public Policy Institute 10.19.12

"The GPI is important because what we measure is who we will become. Redefining growth will put us on a path to a bigger, more expensive, and more overreaching government than we already have at a time we can least afford it."

Unemployment Insurance Taxes Drop after Rising

St. Mary's County Times 10.19.12

Larry Hogan, of Change Maryland, which has dogged the administration at every turn on virtually every policy position, said that the tax rate reduction was a minuscule accomplishment.
http://www.changemaryland.org/2012/10/unemployment-tax-rates-to-drop-sharply/#.UImj9oXsQ7A

Latest Numbers Confirms Maryland's Status as Regional Laggard in Economy

Gazette 10.19.12

“The fact remains that Maryland is a regional laggard in loss of taxpayers, job growth and businesses,” said Larry Hogan, chairman of economic watchdog group Change Maryland.
http://www.gazette.net/article/20121019/NEWS/710199501/-1/new-private-sector-jobs-push-maryland-s-unemployment-rate-down&template=gazette

Odds and Ends No. 61
Monoblogue 10.17.12

"Finally, another requirement the Democrats in charge of Annapolis seem to be flunking is honesty in economic reporting. Instead of giving us the real news – which has been generally bad – they’re resorting to obfuscation. Change Maryland sent this along to me last week.."
http://monoblogue.us/2012/10/17/odds-and-ends-number-61/

O'Malley unveils progress yardstick
Annapolis Capitol 10.13.12

"Change Maryland, an economic watchdog group founded by Larry Hogan, is not impressed with O’Malley’s new yardstick."

New progress index pits wealth vs. well-being
Maryland Reporter 10.12.12

"This is an effort to throw out real economic reports and adopt a radical propaganda campaign inspired by the failed model of central economic planning." - Change Maryland
http://marylandreporter.com/2012/10/12/commentary-new-progress-index-pits-wealth-vs-well-being/#ixzz2ALLrDD24

Change Maryland on Raising State Debt Limit
Pocomoke Public Eye 10.2.12

"The O'Malley Administration proved to everyone that with more revenues, come more spending.  In their view, a debt-induced spending binge will somehow create thousands of jobs, the estimates of which are pulled out of thin air," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.

Layoffs in State Resume Disturbing Trend
Examiner 9.27.12

"We have heard on many occasions that Maryland is a job creation pit - the group Change Maryland has picked up thousands of Facebook followers and made Larry Hogan a person in political demand simply by pointing this out."
http://www.examiner.com/article/layoffs-state-resume-disturbing-trend

Spirit Of Christmas Weekend - Shop Local

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WEEKEND,
NOVEMBER 9th through the 11th!
Frugals Design

H&H Furniture will unveil their annual Spirit of Christmas Weekend this Friday with discounts and deals store wide. You'll enjoy refreshments, free gift bagging and door prizes.

Riverside Grill Friday Specials

~EVERY FRIDAY~
HAPPY HOUR
4  -  7 PM
@ 8:00 PM -
$1.50 domestic drafts,
$3.50 capt morgan
and
sailor jerry drinks


SPECIALS
FRIDAY  NOVEMBER 9, 2012

-Cream of Crab Soup w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 6.99
-Wedge Salad w/ blackened shrimp 8.99
-Mahi-Mahi Wrap w/ fries 9.99
-Ale Batter Fried Shrimp Platter 9.99
-Crab Cake Caesar Salad 16.99

Chincoteague Nat'l. Wildlife Refuge Update

Public Access Update for
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge


Chincoteague VA - Today Deputy Refuge Manager Kim Halpin provided updates on the expanded hours of operation at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, pertaining to trails, visitor centers and other amenities.

The following actions are effective as of Saturday, November 10, 2012:

  • The Refuge will open daily from 7 am - 5 pm.
    • Beach Road will open to all vehicle traffic, from the refuge entrance to the pony corral. A barricade exists, prohibiting further vehicular access. Parking is permitted on the side of the road.
    • Only pedestrian and bicycle traffic is permitted beyond the barricade. For your convenience, additional bike racks will be placed along Beach Road, near the Toms Cove visitor center.
    • Most of the refuge trails are open, including the Wildlife Loop, Marsh Trail, Lighthouse Trail, Black Duck Trail, Woodland Trail and Swans Cove Trail.
    • Wildlife Loop Trail will open to vehicle access from 3pm to 5 pm.
    • The Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zone remains closed
    • The Toms Cove visitor center, managed by the National Park Service, is open from 9 am - 4 pm.

    We appreciate your patience and understanding, while cleanup efforts continue. To obtain information and updates about future access and ongoing activities, please visit our website at www.fws.gov/northeasr/chinco, follow our tweets at http://twiter.com/ChincoteagueNWR, or tune your radio to 1610 AM (must be within a 5 mile radius).

    Visit the Delmarva Discovery Center This Weekend!

    From Delegate Lynwood Lewis (VA) To The Citizens of the Eastern Shore

    To The Citizens on the Eastern Shore
     Affected by Hurricane Sandy
     
        I understand your frustration and concerns and I appreciate your being proactive and engaged in this process.  This has been a devastating, once in a generation natural disaster and my heart goes out to the victims.  I cannot imagine the sense of loss.  Having lived on the Shore all of my life, I am well aware of the damage that can be inflicted in our low-lying areas by a normal storm let alone one of this horrific size. 

                The Governor had declared a State of Emergency on the morning of October 26, which allowed deployment of the National Guard.  It was also a required step in the Federal Disaster declaration requirements.  The President has already entered an Executive Order signed early last Tuesday morning that will allow some clean-up aid to local governments but not to individuals.  It is my understanding that Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) was on site during the storm so they could be out in the community as soon as the storm passed.  There is no way devastation and loss such as this can be dealt with easily and unfortunately, the money flows from the Federal Government, which, therefore, sets the rules.

                 The Governor’s disaster declaration, while made by him, is part of FEMA’s federal disaster process and controlled by those federal guidelines.  This includes a required damage assessment, which statewide must reach $11 Million of uninsured damage to qualify for aid to localities and 100 homes destroyed or significantly damaged to qualify for aid to individuals.  That process is well underway and may be complete.  The Governor is not delaying but he is constrained by the process.  Disaster relief depends on Federal Dollars from FEMA, which pass through the Virginia Division of Emergency Management (VDEM), assuming we meet the thresholds.  The state does not have significant resources for disaster relief and depends on Federal aid through FEMA.  There will likely be some red tape and frustration along the way but in addition to being thankful for no loss of life, we should also be thankful that we live in a country that has the resources to provide disaster aid.

                If the damage is less than 100 homes, the Governor can still make the request to the President, but the ultimate decision is with the President.  I will, of course, encourage the Governor (should he need encouragement) to make the request even if the 100 home threshold is not met.

                The County has set up a “Frequently Asked Questions” webpage you can visit that website here http://www.co.accomack.va.us/Ads%20and%20notices/SandyQA.pdf  The Virginia Department of Emergency Management also has a website, www.vaemergency.gov with some useful general information.

                Early on Tuesday morning after the storm, I tried to contact every Mayor in waterfront localities from Chincoteague to Cape Charles to find out what the damage was and to offer whatever assistance I could to deal with the aftermath and the clean up.  I was unable to get in touch with Mayor Drewer on Saxis Tuesday morning despite two attempts Tuesday and also on Wednesday, presumably because the phones were down.  But on Tuesday morning, I also talked to Steve Miner, Accomack County Administrator, to get an overall County assessment and to offer my offices’ help and specifically asked about Saxis and was told that the Accomack County Emergency Response had been able to get over to Saxis at about 6:30. I called both County Administrators.  On the Tuesday evening after the storm, my office participated in a telephone conference with the Governor.  It became apparent that Federal Emergency Management (FEMA), Virginia Emergency Management (VDEM), as well as the Red Cross were all on the scene.  I have spoken directly with VDEM and will continue to follow up with them on issues that arise.

                I know that the devastation is significant.  My office has fielded dozens of calls and has provided information and generally pointed folks in the right direction and we continue to do so.  We posted numerous items of information and details on our Facebook page and the Hurricane Sandy page including how the disaster process works.  I will have it posted again.   The disaster aid process, as with most Federal programs, is complicated.  The will no doubt be frustrations along the way.

                Please be assured that I am doing everything that I can at my level of elected office to help our citizens and that I will continue to do so.  I am as close and available as a telephone call or an email.   All of our local elected officials know me and have my cell phone number.

                Again, my contact information is delllewis@house.virginia.gov and (866) 787-1094.

    Accomack County Phone Numbers You May Need For Storm Cleanup






    More announcements from Accomack County..ACDPS

    Accomack Board Passes Matching Funds For Wallops Park

    By Connie Morrison
    The Accomack County Board of Supervisors held a special joint work session with the Wallops Research Park Leadership Council on November 7 to review the status of the Research Park plans.

    The Research Park has been on the drawing board several years, but has hit snags that have kept it from moving forward.

    Governor Bob McDonnell's offer of a $4 million grant from the Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund to pay for a taxiway has placed some urgency on completing the next steps. The grant application is due December 1, and terms of the grant would require a $4 million local match that would be used to build Research Park roads and water and sewer systems.

    District 3 Supervisor Grayson Chesser voiced concerns over the feasibility of such an installation, and the ability of it to be self-sustaining. In response, Caroline Massey, Assistant Director of Management Operations at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and NASA Wallops Flight Facility, and member of the Wallops Research Park Leadership Council, said her office receives business opportunity calls every week that it turns away for lack of facilities to house them. As further assurance, she added that NASA will not complete with the private sector and that all interests for office space, staging, and storage will be referred to the research park.

    In the end, the Board of Supervisor passed a resolution on an 8-1 vote approving the $4 million in matching funds, and authorized County staff to proceed with the issuance of bonds once the state grant is made.

    Source: