PHENOMENAL PURPLE PASSION PLUNGE PEP-PARTY PLANNED

 

 

(ANNAPOLIS, MD) – To celebrate the amazing Baltimore Ravens, a founding sports partner of the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, this Saturday’s 17th annual Plunge is being turned into the world’s largest and most unique Purple Passion Pep-Party that will include plunging Ravens cheerleaders and band members, as well as lots of spirit as we raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics and cheer the Ravens on to victory in the Super Bowl.

In cooperation with the Baltimore Ravens, Plungefest planners have arranged for a visit from the Ravens caravan at the Plunge. The caravan includes Ravens cheerleaders, members of

the Ravens Marching Band, Poe, give-aways and lots of purple pom-poms and purple painted people. A purple ‘Ravens’ tent on the beach will serve as headquarters for the World’s Largest Purple Pep Party and will be the place for fans to enter to win a 60” color television.

Second prize will be tickets to the Ravens first home game next season. The 17th annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics is part of Plungefest, set for this Friday and Saturday, January 25th and 26th, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Friday morning, about 50 “Super Plungers,” each of whom pledged to raise $10,000, will begin their quest to plunge into the Bay once an hour for 24 hours. At noon Friday, thousands of high school students will hit the beach for the fourth annual “Cool Schools Plunge.” Hundreds of police officers will assemble at 1:00 p.m. for the “Police Plunge.” At 3:00 p.m., the first “Corporate Plunge” will occur with hundreds of plungers from several corporate supporters.

Saturday begins with registration at 8:00 a.m. The “Pee Wee Plunge” occurs at 11:00 a.m. for kids eight and under and their families. Senior citizens who wish to can also plunge at this time. The first general plunge occurs at 1:00 p.m., followed by a second at 3:00 p.m. In between, plungers and spectators can visit the vendors in the huge Carnival Funfest Tent, or listen to bands in the Rams Head Ice Lodge. The Astro Events Kids Zone is back by popular demand. The costume contest, a master chainsaw carver, real race horses and jockeys, police and military displays, and lots of unusual sights will all be free and fun to see.

All that is asked of plungers is to raise a minimum of $50 in donations that can be pledged on-line, or brought to registration at the Plunge. For a complete listing of anything related to the Plunge, visit www.plungemd.com.

Plungefest is a family event with no admission fee and you are not required to plunge in order to come and enjoy the fun.

Alcohol consumption is prohibited throughout most of the Plungefest venue. It is permitted in restricted and designated areas that include the Rams Head Ice Lodge. While tailgating in parking lots is permitted, alcohol consumption in non-designated areas is not permitted. Police and security patrols will be enforcing the alcohol restriction. Violators may be subject to a citation, expulsion from the park, and/or arrest, depending on the circumstances.
There is no general parking at Sandy Point State Park. Parking permits are required in the park and have already been distributed to eligible persons. All those planning to attend the Plunge should use the Polar Express Shuttle System and park either at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College, or Kent Island High School. Shuttle buses will quickly, effortlessly, and warmly transport plungers to and from their car to the beach and back again. Pick up spots will be clearly marked and staff will be on-hand in the shuttle lots and at the beach to answer questions and help people make connections.

In addition to the support raised by thousands of participants, donations by corporate partners significantly contribute to the success of Plungefest. This year’s corporate partners include Aerotek, Sam’s Club, Constellation Energy, WBAL TV, 98Rock, WBAL AM, Clear Channel Outdoor, The Sun, The Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts, Comcast, Bingo World, Rams Head, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Wawa.
Plungefest, featuring the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, is part of the Maryland Law Enforcement Torch Run program. This program includes police officers, correctional officers, parole and probation officers, and federal agents, who work together throughout the year to conduct special events that raise money to support Special Olympics, which is the adopted charity of law enforcement worldwide. Maryland’s Law Enforcement Torch Run has been the most successful fundraising program in the world for the past four years.

 

MD. State Police Press Release

THROW BACK THURSDAY ~ Mar-Va Theater

Thursday, January 24th at 7 PM
Tickets  $5

"I Have A Dream" Essay Contest For Youth

From
Angela L. H. Manos
EXPANDED FUNDRAISER TO INCLUDE YOUTH

Pocomoke City – 22 January 2013 –

The Sturgis One Room School Museum, Inc., will be holding its Annual Chicken & Dumpling Fundraiser Dinner, on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 6:00PM.  The event will take place at the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company Community Center, at 1410 Market Street, in Pocomoke.  The event will include live entertainment and an inspirational message delivered by Millicent D. West, motivational community leader. This year’s program was developed in collaboration with the Pocomoke High School administration and will include student involvement, as part of Black History Month.

 In conjunction with the dinner event, and in celebration of Black History Month, the board of the “Sturgis” is sponsoring an “I Have a Dream,” essay contest for Pocomoke High School (PHS) students.  A $100 cash prize will be awarded to the PHS student that delivers the most inspirational essay and the winner will read his or her essay to guests of the fundraiser dinner that evening.  In addition, the Pocomoke High School show choir will perform black gospel.  This is all part of the museum board’s expanded initiative to involve area youth with the museum and engage them in preserving and promoting their heritage.

 The Sturgis One Room School Museum is the only African American One Room School in Worcester County retaining its original integrity. Sturgis One Room School Museum, Inc. is an organization that actively works to preserve, promote, and protect the rich cultural heritage of Sturgis One Room School and educate our youth to value the school's cultural and historical richness.

 This will be the last year that the annual fundraiser dinner will be led by newly retired president and museum director, James and Sudie Gatling, respectively.  It is newsworthy that on January 16, 2013, Mr. and Mrs. Gatling were awarded the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council (LESHC) 2012 LEGACY AWARD for their 17+ years of work to reclaim, restore, refurbish and maintain the Sturgis One Room School Museum. They were commended for exemplary leadership and inspirational dedication.

 TICKETS for the fundraiser dinner event are now available from downtownpocomoke@gmail.com, City Hall or the Delmarva Discovery Center. They are $20 each. Final ticket sales: February 14, 2013.

 For more information, please contact, Angela Manos, at 410.603.1178, or visit downtownpocomoke@gmail.com for a complete schedule of events.

Virginia: Legislative Committees/Gun Bills This Week

Virginia: Legislative Committees Scheduled to Consider and Vote on Numerous Consequential Gun Bills This Week

The Senate Courts of Justice Committee and the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Subcommittee 1 will meet again this week to consider and vote on several bills of importance to Virginia gun owners, sportsmen and supporters of the Second Amendment.

Tomorrow, January 23, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee will convene in Senate Room B a half hour after the Senate adjourns for the day.  The following bills will be considered tomorrow:
Senate Bill 1001, sponsored by Senator Henry Marsh (D-16),would require a background check on all private firearm transfers at a gun show.  Under current law, only licensed dealers must obtain such a check. (NRA opposes)
Senate Bill 1299, sponsored by Senator John Edwards (D-21), would provide that certain criminal history record information and protective order registry information be made available to the federal government for the purposes of determining a person's eligibility to possess a firearm. (NRA supports)
Senate Bill 1363, sponsored by Senator Jill Vogel (R-27), would provide that residency for members of the armed forces shall include both the member’s permanent duty post and the nearby state in which the member resides for the purposes of firearms purchases. (NRA supports)

This Thursday, January 24, at 5:00 p.m. the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Subcommittee  1 is scheduled to meet in the 4^th Floor West Conference Room of the General Assembly Building.  The following bills will be considered by this House subcommittee:
House Bill 1582 , sponsored by Delegate Mark Cole (R-88) would permit armed security guards to carry firearms on school property and prohibits the Board of Social Services from adopting any regulations that would prevent a child day center from hiring an armed security officer. (NRA supports)
House Bill 2240, sponsored by Delegate John Cosgrove (R-78), is the House companion of S.B. 1299, and would provide that certain criminal history record information and protective order registry information be made available to the federal government for the purposes of determining a person's eligibility to possess a firearm. (NRA supports)
House Bill 2251, sponsored by Delegate Alfonso Lopez (D-49),would ban the sale, transfer and possession of magazines that hold more than twenty rounds. (NRA opposes)
Senate Bill 1281 , sponsored by Senator Creigh Deeds (D-25), would require a background check for any firearm purchase and requires the creation of a process for sellers to obtain such a check through a licensed firearm dealer. (NRA opposes)
House Bill 2317, sponsored by Delegate Rich Anderson (R-51),  is the House companion of S.B. 1363, and would provide that residency for members of the armed forces shall include both the member’s permanent duty post and the nearby state in which the member resides for the purposes of firearms purchases. (NRA supports)
House Bill 2327, sponsored by Robert Brink (D-48),would reenact the repealed “one gun a month” (gun rationing) statute. (NRA opposes)
House Bill 2342, sponsored by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter (R-31), would require that the Department of State Police provide an expedited process by which Virginians who present a concealed handgun permit may receive an expedited criminal history information background check when purchasing a firearm. (NRA supports)

Please contact your state Senator or Delegate NOW to oppose or support the legislation listed above if he or she serves on the Senate Courts of Justice Committee or the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Subcommittee 1.  For help identifying members of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, please click here.  Members of the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Subcommittee

1 can be found below:
Delegate Thomas C. Wright, Jr. (R-61), Chairman
Delegate C. Matthew Fariss (R-59)
Delegate C. Todd Gilbert (R-15)
Delegate Lynwood W. Lewis, Jr. (D-100)
Delegate Michael J. Webert (R-18)
 
For help identifying your state Senator and Delegate, please click here.

The NRA-ILA will continue to monitor all pro-/anti-gun bills as they move through the legislative process.  Please continue to contact your state legislators and encourage them to support your Right to Keep and Bear Arms this legislative session.

SOURCE:

Frigid Weather - PROTECT YOUR PETS!

 

** Cold weather warning for pets **

 

 

 If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them! Animals can suffer and die when left outside in the frigid weather we are having this week. Don't let them stay out for more than a few minutes to do their business as paws and ears can get frostbite.

 

 Have you seen a neighbor's dog chained or in a pen outside?

 It's abuse to let animals freeze to death!

 

PLEASE, say something to them, explain how dangerous it is to leave pets out and speak up for those who cannot defend themselves.

 

For more info and tips on keeping animals safe during this weather check out the ASPCA page here -- http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/cold-weather-tips.aspx

 

 

WE MUST BE THEIR VOICE!!

WatchThe Crisfield Choir ~ Be On TV

***BE ON TV***

Watch The Crisfield Choir

Led by International Choirmaster Sensation Gareth Malone as they perform for a television show on the USA network!

 

WHEN

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Audience Check-in will be at 5 PM at the Mar-Va Theater

103 Market Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851

 

Come support and show your love for the community

 

Admission is FREE!!

 

(Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)

 

For more information on the show...click here!

 

Warming Menu Selection Today From Riverside Grill

Comfort foods on the menu to keep you warm!!!

 

Tuesday

January 22, 2013

 

 *Homemade Chili or Meatball Vegetable Soup with 1/2 turkey
 sandwich or side salad 5.99
 *Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes Gravy and Green Beans 6.99
 * Buffalo Shrimp Wrap w/ Fresh Cut Fries 8.99
 * Taco Salad 6.99
 * 1 Chili Cheese Dog w/ Fries 4.99 2 Dogs 6.99

 

 ***99 cent kids meals starting at 4pm****

 

Fisherman's Body Found Near Chincoteague Drawbridge

According to the Chincoteague Police Chief Edward W. Lewis, the body of a North Carolina fisherman was found this morning around 7 a.m. just north of the Chincoteague drawbridge.

The body of Carl Douglas Lewis of Buford, North Carolina was located around 7 am this morning. 

The fisherman was last seen  aboard the fishing vessel named "Susan Rose"  on  Monday evening between 10 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

 The victim had a known heart condition and no foul play is suspected. The body has been transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office to determine the actual cause of death.

Two Incumbents File for Pocomoke Election

Diane Downing /Pocomoke City
 Council- District 2

Written by
Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY — With the 2013 municipal election coming up this spring, the two incumbents on the Pocomoke City Council, Diane Downing and George E. Tasker, have both filed for another term.

Downing, who represents the 2nd District, is running for her second term. She cited some of the improvements she would like to see during the next three years.

She is hoping the town could attract new businesses in the downtown area. Already, a new downtown coordinator has been hired to help businesses in the area. Outside of the downtown, she would like to see the continued revitalization of homes in Pocomoke City.

Another area of interest is the continued reduction of crime in the community. To help in that function, the town has employed a new police chief and recently completed new headquarters for the department. This improvement has increased the morale of the police force, which had been housed for years in the old armory.

The council member is also interested in the youth of the town and wants to see additional activities for them. One possibility she suggests is an arcade to keep them occupied.

She wants to maintain the services that the city presently offers but hopes to keep the taxes low.


George Tasker/Pocomoke City
 Council- District 1
 

“I am fiscally conservative,” she said.

Tasker was elected last year to fulfill the unexpired term of the late Bob Hawkins. This year he is running for a complete term for District 1.

The candidate echoes Downing’s feelings about increased business in Pocomoke City both downtown and in the industrial park. He said having been in business he understands business.
He is presently territorial manager for U.S. Lubes. However, on Sunday he can be found serving as the pastor of Pocomoke’s Abundant Life Apostolic Church.

Flooding and the correction of drainage problems are also high on Tasker’s list. One area he is hoping to correct is Jenkins Orchard.

Source:

Chicken & Dumpling Dinner

Please Protect Your Pets In The Cold Weather

With temps being  very low last night and staying low for the next few days, PLEASE remember about pets that may be outside.

 Bring them inside so they will be protected from the elements.

I YOU have to THINK about them being cold outside they probably are!

And if they are outside for any length of time make sure the water they drink is NOT frozen.

Remember:  If you had to sleep outside you wouldn't want to be cold.

Pocomoke Warriors Host Cancer Awareness Basketball Game

 

 

 SUPPORT POCOMOKE PINK OUT

 

Accomakc County Arsons Now At 40

WAVY-TV
ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va.  - Virginia State Police are investigating two additional arsons on the Eastern Shore over the weekend.

Sgt. Michelle Anaya with Virginia State Police said troopers responded to a report of a structure fire in the 28000 block of Nelsonia Road in Nelsonia, located in Accomack County Sunday. A storage shed suffered fire damage to one wall and arson is suspected.

Additionally, crews were called to the 25000 block of Coastal Boulevard in Onley for a report of a brush and tire fire.  (F&G Auto)

Both fires are believed to be related to the ongoing series of arsons along the Eastern Shore. This raises the number of arsons on the Eastern Shore to 40.

Source:


Reminder:
The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriff's Department are again asking anyone who sees something out of the ordinary no mater how insignificant it may seem, to contact them.

To report a tip, call: 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820; or call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the party responsible for setting the fires.

The Virginia State Police along with its Bureau of Criminal Intelligence and the Accomack County Sheriff's Office have been investigating the fires.

RAVENS WIN!! Guess Who's Happy???

 !! RAVENS WIN !!

The Baltimore Ravens defeated  the New England Patriots 28-13.  The team now moves on  to play in Super Bowl XLVII vs. the San Francisco 49ers with the game to be played in New Orleans.

Now anyone who knows me knows that I am not a big fan of football.  But when your daughter has lived in Baltimore for many years and loves both Orioles and Ravens teams you learn to listen.  Besides, it's usually what the rest of my friends and relatives are doing too.  (I at least watch enough of a Ravens game to at least know what everyone is so excited about!)

So tonight the Ravens win.  Good for them!  Great for Baltimore!  I have many happy friends and an excited daughter!!  And without a doubt they will be commenting about this on their facebook pages until pigs fly, I guess. 

 God love their hearts.  I read everyone of those comments and have no idea how many photos I've seen of Ray What's-his-name.  But hey, I like the guy.

The Super Bowl is just a few Sundays away so I already know that there will be plenty of swapping photos, comments and articles for me to read.  My daughter will be a constant chit-chatter about the game until the day of the game when she won't even want a phone call from me!

But, that's okay.  It's what they love and I love to see people happy even if I am on the outside looking in.........

Me?  Well, heck!!  I'm just darn glad that for a while PURPLE POWER will mean something else - other than a cleaning product!!!

Somebody buy me a Raven's shirt!  I'm going to watch that Super Bowl game!!!

GO RAVENS!!!!

Lovingly submitted to all of you Ravens fans:
jmmb

Vice President Says The Administration Just Doesn't Have Time

Biden says Administration Doesn't Have Time to Prosecute People Who Lie on Background Checks

As has been widely reported, an NRA representative recently met with an Obama administration-directed firearm task force led by longtime gun control supporter Vice-President Joe Biden.  It came as no surprise that the meeting had little to do with keeping our children safe and much to do with an agenda to attack the Second Amendment.  But you may be surprised to know one of the revelations that came out of the meeting.

Jim Baker, NRA-ILA's Director of Federal Affairs, represented NRA at the meeting.  As detailed in a recent Daily Caller article, Mr. Baker was given five minutes to present NRA's concerns and the approach NRA saw as being the most effective way to safeguard our children.  During those five minutes, Baker mentioned the need to vigorously prosecute existing gun laws.  He further noted the low number of prosecutions for falsifying information on Form 4473s, and the low felony prosecution rate for gun crimes in general.

In response to Mr. Baker's comments, Vice-President Biden said, "And to your point, Mr. Baker, regarding the lack of prosecutions on lying on Form 4473s, we simply don't have the time or manpower to prosecute everybody who lies on a form, that checks a wrong box, that answers a question inaccurately."  That's right:  Biden said the administration just doesn't have time to prosecute crimes (felonies punishable by up to a 10-year prison sentence) under existing laws, but is proposing a host of sweeping new laws. 

According to federal statistics cited in the Daily Caller article, in 2010, prosecutors considered just 22 cases of information falsification, and 40 additional background-check cases ended up before prosecutors for reasons related to unlawful gun possession.  Prosecutors pursued just 44 of those 62 cases, although more than 72,600 applications were denied on the basis of a background check. Overall, gun prosecutions per capita in 2011 were down 35 percent from the previous administration's peak in 2004.

"We think it is problematic when the administration takes lightly the prosecutions under existing gun laws and yet does not seem to have a problem promoting a whole host of other gun laws," said Baker.   "If we are not going to enforce the laws that are on the books, it not only engenders disrespect for the law but it makes law-abiding gun owners wonder why we are going through this exercise we are going through now."

Commenting on the administration's inability to prosecute persons who lie to obtain a firearm, NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox said,  "They don't have time to pursue people who are dangerous, who aren't supposed to get guns, and the message they have sent is literally 'Good luck, go get them elsewhere.'  You can talk all you want," Cox continued, "but until there is a will to follow through, then it is literally just going to paper over the problem and guarantee that bad people continue to have access to firearms and good people will be blamed for it."

Source:

"NO Name Calling Week"

January 21 - 26

 

 ~NO NAME CALLING WEEK ~

 

The Creation Expression Exhibit will be displayed at the Snow Hill Branch of the
Worcester County Library

CLOSED TODAY

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.  Day  Monday, January 21, 2013 Accomack County Public Schools will be closed.

Also, due to Hurricane Sandy, the teacher work day that was previously scheduled for January 23 has been rescheduled for Monday, January 28. There will be no school on that day, but teachers will report for work. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 29, which will be the beginning of the second semester and the third nine weeks.

All other changes to the school calendar can be viewed on the website news releases.

Pocomoke City Hall will be closed on Monday  January 21, 2013 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Delmarva Discovery Center~ See Your Favorite Critter Up Close Today !



Bernard
The Black Rat Snake



Delmarva Discovery Center

 

TODAY

 

 OPEN  ~ 1 PM until 4 PM

 

Gary
The Box Turtle

 

Starting at 2 PM, our staff and volunteers will be taking out some of our life animal friends to talk to visitors who have come into the museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REMEMBER TO GET YOUR TICKETS

 

 

To keep up with what's happening at the Delmarva Discovery Center go HERE

TIME MACHINE ... 1974, 1929, 1964, 1880, 1890.

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

August, 1974
(Salisbury Times)

(Excerpt)

Pitch Will Be Made For New College

Frank H. Morris, former mayor of Salisbury and member of the state board of community colleges, is expected to appear before the Wicomico County Council Tuesday to emphasize the need for an occupationally-technically oriented community college on the lower Eastern Shore.

The four lower Eastern Shore counties are the only ones in the state not served by a community college.

Mr. Morris said he will ask for the council's participation in a feasibility study and also for the council's consideration of the study when complete. Dorchester and Worcester Counties have agreed to lend their support to the study.

　

　

July, 1929

(The Morning Herald- Hagerstown, Md.)

Bootlegging In Potatoes Costly

(By The Associated Press)
Salisbury, Md., July 25- A bootlegging trade in potatoes has cost farmers on the eastern shore of Virginia about ten carloads, the amount they estimated has been stolen from fields and cars, it was reported here today. In the night, they said, trucks have taken on loads of potatoes, packed and left in the fields near New Church and Onley, Va. At Onley three freight cars were opened and 240 barrels taken. The farmers believe the trucks have been carrying the stolen potatoes to Philadelphia and New York markets.

　

　

　

October, 1964 (Time Machine Archive)

 

The latest business addition to downtown Pocomoke was SILCO celebrating its' Grand Opening at Front and Market Streets near the Marva Theater. Grand Opening specials included: Ladies Shirts..$1.27, Men's Shirts..$1.48, Large Cannon Blankets..$2.77, Men's Boots with steel shank and waterproof insulation..$3.69, TV Tray Tables with sturdy collapsible stand.. regularly 94 cents for 59 cents each.

　

　

　

June, 1880

(The Herald And Torch Light- Hagerstown, Md.)

The State Teachers' Association will meet at Ocean City the 6th, 7th, and 8th of July. Tickets of membership (50 cents) for teachers, school officers and friends, may be obtained from P. A. Witmer.

These tickets are necessary to secure the advantages of reduced fare on railroads, steamboat, and at hotel. The Western Maryland Railroad will issue tickets to Baltimore and return for $2.50 from Hagerstown, good from 5th to 13th of July. The steamboat fare from Baltimore to Ocean City and return will be four dollars. The boat leaves wharf, foot of South Street, at five o'clock every evening except Saturday. The ticket by rail from Baltimore to Ocean City and return (good during the season) will be six dollars. Boarding at the Atlantic Hotel to members one dollar a day for the three days the Association is in session. Afterwards, $12.50 a week. Persons desiring to attend ought to start on Monday the fifth by the 6:10 train.

　

　

　

Memories of Accomac, 1890 John S. Wise Jr.. "Memories of Accomac, 1890" Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac, Va.: August 21, 1937)

(Introduction)

A friend recently said to me that after all, our memories remain with us and with many are all they get out of life. Certainly I cherish nothing more than my memories of old Drummondtown and Accomack County in 1890, now nearly half a century ago, when I spent a summer with my dear old cousin, Dr. John J. Wise, at his old home "Woodburn," about a mile north of Drummondtown.

I was then a lad of fourteen and full of youthful vitality and activity and interest and curiosity about all things of the Eastern Shore new to a boy who had spent most of his time in the inland country mountains.

(PART 4)

Bill R's (Ayres) didn't need any telephone. He had a voice that enabled him to talk to the town. He was a grand old character. A large handsome man with a wonderful genial and kindly disposition.

One day he told me he needed some cats to protect his barn against rats. I was then doing a lot of traveling around the country and proceeded to pick up every spare cat I could find and landed twenty-seven on him. In after years whenever he saw me he referred to the cat episode.

Henry Ayres would stop in, but being only a carpenter he didn't find it very congenial to mix in with lawyers, doctors and students. Henry lived in the little house near the drug store which I believe he built with his own labor.

He lived to be an old man. Sitting on the steps of the old Coleburn store, which was on the present open space on Main Street now opposite the drug store, he told me he worked as a carpenter building that house in 1855, and that year cast his first vote for my grandfather for Governor.

Tom Russell was a young lawyer in Drummondtown then. He was a great friend of John Blackstone and John Bundick, another local lawyer. Young Jim Fletcher, afterwards Circuit Judge, was a lawyer then.

William Parker was living in the Gibb House on the back street where Dr. John Hack Ayers afterwards lived. He had a pretty little daughter about my age. Lottie she was called. All the boys were making eyes at Lottie.

Dr. J. H. Ayres was a young doctor and was usually at the noon gathering.
FOOTNOTE: LOOK FOR MORE PORTIONS OF THIS ARTICLE ON FUTURE TIME MACHINE POSTINGS. 　
　
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!

Control Burn - Saturday Jaunary 12, 2013

CONTROL BURN

CLARKE AVENUE/WILLOW STREET

Lawson's Night Club

 

Fire departments participating with Pocomoke City

Volunteer Fire Company were: 

 Princess Anne, New Church, Stockton, Snow Hill,

Girdletree and Greenbackville

 

 

    

 

There was an almost unheard crack and the one chimney in the building gave way and as it landed into the fire the remainder of the building collapsed, as if in slow motion, to the ground without making hardly a sound.  Smoke from the evening along with dirt and dust rolled out forming the largest dark cloud I had ever seen.

 

Another chapter closed.

January 15, 2013 (Below)

ALL photos jmmb

What's New At The Delmarva Discovery Center

CREATE YOUR OWN COMIC!
Presented by JBL Comics
February 23 from 10 am until 12 noon.Learn to create your own comic book
Create story, lay out pages, draw, ink & letter
For children & adults interested in creating
comics, graphic novels or sequential art

FREE with paid admission
All supplies will be provided









Locals Appreciation ALL YEAR LONG!!!!

The First Weekend of Every Month
 50% off Admission for Locals!
(Sussex, Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Accomack Counties)

Field Notes By Delegate Mike McDermott

Observations and Reflections

 on Legislative Activities

Week 2 Jan. 14-18, 2013

Monday Evening Meeting of the Commercial Waterman’s Caucus: I joined Delegate Jay Jacobs (R-Kent) and several other members (primarily from the Eastern Shore) for the first meeting of the Commercial Waterman’s Caucus. Approximately 45 Watermen attended representing all area...s of the state. We heard a presentation from representatives for the watermen, including Gibby Dean addressing the “Fair Share” plan published by the Dept. of Natural Resources. While the watermen number around 5800, they are dwarfed in number by recreational fishing interests. The Fair Share is designed to distribute the costs associated with enforcement and administration by the DNR evenly between those two groups based on the catch ratios, etc. I was encouraged to see the turnout and I hope the bi-weekly meetings will be productive insuring that the commercial watermen have a voice in Annapolis.

Tuesday Judiciary Committee Hearing: We heard a presentation from the Maryland Access to Justice Commission regarding compensation for plaintiffs in civil litigation who are indigent. They particularly addressed issues surrounding the Maryland Constitution’s Declaration of Rights and their desire to see fee shifting for plaintiffs who are successful in bringing action. Link to Hearing

Wednesday Morning Session: My bill, HB-106 which would repeal last year’s SB-236 Septic Bill, was on First Reader today. A hearing is pending before the House Environmental Matters Committee. Another one of my bills, HB-104, which would provide a grace period to Maryland businesses for minor violations of regulatory codes, was also on First Reader and assigned to Economic Matters for a hearing. HB-104 insures that on a first offense, there is no fine assessed if the corrections are made in a timely manner. The bill has good bi-partisan support .

Wednesday Judiciary Committee Hearing:
Briefing on Maryland’s False Health Care Claims Act-We heard from the office of the Attorney General concerning the use and application of the False Claims Act passed in 2010. Under the act, the Attorney General has expanded his staff to address these false claims to a total of 31 with 7of those positions being attorneys (current budget requests another 9 personnel). To date, the unit has settled the following in claims/recovery: 2011-$3.7 million; 2012-$1.2 million; 2013-$12 million to date. The unit is not cheap to operate and costs millions in tax dollars. The presenters pointed out that up to 75% of the funding is paid by federal grant funds. No one could say how long the grant may last. The damage to our system is substantial, but the cost to operate and facilitate fraud collection is not cheap. It seems clear the act passed by the General Assembly is not really increasing our collection of fraud cases (most are settled with the federal government which we would receive regardless of the act), however the potential is real to make a dent in fraudulent cases filed in Maryland. We need to do a lot more to make it worth our expenses even though we should always pursue fraud when it comes to our attention.) Link to Hearing

Wednesday Afternoon-My office launched “A Minute with Mike” video clips. They are a one-minute presentation on a contemporary issue facing the Maryland. My first topic was the 2nd Ammendment. See “A Minute with Mike”.

Thursday Judiciary Committee Bill Hearings:
HB-10 Would prohibit a convicted Sex Offender from being awarded custody of a child by a court without good cause and clear and convincing evidence as determined by the court. This is one of those bills that tends to codify what the courts in Maryland are already practicing, but it may be necessary to insure that the approach is uniform.
 
HB-22 Deals with access and confidentiality to Birth and Adoptive Records as they relate to search, contact, and reunion services. The bill would open up the records of adoptees and it would eliminate the right of a biological parent or an adoptee to file a Veto Disclosure. We heard some emotional testimony, primarily from adoptees. There were several reasons provided for maintaining the current law and keeping the Veto Disclosures option in place. Link to Hearings

Thursday Afternoon: I met with the Coastal Association of Realtors representatives along with Delegate Charles Otto. They reviewed several legislative initiatives which give them great pause. We all agreed that much of the legislation passed in recent years has been a real detriment to development across Maryland and particularly on the shore.

Friday Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting: The delegation met Secretary Summers of the Maryland Department of the Environment and also heard from Thomas W. Beauduy, Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland. You can click here for Minutes for the Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting.

Friday Morning Governor’s Press Conference: Gov. O’Malley spelled out his Gun Control agenda this morning in the Signing Room around 10 AM. Clearly, we will be having strong discussions about the 2nd Ammendment in Maryland. I hope we can cut through the rhetoric, identify any shortcomings, and move forward with intellectual honesty. I must tell you that I am not hopeful in this regard. The Progressives want a gun grab from law abiding folks that will not solve any problems or prevent future tragedy. and they are willing to play on emotions so they can declare, “problem solved”.
Friday Morning Session: I had two distinct pleasures this morning. First, my son, 1st LT Nate McDermott (Army, 82nd Airborne Division) came up through a snow storm to be on the floor of the House. It was his first trip to Annapolis since my election. Speaker Busch was very kind and after introducing my son, he invited him up to the Speaker’s Dias for a photo opportunity. I went up as well and the members were very generous with their appreciation for Nate’s service to our country. My second pleasure this morning was offering this morning’s prayer. I utilized General George Washington’s “Earnest Prayer” which he offered to the First Continental Congress as he disbanded the successful Continental Army following the Revolution. This was a very proud moment for me as a father and a member of the House.