Sunday, December 2, 2012

Early Morning Fire Destroys Catering Trailer

Around 1:49 AM Sunday a fire was reported in  a portable catering trailer  at the location of the former Cajun Kitchen Restaurant trailer on Boston Road near Melfa. 

Painter, Onancock, Exmore and Melfa responded to the early morning blaze.

Investigators believe the fire has a high probability of being a part of the string of arsons that have plagued Accomack County since November 12.

Residents are requested to report any unusual activity to the Virginia State Police or the Accomack County Sheriff's Department.

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.

TIME MACHINE ... A Very Large Loss In A Small Eastern Shore Community.

 

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)


May, 1926
(Cumberland Evening Times- Cumberland, Md.)

Blackened Walls And Tower From Which Chimes Have Fallen All That Is Left Of Edifice

Associated Press
Crisfield, Md., May 10- A one-time massive granite church structure, built at a cost of $200,000, to residents of the little suburban community of Lawsonia, lies in ruins today. Parts of two blackened walls and the tower from which the chimes have fallen are all that was left by a fire, which yesterday afternoon, also destroyed three dwellings, an underwear factory and drug store. The loss will exceed $300,000.

Many residents of Lawsonia had mortgaged their homes to pay their proportionate share of the cost of the edifice which was formally opened two years ago. All but $20,000 of the church obligation had been paid. Only $45,000 in insurance was carried.

The fire started in the factory and soon spread to other buildings. The community is without a water system and the residents were unable to offer resistance to the flames advances.
The heat from the garage was so intense that the stain glass windows were removed from the church. It was thought that the slate and granite structure was immune. The flames appeared to have spent their force when suddenly sparks caught to the interior and the building was doomed.

The church was among the most pretentious in the Wilmington Methodist Episcopal conference and was the second largest edifice on the Del-Mar-Va peninsula. 


 
February, 1930
(The Salisbury Times)
 
Crisfield- The new Asbury Methodist Episcopal church at Lawsonia, near here, was dedicated yesterday with impressive ceremonies, conducted by Bishop William F. McDowell and other prominent Methodist clergymen. Services in connection with dedication of the new church, which cost $175,000, will continue through the week.


 
May, 1912
(The Evening Post- Frederick, Md.)

For Salisbury-to-Ocean City Road.

Berlin.- Mayor Orlando Harrison headed a committee of about 30 businessmen of this town who called on the county commissioners at Snow Hill yesterday, in the interest of building a stone road between Salisbury and Ocean City, a distance of 35 miles. The county commissioners have promised to take the matter up with the State Roads Commission.


 

March, 1977 

A health care clinic was being readied to open in Pocomoke City in the former school building at Fourth & Walnut Streets. A fund drive for the clinic's start-up operation was underway and the City Council was making a $5,000 contribution. A physician assistant, Theodore Holt, was hired for the clinic's operation.


 
October, 1884

Forrest fires were raging through many sections of the mid-Atlantic coast including Eastern Shore areas. A newspaper article published by The Review in Decatur, Illinois included the following: "Along the line of the Eastern Shore Railroad through Wicomico and Somerset counties, thousands of acres have been burned over. Two weeks ago a fire started in the swamp near Eden, a station on the Eastern Shore Railroad, a few miles above Princess Anne. It ate its way down the country around Princess Anne, and wound up last night near Kingston, having cleaned out the swamp and high timber fields for a distance of nearly seventeen miles, varying in width from one to three miles, and burning over five thousand acres of land. Rabbits, squirrels, partridges, snakes, raccoons, opossums, swept before the oncoming flood of fire in mad haste to escape with their lives." 


 
July, 1894
(The Times- Portsmouth, Ohio)

A GOOSEBERRY farmer on the eastern shore of Maryland recently shipped to Baltimore twelve thousand, seven hundred pounds of green gooseberries and sold them at four and a half cents a pound. He expects to gather more than 600 bushels of gooseberries from six acres. The gooseberry is one of the fruits that sell better green than ripe. Green gooseberry sauce is esteemed an admirable accompaniment to meats in the land where the gooseberry grows, and green gooseberry pie, though less beautiful than cranberry tart, is an admirable product.  

 
 
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, a Holiday memory? 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!

"Project Linus" Blankets Delivered To Saxis

On Tuesday (November 27) I had the pleasure of meeting Donna Clarke the "Project Linus" Coordinator for Delmarva at the Saxis, Va. firehouse to introduce her to Mayor Denise Drewer and to present Denise with  50 clean, warm, snuggly and hand made blankets for the children in the area.

For those of you who may not know Saxis, Sanford and the small surrounding areas were also devastated by the fury of Hurrican Sandy.

Mayor of Saxis Denise Drewer holds one of the colorful quits made by one of the ladies from the Eastern Shore Quilt Guild, Exmore, Va.
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These wonderful blankets bring comfort to so many in times of devastation and both children and teens are fascinated by them!  I am an adult and I was fascinated by every blanket!  Not only do they provide warmth but a sense of security for many children and the blanket is theirs to keep. 


Mayor Denise Drewer and Donna Clarke- Coordinator for "Project Linus" ES
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The blankets Donna left on Tuesday  came  from an Exmore quilter from the Eastern Shore Quilt Guild Virginia, from Pocomoke area quilters, from Project Linus  Blanketeers in Palm Desert CA, Denver CO, and  Merrill WI. 


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"Project Linus - Providing Security through blalnketsEach blanket is labeled with a Project Linus label showing our lovable namesake, Linus Van Pelt. We attach a hang tag identifying the maker of the blanket too."

I know by now these blankets have found homes and are providing warmth for each child wrapped in one. 


Photo BW
And this is serious business!  Donna reported that 5,000 blankets made by various chapters nationally were sent to the New York/New Jersey areas for children and teens. 

In fact, just a few weeks ago Donna herself organized delivery for 600 blankets to the Somerset County area with more on the way!

If you can sew, knit, crochet, quilt or tie a know and are interested in joining a Project Linus Chapter go to Donna's blog.  You really do need to see her photos of the beautiful blankets that have been made available to so many children.  You also will enjoy her journey to Crisfield to help those in need.  She a busy person with a really big heart....now if I can just get her to have someone make me a soft, snuggly blanket with pigs on like I saw at the bottom of that one bag....

Thanks Donna!
Photo Donna Clarke
Above is a thank you note from one of the children.  Donna has them posted on her sight....
http://projectlinusdmv.blogspot.com/

AGENDA~Pocomoke City Mayor & Council


A G E N D A
POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
7:30 p.m., Monday, December 3, 2012
City Hall

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

2.  Review and approval of minutes from meeting of November 5, 2012.

3.  Review and approval of bills to be paid.

4.  Police Chief Kelvin Sewell to announce the promotion of two officers from the rank of P.F.C. to Corporal.  (Robert Horseman and Brad Morgan)

5.  Ms. Annette Wallace, Principal of Pocomoke High School, to present plaque thanking City for previous support.

6.  Ord. No. 412  to approve a revised voting election district map as a result of the 2010 U.S. Census.

7.  Review letter from Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Richard Seidel recommending approval of  minor subdivision on Newtown Boulevard (Hob Mason, owner).

8.  Res. No. 472 to approve new Septic Tier Map as required by State law. (Letter from Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman attached)

9.  City Manager to present summary of bids received for downtown sidewalk repairs. (Bid opening 2:00 p.m., 12/3/12)

10.  Resolutions:
(a)     Second Reading of Res. No. 469 regarding new radio read water meters
(b)    Second Reading of Res. No. 470 regarding permanent financing for new restaurant building (Taylor Bank)
(c)    Second Reading of Res. No. 471 regarding permanent USDA financing for new police department at 1500 Market Street

11.  Authorize Mayor to sign administrative services agreement with Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. for employee savings plan.

12.  Discuss letter from Bishop Isaac Jenkins regarding new location for Save-The-Youth offices at 126 Willow Street.

13.  Letter from Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker concerning donation of 1000 “Nature Trail” books.

14.  City Manager to present list of items to be declared as surplus.

Comments from the Audience.

Mayor and Council Items.

Adjourn.

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Pocomoke City Police Chief Sewell~ One Year As Chief

One Year Ago Today
December 1, 2011
In Pocomoke City, Maryland


Captain Kelvin D. Sewell being sworn in to be the next Pocomoke City Police Chief  by Mayor Bruce Morrison.  Councilman Rob Clarke is in the background.
City Hall Photo


The now Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell came to Pocomoke City and joined the police force after working 25 years as a hommicide detective with  Baltimore City.  Due to his dedicated life in police work Sewell was certainly qualified to fill the shoes of the then retiring Poclice Chief J. D. Ervin.

 
Since obtaining his role as Chief of the Pocomoke City Police Department Chief Sewell has used his expertise to bring a sense of pride into his department and now has a group of men and women that are the finest! 

Chief Sewell and his entire department have worked extremely hard to make Pocomoke City a safe city....something Pocomoke City hadn't had in a very long time.

Thank you Chief Sewell and thank you to your entire department of fabulous men and women who serve the citizens of Pocomoke.

Your dedication is quite apparent everywhere you look.

The very best to all of you in the future. 

More to follow.........

Belinda Road Fire Scene (PHOTOS)

23129 Belinda Road
Sanford, Virginia

Abandoned structure fire called in to 911 at 11:55 PM Friday (Nov. 30).  Saxis,  Atlantic, Bloxom and New Church responded. 

Later this morning fire departments were called to the scene where structure was fully involed again.  It has NOT been determined if the second fire at the location was arson.

Sources tell me that the furniture has been in the yard for a few months.

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Belinda Road sits between Saxis Road and Marsh Market Road.

The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriffs Department are continuing to investigate the string of fires.

The State Police is asking the public to please report anything you see that is out of the ordinary such as activity around empty buildings.

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

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.


TIME MACHINE Preview ... A Very Large Loss In A Small Eastern Shore Community




The afternoon of May 9, 1926 brought an unbelievable event to residents of Somerset County's Lawsonia as a dream they had worked hard to accomplish was shattered. 


Read more about it 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, a Holiday memory? 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!

Delmarva Discovery Center Weekend



11am: Story time, Craft and Turtle program with the Worcester County Library
All Day and Sunday:
Locals Appreciation Weekend - 50% off admission for Sussex, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester and Accomack residents
Holiday Shopping in the Discovery Museum Store-

 unique gifts, local art and books.

Bring in our ad in from the Newspaper and get 20% your purchase.

Accomack County Fires Overnight

Another fire occurred Friday evening in an abandoned structure. This one was at 24266 Church Road near Accomac. Onley, Tasley, Onancock and Parksley Fire Companies responded to the fire that was reported at 8:48. It took approximately 90 minutes to extinguish the flames.

At 11:55 PM an abandoned structure fire was reported near the intersection of Saxis and Belinda Roads near Sanford at 23129 Belinda Rd. Units from Saxis, Bloxom New Church and Atlantic responded and found the structure fully involved upon arrival.

At 6:10 Saturday morning stations 5,4,6 and 1 were called again to the scene of the abandoned structure fire at 23129 Belinda Road.

The structure was again reported fully involved. It is not confirmed that this is a newly set fire or a flare up after the fire at the same location earlier.

The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriffs Department are continuing to investigate the string of fires.

The State Police is asking the public to please report anything you see that is out of the ordinary such as activity around empty buildings.

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

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.

Source:

Total fires for Friday, November 31, 2012 = 3/1 recall

West Point Jacket Found On Beach In New Jersey Returned To Eastern Shore

West Point Jacket Returned To Widow In Onancock
AP Photo

By Michael Felberbaum - The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Donna Gugger's heart was heavy as she sifted through the scattered debris and devastation left by Superstorm Sandy along the Jersey Shore. Pieces of broken furniture. Shards of metal. Chairs ripped off patios. Blue jeans tossed out of bureaus. But there was something different about that swath of gray cloth with shiny brass buttons. She stopped to take a second look, leaning down to tug on an edge of the fabric that peeked out from under the sand. At first glance, she thought it was an elaborate
Halloween costume — a jacket that reminded her of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper.

It was no costume. Gugger had stumbled across an 80-year-old tunic owned by a 1933 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a World War II hero described in his West Point yearbook as a soldier with a "heart like a stormy sea."

The jacket's journey is as mysterious as its history. No one knows how it ended up on the Jersey Shore, hundreds of miles north of the late warrior Chester B. deGavre's home on Virginia's Eastern Shore. His 98-year-old widow, Tita deGavre, didn't even know it existed.

But now that it has been found, the jacket is more than just a recovered forgotten relic.

For deGavre, it is another part of her late husband to cherish. She plans to hang it on the wall along with some of his other military garb and awards at the Deep Creek Plantation, a sprawling Virginia landscape along the shore where she also found her husband's missing West Point ring years ago.

"I found it most impossible to believe," deGavre said after Gugger drove five hours earlier this week to deliver the ornate jacket. "Where could it have been all this time?"

Chester deGavre's parents used to live in Red Bank, less than 10 miles southwest of where the jacket was found. But that was years ago and the house has been sold many times over.

"Somebody must have had (the jacket) under great care, and whether their house blew away with Sandy, I don't know," said deGavre, who met her husband while he was overseas in her native England. They married in 1948.

"It's all a big mystery, but I'm happy about it."

To Gugger, the jacket is nothing less than a symbol of resurrection and renewal in a landscape scarred by sorrow and loss.

The 48-year-old pharmaceutical consultant from Holland, Pa., found the military clothing while she and other members of the Sandy Hook Bay Catamaran Club helped clean up damage from Sandy, which struck in late October.

"I saw blue jeans, I had seen jackets, chairs, backpacks — all kinds of things," she said. "And to go from a point of looking at devastation and the sadness that was associated with that, to find that something so good could potentially come out of the findings in all of that debris, I was just overjoyed."

Gugger took the jacket home, shook out the sand, and washed it off. It was in extraordinary condition, and upon closer examination, she noticed the words "West Point" and "issued to deGavre" on the inside.

Determined to get the jacket back to its rightful owner, she contacted West Point's Association of Graduates, which cleaned and preserved it and tracked down deGavre's family.

The heavy coat, studded with brass buttons down the front and sleeves, hasn't changed much since it was first adopted at the academy around 1816, said retired Army Col. Chris Needels, a 1965 graduate of West Point and family friend of the deGavres. With its tails, intricate stitching, and diagonal gold braids on the shoulders, the jacket is still worn by cadets for formal occasions and in parades.

READ MORE...

Pocomoke City ~ An Old-Fashioned Christmas Evening

Pocomoke City Hall all lit up for An Old-Fashioned Christmas Evening downtown last evening.

Pocomoke City had lots of luck with the weather this year.  Monday nights Christmas parade had weather just as nice.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Thursday PM & Friday AM Fires In Accomack County

Thursday night- approximately 8:30 PM - Woods (1/2 acre)  fire across  from Tasley Post Office.  Tasley fire department and Onley ambulance responded. 

Virginia Sate Police, Accomack County Sheriff's Office and Virginia Dept. of Forestry were notified.

It has not yet been determined if Thursday nights  fire is related to the recent rash of abandoned structure fires that have been set in Accomack County over the last two and a half weeks. If  related  it will be the first of the series of fires that hasn't been in an abandoned structure.

Friday @ 1:45 AM- Stations 10, 12 and 18 called to a pile of pallets burning on Beacon Hill Road near Hollies Church. Virginia State Police and Accomack County Sheriff's Office responded and are investigation.


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

The public is reminded that if they have any information to call: 

1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820;

or
 call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

Old- Fashioned Christmas Evening ~ Samaritan Shelter Donation



DON'T FORGET:

Samaritan Shelter Donation Drive - visit tent at the event!

On-going needs for the shelter: non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, paper products,
personal care items, bottled water, gift cards, or money...
Buy a chance for a $900 gift basket

Old-Fashioned Christmas ~ TONIGHT !


 Pocomoke City's
 OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS
TONIGHT
5 PM until 9 PM
Across from City Hall



The Mar-Va Theater will have a table set up during the Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration tonight.


Stop by delicious theater popcorn!!

This event helps start the BIRTHDAY MONTH OF THE MAR-VA THEATER !!



Happy 85th  Birthday 
Mar-Va Theater  !!

Special Movie At the MarVa Theater

SATURDAY EVENING

Teen friends, Steve, Carrie, Cooper, and Gameboy embark on a weekend camping trip lead by their church youth group leader Stuart (Sean Astin) and his wife Beth (Erin Bethea). Joining them is an outsider Ashley, a self-involved rich kid, whose attitude causes a major commotion within the group, specifically between her and Carrie. Before it gets too out of hand though, Stuart takes this opportunity to share with the kids the incredibly powerful biblical story of Hosea; a story of immovable faith, impeccable commitment, and impervious love.

**Group Seating Available**

Saturday  December 1
7PM
Tickets: $5.00

Riverside Grill ~ Friday Specials

FRIDAY SPECIALS

-New England Clam Chowder w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 6.99
-Soft Shell Crab Sandwich w/ chips and a pickle 9.99
-Ale Batter Fried Shrimp Platter 9.99
-Apple Cranberry Salad 7.99

-Crab Cake Caesar Salad 16.99


HAPPY HOUR

4 TO 7pm
W/$1.00  OFF APPETIZERS


AT 8:00 PM

$1.50 domestic drafts 
 $3.50 Sailor Jerry
and
 Captain Morgan drinks



Tasley Woods Fire Thursday Night - Was It Arson?

At approximately 8:30 Thursday night, a woods fire was reported across from the Tasley Post office in a wooded area. Tasley and an ambulance from Onley responded to the approximately one half acre blaze. The blaze was quickly extinguished. The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriff's Department and the Virginia Department of Forestry were notified.

It has not yet been determined if the fire is related to the recent rash of abandoned structure fires that have plagued Accomack County over the last two and a half weeks.  (since November 12) If it is, it will be the first of the series of fires that hasn't been in an abandoned structure. (#23)

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

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.

Santa Paws Is Surfing To Town !

SURF DOG RICOCHET LEADS A MILITARY GIVING DRIVE TO
BENEFIT SOLDIERS WITH PTSD, TBI AND OTHER COMBAT INJURIES


SAN DIEGO, CA, November 28, 2012... Surf dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog traded her life jacket for a Santa jacket to kick off her 4th annual Surfin' Santa Paws Howliday Giving Drive which starts December 1st and goes through Christmas day. This year it benefits several military re-integration programs for soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and other combat injuries. The drive also includes military working dogs that are injured or suffer PTSD.

This past summer, Ricochet had the privilege of utilizing her goal directed therapy dog certification to work with members of our military with PTSD, TBI and other combat injuries through Pawsitive Teams Canine Inspired Community Re-integration program. She learned how important these programs are for returning soldiers.

According to reports, traumatic brain injury is named the “signature injury” for the current war in Iraq & Afghanistan. PTSD affects one in 5 active duty and/or veterans. And, at least 10% of military working dogs have developed canine PTSD.
It is very difficult for some of these soldiers to re-integrate back into day-to-day life after they have been engulfed in war and/or injured. They leave for combat as young men and women. But, when they return, they are forever changed with life altering injuries. They experience anxiety, stress, flashbacks, sleep disorders, nightmares, detachment, depression, isolation, survivor guilt, pain, hyper-vigilance, alcohol or substance abuse and more.

These soldiers and military working dogs have sacrificed everything for our freedom. Now, Ricochet is urging everyone to make one small sacrifice, and forego a simple pleasure for one day. Take the money you would normally spend on a cup of coffee, lunch, a movie, etc., and make a tax deductible donation at DONATE http://bit.ly/SantaPawsMilitaryGivingDrive.

Ricochet sincerely thanks the members of our military for their dedication and service. She also thanks everyone who donates, and shares this Military Giving Drive to raise more awareness of these vital programs that help our injured soldiers. The funds donated will benefit the re-integration programs below…

The Balboa Warrior Athlete/Recreational Therapy Program restores and rehabilitates wounded, ill and injured soldiers’ level of function and independence in day-to-day life activities.

American Humane Association in partnership with the National Military Family Association's provides Operation Purple Camps” for children of deployed and returning soldiers.

Warrior Canine Connection teaches Service Members with PTSD, the skill of training mobility service dogs, which are then partnered with soldiers who have mobility impairments.

The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation supports the recovery of mental and physical illness of soldiers through the healing power of ocean related activities.
The Wounded Warrior Project provides services to severely injured soldiers who are transitioning to civilian life, including their “Warriors to Work” program.

The United States War Dog Association honors and assists our nation's former and current US Military Dogs and Handlers who provide an invaluable canine service to our country

Military Working Dog Adoptions helps retiring military working dogs find Forever Homes. They also work tirelessly for the passage of the bill “Canine Members of the Armed Forces”.


  MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Suspects Arrested For Robbery

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on Tuesday, November 20th at approximately 8:21 p.m., the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report of an armed robbery at the Stop-n-Shop Convenience Store in Painter, Virginia. Taken from the business was an undisclosed amount of money and merchandise. No injury was sustained during the robbery and further investigation led to the identity of several males who were charged with this crime.

Ricky M. Drummond, age 22 of Painter, was arrested November 23 on two counts of robbery, one count of use of firearm in commission of a felony, and one count of possession of firearm by convicted felon. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

Jonathan P. Belote, age 18 of Painter, was arrested November 24 on two counts of robbery and one count of use of firearm in commission of a felony. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

Antonio L. Brown, age 22 of Painter, was arrested November 27 on two counts of robbery. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

The Accomack County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Marine Police.

Source:

Serious Questions This Week About Maryland's Economic Development

Serious questions this week about Maryland's economic development 


Change Maryland released a report on Monday raising questions about the state's strategy for economic development saying that the agency responsible for job growth has "mission creeped into a marketing function of the Governor." 

Below are highlights of statewide media coverage this week followed by Monday's release. 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


Baltimore Sun  11.26.12
Change Maryland argues for change at state's economic development agency

"Anirban Basu, head of Sage Policy Group, a Baltimore an economic policy consulting firm, has worked for DBED, too, and said he thinks highly of the people there. But he doesn't disagree with Change Maryland's main contention. 'I think that DBED in fact could play a more aggressive role in job creation,' Basu said. 'It needs to recognize the weaknesses of [the] state's economic climate and address those weaknesses, both in front of and behind the scenes.'


Daily Record 11.26.12
Report: DBED just a ‘marketing agency’

"In an eight-page report expected to be released Monday, Change Maryland Communications and Policy Director Jim Pettit charges that the Department of Business and Economic Development is a “not a job-creating organization,” but a “politically-driven marketing agency."

"The same could be said of Change Maryland, said DBED spokeswoman Karen Glenn Hood, who called much of the report “blatantly inaccurate.”

“This reality is, quite frankly, the opinion of a political organization that doesn’t have its facts straight or really have a concept of what DBED does,” she said.


Citybizlist 11.26.12
Change Maryland Proposes Major Reforms to Boost Economic Performance, Attract Jobs

"The NGA report highlights “Virginia Performs” which tracks a wide range of data, most notably business climate and employment growth.  A performance trend indicator - improving, maintaining, worsening – discloses the strengths and weaknesses in Virginia's economy.  Such a system in Maryland would evaluate wide-ranging data, transforming that into actionable intelligence for forging bipartisan policy solutions in the General Assembly and regulatory agencies."


Monoblogue 11.27.12
A Sobering Look at Economic Development

"Yesterday that thorn buried deep in Martin O’Malley’s side known as Change Maryland put out an eight-page report lambasting the state’s Department of Business and Economic Development as a “politically-driven marketing agency (and) not a job-creating organization.” 



Daily Record 11.27.12
Larry Hogan: Economic Development Needs Data not PR

"In this scenario, instead of attracting jobs, economic development mission creeps into a marketing function for the governor.."



Red Maryland 11.29.12
Making the Case for Real Job Growth

"Again, I urge you to visit the Change Maryland website and read this report in its entirety. When you do, you will see common sense policy solutions to a real and looming problem in our state.  This is not a partisan problem and the solutions proposed are not partisan either.  It is refreshing to see intelligent ideas that can solve Maryland's problems.  Too bad those in control in Annapolis are beyond such petty concerns."



Annapolis Capital 11.29.12
New Study Criticizes State's Economic Development Department

"According to analysis by Change Maryland, the state Department of Business and Economic Development dedicates too many resources to making O’Malley look good, and spends too little time actually bringing businesses to Maryland."




Change Maryland: Reform Economic Development to Attract Jobs

11.26.12
Contact: Jim Pettit
301.704.1363
@jamesmpettit

Annapolis, MD - Change Maryland proposed solutions today to generate jobs, focusing specifically on the state's economic development efforts. The National Governor's Association recently examined what states can do to advance job creation by re-evaluating traditional approaches to economic development, providing much of the underpinnings in Change Maryland's proposed solutions. Developing a performance monitoring system - a key recommendation of the nations' governors - will enhance the state's credibility within the government itself,  business community and individuals of all political parties interested in job growth.

"People demand a modern government that is honest, open and transparent in the way it does things," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.  "Nowhere is that more important than the critical task of attracting jobs to Maryland."

The NGA report highlights “Virginia Performs” which tracks a wide range of data, most notably business climate and employment growth.  A performance trend indicator - improving, maintaining, worsening – discloses the strengths and weaknesses in Virginia's economy.  Such a system in Maryland would evaluate and transform data into actionable intelligence for forging bipartisan policy solutions in the General Assembly and regulatory agencies.    Data available to inform such policy decisions range from federal economic statistics to private third-party metrics which Change Maryland has been collecting, reporting and analyzing.  

"There is no reason that Democrats, Republicans and Independents can't work together on the shared goals of increasing employment," said Hogan.  "First we need to get on the same page and provide basic economic information in one place so we can see where we are going and how to get there."

The Change Maryland report, "Solutions for Increasing Economic Performance and Jobs," is a candid assessment of the state's current economic development efforts, the focal point of which is Maryland's Department of Business and Economic Development.   Both culturally and organizationally, DBED is a political marketing agency, not a job creating organization.

"We need to ramp up our state's economic development efforts and return to our core mission of attracting jobs," said Hogan. "Maryland can become a leader in economic development and attracting jobs."

Another key Change Maryland solution to attracting jobs is to reorganize DBED to emphasize recruiting business facilities - corporate headquarters, warehouses, office space and the like - to Maryland.  Currently, department resources prioritize administrative and marketing functions over facilities recruitment.

Change Maryland proposes sweeping reforms to DBED in three broad areas:

1. Increase Transparency
2. Measure Internal Performance
3. Reorganize to Attract Jobs

###

Background: 

"Solutions for Increasing Economic Performance and Jobs"





Thursday, November 29, 2012

Accomack County Denied FEMA Assistance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 29, 2012
CONTACT: Bob Spieldenner
 (804) 674-2400
bob.spieldenner@vdem.virginia.gov

FEMA denies disaster assistance for Accomack County

RICHMOND, Va. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Virginia’s request for Individual Assistance to help property owners in Accomack County affected by Hurricane Sandy.

“I am disappointed that residents of Accomack County will not receive the federal disaster relief they desperately need in the wake of Hurricane Sandy,” said Governor Bob McDonnell. “I personally visited the county in the days after the storm and met individually with a number of citizens who suffered severe flooding and damage from the storm. They need federal help.

Unfortunately, that help has not been approved. We will continue to look for all ways by which to help our fellow Virginians in need.  One means is through donations to the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund, and I encourage Virginians who want to help the residents of Accomack to use the fund to get involved and help out.”

The federal Individual Assistance Program would have made funding available to homeowners, renters and businesses in the form of low-interest loans and grants, unemployment assistance, disaster housing assistance and crisis counseling. 

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management will make a recommendation to Governor McDonnell on whether to appeal FEMA’s denial or to apply for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration.

If a request for SBA assistance is approved, loans up to $200,000 would be available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters would be eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.  Businesses and nonprofit organizations of any size could apply for loans up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Tax deductible donations to the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund may be made at https://payments.vi.virginia.gov/donatenow.

Source:

"Lighting of the Tower" ~ Federalsburg~ Don't Miss This!

There is nothing like childhood memories....especially during Christmas ...

Here's the result from what a community can do when they stand beside each other! 

With help from the Lions Club and other organizations, bingos and so much more you brought a tradition and  a childhood  memory  back! Federalsburg, you worked hard to make the lighting of the tower happen once again ...

"LIGHTING OF THE TOWER"

Federalsburg Lions Club presents a
Christmas Lighting Celebration

Friday, November 30, 2012
6:00 PM
Location: Town Triangle on West Central & Park Lane

Music and Caroling by
Federalsburg Elementary Chorus
The CRHS Marching Band

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.


I hope that all of you that have wanted this so very much for the past year get to attend the events........ 
Enjoy and have a 
Merry Christmas.

Many thanks to the  Federalsburg Lions Club  


TIME MACHINE Preview ... A Very Large Loss In A Small Eastern Shore Community


The afternoon of May 9, 1926 brought an unbelievable event to residents of Somerset County's Lawsonia as a dream they had worked hard to accomplish was shattered.
Read more about it 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, a Holiday memory? 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!