Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Electric Vehicle Chargers To Be Offered At Cracker Barrel

LEBANON, Tenn.(AP) — Cracker Barrel, modeled to represent a slower time of rocking chairs on old wooden porches, will soon feature a very modern technology — electric vehicle chargers.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store In,. has launched a pilot project in which it will install Blink electric vehicle chargers, provided by Ecotality Inc., at 24 restaurants across Tennessee.

The pilot is part of a broader effort by Ecotality, based in Tempe, Ariz., to get charging stations in more places across the country. The lack of charging stations, along with the high cost of vehicles, are major hurdles to the spread of electric vehicle technology.

Cracker Barrel restaurants are mostly located near major highways where travelers can get to them, and back on the road, easily. Ecotality said this makes them an ideal fit for the charging stations. About 40 percent of Cracker Barrel guests are travelers.

Guests will be able to get a full charge in less than 30 minutes at 12 DC Fast Charging stations. Chargers at the other 12 locations will take longer, but the companies didn't say how long.

There will be a charge for the service, but the prices haven't yet been set, Cracker Barrel spokeswoman Julie Davis said Tuesday.

The chargers are expected to be installed over a few months starting next spring.

Through its EV project, Ecotality will oversee the installation of 15,000 charging stations in 16 cities and major metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia. The project will provide infrastructure to support the deployment of 8,300 electric vehicles. The project is funded through a federal stimulus grant of $114.8 million. The grant was matched by private investment, bringing the total value of the project to about $230 million.

Cracker Barrel, based in Lebanon, Tenn., is also shelling out an undisclosed amount of money to help with installation of its chargers and to upgrade transformers.

Its shares fell 68 cents, or 1.3 percent, to $53.40 in midday trading. Ecotality shares dropped 8 cents, or 2.2 percent, to $3.52.

www.timesdispatch.com

TORNADO WATCH- HEAVY RAINFALL- HIGH WINDS

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the Lower Shore through 10 a.m., as well as a watch for potentially violent thunderstorms.

Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Accomack, Northampton and Dorchester counties are on the watch list. Locally heavy rainfall and damaging winds are possible, particularly from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Rare Copy of 'The Star Spangled Banner' To Be Auctioned

It's the typo that gives it away.

The two 13-by-9.5-inch pieces of paper that will go up for auction at Christie's on Friday spell out in big, bold, black letters, "The Star Spangled Banner." Underneath this heading is written, much smaller, these words of explanation: "A Pariotic Song."

Thomas Carr, a 19th century music publisher who operated a store at 36 Baltimore St., intended to print "A Patriotic Song." But he was rushing to capitalize on the popularity of the little ditty that Francis Scott Key penned while watching the bombing of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, and lacked the modern-day luxury of spell-check. So when the first edition of the four famous verses that later became the national anthem were published in 1814, they contained a telling misspelling.
And that's how Chris Coover, a senior book and manuscript specialist for the auction house, knew that he'd been offered the real deal.

"It's a great discovery, a key piece of Americana," Coover says. "There are only 11 copies that we know about, and this is the only one in private hands. The others are all in institutions or university libraries."

Chances are that when Lot 85 goes on the auction block at around 11 a.m. Friday at the auction house's headquarters in New York, the bidding will start in the low six figures. Christie's estimates the value of the manuscript at between $200,000 and $300,000.

The auction house isn't releasing the identities of the sellers, but Coover identified them as two elderly Pennsylvania antique dealers. In 1989, when the couple purchased their copy of the "Banner," it was included in an album of 50 pieces of sheet music that had been bound together. The couple, not knowing what they had found, purchased the entire book for $50 — or $1 per song.

"They got a bargain," Coover says with intentional understatement, adding that proceeds from the sale will fund the couple's retirement.

It's estimated that the album was bound about 1820 while it was owned by a young girl named Mary Barnitz, who belonged to a prominent family near York, Pa.

Cooper noted that Carr probably made about 500 copies of the first edition, which were engraved and printed from a copper plate. Just 2 percent managed to survive the ensuing 197 years.

"It was very customary in the early part of the 19th century to collect sheet music," Coover says.

"In musical families, sheet music would be in a big messy stack, and at some point, someone would gather it all up and take it to a bookbinder. The fact that it was bound into this album of 49 other examples was probably what saved it from being discarded, damaged or destroyed. It's in wonderful condition."

The manuscript, he says, has a small tear in one corner that has been carefully mended, and a very light damp stain, possibly from tea. But, other than the misspelling, the most striking aspect of the first edition is the absence of the author's name.

"I think it was an oversight on the part of the publisher," Coover says.

"He may not have known that Francis Scott Key was the author. Key was an attorney, but he wasn't famous. By the time Carr came out with his first edition, the verses had already been printed in the newspapers, and the song had been sung on stage."

Coover says that a handful of people have already made inquiries about the "Banner," though none are from Maryland.

But even if the document never makes it to the Free State, two of the 11 copies are safely housed in the city where the song was written.

The Johns Hopkins University has a near-pristine copy that it acquired in 1977 from the collector and donor Lester Levy, along with other "Star Spangled Banner" memorabilia. The first edition is available to university staff and students for perusal, but hasn't been displayed publicly for several years, according to Kelly Spring, an assistant manuscripts curator for the university.

And the Maryland Historical Society has a third copy, which is on display through the holidays. If the society's president, Burt Kummerow, is a bit vague about how long it's owned its first edition, or how it was acquired, that's understandable.

It seems that the society's attention is focused on another item in its possession that's even more historic, intimate and valuable — an inked version of "The Star Spangled Banner" in the author's handwriting.

No, museum officials don't have the famous envelope back on which Key first jotted down the lyrics of his song while watching the bombardment. That envelope was lost long ago. Instead, the Historical Society has the piece of paper on which Key copied down the lyrics from the envelope as soon as the shaken barrister made it back to his hotel from the deck of the British sloop on which he'd been detained. This was the official version, the one on which Key intended to preserve his musings.

"We'll be doing a lot more with the handwritten version for the centennial year in 2014," Kummerow says. "We'll be sharing it with groups around the state. It's our most popular item by far."
www.baltimoresun.com

Grandmother Charged With Murder After Throwing Granddaughter From Parking Garage Walkway


TYSONS CORNER, Va. - A 50-year-old woman accused of throwing her granddaughter to her death off a parking garage walkway has been charged with murder.

Carmela Dela Rosa allegedly threw two-and-a-half-year-old Angelyn Ogdoc off a sixth floor outdoor walkway at Tysons Corner Center around 7:15 p.m. Monday, Fairfax County Police spokesperson Tawny Wright tells WTOP.

Dela Rosa was arraigned Tuesday morning at Fairfax County Circuit Court. She is due back there on Jan. 4.

She is currently being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Dela Rosa, of Fairfax, was walking with other family members Monday when she picked up and threw the girl off the walkway in a matter of seconds, Wright says.

Emergency responders took Ogdoc to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where she later died. Police were notified of her death around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Dela Rosa was originally charged with aggravated malicious wounding, but the charges were upgraded to murder following the girl's death.

There is a security camera on the walkway. There is no word on whether the camera captured the incident.

The walkway connects Parking Garage E with the movie theaters and a food court. There is a railing just higher than waist-level.

Police have not said what prompted the Dela Rosa to hurt her granddaughter.

Dela Rosa's neighbors say she often took care of her granddaughter, and was recently rushed to the hospital because she was sick.

"She's like a normal person, you wouldn't think something like that would happen," next-door neighbor Russell Jackson tells WTOP.

"I've seen her picture, but I'm still saying 'They've got the wrong house.'"

www.wtop.com

Santa To Arrive At the Historic Onley Train Station Dec. 4

You better not pout, you better not cry, because Santa is coming to the Historic Onley Train Station. The Society for the Preservation of the Onley Train Station (SPOTS) will be hosting Santa as he arrives by train on Saturday December 4th at 2:30 pm. The Historic Onley Train Station will be open from 1-3 pm for tours and refreshments will be available.

The station is located at the corner of Pennsylvania Ave and Maple St in downtown Onley right next to the tracks.

So come on out and celebrate the start of the holiday season with members of SPOTS, and Santa at the historic Onley Train Station.

Arrest Made By Accomack County Sheriff's Dept. In Corner Mart Robbery

According to Major Todd Godwin of the Accomack County Sheriffs Office, on October 28, 2010 at approximately 10:19 PM, the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report of an armed robbery that occurred at the Corner Mart convenience store in Wattsville, Virginia. Based on witness accounts, 3 suspects entered the store and robbed the clerk of an undisclosed amount of money and property.

On November 17, 2010, Denzel Maurice Timmons of Pocomoke City, Maryland was charged with 2 counts of Robbery and 2 counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony relating to this crime as well as his involvement in the October 10, 2010 robbery that occurred at the Oak Hall Corner Mart convenience store. Timmons is currently incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

The investigation into these crimes is continuing and further arrests are pending.

www.shoredailynews.com

Southern Security System

HOW TO INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM WHEN ON A BUDGET:

1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.


2.  Place boots on your front porch, along with several empty beercans, a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine, and several NRA magazines.


3. Place a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.

4. Leave a note on your door that reads: "Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim, I went to the gun shop for more ammunition.  Back in an hour.  Don't mess with the pit bulls -- they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad.   


I don't think Killer took part in it, but it was hard to tell from all the blood.

P.S. I locked all four of 'em in the house.  Better wait outside."

INSTALLATION COMPLETE!
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Couple Wins $164,000,000.00 Lottery

What would you do with all that money?


Hat Tip; Kack

Pocomoke City Christmas Parade Winners

2010 Pocomoke City Christmas Parade Winners

Grand Champion Band $100 & Trophy Snow Hill HS

1st Place Div I Band - L$150 & Trophy Snow Hill HS
2nd Place Div I Band - L$100 & Trophy N. Dorchester HS


1st Place Div 2 1st Place Div Band- S$150 & Trophy Washington HS
2nd Place Div 2 Band - S $100 & Trophy Crisfield HS

1st Place Div 3 Band - M$125 & Trophy Salisbury Middle School
2nd Place Div 3 Band - M$100 & Trophy None

1st Place Comm. Float Plaque Lowes of Pocomoke
2nd Place Comm. Float Plaque TNT Construction

1st Place Non-Com Adult Float $150 & Plaque Acts Apostolic Church
2nd Place Non-Com Adult Float $125 & Plaque Bethel Baptist Church

1st Place Non-Com Youth Float $150 & Plaque Cub Scouts Troop 143
2nd Place Non-Com Youth Float $125 & Plaque Girls Scouts Troop 137

1st Place Dance Units Plaque Dance Loft
2nd Place Dance Units Plaque Dance Dynamics

1st Place Marching Units Plaque Snow Hill HS
2nd Place Marching Units Plaque Pocomoke HS

Best Appearing Fire Co. Plaque Greenbackville VFD
2nd Appearing Fire Co. Plaque Parsonsburg VFD

Best Fire Co Marching Plaque Newark Cadets

Best Antique Equipment Plaque Greenbackville VFD

Best Modern Equipment Plaque Salisbury Station 2

Equestrian Unit Plaque Chincoteague Drill Team

Teen Wanted Police Turns Himself In

HEBRON, Md.- The search for a Hebron teenager accused of having fired multiple shots at a Maryland state trooper four days ago ended this morning when he turned himself in to police in Salisbury.

Maryland State Police say Wyatt A. Young, 18, will be charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, illegal possession of a handgun in a vehicle, illegal possession of a handgun, and use of a handgun in the commission of a felony. Bond information was not immediately available.

Police say that at around 7 a.m. today, Young walked into the Salisbury Police Department with his mother and identified himself to police. He was taken into custody without incident.

Young's arrest stemmed from an incident alleged to have occurred shortly after 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26. Authorities say a state trooper assigned to the MSP Salisbury Barrack was traveling in the 7500 block of Longfield Drive near Hebron when he saw a vehicle parked in the grass along the shoulder of the road. The trooper was in uniform and in a marked patrol car.

The trooper was facing the front of the Honda when he pulled up to check on it. The trooper shone his patrol car spotlight on the Honda and saw someone lying across the front seat. Police say the person, later identified as Young, sat up and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the trooper. According to investigators, Young fired at the trooper through the driver's side window, causing the Honda's window to shatter.

Police say that Young is believed to have fired at least two more times at the trooper, before speeding away from the scene.

Neither the trooper nor his patrol car was hit by the gunfire.

A search by police in Maryland and Delaware had been underway for the last four days prior to Young's decision to surrender to authorities. He had last been seen in Delaware where he fled from a traffic stop.

Agencies involved in the search included the Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation, the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, MSP Salisbury Barrack, Maryland State Police State Apprehension Team, Delaware State Police and local police departments.

The Wicomico County State's Attorney's Office worked with the investigative team and was consulted regarding criminal charges.

The investigation is continuing. Police say additional criminal charges are pending against Young in Maryland and Delaware.

www.wboc.com

Parksley's 2010 Olde Fashion Christmas Celebration

The Greater Parksley Association and the Parksley Volunteer Fire Company invite you to An Olde Fashion Christmas in Parksley 2010.

The events will start when Santa arrives on the train around 3:15. The Great Parksley Association will be selling hot chocolate and
homemade cookies for all that are waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive. Dunne Ave will be closed around 5:00. Santa then will arrive around 5:30 at his Santa House next to the Club Car. Let Santa's elves take your children's picture with Santa for a small donation.

Local merchants will be open late for your shopping pleasure. Carolers and bell ringers will be present for your enjoyment. Local craft vendors will be set up in the Town Council Chambers. Warm yourself by the street bonfire and make your own smores. Free hayrides to view the decorated homes. Again this year hay riders will get to judge the best decorated homes.

Homeowners are encourage to decorate to win a cash prize!!(call 757-665-6655 to register your house)

1st prize $100
2nd prize $75
3rd prize $50

Don't miss this special annual event Saturday December 4th, 2010 from 5 p.m. - 8p.m.

For more information about this event call 665-6655
www.shoredailynews.com

Pocomoke Police Dept. To Hold Annual Youth Christmas Party


2010 Annual Youth Christmas Party

Hosted by The Pocomoke City Police Department

will be held

December 19, 2010

5:00 to 7:00 PM

The event will be held at the Bethany-Salem United Methodist Church
205 Market Street, Pocomoke, Md.
SANTA CLAUS WILL BE DELIVERING PRESENTS TO ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12!
For more information (410) 957-1600, ext. 103

Lawsuit Filed Against Perdue

The Humane Society of the United States filed a class action lawsuit Monday in New Jersey against Maryland-based Perdue Farms, accusing the nation's third-largest poultry producer of falsely advertising its chickens as "humanely raised."

The suit was brought on behalf of a New Jersey woman who bought chicken at a BJ's Wholesale Club bearing the Harvestland label, a trade name used by Perdue for birds raised in Kentucky and marketed as "purely all-natural" and "humanely raised."

The suit alleges that the poultry producer's marketing violates New Jersey's consumer fraud law. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages against Perdue, as well as an injunction barring it from making claims that it treats its birds humanely.

"Companies like Perdue are exploiting the dramatic growth of consumer demand for improved animal welfare for their own profit," Jonathan Lovvorn, vice president and a chief counsel for the Washington-based group, said in a statement. "Rather than implementing humane reforms, Perdue has simply slapped 'humanely raised' stickers on its factory farmed products, hoping consumers won't know the difference."

Perdue follows animal welfare guidelines put out by the industry's National Chicken Council, the suit claims, which allow for raising birds in continuous dim light, depriving them of food and water during transport to a processing plant and hanging them upside down and shackled by their legs just before slaughter. The group contends industry slaughtering techniques are inhumane, subjecting birds to unnecessary pain before killing them. Perdue issued a statement from its corporate headquarters in Salisbury saying that its farmers' handling of their chickens exceeds industry standards, and that the Humane Society's suit is based on "narrow, arbitrary standards" of humane treatment.

"Our chickens are raised cage-free on family farms in temperature-controlled housing with a continuous flow of fresh air, and they remain free to move about with constant access to food and water," e-mailed Luis A. Luna, Perdue's vice president for corporate communications.

Some poultry companies have shifted to killing or stunning their animals with gas before slaughtering them, the Humane Society points out. Jaindl Farms, a turkey producer in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, and Mary's Chickens, a free-range bird producer in California, are among the poultry producers that have switched or are in the process of switching to so-called "controlled atmosphere" killing.

The chicken council contends the industry practice of stunning birds electrically before slaughtering them is "effective and humane." The trade group says studies have found no proof that the birds are less traumatized by the gassing method that is popular in Europe and among some producers in the United States. "It is no surprise that HSUS finds fault with the [industry's] program, since HSUS is dominated by animal rights advocates who object to the use of animals for food," Richard L. Lobb, the chicken council's communications director, said in an e-mail.

The Humane Society does encourage vegetarianism, but it also supports consumption of meat raised in a manner that the group believes reduces the animals' suffering.

Though the lawsuit would apply only to the marketing of Perdue poultry products in New Jersey, the humane society vice president said the group might seek to bring suit in other states with similar consumer fraud laws. Maryland, though, might not offer fertile legal ground for such a lawsuit. State law does protect against false advertising, but the claims being challenged must be provably wrong by some objective standard, according Raquel Guillory, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler.
www.baltimoresun.com

Suspects Charged In B&E At Runninger's Pharmacy

For the second time in as many months, a branch of the local Runninger's Pharmacy has been broken into.
According to Major Todd Godwin of the Accomack County Sheriff's Office, on October 2, 2010 at approximately 5:29 A.M., deputies responded to a report of an alarm activation at Runninger's Pharmacy in Parksley, Virginia. Parksley Policeman Tommy Carpenter was the first on the scene, reponding while driving home after his shift had ended.

Upon arrival on the scene, deputies found that a breaking and entering had occurred and that various items had been taken from the business.

"The back window had been busted out," said Pharmacist Emory Hurst, Jr. "The alarm was triggered and they were scared off before they could steal too much."
A joint investigation into this incident between the
Accomack County Sheriff's Office and the Parksley Police Department, with assistance from the Virginia State Police, has resulted in warrants being obtained against Billy Brandice Kilmon, age 27, of Parksley, Virginia and Walter Hunter Wharton III, age 30, address unknown, charging each subject with one count of breaking and entering and one count of grand larceny.

Billy Brandice Kilmon and Walter Hunter Wharton III are currently incarcerated in the Wicomico County Jail in Salisbury, Maryland on unrelated charges.

The investigation into this incident is continuing and additional arrests are expected.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Police Still Searching For Teen Wanted In Shooting

DOVER, Del.- Police in Delaware nearly captured an 18-year-old man believed to have fired shots at a Maryland state trooper, but he was able to run away.

Authorities had been looking for Wyatt A. Young of Hebron, Md., who allegedly fired at the trooper Friday. At around 7:40 p.m. Sunday, however, police say they stopped Young, who was allegedly driving a stolen car on SR#1 in the area of Bayview Road in Middletown. After the vehicle was stopped, Young fled on foot.

Police used dogs and helicopters to search for Young until Monday morning, when they scaled back the search effort. Young is described as white, 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who spots Young or knows of his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Citizens may also contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or provide tips online at http://www.tipsubmit.com/ or contact the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack at (410) 749-3101.

When captured, Young will face attempted murder and related charges.

www.wboc.com

Murder Trial Delay

SNOW HILL -- The trial date for the man accused of murdering a Pocomoke City woman has been bumped from December to February, meaning outgoing Worcester County State's Attorney Joel Todd will not try the case.

"That's the way the democratic system works," said Todd, who lost a bid for his fifth consecutive term to challenger Beau Oglesby. "I certainly would have liked to have been able to prosecute, but the voters decided otherwise, and I accept that. ... I have no reason to believe the case won't be handled ethically and professionally and that justice will prevail."

Christine Sheddy, a 27-year-old mother of two, went missing in November 2007 from a Pocomoke City-area residence. An investigation by law enforcement led to the discovery in February of Sheddy's remains buried in the backyard of a Snow Hill bed and breakfast and the subsequent arrest of Justin Michael Hadel, 20, of Texas.

Hadel was scheduled to face charges of first-degree murder Dec. 7-9 in Worcester County Circuit Court. Because his public defender has requested more time to prepare for the case, the trial date has been moved to Feb. 8-10.

Todd may appear at a motions hearing scheduled for Dec. 9 in the case, though such hearings are sometimes canceled or rescheduled.

Lynn Dodenhoff, the victim's mother who bonded early on in the case with Todd and his staff, has publicly stated Joel Todd was the only man she wanted to prosecute Hadel.

"I have to put my faith in that (Oglesby) knows what he's doing and that he would accept any and all help in this case," said Dodenhoff in an interview. "I would feel more comfortable if it was Joel handling the case, but you're given the cards you're dealt."

Oglesby, currently employed as deputy state's attorney for Caroline County, said with four Worcester homicide cases pending, he's already begun getting familiar with the cases and is in "constant contact" with Todd, his staff of attorneys and members of law enforcement.

"There's a transfer of information that is ongoing," he said. "I'm completely confident in my abilities and, more importantly, the abilities of the members of the State's Attorney's Office and law enforcement that we will be prepared when it comes to trial."

When asked about Dodenhoff's comments, Oglesby declined to get into the details of ongoing cases, saying communication between him and victims of crimes should remain privileged.

Todd said once Dodenhoff gets to know the new state's attorney, "she'll find out that he's a professional, too."

"We have provided Mr. Oglesby with copies of reports; we have done everything we can so he is completely up to speed when he gets sworn in," Todd said. "There is no animosity between he and I. We both have the common pursuit of justice for the citizens of Worcester County.

www.delmarvanow.com

5 Year Old Gives Life Savings To Fire Department

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Financial support to help rebuild the Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department has poured in from across West Virginia and the country, but none touched members of the department more than the donation of one boy's savings.

On Saturday, Joshua Shaffer, 5, wearing a firefighter's hat and jacket -- his Halloween costume -- donated $45.85 from his plastic piggy bank.

The money, made up of change, was his life savings.

The department lost its main station, three trucks and nearly all of its equipment in an electrical fire on Oct. 1.

Shaffer's donation epitomizes the support from the community, especially the children, said Tom Miller, secretary of the 40-member department's board of directors.

Elementary, middle and high school students from across Kanawha County and the state have raised more than $5,000 through fundraisers, Miller said.

"There are just no words to describe it," Miller said.

J.T. Shaffer, Joshua's father, said Saturday his son decided to donate his savings after watching a YouTube video of the fire that destroyed the main station.

"They can't do it all by themselves," Joshua Shaffer said Saturday, after presenting the jar of coins to members of the fire department at Sissonville High School.

In honor of the donation, members of the VFD presented Joshua with a certificate, naming him an honorary junior firefighter.

He also shook each firefighter's hand before getting the chance to climb into the unit's fire truck and push a few buttons.

Joshua said Saturday he's already planning to begin saving money for "Big Josh," a fire truck the department plans to purchase and name after him.

The Sissonville VFD is operating out of the garage of Charleston Auto, just down the road from the burned-out station. The department runs three fire stations to cover an area of about 125 square miles.

Even after the loss of their main station, members of the volunteer department have not missed a single call, Miller said.

The fire destroyed nearly $2 million in property, equipment and vehicles, he said. The department's insurance will cover damage to the trucks and building, which totals about $1 million.

Insurance coverage for the lost equipment has not been settled.

Miller estimates that the department needs to raise an additional $350,000 to completely rebuild and re-establish itself.

The outpouring of support has been "overwhelming," Miller said.

In just two months, the department has raised about $100,000 through donations, fundraisers, and corporate and state pledges, he said.

Offers of help also have come from outside West Virginia. Fire departments from as far away as California, Alaska and British Columbia have donated equipment and supplies.

The department must have a plan to rebuild and re-establish itself by May, Miller said.

Without a plan, insurance policies of the people who live within the department's district could be affected, because the unit is operating out of a temporary location, he said.

The department is working on a plan, Miller said, "but "I have no idea where, or when we'll build. There are still a lot of questions that have to be answered yet."

Members of the Sissonville VFD will host a holiday family-portrait event from noon to 8 p.m. today at Sissonville High School. Portraits cost $10.

Additionally, the department is sponsoring a Dec. 18 holiday bus trip to Elkins. Tickets are $65 and include dinner, entrance to a Broadway-style show, time to shop in the area and transportation.

To book a ticket for the holiday trip, call the fire department at 304-984-0674.

www.wvgazette.com

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Pocomoke Christmas Parade; Give A Little, Get A Lot

Hot Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and pastries (and a Bonus while supplies last) at this years Christmas Parade? Read on.


For as long as I can remember the Pocomoke Christmas Parade is one of the coolest (temperature) parades that I have ever been to. It seams though if we are having un-seasonably warm weather we will still have a very cold evening the night of the parade with very few exceptions as witnessed in my lifetime.


This year there is help, it may not change the ambient outdoor temperature but having some nice hot coffee and/or hot chocolate will sure warm the bones on a cold blistery night, and it will even feel and taste good if it's not all that cold outside.


 Along with the hot coffee and chocolate is the option to enjoy a nice pastry to go along with your coffee and/or chocolate. Even if you do not like hot coffee or hot chocolate a nice hot cup of either makes the best hand warmer ever invented. It even makes a better hand warmer than the tried and trued method of breaking off the tip of a piece of frozen fire and putting it in your pocket.


  Not only will you have the luxury of having a cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate, and a baked good to dunk-it. All are just a stones-throw-away from anywhere that you stand/sit/park in the downtown area. The vendor of the coffee/chocolate/pastries will also be donating all proceeds to a local needy charity.

 So while you and the Children are enjoying the Christmas Parade don't let the cold weather hamper your night, just jog on over to the table set-up 'in'the doorway' of "Lighthouse Counseling & Consulting Services" and order y'all up some hot coffee, hot chocolate, and a mess of pastries, you will also be helping the Samaritan Shelter with each and every purchase, and while supplies last you will receive a American Family Association lapel button tell them "PPE" sent you.

Lets go over the rundown.

What? Benefit for the Samaritan Shelter Hot Coffee/Chocolate and pastries/baked goods.

When? 11/29/10 during the hours of The Pocomoke City night-time Christmas parade.   

Where? "Lighthouse Counseling & Consulting Services" 147 B Market Street in Beautiful Downtown Pocomoke City....across from Chinese Restaurant in the former Bloxom & Bloxom Law Office.

Why? To benefit the Pocomoke City Samaritan Shelter and To keep you warm and hydrated and to prevent that rumble from the tummy.

We are SELLING baked goods (peanut butter cookies, sugar cookies, oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, pecan bars, caramel brownies, and walnut brownies) asking for a one dollar DONATION  for the hot coffee and hot chocolate, (all goes to benefit the Samaritan Shelter) and the buttons say "Merry Christmas" and have a picture of Mary and Baby Jesus and then below that say "God with us" are FREE (no purchase required). (There is a picture on the American Family Association website if you'd like to see what they look like.)

NEWS RELEASE SURF DOG RICOCHET LEADS A "SURFIN' SANTA PAWS TOY DRIVE FOR KIDS & KRITTERS" TO BENEFIT RADY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL & HELEN WOODWARD ANIMAL CENTER!

SAN DIEGO, CA, November 29, 2010... Surf dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog who wins surf dog contests, but more notably raised over $55,000 for charity this past year, is now leading a holiday toy drive to benefit children, and animals in San Diego. She traded her life jacket for a Santa jacket, and will be arriving at Del Mar dog beach via surfboard on December 1st at 10am.

Ricochet is very excited about this second annual project, as it combines her love of helping both children and animals. The beneficiaries of her toy drive are Rady Children's Hospital, and Helen Woodward Animal Center where she was the top fundraiser at this past summer's surf dog surf-a-thon.  Last year, her toy drive generated donations from all over the world in connection with her inspirational video "From Service dog to SURFice dog", that went viral on YouTube. As a result, over $3550 in donations were raised, and 638 children received toys for the holidays.  She is hoping to raise even more this year!

Each year, thousands of children visit Rady Children's Hospital facilities and a donation of a toy, game, or arts and crafts supplies can go a long way towards brightening a child's stay in the hospital or a visit to a clinic.

Helen Woodward Animal Center is a dynamic, evolving institution that is an agent of change for the animal welfare world.  They use toys for their animals as a way to offer enrichment while they journey to find their forever homes.

Donors can choose if they'd like to make a donation for a kid toy, or a kritter toy... or both! 

Ricochet is accepting tax deductible online donations toward toys through December 17th.  She will then go shopping to purchase toys for the kids and kritters!  In addition, local drop boxes will be provided by her sponsor, SanDiegoSunCoast.com. Toys can also be mailed to: SanDiegoSunCoast.com, Surfin' Santa Paws Toy Drive, PO Box 6765, San Diego, CA 92166.  Visit Ricochet's website for complete information on donations, beneficiaries, drop box locations, and more.  There is also a video of Ricochet AKA Surfin' Santa paws surfin to town! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKWf0_M34EU

For more information, contact Judy Fridono at 707-228-0679 or pawinspired@aol.com.

About Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog

Ricochet is an internationally renowned champion surf dog who was slated to be a service dog for a person with a disability, but, due to her interest in chasing prey, she had to be released from that role.  An inspirational video of her journey, "From Service dog to SURFice dog" went viral on YouTube, and has almost 3 million views. She immediately turned the video's attention into a platform of helping others by pawing it forward while raising funds and awareness for human/animal causes.  She's become an inspirational phenomenon, motivational role model, internet sensation, fundraising marvel, goodwill ambassador, and a muse to millions! She promotes kindness, charity, philanthropy, and social responsibility, such as her video about anti-bullying "It gets better: You're amazing just the way you are!" 

For more information, visit: http://www.SurfDogRicochet.com or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet

About SanDiegoSunCoast.com

SanDiegoSunCoast.com is fast becoming the #1 online destination by both locals and visitors when it comes to San Diego County coastal cities, beaches and bay! Visually gorgeous, the SanDiegoSunCoast.com website offers 100's of things to do along and around our 77 mile coastline, as well as an Event Calendar featuring events both big and small. Visitors love our unbiased reviews and recommendations, and in-depth coverage of every beach in the county! SanDiegoSunCoast.com is on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoBeach, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SanDiegoBeach. Follow us for fabulous contest giveaways provided by some of the best businesses along our shores!

Rady Children's Hospital http://www.rchsd.org/
Helen Woodward Animal Center http://www.animalcenter.org/ 

Bowling Event hosted by Save The Youth, Inc.



Save The Youth, Inc. will host “An Afternoon of Bowling” on Sunday, Dec. 5th at 2pm at the Pocomoke Bowling Lanes.  All youth between 5 - 17 are invited to attend. The cost of a game, pizza and drink is covered for those in attendance by the program.


The Director of Save The Youth, Inc., Minister James Jones, will discuss a history of Save the Youth, Inc. and discuss recent activities/events along with Launa Duffy and the future direction of the program.  During the event, participants will inform about an exciting venture of membership.  The program, Save The Youth, Inc. is open to youth between the ages of 5 – 17.


Save The Youth is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1980 by Bishop Isaac Jenkins.  Bishop Jenkins became concerned about the youth who were misguided and seemingly troubled. For more information, call 410-957-1750 or 443-397-2281.  

The History Of Pocomoke By Murray James (22)

Formerly New Town. 163 CHAPTER XXV!. 

TEMPERANCE CAUSE. 

The temperance cause as a distinct organization was unknown in the early history of New Town. The only thing- bordering on temperance was the denunciations against drunkenness from the sacred desk, which declared that " drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Notwithstanding this first out-beaming ol the temperance cause from the pulpit, professed Christians would some- times be seen with flushed cheeks and tongues unbridled, as the result of the too frequent use of the glass.

Indeed, the habit of drinking spirituous liquors, with the exception of a very few. was quite common in families, in social gatherings and in business life. In all these relations the social glass was indulged in freely. I have already stated in another part of this history that to be successful in merchandising it was considered absolutely necessary to sell liquor. Hence all who engaged in the sale oi goods, without an exception, sold spirituous liquors. In view of this state of things it cannot be wondered at that there should be drunkards and a plenty of them too. While the vender would fatten upon his ill-gotten gains,

164 History of Pocomoke City,

his victims with their families and children would be left destitute, in want and clothed in rags, and sometimes it was the case that the wives and little ones would be sitting over a lew coals of fire contemplating their wretched condition, with scarcely a ray of hope for the future, with no refuge to fly to except to Him who heareth in secret.

Oh ! how many broken-hearted wives have poured forth their bitter cries for help in His Almighty ear and told their tale of sorrow and inquired of Him, " How long, O Lord, how long shall this state of things last?" Well, their prayers have been answered, but not in stopping the vender from his wholesale ruin of men, women and chil- dren ; not in restoring to her former condition of happiness rand joy that mother who was being murdered by piece meal; not in restoring to hope and cheerfulness the forlorn condition of the little children. But their prayers have been answered in another way.

Time rolled on and brought its changes. The vender with his victims have passed away to a future reckoning, and to that tribunal whose decisions are in righteousness. If I could, I would call the vender back and inquire of him who they are that accuse him before the throne, for their name is legion. There was no material change in society upon the subject of temperance until 1835, when the Rev. Mr. Dorsey of the Baltimore conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church came down here and lectured upon that subject, and organized a temperance society. That society only forbade the use of spirituous

Formerly New Town. 165

liquors as a beverage. Up to this time all the stores sold spirituous liquors. The first one to break ground and give up the sale of it was Rev. John D. Long who was at that time but a youth not having arrived to his majority. He had but recently joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and listening to the lecture became convinced that the sale of it was wrong and determined to give up the practice forthwith.

It is true that Mr. Long sold goods at the ferry, now the bridge, on the identical spot where the phospate factory now stands, but I associate him, in this instance, with New Town, because he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church here, because his associations were here, and because he was identified with the temperance movement in New Town. He was telling a veteran Methodist of his determination to quit selling liquor, when the old soldier said to him "Brother Long if it is wrong for you to sell it, it is wrong for me to distil it." Forthwith they abandoned the manufacture and sale of it.

The temperance cause now began to be agitated in New Town. In 1836, Wm. Townsend opened the first store for the sale of goods, without spirituous liquors, in new Town. After awhile the old Washingtonian club of reformed drunkards, which was organized in the City of Baltimore, began to create a stir in favor of temperance. Some of their number came down here and lectured. Thus the temperance cause progressed until the organization of the Sons of Temperance, in 1847.

The Sons of Temperance, 166 History of Pocomoke City,

was also a beneficial society, it prospered for a while and seemed to be well adapted to the circumstances of the times. During its palmy days, the society built a fine temperance hall, which at present is owned by C. C. Lloyd, Esq., and has been occupied by him, as a drug store, for several years past. The upper story was in one entire room, and was occupied by the society. The lower room was fitted for store purposes, and was first occupied by Irving Merrill, Esq., who sold goods on strictly temperance principles.

The society had placed in the gable end of the building a marble slab, with the following carved upon it : " New Town Division, Number 43, Sons of Tem- perance, instituted March 29th, 1847 ; ' which still exists as a monument of the prosperity of the temperance cause at that day. This society existed, however, but a few years, when it was dissolved and the beautiful temple was sold, and went into other hands.

In 1870, another temperance society was organized in New Town, with the name of Good Templars. This society was also of short duration, it existed about two years, when it also became extinct. From 1872 to 1881, there has been no regular temperance society in New Town, now Pocomoke City. During 1881, a society was organized in the place, in support of Local Option Reform, and the friends of temperance are mustering their forces for victory. But while temperance societies have been organized and dissolved, it only shows that the war. for the extirpation of spirituous liquors, in

Formerly New Town. 167 Pocomoke City,

has been going on without any compromise. The churches also have kept up the war cry and are pressing hard upon this demon of destruction, and they are forcing him, by the power of the Gospel, to surrender.

If the question should be asked by a stranger, what are the signs of complete victory for the cause of temperance in Pocomoke City ? This question will be answered in the following way : whereas, in 1836, every store in New Town sold spirituous liquors, now in 1882, there are thirty-two business houses in Pocomoke City, and not one of them sells it except the apothecaries who sell it as a medicine. So thorough has been the revolution in society, upon the subject of temperance, that I might venture the prediction that there is no one who could, now, succeed in merchandising, in Pocomoke City, who would also sell liquor.

It is true that there are two places in Pocomoke City where spirituous liquors are sold as a beverage, one is a saloon the other is the hotel bar, but the friends of temperance, I am apprehensive, will not cease their efforts until these places will be so restricted by legislation that it will not pay to sell it.

168 History of Pocomoke City, 

CHAPTER XXVII. SCHOOLS. 

The schools are a very important factor in making up the history of New Town, now Pocomoke City, and I have no doubt a description of the school in its early history, together with the school-house, will be quite interesting. The school-house was sixteen square : it had two doors and two windows, and there was a writing desk which reached nearly across the room, and benches without backs for the scholars to sit upon. This school-house stood on a piece of ground facing on Second and Cedar Streets, about twenty feet on Second Street and running down Cedar Street about seventy-five feet to the junction of Captain John H. Clarke's and Captain Jas. H. Young's lines. This piece of ground belongs to the heirs of Wm J. Long, deceased. It formerly belonged to David Long, the falher of William J. Long, and he charged twenty-five cents rent for it, which was done simply to hold possession of it. The old school-house stood on this piece of ground and was occupied for school purposes until 1837 or 1838, when it was sold and went into other hands.

If the youthful reader is anxious to see the old school-house in which their parents and grand-parents were educated, they

Formerly New Town. 169

will find it occupied as a kitchen at the corner of Commerce and Walnut Streets, the property being owned by Thomas S. Stevenson, Esq. The only teachers of whom I have any information or knowledge in the early history of New Town were : George Furnis, a Mr. McFadden, Levi Bishop, Samuel Carey, Michael Murray, Dr. John B. H. W. Clarvoe and James Stevenson. These were all good teachers of the branches of education which they taught.

The different branches taught were letters, spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic. When a scholar could cipher through Pike's Arithmetic, understanding]}-, he was considered a finished scholar in that school. Steel pens were not then invented and writing was done with pens made out of goose quills. It was one part of the teacher's duties to make pens for the scholars, and when scholars had learned sufficiently to make a pen out of a goose quill, they were advancing finely. Although the teachers of this school taught but few of the branches of common English comparatively, yet so thorough was the training that there are but few now, if any, who would surpass the scholars of that school in these branches. The boys in that school would sometimes have a little fun, sometimes with the teacher and sometimes with each other. For instance : the scholars had to get lessons in the definitions in the spelling book, this they called grammar. Some who had to get those lessons and recite them to the teacher had been out too long, at play, they would resort .to the older scholars to put them through in a hurry,

170 History of Pocomoke City,

"Well!" says the advisor:' when you go up to say your lesson commencing with ball a round substance, yon- say b-a-l-l, cattle or horses." In these lessons the scholar was required to spell the word and define it. The time for recitation came. "Well!'' says the teacher, "commence ! ' scholar: b-a-double-l ball." Teacher. Well!' what does that signify ? ' Scholar : "cattle or horses." Teacher. "Cattle or horses!,!' Scholar. "Yes sir. Cattle or horses ! ' The teacher having his black gum switch by his side commenced giving it to him che-wi-o r che-wi-o, until he had given him a good sound thrashing and then sent him to his seat to get his lesson better.

In 1835, Gecrge S. Redden, Esq., commenced teaching school here. He taught, in addition to the other branches which had been taught, English grammar and geography. With him dates the beginning or introduction of these branches of education in the school in New Town, and with him begins, also, the day of progress in the pursuit of scholarly attainments. Mr. Redden taught school in New Town at two different periods, but how long I cannot say. He was born in New Town, in 1803, after going to school until he was old enough to go to a trade, he was then apprenticed to Jacob Rogers, in the City of Baltimore, to learn the hatting business. While he was an apprentice he went to a night school, taught by Mr. Kirkham, author of Kirkham's grammar. After his majority, he commenced the hatting business in New Town. How long he continued I have no definite knowledge, but probably not more than two years, after which he returned to Baltimore and continued there until 1835, when he returned again to New Town, and commenced as before stated, to teach school.

Formerly New Town. 171

After he gave up the school in this place, he taught in the schools on the Western Shore of Maryland and in the Academy in Snow Hill, during which time he read law, graduated and practiced at the Snow Hill Bar. Mr. Redden was one of the most intellectual young men of his day, that was raised in New Town. He died in the City of Baltimore about the year 1868, aged sixty-five years. Dr. John L. Hearn succeeded Mr. Redden. As I have given a history of Dr. Hearn under another heading, I will here pass him by. In 1838, the old Academy was built and Dr. William Marsters was employed to take charge of the school. He remained, however, but a short time, and afterwards settled near Ouantico, in Somerset County, now Wicomico County, and graduated in medicine and practiced till he died, which event occurred but recently. A Mr. Schooler succeeded Dr. Marsters and taught in the Academy until, probably, 1842, when he resigned the position and went away. Of his antecedents I have no data upon which to write his history. Nehemiah Holland succeeded Mr. Schooler, and taught school two or three years. He finally resigned the position on account of feeble health, and went South. He settled in Texas, where he read law, graduated and practiced his profession until his death, which event occurred but recently.

172 History of Pocomoke City*

Mr. Holland was a native of Worcester County, Md., and a brother of Mrs. L.Jane Dennis, widow of the late John U. Dennis, of this county. He was a graduate of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Mr. Holland was a christian gentleman in the highest sense of that term. I have already stated that George S. Redden taught two terms in New Town, his second term followed Mr. Holland, then followed in succession : Mr. McGarry, George W. Curtis, C. C. Holtzman, Edward W. Stevenson, J. Allen Graves, Dr. Joseph L. Mills anel Rev. Joseph L. Polk. During Mr. Polk's charge of the Academy, the High School Building was erected, which was in 1867. The Academy was occupied for school purposes twenty-nine years, when it was sold and went into other hands. It is at present owned by Ralph Ross, Esq., and is occupied as a carpenter shop, on Commerce Street. Messrs. McGarrey, Curtis anel Holtzman were strangers of whose antecedents I have no knowledge, and consequently can only say of Mr. McGarrey and Mr. Holtzman that they were good teachers ; but of Mr. Curtis I have this to say : that it was conceded, by the citizens of New Town, that he was the best teacher that had taught school in New Town up to his day. He did not, however, continue long in New Town. He finally removed to Harford County, Maryland, where he established a school of high grade, preparatory for college, and is principal of the same to the present day.

Formerly New Town. 173

Edward W. Stevenson succeedeel Mr. VIZ Holtzman and taught school in the Academy for nine years. Mr. Stevenson is a native of New Town. He received his education partly in New Town and partly in the Snow Hill Academy. After he resigned his position as teacher in the New Town Academy, he moved to Philadelphia where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. After being there for sometime, he removed to Marietta, Ohio, where he still resides and is still engaged in mercantile business. Mr. Stevenson is a man of high moral character, and is living to bless the present generation with a fine family of prosperous children, who will no doubt make their mark in due time.

J. Allen Graves succeeded Mr. Stevenson in the principalship of New Town Academy. How long he occupied the position I cannot say, and of whose history I have no information, consequently I can only say that lie was an acceptable teacher.

Dr. Joseph L. Mills succeeded Mr. Graves in the Academy. He was born in New Town, Md. in 1840. 1 he was left at an early day without father or mother, but was tenderly and carefully raised by his grandmother. He had all the advantages of education in the New Town Academy, until he was old enough to go to a trade. His grandmother then placed him under the care of James T. Dickinson of this place to learn the cabinet and undertaking business. Some time after his majority he was united in marriage to Miss Marietta Dickinson, daughter of James T. Dickinson. At an early day Mr. Mills connected himself with the Methodist Protestant Church, and it was not long before the Church discovered that he had talents lying dormant that ought to be called into exercise, and soon he was licensed to preach, and afterwards was received in the Maryland Annual Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church as a traveling preacher.

174 History of Pocomoke City,

He had not traveled long, however, before his health failed and he was induced to retire from the active work for awhile. It was during this retirement that we have him before us as principal of the New Town Academy. He had for his assistants, his wife Mrs. Marietta Mills and Miss Mary M. Hearn. It was under his tutelage that the school seemed to spring into new life, and some of the scholars learned as thev never had before. He did not, however, teach more than, probably, two years, when his health was sufficiently restored to enter again the active work of the ministry. Dr. Mills is quite a popular preacher in his denomination; he has filled several prominent appointments in that church, and he had, several years ago for distinguished abilities, the Doctor of Divinity confered upon him. Dr. Mills is yet, but in the prime of his life and reflects great credit upon his birth place. There were two other schools in New Town beside the Academy, one was the Parish School, which was under the supervision and control of the Rector of the Protestant Episcopal Church. It was organized in 1847. This school was taught severally by the following ladies, Mrs. Lore, the Misses Magruder, Mary O'Dell, Mary Canon, Jennie Adams, Mary Crosdale and Clementine Meziek. All •competent and faithful teachers.

Formerly New Town. 175

The other school was organized in 1855. It was gotten up in view of the Academy being over crowded with scholars, and it was also thought to be more suitable for girls and smaller boys. This school was taught severally by the following persons, Mrs. Rev. William Merrill, Mrs. Leach J. Stewart, the Misses Emma Huston, Cynthia Primrose, Serena Hall, Rose Humphries, Mary E. Truitt, Millie Stevenson, Nettie Clayville and Rev. William Wilkinson. These were all well qualified as teachers, some of them being graduates of Seminaries.

176 History of Pocomoke City,

XXVIII. SCHOOLS ( CONTINUED). 

I In 1865, The General Assembly of Maryland passed a general free school bill for the state, and in 1867, the High School Building, in New Town, was erected. Its dimensions were fifty-six, by forty feet. It is two stories high, with two vestibules fourteen by twenty feet, containing in all six school rooms and two vestibules. Four of these rooms are twenty eight by forty feet, and two of them are fourteen by twenty feet, and will furnish sittings for, probably, three hundred scholars. This High School Building has been pronounced, by the Superintendent of the Public Schools of Maryland to be the finest building of the kind on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It stands on a plat of ground on about three acres, in an eligible part of the town. It is well laid out with trees of different kinds, and is enclosed with a plank fence, with a good hedge coming on. The tree public High School of New Town was opened in 1867, with Rev. Joseph L. Polk as principal. His successors in that office were, William X. Page, R. K.W 'imbroughand Dr. Sidney W. Handy who is the present principal. They have had the following named persons associated with them as assistant teachers, Nettie O'Daniel. Mary M. Hearn, Charles H. Council, Millie Primrose, John W. Murray, George S. Bell, Eudora E. Hay, Ebenezer Hearn, Julius T. Hall, Richard A. Wilson Fannie Matthews, Maggie Webb, Rose Tull, Hillary T. Stevenson, John S. McMaster, William S. Dix, Emma Robinson, Ella Scott, Rose Marshall and Sally Henderson.

Formerly New Town. 177

The school is graded into primary, grammar and High School departments, and is at present taught by the principal and five assistant teachers, who are infusing a spirit into their scholars, to excel. There have already gone out, from this school, young men well qualified for any position to which any of the various callings of life might invite them. Some are ministers, some physicians, some lawyers and some teachers. While there are others filling the most important places of trust and responsibility in business life. Many of the young ladies, who have graduated at this school, are teaching various schools in this and the adjoining county. I shall close the subject of the High School and the grand work it is performing, by giving a brief sketch of the principal and teachers, or make such remarks in regard to them as I may be able.

178 History of Pocomoke City,

The Rev. Joseph L. Polk, was born near Princess Anne, in Somerset County, Md and was educated in the academy of that place, and at Jefferson College, Penn. After graduating at the latter place with honor, the degree of A. M. was confered upon him. He then commenced teaching school in Dorchester County, Md; but feeling that he was called to preach the gospel, he entered the theological seminary at Princeton, X. J., where he remained for two years, when he received a unanimous call to become the Pastor of the Pitts Creek, Presbyterian Church at New Town, Md. To this work he gave his earnest and ardent efforts, and was very successful. When the New Town High School was established in its new and handsome buildings. Mr. Polk desirous of seeing the cause of education placed upon a higher and more advanced plane, was induced to apply for the position of principal, to which he was appointed by the County Board of School Commissioners. For this position he was peculiarly fitted, having a deep interest in the young, and being a natural educator and fond of the work, and withal a man of large public spirit, he entered upon this work with energy and zeal. Being aided by a competent corps of teachers, this school was at once placed in the front rank and was soon recognized as the best organized and most successful school on the Eastern Shore.

Parents from the adjoining counties and some from a distance recognized the character of the school, and wishing to have their children under its instruction, availed themselves of this opportunity, and the school increased in numbers until over three hundred pupils names were on the school registers.

Formerly New Town. 179
Then it became necessary to enlarge the corps of teachers and two or three more assistants were added. To Rev. Joseph L. Polk the citizens of Pocomoke City and vicinity owe more perhaps than they are aware of, for while the work of education went gradually on without ostentation or display on his part, it is a fact that whatever success has attained by and through this institution, it is due largely to his ability and to his wise and judicious management in the organization and conduct of the school.

As a minister he was popular and greatly beloved by his church. After serving them faithfully for seventeen years he was urged to take charge of the Academy at Newark, Del., and he felt constrained by a sense of duty to his growing family to resign his charge and accept tinproffered position.

180 History of Pocomotce City, Md.
Mr. Wm, N. Page succeeded Mr. Polk as principal of the High School. He, however, only remained one year in that position. He was a native of Virginia; he had a fine education and was a high-toned Christian gentleman. After resigning the position he returned to Virginia again.

In 1872, Mr. Richard Iv. Wimbrough succeeded Mr. Page in the principalship of the High School and held that position for three years. Richard Kelly Wimbrough, the son of a respectable farmer, was born in Accomac County, Va-, in the year 1843. At an early age he lost both of his parents and came under the guardian care of Mr. Nehemiah W. Nock, a farmer and merchant of Mappsville in Accomac County. This gentleman took young Mr. Wimbrough to live with him, treated him with great kindness and sent him to school whenever there happened to be any school open near enough for him to attend. At ten years of age he had him apprenticed in Snow Hill, to learn the trade of a tailor. Nothing was observed at this time either in the young apprentice's conduct or disposition that indicated for himself a career different from that of other boys of his class and circumstances ■ in other words, it was supposed he would make a tailor simply. But shortly after he acquired a great fondness for reading and developed an earnest disposition to study. From the Academy boys who used to frequent "the shop" and often prepare their lessons there, he obtained books, the boys becoming his teachers. But no time was given him for study ; his method was this :

While working on the board he would keep his book propped open at his side, at whose jeweled page glancing from time to time he would glean from it the substance his young ambition so much craved. All spare moments, too, were given to .study. In winter he would sit up long after " working hours" and often with no other light than that furnished by the door of the store, he would pore over page after page of spelling, English grammar, arithmetic, geography or history, regardless of the lateness of the hour or the labors of the ensuing day. In this way these studies were successfully pursued and that foundation laid upon which was based afterwards, effected by the same unremitting toil and diligence, a fine classical education. In the meantime occured an event which would have been of the greatest benefit to Mr. Wimbrough if his influence toward securing it had been equal to the measure of his deserving it.

Formerly New Town. 181

A free Scholarship became vacant in Washington College, a state institution situated at Chester- town. It was to be filled by a competitive examination of the candidates. Many of young Wimbrough's friends being desirous that he should become a candidate and promising aid to secure his release from his indentures if he should be successful, he applied for the position.

The contestants came from the several academics of the county, fresh from their books and their teacher's instructions ; young Wimbrough came from "the shop." But by some ill luck, although it was known that the result of his examination was not inferior, he did not receive the appointment- It was a sad blow to his hopes, but did not check his ardent eagerness for learning- He went back to "the shop" and his books, to try again. Another opportunity might occur, he would be prepared the next time. But no such ever occured : his college goal had to be reached by means wholly of his own making.

These efforts, directed in the way I have described, could not fail to attract notice and win friends. His intimate associates were the more advanced students among the academy boys, who now one, now an other had been mainly, his teachers. The older men, too, often spoke kind and encouraging words. But his most valuable friend was found in Mr. Sewell T. Milbourn, a young man ot superior talents and of high social position, who had recently returned to Snow Hill, from Dickinson College' where he had graduated with distinction.

182 History of Pocomoke City,

This young man became his friend and teacher, inspiring him by his  own learning and giving time and personal care to his instructions. The influence of this connection was of the greatest service to young Wimbrough,'as it enabled him to pursue those higher branches, —

Latin and Greek, algebra, geometry and higher English, which he was soon to turn to a practical use. In 1859. his health broke down so that he was unable either to work or study. A plan was therefore arranged by which he might purchase the remaining years of his apprenticeship. With some means he had in his guardian's hands this was done ; after which he was free to pursue his studies exclusively. But for a long time he remained delicate and was unable to make much progress. In 1861, Mr. Milbourn removed to Cambridge, Dorchester County to practice law. Thither, the next year, Mr. Wimbrough, now a young man of nineteen, Followed, and engaged in the teaching of a private school, in which he was so successful that after a year and a half he was elected principal of the Cambridge Academy, in this he was equally successful, but resigned after two years to take charge of a goverment office connected with the Internal Revenue; engaging at the same time in conducting a newspaper, the Cambridge Harald, of which he was both proprietor and editor. In 1867, having disposed of his paper, he went to Dickinson College, where he entered the Junior class thereby graduating in two years. As an evidence of how well he had studied in former years, besides the fact that he was able to pass over the first two years of the college course, he was noted in College for his accurate knowledge of the English language and unusual proficiency for a student, in Latin; on account of which he was allowed optional attendance in that department during the whole of the junior year. He was graduated a Bachelor of Arts in 1869, and took the Master's degree three years after.

Formerly New Town. 183
Since graduating, Mr. Wimbrough has engaged mosly in teaching. He was elected principal of the New Town High School in 1872, continuing in the same till 1875, a period of three years. Afterwards he was principal of the Snow Hill High School for four years. As an instructor Mr. Wimbrough is thorough, earnest and capable. From his life gleams this great truth : "Honor and fame from no condition rise : act well your part ; there all the honor lies." Rev. Joseph L. Polk succeeded Mr. Wimbrough in the High School and continued in the position until 1877,. when he resigned, and was succeeded by Dr. Sidney W. Handy. Dr. Handy was appointed principal of the High School in Pocomoke City in the fall of 1877 and has continued in that position to the present. Dr. Sidney W. Handy was born in Somerset County, Md., on the 4th day of October, 1845. He was educated partly in his native county and at the Columbian College in Washington, D. C, at which latter place he went through a four years college course and graduated in 1868.

184 History of Pocomoke City,

He attended the first course of lectures in medicine at the University of Virginia in 1869  and 1870, and the second at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. Perm., graduating in 1872. Dr. Handy, although a graduate in medicine, has never practiced his profession, choosing rather the position of an educator as being more in accordance with his intellectual taste. In his wise and judicious management of the High School he is meeting the highest expectations of the Trustees and Board of Education whp have placed him there, and is at once a scholar and a Christian gentleman.

Next; Formerly New Town. 185 CHAPTER XXIX. SCHOOLS (CONTINUED.)

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Sprinklers To Be Discussed By County Commissioners In December

(Nov. 26, 2010) Unless the county commissioners vote to opt out of the state law mandating sprinklers in new single-family and two-family houses, the law will go into effect in the unincorporated areas of Worcester County, including Ocean Pines, on Jan. 1.

The commissioners have just one meeting before Dec. 15, the supposed final day to make a decision before the state law mandating sprinklers goes into effect Jan. 1. On Monday, however, Bud Church, president of the Worcester County Commissioners, said the issue would not be on the Dec. 7 agenda.

He has asked for it to be on the Dec. 21 agenda. He was told that it would not present a problem with the state if the commissioners vote to opt out of the requirement during that meeting.

The commissioners may modify the requirement mandating sprinklers, but only because of a special condition. That condition could not be the cost of sprinkler systems, which was part of the sprinkler issue discussion in September.

That discussion lasted nearly threeand a-half hours as proponents and opponents stated their cases.

At the time, Church and Commissioners James Purnell and Bobby Cowger opposed mandating sprinklers, while Commissioners Linda Busick and Louise Gulyas favored them, though Gulyas said she would only require them for houses with public water service. Commissioner Virgil Shockley was undecided.

With Busick replaced by Madison “Jim” Bunting and Cowger replaced by Merrill Lockfaw in the elections, the sentiments regarding sprinklers could change.

www.oceancitytoday.com

Thieves Steal Kettle From Bell Ringer

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Thieves stole a Salvation Army kettle from a bell ringer outside the Walmart on Tidewater Drive Friday afternoon.

Matthew Pochily, director of public relations for the Salvation Army, said in a news release that one man distracted the bell ringer about 2:30 p.m. while a second man snuck up behind him, unhooked the kettle and fled.

While it was uncertain how much money the thieves took, the Salvation Army set a goal of $650 or more at the location for Black Friday, Pochily said in the release.

Anyone with information about the thieves is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

"It's sad that at a time of great thanks, someone felt it necessary to steal from an organization who's mission is to serve those in need," said Major Lewis Reckline of the Salvation Army. "The money that they may have gotten away with in that kettle is no match for the services we offer that may have been able to help them had they come though our doors seeking assistance."

The Salvation Army, Walmart officials and Norfolk Police have since worked together to piece together a description of the two men, according to the news release. No description of the thieves was available.

The Salvation Army has more than 150 kettle locations throughout Hampton Roads. The Salvation Army rings bells Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Those interested in supporting the Salvation Army can visit SalArmyHR.org to donate online, sign-up to be a volunteer bell ringer or host their own Online Red Kettle. Donations can also be made via mobile device by texting SAL to 50555.

Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from the Salvation Army each year. Their social services include providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.

www.wavy.com