Tuesday, July 1, 2014

The Tax You're Not Hearing About



by Delegate Mike McDermott
As we prepare to celebrate our Independence from British tyranny and unrestrained taxation this week, it is disturbing that Marylanders now face an automatic, annual Gas Tax increase every July 1st from here on out. Our state has become so progressive that we no longer require any legislation to increase taxes on our people. The liberals  have placed our taxing authority on autopilot.

This year the rate will continue to rise. The tax was set at 3.5 cents per gallon effective July 1, 2013. This tax was also indexed to inflation, which accounts for the increase effective tomorrow. The tax will increase by another 3.5 cents on January 1, 2015. Additional increases will also occur well into the future. This constitutes a fuel tax increase of 33%, and it comes at a time when the cost at the pump continues to rise.

To give you an idea of how devastating this taxing approach will have on Marylanders, consider that the cost of gasoline would be over $10.00 a gallon right now in Maryland if this tax had been implemented back in the 90’s. This does not bode well for our economic future.

William Paca, Samuel Chase, Thomas Stone, and Charles Carroll must be rolling over in their graves! These Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence would be appalled  that a government created “of the people, by the people, and for the people” would take such a cavalier approach to their taxing authority. The crown looks timid by comparison.

Have you heard anything about this tax increase in the local media? Not a word. Google “Maryland Fuel Tax” and you will see articles from July of 2013 when the first tax increase was felt at the pump. Hence the problem with a perennial tax:
  • It often goes unnoticed by the public;
  • It is easily dismissed by politicians who take no responsibility since it is “automatic”;
  • It lacks the accountability of legislative process where taxes can be debated, deliberated, and carefully vetted prior to enactment; and,
  • It will never end unless significant legislative action is taken.

Pennies and small percentages do not sound like much until you consider their multiplied effect on our economy and your family wallet. After all, every penny the government takes is coming directly out of our local economy. When the folks have less money to spend, the loss is felt in every sector.

When fuel prices rise, transportation costs increase. The vast majority of goods on the Eastern Shore come via truck, and the added costs are borne by the consumer. A rising tide floats all boats much like an increased fuel tax is felt in every wallet.

State budgets that increase spending beyond revenues must be fed. Under the current leadership in Maryland, government needs come first. This was never the view of the Founding Fathers.

Our prosperity as a state is tied to the success of a private sector that has been lashed and bound to an anchor. It is high time we raised the anchor and loosed the citizens of this state!


O’Malley-Brown Gas Tax Hike – Round 2;


Today’s stealth tax increase designed to shield politicians from election year backlash

Annapolis, MD – July 1 - Just as Maryland families are preparing to head off on a well-deserved Independence Day weekend, already high gas prices clicked up again today as the next round of the O’Malley-Brown administration’s gas taxes go into effect.  Today’s increase falls on the one year anniversary of the largest increase in gas taxes in state history.  Tied to the rate of inflation, this stealth tax hike brings the Maryland gas tax to more than 27 cents per gallon while shielding tax-and-spend politicians from a risky election year vote.    

According to Republican gubernatorial nominee Larry Hogan, “Whether a cents-per-gallon tax increase or inflation-indexed hikes designed to insulate politicians from voting for higher gas taxes, the effect is the same: A regressive tax on struggling Marylanders and employers while Annapolis spending goes unchecked.”

Maryland’s price per gallon is dramatically higher than in Virginia which cut gasoline taxes and where pump prices are the fifth lowest in the nation.  In fact, even the District of Columbia now has lower gas taxes than does Maryland.

Hogan said, “The O’Malley-Brown administration told us their massive gas tax hike was necessary to create jobs and fund transportation projects through the Transportation Trust Fund.  Yet job creation remains stalled and long-overdue road repairs languish.  And while they were taking more out of our pockets at the pump to fund the Transportation Trust Fund, they were simultaneously siphoning $861 out of it to pay for their pet projects,” said Hogan.  Maryland law stipulates that gas taxes are to fund the Transportation Trust Fund and are not to be commingled with general revenue funds. 

 
“There was absolutely no reason for Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown to raid our Transportation Trust Fund.  In fact, prior to their $861 million heist, Maryland received $771 million in federal stimulus funding, which like the Transportation Trust Fund, was primarily earmarked for “shovel ready” infrastructure projects.  The incredible end result of this administration’s reckless spending and mismanagement was that instead of having a total of $1.6 billion in the bank to make vital repairs and upgrades to our roads and bridges, they spent the stimulus dollars and gas tax dollars elsewhere.  It’s time to roll back the O’Malley-Brown gas tax hikes and spend our infrastructure funds where they belong on roads and bridges.       
   

Monday, June 30, 2014

Rabid Bat Found On Third Street In Pocomoke

By Leanne Murray - email

POCOMOKE, Md. - A bat that was found last week in Worcester County, has tested positive for rabies. 

The Worcester County Health Department say a bat found on Third Street in Pocomoke on June 23rd, was rabid. The bat was found by a resident, who then reported it to authorities. The bat was sent for testing on June 26th, and results were returned on Monday, which showed it was positive for rabies. Officials are asking anyone who had contact with the bat, to contact the Worcester County Health Department at 410-632-1100, extension 1220. 

This was the first dead bat available for testing, and is the first rabid one this year. Anyone who finds a bat on the ground or somewhere else it isn't normally, particularly in the day time, is reminded by health officials to no touch it, and keep pets, and people, especially children, away from it. If possible, Officials say you should cover the animal with a bucket or box, and contact the law enforcement, or animal control to have it removed. 

Rabies is a disease that is spread through saliva, bites, or scratches from an infected animal. Officials say a person who has been bitten or exposed to the disease, can prevent it though proper treatment. If a bat gets inside of your home, authorities ask that you close it in one room, and contact the Worcester County Environmental Health program at 410-352-3234, your local police department or 911 to report the bat, so that it can be handled appropriately. 

Bats have small teeth, and officials say its not always possible to know if you've been bitten, for instance if you wake up and find a bat in the room, if a bat is found in a room with an unattended child, if a bat is found near a person with disabilities, or if a bat is found near a person who is intoxicated. Authorities are reminding residents that bats serve an important part in the environment, but if they enter a home, it could be a problem.

Contact the Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 1-877-463-6497 for general information on safe exclusion of bats, or if you have one in your attic or another unoccupied area of your home. For more information about rabies, visit the Worcester County Health Department's website

WMDT.COM

"We Are Not For Sale" Delegate McDermott REflects on June Primary


 “We Are Not For Sale!”
by Delegate Mike McDermott

I want to thank you for your support: your prayers, your time, your donations, and the confidence of your vote. Tuesday marked the beginning of a turnaround for District 38 here on the lower shore. Although the turnout for the Primary was low, the final tally has given us all a reason to be very hopeful moving forward.

We were able to surpass our opponent in the vote count by 1200 votes in a district that was carved up, Gerrymandered, and tailor made just for him! These results have gone unreported by the local media.

The bottom line: our citizens are tired of politicians. They want folks who mirror their values and who are not afraid to stand up and speak out in Annapolis.

I have stressed how I view the 2014 election as being critical for Maryland. There is an opportunity for us to see significant change in how our state conducts the business of the people; and, when it comes to the lower shore, we should be encouraged by these results.

I ask you to thoughtfully consider how you can help secure a better future in Maryland for your children’s children. We must take back the districts that we can from these big government politicians whose success can be measured by the 80-plus tax and fee increases over the past 8-years. Those who have grown government by laying the burden on the backs of our grandchildren must be removed from office.

Maryland now has the dubious distinction of being the worst state in our country (#50) when it comes to economic growth. We have heard the O’Malley-Brown administration and Senator Jim Mathias proclaim to us, “jobs, jobs, jobs!” as their top priority. I have heard this from their lips at every forum and meeting we have attended for the past 8 years. Yet, while surrounding states have turned to the private sector and prospered, the O’Malley-Mathias team continue to believe that government holds the answers.

One would think that when this bunch stumbled upon their own breadcrumbs they would admit they did not have a clue how to lead us out of the mess they have created with their policies and legislation. It is clear that they do not know the way home.

Ronald Reagan could not have stated it better for Maryland when he proclaimed, "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem."

I look forward to your help in the coming months. We have a terrific slate of General Assembly candidates for our District 38 Delegate seats:
Delegate Charles Otto (38-A Somerset & Worcester),
Mayor Carl Anderton (38-B Wicomico) *current mayor of Delmar, and,
Mary Beth Carroza (38-C Wicomico & Worcester) *Eastern shore Rep. in the Ehrlich Administration, faithful public servant, and no stranger to local campaigns.

We are united in our conservative views of government and our strong desire to return common sense to the decision making process in Annapolis. Your help in the coming months will insure that we move forward in victory and carry your message back to Annapolis.

  • Continue to pray;
  • place signs and bumper stickers;
  • talk to your family, friends, and neighbors; and,
  • donate what you can to our campaigns.

The O’Malley-Brown administration, Senate President Mike Miller, and the liberal special interest crowd believe they can buy our Senate seat. Let’s make sure they know that our seat is not for sale!


Sunday, June 29, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... 1995, 1902, 1930, 1909, 1955, 1891.

(Reader-friendly viewing of news archive/historical archive material)

September, 1995
The Index-Journal (Greenwood, S.C.)

(Excerpts)

ALBANY, GA. (AP) -  The frustrated owner of the Albany Polecats slammed local fans and city officials when he announced that he's selling the minor league franchise.

(Owner Richard Holtzman...) wouldn't say who purchased the team, but the Daily Times in Salisbury, Md. reported today that the team was acquired by chicken magnate Frank Perdue and the Maryland Limited Baseball Partnership.

The team will relocate to Salisbury and become the Delmarva Shorebirds, a class A team, the newspaper said. The team has one year left with its contract with the Montreal Expos.

August, 1902
The Evening Times (Washington, D.C.)

"Sinner" Smack Breaks Up Religious Meeting

Pelted the Salvation Army Leaders With Coal, Stones, and Brickbacks

SNOW HILL, MD., AUG. 8. -  John Smack, alias "Sinner" Smack, of Berlin, is in Snow Hill jail for disturbing the meeting of a revival brigade of the Salvation Army, under Adjutant Kemp, of Philadelphia, in Berlin. The services were being conducted in a large tent, and as it was a very warm night, the upper flaps were rolled back immediately over Adjutant Kemp and his assistants, three of whom were women. Suddenly shouts went up from outside and simultaneously bricks, coal and heavy railroad spikes came as from the sky and fell about the heads and shoulders of the leaders of the meeting and many of the congregation, who were gathered close to the members of the Salvation brigade.

March, 1930
Salisbury Times

Motordom's Latest Creations Will Be Sensational Feature Of Auto Show This Week

Peninsula Wide Interest Being Manifested In Five Day Showing

MORE VARIETY THAN IN OTHER EXHIBITS

Five Pleasure Cars Are Being Shown For First Time, All Models Improved

Salisbury's great 1930 automobile show, in which intense interest is being manifested up and down the shore, opens at the First Regiment Armory Tuesday and continues for the remainder of the week until Saturday mid- night. 

A description of the 1930 exhibition of motordom's latest creations may justifiably command more superlatives than ever before. 

In many ways it will excell any of its predecessors. It will be larger, contain a more diversified exhibit and more interesting displays. In fact, the show this year, has been made an Eastern Shore event.

Five new cars, three of which have but recently been put upon the market, will make a debut at the local auto show. The front drive Cord, the Roosevelt straight-eight and the De Sota are of recent manufacture and with the Mormon and the Auburn will share interest with the old established cars.  

Twenty-one makes of pleasure cars will be displayed by nearly as many dealers and distributors. There will be thirty-two car exhibits on the first floor of'the huge armory. 

Six commercial types of motor trucks will be exhibited in connection with the show on the Armory plaza, South Division street and Circle avenue.

Even the motor cars of the types in popular daily use will appear at the show in very latest models, improved in appearance and traction efficiency. Some of the types to be shown have not yet been displayed in the sales- rooms. 

There is probably a greater change in the latest models of popular automobiles than in any one season of the past. Some makes have been changed to eight-cylinder models exclusively, others have added an eight- cylinder line to current types. But every motor car on the market has been changed within recent weeks to better meet the demand of the motoring public for beauty of design, comfort, speed and efficiency. 

These changes will be a sensational feature of the local show next week. Each exhibit will have an expert custodian to explain and illustrate the numerous improvements. |

Strickland's orchestra, famous Washington musical organization, will play at the show each evening beginning at 7 o'clock. The interior of the armory will be tastefully decorated. The auditorium will be converted into a proper setting for the elaborate displays of cars. 

The automobile dealers and the three Salisbury newspapers are sponsoring the show this year on a co-operative basis. 

Tickets for five days of the show may be procured from members of the East Side fire company or independent sellers. Tickets for a single night may be obtained at the box office of the armory.

March, 1909
The Washington Post

Crisfield Cuts Out Phones

Special to The Washington Post

Crisfield, Md., March 25. -  Because the Pocomoke Telephone Company, which was recently acquired by the Diamond State Telephone Company, has established higher rates, at the end of the present contract, about 90 percent of the subscribers at a mass meeting last night decided to have the service discontinued.

July, 1955 (Time Machine Archive)

After five months under construction Pocomoke City's new J.J. Newberry Store was set to open at the northeast corner of Market and Second Streets where the old Wilson Hotel once stood.  The new store would feature 40 major departments as well as a lunch counter, and a half-mile of air conditioned selling and display space with slim-line florescent lighting and incandescent spotlights.  The new Pocomoke Newberry's would be five times larger than its' old store located on the west side of Market Street and would have about 40 employees.

July, 1891
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House)

The Fourth of July is to be celebrated at Mappsville, this year, in a manner worthy of the occasion. The programme recalling its glorious memories is to be an elaborate one and if not faultlessly rendered, the people of the town and vicinity having the matter in charge, will not be at fault for lack of interest in its success. Every demonstration, which patriotic impulses have suggested, will be brought into requisition, so far as practicable, with the resources at their command, and no thought save that, of our Country, will be allowed an expression among those participating whatever their diversity of opinions in other respects. The past and its glorious memories, not the present and living issues invite all who can to attend and every word or deed likely to mar the recollection of the glorious day has been jealously guarded against and will have the condemnation it merits on the occasion. To that end addresses alone have been invited which will reflect the patriotic sentiments of out forefathers and readings will only be permitted which breathe the spirit of liberty which the Fourth recalls. Everything, from the display of our nation's emblem in the light of the early morn to the exercises of the day, which close with fireworks and illuminations, will be intended only to honor our nation's birthday — and to such a feast all the citizens of the Eastern Shore whatever their condition or creed or politics are invited.


Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about?  It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish.   Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!




Flying on for JMMB

Saturday, June 28, 2014

TIME MACHINE ...This Sunday's Preview


1995.. Albany Polecats to become Delmarva Shorebirds; 1902.. "Sinner" Smack breaks up Berlin religious meeting; 1930.. Salisbury auto show generates intense interest on Eastern Shore; 1909.. Dispute prompts most Crisfield telephone subscribers to favor dropping their phone service; 1955.. Pocomoke City's new J.J. Newberry store to open; 1891.. Mappsville to host elaborate Fourth Of July celebration.

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye! 


Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about?  It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish.   Send to  tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Friday, June 27, 2014

Andy Harris, M.D. MEMBER OF CONGRESS



Hope your summer is off to a great start! I also hope you’ll pencil in the following event on your busy calendar. My office will host a Weather-Emergency Preparedness Event at Stephen Decatur Middle School in Berlin, Md., on Monday, July 14. The event will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Lower Shore counties, the Red Cross, and Delmarva Power will be on hand to provide information and to answer questions about preparation for and recovery after a severe weather-related event, including floods and coastal storm surges from tropical storms and hurricanes.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October. Most of Maryland’s First District is on the coast, and I want its residents to be fully prepared for the damage that can come from heavy rains and wind, or, God forbid, a hurricane.
If you would like to RSVP for the event, please click here or contact my Salisbury District Office at 443-944-8624.
Thank you for your continued energy and enthusiasm, as reflected in your letters and Facebook posts. If you haven’t already, LIKE my Facebook page and subscribe to my e-newsletter to stay updated on what I’m doing in Washington. You can also follow me on Twitter @RepAndyHarrisMD.
It is an honor to serve you in Congress!

Sincerely,

Andy Harris, M.D.
MEMBER OF CONGRESS

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Pocomoke solar project unveiled

Pocomoke City officials celebrated the start of a solar project designed to cut the city's electric bills by more than $40,000 a year at a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday.

The city's mayor and council members joined officials from Standard Solar LLC and Sun Edison Company to mark the start of a solar electric generation plant on a Dunn Swamp Road site owned by the city. The project, expected to be the largest municipally owned solar system in Maryland, will include 6,200 solar panels producing 2.1 megawatts of electricity a day.

"It's unbelievable that Pocomoke City is finally starting to go green," Mayor Bruce Morrison said. "It's been a long time coming."
He said the project came about through talks with Bill Badger, Worcester County's economic development director, who connected town officials with Standard Solar, the same company that handled the solar project at Perdue headquarters in Salisbury.

Rob Busler from Standard Solar said his company had similar partnerships underway with towns and businesses throughout the state. Pocomoke City has entered into a 20 year Purchase Power Agreement with Sun Edison, which will own the solar panels. Standard Solar will handle the construction and maintenance of the panels, which will be surrounded by a fence.

Morrison said there would be no cost to Pocomoke for the construction, operation or maintenance of the solar array.
"This is an awesome project that's going to turn into something great for the community," he said.

READ MORE [HERE] @ DELMARVANOW.COM

Monday, June 23, 2014

TCC Culture of Good School Rocks Backpack Giveaway Press Release







For Immediate Release
  
The Cellular Connection to host second annual backpack giveaway benefiting thousands of schoolchildren


Nation’s largest Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer donating 100,000 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children across the U.S.

Pocomoke, MD (June 21, 2014) – Residents in Pocomoke are about to benefit from a national backpack giveaway campaign. The Cellular Connection, the largest Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer in the U.S., in a joint effort with its customers, announces today that it will be donating 100,000 backpacks full of school supplies to children through its School Rocks Backpack Giveaway. Last year, the company donated 60,000 backpacks.

More than 350 participating TCC stores across the U.S. are inviting local families to bring their children to the store between noon and 2 p.m. on Aug. 2 to pick up a backpack filled with pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, glue and more. One backpack per child present will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The participating store in Pocomoke is located at 2146 Old Snow Hill Rd, in East Towne Plaza. Each participating TCC store will donate between 75 and 300 backpacks. All leftover backpacks will be donated to local schools.

“The backpack giveaway is a huge part of TCC’s ‘Culture of Good’ movement that’s all about making a positive impact on employees while benefitting the world,” said Scott Moorehead, president and CEO of TCC. “It’s how our company gives back to every community where we do business, and it involves every employee at every level. We’re honored to have the ability to give back to those who need it.”


Local residents have also joined the cause. Since the beginning of March, TCC customers have been given the option to round their purchases up to the nearest dollar with the difference going directly toward the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway.

In 2013, the National Retail Federation predicted the average person with children in grades K-12 would spend $86 on school supplies such as notebooks, pencils and backpacks. On top of that, nearly 16 million children in the U.S. live in poverty. TCC is doing its part to ensure that as many children as possible are set up for educational success.

To learn more about TCC, visit www.ecellularconnection.com.  Consumers can also find more information about the company at http://www.facebook.com/tcctalk  and www.twitter.com/tcctalk.

More information about the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway initiative is available on YouTube. Supporters of the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway are encouraged to use hashtag #TCCRocks on Instagram and Twitter to help spread the word.
 
Learn more about TCC’s “Culture of Good” by visiting www.cultureofgood.com.
 
-###-


About TCC
TCC is the largest Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer in the U.S. with more than 900 locations across 28 states. Founded in Marion, Ind., in 1991 by Steve and Phyllis Moorehead, TCC owes its success to its ability to hire top-notch professionals who understand the meaning of customer service. For media inquiries, contact Megan Lawler at 317.202.2280 XT. 13 or email her at megan@dittoepr.com. To learn more about TCC or to find a location near you, visit http://www.ecellularconnection.com.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... 1996, 1920, 1955, 1912, 1917, 1901.

(Reader-friendly viewing of news archive/historical archive material)

MAY, 1996
Gettysburg Times (Gettysburg, Pa.)

(Excerpt)

Delmarva Peninsula Suffers Blackout

DOVER, Del. (AP) -  Equipment trouble at a power substation caused a blackout in three states Tuesday, affecting 290,000 customers on the Delmarva Peninsula, snarling traffic and forcing some businesses, schools, and a nuclear reactor to shut down.

Customers in central and southern Delaware, and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia lost power at 10:12 a.m. when 16 high-voltage circuit breakers at Delmarva Power & Light Co.'s Keeney substation tripped simultaneously.

Crews were replacing some components at the sub-station south of Newark at the time of the outage, said Howard E. Cosgrove, Delmarva Power's chief executive officer.

Company officials said power was restored to all customers by 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The blackout caused grocery stores and shopping malls to close, costing businesses thousands of dollars.  Some schools closed early, and police were dispatched to major intersections to control traffic jams caused by inoperative signals.

Footnote:  Where were you on Tuesday, May 14, 1996 when the power went out on Delmarva? I recall being with several co-workers attending a computer class in Salisbury.  The instructor was commenting on her week so far, and just as she was referencing and motioning with her hands that "Everything has been going wrong..................." the lights went out and  the computers went dead.  After about a half-hour or so wait the class was cancelled. -tk

 August, 1920
The Washington Herald (Washington, D.C.)

POTATO LANDS
PROMISE WELL

Somerset County, Maryland, Boomed as Future
Leader.

New Church. Va.. Aug.9.- Somerset County, Md., promises to he
one of the richest potato fields in the United States. 

During the past month one real estate firm has sold twenty-five
farms, totaling 5.000 acres, in that section to prospective potato farmers.

Many of the buyers are coming from nearby Virginia territory.

Somerset County farmers this year obtained as high as seventy-five barrels of potatoes to the acre. The best potato land extends through the Dublin, Westover, Fairmont, East and West Princess Anne and Mount Vernon districts.

Some of the land sells for as high as $500 an acre, exclusive of
buildings.

June, 1955
Annapolis Capital 

Eastern Shore Newspaper Marks 75th Anniversary

POCOMOKE CITY (AP)- The Worcester Democrat and Ledger Enterprise today published a 72-page edition celebrating its 75th anniverary.

It bore greetings from President Eisenhower and Governor McKeldon on the front page. The President said the freedom and independence of the press Is an essential of American democracy.

Columns of type and 109 pictures retold Worcester County's history from 1688 to the present. Capt. John Smith's map of the territory in colonial times was matched with a recent aerial photograph.

The paper was founded in 1880 by Willisam D. Clarke and in 1922 it was taken over by Dr. Edward J. Clarke, a cousin, when he retired from the faculty at Washington College. 

The latter Clarke edited it for 33 years until has death at 92 in February of 1953. 

The paper now is owned by Elmer M. Jackson, Jr., vice president and  general manager of the Speer publications at Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Brooklyn,  Waldorf and Leonardtown. Miss Alice R. Young is editor of the Democrat and O.J. Shively, vice-president and general manager, supervised production of the anniversary issue.


November, 1912
The Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Va.)

An ox roast was held at Greenbackville Saturday in celebration of the Democratic victory. There was a parade at 3 o'clock, headed by a donkey, which attracted much attention. There were several floats. One hundred school children, carrying American and Virginia flags, were in the line. They sang "America," "Dixie," "Bonnie Blue Flag" and "Maryland My Maryland." Addresses were made by Alfred Price Dennis, PH. D. D. of Pocomoke City, and Henry Conant (spelling?) of Chincoteague.


January, 1917 (Time Machine Archive) 
(Chester Times- Chester, Pa.)

(Excerpts)

There will be great activity in the Remington Arm's Company's plant  from now on until the contract for Enfield rifles is completed.

New Arrivals

Among the new arrivals are Arthur Brittingham, Claude Brittingham, John Brittingham, and Herbert Ross from Pocomoke City, Maryland.  They were lucky in securing a boarding place at Ivers House. 

On being asked if there were any young men remaining in Pocomoke City, they replied that all the young men were leaving and coming to Eddystone, attracted by the higher wages being paid in the plants in the borough.  They said the pay for men in their hometown ranged from a dollar a day to a dollar and a half.  That a cook's wages were two dollars a week, and board ranged from four and a half to five dollars a week.

October, 1901
(The Daily News- Marshall, Mich.)

The first license for a female pilot issued by the Baltimore board of steamboat inspectors was given to Miss Carrie B. Hunter of Snow Hill, Md.  Miss Hunter's father owns a small steam yacht, and her license entitles her to navigate vessels of that type on Pocomoke sound, river, and tributaries.  Miss Hunter is the second woman on the Atlantic coast to receive a pilot's license.

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about?  It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to  tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!


Flying on for JMMB

Saturday, June 21, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.


1996.. Power blackout hits Delmarva; 1920.. Somerset County might lead U.S. with this crop; 1955.. Pocomoke City's newspaper publishes 75th anniversary edition;  1912.. Big doings in Greenbackville; 1917.. Pa. jobs luring young men from Pocomoke;  1901.. Snow Hill woman is first female licensed to navigate lower Eastern Shore waters.

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!


Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about?  It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to  tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!



**Remembering JMMB**

Friday, June 20, 2014

Solar Electric Project Groundbreaking in Pocomoke City, MD


     The Mayor and City Council are pleased to announce that they will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Solar electric generation plant on Wednesday, June 25 at 5:00 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the project site on Dunn Swamp Road, 1/4 mile south of the Pocomoke Beltway.

     City officials have been working on this project for several months with partners Standard Solar LLC, Inc. and Sun Edison Company.  The new Solar array will be built on vacant upland property owned by the City. The project will encompass approximately 10 acres and will include over 6,200 new solar panels producing 2.1 Mega Watts of electricity per day.  The electricity produced will be virtually credited to all of the City's electric meters, and is expected to result in a reduction of the City's electric bills by approximately 16% or over $40,000/year. Several local non-profit groups will also join the City's new network and will realize similar reductions in their electric bills. These include the Delmarva Discovery Center, MARVA Theater, Samartian Shelter, and the Worcester County Developmental Center in Newark, Maryland.

The City has entered into a 20  year lease for the site and a separate Power Purchase Agreement with Sun Edison, which will own the new Solar Array on City property.  The construction of the project and all future management and maintenance will be the responsibility of Standard Solar LLC.  The company currently operates several similar facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region, including the Perdue headquarters in Salisbury, Maryland.  There will be no cost to Pocomoke City related to the construction, operation, or maintenance  of this project. Actual construction should begin by late summer and be completed late this year. To the City's knowledge, this will be the largest municipal government solar project on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and the only one south of Kent County on the upper Shore.

        According to Mayor Bruce A. Morrison, "The City Council, staff,and I are proud and excited to be involved in this important green energy project. This new Solar array will benefit our taxpayers due to lower electricity bills, and will benefit our environment through the use of a renewable energy source.  We will also be able to help several local non-profit groups reduce their electric bills."  He added, "We hope to be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of this major cost saving project and become a model for other local governments on the Delmarva Peninsula."

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Delmarva Discovery Center Perpetual Commotion Performance

Delmarva Discovery Center

A special music performance by

Perpetual Commotion

Saturday, July 26th

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Come enjoy a special musical presentation at the DDC, given by the students of “Perpetual Commotion", who study Suzuki violin in Berlin, MD under the direction of Katherine Munson.

The program will include:
~ Interactive music activities aimed at children ages 2-8
~ A story
~ A short concert featuring folk, classical and fiddle selections

All attendees will have the opportunity to play a violin too!



Delmarva Discovery Center     2 Market Street     Pocomoke City, MD  21851
 

Delmarva Discovery Center Daily Summer Programs June 30th to August 31st



SUNDAY     12:00 - 1:00 Dive Dialogue
Learn about animal & human communication in the underwater world.  While diving in our 6,000 gallon aquarium, Aquarist Katie, will teach you dive sign language & Scorchy, our diamondback terrapin & her fishy friends will demonstrate their communication tricks and tips.
                      2:00 - 2:30 Fish Feeding
What do the fish at the Delmarva Discovery Center eat?  How are they fed?  Come join us for a fish feeding and find out!  See you at the aquarium tank!

MONDAY     3:00 - 3:45 A Walk to Remember*
Join our naturalists for a relaxing & educational walk on the beautiful nature trail.  Travel along the Pocomoke River, through the Cypress Swamp & into the forest beyond.  Observe three distinct plant communities competing & changing under the influence of the natural environment.  Keep your eyes open for some amazing wildlife too!

TUESDAY     1:00 - 2:00 Discovery Program
Discover more about various exhibits in the museum with a different program each week.  Learn more about the Native Americans, the animals, or even NASA.  Each week will be something new and exciting!

WEDNESDAY     10:30 - 11:00 Mommy & Me; Daddy too!
This program is specifically designed for children ages 2 - 5, but all are welcome.  Each program has a specific theme and relates back to colors, numbers, letters, or animals!  Make a craft, play a game, sing a song, and learn in a fun and engaging environment. 

THURSDAY     1:00 – 1:30 Beaver Lodge Story Time & Craft
Join us in the beaver lodge for story time & make a craft too!  Learn about beavers, their animal friends & the importance of being kind to others & the world around you!
                          3:00 - 4:00 Squeaky Clean!
Learn how our husbandry staff keeps our tanks clean.  Watch Aquarist Katie clean our 6,000 gallon aquarium and do water quality testing all while you learn how to do your own water quality testing on the same water.

FRIDAY     10:00 - 12:00 Fishing Fun*
Come fish with us at Stevens Pond!  Learn about fish native to the area & if you are lucky, catch the "big one"!  Children under 16 years of age do not need a fishing license.  All others must bring a valid license.  We will meet at the Center and walk there together. 

SATURDAY     1:00 - 1:45 Awesome Animals & Craft
Rat snakes, horseshoe crabs, snapping turtles - Oh My!  Come enjoy a 30 minute fun-filled, educational animal presentation on the many animals that call the Discovery Center home and make a related craft to take home! 

Delmarva Discovery Center... Stars, Soul, Rock and Roll Gala

Delmarva Discovery Center
Stars, Soul, Rock and Roll Gala
Saturday, September 6, 2014
6 pm – 10 pm



Delmarva’s Third Annual Social Extravaganza of the Year!

Waterfront Home of Mark & Leslie Reeves, Salisbury, Maryland

Tickets are $75/each or $700 for a table of ten.

Experience a night of tropical paradise!
This will be a fun, casual upscale rocking evening taking place on the scenic Wicomico River surrounded by waving palm trees where you will dance to the music from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s
with the striking sound of a highly popular dance band & more. 
Your ticket entitles you to a magnificent dinner including one free premium liquor drink ticket with a full bar available and an enjoyable evening.

A fundraiser for the Delmarva Discovery Center.
www.delmarvaidscoverycenter.org

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview


1996.. Power blackout hits Delmarva; 1920.. Somerset County might lead U.S. with this crop; 1955.. Pocomoke City's newspaper publishes 75th anniversary edition;  1912.. Big doings in Greenbackville; 1917.. Pa. jobs luring young men from Pocomoke;  1901.. Snow Hill woman is first female licensed to navigate lower Eastern Shore waters.


Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!


Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about?  It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to  tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

**Remembering JMMB**





NHTSA; Help us stop Buzzed Driving this Fourth of July


Driving buzzed can turn celebration into tragedy in an instant.  With July 4th approaching, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding people of the cost of buzzed driving over the holiday. In 2012, 179 people were killed in crashes over the holiday period. Of those deaths, 44 percent were in crashes that involved alcohol.
We’re asking for your support to remind everyone to plan ahead - to ensure their Fourth of July list includes not only fireworks at the park and hot dogs on the grill, but a sober ride home for themselves or their guests. The only red, white, and blue we want anyone to see this holiday should be from the fireworks, not from cops and ambulances.
On July 2nd, we’re hosting a Twitter chat to discuss the dangers of buzzed driving in an easy to share way. We’re also posting tips on how to keep the roads sober and still enjoy the holiday. In order to get these messages out, however, we need you to join in the conversation. It’s easy to do.
WHEN: July 2nd at 4pm ET
WHERE: http://www.twitter.com/NHTSAgov, use hash tag #buzzeddriving
HOW: Ask questions, retweet posts, and invite your followers. Use our sample tweets below to share with your followers:
  • Join us and @NHTSAgov to learn how to safely enjoy the 4th of July holiday! Follow #buzzeddriving on 7/2 @ 4pmET.
  • We’re joining @NHTSAgov to save lives this 4th of July. Help us: follow #buzzeddriving on 7/2 @ 4pmET.
  • @NHTSAgov wants this 4th of July to be fun and safe, and so do we. Do you? Join us on 7/2 @ 4pmET, follow #buzzeddriving.
  • Help us and @NHTSAgov keep the 4th of July safe with sober roads. Join #buzzeddriving on 7/2 @ 4pmET.
Help us share the message this Fourth of July: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. There is no difference between the two.
Forward this message on to friends, family, and followers and invite them to join us. Let’s make the Fourth of July a day of celebration and not a day of grief. Let’s put a stop to buzzed driving not just on the nation’s birthday, but every day.
Get materials and more facts here.

June 19, 2014

Additional Resources


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Hogan slams USPTO Redskins trademark cancellation



Ocean City, MD – June 18, 2014 – Campaigning at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association parade here, Larry Hogan slammed today’s decision by the US Patent and Trademark Office to cancel several of the Washington Redskins’ trademarks.  The GOP gubernatorial frontrunner is a native of Landover in Prince George’s County, home to the 82-year-old National Football League franchise.
According to Hogan, “Whether you’re a fan of the Redskins, the Ravens, or God forbid, the Cowboys; today's unprecedented action by the US Patent Trade & Trademark Office should offend anyone concerned about Constitutional limits on government power and free speech.  This matter should be decided by the Redskins and their fans without the politically-motivated interference of pandering state and federal politicians,” Hogan said.
 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce


Date Correction
  
Coastal Hospice Bereavement Group
Thu, June 26, 11am - 12pm
(Please note corrected date of 26th rather than 19th.)
Salem United Methodist Church, 500 2nd Street, Pocomoke
Coastal Hospice Bereavement Group will meet with Chaplain Bob Miller at Salem United Methodist Church. Open to the community.
Meets on 2nd and 4th Thursdays.