Prayers For Courtney

Extra prayers are needed for Courtney Bloxom.  Courtney was taken to Shore Memorial Hospital a few hours ago with  severe stomach pains. 

Please keep Courtney and her family in your prayers.

Town Clerk Charged With Embezzlement

ONANCOCK, Va. (WAVY) - Police arrested and charged the town clerk of Onancock with embezzlement, after recording her actions over the past month with a hidden camera.

Police said Patricia Colleen Reiber, of the 15000 block of Waterfield Street in Painter, was charged with embezzlement of public funds by a public officer.

State police started started watching Reiber on March 18, and made the arrest on April 19.

According to court documents, police installed a hidden camera into the town office at the town hall. Over the last month, police recorded Reiber taking money from the register and petty cash drawers on several occasions.

Police said they do not know the total amount of what she took, but at one time, she allegedly stole $200.

Reiber is currently out on bond.

Source; http://www.fox43tv.com/dpps/news/local/town-clerk-charged-with-embezzlement_3782589

TIME MACHINE ... April, 1977

Having cleared both the Maryland House and Senate the Pocomoke City Sunday Blue Law bill was ready to be signed into law by the governor, clearing the way for Sunday merchandise sales in Pocomoke City. In a 1974 referendum the Pocomoke City area voted against lifting Sunday Blue Law restrictions while the rest of Worcester County voted in favor and was permitting the Sunday sales. The bill to bring Pocomoke City in line with the remainder of the county was co-sponsored by House Of Delegates members Russell O. Hickman of Worcester County, R.C. (Biggy) Long of Somerset County, and Joseph J. Long of Wicomico County.

PRESS RELEASE SURF DOG RICOCHET RECEIVES PROCLAMATION FROM MAYOR

PROCLAIMING APRIL 28, 2011  AS PAY (PAW) IT FORWARD DAY &
ENCOURAGES OTHERS AROUND THE WORLD TO GET INVOLVED!
SAN DIEGO, CA, April 19, 2011… San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders signed a proclamation designating April 28, 2011 as Pay (Paw) It Forward Day.  By signing the proclamation, Mayor Sanders commends this observance to all our citizens.  Ricochet calls upon animal lovers, surfers, website administrators, bloggers, Facebook users, Twitter users, media, businesses, communities, health care professionals, educators, volunteers, and all people & pets of the world to get involved! 

The idea of Pay (Paw) It Forward Day, is for people to do one good deed for three others. When recipients ask how they can re-pay the favor, which can be big or small, they are instructed to pay/paw It forward to three more people.  With each good deed, the cycle of generosity and kindness will ripple across the world, making us all better people and pets.

Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog who inspires others with her charitable/Paw It Forward lifestyle, initiated the proclamation signed by Mayor Sanders.  She uses the term "Paw" it Forward to describe what she, and other pets can do to make a difference.

Pay (Paw) It Forward Day is a worldwide initiative based on the novel of the same name written by Catherine Ryan Hyde.  The premise of the story is about a 12 year old boy who did three good deeds for others in need.  All he asked in return, was for them to pass on the good deed to three other people, and keep the cycle going.

On April 28th, Ricochet will be pawing it forward locally, and encouraging people/pets around the world to do the same.  She recently had wrist bands made with the message "Paw it Forward", and proceeds are being donated to charity in the spirit of pawing it forward. Random acts of kindness can be as simple as holding a door open for someone, or paying for the vehicle ahead of you in the toll booth lane. Other acts of kindness can be rescuing an animal in need, helping a senior citizen, or babysitting for a friend. The list is endless!

Pay (Paw) It Forward Day is about all people, from all walks of life, giving to someone else, and making a positive difference.  There are over 15 countries involved, hundreds of schools are participating, and thousands of people will be paying it forward across the world.

Ricochet was named an ambassador for Pay It Forward Day by founder, Blake Beattie, "Ricochet embodies what Pay It Forward Day is all about.  She has done some wonderful good deeds and has made a real difference in the lives of many.  I think we can all learn some powerful lessons from this amazing dog who has a heart of gold.  It is great having Ricochet as an official ambassador of International Pay It Forward Day as she truly helps inspire the world - one good deed at a time."

Ricochet sincerely thank Mayor Sanders for proclaiming April 28, 2011 as Pay (Paw) It Forward Day. She encourages people to visit her website for more suggestions on how to Pay (Paw) it Forward http://www.surfdogRicochet.com, or her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet.  For more information on the worldwide Pay it Forward initiative go to http://payitforwardday.com

Note: For additional information contact Judy Fridono at 707-228-0679 or pawinspired@aol.com.

Prices Rise- Quanity Lessens

Not only are gas prices soaring rapidly so are the prices on everything we consume.  Sometimes the prices go  up AND the quanity becomes smaller.  Alot of shoppers aren't even aware of it.

Someone brought this to my attention yesterday and I was amazed.  I'm guilty of buying this brand of sugar simply because it is less expensive than the 5 lb. bag  of  Domino sugar in  Wal*Mart.

Now I'm quite sure Wal*Mart has done everything correct with the pricing and all the info we need to know is on the shelf sticker and the weight is  clearly marked on the bag. 

My friend and I just never noticed. We assumed the 4 lb. bag of Great Value Pure Sugar was a 5 lb. bag. 

Does anyone know if this was ever a 5 lb. bag?

Breyers icecream did this a good while back.  Have you noticed the same thing happening in other foods?

Over 10 MILLION DOLLARS Unpaid To Accomack County

Alot of Accomack County taxpayers would like to know what is being done to collect the monies owed to the county.  Have we become such a wealthy county that these taxes don't need to be paid ?  Or is the County Treasurer's Office just hoping none of the taxpayers that carry the burden by paying  taxes on time will ever ask?  Taxpayers of Accomack County deserve some prompt answers!

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors met for their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 in the board chambers in Accomac.

During the Public Comment part of the meeting, Belle Haven resident Wesley Edwards told the board that he has confirmed with the County Treasurer that over 10 million dollars is owed in delinquent taxes. He provided the board members with copies of pages from the Supervisor's manual that states that the Treasurer must prepare several lists of uncollectible taxes and delinquents by August 1 of each year.

 The lists include real estate on the commissioner's land book improperly placed with the amount of taxes charged, other real estate which is delinquent, and taxes assessed on tangible personal property which the Treasurer in unable to collect. It also stated that the board may order the lists of delinquent taxes to be published in the newspaper.


 Edwards said he has never seen any of these lists and wants to know what is being covered up and wants taxpayers and voters to know who owes these millions of dollars that are not being collected. Edwards also provided the board with the list of the top 25 people who owe delinquent taxes.


Shirley Zamora of Onancock told the board that she believes decreasing the number of supervisors is a good idea. She said it would save the county money and asked the board to consider this sacrifice for the citizens.
Zamora expressed her concerns about the Whispering Pines hotel, calling it a nuisance and liability, noting that there are derelict buildings and a pool that she believes is filled with nasty water.


County Attorney Mark Taylor said the property owner, who is an investor from Pennsylvania owes over $10,000 in delinquent taxes. He also told the board that there were someone living at the hotel, who provides security for the property. Supervisor Wanda Thornton said because they owe over $10,000, the property needs to be sold. The board voted unanimously to have the Treasurer to sell the property as soon as possible.


There will be a public hearing concerning redistricting on May 12th at the board chambers in Accomac at 7:30. Board members and staff will be available for citizens to ask questions and view the redistricting maps at 6:30 p.m. At the Redistricting Meeting held last week, the board voted 8-1 to limit the amount of precincts in a district to three. District 8 Supervisor Donald Hart was the only one who voted against the motion. Hart stated he is concerned with the way redistricting has gone so far.


He went on to say that voting should be convenient, noting that the decision means that he is losing two of his smallest precincts in his district. Quinby residents must travel to Wachapreague to cast their vote and Keller residents will now vote in Bobtown.


Hart is concerned that this will make it more difficult for elderly citizens to vote.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

Longtime Aide To Schaefer Dies The Same Day

The Baltimore Sun

Here is how Charlie Kelly imagined the scene at the pearly gates this week: William Donald Schaefer  awaits entry as St. Peter goes over his list. Maybe his eyes are widening as he sees all the rude, bombastic things Schaefer has said over the years.

A diminutive woman who just passed through the gates interjects, "He really didn't mean all those things he said."

St. Peter continues down his list — it's a long one — and the woman starts to reconsider. "Maybe you're right," she says. "A little bit of purgatory might do him some good."

Pam Kelly was one of  William Donald Schaefer's closest aides, from Baltimore's City Hall to the State House in Annapolis. She ran his Cabinet meetings, she managed his tantrums, she whispered election night intelligence in his ear.

And on Monday, she did one last piece of advance work for the former mayor and governor: Kelly, 66 and suffering from lung cancer,  died four hours before Schaefer did.

"She probably was up there getting things ready for him," said her husband, Charlie.

Schaefer's circle, of which she was something of a social director, has been much in the news this week as they plan his memorial service and funeral next week. But to less public attention they have also been mourning the loss of the woman some considered Schaefer's right hand, someone whose counsel he trusted and who could be counted on to save him from himself.

Story Source;  http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-pam-kelly-death-20110420,0,5149751.story

Chincoteague Island Easter Decoy and Art Show

32^nd Annual Easter Decoy & Art Festival

April 22 & 23, 2011
Friday, April 22   Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 23     9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 23  Auction  7:30 p.m.
Chincoteague Combined School
4586 Main St.
Chincoteague Island, VA  23336

Local and national carvers and artists of all kinds exhibit and sell their works.  Awards are given in various categories.  Wooden Easter Eggs decorated by the exhibitors are offered in a silent auction. A live auction of donated works caps off the weekend. 
Admission to the show is $3.00 per day.
(children under 12 are free--no admission to auction)
757-336-6161
Fax: 757-336-1242
Email: chincochamber@verizon.netwww.chincoteaguechamber.com

Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center

Accepting Applications for 2011 Theater Academy!

This year the Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center will bring you three exciting sessions of Theater Academy. 

We will offer sessions for varying abilities.  Our Introductory Session is for those thespians that are beginning to learn the craft of theater and performing arts. Students with three years or more experience may register for our Advanced or Musical sessions.  Each session culminates in a production.  

Advanced Session: Midsummer Night's Dream

Musical Session: Peter Pan and Wendy

For more information contact Emily by email:  emily@marvatheater.com

Click HERE to download the application for 2011 Theater Academy.

~The Colors of Spring~

Nature doesn't need fake egg dye to color her eggs.  She has her own palette of colors to select from.

And it doesn't  really matter where we call home just so we are all snuggled together in the same tidy nest.

Thanks Jordan !

'Cold Feet' Gets Groom Jail Time

Nancy Drury Duncan

Staff Writer- Daily Times

ACCOMAC -- An Accomack County man described by his attorney as having "cold feet" before his wedding will serve jail time for taking his girlfriend's money and car and trying to flee to Central America just weeks before the planned nuptials.

Gilbert Werner, 33, of Chincoteague pleaded guilty to charges of uttering, grand larceny and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Accomack Circuit Court.

Defense attorney Patrick Robbins said the man was having "second thoughts" two weeks before the upcoming marriage.

Werner took $500 from his fiancé, forged her checks and used her car in a way that was described as "beyond the scope of her permission."

The car was found in Salisbury where Werner left it. Werner bought an airline ticket out of the country in an attempt to meet his mother in Costa Rica, according to Robbins.

He had been abandoned by her as a child and grew up in an orphanage, Robbins told the court.

On the witness stand, Werner said he was going through a lot.

"I had just found my mother," he said. "I just kind of broke down."

He said his then-girlfriend had forgiven him for what he did. "She still loves and misses me," he said.

Robbins said his client had made restitution and even filed his 2010 tax return from jail, where he has been the past 10 months.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Francis Suraci presented evidence that Werner should serve time in jail because he had a criminal record. He was convicted of arson and unlawful wounding when he was 19 years old, Suraci said.

A year later, Suraci said, he served time for grand larceny and unlawful wounding.

"He was good for 13 years," Robbins said. He has been working and making "pretty decent earnings."

Werner was sentenced to nine years in prison with all suspended but 18 months.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110419/NEWS01/104190393/Groom-gets-jail-time-cold-feet-?odyssey=mod|mostview

PCVFD Responds To Electrical Outage

During the high winds  and storm that blew  threw Pocomoke City last Saturday night (April 16, 2011) the Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Department was called to the scene of the Homewood Drive area. 
Due to the high winds in the area a tree limb had fallen onto the power lines causing electrical outages in the area.

The fire department remained on the scene until Delmarva Power arrived to repair the problem.

Photos from Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Department website.

Rural Living During Spring

When you live 5 miles from the highway, deep in the country, anything can be seen traveling down the road.  On my way to run some errands I spotted what seemed to be a brown fuzzy ball of fur venturing down the  road close to the shoulder.

I was lucky enough to run into a nearby neighbor, now retired from the DNR,  and asked him what it could have been.  I had seen a muskrat!  Well, I KNOW what a muskrat looks like but had never seen one so far from where they normally live, never walking down the shoulder of the road and certainly never one so small.   According to him,  the reason is that with the unusual high tides we have experienced lately the muskrat are making their tunnels in nearby ditches.

Well, that makes sense, I guess,  but the tiny, furry thing seemed to be to far away from his natural habitat  for my preference.  So, on the return trip back home I slowed in the area I had seen the muskrat.  Sure enough,  there that furry thisg was nibbling on fresh green grass  completely uninterested that I was there aiming a camera  towards it.

Meet Marietta Muskrat!

I drew my own conclusion on this matter because I'm still not comforable with this littlle thing venturing so far from the water  even though  it  knows very well what it's doing.

Even muskrat like to dine away from home.

Tangier Needs YOUR Help! ~ CHEER FOR TANGIER

As written in Shore Daily News/WESR

Let's hear it for Tangier Island! Tangier Island, is home to over 500 people and has been referred to as heaven on earth by many. But Tangier Island is facing a serious challenge. Part of the island is eroding and islanders are worried about losing this priceless piece of America.

But there's good news! We can all help, and all you have to do is "cheer" for Tangier! Readers Digest, who says they are the world's largest global editorial brand and have a reputation for "getting to the heart of the matter and "capturing the best of America" is running the "We Hear You America" campaign.
Basically its an online contest where people can go to a specific site and vote "or cheer", as they call it, up to ten times daily for the town of their choice. The top ten towns with the greatest amount of cheers, wins.


CLICK BELOW TO VOTE!


The prize for getting the most votes? They call it promotional and economic stimulus. The top ten winning towns of this phase of the contest, which runs until May 16th, will receive funds ranging from $10,000 to the grand prize of $40,000, plus promotional support through Reader's Digest outlets which includes over 30 million readers. Having that kind of publicity could encourage a lot of people to visit the unique island of Tangier and that could definitely stimulate many parts of our eastern shore economy.


But there is a more important reason for you to cheer than stimulating our economy. Shelli Crockett, who is from Tangier and now lives in Texas is spearheading the efforts, using social media like Facebook, to encourage cheering. I talked with Shelli who told me that because Tangier is eroding at an alarming rate, the prize money will go towards a new seawall. "This small island has an important place in history and needs to be saved." says Crockett.


Tangier Mayor William Eskridge says this is a very serious problem. On the east side of the island, there are openings on both sides of the harbor that are quickly eroding and the openings are getting wider every year. They have needed a new seawall since the late 90s but funding has just not been available. A seawall or jetty as some call it would cost at least $300,000.


He said back in the 80's a seawall was put in on the west side and it saved the island. Had it not been done, the airport and some homes would be gone.


Now, when you are competing with the whole United States, it might seem impossible to win this type of competition. But actually, Tangier was in 800th place when they started and has quickly moved to 26th place. Thats really amazing and I believe we can finish in the top ten, if not at 1! So here's the website: www.wehearyouamerica.readersdigest.com.


On that site, you can find comments left by those who are cheering, like: "if the old English accents do not draw you to Tangier... Its rich and vast history and amazing natural beauty will. So I ask you to please help save Tangier." Another one reads: "Did you know that Tangier Island played a role in the national anthem, which next year will be 200 years old? Let's make sure Tangier also lives long after that, in part by building a seawall that could get a huge financial boost from this cheer campaign. Francis Scott Key penned The Star Spangled Banner after the British failure at Baltimore - which had been predicted by Joshua Thomas, the Parson of the Islands, who addressed the British on Tangier's beach. The continuing, unique culture of this waterman community and its rich history make it worthy of your cheer!" It certainly does.


Now, when I was talking with Mayor Eskridge, he also told me that Tangier is willing to take barges to provide protection for their island. He has talked with Congressman Scott Rigell about having a barge brought in as an alternative to a rock or concrete seawall. Would you take a few minutes to give Congressman Rigells office a call to tell him that you support this effort? Congressman Rigell's local number is (757)789-5172.


Let's join in together to save this island by cheering to win or by helping to get a barge. And remember to visit  www.wehearyouamerica.readersdigest.com everyday to cheer for Tangier!


More Information CLICK HERE TO VOTE!!

Source;  http://www.ask4direct.com/InfoRead.asp?id=WESR&InfoID=699045

Please note that when you vote you will have to put your name and street address plus state- VA.,  zip code, along with your email address.  For street address I used  Main St.  ZIP CODE IS:  23440.  The nice thing is you can vote your  10 times a day all in ONE sitting!    It's so easy!

Once Governor William Donald Schaefer Dies

William Donald Schaefer, who served four terms as Mayor of Baltimore and two terms as Governor of Maryland, died today.  He was 89 years old.

Accident On Chesapeake Bay Bridge ~ Man Falls Overboard

SANDY POINT, Md. (AP) — Authorities say a man has died after he was thrown from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge when his disabled car was rear-ended.

The Maryland Transportation Authority says the man was one of three people pulled from the water below the bridge in separate incidents on Monday.

Authority police spokesman Sgt. Jonathan Green says the 70-year-old man got out of his Honda Accord of the eastbound span. That's when a large truck hit the car, which knocked the man over the jersey wall and into the water about 50 feet below.

The man was pronounced dead at a local hospital and a passenger was treated for a medical emergency.

Rescuers were called out twice more Monday to pull people from the water below the bridge, including a man who jumped.

Source; http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=delmarvanow&sParam=36276631.story

Victim Robbed, Carjacked and Shot Near Parksley Saturday Evening

According to Major Todd Godwin, on April 17, 2011 at approximately 12:41 P.M., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office was notified of a gunshot victim who had been located on Whites Neck Road near Parksley, Virginia.

 Further investigation revealed that this incident had actually occurred during the late evening hours of April 16, 2011 in the John Cane Road area of Parksley.

The victim was allegedly signaled to stop by the suspects, and following a confrontation, the victim was robbed, assaulted and shot by the suspects. The victim's vehicle was taken during this incident but has since been recovered.

Suspect information has been developed in this case and the investigation is continuing.

The victim was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland by Parksley Rescue where he was later transferred to another medical facility. Assisting the Accomack County Sheriff's Office was the Parksley Police Department.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Arrests Made In Shooting ~ Police Still Search For One

According to Major Todd Godwin, on April 1, 2011, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office was notified of multiple gunshots being fired on A. S. West Road near Painter, Virginia, and that one subject had been injured as a result of the gunfire. The victim in that incident was transported to a medical facility where he was treated, and has since been released.

An extensive investigation into that incident has resulted in warrants being obtained against several subjects on a variety of charges.

49 year old Richmond Southey Johnson, of Parksley, was arrested on April 15, 2011 and has been charged with Malicious Wounding, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Johnson is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.


46 year old Samuel Randolph Custis, of Painter, was arrested on April 18, 2011 and has been charged with Malicious Wounding, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Custis is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

24 year old Jarod Scott Lee, of Painter, was arrested on April 18, 2011 and has been charged with three counts of Attempted Malicious Wounding and one count of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. Lee is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

36 year old Phillip Maurice Robinson, of Painter, is wanted on one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Phillip Robinson is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Motorcycle Accident

ACCOMACK—

An Eastern Shore man died in a motorcycle accident early Sunday morning in Accomack County.


Allen Derrick Ferrell, a 52-year-old Wachapreague resident, was pronounced dead at the scene near the junction of Willis Street and Drummondtown Road. The single-vehicle accident happened around 1:45 a.m. Sunday.


Sgt. Michelle Anaya of state police said Ferrell was riding a 2000 Harley-Davidson and lost control while turning from Willis onto Drummondtown. He slammed into a tree.

The accident remains under investigation.

Source; http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-nws-eastern-shore-fatal-biker,0,4425761.story

~Don't Forget It's National Park Week~

BERLIN, Md. -- Superintendent Trish Kicklighter has announced that in celebration of National Park Week, the entrance fee to Assateague Island National Seashore will be waived from April 16-24.

The fee waiver applies at both the Maryland and Virginia districts of the Seashore.

"The fee-free National Park Week provides a great opportunity for individuals and families alike to come out and enjoy all that Assateague has to offer," Kicklighter said. "I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free admission to visit one of the East Coast's finest seashores." First time visitors are encouraged to stop at either of the seashore's two visitor centers to see exhibits and get information about the many recreational activities and natural features in the seashore.

Ranger-led programs are scheduled throughout the week in both the Maryland and Virginia districts. Be sure to join park staff on April 23 as they celebrate National Junior Ranger Day. Explore Assateague from beach to bay with aquarium talks, beach walks, crafts, GPS activities and much more. Program schedules may be found by visiting www.nps.gov/asis.

The waiver of entrance fees applies not just at Assateague but at all other National Park System areas that normally charge an entrance fee. This year's focus, "Healthy Parks, Healthy People," highlights the connection between human and environmental health and the vital role America's national parks play in both. So take advantage of the free entrance and enjoy a park near you, starting with Assateague.

For more information on Assateague Island National Seashore or to plan a trip, visit www.nps.gov/asis.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110416/ESN03/104160320

TIME MACHINE ... July, 1955

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.