President's Administration Closes Window for Public Opinion for Federal Fishery Strategy

The Obama administration will accept no more public input for a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing the nation's oceans, coastal areas, Great Lakes, and even inland waters, according to an article from ESPNoutdoors.com.

According to the article, the government movement to begin the steps to limit fishing in the United States began shortly after Barack Obamas election in late 2008. The movement supposedly is being led by NOAAs Jane Lubchenco, who has close ties with environmental groups that have voiced support to ban fishing altogether.

This comes literally weeks after thousands of recreational fishermen, including Eastern Shore fishermen, marched on Washington in protest of fishing regulations.

If an Executive Order such as the one described in the article were passed, it is no doubt that the ramifications for the Eastern Shore would be drastic.

"If fishing was curtailed, theres no doubt it would have a direct impact on our business," says Sandpiper Marine owner Vince Taylor. "Between the current economic situation that is long term, fuel prices going up, EPA regulations that are constantly causing the prices of our products to increase and adding limitations on fishing, it would be a huge. Even I know something like this cant be good."

A link to the full article can be found below.

More Information ESPNoutdoors.com Article

"Prom Boutique"

This Spring, The Woman's Club of Accomack County along with the thrift shops of Hospice of the Eastern Shore and Lighthouse Ministries will be presenting a "Prom Boutique" where any Eastern Shore girl can outfit herself for the Prom with new and gently used gowns, dresses and accessories at greatly reduced prices.

Donations from the community are needed to make this a reality. Help these girls dress for this important event by cleaning out your closets and bringing gowns, dresses, shoes, jewelry and other dressy accessories in good condition to either Hospice thrift store in Onancock or Exmore or to Light House Ministries thrift store in Onley or call Lynne Calvert at 442-3812 for pick-up by March 12th.

All proceeds from this event will benefit Hospice of the Eastern Shore and Lighthouse Ministries.


www.shoredailynews.com

Favorite Book

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Waking Up and Warming Up For Spring.......Finally!

What a beautiful day yesterday was and I found some sure signs that reassured me spring can't be far behind at all. Those snowy, blowing, frozen days of winter are meltling fast.

It's the beginning of POTATO SEASON for some farmers and for me. I love Eastern Shore red potatoes and and these guys know it!!

Always towards the end of February and into the first few days of March it becomes potato season and it's never too early for these guys. Early bird gets the worm, I suppose.........

And speaking about early birds............

I saw good ol' Robin red breast this morning. In fact I saw two of them hopping around in the front yard. I've always been told that when you see the Robins spring can't be far behind. Well, I never told my father that sometimes I had seen them in the cold, cold weather....... or maybe I just thought I had.

But along with the Robins come the other birds of the season. This morning I looked out and saw my favorite bird of all. The Blue Bird.

Now, I have had blue birds for years and they live in the houses I provide for them all year long and when the sun is warm they will emerge to stretch their wings.
I can tell by their chirp they are ready for the season.

So, like most of us today, the farmers are busy, I'm going to be busy outside and so are the birds. It's been a long, cold, dark winter.

GET OUTSIDE AND PLAY TODAY!!!!


At least give it a good try.

Accomack School Budget Meeting

The Accomack County School Board

Will hold a special budget meeting

Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 7:30 P.M.

Meeting will be held in the Board of Supervisors Chambers

Accomac, Virginia

The meeting will focus on the Virginia House and Senate Versions of the budget.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Funny Animal

Harlem Globetrotters here I come'

Random Thought for the Day:

Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

New Chincoteague Bridge To Open April 2nd

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The new bridge to Chincoteague is on schedule for an April 2 opening if the weather cooperates. That was the message delivered to the Chincoteague Town Council Monday evening by Tom Rakowski of the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Despite all the adverse weather conditions encountered by the area so far this year, employees of American Bridge have been able to make headway on the new bridge and the April 2 date seems to be in reach.

"Depending on the weather we may be able to beat that target date," said Rakowski.

Rakowski said workers have been able to work on the new path to Chincoteague and the spur that leads to Marsh Island in recent weeks.

There remain, Rakowski stated, a few temperature sensitive jobs to be done, such as the road stripes on the new asphalt.

Drivers to and from Chincoteague in the coming weeks will see a new one-way path to Chincoteague as workers shift their attention from one side to the other.

"We need to shift the traffic one more time," said Rakowski. "The present detour road covers up part of the ramp."

The plan is to switch the detour to the north side and finish paving on the south side of the detour. "When we finish the south side and we take that detour sign down the bridge will be open for traffic," said Rakowski. "That will probably be the last two weeks in March."

Rakowski said the drawbridge has been undergoing "testing procedures" the past few weeks and everything seems to be going smoothly.

"Everything is functional on primary and backup power," he said. "And the span should be fully operational by the end of this week."

The new traffic signal will be state-of-the-art with an override feature that allows ambulance drivers to activate a green light while on emergency calls over the bridge.

"We've learned that there is a freight train of modular homes waiting for the bridge to open," said Rakowski. "We did our best to expedite that because some them are so big and wide they just can't get through that 'S' turn."

Rakowski said that some of council's ideas have been incorporated into the new bridge, including placing crape myrtles instead of loblolly pines near the entrance.

The main bridge is planned to be open by April 2 and the spur to Marsh Island should be completed by Aug. 26. Rakowski said the demolition of the old span should be complete by Dec. 13.

Rakowski and representatives from American Bridge and VDOT will meet next week for an informational meeting on how to proceed.

He said there will be time to have an "open house" for the new bridge and the old bridge before the demolition.

Rakowski said he had one request from a 92-year-old lady who as a child used to jump off the old bridge. She wants to be among the first to cross the new span.





www.easternshorenews.com

Rep. Massa Alleges Emanuel Forced Resignation Over Healthcare Vote

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — New York Rep. Eric Massa is blaming his resignation on a conspiracy led by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and House Democratic leaders to force him out before a crucial vote on healthcare.

Massa was one of 39 Democrats who voted against an earlier House version of the healthcare bill in November. Democratic leaders will "stop at nothing" to advance the healthcare overhaul, he said.

He also had some choice words for Emanuel during a recent radio interview in which he called the top Obama adviser "the son of the devil's spawn."

"He is an individual who would sell his mother to get a vote. He would strap his children to the front end of a steam locomotive," Massa said of Emanuel's desire to lock up vital votes on healthcare reform.

"You think that somehow they didn't come after me to get rid of me because my vote is the deciding vote in the healthcare bill? Then, ladies and gentlemen, you live today in a world that is so innocent as to not understand what's going on in Washington, D.C."

Massa spoke Sunday night on his weekly radio show on WKPQ-FM in Hornell, N.Y.

Facing a harassment complaint from a staffer, Massa said last week he's stepping down from his seat Monday. He earlier announced he wouldn't seek re-election because of health problems.

He said he learned he was the subject of an ethics complaint by a male staffer who felt "uncomfortable" during an exchange with Massa. The exchange reportedly had sexual overtones.

In his account, Massa said he and Emanuel have had many tense confrontations during the past year, including one incident in the shower of the Congressional gym.

"Let me tell you a story about Rahm Emanuel," Massa continued. "I was a congressman in my first eight weeks, and I was in the congressional gym, and I went down and I worked out and I went into the showers...I'm sitting there showering, naked as a jaybird and here comes Rahm Emanuel not even with a towel wrapped around his tush, poking his finger in my chest, yelling at me because I wasn't going to vote for the president's budget. Do you know how awkward it is to have a political argument with a naked man?

"By the way, what the heck is he doing in the Congressional gym," Massa continued. "He goes there to intimidate members of Congress... He's hated me since day one, and now he wins."

In the same interview on WKPQ radio, Massa accuses Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of lying about the time line of the ethics inquiry, and more broadly of a conspiracy against him by House Democratic leaders to force him out ahead of a critical vote on healthcare.

Massa was a firm “no” vote against the bill, but with his resignation, the number of votes needed to pass the bill drops by one to 216.

“Mine is now the deciding vote on the healthcare bill, and this administration and this House leadership have said, quote-unquote, they will stop at nothing to pass this healthcare bill, and now they’ve gotten rid of me and it will pass,” he said.



Direct Link HERE

VIA; NewsMax

PRESS RELEASE SURF DOG RICOCHET ACHIEVES A "DOUBLE OVERHEAD" MILESTONE

PRESS RELEASE; SURF DOG RICOCHET ACHIEVES A "DOUBLE OVERHEAD" MILESTONE AS HER INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO HITS 2 MILLION VIEWS, AND DONATIONS REACH $20,000!

SAN DIEGO, CA, March 8, 2010… Ricochet, (”Rip Curl Ricki,”) the Surfin’ for Paws-abilities SURFice dog who has won several surf dog competitions, and fundraises while increasing awareness for charitable causes, reached two milestones last week.  Her charitable donations reached the $20,000 mark, and her inspirational video hit 2 million views! 
Ricochet started fundraising just six months ago, and has already raised $20,000 for charitable causes. 

Her first fundraiser was for quadriplegic surfer, Patrick Ivison where she raised over $10,000 which helped pay for his medical bills. 

In addition, one of her sponsors, The Rose Foundation awarded Patrick a grant to fund three more years of his physical therapy.

At the conclusion of Ricochet's very successful fundraiser for Patrick, a video entitled "From Service Dog to SURFice Dog" was posted to YouTube. 

The video showcases Ricochet's inspiring journey from service dog candidate, to realizing she wasn't entirely suited for the job, to disappointment, to finding a new direction.

Although the video is about a dog, and her trainer, there are several life lessons which can be applied to anyone, and anything.  People from all walks of life are being inspired by the message of acceptance, adjusting expectations, focusing on ability, and celebrating amazing outcomes.

A couple weeks later, on December 1st, 2009 Ricochet began a new fundraiser... a Surfin' Santa Paws toy drive.  About the same time, the video un-expectedly went viral, and after just 40 days hit a million views.  People were tweeting, Facebooking, blogging, and emailing with "kleenex alert" warnings! 

The inspirational video has spurred emotion on many different levels, and each person who watches seems to find their own personal message, moving them to tears.

The video also spurred an influx of donations from all over the world including Canada, Taiwan, Japan, The Netherlands, and New Zealand.  As a result, Ricochet was able to take $3550 on a shopping spree to Toys R Us, where she purchased toys for 650 children in hospitals and domestic violence shelters.

At the conclusion of the toy drive, the video views were still increasing by the tens of thousands daily, and donations continued to be generated.  So Ricochet began allocating the funds toward therapies for six year old Ian McFarland who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a horrific car accident that claimed the lives of his parents. 

Ricochet, who turned two years old at the end of January, has accomplished a great deal in her young life.  Last week, donations from the video reached $10,000.  These donations coupled with the $10,000 she raised for Patrick brings the total donation milestone to $20,000 at this six month juncture.  She's also touching millions of lives all over the world with her inspirational video.  A double overhead indeed!
 
Note:  For more information, contact Judy Fridono at 707-228-0679 or pawinspired@aol.com.
http://www.surfdogricochet.com.  On Facebook & Twitter: "Surf Dog Ricochet"
SURFice dog video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4

Favorite Book

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Update From Va. Senator Ralph Northam

By Sen. Ralph Northam

We are getting closer to the end of this session, and are continuing to work diligently on the budget and other legislation before us. I have heard from many of you during the session, and I truly appreciate your interest and involvement in the affairs of the Commonwealth. Two of my bills have been heard in the House of Delegates this week, and were passed unanimously.

SB 189 repeals the date set for expiration of the Spaceflight Liability and Immunity Act. Repealing this expiration will help to establish the Commonwealth as a leader in attracting economic development related to commercial space flight. This is particularly important for growth centered at Wallops Island. SB 193 also passed the House unanimously, and will be sent along to Governor McDonnell for his signature. This bill makes it easier for the Commonwealth to terminate the contracts of service providers that commit Medicaid fraud.

Unfortunately, SB 186, which would have improved the process for reviewing ethics violations by General Assembly members, was not passed in the House. Delegate Armstrong is patroning a similar bill that has been passed in the House and the Senate. However, my bill included some stronger provisions, and it is a shame that House Republicans, who should be acting on this issue in the wake of the Phil Hamilton scandal last year, decided to carry this legislation over for the year.

I thank you all for your support, and I welcome your input during session. My office phone number in the General Assembly building is (804) 698-7506, and my email is SenatorRalphNortham@gmail.com. If I am not available, my legislative assistant, Matt Strickler will be happy to help. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail, and if you are in Richmond, please feel free to stop by and say hello.



http://www.shoredailynews.com/

It's a Bee-u-tee-ful Day on Delmarva

It's supposed to reach 60 degrees today... enjoy

Funny Animal

'Ahhh, the fresh, relaxing aroma of feet.......' ???

Random Thought for the Day:

Was learning cursive really necessary?

Nicole Answers Randon Thought, "How to fold a fitted sheet"

Who'd-a-thunk?

Nicole says; "It is a bitch. Here's a video though that might help you" --
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHTyH2nuFAw

Democrats Take Aim at Talk Radio

Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee, has launched an online site to help President Obama’s supporters infiltrate largely conservative talk radio.

Visitors to the On the Air site are provided with the call-in number of a talk show that discusses political topics, and the option to listen to the show live. They are urged to phone in when the topic of healthcare comes up. They can also click on a button to move to another show.

“The fate of health reform has been a focus of debate in living rooms and offices, on TV, and online — and on talk radio,” the introduction to the online tool states.

“And since millions of folks turn to talk radio as a trusted source of news and opinions, we need to make sure [Organizing for America] supporters are calling in with a pro-reform message.”

When Newsmax visited the On the Air site, the first link was to the syndicated show of Dr. Laura Schlessinger.

The site offers “calling tips” including, “Some hosts may challenge your views. Stay calm and firm. Sharing a personal story about how health reform affects you and your family is a great way to show the importance and urgency of health reform.”

It even provides “discussion points,” such as, “Too many in Washington are now saying that we should delay or give up on reform entirely, but Americans understand the stakes for our economy and our lives, and we want action.”

Organizing for America was launched by the DNC after Obama’s inauguration and seeks to mobilize supporters of his agenda.

VIA: newsmax.com

Favorite Book

Chincoteague Island To Be Featured On TODAY Show

After a year long effort the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission is pleased to announce the Today Show is scheduled to present a travel segment on family friendly vacations that will spotlight Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.

Currently scheduled to air Monday barring any pre-empts, the anticipated coverage of Chincoteague is estimated to be seen by nearly 5 million people and has an advertising value of approximately $ 225,194 according to Virginia Tourism Corporation's 2009 data.

The Tourism Commission first began courting the Today Show to feature the Eastern Shore as one of the mystery destinations on the annual "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" sending the show's producers an ES Suitcase and the Day in the Life of the Eastern Shore video, a Tourism Commission project produced by local company Ward & Associates.

The Today Show also received local wine, Shore products and the Seashore Chronicles: Three Centuries of the Virginia Barrier Islands by Shore authors Brooks Barnes and Barry Truitt.

Continual follow ups paid off and the Tourism Commission recently teamed up with the Virginia Tourism Corporation's Public Relations Director Richard Lewis, to provide the show video, still shots and information on the islands.

"We so often pitch ESVA stories and I would surely not have the necessary knowledge without the efforts of the Eastern Shore Tourism Director, "said Lewis. "In fact my most recent pitch to a freelancer writing for Southern Living included story ideas in Cape Charles, Onancock and Assateague Island."

As the Eastern Shore's sole regional marketing organization, the Tourism Commission is charged with promoting the Eastern Shore "You'll Love Our Nature" Brand through 154 media placement in 2009 alone including Southern Living Magazine, USA Today, The New York Times and The Washington Post.

This equates to millions of dollars of free advertisement for the Eastern Shore Tourism Industry.


http://www.shoredailynews.com/

Funny Animal

How to tell when its time to make your kids sleep in their own bed....

Irony

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Random Thought for the Day:

How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

Picture For Today

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Favorite Book

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Funny Animal

'I swear a Big Doberman busted in and just tore the place up.....'

Random Thought for the Day:

There is great need for a sarcasm font.

I'm Sending You Some Spring

This only takes a second and it feels so good!



I think we all need a little spring today!

I'm sending you some Spring!!!!

Click on the link. You will get a black page.
Click your mouse anywhere (& everywhere) on the page & see what happens!
Better yet, click (hold down) & drag your mouse over the black page...
Enjoy!!

SPRING CLICK HERE

Hat Tip; Kack

"PISSED OFF PARTY" (or POP).

Not Democrat, Not Republican, Not Independent.

It's called the "PISSED OFF PARTY" (or POP).

This party is dedicated to vote every incumbent out of office in the next elections.

If you're Democrat, vote Democrat. Just don't vote for the incumbent.

If you're Republican, vote Republican. Just don't vote for the incumbent.

We need to send a message to all politicians, that we're tired of their B.S.

If the country votes out all the incumbents, the new incoming politicians will get the message.

It's pretty simple. Nobody needs to change parties and let’s face it, there's plenty of blame to spread around.

A few good politicians will lose their job but they probably have better retirement and insurance then 95% of the American public.

You've had to struggle for the last 5 years. Some of you have lost your job and may be working in some other sector just to feed your family.

I guarantee you, none of them will suffer like this country has.

If you like what's going on and think this is a bad idea, delete this.

But if you're fed up and think this is a good idea, then pass this on.

Here's an irritated Senior!! This should be read and understood by all Americans Democrats, Republicans, EVERYONE!!

To All 535 voting members of the Legislature; it is now official you are ALL corrupt morons:

• The U.S. Post Service was established in 1775. You have had 234 years to get it right and it is broke.
• Social Security was established in 1935. You have had 74 years to get it right and it is broke.
• Fannie Mae was established in 1938. You have had 71 years to get it right and it is broke.
• War on Poverty started in 1964. You have had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor" and they only want more.
• Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965. You have had 44 years to get it right and they are broke.
• Freddie Mac was established in 1970.. You have had 39 years to get it right and it is broke.
• The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before. You had 32 years to get it right and it is an abysmal failure.

You have FAILED in every "government service" you have shoved down our throats while overspending our tax dollars

AND YOU WANT AMERICANS TO BELIEVE YOU CAN BE TRUSTED WITH A GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM? IT'S NOT ABOUT THE NEED FOR GOOD HEALTH CARE, IT'S ABOUT TRUSTING THE GOVERNMENT TO RUN IT.

Folks, keep this circulating. It is very well stated. Maybe it will end up in the e-mails of some of our "duly elected' and their staff (they never read anything) will clue them in on how Americans feel

Hat Tip; Eric

The Rural Sign Painter

The weather has finally cooperated with the friendly sign painter in our area!

The snow drifts in his lane have melted. The rains have have halted and tide
has gone down. Those horrible high winds have eased and the sun has begun to shine.

The sign painter is now once again free to
move about.

Here's what he had to say.............................

And don't ask me any questions, please. I don't know the meaning behind it either.

Accomack County School Budget- Bad To Worse?

An already dire budget situation for Accomack County schools has just gotten worse. While Accomack County School officials have been preparing their budget based on the Governors proposed budget, a $2.7 million dollar shortfall for our school system, the House announced yesterday in its budget that Accomack County would lose $5.1 million in State funding for fiscal year 2011.

Last year, Accomack County Schools were prepared to cut 65 jobs but because of the Federal Stimulus package, the jobs were saved. According to Accomack County School officials, if the House budget is passed, the number of jobs that would be cut will be "significantly higher than last years considered cuts," said Accomack County Schools Superintendent Rick Bull.

However, the Senate and Governors version do not have the draconian cuts the House version does. The Senates cuts are still quite a bit higher than the cuts proposed by Governor McDonnell. Accomack County Schools will "prepare for the worst and hope for the best."

The final budget for FY 2011 will be reached through a combining of the three budgets. None of these cuts are yet final.

www.shoredailynews.com

Board of Supervisors Announce Cuts

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors met in a budget meeting Wednesday night in Accomac and announced the cuts they would be making to balance the revenue shortfall.

Currently, the County pays $50,000 per year for health insurance for the Board of Supervisors members. A motion was made to drop coverage for the families of the Board Members, which was voted against.

The Board also announced what departments would lose positions. The County Administrator will lose one part time position. Among the Departments losing one full time position will be the Commissioner of Revenue, the Building and Zoning Department and EMS. The Economic Development Department and the Convenience Centers will lose one full time position and one part time position. The Building and Grounds Department will lose two positions. The Youth Services will lose five positions, but currently only two are filled.

Donald Hart made a motion to raise real estate taxes by 4 cents and was voted down 7-2. Another motion was made to cut tourism funds by $20,000 and that vote was approved 6-3.


http://www.shoredailynews.com/

Possible Key Person in Sheddy Investigation Out Of Jail

Authorities in Tennessee confirmed Thursday, Clarence Jackson is out of jail.

A spokesperson for the family of Christine Sheddy, who's remains were found in Snow Hill last month, said Jackson was one of the last people to see Sheddy alive at his Pocomoke house before Sheddy went missing in November 2007.

Sheddy's remains were found in a shallow grave at a bed and breakfast in Snow Hill.

However, officials investigating Sheddy's death have not publicly linked Jackson to the Sheddy case.

But Tennessee court documents say Jackson was given probation and "must fully cooperate with Maryland detectives and DA's (District Attorney's) office in murder prosecution."

Officials say Jackson has checked in with probation officers in Maryland.

There are also reports Jackson has been spotted in the Pocomoke-area.

Jackson has an extensive criminal history.

"I think he's definitely a threat, from previous history of how our probation system is working," said Pocomoke-area resident Candy Holland.

However, other residents disagree.

"Everyone is innocent until proven guilty you've got to give him a fair shake," said Pocomoke-area resident Tyrone Suggs.

The owners of the bed and breakfast where Sheddy's remains were found, also said Jackson worked for them.

Worcester County State's Attorney's Joel Todd has refused to confirm Jackson's involvement in the case, saying answering questions regarding Sheddy's death would compromise the investigation.

So far no cause of death for Christine Sheddy has been released.

VIA: WBOC.COM

How Will The End Of Print Journalism Affect Crazy Old Loons?

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Dircet LINK HERE

Hat Tip; Tree

Chamber of Commerce Seafood Fest

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce will again host the Seafood Festival on the first Wednesday of May - this year May 5 - from noon to 4 p . m. The Seafood Festival is the second- oldest food festival in Virginia and will be held at Tom's Cove Campground on quaint, historic Chincoteague Island, V a .

The ticket price is $40 and includes steamed clams, clams and oysters on the half shell, single- fried oysters, oyster fritters, clam fritters, clam chowder, clam strips, grilled chicken tenders, French- fried sweet potatoes, boardwalk fries, hush puppies, s poon bread, bottled water, soda and much, much more. Adult beverages are available for purchase , and there will be live entertainment from the band Midnight Country Express. Hospitality tent sites and radio advertising sponsorships are available to Chamber members, and VIP Tent ticket sales are open to the public.

Tickets can be purchased at www.esvachamber.org or by calling (757) 787-2460.



www.shoredailynews.com

Funny Animal

HELP!!! Someone dial 911, I'm being mauled by a troll!'

Random Thought for the Day:

I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

Irony

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Picture For Today

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Emergency funds keep Discovery Center open

The Delmarva Discovery Center was anticipating more than 20,000 visitors in 2009.

Fewer than a quarter of them showed.

To keep the fledgling museum from closing its doors -- less than a year after opening -- the Worcester County Commissioners provided $48,000 in financial assistance and a warning that they may not be so kind in the future.

"Was it an easy decision? No," said Commission President Bud Church. "But we invested a lot of money in that facility, and we couldn't let it fail."

About $2 million in county funds since 1999 have gone to the Discovery Center, which features the history of the region.

Without the commissioners' latest contribution, the museum would have been "forced to lay off all administrative and operational staff members, retaining only the aquarium position, and close until additional funds can be secured," said Brian Garrett, the center's executive director.

In 2009, roughly 4,000 visitors went through the facility, generating about $16,000 in ticket sales. The sale of memberships generated $7,200, another $6,200 was donated and $8,800 was received through programs and renting out the facility. Exhibits alone cost $130,500 last year, and $99,750 was spent on salaries.

The money provided by the commissioners will help the Pocomoke City museum until June. By then, organizers hope summer beachgoers and other visitors can be lured in to see the facility's sturgeon in the 6,000-gallon aquarium and steamboat replica.

Church said the museum's financial troubles were part of the learning curve for any new service or business. The facility initially asked for $60,000, an amount to which the commissioners could not commit.

"We told them, 'That isn't going to happen; you need to tighten your budget,' " Church said.

As a condition of the money, center staff provided the commissioners with money-saving and revenue-generating initiatives they're taking. The facility has already delayed most purchases for the building, exhibits, advertising and equipment. Programs are mostly grant-funded and furlough days for employees may be next. Going forward, the museum will offer birthday party and sleepover rentals, raffles and incentives to get people in the door.

The museum is the idea of a group of Pocomoke City residents who have worked for more than a decade to get the facility operational. The not-yet-finished Discovery Center opened in late 2008 to let people watch as work progressed on the building, a former car dealership adjacent to the Pocomoke River. An opening celebration was held last June. The museum is now open five days a week and hosts lectures and art classes.

"We think that between now and June 1 they can do things, bring in schoolchildren and work with Ocean City to bring people in and make it work," Church said. "We have a lot of money invested in the Discovery Center and every one of us believes that it could be a major draw for Pocomoke City."

VIA: DelmarvaNow.com

Gumboro MudBog Banquet

The first annual awards banquet for the Gumboro MudBog will be held Saturday, March 6, 2010. Awards will be give for first, second, and third places in each class.


1st place winner in the Pro Stock class during the Gumboro MudBog season 2009 will go to Barry Wise of Temperanceville, Virginia. Barry's best time was 200 ft. in 12.88 seconds.


Winners of awards for other classes will be posted after the banquet.

Pictured above: BOWDEN RACING TEAM of the 2009 Gumboro MudBog in Gumboro, Delaware. Team mechanic: (kneeling) Donald Bowden.

For more information on the 2010 Gumboro Mudbog go to http://www.gumboromudbog.com/ or http://www.littlereddakota.webs.com/

Racing dates will be posted here.

A picture is worth a trillion ($) words........

Should we buy them larger screen computers - or - a ticket home, permanently?

This is one of their THREE DAY WORK WEEKS that we all pay for. I am ready to start from the beginning by voting out all elected officials and not letting any of them stay in office for more than two terms. No more lifelong healthcare, retirement, voting in their own pay raises, taking perks on our taxes, etc.

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House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. , R-Norwalk, pictured standing, far right, speaks while colleagues Rep. Barbara Lambert, D-Milford and Rep. Jack F. Hennessy, D-Bridgeport, play solitaire as the House convened to vote on a new budget. (AP)

The guy sitting in the row in front of these two.... he's on Facebook, and the guy behind Hennessy is checking out the baseball scores.

These are the folks that couldn't get the budget out by Oct. 1, and are about to control your health care, cap and trade, and the list goes on....

Random Thought for the Day:

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

Irony

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Picture For Today

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At The Mar-Va This Weekend

"Hillbilly Hankerin"


Holly Grove Christian School Production


Friday and Saturday


March 5th and 6th


Showtime: 7:00 PM



Admission:
Adults $7
Students $4

Microsoft to XP Users: 'Don't Press F1'

If you're still using Windows XP, Microsoft has a piece of security advice for you: don't hit F1.

A recently discovered vulnerability is disrupting how Windows XP handles VBScripts that are used to load Help files. Hackers could disguise malicious code as a Windows Help file (with the extension ".hlp"), and then launch a pop-up window prompting users to press F1 for help. Pressing F1 would in fact load the malicious file, and execute the code, thus infecting a PC. Fortunately, the vulnerability does require user interaction, so those who refrain from using Help (or who turn it off entirely) will remain safe. Details for how to turn off Help can be found here.

The vulnerability applies to IE6, IE7, and IE8 on Windows XP. Vista and Windows 7 users, meanwhile, are unaffected.

Microsoft is currently working to patch the flaw, but has not announced a time by which to expect a fix. This is just one more reason to join the 21st century, and leave XP behind as the quaint memory of a bygone era that it is. [From: Microsoft, via: Computer World]

Body found in Snow Hill ID'd as missing woman Christine Sheddy

Human remains found in downtown Snow Hill have been identified by authorities as missing woman Christine Marie Sheddy.

Worcester County State's Attorney Joel Todd said in a statement Friday that the state medical examiner's office made the identification using dental records. No cause of death has been determined. Todd declined to comment when asked about possible suspects or pending charges.

"All involved law enforcement agencies are treating this as a suspicious death," he said.

Sheddy, of Frederica, Del., went missing November 14, 2007. The 26-year-old single mother had last been seen at a Pocomoke City-area residence, authorities said. A month later, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation issued a warrant for Sheddy's arrest on charges of child abandonment.

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office and WCBI have been working on the case, with assistance from State Police and the State's Attorney's office. Since her disappearance, some area residents orchestrated their own searches as well, combing the Pocomoke area on foot.

An investigation led police Feb. 19 to the grounds of the River House Inn, a bed and breakfast in downtown Snow Hill, where they unearthed the skeletal remains. Todd said the inn owners were not connected with the missing woman. He declined to explain just what led police to the site.

Sheddy's daughter, 10, and two sons, ages 5 and 6, are currently in the care her mother, Lynn Dodenhoff.

Dodenhoff referred questions to Sean Henady of 3View Search Services, a nonprofit search and rescue foundation acting as a family liaison. Henady said Dodenhoff plans to make a public statement soon.

He said Sheddy's mother is "exhausted," but appreciates the thoughts and prayers of the community.

"This has been a very tough time for the family, understandably," he said. "Lynn right now is actually going through a lot of relief. She is pleased to finally have the answers and know her daughter is coming home. The family knows that the legal process is just starting, and they will be patient through that process to know that justice will be served."

VIA: DelmarvaNow.com

Random Thought for the Day:

I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

OOPS! Daddy's car in the woods?

Little Johnny watched his Daddy's' car pass by the school playground and go into the woods.

Curious, he followed the car and saw Daddy and Aunt Jane In a passionate embrace.

Little Johnny found this so exciting that he could hardly contain himself as he ran home and started to tell his mother.

'Mommy, I was at the playground and I saw Daddy's car go into the woods with Aunt Jane. I went back to Look and he was giving Aunt Jane a big kiss, and then he helped her take off her shirt.

Then Aunt Jane helped Daddy take his Pants off, then Aunt Jane...'



At this point Mommy cut him off and said, 'Johnny, this is such An interesting story, suppose you save the rest of it for supper Time.

I want to see the look on Daddy's face when you tell it Tonight.'

At the dinner table that evening, Mommy asked little Johnny To tell his story.

Johnny started his story,
'I was at the Playground and I saw Daddy's car go into the woods with Aunt Jane.

I went back to look and he was giving Aunt Jane a Big kiss, then he helped her take off her shirt. Then Aunt Jane helped Daddy take his pants off, then Aunt Jane and Daddy started doing the same thing that Mommy and Uncle Bill used to do when Daddy was in the Army.'


Mommy fainted!

Hat Tip; Ree

COASTAL FLOOD WARNING

COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 AM EST THURSDAY...

A COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 AM EST THURSDAY.

AS THE NORTHEAST FLOW INCREASES TONIGHT AHEAD OF THE APPROACHING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM... WATER IS GOING TO GET PUSHED TOWARD THE COAST AND WITH THE ASTRONOMICAL TIDE CYCLE IN A FULL MOON PHASE... TIDES ARE ALREADY RUNNING HIGHER THAN NORMAL. BEGINNING WITH THE HIGH TIDE CYCLE BEGINNING TONIGHT THROUGH THE NEXT 2 HIGH TIDE CYCLES... LATE WEDNESDAY MORNING AND LATE WEDNESDAY EVENING... EXPECT WATER LEVELS BETWEEN 1 AND 2 FEET ABOVE NORMAL ASTRONOMICAL TIDE LEVELS. THIS WILL CAUSE MINOR TIDAL FLOODING.

AT WACHAPREAGUE... HIGH TIDE WILL OCCUR AT 10:03 PM EST THIS EVENING. THE WATER LEVEL REFERENCED TO MEAN LOWER LOW WATER IS EXPECTED TO BE BETWEEN 6.0 AND 6.5 FEET... OR BETWEEN 1 AND 2 FEET ABOVE NORMAL. MINOR FLOODING AT WACHAPREAGUE BEGINS AT 6.5 FEET MLLW.

AT KIPTOPEKE... HIGH TIDE WILL OCCUR AT 1007 PM EST THIS EVENING. THE WATER LEVEL REFERENCED TO MEAN LOWER LOW WATER IS EXPECTED TO BE BETWEEN 4.0 AND 4.5 FEET... OR BETWEEN 1 AND 2 FEET ABOVE NORMAL. MINOR FLOODING AT KIPTOPEKE BEGINS AT 4.5 FEET MLLW.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY INDICATES THAT ONSHORE WINDS AND TIDES WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE FLOODING OF LOW AREAS ALONG THE SHORE.



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Citizens Police Academy for Accomack

Accomack County Sheriff Larry J. Giddens, Sr. announced today that the Sheriff's Department will be conducting its 12th Citizens Police Academy.

Sheriff Giddens stated that the Citizens Police Academy will consist of 9 two hour classes involving classroom and practical instruction by certified instructors from the Accomack County Sheriffs Department.

The instruction will consist of an overall view of the operation of the Sheriff's Department including patrol criminal, investigations, courtroom familiarization, jail and communication. Students will receive classroom instruction of laws of arrest, patrol with uniform Deputies, work through a mock crime scene with investigators and crime scene technicians. Citizens will visit the Departments firing range with the opportunity to fire departmental issued specialized weapons. This will be with the supervision of a certified fire arm instructor. Citizens will also witness a demonstration of the Departments Swat Team and K-9 Unit.

Sheriff Giddens stated Academy Classes will be held at the Eastern Shore Community College on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM beginning March 17 and concluding May 12. Anyone interested in applying for the Academy is asked to contact Major Todd Godwin at 787-1131 or 824-5666 for more information. The class will be limited to 20 students.



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