I've been doing alot of thinking about the Mar-Va Theater lately, Especially after the response Mr. Torres made concerning the comment in the delmarvaNOW. The Grapevine commentor seemed to have the opinion that our new Mar-Va was still a weekend movie house. Mr. Torres, of course, did not agree. Neither do I and neither do most people.
If you have lived in Pocomoke all or most of your life then you recall vividly the importance of that old musty theater on Friday and Saturday nights for the local kids. For almost two hours our children had a "safe haven" and were left in the hands (whether they liked it or not) of people parents trusted. These people welcomed them back week after week for many years. And these same "babysitters" were the people we would see on the streets, have a conversation with, and they would never mutter a word as to how horrible your child may have been. Miss Hattie, Mr. Dawson, Jeannie, and Roger along with others, were names that everyone knew for years......maybe for a couple of generations.
When the theater closed its doors for a while there was a silence down town on those nights and nothing crowded the Mar-Va doors except dead leaves and old paper cups. Along came Tom and Tom opened those doors and once more the theater was alive. The children came back! And the parents gladly drove them! My daughter got her first job there. She was one of the many projectionists who on open nights sat in that tiny cubicle of a room running the projector. And I am sure in that tiny room she had her first heart attack the first time the film snapped. But she loved it.
Then again the theater stayed empty. Those children grew up. Those children went on to adult hood with those memories of the movies on Friday nights. For years that old theater was under some pretty heavy and extensive changes. What many people don't know is that the people of Pocomoke knew things would be okay and that the end product would be as amazing as it is today! Why? Because we kept hearing the familiar names being linked with handling the process. Names like Glovier, Lippoldt, Blake just to name a few. And I'll even thow in the name Isabelle Leach because I know in my heart that if she were alive she'd be in the mix too. All these names and the ones I can't seem to recall are names that all of us have trusted and looked upon for many years. It's part of that Pocomoke pride we have, I guess.
And look at what we have today! Pocomoke has something to be so very proud of and if you don't believe me go to their facebook page and see how many fans there are. Or stand outside of the Mar-Va on a night when it is open. Better still, if you haven't been to the Mar-Va theater yet, by all means go see for yourself how wonderful it is.
What makes this theater MORE than a weekend movie theater is the fact that the generation that once ran the aisles on weekends has grown and those parents that once drove those now grown children can take their grandchildren and talk to them about the "good old days" and watch a show too. I guess it's what could be called a "Pocomoke Moment". Just ask anyone that has grown up in Pocomoke.
BET NEWS PRESENTS: THE STATE OF THE UNION PRESIDENT OBAMA AND BLACK AMERICA will feature exclusive interviews from a wide cross-section of African Americans including: Gabrielle Union, Jamal Simmons, Rep. Barbara Lee, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Cornell Belcher, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Al Sharpton, Trey Songz, Tara Setmayer, Charles M. Blow, Michaela Angela Davis, Taraji P. Henson, and Ryan Leslie. BET's special coverage will also include exclusive new poll numbers that reveal Black America's support of the president.
Police in Virginia now confirm what many suspected: the skeletal remains found Tuesday are those of Morgan Harrington. Investigators say they used dental records to positively identify the 20 year old Virginia Tech junior. Authorities say they also found significant items and evidence at the scene.
Gil and Dan Harrington traveled to Charlottesville Tuesday evening to help identify the remains. Dan Harrington issued a statement today which read in part: "Morgan's mother, Gil, and I are overwhelmingly saddened by yesterday's discovery, but we are also relieved because our questions can now be answered and we can give our daughter a proper burial." The C-Ville, a Charlottesville newspaper, quotes Dan Harrington as saying his daughter was murdered and the farm where her remains were found "...is not a random place that someone put her."
Harrington went missing on October 17, 2009 after leaving her friends to use the restroom during a Metallica concert. When she didn't return, her friends called her cell phone. Morgan told them she was outside the concert venue and was not allowed to re-enter as per the venue's policy. Since a friend had driven her to the concert, CNN reports Morgan told her friends she would find another way home. Three months later, a farmer discovered what have now been proven to be Harrington's remains on his farm. The farm is about 10 miles from the John Paul Jones Arena where the Metallica concert was held.
Rest of the story...
RESOLUTION NO. 312
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF 173 312, TO REENACT CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THAT RESOLUTION, AND TO CLARIFY AND ESTABLISH PROCEDURES INVOLVED WITH THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS OF
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of Pocomoke City, Maryland wish to repeal Resolution No. 173 312 and to reenact certain provisions of that resolution to clarify the procedures to be followed during municipal elections;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT municipal elections in
1. VOTER ELIGIBILITY
a) The Board shall remove the names of any persons who have not voted in the
previous five (5) municipal elections from the municipal list of eligible voters.
b) PROOF OF RESIDENCY
In all instances where the Board is doubtful of the residency of a proposed registrant or voter, the Board may require the applicant or voter to produce such information as they may deem necessary to prove residency, including one or more of the following documents:
1) Valid driver=s license
2) Water, sewer or other utility bill
3) Written lease for rental premises
4) County voter card
5) Any other similar evidence which would establish residency.
2. LIST OF VOTERS
Candidates for election may purchase MAY OBTAIN lists of voters when completed by FROM the Supervisors at the following costs:
a) Entire list (even years only) $10.00
b) District list (each) $5.00
3. ABSENTEE VOTING
a) The Board shall approve official forms for applications and absentee ballots.
b) Anyone may request an Application for Absentee Ballot by telephone, facsimile,
and by downloading the application (when available) or in person at City Hall during normal business hours. All applications for absentee ballots will be numbered original documents, signed by the applicant. Photocopies will not be accepted. When an application is issued received, a record will be kept at City Hall of the application number and to whom it was issued. If requested, applications will be issued by facsimile. date and time of the Boards= receipt of the Application for Absentee Ballot.
c) When the application is returned received, voter records will be checked to determine
that the applicant is a registered voter of
d) The voter I.D. number (assigned by computer), the district number, and a ballot
number (to be assigned by the Board of Elections Supervisors or their designee or other person handling absentee ballot applications) will be marked on the completed application form. The ballot number is issued to track how many ballots have been issued and returned in order to prevent the reproduction of absentee ballots. The list of absentee ballots issued shall not be made available to the public. Candidates will not be allowed to inspect completed absentee ballots.
e) A ballot, ballot envelope, and a self-addressed stamped envelope will be prepared
and placed in an envelope and mailed to the applicant by first class mail except when an application is made in person within seven days prior to the election. No one will be allowed to hand-deliver a ballot to an applicant except the Board of Elections Supervisors, their designee, or the City Clerk. Ballots will not be issued by facsimile.
d f) The city will rent a Post Office Box for use by the Board of Elections Supervisors
only. When the absentee voter has marked the ballot, it must be placed in the return envelope provided and mailed to the special Post Office Box. Completed absentee ballots will not be accepted at City Hall, at the polling place or any other location. All ballots must be received in the special Post Office Box no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Monday preceding the election. Postmark dates are not relevant and will not be considered in any way. Absentee ballots received after the deadline will not be opened. They will be destroyed by the Board of Elections Supervisors at their discretion.
e g) Only ballots received in the special Post Office Box will be accepted by the Board
of Elections Supervisors. At 5:00 p.m. on the Monday preceding the election, one or more members of the Board of Elections Supervisors, the City Clerk, the Chief of Police, and any candidates who wish to be present will open the special Post Office Box and remove the ballots. The ballot numbers will be called off and recorded on the list sealed in one or more larger envelopes (manila-type) and taken to City Hall and locked in the safe. The Police Chief will accompany the Board of Elections Supervisors (or their designee) to witness this process.
f h) On the day of the elections, the Board of Elections Supervisors (or their designee)
will remove the larger sealed manila-type envelope(s) from the safe and take them to the voting place. After the polls close the Board of Elections Supervisors will open the manila-type envelope(s) and remove the return envelopes. The return envelopes will then be opened by the Board of Elections Supervisors (and appointed elections workers) and the ballot envelopes will be removed. The Board of Elections Supervisors (and appointed election workers) will open the ballot envelopes checking to be sure that the envelopes are signed, that there are no distinguishing marks on the ballot, that only one box has been checked, etc. The Board of Elections Supervisors has the authority to disqualify any absentee ballot for failure to sign the oath, making distinguishing or identifying marks on the ballot, or checking more than one box where inappropriate to do so. The Board of Elections Supervisors will tally the votes. After machine votes and absentee ballots have been tallied, all votes will be recorded on a form and certified by all members of the Board. This form will be given to the City Manager.
g i) If a voter has been issued an absentee ballot, then that person will not be allowed
to vote in person at the polling place.
4. ELECTION DAY PROCEDURE
a) The Board shall post or cause to be posted signs which indicate that electioneering
is not permitted within one hundred (100) feet of the entrance to the polling place.
b) The Board will assure that adequate handicapped parking and access to the polling
place is provided. Handicapped voters who require assistance in the voting booth may apply for assistance on a form designated for that purpose.
c) If the Board feels that a police officer is needed at certain times during the
election, any member of the Board of Elections Supervisors may contact the Chief of Police and request that an officer be dispatched to the polling place. At the close of the polls, a police officer will be stationed at the entrance of the polling place to restrict access to those persons authorized to be present.
d) Prior to counting of the ballots, the Board will request all unauthorized persons to
leave the polling place. The following persons are authorized to be inside the polling place when the ballots are counted:
1) Each candidate and one other person previously authorized by the candidate in writing.
2) Board of Elections Supervisors members and appointees.
3) After all tallies are completed, the doors of the polling place will be opened to the public.
5. PRESERVATION OF BALLOTS
Absentee ballots, applications, and voter authority cards may be destroyed after six (6) months provided the Maryland Centralized Voter Registration System has had an opportunity to record who has voted from the voter authority cards.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF POCOMOKE CITY, that this resolution shall take effect upon the vote of the Council and its approval by the Mayor.
________________ _________________ ______________________________
Date Introduced Date Passed Michael McDermott, Mayor
Approved BY ME THIS ______
DAY OF ______________, ______
ATTEST:
____________________________ _____________________________
Carol L. Justice, City Clerk Russell W. Blake, City Manager
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------RESOLUTION NO. 432
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND TO REPEAL RESOLUTION 312, TO REENACT CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THAT RESOLUTION, AND TO CLARIFY AND ESTABLISH PROCEDURES INVOLVED WITH THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS OF POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of Pocomoke City, Maryland wish to repeal Resolution No. 312 and to reenact certain provisions of that resolution to clarify the procedures to be followed during municipal elections;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT municipal elections in
1. VOTER ELIGIBILITY
a) The Board shall remove the names of any persons who have not voted in the
previous five (5) municipal elections from the municipal list of eligible voters.
b) PROOF OF RESIDENCY
In all instances where the Board is doubtful of the residency of a proposed registrant or voter, the Board may require the applicant or voter to produce such information as they may deem necessary to prove residency, including one or more of the following documents:
1) Valid driver’s license
2) Water, sewer or other utility bill
3) Written lease for rental premises
4) County voter card
5) Any other similar evidence which would establish residency.
2. LIST OF VOTERS
Candidates for election may obtain lists of voters from the Worcester County Board of Elections.
3. ABSENTEE VOTING
a. The Board shall approve official forms for applications and absentee ballots.
b. Anyone may request an Application for Absentee Ballot by telephone, facsimile,
and by downloading the application (when available) or in person at City Hall during normal business hours. All applications for absentee ballots will be original documents, signed by the applicant. Photocopies will not be accepted. When an application is received, a record will be kept at City Hall of the date and time of the Boards’ receipt of the Application for Absentee Ballot. Applications for absentee ballots received after the close of business on the Wednesday before an election will not be processed.
c. When the application is received, voter records will be checked to determine that
the applicant is a registered voter of
d. The voter I.D. number (assigned by computer), the district number, and a ballot
number (to be assigned by the Board of Elections Supervisors or their designee or other person handling absentee ballot applications) will be marked on the completed application form. The ballot number is issued to track how many ballots have been issued and returned in order to prevent the reproduction of absentee ballots. The list of absentee ballots issued shall not be made available to the public. Candidates will not be allowed to inspect completed absentee ballots.
e. A ballot, ballot envelope, and a self-addressed stamped envelope will be prepared
and placed in an envelope and mailed to the applicant by first class mail. No one will be allowed to hand-deliver a ballot to an applicant except the Board of Elections Supervisors, their designee, or the City Clerk. Ballots will not be issued by facsimile.
f. The city will rent a Post Office Box for use by the Board of Elections Supervisors
only. When the absentee voter has marked the ballot, it must be placed in the return envelope provided and mailed to the special Post Office Box. Completed absentee ballots will not be accepted at City Hall, at the polling place or any other location. All ballots must be received in the special Post Office Box no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Monday preceding the election. Postmark dates are not relevant and will not be considered in any way. Absentee ballots received after the deadline will not be opened. They will be destroyed by the Board of Elections Supervisors at their discretion.
g. Only ballots received in the special Post Office Box will be accepted by the Board
of Elections Supervisors. At 5:00 p.m. on the Monday preceding the election, one or more members of the Board of Elections Supervisors, the City Clerk, the Chief of Police, and any candidates who wish to be present will open the special Post Office Box and remove the ballots. The ballot numbers will be called off and recorded on the list sealed in one or more larger envelopes (manila-type) and taken to City Hall and locked in the safe. The Police Chief will accompany the Board of Elections Supervisors (or their designee) to witness this process.
h. On the day of the election, the Board of Elections Supervisors (or their designee)
will remove the larger sealed manila-type envelope(s) from the safe and take them to the voting place. After the polls close the Board of Elections Supervisors will open the manila-type envelope(s) and remove the return envelopes. The return envelopes will then be opened by the Board of Elections Supervisors (and appointed election workers) and the ballot envelopes will be removed. The Board of Elections Supervisors (and appointed election workers) will open the ballot envelopes checking to be sure that the envelopes are signed, that there are no distinguishing marks on the ballot, that only one box has been checked, etc. The Board of Elections Supervisors has the authority to disqualify any absentee ballot for failure to sign the oath, making distinguishing or identifying marks on the ballot, or checking more than one box where inappropriate to do so. The Board of Elections Supervisors will tally the votes. After machine votes and absentee ballots have been tallied, all votes will be recorded on a form and certified by all members of the Board. This form will be given to the City Manager.
i. If a voter has been issued an absentee ballot, then that person will not be allowed
to vote in person at the polling place.
4. ELECTION DAY PROCEDURE
a) The Board shall post or cause to be posted signs which indicate that electioneering
is not permitted within one hundred (100) feet of the entrance to the polling place.
b) The Board will assure that adequate handicapped parking and access to the polling
place is provided. Handicapped voters who require assistance in the voting booth may apply for assistance on a form designated for that purpose.
c) If the Board feels that a police officer is needed at certain times during the
election, any member of the Board of Elections Supervisors may contact the Chief of Police and request that an officer be dispatched to the polling place. At the close of the polls, a police officer will be stationed at the entrance of the polling place to restrict access to those persons authorized to be present.
d) Prior to counting of the ballots, the Board will request all unauthorized persons to
leave the polling place. The following persons are authorized to be inside the polling place when the ballots are counted:
1) Each candidate and one other person previously authorized by the candidate in writing.
2) Board of Elections Supervisors members and appointees.
3) After all tallies are completed, the doors of the polling place will be opened to the public.
5. PRESERVATION OF BALLOTS
Absentee ballots, applications, and voter authority cards may be destroyed after six (6) months provided the Maryland Centralized Voter Registration System has had an opportunity to record who has voted from the voter authority cards.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF POCOMOKE CITY, that this resolution shall take effect upon the vote of the Council and its approval by the Mayor.
November 2, 2009 November 16, 2009 ______________________________
Date Introduced Date Passed Michael McDermott, Mayor
Approved BY ME THIS _16
DAY OF November , 2009
ATTEST:
____________________________ _____________________________
Carol L. Justice, City Clerk First Vice President
The U.S. Government passed legislation banning texting by drivers of large commercial trucks and buses today in an effort to eliminate the dangers of distracted driving. The new ban carries civil and criminal penalties with fines of up to $2,750.
According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the ban will go into effect immediately.
"We want the drivers of big rigs and buses and those who share the roads with them to be safe," LaHood said. "This is an important safety step and we will be taking more to eliminate the threat of distracted driving."
Trucking regulators cite research that shows when drivers take their eyes off the road to send and receive text messages on cell phones they put themselves and other drivers at a significantly higher risk for accidents.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute Study concludes that drivers of heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses who are texting are 23.2 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash event than those who are not texting while driving. As opposed to talking, dialing, listening, or reaching for a cell phone, texting was found to pose the greatest threat for accidents. The study found that drivers of heavy vehicles take their eyes off the road for almost a full 5 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road.
The National Safety Council, a research and advocacy group, also provides evidence supporting the ban, estimating that 200,000 crashes per year are caused by drivers who are texting.
The ban is a testament to the growing national concern surrounding the dangers of cell phone use while driving.
Some 23 states and the District of Columbia already have some form of restriction on texting while driving and others are considering similar action. Drivers who break the ban in these states are liable for fines and, in certain cases, points on their driver’s license.
In Florida, a proposed bill known as “Heather’s Law” would, if passed, prohibit all cell phone use while driving. The bill was inspired by Heather Hurd, a 27-year-old woman who was killed in an accident caused by a truck driver who was texting while behind the wheel.
The new federal law is a big gain for supporters of banned cell phone use while driving. It follows a similar December ban on texting for drivers of federal government vehicles and is part of a large effort by the U.S. government to combat distracted driving.
Legislation has also been introduced in Congress to extend the ban to all drivers of motor vehicles on a national scale.
Police say they are confident that skeletal remains found on a Virginia farm are likely those of a Virginia Tech student who vanished after attending a Metallica concert in Charlottesville.
State Police Superintendent Steve Flaherty says an autopsy will be conducted to confirm that the remains are those of Morgan Harrington, who disappeared on Oct. 17.
The 20-year-old Roanoke woman became separated from friends after she left a concert arena and was denied re-entry.
The skeletal remains were found Tuesday morning by a farmer surveying his farm. The farm is about 10 miles from where Harrington attended the concert at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville.
State Police crime scene technicians arrived at Anchorage Farm and are searching for evidence using a grid mapping technique.
Virginia
Breaking News: Police near Charlottesville say they've discovered a woman's body
on a remote farm and it could be related to the disappearance of a Virginia Tech student last October.
Morgan Harrison went missing while attending a Metallica concert with friends..
Senator Scott Brown, the new Republican superstar from Massachusetts will make a brief apperance via satellite on the Jay Leno Show. During his appearance scheduled for Thursday Brown will answer 10 brief questions from Leno.
It is so unusual to get a funny, non political, non sexist, non racist, and non doomsday message that I wanted to make your day by sending it along! I know you'll enjoy it.
THE POTTY
A LITTLE THREE YEAR OLD BOY IS SITTING ON THE TOILET. HIS MOTHER THINKS HE HAS BEEN IN THERE TOO LONG, SO SHE GOES IN TO SEE WHAT'S UP. THE LITTLE BOY IS SITTING ON THE TOILET READING A BOOK. BUT ABOUT EVERY 15 SECONDS OR SO, HE PUTS THE BOOK DOWN, GRIPS ONTO THE TOILET SEAT WITH HIS LEFT HAND AND HITS HIMSELF ON TOP OF HIS HEAD WITH HIS RIGHT HAND.
HIS MOTHER SAYS: "BILLY, ARE YOU ALL RIGHT? YOU'VE BEEN IN HERE FOR A WHILE."
BILLY SAYS: "I'M FINE, MOMMY. I JUST HAVEN'T GONE POTTY' YET."
MOTHER SAYS: "OK, YOU CAN STAY HERE A FEW MORE MINUTES. BUT, BILLY, WHY ARE YOU HITTING YOURSELF ON THE HEAD?"
I am probably one of the few that does take notice of the pregame activities. My husband has learned (the hard way) NOT to use the remote to find another channel to watch until the Star Spangled Banner is over. He learned quickly that those things were a dear thing in my life. So now, when most would get up to go find something to eat and come back (hoping the patriotic "thing" is gone) he watches.
When everyone left today from my house I left the tv on. No special reason. I just didn't want to stop making the pot of soup I had started. As most of us know the NFL playoff games are on today. Now I don't care for football (I know) but I do care about the opening ceremonies and how the Star Spangled Banner is sung. NFL seems to be doing a really great job this year with that song but every year during Nascar I cringe!
Anyway, the National Anthem started out really good. Just a shame I can't remember the American Idol winners name. But what came after really touched my heart. There before a crowd of thousands. the great American flag was opened on the arena floor, held securely by our great men and women of the military forces. Now I have seen one of these great flags with my own eyes and unless you see it, stand under it you can never truly imagine the true power of those colors.
But in the wings, waiting, was the great American Bald Eagle perched regally on the left arm of his caretaker. Now for me the Bald Eagle is an ordinary sight back here where I live. BUT, with great power in his thrust for take off the Bald Eagle soared in elegance around the arena and over the huge flag as the crowd roared! He just seemed to be floating up in the air, over our flag as the National Anthem ended.
Wow! I thought. Wow. That was awsome. And then I had to wipe my eyes.
America. Hmmm. The United States of America!! In fact, the great, big, wonderful, beautiful United States of America!
You know, we move so fast in our lives anymore. We hear and we see but most times it is just for the pure sake of navigation to get to the next point in our day. We don't pay attention and we take for granted the things that have allowed us to be free for centuries. And I am certainly smart enough to know that it wan't just the American flag, the Star Spangled Banner and the American Bald Eagle that brought us to this point in history. It is because of those men and woman embracing that great flag that have provided us with freedom all these years and it is because of their efforts and determination that we can even witness a pregame show.
Thankyou to all of them. It got my attention today as it does most times. It makes me feel proud. It made me become all teary eyed with patriotism.
Now, as for the winner of the game I do not know. I'll go with the Colts. I think they're in the playoffs and tonight New Orleans................gonna go finish my soup!
This is a hot topic right now and one that deserves discussion. Yet, in a curious move, our hometown newspaper is looking to dissuade discussion of the topic by censoring and deleting comments. This needs to be discussed out in the open, not shunned like some oddball relative.
Most recently, Anne Arundel County police Lieutenant James Cifala has been charged with the possession of child pornography by federal authorities. It appears that Cifala, 47, married, and a 27 year police veteran, has had an ongoing sexual relationship with a 16 year old girl. While the relationship is not “illegal” it is certainly immoral; and federal prosecutors know that–hence the charge of child pornography. Cifala and his wife, own the Rita’s Water Ice franchise on Mayo Road. While little is known about the girl, one has to wonder if she worked for Cifala. One also has to wonder how Cifala could be so naive as to take photos of himself on his cell phone and include distinctive furnishings from his home in the background.
Did this girl have something to do with this? Absolutely. But having an affair with an older person is not a crime in Maryland. Did she realize what she was doing was illegal? Probably not? Will she be charged? And the question also needs to be asked, how many other people knew about this long going affair and kept their mouths shut? The County police department has been known to be a tight knit community and have protected their members in the past. Did this happen this time?
The Capital also reported on a local attorney, Jeff Marcalus, who traded a Vicodin (drug) for a sex act. Sleazy attorneys are nothing new, but this seems a bit over the line. However, it is not a unique situation. I have heard (and cannot personally confirm) that another local attorney Oprah. But there was a controversy surrounding this case and several other officers were disciplined for their knowledge of the incidents and their failure to report them. I am all for having a friend’s “back”, but at what point does it go too far?
