Winter 2010 - Shore Secrets Magazine

Transcription

“Priceless”
Winter 2010 - 2011
Shore
Secrets
Magazine
Holiday Hazards
Take a few precautions to make sure your pet
stays healthy and safe during the holidays.
Best of 2010 Contest
Make sure you cast your vote for your favorite
businesses for this years contest.
1600 and 1700’s Architecture
Learn more about what influenced the
architecture of the homes during this period
and the lovely homes along the Shore.
Special Holiday Memories
Share the memories of Christmas with one
of our readers in her very special story.
Recreation, Dining, Events, Entertainment, Local Features, and More
CD Marsh Jewelers
of 2009
Exquisite Diamonds.
Trendy Jewelry.
Breathtaking Pearls. Classic Watches. Village
Candles. Locally Made Crafts. Crystal. Jelly
Bellys. Lighthouses. Sterling Silver. Home of
the Original Chesapeake Bay Bracelets.
More than a Jewelry Store.
CD Marsh is a treasured Eastern Shore
Engraving on Premises!
Tradition for over 50 years.
757-787-3333 • 45 Market St • Onancock
Corner Bakery
Nationwide Insurance
HW Drummond
Weichert - Mason Davis Realtors
ES Pets
SPCA
Hair Art Salon
Heritage Cleaning
Tidewater Modular Homes
Great Space ETC
Bakers Electrical & Plumbing
Runningers Pharmacy
Pinder Massage & Spa Services
Atlantic, Smith, Cropper & Deeley
ESO
Floral Express & Gifts
Great Machipongo Clam Shack
Exmore Diner
Herm & Rayce
Oak Hall DMV Select
Mulch On the Spot
ES Taxidermy
Hospice
WVES
Kefford Linton Decoys
Topless Charters
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P lea ers for a s!
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Adv Holiday
your
CD Marsh Jewelers
Inside Front Cover
Club Car Cafe
Back Cover
Accutax
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What’s Your Fancy
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Kelly’s Gingernut Pub
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ESCC Heritage Fest
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Thornton Funeral Home
9
Wright’s Seafood Restaurant
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Radio Shack
9
Riverside Shore Home Health
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Kool Ford & Kool Collision Center
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Prism Pools & Spas
13
Vanity Hair Boutique
15
A & N Title
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Shore Cleaners
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Matthews Market
15
ES Rural Health
19
Accomac Pickers
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Fireplace Supply Company
25
Cycle Creations & the Highway Market
25
Shore Electronics
25
Becca’s
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Big’s Place
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Annie’s
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Shore
Secrets
Magazine
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A very special story sent in by one of our readers, join us
as we learn the real meaning of love and family.
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PO Box 876
Accomac, VA
757-768-7828
editor@shoresecretsmagazine.com
Jane Lucy, Editor
Lennie Bowe, Associate Editor
Contributing Editors
Rick Matthews • Herm Rawlings • Ashley Mapp
Special Guest Columnist
Nils E Stolpe
Advertising Specialists
Donna Croushore • Rick Croushore
Photo Credits:
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A Real Treat
Every once in a while, we run across a business that not
only meets our expectations, but exceeds them.
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Holiday Hazards
Read about a horrifying experience we endured and learn
how to protect your pets during the holiday season.
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Following in Dad’s Footsteps
A heart rendering story of family traditions and dedication
that depict the very core of our faithful servants.
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Shore Secrets is published four times a year. Reproduction of any
editorial material or photos is strictly prohibited without
written consent of the publisher. Shore Designs has made
every effort to ensure the accuracy of all
content in this magazine, however, we cannot be responsible
for omissions, deletions or misprints.
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Graphic Design • Web Design
Advertising • Promotional Materials
Holiday Gift Guide
Need ideas for Christmas? Check out what these advertisers
have to offer!
And a very special Thank You to Mary Mears for her
special holiday story contribution.
Designs
Organization Brings Much to Shore
Compassion, dedication and knowledge combine to offer
the Shore a service that is second to none.
Lennie Bowe • Jane Lucy
Shore
Another Point of View
I am truly honored to present this article from Nils Stolpe,
one of the most respected names in commercial fishing.
Published and Designed by:
Shore Designs
Holiday Memories
Best of 2010 Contest
Make sure you cast your votes for your favorite business’
for this popular contest!
Shopping Thrifty or Shopping Smart?
Travel up and down the Shore with us and see what some
of these exciting shops have to offer.
Dear Readers,
This holiday season, I want to take just a moment to
remind each of you how very thankful we at Shore Secrets
are for the unwaivering support and encouragement
you have given us throughout the last two years.
With each publication, we try to share with our readers
our love of the Shore, and even more specifically, the
personality that makes up our unique area. Our purpose
is simple: “Because everyone has a story.” And that is
what Shore Secrets is all about; the towns, the people,
the way of life, all stories just waiting to be told.
We welcome your suggestions and comments, after all,
as I’ve said so many times before, this is your magazine.
Our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you for
making this magazine possible.
From all of us here at Shore Secrets, we wish you a
blessed Holiday Season and the very best of the New Year.
Architecture of the 1600 and 1700’s
Bloodworth Cottage on Back Street in Accomac, built in 1776, is a beautiful example of 1700’s architecture. A story and a half structure, it is beautiful in it’s simplicity, with two brick chimney’s on either end, beaded clapboard siding and a unique, very small fireplace at the top of the stairs.
One of my great loves in life is historic architecture. This explains why I majored in history in college, why my favorite class in college was Historic Preservation, why I bought a house built in 1880 and
why I took a job with the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society.
History and old houses are my passion. Unfortunately, I no longer
work for the Historical Society, as anyone that has ever worked for a
non-profit organization knows that there is “just no money in it.” So
I left and pursued a career in banking, which I have found, I also love.
But of course, as one never really stops loving their first true love, I
still love history. Old buildings, old paintings, old china and silver,
even sherds dug up from an eighteenth century trash pile fascinate me.
Do you realize how much you can learn about someone from their
trash? You can tell what they ate, what they ate on and with, what they
wore, what they considered valuable or not. You can decipher if they
were wealthy or poor, if they were religious or not. All of that just
from trash. So that is why I love historic homes so much. They really tell you a story about the people that built them and lived in them
throughout the years. Luckily, living on the Shore has given me access
to so many beautiful old homes. Some I have been lucky enough to
go in and tour, others I gaze at lovingly as I pass by them, wondering
about the people that built them, who they were and what influenced
them to build a particular style house. In the future, I will write about
other eras, but this time, I will focus on the eighteenth century.
Not many houses remain that were built in the 1700s. That
Shore Secrets Winter 2010 - 2011
is true anywhere, and not just the Eastern Shore. In fact, I find it
amazing that for such a rural place, so many homes from that period
are still standing, even restored. One of the reasons not many houses
survive from the seventeenth century is because those early colonists
weren’t building permanent residences. They planned to be here only
long enough to amass a fortune and sail straight back to England.
Over the years, women began making the journey to America, and
families grew. However, even the ones born here still felt a connection
to England, even if they had never visited there. Many of the influences on American architecture from the eighteenth century are the
same influences that are seen in England during the same time period.
Keeping in mind that for most of that century, citizens on the Eastern
Shore and in all of the colonies thought of themselves as Englishmen. They wanted to keep up with the latest fashions from England,
and at the same time, they sort of had something to prove. Tensions
were high between American colonists and the English at this time.
Americans were demanding representation in Parliament, as they felt
it was unfair to be taxed without a voice. Their English counterparts
dismissed them, and their opinion was not one of high regard, thinking of the colonists as ignorant country people. Many of the houses
still standing from the 1700s are small by today’s standards. Even the
larger ones that we think of, like Eyre Hall for example, started as one
house, not very large, that families built onto throughout the years,
forming that Eastern Shore style of architecture known as the “big
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house-little house-colonnade-kitchen” design. The name leaves nothing to the imagination, the house looks exactly like the name implies.
There is no trying to define this style, the way you would with Georgian, Federal, and Victorian homes. It is simple, and shows a simple
way of life. Why tear down a perfectly good house to build a bigger
one when you can simply build onto the one you already have. What
is really neat about these houses is how you can literally walk through
them and see how architecture changed over the years. Each section
reflects the period in which it was built. But to start, we will start with
the more simple houses, built more like cottages.
In Accomac, on the corner of Back Street and Drummondtown
Road sits Bloodworth Cottage. It does not derive its name from its
original owner, Selby Dunston, who built the home sometime around
1776, but rather from the man who bought the house nearly 200 years
later in 1966 and so lovingly restored it, Reverend Bloodworth. The
main portion of the house is a story and a half structure with beaded
clapboard siding, and what can only be described as sweet little dormer windows. Large chimneys stand on each end, and they almost
look too big for such a small little cottage. Next to the chimneys are
little chambers that you can see from the outside, little closet type
spaces inside called chimney-pent closets. The woodwork inside is
not ornate, rather simple and functional. It is beautiful in its simplicity,
though I doubt it was meant to be, nor considered very beautiful in
its day. One of the interesting features of this house is the small little
fireplace at the top of the stairs.
One of the places that I think is interesting is the Debtor’s Prison
in Accomac. Many people may not realize that this small structure was
originally built in 1783 as a home for the jailer, and was actually converted into the debtor’s prison in 1842, when bars and batten doors
were added to the outside. It is another very simple structure, more
so, even than Bloodworth Cottage. The lines are all very straight,
and it is perfectly symmetrical. Yet, brick was not a cheap material to
build with in the 1700’s, so although the building is small and simple, it
was probably quite expensive to build, and the jailer that resided there
must have been very proud of his home.
One of the characteristics of many of these houses is the brickwork. Flemish bond was the trend, which means the rows of bricks
were laid out in an alternating pattern of stretchers (the long end of
the brick), and headers (the short end of the brick). This created a
dazzling pattern, especially from a view, such as one would see when
coming up a long driveway to the house, or standing way out in the
yard. Often times patterns would be laid out within this Flemish Bond
with glazed headers. Brick masons would normally dig clay from the
land surrounding the home site and pack it with water and other materials into a wooden mold where they would let it bake and dry in the
sun. After these bricks were baked from the sun, a pit would be dug,
and the fragile bricks would be stacked around it, and a fire lit inside
the pit. It was a makeshift kiln used to fire the bricks, making the
outsides of them very strong. When a brick mason wanted to glaze a
brick, he would simply adjust how close that brick was to the fire. For
instance, if you needed fifteen bricks with glazed headers, you would
push the short end of those bricks closer to the heat. Many people
thought bricks with glazing were trash and would toss them aside.
However, clever architects would incorporate their shiny surfaces into
the pattern of the brickwork, creating a sparkling mirror effect when
the sun hit them.
Some of the oldest homes in Virginia are in Northampton County. Some of the historic homes there date back all the way to the 17th
century. One of those houses is called Winona. Winona is interesting
because it has Jacobean chimneys. The only other house still standing
in Virginia with Jacobean chimneys is Bacon’s Castle in Surry County.
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This type of chimney has three diamond shaped stacks which are free
standing, rising from a single base. They are two foot wide and are
arranged diagonally, so they only touch at the caps. The exact date
Winona was built is hard to determine through land records, but a
couple dated bricks were found during repairs, and the dates appear to
be 1645 and 1649. Winona’s brickwork is Flemish bond with glazed
headers and a beveled brick watercourse. It a story and a half simple
rectangle and has a steep pitched single gable roof.
When people were building their house in the 1600’s and 1700’s,
they built them with their comfort in mind, as well as for practicality’s
sake. Most of these homes, especially the “big house, little house, colonnade, kitchen” style are only one room deep. That is why they are
so long. This was done so that a breeze would flow through the house
through the doors and windows in the summer time to help keep the
house cool. It’s not like they had electricity for fans or anything else,
so the houses had to be built in a way that would be comfortable for
the people inhabiting them.
The Debtor’s Prison on Court House Avenue was originally built as a home in
1783 before being converted to a debtors prison in 1842.
Another trademark of this time period are large fireplaces in the
old kitchens. In some homes, the fireplace is just bigger than the
others found in the house. There would no decorative mantel, only
something practical and raised high enough above the fireplace opening where the extreme heat of the kitchen fire wouldn’t catch it on
fire. Some of these fireplaces are so huge that you could walk inside
of them without having to bend very much to avoid hitting your head.
They had cast iron hooks and gear fitted inside of them where kettles
and other kitchen ware could be hung over the fire for cooking. Some
of them have an oven built in near the fireplace opening. It might
have an arch shape to it. Here, cooks would shovel hot coals from
the fire into the oven, which was small, and retained a more steady
heat for baking breads. Those people not fortunate enough to have
an oven in their kitchen would just bake everything in a dutch oven,
which is a large pot with a lid, so that some coals could be placed on
the lid to make a more even heat. The rest of the kitchen is small, very
plain. The walls would be whitewashed, if anything was done to them
at all, because they would quickly turn black from such an enormous
fire in a small space. It would have had tables in it, not counters as we
are accustomed to today. It would have been very plain, utilitarian to
be exact. Sometimes there would be a second floor, or loft, perhaps
where the cook slept, or maybe for storage. Most of these kitchens
were separate buildings altogether from the main house. There were
a number of reasons for this, one of the most obvious being the risk
of fire. It would be one thing to lose your kitchen to a fire, but quite
devastating to lose your entire house, not to mention dangerous. Another reason was because people wanted to keep the dirty sights and
smells as far away from the main house as possible. The kitchen fire
would be lit first thing in the morning because you need coals to cook
over a hearth. So it would have to burn for a while before breakfast
could even get cooked. Then, people ate their dinner around 2 or 3
o’clock in the afternoon, a huge meal with four or more courses. They
would start off with an appetizer of soup or fish, move to an entrée of
mostly meats, a second entrée of meats, sometimes cold meats, with
all kinds of seafood and jellies. If it was the right season than they
may have vegetables to accompany their meals, but unfortunately with
no way to really refridgerate anything, vegetables spoiled quickly after
they were picked unless eaten (except root vegetables like potatoes,
turnips, carrots, etc). The last course would be a dessert course of
mostly nuts, fruits, and port. So you can imagine how long it would
have taken to cook that meal each day, and no one wanted their house
to constantly smell of cooking food.
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Fireplaces in the 1600 and 1700’s were used for cooking as well as warmth. Cast
iron rods and hooks such as this suspended kettles over the fire.
An interesting feature of Eastern Shore architecture is wood paneling. There are even pieces of furniture built with the same style
paneling. Some people would panel entire walls with this raised panel
design. It sort of looks like a door, the way the panels are in wooden
doors. Classic examples of that can be seen in many historic homes
on the Eastern Shore.
If you are interested in historic architecture on the Eastern Shore,
contact the Eastern Shore Historical Society at Ker Place (which I
will talk about in the next article about homes completed in the 19th
century) in Onancock. They not only have a wonderful Federal Style
house museum with guided tours, but an extensive library with modern and historic records which is open by appointment. They can be
reached at 757-787-8012.
In our Spring issue, we will talk about the architecture of the
1800’s and explore some of the lovely homes along the Shore, as well
as different factors that influenced the construction during that time
period.
What’s Your Fancy
Wusthof Knives
Chantal & Berndes Cookware
Yankee Candles
Bath & Body Products
Willow Tree Figurines
Dovis Design Pottery
Tervis Tumblers
Baby Gifts
Vera Bradley Bags
Badash Glassware
Bridal Registry
Curtis Badger’s Books
Great Selection of Unique
Locally Made Items!
Got Something You Want to Share?
Shore Secrets welcomes your thoughts, comments, photos,
poetry, and memories of the Shore.
Please Send Submissions to:
757-665-5127 • 24266 Bennett Street • Parksley
www.whatsyourfancyva.com
Page 5
It’s Not What I Do, It’s Who I Am
by Ashley L. Mapp
When my good friend Lennie called and asked if I would write
an article for the Shore Secrets Magazine, I said “of course, but what
would I write about?” Lennie told me to write about my passion,
write about being an EMT. Excited to be given the opportunity to tell
people how big of a role being an EMT is to me was, I quickly went
to the computer. I thought to myself “writing about being an EMT,
now that’s an easy one!” I thought of how I would write about the
emotions, trials, friendships, and experiences that I had encountered
over the last 4 years, but as any EMT would quickly realize, its just not
something that can easily be put into words.
My life as an EMT all started the day my good friend and mentor
Cindy Ulrich called me on the telephone to tell me I had passed my
state test and I was now certified to begin riding on an ambulance.
I was so excited that tears began to stream down my face. After six
months of hard core studying, ride-alongs, long sleepless nights it had
all paid off, because now I could repay my life by helping to save others.
Being an EMT, the biggest reward for me has been friendship. In
the last four and a half years I have managed to form life long friendships with some of the most amazing people. I could never give you
an exact count of my friends and family simply because I have yet to
meet them all. See, as an EMT and member of a local fire company
here on the good ole ESVA, I am a sister to all the members of our
neighboring companies. We do not save lives, or fight fires as individuals, we fight as one! It is the brothers and sisters from these companies
who have taught me that in order to make a difference you have to
work with others. As an EMT I never have to worry about being lonely, or not having somewhere to go because I always have a place to call
home and that is the firehouse. The shore life and fire companies have
mainly showed me the great unity we have through the loss in lives
of members within our companies. We have never had to go through
these heartaches alone, but go through them together and assisting
one another. It is the comfort and love given from these neighboring
companies that have helped us in stepping back onto those units as
we are called to duty.
I became an EMT at sixteen years old, and looking back I can
now see how that has changed my future. My twenty one year old
eyes have seen more then most eyes triple the age of my own. I have
experienced heartache, accomplishment, fear, and love, all because I
chose the path of an emergency medical technician. Every time I step
onto the ambulance my adrenaline starts to pump and my mind starts
going in a thousand different directions. All my thoughts and feelings
from before are gone, now I’m only thinking of what will need to be
performed to assist this next life. Will I have enough people, do I need
to call for a higher level of care, gloves, do I have my gloves on, is my
scene safe? All these thoughts are coming into my head at one time
and just as quickly as they enter they need to be answered. I am now
at the scene as I rush to my patient’s side, I begin my treatment on this
patient. I place the patient onto the stretcher, into the ambulance, and
off to the hospital we go. Its only after I have turned over patient care
to the hospital nurse do I begin to take in all the measures that were
performed.
As an EMT I have been able to have such a strong bond with my
parents. I can so easily remember the night that I was driving when
my pager starting screaming, there was a motor vehicle accident on
the highway. Only being two miles from the scene and five from the
firehouse, I chose to go to the scene myself. For anyone who has
Page 6
ever been involved in or worked an accident, you very well know how
scary and hectic this could be. Being alone, I did what I could until
help soon arrived. Quickly, the patient was safely brought out of the
vehicle and onto the stretcher. As I began speaking with this patient
it was very visible to see the fear in her eyes, knowing that I could not
take this fear from her, I continued to do what needed to be done.
I shouted to my driver ,“hey dad, you can start heading to the hospital we’re ready to go. Hey mom, what can I do next for you?”.
The patient looked at me, still so frightful, asking why I had called
them “mom“ and “dad.“ Without thinking, I told her “well that’s my
parents and they don’t like it to much when I call them by their first
name.” Never could I have imagined how comforting it was for her to
hear those words until two months later came a letter in the mail from
a lady telling me just how safe she had felt knowing that there was a
whole family helping her. She wrote of how we were God’s angels and
although she would never want to experience an accident again, it was
that night after that accident that showed her family means sticking
together. She told me of how she reconnected with her parents after
five years of silence. As I read that letter I saw for the first time how
lucky I was to be able to make such a positive influence in someone’s
life. I saw how fortunate I was to have parents that believed in giving
back to the people as did I.
I can not tell you what my life would be like if I wasn’t an EMT,
but I can tell you I am a better person with a better outcome because
of it. Each patient that I have placed onto an ambulance has taught me
more than I could ever tell them. You hear the words they say as they
thank you, but I want to look at them and tell them how even though
I never wish to see someone in pain, I thank them for giving their trust
unto myself and my partners.
So with having told you a small portion on what being an EMT
to me is, it is easy to tell you that being an EMT is not what I do, it is
who I am!
Editor’s Note: As you all
know, we here at Shore Secrets
Magazine have always supported
our local fire and rescue companies. We have written articles
about them, commending them
for their service to the community,
and promoting their fundraising
events. Firefighters, paramedics,
EMTs are the heroes that walk
and live among us. They have one
of the most stressful jobs I could ever imagine, especially here on the Shore, where
everyone knows each other. Imagine how sad it must be, to work an accident involving a friend. When I decided I wanted the inside perspective, someone to tell us
how it is from the inside looking out, I thought of no one else but Ashley Mapp.
She is one of the most caring, giving, selfless people I have ever had the pleasure
of knowing, and I am lucky to be able to call her my friend. I wanted this article
to portray the passion and dedication of an EMT or firefighter, and she has done
that beautifully. For most of these people, this is not a job, but something they
VOLUNTEER to do. Risking their lives to save another. What could possibly
be more brave than that? I remember all too well, a little over a year ago, at the
scene of my own accident, with Ashley there, caring for me, her ability more an
instinct than a learned ability. She amazed me, and I told her she was my hero.
Ashley is a hero to many fortunate people that she has helped over the years, and
will continue to be one as she follows her dreams, and her heart.
Thanks to You,
We’re 2 Years Old!
It’s hard to forget how positively terrified I was when our very
first magazine came back from the printers. I was convinced that not
only would it be our first publication, but it would also be our last, for
after all, I really didn’t know much about what I was doing. At the
same time, I truly felt that the Shore with all it had to offer deserved
a publication all it’s own, rather than a short mention in passing from
one of the larger city magazines. And so, why not, what did I have to
lose. And you guys, wow, you guys have blown me away.
And so I want to take a minute to throw out a few thank you’s and
a few apologies, as well as a few other random thoughts. To begin, this
magazine wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the overwhelming support
of my family, my friends and a multitude of businesses that have been
with me since the beginning. My daughter Lennie despite working a
full time job has dedicated herself to the success of this magazine, and
with every article she writes, her passion and talent continue to amaze
me. In this month’s issue, she has really stepped up to the plate and
written many, many articles, and I want her to know that I love and
appreciate her with all my heart. To my son Tosh and his family, your
praise and support means more than you can imagine. I am so very
proud of you and to know that you are behind me and supporting me
in this endeavor is not only a tremendous boost emotionally, but you
also ground me on a professional level as well. Your ideas, thoughts
and suggestions are invaluable. To my friends, thank you for believing
in me. Warren Phillips at Jaxon’s has never failed to give encouragement, support, or a shoulder when necessary. For the last thirty years,
Warren has been one of my dearest and closest friends thank you,
this means more than I could ever express. Tim Valentine at Club Car
Cafe, Cheri Tapman and Jo Marsh with Marsh Jewelers, you guys are
nothing short of amazing. Your support and encouragement has been
unfailing, and there are many days where your words have provided
the push I needed to keep on writing when I would have sworn there
wasn’t another word left in me. Rick Chase, Mayor of Parksley, indeed
the entire town of Parksley, you guys are the reason that Parksley will
always hold my heart. You have been there by my side since day one of
this venture, standing right beside me every step of the way. And Paula
Belote of What’s Your Fancy, you are a smile, a hug, advice and support, I would be so lost without you. And to all of you whom I have
met along the way, new friends, as well as old friends that I’ve become
reacquainted with, know that you all hold a special place in my heart
and that in so many ways, this magazine exists because of each of you,
you, each of you, are the heart and soul behind everything I write.
And of course a very special thank you to Donna and Rick Croushore
who so innocently wrote me an e-mail telling me how much they had
enjoyed the magazine and somehow or another along the way, ended
up getting roped into becoming the newest members of the Shore
Secrets family who so very quickly became invaluable to it’s success.
To Herm Rawlings and Rick Matthews, two of our regular contributors, a very special thank you not only for helping me out when
I desperately need it, but also for offering our readers a different perspective and sharing that part of yourself with all of us. You are truly,
truly appreciated and loved.
It’s been an exciting two years, and I continue to learn as I go,
and I thank you, our readers, for having the patience to allow me that
amazing opportunity. If any of you have emailed me and I haven’t responded, please try again, I’ve lost some emails along the way through
various computer problems, missed calls and voice mails when I was
out of town, and basically endured every kind of electronics problem
I could have during the last year. And so if I have inadvertently not
returned an e-mail or even a telephone call, please know it was not
intentional, I value each and every contact with you, and I appreciate
your calls and emails more than you can imagine. We are beginning to
see more and more interaction with our readers; story ideas, pictures,
article submissions and I can’t tell you how exciting this is to us. As
I’ve said from the beginning, this is truly your magazine, and I am so
very proud to be able to present more and more of your opinions and
views. The new year promises excitement and even more opportunities to learn, to grow and to nourish and enrich more friendships along
our way. You are what make the Shore the wonderful, cherished place
that it is, and the reason that I hold both so close to my heart. Thank
you, thank each of you. May you all have a wonderful holiday and a
rewarding, happy New Year.
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Page 7
Building Christmas Memories
by Mary Mears, Exmore, Virginia
I just read your article “The Real Meaning of Christmas”, in your
book, “Shore Secrets”, I just loved the story. I was born in 1929 when
the great depression was going on. In those times it was so hard to
make a living. My dad did anything he could just to feed his family. My
dad didn’t have much education. When he was growing up, he had to
work to help his family. He worked on the water catching all kinds of
fish. He also dug clams and oysters. My dad had a little cart that he
pushed all over Cape Charles to sell fish to the people. It was a good
thing that all of his family loved fish. We had to eat fish for most of
our meals. My mom was a good cook. She knew how to cook fish
several different ways. Sometimes we would have clams or oysters for
a meal. My mom could make a meal out of anything. Thank the Lord!
Even though times were hard, when friends and family dropped by
my mom had enough food for them I always remember Thanksgiving.
There always seemed to be lots of good food that day. Also Christmas
we had the same amount of food. I don’t know where it all came from,
but my mom seemed to find a way to have plenty of food.
We didn’t have bread in loafs like they do today. My mom
made hot biscuits for each meal. At the time during the depression
the government would bring a big truck with bags of flour to Cape
Charles for all the families living there. The sacks that the flour came
in were in different colors. My mom would make dresses for her girls
from these sacks.
I had four brothers and one sister and they all lived in Cape
Charles, Virginia. Two of my brothers went to CC Camp and the other
two worked on WPA. They gave all the money they made to my dad
except for a little spending money for themselves. My brothers helped
my mom and dad get fuel for the winter and other things they needed,
after they left home and got better jobs. My sister is nine years older
than me. My brothers are much older, I am the baby.
The Christmas tree was never put up till Christmas Eve after
the children had gone to bed. When you got up Christmas morning,
there it was. In those days I can very well remember what I got for
Christmas. I got a carousel and a big doll baby. I got a stocking with
nuts, oranges, apples and candy. This is a lot of difference than in this
day and age. I am sure that my brothers got the money together to buy
me these things because my dad didn’t have any money.
All of our family lived close together and that really made me
happy. We were always there for each other. To me that means more
than having a lot of money. I also had lots of aunts, uncles and cousins
that lived in Cape Charles. We all played together when we were young.
I will never forget those days.
When I was old enough, I got a job in a restaurant and I started
supporting myself. Later on my mom, dad and I moved to Crisfield
Maryland, so that my dad could get a better job. By the time I was
nineteen, I married a man from Crisfield. We had two children a girl
and a boy. Later we moved to Exmore, Virginia.
We were married eight years and during that time I became a
Christian. I am a born again child of God. My husband decided that
he didn’t want to live with me after I became a Christian, so he left me
and our two children. Here I was with two children age three and six
years old, no job, no money and no means of support for the three of
us. I knew that I had to trust in the Lord in everything that I did. The
Lord said that He would never leave me nor forsake me. The Lord
kept his promise because He never left me nor did he forsake me.
I thank the Lord for the shirt factory in Exmore. I got a job there
to help support me and my two children. I knew that Christmas would
Page 8
be coming and I didn’t make a lot of money so I had to make plans for
my kids. There was a friend of mine that worked at the shirt factory,
she had a book that was called the Christmas Club. All you had to
pay was a dollar a week. That is how my children had their Christmas.
On Christmas morning, they were happy to see how much they had
gotten. I think they were happier than kids are today because my kids
knew money was scarce. I don’t think my kids expected the things that
they got. Even though we didn’t have a lot of money, we had so much
love and that is what counts in life.
Mary’s Christmas Tree in the little barn, beautifully decorated and laden with
gifts for her family.
When my kids got older, my daughter got a job and started
taking care of her own needs. My son went into the Navy and made
a career out of it. Eventually my son met a girl in California and got
married, they had two sons. My daughter married. She had a girl and
a boy. I was finally a grandmother. I am now a great-grandmother. I
decided that I wanted something for my grandchildren and myself, I
bought one of those houses that looks like a barn. I had the inside
painted wine and white. I put a wine carpet on the floor, and hooked
up electric to the little barn. I put up a white Christmas tree and put
lights and all kinds of ornaments on it. Then I made the house to look
like a Christmas Village. I put a carousel that plays Christmas music
all the time, I have decorations all around the floor. In October, I
start putting Christmas packages all around the tree. Two weeks before
Christmas my grandchildren and I go in and shut the barn door and
we have a wonderful Christmas.
Every year my grandchildren really look forward to this. I tell
them now that they were getting older that we should stop this at
Christmas and they say “No Granny, Christmas would never be the
same without the Christmas barn and the little village. I guess I will
continue to do this as long as I live. They may not remember what
they got for Christmas at home, but I think they will remember the
Christmas memories that we shared in our little Christmas barn.
Editors Note: I would like to take a moment to thank Mary for sending us her
story. This is, after all, what Shore Secrets is all about; the stories, lives and
special memories of the people that make up the Shore. But even aside from that,
her story touched a very special place in my heart as it brought to mind the stories
my Dad would tell me of what his own Christmas memories were like as a child.
Daddy would smile softly, and describe how his stockings were filled with fruit and
nuts, each handful of nuts lovingly wrapped in tissue paper and placed in the very
toe of his stocking. The gifts under the tree were meager yet anxiously appreciated;
new stockings to warm your feet, a knitted sweater or a thick wool cap to wear on
the walk to school. Christmas dinner was bountiful, piping hot Sally Lunn, fresh
sweet potatoes, a succulent turkey that Pop would have killed that morning and a
perfectly cured ham from the smoke house out back. It is memories like these that
are indeed a true testament to the real meaning of the holidays.
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Page 9
We’re From the Government and We’re Here to Shake You Down
by Nils E. Stolpe
Fishermen and people in fishing-dependent businesses had been
complaining for years about the heavy-handed and arbitrary “justice”
that was meted out by the enforcement arm of the Department of
Commerce’s (DOC’s) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Their complaints generally had to do with vindictiveness, pettiness and coercion, and ranged from the enforcement
agents “on the street” to the administrative law judges that heard the
cases. In the spring of 2009, bombarded with what seemed to be an
ever-increasing number of complaints from their constituents, legislators from the US Congress and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
demanded that the troubled relationship between the fishing industry
and the federal agencies responsible for policing it be examined.
Imagine a federal enforcement agency with a “slush fund” accumulated from fines that the agency personnel levied on the owners of
small businesses for making administrative errors and spent by employees of that same agency with inadequate or non-existent controls.
Imagine that this flourished under at least two Administrations and
was brought into the light only after Congressional pressure initiated
an investigation by the departmental Inspector General aided by an
international accounting firm. And imagine that the agency and the
people responsible were soundly condemned by high ranking federal
legislators from both parties.
What are the odds that this would be studiously ignored by the
mainstream media?
Kind of remote, wouldn’t you think?
Well, welcome to post turn-of-the-century Realpolitik as brought
to you by the shadow-government increasingly in charge of shaping our national environmental policies. Made up of ENGOs that
are lavishly funded by “charitable” foundations with blatant corporate
connections, this shadow government exists thanks to its cadre of
“advocate scientists,” its pervasive influence with the print and broadcast
media, and a public that, because it is largely incapable of understanding exceedingly complex environmental issues, is all to willing to accept scapegoats rather than personal responsibility.
For a brief synopsis of the influence of ENGOs and the foundations that fund them on fisheries policy, see my 2008 column The
anti-fishing movement from Fishing News International at http://
www.fishnet-usa.com/All Stolpe Columns.htm#Anti-Fishing Movement. Also see Richard Gaines article Green activists take the wheel in
the June 28 Gloucester Daily Times - (http://www.gloucestertimes.
com/seasundersiege/x1703942597/Green-activists-take-the-wheel)
and Nancy Gaines Getting help from the press in the same edition
(http://www.gloucestertimes.com/fishing/x1703942593/Gettinghelp-from-the-press).
This resulted in Todd Zinser, the Inspector General of the DOC,
launching an internal investigation of the NOAA Offices of Law Enforcement (OLE) and General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation (GCEL). Note here that while Jane Lubchenco, the current head
of NOAA, has insisted the this investigation moved forward at her
“urging,” those of us who have been closely following the evolution of
what can’t be seen as anything less than a full-blown scandal know that
it began only as the result of significant bipartisan pressure on her and
the Secretary of Commerce. Quoting from the memo from the Inspector General to Ms. Lubchenco on January 21, 2010 accompanying
the report on his preliminary investigation “your memorandum reiterated
concerns raised by members of Congress and elected state officials about reports of
heavy-handed and unfair enforcement…”
Page 10
Inspector General Zinser’s report (http://www.oig.doc.gov/
oig/reports/2010/OIG-19887.pdf) was damning in its own right.
Among a slew of other problems, this internal investigation revealed
that while virtually all of the cases brought by NOAA against fishermen and people in fishing dependent businesses were noncriminal in
nature (98%), its investigative workforce was overwhelmingly trained
in and oriented to criminal investigations (90%). It also disclosed a
so-called Asset Forfeiture Fund (AFF) with an estimated balance of
$8.4 million and that “OLE officials are not aware of the fund’s having ever
been audited.”
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigation was
summed up with “in short, we found systemic, nationwide issues adversely affecting NOAA’s ability to effectively carry out its mission of regulating the fishing
industry. These issues have contributed significantly to a highly-charged regulatory
climate and dysfunctional relationship between NOAA and the fishing industry…”
One of the recommendations of the OIG was a forensic review
of the AFF. This review was in part accomplished by the international accounting firm KPMG. Of this review of AFF transactions, the
OIG wrote “though it did not identify many anomalous transactions, KPMG
was limited to, and relied on available supporting documentation, and did not carry
out additional inquiries beyond review of existing records to identify evidence of
potential irregularities.”
Regarding the paucity of existing records to identify evidence
of potential irregularities, on March 4 the New York Times reported
“House Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo (DGuam) said that NOAA Law Enforcement Director Dale Jones should be at
least temporarily relieved of his duties, given questions over whether he may have
tried to destroy documents to avoid an even more scathing report from the Commerce Department’s top investigator. ‘As the top cop at NOAA and a longtime
investigator himself, Dale Jones must be acutely aware that shredding documents
during a federal investigation raises serious questions about his commitment to a
full and fair look at all the facts,’ Bordallo said at a subcommittee hearing on the
issue yesterday.’ At a time when transparency and accountability in the way our
government operates is of utmost importance, this type of behavior cannot be condoned, and Mr. Jones should step aside until the IG’s investigation is completed.”
The first page of the brochure for the Third Global Fisheries
Enforcement Training Workshop organized by the International MCS
(Monitoring, Surveillance and Control) Network, an international organization of fisheries enforcers, started out provocatively with:
• They think no one can see what they’re doing
• They think no one cares
• They think it doesn’t matter
• They think no one will stop them
• They’re wrong!
Dale Jones, who was the Director of the Office of Enforcement
at NOAA until a document shredding spree while the office was being
investigated by the Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector
General came to light at a Congressional hearing, is still identified on
the website as the Chairman of the International MCS.
I had been under the impression that those words were directed
towards those folks who were guilty of illegal, unreported or unregulated fishing. This sordid saga involving the enforcement people - and
their bosses - at NOAA kind of makes me think that whoever put the
brochure together might have been looking in the mirror instead.
Due to missing - and possibly intentionally shredded - records,
the OIG reported that it was “unable to verify the $8.4 million balance
provided by OLE and NOAA’s Office of Finance, as cited in our January
2010 report. KPMG’s analysis suggests that the AFF’s current balance likely
falls within a broader range. Based on complicated definitional, data analysis, and
reconciliation efforts, KPMG found that during the period of its forensic review
(January 1, 2005, through June 30, 2009), the AFF received approximately $96
million (including interest on prior balances), while expending about $49 million
through over 82,000 transactions. This analysis suggests that the balance could be
much higher than $8.4 million.”
Bear in mind that, as the name Asset Forfeiture Fund indicates,
these tens of millions of dollars weren’t from federal taxes. They were
from fines and seizures imposed on fishermen and on owners and
employees of fishing-related businesses.
And how was the Asset Forfeiture Fund misused? The KPMG
review disclosed:
• While OLE policy did not allow vehicle purchases, only leasing and rentals, the OLE vehicle inventory listed 202 vehicles, two
of which were leased and 200 of which were purchased at a cost of
about $4.6 million. These 202 vehicles were for a staff of about 172
enforcement personnel.
• While OLE policy did not authorize vessel purchases, the OLE
vessel inventory listed 22 vessels purchased at a cost of nearly $2.7
million. The most expensive vessel, advertised as “luxurious,” cost
$300,000 and its purchase, bypassing an internal review process instituted by OLE headquarters, was approved by Dale Jones, the Director of OLE at the time, “prior to competitive procurement procedures being
applied.”
• The OLE Special Operations Fund, used to pay for covert and
undercover activities (payment of rewards, purchase of evidence and
information, and set-up and operation of covert businesses) lacked
“oversight and accountability, including by headquarters.” With a case-load that
was 98% noncriminal, why was there even a need for such a fund?
• While AFF funds are supposed to pay only for travel related to
enforcement activities, “between January 2005 and June 2009, OLE and
GCEL charged nearly $580,000 to the AFF for international travel to over
40 destinations. However, only about 17 percent of the cost for this travel was
directly related to specific investigations or enforcement proceedings. The remaining
83 percent of the cost for such travel was for the purpose of training or attending
meetings.”
• Approximately 4,000 OLE and GCEL purchase card transactions appeared to be split into two or more transactions (i.e., those
involving the same card holder, date, vendor, and the same or different
amounts) to circumvent single purchase limits and/or avoid competitive procedures—in violation of Federal Acquisition Regulation requirements that protect against improper or fraudulent purchases.
• As reported by Saving Seafood (http://www.savingseafood.
com) on July 12, “in response to a Congressional inquiry last week, NOAA
has confirmed that until the current fiscal year, 60% of the funds used to pay for
the services of the United States Coast Guard Office of Administrative Law
Judges (ALJ) who adjudicated cases brought under marine conservation laws were
obtained from assets forfeited and liquidated as a result of fines levied in these
cases.”
So we have a bunch of criminal investigators in the position of
paying for their unauthorized cars, boats, and international junkets and
questionable “covert” operations by apprehending fishermen for noncriminal activities. And the controls on how they spent the money,
once they lifted it out of the fishermen’s pockets in administrative
proceedings that seem more “kangaroo court” than anything else, was
apparently not being controlled, or even noticed, by anyone. Having
spent 15 or so years in government, I find it impossible to imagine
that anyone I worked with would have considered, or been allowed to
carry out, the fiscal maneuvers that were evidently standard operating
procedure in NOAA.
Kind of amazing, isn’t it? Even more amazing was - and as far
as I know, still is - the reaction of NOAA to what should go down
in history as the most shameful episode in the 40 year existence of
the Agency. Congressman John Tierney has on his website an article
by Gloucester Daily Times reporter Richard Gaines that says in part
“members of the East Coast congressional fishing caucus are prepared to challenge
the announced intention of top fisheries regulators to tackle systemic failings in
law enforcement — including excessive penalties and possible vindictive motives
— without reviewing past miscarriages of justice by federal enforcement agents
against fishermen and related businesses.” The source was a memo from
Lois Schiffer, Chief Counsel of NOAA, and Eric Schwaab, NOAA
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, to NOAA Administrator Lubchenco.
In case after case, fishermen were investigated and treated as criminals… And even now this trend is apparently continuing in NOAA,
with the newly appointed NOAA Chief Counsel’s most notable accomplishment as an Assistant Attorney General being development
of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s environmental
crimes program.
Is it a stretch to suppose that much of this was due to the demonization of fishermen by the media?
How this took place, what was - and is - behind it, and how else
it has affected and is affecting NOAA in carrying out its mission regarding fishermen and fishing is every bit as deserving of oversight
investigation by Congress as the dysfunction endemic in the NOAA
Offices of Law Enforcement and General Counsel for Enforcement
and Litigation. In general that wouldn’t be the case, but the leadership
at NOAA in the Obama Administration, the close ties of those leaders
to the foundation/ENGO world that has so successfully persecuted
so many people connected with harvesting fish for fun or profit, takes
this beyond the realm of the “general.”
On the working deck of a surf clam boat. Photo courtesy Nils Stolpe.
For all of the fishermen who were wrongfully criminalized, for
their families, for the businesses they support, for the communities
they are a part of, for all of the rest of us in or associated with fishing
and for the future of fishing in the United States, we deserve answers
to some crucial questions. How involved were the people now in the
upper management levels of NOAA in this process? To what extent,
if any, were they responsible for establishing the institutional mindset
at NOAA from the outside that allowed the abuses reported by the
Inspector General to flourish? And, of course, how much of that involvement, if any, has been carried over into the current management
and philosophy of NOAA?
Page 11
As Ms. Lubchenco’s unilateral shifting of the entire management
focus of NOAA to the implementation of catch shares virtually overnight illustrates so clearly, she is in a position to tremendously influence the lives and futures of millions of fishermen, the economic
well-being of tens of thousands of fishing dependent businesses and
a huge segment of our coastal economy. If that isn’t justification for
intense Congressional scrutiny, it’s hard to imagine what is.
(From my January 27, 2010 Saving Seafood column The agency that brought us Trawlgate now presents Investigate - available at
http://www.fishnet-usa.com/All Stolpe Columns.htm#Investigate.)
The financial loss that people suffered at the hands of this out-ofcontrol NOAA police force was huge. Has there been or is there going
to be an accounting? How many people lost their boats, their businesses, their homes, their very way of life because they were targeted
by criminal investigators in search of crimes to prosecute and with a
growing inventory of crime-stopping toys like new SUVs and “undercover” yachts to “protect the fish” with? And when the investigators
couldn’t find any real crimes to stop with their wrongfully acquired
toys, they manufactured them out of petty reporting and paperwork
violations in an enforcement system that had become really adept at
suffocating fishermen with an avalanche of largely irrelevant paperwork years ago.
In a NY Times article following her appointment to head NOAA,
Jane Lubchenco said “fishing communities, scientists, regulators and other
stakeholders in the debate need to overcome a legacy of bitterness and distrust. ‘It
really is pretty dysfunctional’” Unless and until she convincingly turns her
agency’s enforcement efforts around, sees that agency personnel who
committed or allowed to be committed the many infractions reported by the OIG and KPMG are appropriately punished, and willingly
makes adequate restitution to the fishermen and others who were so
unnecessarily and vindictively damaged by her agency’s actions, she’ll
be doing nothing but adding to what has now become her very own
legacy of bitterness and distrust, and the level of dysfunction is only
going to increase. Some bureaucratic reshuffling isn’t going to do the
job that needs to be done.
• On July 1, North Carolina Congressman Walter Jones introduced H. R. 5668, “to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Act to require the use of sums received as fines, penalties, and
forfeitures of property for violations of that Act or other marine resource laws to
be used to reduce the Federal deficit and debt.”
• On July 8, Massachusetts Congressmen Barney Frank and John
Tierney publicly called for Jane Lubchenco’s resignation.
• On July 9, North Carolina Congressman Walter Jones demanded that Jane Lubchenco step down as head of NOAA.
• On July 9, Congressman Frank, after communicating with
the Obama Administration, backed away from his demand that
Ms. Lubchenco resign, pending indications that she would become
more responsive to the fishing industry. (For the Gloucester Times’
take on this issue, see http://www.gloucestertimes.com/opinion/
x739952758/Editorial-Frank-better-be-right-on-new-White-Housefishing-priority.)
• On July 12, New York Senator Charles Schumer demanded that
NOAA sell unauthorized assets, return proceeds to fund, and return
arbitrary and excessive fines to fishermen who committed no wrong
doing or were excessively fined.
About the Author
An older double-ended salmon gillnetter in Seattle, WA. Photo courtesy Nils
Stolpe.
NOAA is sitting on a large pot of money which was taken from
fishermen and other business people through what it’s hard to see as
anything but strong-arm tactics. NOAA has also let another large pot
of money from those same fishermen be improperly spent without
adequate safeguards and/or supervision. But the NOAA leadership
seems intent on fixing the corrupt enforcement system that it allowed
to fester for so long with no concern for the victims of what was at
best their inattention and at worst their active encouragement. Since
this whole sordid affair started, how many dollars went to the salaries
of NOAA administrators who were looking the other way when their
responsibilities should have included oversight of these two renegade
offices? How many of those administrators are still there (or are retired and collecting government pensions)? And more importantly,
what were the total costs to the people and the businesses that were
so wrongfully prosecuted - and persecuted - because of this pervasive
blind spot that they conveniently developed?
Are Ms. Lubchenco and the rest of the NOAA/NMFS leadership
proposing to ignore all of this? I really hope not, but if that’s the case,
it’s up to all of us to make sure that Congress steps in post haste.
Page 12
Back in the fall of 2008, Jay and
I attended a symposium on the Spiny
Dogfish in Philadelphia. One of the
speakers scheduled for the program
was Nils Stolpe. From the moment Mr.
Stolpe began to speak, I was mesmerized. He is without a doubt one of the
most intriguing, captivating and astutely knowledgeable leaders in the industry. And so it is with great honor that I
am proud to be allowed the privilege of sharing his articles with you.
Mr. Stolpe spent ten years managing a large waste-heat aquaculture facility followed by eight years working with the New Jersey Department
of Agriculture doing fisheries and aquaculture development work. For
the last twenty years, Mr. Stolpe has served as an independent fisheries
consultant, focusing on the capture fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic states
on the U.S. East coast. He is one of the founders of the Seafood Coalition, an ad-hoc organization whose members represent three quarters
of the U.S. seafood harvesting capacity, the Communications Director
of the Garden State Seafood Association (New Jersey), researches,
writes and distributes FishNet USA and is a columnist for the trade
publication National Fisherman. He has undergraduate and graduate
training in marine sciences and environmental planning. Much of his
recent work addresses the misconceptions regarding seafood production and harvesting being promoted by segments of the “conservation” community. He has worked for, in and around various aspects
of the seafood industry for almost three decades.
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A Lifestyle to Treasure
Tucked inside the heart of the Eastern Shore lies the town of
Accomac. Formerly known as Drummondtown, it is one of the
oldest towns on the Shore. It is also the county seat of Accomack
County. One would expect the county seat to be quite a busy little
town, and although Accomac is busy, it’s not busy in the way you
would think. The old courthouse, dating back to the 1700’s sits in the
center of town. The courthouse mall is lined with law offices, equally
as old as the large building that casts its shadow over them. Behind
and around that central point are county administration buildings, the
sheriff ’s office, and a big old rambling mansion lovingly referred to as
Drummondtown Tavern. There is one bank in town, SunTrust, a full
service, quaint bank with dedicated people that truly want to help you.
Everyone knows your name, and is genuinely happy to see you walk
through the door. Down the street is the post office, and the town’s
only actual restaurant, Mallard’s Sidewalk Café. Mallard’s is only open
for the lunch crowd, serving what can only be described as the best
sandwiches anywhere in the neighboring towns (probably the whole
Shore to be honest). Each sandwich has a clever little name, in keeping with the town they are served in, like “the Clerk”, or “the Judge,”
piled high with fresh meats, cheeses, greens.
by Lennie M Bowe
A few small businesses are tucked in some of the side streets, an
auto repair shop for example. Ward’s on Front Street, Accomac’s service center and lunch counter, where I try to go every chance I’m off
work to dine on their tuna salad and fresh cut French fries, and hear
the laughter and comraderie among the patrons. Sandpiper Marine
on Front Street is your one stop shop for all of your marine needs.
You can buy, repair, maintain, even store your boat there, and stock
up on all the supplies you need for the summer in your boat. There is
even a shop that sells hunting and outdoor supplies in a bright yellow
building that you can’t miss on Front Street. Accomac also houses a
dentist office, the Health Department, the 911 center, and my favorite,
the public library. Make sure to check in there often to see what kinds
of programs and events they are hosting. A library is so much more
than just a place to “borrow a book.” And of course we have the
Elks Lodge, which requires a membership to enjoy their home cooked
fare. Accomac is home to WESR, most famous for “Swap Shop” in
the afternoons. These are just a few of the places to shop, dine, and
experience in this little town.
Tree lined streets, graceful historic homes and quaint charm complete the essence of the little town of Accomac,.
The courthouse in Accomac, our county seat, is an imposing structure, breathtaking in it’s design, a perfect compliment to the town’s beauty and charm.
If you venture off the main street, Front Street, to Back Street,
you will find some of the most beautiful historic homes on the Shore,
as well as the best neighbors you could ask for. Drummond Place and
St. James Rectory both sprawl across their lots, beautiful brick laid out
in the traditional “big house, little house, colonnade, kitchen” design.
A graceful Federal Mansion sits back from the street. Signs in the yard
boast of the towns history, the Tannery, Parramore House. The trees
on the street are not just fully mature, but ancient. A sycamore on
Back Street was even featured in a book of the most magnificent trees
in the country. The street is flanked by two churches, and one in the
middle. For a lover of history, there is no better place to visit (or live,
as I do) than in this marvelous little historic town. Although it can’t
be said that Accomac is booming, it’s far from boring as you let your
imagination drift back to yesteryears and remember you are living in a
house that has been a home for over 200 years. Everywhere you look,
you are reminded of the history, which to me is so fascinating.
Page 14
So on first glance, it would really seem that Accomac is a quiet
town, with not a whole lot going on. But so much like the rest of the
Eastern Shore, if you look a little deeper, you will find warmth, life,
love, and so much energy and excitement. If you don’t believe me, try
to get a spot on Front Street on July 4th for the Independence Day
Parade. See the residents come out and line their yards with American Flags. People here are resilient, strong, proud of who they are
and where they come from. They are generous and warm and funny,
and wave to every passing car. What could be more welcoming than
that?
Got a Story Idea?
A Picture You’d Like to See in Print?
Please let us know, we’d love to hear from you!
A Jolly Happy Soul
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Last year’s winter snow storms took many of us by surprise, dumping more snow on our area than we have seen for decades. Everyone
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beautiful white landscape that spread before us. Snow cream, sledding
(Easthen Shore style of course!) and snow men were the order of the
day. Even our pets enjoyed a romp in the cold, fluffy snow, though
as most of us, quite anxious to return inside to the warmth of a cozy
fire.This fellow watched over the little town of Onancock, greeting
passers by with his stoic smile and outstretched arms. As much as we
enjoyed the beauty as well as the break, most of us were quite happy to
see the snow finally melt and get back to our normal routines.
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Page 15
In Sickness and In Health
Shortly after I moved back to the Eastern Shore, I was searching
for a dentist. When establishing myself in a new area, the truth is, I
don’t actually try to find a doctor or a dentist until something is wrong
with me. Perhaps this is not the best way to do things. I was at work
one day when I bit into something and chipped my tooth. Right in
the front, where everyone could see. It’s not that it really looked that
awful, but I felt like I looked like an old witch with a chipped tooth.
So, I searched for a dentist on the Shore. I asked friends who they
used, and called trying to make an appointment. “Oh I’m sorry, Dr. So
- and - So isn’t taking new patients right now.” I didn’t realize there were so
many dentists on the Shore, and that none of them wanted new patients. Great, now what. Finally, after hunting through my insurance
company’s web site, I found a link for dentists (in-network of course)
in my area that would take new patients. The first one I called resulted
in me being put on a wait list, which was three years ago, I have never
removed my name from that list, and by the way have never heard
back from them. If I had waited for them, I wouldn’t have any teeth
left in my head at this point. The second was for Dr. Root, at Eastern Shore Rural Health’s Franktown Community Health Center. So I
called and asked them if there was any way they could see me within
the next few days, no my tooth wasn’t causing me any physical pain,
just mental anguish every time I looked in the mirror. And they made
me an appointment for the next morning. Wow! It was that easy. So
I drove down to Franktown the next morning, and waited patiently in
the waiting room of the dental care facility that is part of the complex
of the Franktown Community Health Center. I looked around at the
notices on the wall, and the brochures in the office and started reading
about the Eastern Shore Rural Health System.
They have Community Health Centers in Atlantic, Bayview,
Chincoteague, Franktown, Onley, and School Dental Services programs at Metompkin Elementary and Pungoteague Elementary. I
didn’t even know the Eastern Shore had a health “system” and didn’t
know what that meant. Reading further, I discovered that all of these
Community Health Centers offered services to under-insured and uninsured patients, with a sliding scale fee based on income to make it
affordable to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Wow,
that is awesome! They’re slogan is “We’re More Than Just a Doctor’s
Office…” and nothing could be more true. With five locations offering primary health care, and three offering dental services, late night
and Saturday hours, plus that sliding scale fee, they truly have made
affordable health care a reality for every single citizen of the Eastern
Shore. They even have pharmacy assistance for those that can’t afford
their medicines. It is a group of extremely dedicated, compassionate
people whose only wish is that every one on the Shore have access to
the medical care they need to lead happy lives. Their mission statement says they are a “Community Health Center committed to enhancing the
quality of life for the people of the Eastern Shore. We seek to serve the needs of
the rural community by providing accessible, comprehensive and affordable medical,
dental and health services in a caring, professional and safe environment.” It is
my opinion that these people at Rural Health have fulfilled that mission and continue to do so with every passing day.
ESRHS has been on the Eastern Shore since 1976 and has grown
from one health center, in Onley, to five (plus the three dental sites).
They are certified by the Joint Commission On Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). They care for approximately
50% of the whole community and 85% of the pediatric community.
They even have programs for the migrant farm workers and their
Page 16
by Lennie Bowe
families during the growing season, when between 3,000 and 5,000
migrant workers come to the Shore, they and their families needing
medical assistance and health education. They provide physician assistance to the local nursing homes and emergency room coverage.
They are a Neighborhood Emergency Health Care facility for all residents of the Eastern Shore.
The new Rural Health Center in Onley provides a wide range of services to the
community with compassionate, professional and dedicated staff.
But enough of the facts, if you want to know about all of the
awards they have received (and there are plenty), you can find that in
their newsletter. I want to tell you about the experience there. For as
busy as they are, you wouldn’t expect such personalized care. From
the receptionists to the doctors, they want to know YOU, not just your
chart. They genuinely care about each patient. On several different
occasions when both my Mom or myself for one reason or the other
have had to go in for medical care, the nurses have even followed up
with a telephone call the next day to make sure we were doing okay.
I’ve lived in small towns and big cities and I can tell you from experience, that kind of personalized care is very, very rare! They keep your
records electronically now, doing away with all that paper (which can
get lost or hard to read, since doctors are known for a lot of things,
and terrible handwriting is one of them). That is really nice too because your medical history is accessible to other healthcare facilities
when needed.
Just recently, I had to visit Franktown Community Health Center.
I came down with a cold and after a few weeks, I didn’t get any better.
So I figured it had probably turned into a sinus infection, which I’m
prone to anyway. I called at about 9:00 that morning, and they made
me an appointment for 2:30 that afternoon. I almost didn’t bother
calling, because I figured, like all doctor’s offices, the next appointment available would be weeks, even months from now. But, something told me to try anyway, and I am so ever glad that I did. Not only
am I feeling better, but it was such a pleasant experience. When I went
to the window to sign in, the receptionist and I had a great conversation. I had never met her before, but she talked to me like we were old
friends. Her team mates in the office joined in the conversation, and
I really enjoyed the interaction. I settled into my chair to wait, starting
up a game of Texas Hold ‘Em on my phone, ready to sit it out because
I was sure I would be in that waiting room for hours. About twenty
minutes later, I heard the nurse call my name. She took me back, took
my temperature, asked about allergies, all of the basics, got my weight
(the only horrible part of the visit that day) and led me to the examination room. Again, I immediately went back to my poker game on my
phone since again, I am so used to sitting in an exam room for what
feels like a century waiting for the doctor to come in. Shortly, there
was a soft knock, and a pleasant, sweet woman came in the room carrying a laptop. She asked me routine questions, and we joked around
a bit. I told her about my smoking habit, which unfortunately I picked
up as a young teenager and haven’t been able to give up for the past
fourteen years. She then said something about her prescribing me
Chantix to help me quit and I kind of gave her a funny look. She had
been so friendly and down to earth, non-judgmental and fun to talk to
I didn’t even realize I was seeing the Physician’s Assistant. I said, “who
are you?” and kind of laughed. She explained that she didn’t like to
wear her lab coat because she saw so many children everyday and that
sometimes scared them. I was a little embarrassed, but more than anything I was so impressed by her demeanor and personality. In most of
my experience, when the doctor, or nurse practitioner, or physician’s
assistant comes in, there is almost this doom and gloom feeling. They
aren’t as easy to talk to. It’s almost like you don’t always want to tell
them the truth because you are afraid of disappointing them, which is
ridiculous, because if there is anyone you should be completely honest with, it’s your doctor. But sadly, in most people’s cases, that’s the
way it is. And they always seem to kind of give you this look, or say
something that makes you feel stupid. But I didn’t get any of that
from her. We talked about smoking and she said she could help me
quit. She even told me to call her if I needed help. I mean, maybe I
have just had terrible experiences with doctors my whole life, so this
seems extraordinary, but I tend to think not. How many people are
excited to go see the doctor? There wouldn’t be that sense of dread
if every doctor’s office was as friendly, compassionate, efficient, and
good as this one.
At ESRH, caring doctors and dentists take the time to explain your treatment to
you, generating a trust that is vital to good medical care.
I work in Northampton county and live in Accomack, so driving
to Franktown to see the doctor is not that big of a deal. But when I
used to work on Wallops Island, I STILL drove to Franktown, because
I wanted the best care, and had found, that’s where I got it. Granted, I
have never visited any of the other Community Health Centers in the
Eastern Shore Rural Health System, so maybe I am a bit biased. But
from what I hear, they are rather awesome themselves. I know the one
on Chincoteague won an award from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire
Department for their service to the community. They have Saturday
hours during the tourist season so not only residents, but the tourists
that drive the economy on that island have access to quality health
care. And of course, the new facility in Onley speaks for itself. Over
20,000 feet of space, with state of the art medical equipment and
staff to treat patients. My boyfriend went there recently (I seemed to
have given him my cold, which also resulted in a sinus infection for
him) and he came home raving about how nice the doctor had been.
He thought the laptop she carried was the greatest thing, because she
knew which pharmacy he used and sent his prescriptions with a click.
He came home with a piece of paper he had filled up with all of her
recommendations and tips on preventing sinus infections and different over the counter methods to relieve symptoms. I swear he was
half in love with her when he got home!
Franktown Community Health Center, located just around the corner from our
hospital offers both medical and dental services to our community.
Don’t really understand exactly what’s wrong with you or things
you can do to improve the quality of your life? ESRHS offers Health
Education programs touching on everything from smoking cessation,
diabetes, weight loss, asthma and more. They’ll even work with local
companies and come to YOU to provide flu shots for your employees. And something else that really impressed me, understanding how
important it is that all kids learn how to read, ESRHS participates in
the Reach Out and Read Program. Every single child who comes in
for a wellness check-up is sent home with a book appropriate for their
age so that they can have the opportunity to improve their reading!
And if you’re like me and seem to always be in a hurry, you can even
download a lot of their required forms like registration forms, sliding
fee applications and even the Bridge Tunnel Medical Toll application
right online from their web site.
All of the Community Health Centers and Dental Care Centers
accept Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances. But the truly great
part of it is, even without any form of insurance or government assistance, you can still get excellent health and dental care that you can
afford. So never again do I want to hear someone on the Shore complaining about a health problem and use the excuse that they can’t
afford to see a doctor, because that simply is not true. And if for any
reason you are referred to a specialist across the Bay, they even have
a program set up with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission to offer a medical toll program for qualified patients, so that
you won’t have to pay the toll to get your required medical care! I have
heard many people say that they were told “let’s get you well, and worry
about the money later.” Where else can you go and get that kind of compassion? Every person that works in any of those facilities, as well
as board members, directors, those people and businesses that have
so generously donated resources to ESRHS, deserves a medal. They
should be proud of what they have accomplished and what they stand
for. What an amazing thing to be a part of.
Page 17
It Takes More Than Just a Little Chicken Soup ...
Health Tips to Help You Make it Through
the Winter
• The most important thing you can remember to do during the flu season (and every season) is to
practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often, before eating, after using the bathroom, after handling
money or shaking hands with someone. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse, car, and briefcase
for those times when you are not near a sink. This is something that should be remembered all of the time
anyway, but especially when everyone around you is coughing, sneezing and feeling poorly.
• If you do get sick, remember colds and flu are contagious. Protect those around you by staying
away from them as much as possible until you are on the mend. Your boss may not be thrilled that you
have called in sick, but he or she will be more thrilled if you don’t pass your “ick” to the entire office. Don’t
try to go into work just to be there. If you feel terrible, how productive are you really going to be anyway?
And how many mistakes will you make and have to correct in your cold medicine induced fog? A best
practice is to play it safe and stay home a day from work if you are sick, especially if it’s with a cold or
flu.
• Whether you are sick or healthy, your diet is very important. You should always try to eat fresh foods
that are high in nutrients. Remember Vitamin C helps support and even boost your immune system, so
whether you are sick not, try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables that contain that very important vitamin.
Oranges and grapefruit are high in vitamin c(be careful with grapefruit though as it interacts with many
medicines, talk to your pharmacist about what medicines you are taking and whether grapefruit will have
an affect on them). Blueberries are said to be a “super food” that are high in antioxidants and nutrients.
Eating fruits and vegetables raw is the best way to get all of the healthy nutrients from them, but if you
can’t stomach raw veggies, try steaming them. Cooking them into a mush tends to cook most of the
goodness out of them.
• Drink plenty of water. All of the time, every day, in good health or bad. Our bodies are composed
mostly of water. Fevers dehydrate you, throwing up and diarrhea dehydrate you. Many cold medicines
require that you drink a full glass of water with every dose. They work best when you are fully hydrated.
Try to stay away from dark liquids when you are sick. Things like coffee and cola actually dehydrate you
rather than rehydrate you. Gatorade is ok, but there is a lot of sugar in it. Your best bet is plain water, but
if you are worried about replacing electrolytes, you can try something like Smart Water, which tastes like
regular water but has electrolytes that your body loses when you get dehydrated. If you don’t like the taste
of water (which is impossible, because it doesn’t taste like anything), try squeezing some lemon juice in it.
Lemons have Vitamin C too, so you can’t go wrong there.
• Exercising regularly is good for your circulation, breathing, mental health and of course it keeps the
weight off when we are stuffing ourselves with all of these delicious holiday meals. Try some light aerobic
exercise a few times a week, like taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood when you get home from
work, or in the morning before you even go to work. If you have an hour for lunch, eat a healthy lunch (like
a salad or low sodium soup) for half of it, and use the other half to take a walk. The brief exercise is not
only good for you, but will help keep those afternoon drowsies away. Just remember that you may have
to alter your work out routine if you do get sick. Don’t try to over do it if you are sick, remember that your
rest is more important for your recovery than getting on the treadmill and running five miles that day. Try
doing a lighter routine or skipping that day.
• We can all remember growing up, our mothers admonishing us to cover our mouths when we
cough. Covering your mouth when you cough is important to help stop the spread of those airborn germs
that will get those around us sick. Have you ever been sitting next to someone just coughing and hacking and you can see the spray coming out of their mouth? Quite possibly the most disgusting thing ever.
Don’t be that person. Another helpful tip if you have to cough or sneeze, instead of coughing into your
hand, turn your head and cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm. Remember that after you have
coughed all over your hand and you pick up the phone at work, or open the door, that you are leaving
those sick germs on whatever surface you have just touched. Unfortunately there is no little germ fairy
Page 18
Make
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following you around to spray Lysol on all of things you have spread
your germs on all day. And if you forget and cough/sneeze into your
hand, that’s ok, because you have followed my advice and gone
and immediately washed your hands without touching ANYTHING
on the way. That’s where the hand sanitizer comes in, it’s a quick fix
until you can get to the sink.
• Get your flu shot. Most health insurance will cover the cost
100%, and if they don’t, it’s no more than about $20 at your pharmacy. The flu shot doesn’t protect you from every strand of the illness,
but it does protect you from the most common types. The whole getting sick from the vaccine is a myth. It is a dead or weakened virus,
and at the very worst, you may have some mild symptoms a week
later, nothing compared to what getting it full blown would be like.
• Sometimes, after all of the precautions we take, we get sick
anyway. We have kids that go to school and bring home every
contagious illness known to man. They are sick with something all
of the time it seems. How frustrating is it when your child comes
home with strep throat or a stomach virus, and then two days later,
you’re calling into work with the same problem? Here is some advice: if your child is sick, follow the same principles that you follow
for yourself. If they have something contagious, keep them out of
school/daycare and away from other people until they feel better.
Kids pass things to each other so easily, and then to their parents,
so if your child shows symptoms one morning of a cold, keep them
home for a day or two so they don’t pass their cold to every child in
their class, and consequently to all of their families. Think about it
like this, suppose every child lives with two other people (whether it
is both parents, or one parent and a sibling), and there are twenty
five people in your child’s class, not including the teacher and the
teacher’s aide, who both are married with two kids a piece of their
own. Each child and their housemates equal seventy five people,
plus the teacher, her husband, and two children are four more, the
teacher’s aide, her husband and two children are another four, all
total equal eighty three people that your sick child risks infecting
when they go to school sick. Again, one sick child equals eighty
three sick people. So keep Junior home, the rest and attention will
do him good, and keeping his germs to himself will do everyone else
good too.
• Talk to your doctor. If you can’t shake that cold, it may have
turned into something else. A sinus infection is one common example, bronchitis, even pneumonia are complications that could arise.
At the very least, a doctor can usually prescribe you something to
help with the symptoms even if they can’t cure the illness. A doctor
will also have plenty of suggestions on how to minimize the risk of
spreading the illness to other members of the family, and other tips
on how to get you or your family member back to excellent health as
quickly as possible.
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Page 19
Christmas
A
m
A
o
fr
to Z
Annie’s Restaurant in beautiful
downtown Parksley is the perfect place
for a relaxing night out to relax from your
holiday shopping and cooking. Offering a wide
range of delectable dishes, Annie’s is also
available for your holiday parties or special
events. Visit Annie’s at 24256 Bennett Street in
Parksley. 757-665-4990.
You will find the Big Green Egg at Prism Pools and Spas located at 116
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Shore Cleaners is all about more than
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oversized comforter? How about that special
dress that you want to ensure is given only the
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Page 20
D
Gift Guide
E
Electronics on your Christmas list?
Stop by Radio Shack at 4076 Lankford
Highway in Exmore and stock up on cell
phones, televisions, stereo and audio equipment, MP3 players, computer equipment and
supplies, communication equipment, CB radios,
walkie talkies and much, much more! Give them
a call at 757-442-7515.
e Anchor, Flags for your garden! At thyou will find
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summer tan, or shop
trying to keep your
r that special
for beauty supplies fo
Salon can wrap you
holiday gift, Hair Ar t
3777.
up in style! 757-787-
H
1
Insurance claims stressing you out?
Let Kool Collision Center in Keller take
care of all the details for you! Or drop by Kool
Ford just two blocks away and get yourself a
new car for the holidays! Spray in bed liners,
Quick Service, Oil Changes and more, Kool Ford
and Kool Collision can handle it all! 757-7871209 (Sales) or 757-302-0313 (Collision)
to relax a little during
Just the ticket
self to a delectathe holidays! Treat your
Big’s Place located at
ble home cooked meal at
y in Painter. Big’s of35044 Lankford Highwa
ing in a truly memofers the best in Shore din
you’re there, pick up
rable atmosphere. While
for those special gifts!
a gift certificate or two
757-442-5535.
K
J
Keep busy this winter by enjoying
all of the many activities provided
by ESO at 15293 Merrycat Lane in
Belle Haven. You can start by attending their
20th Anniversary celebration production of a
“Swing” Nutcracker Ballet and then later, you
can enjoy some of the many classes they offer
and more. 757-442-4336.
n! If your Location, location, locatioaking a move
m
family is thinking of
to Mason-Davis
lk
ta
re you
su
e
ak
m
,
ar
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is
th
Street
cated at 47 Mar ket
Weicher t Realtors lo
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M
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essional
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personal service wi
m
e finding your drea
agents to help mak
787-1010.
home a reality! 757-
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Page 21
M
Motorcyclists on your holiday
shopping list? Stop by Cycle Creations
and Highway Market at 4230 Lankford Highway
in New Church. Motorcycle accessories, cycle
repair and customization along with a large assortment of holiday candies and Karen’s famous
homemade soups and more make this a holiday
shopping must! 757-824-5002.
New You! Let Vanity
A New Look, a
rat 130A Ma
Hair Boutique located
give you the look you
ket Street in Onancock
parties! While you’re
want for all your holiday
n Fowler Photography,!
there, ask about Kare
ll line of beauty
Vanity also offers a fu
more for that
supplies, make up and
list. 757-787-3002.
special person on your
N
O
Open the door to more choices at
Shore Electronics at 67 Market Street
in Onancock. Shore Electronics offers the
greatest deal on the Shore with the popular Dish
Network by providing you the very best in entertainment choices. Give them a call today at 757787-7777 and ask what packages are available
for all the programs YOU want to see! .
th ct meal combined wi
fe
er
P
e
th
If
at you crave, then
personal service is wh
64
e Exmore Diner at 42
drive on down to th
st
be
e
e for the best of th
Main Street in Exmor
ve
me cooked meals ha
of the best! Great ho
ty
fif
e tradition for over
or
Sh
n
er
st
Ea
an
en
be
y atmosphere is
year s, and the friendl
2-2313.
just a bonus! 757-44
Page 22
P
Q
If it’s Quality you’re looking for,
then you won’t go wrong at CD
Marsh Jewelers at 45 Market Street
in Onancock. Whether you are looking for exquisite crystal, fine jewelry or diamonds, Village
Candles or an original Chesapeake Bay Bracelet,
CD Marsh is your one stop holiday shopping experience! 757-787-3333
know that le pet owners
Responsib
Corner Plaza in
ur
ES Pets located at Fo
ts
best in all your pe
ry
ve
e
th
es
id
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Onley
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th
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supplies, toys or trea
ts offers the finest
bird supplies, ES Pe
Give Bonnie a call
products available.
62 .
today at 757-787-14
R
S
Holiday stress got you down?
Visit Pinder Massage and Spa
Services for that pick-me-up you need, that
can get you through the busy holiday season!
Now offering spa services in addition to traditional massage and hot stone therapy, Betsy can
have you smiling and enjoying the season in no
time! Call today, 757-789-7611.
season lf this holiday
Treat your se
m Fireplace
fro
with a new fireplace
w
ford Highway in Ne
Supply at 4227 Lank
of
e
pply offers a full lin
Church. Fireplace Su
ative fuel options for
wood, gas and altern
your home keeping
the perfect addition to
all winter!
you warm and toasty
4-5590.
Call us today! 757-82
T
U
Unique and unusual treasures can be
found at Accomac Pickers, located at
23316 Front Street in Accomac. From
furniture to appliances, collectible glassware,
antique books, lamps, antique tools, and more,
you are sure to find just what you’re looking for
with their vast assortment of items. Stop in and
see them today and check out the dollar bin!
g will bring a smile to
A Vera Bradley ba
ur holiday
the face of any lady on yo
Fancy located
list! Stop by What’s Your
t in Parksley and let
at 24266 Bennett Stree
m a wide range of gifts
Paula help you select fro
local books, many
including kitchen items,
gifts for the baby
local handcrafted items,
ories. 757-665-5127.
and unique home access
V
Y
Yummy is the only word to describe all
the delicious treats waiting for you at the
Corner Bakery at 36 Market Street in Onancock.
Enjoy delectable sweet potato biscuits, fruitcakes, homemade pies along with as assortment of doughnuts, pastries, eclairs, birthday
and wedding cakes and the best cream puffs on
the Shore! Stop by today. 757-787-4520.
e
w coat from one of th
Zip up a ne
calo
ith
ores! W
three Hospice Thrift St
sk Hall and Exmore, Ho
tions in Onancock, Oa
op
sh
the perfect holiday
pice Thrift Shops are
g
ne on your list, offerin
ping venue for ever yo
lco
, clothing, furniture,
fts
gi
of
ty
rie
va
de
wi
a
and
more! Stop by today
lectibles, jewelry and
ay shopping!
finish up all your holid
Z
W
Wright’s Seafood at 34267 Wright
Road, Wallops Island offers spectacular
waterfront dining and the best seafood around
and a wide variety of menu items to please every palate! A true Eastern Shore tradition for
the holidays, take a break from your busy holiday schedule and enjoy a truly memorable experience today. 757-824-4012
Got a Story Idea?
Send your thoughts and suggestions to:
ency help
Let Staples Insurance Ag
ur options by
you eXamine all of yo
professional service
providing personal and
g staff who will make
by cour teous and carin
best insurance coversure you have the very
s. Give them a
age for your specific need
99 or visit them
call today at 410-546-39
ranceagency.com
online at www.staplesinsu
X
Page 23
Looking for Something Better?
Rarely, if ever, will you hear me say how much I just love a fast
food restaurant. Typically, the service stinks, they mess up your order,
and then act like its your fault, you end up having to pull up and wait
about twenty minutes for your food, frustrated but at least it will be
fresh right? Wrong, I don’t know why they make you pull up to wait,
perhaps, so the fresh food they just cooked can get half cold, dried
out and crusty from sitting under the heat lamp, until they will give it
to you. I mean really, by the time you brought me my food, you could
have gone out and killed the cow, ground the meat, then cooked it, and
yet it still tastes like it was cooked last week and left in the garbage can.
However, there is one exception to this fast food sucks rule. Bojangles
in Onley.
When they were building Bojangles, I was so excited. It has always been a ritual for me when I go across the bay to stop at that
old dingy looking Bojangles on Northampton Blvd for chicken and
biscuits. Yum, my mouth is watering thinking about that place. So
when I saw that they were building one right here on the Shore, I got
terribly excited. But the truth is, the first few months it was open were
somewhat of a disappointment. The chicken didn’t taste quite right.
The biscuits were a little dry, they weren’t quite right either. I went a
few times, and then just started ordering off the breakfast menu. And
then I kind of just stopped going all together. Until one day this past
summer, we were heading out one Sunday for a boat trip, and needed
some chicken to take with us. Well, Shore Stop didn’t have any ready,
and we didn’t feel like going in Fresh Pride, so we figured, well there’s
Bojangles. And boy was I happy that Shore Stop was out and I was
too lazy to go inside Fresh Pride.
Bojangles’ in Onley not only gives you friendly and efficient service, but also
serves up some of the freshest and best food around, a definite favorite of ours.
From the minute we got the food in the car, the smell was overwhelming me. I didn’t realize I was hungry, and all the smells coming
from the bag in my back seat were making me want to naw my arm
off. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore and reached back and got a
biscuit, which I finished before I ever made it to the dock. I ate a
piece of the chicken as soon as I got on the boat, and another piece
when I got to the beach along with a biscuit, and then another when
we got BACK to the dock. There was that Bojangles chicken I had
remembered from that place across the bay. And I have been totally
hooked, again, ever since. It’s just past the Walmart, heading south on
13, sort of away from the hub bub of the shopping centers in Onley.
I like to think that’s because it stands out from the rest. First of all, the
Page 24
by Lennie Bowe
staff is always so friendly. They even joke with you over the speaker
at the menu before you even get to the window. The manager there is
quick to share with you his love of the little restaurant. I went inside
one day, raving over the biscuits, and he told me the next time I came
in to ask for him and tell him I wanted the special biscuit, which he
makes with melted cheese … yum! I remember another time, I was in
the drive through, and when trying to pay for my food, their machine
wouldn’t read my card. There was a scratch on the magnetic strip and
it caused an error when they tried to run it. Well, here I was, already
digging into my food and drinking my orange soda when they slide
the window back open and tell me my card doesn’t work. Ummm, I
don’t usually carry a lot of cash, and as normal, I had about $3 in my
wallet, and my bill was somewhere near $5. The manager poked his
head out and told me not to worry about it and sent me on my way. I
don’t know why, but that struck me as being so nice.
Another thing I think is fabulous is that they serve breakfast all
day. It might seem small and trivial to you, but I love a sausage biscuit
with cheese like a fat kid loves cake, and it is awesome that I can get
one from there, fresh, at 9 at night. Which brings me to another point.
The first time I ordered breakfast from there at night, I had to pull up
and wait quite a while. I was sitting there fuming, thinking the reason it
was taking so long was because they were digging in the dumpster and
pulling something out that they had thrown away this morning to microwave and send me on my way (typical fast food expectation there).
When they came out with my food, I drove away, already knowing my
biscuit was going to be hard and my sausage wouldn’t even appeal to
my dog. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong. When I got home
and pulled it out of the bag, the biscuit was so fresh it practically
melted in my mouth. The sausage was piping hot and the cheese was
melted all down the sides, not crusted orange and stuck to the paper
the sandwich had been wrapped in. So, it really was fresh. Well that
was certainly worth waiting for. And another thing, in all of the times
I have been there, they have never screwed up my order. They once
asked to clarify something when I got to the window, but never have I
ever left there to find something missing, or completely different than
what I had ordered. Overall, it has been an excellent experience.
I think in the beginning, when everything just tasted, not quite
right, they were learning. But now, they definitely know what they are
doing, and Bojangles, in my opinion, is the best. Always fresh, always
delicious, and a staff that actually wants to make you happy rather
than talk to their friends while they don’t even bother to look at what
they stuff in your bag, or look at you when they serve you. So, during
this holiday season, when you’re rushing around Christmas shopping
and just don’t have time to cook dinner, where will you be eating? You
can find me at Bojangles.
Editor’s Note: Like my daughter, I have always known that any trip across the
bay wouldn’t be complete until we had stopped in the old Bojangles’ on the corner
of Northampton and Baker. When I heard that we were going to actually have
one right here, just miles from my house, I was ridiculously excited. Yes, my first
order there wasn’t quite what I remembered. But the second was better, and the
third even better, and now, well, you know what? I no longer feel the need to stop
and buy chicken every time I cross the bay, because our own little restaurant right
here in Onley is now “the best Bojangle’s ever” as my daughter is fond of saying.
The staff quickly learned their way around the kitchen, and their genuinely happy
smiles and pleasant attitudes make each and every trip there rewarding. Their
menu offers an awesome selection, covering everything from sandwiches to their
famous chicken, wonderful biscuits (including their yummy Bo-berry Biscuits) and
fresh, hot breakfast sandwiches served all day. See you there!
Let it Snow, Let it Snow
Eastern Shore Rural Health
A “Healthy Choice” for Everyone
24
and
300
99
mo
FREE
$
Gifts for the
Motorcycle Enthusiast
Cycle Repair & Customization
Fresh Homemade Soups
Clam Fritters &
Turnip Greens
Large Selection of
Christmas Candies
In January with Karen’s Famous Soups!
757-824-5002
4230 Lankford Highway
New Church
North of New Church Scales
1 mile south of Virginia Rest Stop.
For over 34 years, Eastern Shore
Rural Health System, Inc. has been
providing comprehensive, accessible
and affordable, medical and dental
care to the Eastern Shore.
www.esrh.org
The Big C
Couples Retreat
Switch And Save $ 300
in your first year with DISH Network
Over 120 Top Channels
PLUS
Reg. price
$39.99
For 12 months
12-month offer and Free HD require 24-month Agreement
and AutoPay with Paperless Billing.
SHORE ELECTRONICS, INC.
(757) 787-7777
67 MARKET STREET
ONANCOCK, VA 23417
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
shore-electronics.com
Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. If service is terminated before the end of agreement, a cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining
will apply. Programming credits will apply during the first 12 months. $10/mo. HD add-on fee waived for life of current account requires 24-month Agreement and AutoPay with Papreless
Billing. HBO/Showtime offer requires AutoPay with Paperless Billing; credits apply during the first 3 months ($72 value); customer must downgrade or then-current price will apply.
Must maintain continuous enrollment in AutoPay and Paperless Billing. Free Standard Professional Installation only. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH Network upon
cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 6 leased tuners per account; lease upgrade fees will apply for select receivers; monthly fees may apply based on type and number
of receivers. HD programming requires HD television. All prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Local channels may not be available in all areas. Offer is
subject to the terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer Agreements. Additional restrictions may apply. First-time DISH Network customers only. Offer ends 1/31/11. HBO®
and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME and related marks are registered trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company.
SLICKS1860
Like the rest of the Shore, the little town of Parksley was breathtaking
as we watched the snow cover the landscape with a glistening, fresh
blanket of beauty. Here, the railroad cars, part of Parksley’s Railroad
Museum are pictured in simple contrast to the majestic splendor cast
by Mother Nature. We thoroughly enjoyed the pictures and stories
sent in from our readers as they shared with us their experiences during last winter’s big snow storm, and hope that as we go into the New
Year, more and more of you will continue to write us and send in
photographs and stories.
Atlantic Community Health Center
757-824-5676
Bayview Community Health Center
757-331-1086
Chincoteague Island Community Health Center
757-336-3682
Franktown Community Health Center (with dental)
757-442-4819
Onley Community Health Center
757-787-7374
ESRHS Metompkin Elementary School Dental
757-665-1159
ESRHS Pungoteague Elementary School Dental
757-789-7777
Page 25
Dining in Accomack
Mallards Sidewalk Cafe
(757) 787-7321
Accomac, VA
Sugar Shack
(757) 787-2273
Tasley, VA
Burger King
(757) 787-1896
Onley, VA
Bojangles
(757)78-3300
Onley, VA
Hardee’s
(757) 787-8947
Onley, VA
Subway Sandwiches & Salads
(757) 787-1151
Onley, VA
(757) 336-2480
Chincoteague, VA
Dragon House Restaurant
(757) 789-7779
Onley, VA
Pizza Hut
(757) 787-3800
Onley, VA
(757) 824-5689
New Church, VA
Sorrentino’s Subs Etc
(757) 787-4777
Onley, VA
Los Tejones Restaurant
(757) 787-7445
Onley, VA
Mc Donald’s
(757) 787-7888
Onley, VA
(757) 336-3644
Chincoteague, VA
Sage Diner
(757)787-9341
Onley, VA
Sunrise Restaurant Bar & Grill
(757) 302-1275
Onley, VA
Starlight Pizzeria
(757) 787-7791
Onley, VA
Wendy’s
(757) 787-8598
Onley, VA
Inn & Garden Cafe Inc
(757) 787-8850
Onancock, VA
Placa Garibaldi Rstrnt & Store
(757) 665-1296
Parksley, VA
Blarney Stone Pub
(757) 302-0300
Onancock, VA
Flamenco
(757) 787-7780
Onancock, VA
Bizzotto’s Gallery-Cafe
(757) 787-3103
Onancock, VA
Becca’s
757-789-3686
Tasley, VA
Corner Bakery
(757) 787-4520
Onancock, VA
(757) 824-0094
Oak Hall, VA
Scoops Ice Cream Shoppe
757-787-3239
Onancock, VA
Ray’s Shanty
(757) 824-3429
New Church, VA
Parksley Taqueria
(757) 665-7826
Parksley, VA
Ocean Deli
(757) 824-4111
Wallops Island, VA
Mallards At The Wharf
(757) 787-8558
Onancock, VA
Island House Restaurant
(757) 787-4242
Wachapreague, VA
Club Car Cafe
(757) 665-7822
Parksley, VA
Tammy & Johnny’s
(757) 787-1122
Melfa, VA
Metompkin Seafood
(757)824-0503
Mappsville, VA
Stuckey’s Southern Grille
(757) 824-3616
Mappsville, VA
Annie’s Restaurant
(757) 665-4990
Parksley, VA
Parksley Family Restaurant
(757) 665-7450
Parksley, VA
Lorraine’s Snack Bar
(757) 891-2225
Tangier, VA
Double Six
(757) 891-2410
Tangier, VA
Mr. Baldy’s Family Restaurant
(757) 336-1198
Chincoteague, VA
Chincoteague Inn
(757) 336-6800
Chincoteague, VA
Mullers Old Fashioned Ice
Cream
(757) 336-5894
Chincoteague, VA
Mister Whippy
(757) 336-5122
Chincoteague, VA
Martha’s Kitchen
(757) 709-1658
Saxis, VA
Don Valerios
(757)336-5715
Chincoteague, VA
Wolff’s Sandwich Shoppe
(757) 824-6466
Atlantic, VA
Bill’s Seafood Restaurant
(757) 336-5831
Chincoteague, VA
Wright’s Seafood Restaurant
(757) 824-4012
Atlantic, VA
Don’s Seafood Market & Rstrnt
(757) 336-5715
Chincoteague, VA
Great Wall
(757) 854-4558
Oak Hall, VA
Sea Star Cafe
(757) 336-5442
Chincoteague, VA
Sonic Drive-In
(757) 824-5500
Oak Hall, VA
Page 26
Hilda Crockett’s Chesapeake Hs
(757) 891-2331
Tangier, VA
Main Street Shop Coffeehouse
(757) 336-6782
Chincoteague, VA
Big’s Place
(757) 442-5535
Painter, VA
Maria’s Restaurant & Pizza
(757) 336-5040
Chincoteague, VA
Island Creamery Ice Cream
(757) 336-6236
Chincoteague, VA
Village Restaurant
(757) 336-5120
Chincoteague, VA
Great Wall 2
(757) 336-5529
Chincoteague, VA
Famous Pizza & Sub Shoppe
(757) 336-3301
Chincoteague, VA
Captain Zack’s Seafood
(757) 336-3788
Chincoteague, VA
A J’s On The Creek Restaurant
(757) 336-5888
Chincoteague, VA
Ledo’s Pizza
(757) 336-6597
Chincoteague, VA
Great Wall
(757) 854-4558
Chincoteague, VA
• Sweet Potato Biscuits
• Homemade Fudge
• Shrimp or Egg Salad
• Roast Beef Wraps
• Custom Cheesecakes
• Homemade Soups
• Chicken Salad
• Unique Gifts & Local Art
757-789-3686
Rt. 13 Tasley
of 2009
Restaurant
Let Us Take Care of all Your Holiday Baking!
• Holiday Cookies & Fruitcakes
• Sweet Potato Biscuits
• Cream Puffs & Eclairs
• Doughnuts, Pastries & Pies
• Best Coffee in Town
• Wedding Cakes
• Birthday Cakes
• Much, much more!
We can now print pictures on your cake!
Place Your
Orders Early for
the Holidays!
Mon - Fri
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat
7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
757-787-4520
cornerbakery@verizon.net
36 Market Street • Onancock, VA
Fine Dining
for the
Holidays
Commemorate the holiday
season with distinction and taste.
Annie’s Restaurant’s unique
casually elegant ambiance,
masterful gourmet dishes and
friendly staff combine for an
unforgettable experience.
Ask us about hosting
your holiday parties!
Wednesday Country Buffet
Thursday Italian Buffet
Sunday Buffet
Lunch Buffet every
Wednesday, Thursday &
Friday
757-665-4990
24256 Bennett St • Parksley
Page 27
A Few Cures for the Winter Doldrums
Every year as summer winds down, the days get shorter, cooler.
The leaves die on the trees and cover our yards, the boats are put
up for the winter (except for those belonging to the avid fisherman
ready for a big rock fish), and we all go into a sort of hibernation for
the winter. We complain that there is nothing to do on the Shore
in the winter, it’s boring, and we all long for the warm days of summer to come again. I know the feeling well, winter, with those long,
cold nights, and short, cold days, well, it’s depressing. Boys and girls,
cheer up, because believe it or not, there are lots of things to do on
the Shore during the winter. We are lucky to have organizations like
Arts Enter in Cape Charles, the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical
Society, and Eastern Shore’s Own Art Center (just a few that come to
mind) that host a plethora of activities and events to stimulate your
mind, entertain you, and thrill you!
Arts Enter in Cape Charles offers so many things to do for all
ages it’s hard to even keep them straight. They offer classes in music,
from singing to playing all kinds of different instruments, that are
structured for all different ages as well as experience levels. You can
take classes in drama and theater, ballet, modern dance, tap, and star
in some of the productions they put on throughout the year. You can
learn how to draw, paint, sculpt clay, the possibilities are endless. They
even have a fitness trainer for those of you that want to get in shape
but are nervous about those large exercise classes (like me, I’m afraid I
won’t be able to keep up and will make a fool out myself). And that’s
just the beginning, just a few of the things you can learn to do at Arts
Enter. They host symphonies and orchestras, put on plays and shows.
It’s like the Eastern Shore’s mini Broadway. No matter what age, or
gender, there is always something going on there that will amuse even
the grumpiest old scrooge. One of the really neat things about these
events is that they are held in the historic Palace Theatre, an Art Deco
theatre built in 1947 as a movie house. It was considered one of the
finest movie houses on the east coast, and it has been beautifully and
lovingly restored. It is truly a wonderful experience in itself just to
walk through the doors. For those of you dreading Valentine’s Day,
why not treat yourself to a class learning how to do or make something beautiful? I remember one year in college, a few friends and I
who were single got together and went to a pottery painting shop for
the evening and painted little bowls or plates for each other. Even
though they weren’t masterpieces by any standard, that is one of the
fondest Valentine’s Day memories I have, and I display the little bowl
that my best friend Kendall made me that day proudly in my china
cabinet. I painted a rice bowl (with chop sticks and all) for her, and
also painted a deviled egg dish for my mom. It was so fun to paint
those things, and every time I see that bowl, or that plate I made for
my mom, it brings back such good memories. A few of the things
Arts Enter is doing this year include the Christmas Spectacular by the
Arts Enter School of Dance on Dec 11 and 12. Director Christina
Hardy has choreographed a beautiful blend of modern and classical
dance in a presentation of the nativity. The Party at the Palace is a free
event that includes a pot luck dinner, drinks and music, and even shopping opportunities featuring works of art and jewelry from local artists held in the Palace Theatre and the Stage Door Gallery. In January
and February they will be screening a film, The Clam Digger’s Daughter which was filmed in and around Cape Charles. They will have
musical tributes to Elvis, Patsy Cline, and Brenda Lee in “Ladies and
the King.” Another musical tribute for Michael Jackson, “A Tribute
to Michael Jackson - Hurrah Players” takes place in February. There
are even more events planned by Arts Enter, and the cost ranges from
Page 28
by Lennie Bowe
free to about $15. The entertainment and memories made there are
unparalleled, and you are really missing out if you don’t check out all
that they have to offer. For more information about the programs offered through Arts Enter in Cape Charles, please visit their website at
www.artentercapecharles.org. There you will find an amazing website
offering a history of the organization, the Palace Theatre, schedule of
events and classes, registration forms, payment options. You can even
rent the theatre and the costumes for your own use!
ESO presents a “Swing” Nutcracker Ballet this December, one of the many exciting activities you can enjoy during the long winter months on the Shorre.
If Cape Charles is just too far away this winter, don’t forget the
Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society at Ker Place in Onancock.
Their calendar of events is jammed full of exciting events and activities all year long too. On December 11 from 2 to 6 they have a holiday
open house, “Holiday Celebration with History.” During this time
you can enjoy the holidays the old fashioned way. There is gospel
music, holiday refreshments, and games and fun for the whole family.
In January they are hosting a lecture series by local historian Dennis
Custis, an event that is always sold out, and I can tell you from first
hand knowledge, it is fascinating, and funny, and you learn something
too! On February 26, bring the little ones out and enjoy the “Teddy
Bear Tea” from 3 to 5. You and the kids can enjoy tasty treats, games,
entertainment, and story telling in beautiful historic Ker Place. There
truly is no better place for a Tea Party than the parlor in that house.
While you are there, make sure to ask about the recent Archaeology
project that was completed there this year. The friendly staff and volunteers there are always excited to talk about everything they are doing
and planning. Ker Place is also available for rentals for receptions,
wedding, and special events. For more information on Ker Place and
the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society, please visit www.kerplace.org or call 757-787-8012 for more information.
If none of these things sounds interesting, don’t forget about
Eastern Shore’s Own Art Center located in Belle Haven. One of my
favorite holiday traditions is watching the Nutcracker Ballet. Luckily
for me, one of ESO’s favorite traditions is producing the Nutcracker
Ballet every December! This year, it will be held on December 17, 18,
and 19, and it’s the 20th anniversary! On January 15, enjoy the music
of local musician (and chef) Johnny Mo, as part of the Caberet Series.
ESO also offers instruction in all areas of the arts for all ages and talent levels. This includes sculpting, painting, drawing, dancing, playing
an instrument, singing, acting, even a paper mache class. The possiShore Secrets Winter 2010 - 2011
bilities are endless at ESO for learning a new skill, or finely tuning another one. They offer many classes for kids and adults alike. Some of
the kids classes are tailored for those children receiving a home school
education in need of arts credits. Some of the kids classes include, but
are by no means limited to: ballet, pottery and sculpture, home school
art, tap dancing, Mama Girl Papier Mache Workshops, and so much
more. For Mom and Dad (and everyone else) you can take a creative
writing class, ballroom dancing, sculpture and pottery, oil painting,
drawing, tap dancing, and again, so very much more. The adult classes
start at $20 and up and some even include materials. Children’s classes
start at $20 and up also, and some of them include materials as well.
For more information, to see a complete list of events and programs
at ESO visit www.esoartscenter.org or call 757-442-3226.
And of course we can’t forget ACE’s and all the many events they
have planned. From performances by the Virginia Symphony, to the
Bowen McCauley Dance, Barbara Martin Music and much more. This
year, ACES is celebrating their 30th anniversary, and the Shore will
certainly be able to reap the rewards. www.acesva.org.
As you can see, there is plenty happening on the Eastern Shore
in the winter! Admission to many of these events is free, and the fee
for others is very affordable. All of these organizations are not-forprofit organizations that strive to bring to the shore education, fine
and performing arts, and entertainment, and are staffed mainly with
volunteers. If you are looking for something to do, please call one
or all of them and donate some of your time to help a very worthy
cause. They are all always looking for volunteers, and it is such a fun
experience to be involved with all of the events these organizations
orchestrate. So readers, you don’t need to hibernate during the winter.
The Shore most definitely does not slow down or “die” as I have often
heard. Get out there and enjoy all of the things going on, and support
our local artists!
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Page 29
Page 30
Page 31
Mom, I Wasn’t Trying to be Bad, I Promise
There’s absolutely nothing cuter than a kitten tugging at the
curling ribbon that so beautifully adorns those packages under the
tree. But let share with you a little story that became our own personal
reality a couple years back.
You all know that my lovely daughter and I are huge pet lovers.
So I am sure it also comes as no surprise to you that we have always
had a houseful of pets. At one time, we even entertained the idea of
breeding Persians, but as I am sure you have probably guessed, once
those fluffy little balls of joy entered our household, well, the thought
of selling them was unheard of. This of course explains how we came
to end up with Mr. Rhett.
Mr. Rhett and his sister Scarlett were born on Memorial Day,
2003. From the beginning, Mr. Rhett was a handful, in fact, our first
introduction to him consisted of us finding him at oh maybe four
hours old, and his welcome to us was this ridiculous sounding long
drawn out hiss that I wasn’t even aware something so small could
make. From that point on, it’s pretty much gone downhill.
I had made up my mind we had more than enough animals. At
that point, we still had Mr. Rhett’s daddy, Gizmo; his Mom, Raja; my
own personal shadow (and Mr. Rhett’s uncle) Potamus; and his sister,
Cockapus (she had a ridiculous tuft of hair on her head of gray white
and orange that made her look more like a cockatiel than a cat – so
she became our cockatiel puss). And so, I had told Lennie these latest
two additions had to go, period, and no matter how hard she begged,
pleaded and shed millions of tears, there would be no argument. Well,
never let it be said that cats cannot understand the chatter of mere
humans. At about two months of age, literally on the exact same day I
had located someone interested in purchasing these two very beautiful
kittens, I suddenly heard a thump and then looked up to see Mr. Rhett
limping pitifully into the room where he very dramatically collapsed
beside my chair. And of course, as I am sure you have surmised,
my heart immediately broke at this tiny little creature, so miserably
limping around, that I instantly decided there was no way I could live
without him. Never mind the fact that all he had done was to trip
racing up the stairs and we all know there is just no way that a cat, of
all creatures, could have possibly hurt himself doing something so
simple. So yes, not only do they understand us, they are quite smart
enough to manipulate us into doing their bidding.
Ah, but that was just the beginning of his antics because you see,
Christmas was just around the corner.
Every Christmas, I race to the Dollar Store in search of as many
rolls of dollar wrapping paper as I can find. The people on my Christmas
list are fortunate if a gift is wrapped at all given my sad lack of ability
to make any package attractive; I simply stink at gift wrapping, and
even aside from that, it’s all going to be thrown away two minutes after
it’s torn into, so I’ve never really seen the point. But my family, well
that’s another matter. My sister and both of her children seemed to
have had a flair for this talent. Their gifts always stood out as the most
beautiful, downright majestic looking presents under the tree. Foil or
velvet accents often adorn the paper, and each gift is magnificently
set off with the most wondrous bows or ribbons. And of course, this
year was no exception. Many of these exquisite decorations I would
save; a particularly beautiful bow that I would tell myself I would use
next year (which naturally I could never seem to find when I needed)
or some trinket they had lovingly tied to the ribbon, which I would
hang on our tree in the following years. Naturally, things like torn
wrapping paper, ribbon and the yards and yards of brightly colored
curling ribbon always found its way into our trash.
Page 32
It was actually a few days after Christmas. My daughter and I
were upstairs; we had decided to pop in a movie and just have a girls
night at home, enjoying some peace and quiet after the hectic holidays.
It was late, well after midnight, as we got ready to cut out the lights
and call it a night. As I walked towards the door of the room, I could
hear Mr. Rhett bounding up the stairs. He had always been quite
the vocal little youngster, making sure he announced his presence so
that you could regally acknowledge his entrance into the room. As he
rounded the corner just as I was getting ready to switch off the light,
my daughter interrupted my mission by simply asking “What does Mr.
Rhett have in his mouth?”
Bending down to pick him up, there was a good six inches of
shiny red curling ribbon hanging out of his mouth. You could easily
tell it was annoying him, as he pawed at his mouth constantly, fussing
at us the whole time as if this were somehow our fault. I grasped the
end of the ribbon, thinking I would just remove it from his mouth, but
when I gave it a tug, it didn’t budge, there was just no give whatsoever
in however much of this ribbon he had managed to ingest. I took
him over to the bed and handed him to Lennie, hoping she would be
able to figure out what to do. But after gently tugging and twisting a
few times and seeing the distress this caused Mr. Rhett, we gave up.
Understanding that our options were limited at one in the morning,
we looked up the telephone number for the emergency animal clinic.
Unfortunately, life was not going to be that easy. The very nice
voice on the other end of our phone informed me that this was a very
serious problem, and needed to be dealt with immediately, or we may
very possibly end up losing the little fellow. And as luck would have it,
the small emergency clinic in the town where we lived was not set up
to handle such an emergency. She quickly gave us the number for an
emergency veterinarian in Washington DC, and again cautioned us to
not delay in getting him up there. Mr. Rhett was getting more frantic
by the moment, he was not in the least impressed with this length
of ribbon hanging out of his mouth, and he pawed and chewed at it
constantly. Before we hung up, I asked the technician if it would be
okay to cut the ribbon off so he wouldn’t be so uncomfortable, and
her answer was a harsh and resounding “NO! They will need the ribbon
intact in order to evaluate the problem.” Unfortunately, before I even hung
up the phone, Mr. Rhett had succeeded in chewing the ribbon in half
and quickly swallowing the tiny portion left in his mouth.
Hearing just how serious a problem this was, my daughter chose
this exact moment to lapse into hysteria. Crying, clutching her beloved
Mr. Rhett close to her, she insisted that I had to make the telephone
calls, she just couldn’t handle it. So having little choice, I immediately
telephoned the emergency clinic in DC.
The tech at that facility was a little more helpful and a lot more
encouraging. When he learned that we lived almost an hour and a half
away, he suggested that my daughter and I take turns throughout the
night monitoring Mr. Rhett to ensure that he wasn’t showing signs
of distress and as soon as our local vet opened in the morning, we
could take him in. In the meantime, we were to watch careful for signs
of abdominal discomfort, pain, vomiting or any other unusual signs.
My daughter quickly volunteered to take the first watch since she was
so worried about that little black and white ball of badness that she
wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway. In fact, when she did some two
hours later decide that she needed to sleep and woke me up to tell me
it was my turn to sit with Mr. Rhett, she was still so upset that we both
ended up sitting there staring at this cat and trying, in vain I might add,
to keep him quiet and still.
After what seemed an interminable night, seven AM arrived and
we were finally on our way to our vet’s office. Naturally of course the
first question was “How much did he eat?” Well, how were we supposed
to know? Obviously if we had known he was eating it in the first place
we would have stopped him, so we hadn’t seen a before and after
sampling. We did figure out where he had found the stuff, my niece
had been our last Christmas visitor, and rather than sitting under the
tree, we had been relaxing in the sun parlor when she arrived, which
is where we exchanged gifts. The wrapping paper had been placed
in the small trashcan beside the sofa which we rarely ever used, so
consequently, it was the only wrapping paper left in the house at that
point. And so we had described the gift and its wrappings, hoping that
would help.
Mr. Rhett getting a treat as he recovers from his surgery after he ingested over
three feet of Christmas curling ribbon.
First there were x-rays. In truth, when all was said and done and we
were presented with the bill, there had been seventeen x-rays. As our
luck seems to run however, they were of little value. Then there were
numerous doses of barium, given to induce him to pass the offending
ribbon on his own. But of course he didn’t, which concerned the
doctor since she seemed to feel it may have become wrapped around
his intestine. So naturally, the next step was emergency surgery. As they
took poor Mr. Rhett off to the back to be prepped for his ordeal, they
assured us they would call us if there were any problems, and if not,
then they would give us a call when it was over and let us know when
we could come pick up the little angel. (yes, apply sarcasm here)
So when the phone rang an hour later, we anxiously picked it
up expecting good news. But the moment I saw the tears spilling
down Lennie’s cheeks, I knew this wasn’t exactly the phone call I had
been anticipating. It seems that as they were getting Mr. Rhett ready
for his surgery, they had discovered a heart murmur, a pretty severe
heart murmur actually, a stage 4, and they wanted to let us know
that the anesthesia alone may kill him. They also wanted to suggest
that although he was still a tad bit young, if we had plans to neuter
him, now would be the time, since the doctor said she would not be
comfortable administering anesthesia to him, ever again, the risks
were just too great.
The day passed so slowly it was physically painful. Finally,
mercifully, we received the call from our vet, telling us Mr. Rhett was
doing well, and we could come up and get him. They informed us that
they had extracted over three feet of the offending ribbon from his
little stomach, a reminder that we still have saved even today in a little
ziplock bag carefully marked “Mr. Rhett.”
Once we arrived, they took us back to visit with him, and though
groggy, he was definitely back to himself, fussing at us the minute he
saw us and struggling to get away from the woman holding him and
into my daughter’s arms. After we had talked with the technician for a
few moments, they took him back to get him ready to be released and
Lennie and I went out front to settle the bill.
Standing at the counter, the receptionist chatted away happily
as she added in all the various procedures that had been performed,
medications, x-rays, and general care. Then suddenly, a strange look
crossed her face and turning to us she said “Just a moment, I need to
ask the doctor a question before I finish this up.” When she returned to the
counter, the vet was with her and the two of them carefully studied
the screen. Finally, the vet asked her to print out a copy of the bill so
that she could review it. Not quite understanding what was going on
and being anxious to just get this paid and take Mr. Rhett home so we
could finally get some sleep, I asked her what the problem was. “Oh
I’m just trying to figure out what we can do here, the bill is a little high and I
wanted to see if there was any way we could knock it down a little for you.” That
impressed me, not many people would try to save you money like that.
Still being unprepared for what I was about to hear, I innocently asked
“Well, how high is a little high?” I literally had to sit down when she very
casually responded “Thirty eight hundred dollars.”
Fortunately for us, we really did have not only an excellent, but
also a very compassionate vet. Of the seventeen x-rays, we were
only charged for six. Only one of the three barium enemas made its
way to our final bill, and many other procedures were either greatly
reduced, or removed all together. But no matter what she did, the bill
remained in excess of two thousand dollars. Finally, turning to Lennie
she said “Are you in school?” Confused as to what that had to do with
anything, my daughter responded that yes, she went to college locally.
Immediately, the vet started smiling broadly “Great, then if you will agree
to come in and help out, maybe work twenty hours a week after your classes, then
I can also give you the employee discount. That will bring the bill down to fifteen
hundred. We pay seven dollars an hour, you can start Monday.” And with that,
my daughter found herself with a new job (which she loved by the
way), and we were finally on the way home with a healthy and very
complacent Mr. Rhett.
Today, Mr. Rhett is still getting into badness every opportunity he
gets. Of course he knows better, but he seems determined to push
his nine lives to their max. However, we had a little conversation with
him just the other day, and he told us that he wanted to try and make
up for some of the worry and grief he has put us through. And so, he
asked us to please share with our readers his own personal tips for a
safe and happy holiday with your pets.(see page 33) In the meantime,
we hope each of you have a wonderful holiday season, enriched by the
love of some very special furry friends.
Sailor says come on down to
Eastern Shore Pets
and stock up on all of
your pet supplies for
the Holidays!
757-787-1462
Four Corner Plaza, Onley
Page 33
Mr. Rhett’s Holiday
Safety Tips for Pets
• People food is for people! Of course you want to give us a taste of your special holiday
foods, but please remember a few very simple guidelines. Bones can hurt us, particularly
turkey bones which splinter easily. Those yummy salt country hams have way too much
salt for us and can make us really, really sick. And no matter how much we beg, please
remember that chocolate can kill both dogs and cats! And if you choose to have something
to drink, that’s fine, but please remember our bodies are much tinier than yours and can’t
handle the effects of alcohol, not even small amounts.
• Holiday plants are really pretty, but remember that we are naturally curious, and sometimes we taste things just to learn more about them! Lots of holiday plants are bad or even
lethal to us, plants like mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettias are the worst. Even drinking
water from your tree can cause problems. Suppose a pine needle gets lodged in my throat?
At the very least I will get sick, but I could actually die, too!
• While we’re talking about food, please also remember to throw away all the wrappers from
your holiday candies. We love to play with that brightly colored foil, and if we accidentally
swallow some when we pounce on it, you and I are both going to spend our holidays at the
Veterinarian’s office!
• Christmas decorations sure are pretty. In fact, they’re so pretty that we don’t want to get
left out, so we try our best to play with them! Put all breakable ornaments high up on your
tree so that we won’t cut our mouths if we accidentally break one (not to mention made you
mad at us for breaking Grandma’s ornament!), and things like silver tinsel and curling ribbon (boy I never want to go through THAT again) can get wrapped around our intestines and
kill us. Angel hair is made of spun glass and can cut the inside of our stomachs up so badly
we can bleed to death internally. And I don’t guess I have to tell you what can happen if we
accidentally eat one of those metal ornament hangers, ouch, it could kill us too! And make
sure you secure your Christmas tree. Don’t forget too that we aren’t always looking behind
us as we walk around, so a lit candle can be deadly if our tail accidentally swooshes through
it. Cats like me really like to climb, and we could get hurt pretty badly if it falls over on top
of us. Oh, and before I forget, please carefully tack down all electrical extension cords. Not
only can we bite through them and get hurt, but we can get accidentally tangled in them and
pull everything crashing to the floor!
• We know we’re cute; you really don’t need to try and make us cuter by tying ribbons
around our necks. It’s annoying and as we try to paw it off, it can tighten and actually cause
us to choke to death. Some of those silly costumes you humans like to put us in can be
dangerous too, particularly if they use rubber bands to secure a part of the costume to us.
So how about you just let us be adorable without dressing us up like you?
• And believe me, we are well aware of the fact that you’re getting ready to have what feels
like 912 people come and visit you. Can you please remember that these are your friends
not ours and sometimes we just get plain tired and want to be left alone? Maybe you could
set aside a room where we can go to rest a little where Auntie Martha and her ten annoying
little kids won’t come and paw at me for three hours! Stress can make all of us do some
mean things and if I don’t get some quiet time, I might just get angry or fussy and scratch or
bite someone that I promise I really wouldn’t ever, ever do under normal circumstances!
• And last but so very important, if you want to give someone you know a dog or a cat for
Christmas, please, please ask them first if it’s okay. I know that kind of spoils your whole
surprise, but a friend of mine at the animal shelter was telling me that every year hundreds
of pets are turned in during January by people who received them as gifts and just didn’t
want us or the responsibility involved. It makes me so sad to have so many of my friends
cooped up in cages there and not getting the love they deserve, so please make sure we’re
really wanted so you don’t end up just breaking our hearts down the road.
Page 34
Yes Santa,
e
t
u
C
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’r
e
W
w
o
n
K
e
W
Our names are Bill, Nancy
and Dierks and we are all 7 months old. We’ve had all of our
shots, have been spayed and neutered, and are litter trained,
too. We really are just as purrrrfect as we can be! We love to
play, but our favorite thing in the whole world is a nice lap that
we can curl up in. Everyone around here is busy making plans
for something they called Christmas and talking about being with
their families, but we’re not really sure what that’s all about since
we don’t have a family to love. Sure wish this person they call
Santa could find someone to love us! Ad provided courtesy of Shore Secrets Magazine.
SPCA-Eastern Shore
26528 Lankford Highway • Onley • 757-787-7385
All I Want
For
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is You!
Ad provided courtesy of
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My name is Spuds, and I am a 2 year
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the whole world is being able to show you how much I love you, in fact,
I love everyone and everything, even my kennel mates and those fluffy
things that they call cats! The lady who came by to take my picture
said I was just a big ol’ goof ball, and I think she’s right, because I love
to make people happy! I’ve been spayed and am up to date on all my
shots, too, so see, I really am all ready to go home with you! About a
year ago, I had eleven babies, but they’ve been all adopted, so now it’s
just me here, and I get so lonely. I sure wish someone could love me, I’m
really such a good girl. But just maybe Santa can find me a family for
Christmas! Can you help him please? I promise to love you forever and
ever if you do!!
SPCA-Eastern Shore
26528 Lankford Highway • Onley • 757-787-7385
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Page 35
Needles in the Haystack
This Month’s email Forwards
Playing From the Heart
This teenager lived alone with his father, and
the two of them had a very special relationship.
Even though the son was always on the bench,
his father was always in the stands cheering. He
never missed a game. This young man was still
the smallest of the class when he entered high
school. But his father continued to encourage
him but also made it very clear that he did not
have to play football if he didn’t want to. But the young man loved
football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his
best at every practice, and perhaps he’d get to play when he became a
senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game,
but remained a bench. His faithful father was always in the stands,
always with words of encouragement for him.
When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for
the football team as a “walk-on.” Everyone was sure he could never
make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on
the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice,
and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and
hustle they badly needed.
The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that
he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared
his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games.
This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four
years at college, but he never got to play in the game. It was the end
of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field
shortly before the big play off game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent.
Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, “My father died this morning.
Is it all right if I miss practice today?” The coach put his arm gently around
his shoulder and said, “Take the rest of the week off, son. And don’t even plan
to come back to the game on Saturday.”
In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put
on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his
players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon.
“Coach, please let me play. I’ve just go to play today,” said the young man.
The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted
his worst player in this close. Feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave
in. “All right,” he said. “You can go in.” Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little
unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right.
The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked
and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon
tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass
and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose.
His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you’ve
never heard! Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had
showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that the young
man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him
and said, “Kid, I can’t believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you?
How did you do it?” He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and
said, “Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?”
The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, “Dad came to all my
games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him
I could do it!”
Page 36
Doing Your Part
A blonde finds herself in serious trouble.
Her business has gone bust and she’s in dire financial straits. She’s
so desperate that she decides to ask God for help. She begins to
pray...”God, please help me. I’ve lost my business and if I don’t get some money,
I’m going to lose my house as well. Please let me win the
$
$
Lotto.”
Lotto night comes, and somebody else wins it.
She again prays...”God, please let me win the Lotto! I’ve
lost my business, my house and I’m going to lose my car as
well.”
Lotto night comes and she still has no luck.
Once again, she prays...”My God, why have You forsaken
me? I’ve lost my business, my house, and my car. My children
are starving. I don’t often ask You for help, and I have always been a good servant
to You. PLEASE let me win the Lotto just this one time so I can get my life back
in order.”
Suddenly there is a blinding flash of light as the heavens open.
The blonde is overwhelmed by the Voice of God Himself...”Sweetheart,
work with Me on this... Buy a ticket”
The Real Meaning of Education
The first day of school our professor introduced himself and
challenged us to get to know someone we didn’t already know. I stood
up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.
I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at
me with a smile that that lit up her entire being.
She said, “Hi, handsome. My name is Rose. I’m eighty-seven years
old. Can I give you a hug?” I laughed and enthusiastically responded,
“Of course you may!” and she gave me a giant squeeze.
“Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?” I asked.
She jokingly replied, “I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married,
have a couple of children, and then retire and travel.”
“No seriously,” I asked. I was curious what may
have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.
“I always dreamed of having a college education and now I’m getting one!” she told me.
After class we walked to the student union
building and share a chocolate milkshake. We
became instant friends. Every day for the next
three months we would leave class together
and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this “time machine” as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.
Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she
easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she
reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students.
She was living it up.
At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I’ll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced
and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared
speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated
and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply
said, “I’m sorry I’m so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey
is killing me! I’ll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell
you what I know.”
As we laughed she cleared her throat and began: “We do not
stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.
There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. “You have to laugh and find humor every day. You’ve got
to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so
many people walking around who are dead and don’t even know it!”
“There is a huge difference between growing older and growing
up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and
don’t do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am
eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything
I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take
any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change.”
“Have no regrets. The elderly usually don’t have regrets for what
we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear
death are those with regrets.”
She concluded her speech by courageously singing The Rose. She
challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily
lives. At the years end Rose finished the college degree she had begun
all those years ago.
One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.
Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it’s never too
late to be all you can possibly be.
Definition of Speed
Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging of
how great their fathers are.
The first one says:”Well, my father runs the fastest.
He can fire an arrow, and start to run, I tell you, he gets
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there before the arrow”.
The second one says:”Ha! You think that’s fast! My father is a hunter. He
can shoot his gun and be there before the bullet”.
The third one listens to the other two and shakes his head. He then
says:”You two know nothing about fast. My father works for the government. He
stops working at 4:30 and he is home by 3:45!”
Reindeer
According to the Alaskan Department of Fish
and game, while both male and female reindeer grow
antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop
their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late
November to mid December. Female reindeer retain
their antlers ‘till after they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa’s reindeer, every single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen had
to be a girl.
We should’ve known! Only women would be able to drag a fat
man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night, and NOT
GET LOST!
Looking for the latest Shore Secrets?
Can’t find a copy of Shore Secrets
at your favorite store?
Please tell them to call us and find
out how they can get copies!
And please remember that Shore
Secrets is solely supported by our
advertisers. Make sure you pay
them a visit, and thank them for being
part of the Shore Secrets family!
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Parksley, VA 23421 Onancock, VA 23417
757-665-5200
757-787-3500
Free Prescription Delivery Service
Store Hours:
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Saturday - 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
After Hours Emergencies
call 757-787-3784
Page 37
Like Father, Like Son
And Other Gifts We Need to Take the Time to be Thankful For
by Herm Rawlings
March 22, 1961: The ship was being tossed like a cork in the sea.
The large, violent waves seem to hit the small and old but still capable
Coast Guard Cutter from every angle. The General Emergency alarm
had been sounded after the last round of crashing picked up the aging 205 foot cutter and dropped her downward as if a large hand had
total control of the ships fate. The young Third Class Petty Officer
had arrived at his emergency station which, unfortunately for him,
was located in the after steering compartment where every movement
of the ship was amplified like being in the end car of a mind-bending roller coaster. He had gotten there fairly quickly as he was in the
crews head with a few other crewmembers exhaustingly watching the
remains of the afternoon meal being sucked down into the ships sewage system. It usually took the Second Class Petty Officer who shared
the emergency location a few minutes to join him as he had to navigate
the ships passages from the engine room. Without warning, the young
Coastie felt the ship rise up again. Knowing it was going to be a rough
ride, he grabbed onto one of the pipes rising from the deck to try
and steady himself, preparing for the inevitable drop that would arrive
in seconds. The tremendous crash of the old ships stern hitting the
ocean jerked his hand from the pipe and sent him reeling around the
compartment in almost a drunken like stagger. Unable to control his
balance, he lost his footing and fell, hitting his head on an unknown
object and causing a terrifying blackness to suddenly overtake his consciousness.
Things we take for granted, like watching our children grow up or spending the
holidays with our families, are things that our military men and women recignize as some of life’s greatest blessings.
When he came to, and after shaking the proverbial cobwebs from
his head, the first thing he noticed was the overwhelming calmness of
the ride. He gingerly made his was out of the compartment and began
looking around to see if everyone and everything was alright following the rough treatment they all had just received at the hands of King
Neptune. But as he ventured further into the ship, one thing became
increasingly evident. He was alone. Cautiously, he traversed through
the berthing areas and mess deck hoping to find someone or something that would offer an explanation. Arriving on the bridge of the
vessel, his level of confusion increased because everything appeared
to still be in normal order (normal order with the exception of being
the sole crewmember onboard). The engines were running as were
Page 38
the various electronics located around the ships control center. Grabbing a microphone from one of the numerous radio sets, the young
seaman squeezed the mic and called for help. No response came from
the static filled speakers strategically arranged around the bridge. He
switched from channel to channel repeating the effort, to no avail.
“What the hell is going on?” he thought to himself. “Somebody’s got
to be out there.” He went over to the chart table and examined the
layout of the plotted course the ship was on prior to the storm. Picking up a pencil that had been rolling back and forth in time with the
gentle rocking of the ship, he brushed away the eraser shavings that
are always present on a working chart. According to the detailed markings, the ship should be within sight of the shoals that were directly
off the starboard beam. He gazed out the porthole on the right side
of the ship, straining his eyes to see any sign of land. Nothing. He
hadn’t completely gotten over the effects of the blow to his head and
was still a little woozy, so he walked lightly to the port side to take a
look. “Maybe the ship drifted around and was heading in the other
direction.”
For some reason, he wasn’t surprised that he saw nothing off the
port side either. “This doesn’t make any damn sense.” Now talking
out loud realizing there was no one around to hear him. Visibility was
excellent with not a cloud in the sky. The sun was shining brightly,
engulfing the entire ship with radiant warmth. So many questions and
not an answer for any of them. He wasn’t in a state of panic, just bewilderment as he made his way back down the ladder from the bridge.
“How could 83 men just disappear without a trace?” The small boats
used for evacuation of the ship were still intact. No sign of any type
of struggle. Cleaning gear used for the daily morning cleanups was left
as if the crewmembers were on a coffee break. Even the galley cook
pots were billowing steam, waiting for the ingredients of the next meal
to be thrown in. He walked around to the other side of the mess deck,
picked up a cup and poured some coffee. Even that was still fresh,
or as fresh as shipboard coffee can be. He made his way back to the
bridge with coffee in hand, and sat down in the leather chair reserved
for the Commanding Officer, took a deep breath and peered out over
the bow towards the horizon.
He remembered reading about similar situations like this in High
School. Most of the stories were about planes and ships disappearing
without a trace in places like the Bermuda Triangle and the Sea of
Japan. A few were about boats that were actually found with no one
onboard as if recently abandoned. He didn’t recall ever reading of
survivors on these craft though. So if this was one of those occurrences, why was he still here? What purpose did it serve that he should
be spared from the fate of his shipmates?
Suddenly the realization of being alone was felt and he reached
back with his left hand and pulled the wallet out of his back pocket.
Opening it, he looked longingly at the wallet size portrait of his wife
and son that she had placed in the plastic covering, without his knowledge, prior to his reporting onboard the ship for his first patrol a few
months ago. Even though the photograph couldn’t talk, it conveyed
a feeling of warmth and comfort to him when life got a little bit too
hectic. “If I ever needed you guys, now’s the time.” He flipped the
photo over to another picture and peered into the eyes of his father,
sharply dressed out in the pristine dress white uniform of a naval officer. He was standing tall and proud holding his only son in his arms in
front of the navy frigate, ready to leave port on another mission that
would take the veteran sailor away from his family. The young Coast
Guardsman would never forget that day. It was the last time he would
ever see his father again.
The memories came flooding back. The look on his mothers face as
the Navy Chaplain, who had arrived at the front door, explained that
her husbands’ ship was lost at sea with no survivors. He remembered
the tears his mother wept as she told him that daddy had gone away
and wouldn’t be coming home again.
It was twenty years later that he joined the U.S. Coast Guard against
his mother’s wishes. Feeling it was his duty to carry on the sea-service
tradition his father had begun. Then the total irony of his situation hit
him. His father had been lost at sea and now he was apparently in a
similar fate, albeit that he was still alive.
Suddenly, he heard a low humming like sound in the distance. Aircraft engines! He bolted out of the Captains’ chair and grabbed a pair
of binoculars that were hanging close by and ran to the port bridge
wing. “Maybe it’s a search plane!” he thought as he began scanning
the skies around him. Seeing nothing in the sky from this location, he
quickly made his way to the starboard side and raised the binoculars
once again. “They’ve got to see me!”
Something caught his eye in the distance. He noticed what looked
like five small birds flying in a vertical formation with each one staggered slightly behind the lead. “Those aren’t birds, they’re planes!” He
couldn’t make out the type of aircraft he was staring at, but that didn’t
make any difference right at this moment. He ran inside the bridge
to the chartroom, grabbed two of the seldom used signal flags from
the shelf and quickly exited the bridge. He jumped up the ladder to
the lookout’s position, missing every other rung and began waving
the bright red flags back and forth over his head in hopes the planes
would see him.
The aircraft, still in a tight formation, were getting closer every
second, maintaining a course that would bring them directly over the
ship. The young seaman continued to frantically wave the signal flags
over his head, trying to grab the attention of his potential rescuers as
the planes flew ever closer. That’s when he realized that the planes
didn’t look like the search planes he was used to seeing with the Coast
Guard. In fact, without realizing it, he had stopped waving the signal
flags as the amazement of what he was seeing struck him. These aircraft looked exactly like vintage World War II fighter planes!
The sound of the radios coming to life on the bridge below jolted
him back from his momentary numbness. “Voices!” He flew back
down the ladder into the bridge and jerked the microphone from its
holder. But before he could say anything, an authoritative voice came
through the speakers. “Vessel below, this is United States Navy Flight
Squadron 19, are you in need of assistance, over.”
He tried to suppress his excitement as he responded to the call from
above. Trying not to leave anything out, he relayed the details of his
situation in rapid fire succession. Finished, he waited for what seemed
an eternity but really was only a few seconds. Then the speakers crackled to life again. “Vessel in distress, this is Flight 19. We have received
your transmission and have contacted a rescue aircraft that’s in the
vicinity and relayed your position. Estimated time of arrival should be
within twenty minutes, out.”
The overwhelming feeling of relief flooded over him as he placed
the microphone back into its holder. “Alright!” he yelled out loud.
“Time to get packing.” He quickly made his way down the steep metal
ladder and headed for the berthing area. The deadness of the ship was
still present but he didn’t have time to let it bother him. He had a lot
to do before the rescue plan would arrive.
In his state of excitement, he temporarily forgot the combination to
the locker which kept all his clothes and personal items secure within
the tight confined space under his rack. More by habit then anything,
he rotated the mechanism in the correct sequence and jerked the lock
open. He then lifted the top of his rack and placed the prop bar into
place, gaining him access to everything he owned onboard. Grabbing
his folded duffle bag, he shook it out and hurriedly began shoving
everything into the large green bag. Underwear, socks, T-shirts, a pair
of civilian jeans, whatever was within his grasp, in it went. After filling
the bag, he folded over the top of the flaps and placed the lock onto
the metal tab and snapped it into place, locking the contents inside.
“What else” he mumbled; having the feeling something was being forgotten. He looked at his watch and found that fifteen minutes had
passed like a blink of an eye. “No time for that.” He grabbed the sea
bag by the straps and dragged it up the ladder from the berthing area,
not noticing how heavy the loaded down sack was when completely
stuffed full.
He stepped out of the hatch into the fresh air and headed, with sea
bag in tow, for the rear of the ship when he again heard the sounds of
approaching aircraft. These engines were noticeably heavier and slower than the previous planes. “Must be the rescue plane.” He figured
he had time to get one of the rolled up wood and rope Jacobs Ladders
from the boatswain’s hold to use for climbing down the side of the
ship. Away he went, quickly scampering up the main deck towards the
bow and down through the scuttle hatch into the small compartment.
The space was just like the rest of the ship, still perfectly intact. He
snatched the rolled up ladder that was lying on the deck and returned
up to the main deck.
This holiday season, please remember to give thanks for our military men and
women, and say a special prayer, not just for those who serve, but also for their
families that are left behind.
As he emerged from the hatch carrying the ladder, a large splash was
heard off the port bow with the sound of engines increasing power
then slowing back down. He turned and saw that the rescue plane was
about the same age as the fighters. It appeared to be an older twin
engine aircraft with U.S. Navy markings. It had a large flat belly underneath and oblong pontoons extending down from the end of each
wing which allowed the aircraft to safely land on water.
When the seaplane taxied to a position about a hundred yards from
the ship, the engines slowly died down and the large metal propellers
came to a stop. Within seconds, a bottom hinged door on the side of
the aircraft began to slowly open. With gravity taking effect, the heavy
steel plated exit door fell open creating a loud smack as it hit the water.
A rubber raft was pushed through the opening and two individuals
followed quickly behind, positioning themselves one in front and one
Page 39
at the rear of the drab green ten foot long inflatable. The men began
paddling on opposite sides but in unison towards the drifting Coast
Guard cutter.
The young Coast Guard Petty Officer tied off the Jacobs Ladder
and went to retrieve his sea bag as the small craft from the rescue plane
approached the side of the ship. “Boy, am I glad to see you guys!” he
said as he lowered his duffle bag to one of the men in the raft. Without
speaking, the two crewmembers of the inflatable acknowledged the
young man with a small nod of their heads and helped him onboard.
Once situated, the three pushed the raft from the side of the cutter.
The excited but relieved young Coastie’s attempt at conversation was
met with a strange silence as the paddlers maneuvered the small craft
around and headed back towards the seaplane.
Slowly approaching the rescue plane, the young man noticed the
appearance of someone in the opened exit hatch of the aircraft where
the inflatable was launched from. The tall figure stood silently, intently
watching the incoming rescue raft. Sunlight reflected brightly off the
metal collar devises that suggested that this was an officer, perhaps the
pilot himself. The stoic figure emitted a sense of authority but also, as
they grew closer and closer, had a strange, increasing calming effect
on the young seaman.
The young Coastie physically felt the blood rush from his face and
a feeling of total shock overtook him when the raft finally reached the
side of the plane. He stared in utter disbelief into the eyes of the naval
officer that was standing in front of him that he now recognized. He
sat motionless in the raft. “It can’t be….” The officer, appearing no
older then when they last saw each other twenty years ago, stretched
out one arm and took the hand of his young offspring. “Welcome
aboard son, I’ve been expecting you.”
January 15, 1982: The 270 foot Coast Guard cutter was pitching
violently in the twenty foot seas of the North Atlantic Ocean. The
storm had seemingly come out of nowhere and caught the entire crew
off guard. The Second Class Hospital Corpsmen had been summoned
to sick bay to treat a crewmember that had twisted an ankle. He started
down one of the ships ladders just as the vessel rose unusually high
and slammed back down on the water. The sudden jolt caused him to
lose his grip on the ladder and fall to the deck below, hitting his head
and knocking him unconscious.
From his pocket fell two pictures he always carried with him for
good luck. One was of his wife and two young sons. The other was
an older black and white photo of a proud naval officer in his pristine
white dress uniform holding his infant son some forty years ago. The
young Corpsman’s father had been lost at sea while in the Coast Guard
two decades ago as had his navy officer grandfather twenty years before that. It was the only photo he had of them together.
He had joined the service (against his mother’s wishes) to honor
the memory of his father and grandfather and to carry on the family’s
tradition of sea servic ...
About the Author: Herm Rawlings lives in Atlantic, VA and in
addition to working at Wallops
Island is also part of the popular radio duo, Herm and Rayce.
Originally from Pennsylvania,
Herm’s contributions to Shore
Secrets Magazine bring a marvelous blend of life experience,
compassion and dedication, and
frequently, his unique touch of
humor. Thank you Herm!
Page 40
What can a good
massage therapist
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Writings about the benefits of massage
therapy date back as far as 2000 B.C.
Touch as a means of healing was developed in several places throughout
the world, including China, Egypt, Japan
and Greece. While many different types
of touch were developed, one thing remained clear - massage therapy helps the
body and the mind.
Massage Therapy:
• Strengthens the Immune System
• Improves the body’s circulation
• Enhances mental concentration
• Relieves neck, back and joint aches
• Promotes a more restful sleep
• Reduces stress, anxiety and tension
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C hristmas, Shore Style
This photograph was sent in by Pat Morgart of Bedford, PA. Pat
writes us: “Spent last weekend in Chincoteague and had to share this
photo with you and perhaps you will share with your readers. I was
walking north on the Assateague Beach and came upon this snag tree
which was probably “planted” there for the express purpose of creating a Sea Shell Tree. As you can see, each shell hangs on a twig sticking through a hole in the shell. Equally beautiful was the soft tinkling
sound the shells made as the wind blew them together. I have no idea
who created this thing of natural beauty but it is noteworthy. Almost
a shore Christmas tree a bit early.”
Republicans and
Democrats
Another eMail Forward
A Republican and a Democrat were walking down the street when
they came to a homeless person.
The republican gave the homeless person his business card and
told him come to his business for a job. He then took twenty dollars
out of his pocket and gave it to the homeless person.
The Democrat was very impressed, and when they came to another homeless person, He decided to help. He walked over to the
homeless person and gave him directions to the welfare office. He
then reached into the Republicans pocket and gave him fifty dollars.
Free Delivery of Fresh and Silk Flowers and Gifts
anywhere on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
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ESO ... where the arts flourish and abound!
Youth and Adult Art Classes
ESO Cabaret Series 7:30 PM
Dec 4th - Sponsored by AccuTaxBallet, Tap, Ballroom, Tango,
Jackie and Mr. B and the Boys
Piano, Guitar, Strings, Fiddle,
Jan 15th - Johnny MO
Banjo, Oil Painting, Drawing,
th
Watercolor, Pottery, Jewelry, Jan 28 - “Orginials” Coffee House
Feb 12th - Heather & Nathan
Creative Writing, Poetry, Magic,
Feb 25th - Dancing with Dragons
Abrakadoodle, Karate, Yoga,
March 12th - 7th Sense
Art/Music/Ballet Workshops
March 25th – Thelma & Erika
ESO Summer Art Camp
25 years of Art on the Shore!
20th Anniversary
“Swing” Nutcracker Ballet
Featuring
Bridgewater
Candles
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Eastern Shore’s Own
Arts Center
7:00 PM Dec 17, 18 • 2:00 PM Dec 19
Nandua High School
$12 Advanced $15 at door $18 Reserved
757-442-3226
15293 King Street • Belle Haven, VA
eso@esoartscenter.org • www.esoartscenter.org
Page 41
Places of Worship
Accomac
Baptist Bible Church
(757) 787-7909
24577 Front St
Calvary Bible Church
757-442-3208
Front St.
Drummondtown Baptist Church
(757) 787-4339
23474 Front St
Drummondtown United Methodist
(757) 787-2772
23457 Drummondtown Rd
Macedonia AME Church
(757) 787-9506
St George’s Parish
(757) 787-4892
23319 Back St
St James Episcopal Church
(757) 787-4892
23319 Back St
St Luke AME Church
(757) 787-2052
Assawoman
Holy Unity Commandment Church
(757) 678-0025
11240 Lankford Hwy
Craddockville United Methodist
(757) 442-9659
New Mission United Methodist Church 33464 Boston Rd
(757) 678-7600
Eastville
8240 Trehernville Dr.
Christ Episcopal Church
(757) 678-7837
Bloxom
16304 Courthouse Rd,
Bethel Baptist Church
Johnson’s United Methodist
(757) 824-5909
(757) 678-7707
14050 Bethel Church Rd,
11175 Bayside Rd
Bloxom House of Prayer
25585 Shoremain Dr
Guilford United Methodist
24450 Guilford Rd.
Macedonia Baptist Church
(757) 665-6441
27105 Nelsonia Rd
Bread of Life Community Church
(757) 414-0054
4388 Lankford Hwy
St Thomas United Methodist Church
(757) 665-6430
Clam (Bloxom)
Cornerstone Seventh-Day
(757) 442-6840
3431 Main St
Union Baptist Church
(757) 678-1280
15183 Lankford Hwy
Ebenezer Baptist
(757) 442-4824
9504 Occohannock Neck Rd
Cape Charles
Atlantic
St John United Methodist Church
(757) 824-0186
10352 Atlantic Rd
Shiloh Baptist Church
(757) 824-5786
Belle Haven
Mt Sinai Holiness Tabernacle
(757) 678-5178
5209 Stumptown Dr,
Chincoteague
Chincoteague Church Of God
757-336-5161
5252 Woodland Dr
Christ United Methodist Church
(757) 336-6394
6253 Church St
Belle Haven United Methodist Church
(757) 442-5844
Island Baptist Church
35446 Belle Haven Rd
(757) 336-5645
3380 Willow St
Birdsnest
Antioch Baptist Church
(757) 678-7749
8181 Bannister St
Page 42
Exmore
Bethel United Methodist Church
(757) 442-3070
Assawoman United Methodist Church
757-824-4585
Bethel AME Church
12034 Atlantic Rd
(757) 678-7866
15676 Courthouse Rd,
Atlantic Baptist Church
(757) 824-5034
10040 Atlantic Rd
Craddockville
Union Baptist Church
(757) 336-5018
6365 Church St
Epworth United Methodist Church
(757) 442-6391
4158 Seaside Rd
Exmore Baptist Church
(757) 442-9491
Maranatha Baptist Church
(757) 442-2501
12354 Lincoln Ave
Mt Calvary Baptist Church
(757) 442-4483
New Allen AME Church
(757) 442-7958
7026 Bayside Rd
St Mary’s Baptist Church
(757) 442-9812
Franktown
Franktown United Methodist Church
(757) 442-3481
7551 Bayside Rd
Hallwood
St Paul on the Shore Lutheran Church
(757) 824-3500
28281 Main St
Horntown
Dea’s Chapel
(757) 824-3354
Horntown Baptist Church
(757) 336-3324
Keller
Church Of Christ
(757) 787-7744
Gospel Temple Baptist Church
(757) 787-9465
Hollies Baptist Church
(757) 787-4655
17691 Hollies Church Rd
Mears Memorial United Methodist
(757) 789-3207
Mappsville
First Baptist Church
(757) 824-5166
29270 Metompkin Rd
Miracle Temple of Faith
(757) 824-0064
15505 Lankford Hwy
Marionville
Red Bank Baptist Church
(757) 442-4161
9202 Seaside Rd
Melfa
Gaskins Chapel AME Church
(757) 787-7645
Melfa United Methodist Church
(757) 787-8860
19444 Main St
Rock Church of the Eastern Shore
(757) 787-7625
27112 Lankford Hwy
Snead’s Memorial Methodist Church
(757) 442-5922
Modest Town
Modest Town Baptist Church
(757) 665-6945
16508 Metompkin Rd
Nassawadox
Bethel Baptist Church
(757) 442-6861
7638 Bayside Rd
Miracle Temple of Faith Church
(757) 442-3346
9423 Hospital Ave
New Church
Chincoteague Baptist Church
(757) 336-3324
First Baptist Church
(757) 824-0493
31027 Depot St
Friendship United Methodist
(757) 824-0750
32347 Chincoteague Rd
St Mark’s United Methodist Church
(757) 824-5852
Rr 710
Oak Hall
Downings United Methodist Church
757-824-4585
7261 Lankford Hwy
Onancock
Bethel AME Church
(757) 787-7516
40 Boundary Ave
Broadway Baptist Church
(757) 787-9425
15341 Broadway Rd
Cashville United Methodist Church
(757) 787-2621
15599 Cashville Rd
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
757-787-4430
66 Market Street
Market Street United Methodist
(757) 787-4873
75 Market St
Metropolitan United Methodist
(757) 787-8373
21445 Bayside Rd
Mt Nebo Baptist Church
(757) 787-7069
Naomi Makemie Presbyterian
(757) 787-1331
Market & Lee St
New Jerusalem Faith Church
(757) 787-1004
40 Boundary Ave
Onancock Baptist Church
(757) 787-4348
1 Crockett Ave
St Luke AME Church
(757) 787-3538
Onley
Central Baptist Church
(757) 787-7148
27140 Lankford Hwy
Church Of Jesus Christ of LDS
(757) 787-1850
26133 Onley Rd
Faith Baptist Church
(757) 787-1351
Rt 13
Onley Baptist Church
(757) 787-7140
25462 Coastal Blvd
Onley United Methodist Church
(757) 787-4155
25642 E Main St
St Peters Catholic Church
(757) 787-4592
25236 Coastal Blvd
Painter
Holy Trinity Baptist Church
(757) 442-3261
14191 Trinity Ln
New Mt Olive Baptist Church
(757) 442-3560
13444 Hacksneck Rd
New Mount Zion Baptist Church
(757) 442-9805
17450 Coal Kiln Rd
Shiloh Baptist Church
(757) 442-2739
31559 Boston Rd
Parksley
Adams United Methodist Church
(757) 665-4483
23532 Lee Mont Rd
Calvary United Methodist Church
(757) 665-6445
21475 Hopkins Rd
Faith Assembly of God
(757) 665-4257
22593 Lee Mont Rd
Grace United Methodist Church
(757) 665-1992
18484 Wilson Ave
Kingdom Hall-Jehovah’s Witness
(757) 665-5607
18308 Lankford Hwy
Metompkin Baptist Church
(757) 665-4135
Miracle Temple Deliverance Center
(757) 665-7710
24345 Bennett St
Parksley Baptist Church
(757) 665-5695
24359 Adelaide St
United Christian Church
(757) 665-5029
24284 Cooke St
Woodberry United Methodist
(757) 665-6420
18121 Lankford Hwy
Zion Baptist Church
(757) 665-6288
26381 Metompkin Rd
Pungoteague
Harborton United Methodist Church
(757) 442-9390
MT Olive Baptist Church
757-824-0226
25365 Saxis Rd
Saxis
Saxis United Methodist
(757) 854-3940
20137 Saxis Rd
Tangier
Swain Memorial Church
(757) 891-2241
16152 Main St
Temperanceville
Acts Apostolic Church
757-824-0901
9431 Jerusalem Rd
Atlantic United Methodist Church
757-824-0607
Emanuel Episcopal Church
(757) 824-5043
26405 Horsey Rd
Jerusalem Baptist Church
(757) 824-0178
10011 Jerusalem Rd
Mt Olive Baptist Church
(757) 854-1660
25365 Saxis Rd
St John Methodist Church
(757) 824-5085
Tabernacle Baptist Church
(757) 824-5840
5224 Fleming Rd
Wachapreague
Grace Independent Methodist
(757) 787-4925
Pungoteague Community Church
(757) 442-9596
15346 Pungoteague Rd
Herbert Baptist Church
(757) 787-2438
St George Episcopal Parish
(757) 787-4892
St Georges Cir,
Ocean View United Methodist Church
(757) 787-2101
Main St
St Pauls Ame Church
757-442-7315
30118 Bobtown Rd
Sanford
Halls Chapel Church
(757) 824-3381
Withams
Mt Zion Independent Methodist
(757) 824-5927
Editors Note: Our Church section
is truly a work in progress. Please
let us know if there are corrections,
additions or deletions as we strive
to bring you the most comprehensive directory possible.
Page 43
Sometime back I was trying to explain to someone what it was like here, what the Shore meant to me. These are the words I wrote, and they
are as true today as they were years ago. When I see this bridge, my heart knows, I’m home. “There’s something about just driving across the span of the
bridge - the air automatically seems lighter, and the rest of the world with all of its problems and worries are left on the distant shore. Sometimes at night, Lennie and
I would sit on the dock, the moon lighting up the entire creek, the water becoming a mirror of the most amazing glass, and the only sound you could hear was the wind,
angrily beating against the pine boughs harbored above us; calm and defiant all rolled up into one package; a picture of contradictions which provide the essence of its
beauty. It is unique; and it’s home. Here, time stands still. In a way it almost renews my spirit, and that will never change.”
Page 44
0
1
0
2
of
Shore
Secrets
Magazine
Best of 2010 Awards!
Back by Popular Demand!
How often do you take the time to stop and say “Thank You” to your
favorite retailer or restaurant? Well, here’s your opportunity to let your
favorite businesses, Charitable Organizations, Special Venues and More
know how much you appreciate them!
In addition to many of the same categories which were such a big hit last
year, we’ve also added some new categories by special request! Your vote
should clearly identify those businesses and organizations that you feel
bring us the “Very Best of the Shore”.
Since we are in fact, a magazine dedicated to Virginia’s Eastern Shore,
please limit your votes to those businesses and organizations located in
Accomack or Northampton Counties only.
All votes must be received no later than
February 15, 2011.
Fill out the entry form located on the back of
this page and mail to:
Shore Secrets Magazine
PO Box 876
Accomac, Virginia 23301
Or Email to:
Shore
Secrets
��
Awarded To
Your Favorite Store
10
of 20
Voted Best Retail Establishment 2010
Page 45
10
0
f2
o
2010 Best Of Categories
Best Hamburger
Best Sporting Goods Store
Best Crabcake
Best Marina/Marine Supply Store
Best Steak
Best Department Store
Best Seafood
Best Auto Supply / Service
Best Breakfast
Best Thrift Shop
Best Overall Restaurant
Best Hardware / Home Store
Best Ice Cream Shop
Best Veterinarian
Best Cup of Coffee
Best Food / Grocery Store
Best Bakery
Best Doctor / Health Care
Best Ethnic Food Restaurant
Best Dentist
Best Jewelry Store
Best Florist / Nursery
Best Bank
Best Contractor / Builder
Best Antique Store / Mall
Best Pharmacy
Best Gift Shop
Best Lodging
Best Community Service Organization
Best Hair Salon / Barber
Best Convenience Store
Best Arts / Crafts / Local Arts Store
Best Entertainment Arts / Cultural Venue
Best Customer Service
Best Insurance Company
Best Nightclub / Evening Venue
Best Landscaping Company
Best Real Estate Company
Best Overall Value on the Shore
Best Special Event
Best Computer / Repair Store
Best New Business Opened in 2010
of 2010
Please limit your nominations to businesses located in Accomack and Northampton Counties only, including the towns of Chincoteague and
Tangier. Nominations not located within the Eastern Shore of Virginia will be disqualified. Since some businesses such as banks, convenience
stores, grocery stores, etc have numerous locations, please make sure you include the actual location of the business you are nominating.
Page 46
Shopping Thrify? Or Shopping Smart?
When I was growing up, thrift shops were cluttered, poorly lit
stores often found in the “shady” part of town, somewhere that less
privileged people went to buy warm clothes in the winter, or the occasional collector might drop in digging around for some elusive trinket
he couldn’t seem to find anywhere else. By the time I was in my teens,
the thrift shop had taken on a new look; and were markedly brighter,
well organized and offered a surprisingly good selection of “vintage”
clothing that was so sought after in the seventies. When I became a
young adult with a family of my own, the thrift shops held untold values as I tried desperately to decorate our home on our meager budget.
You never knew when you would run across an end table that would
fit perfectly beside your sofa, or even a kitchen cabinet or two. And
then of course, when my kids reached their teens, and the onset of
designer labels hit the racks, thrift shops became the only way I could
afford to dress myself after spending every last dime plus maxing out
the credit cards on the kids “must have or die” wardrobes. Today, thrift
stores hold a popular and trendy spot amongst the larger chain stores,
and have been joined by the increasingly popular consignment shops,
home of attractively styled “gently used clothing” and much, much more.
To be completely honest, thrift shops have become the new vogue in
shopping expeditions, and I have to say, I’m much happier coming
home with ten bags of assorted merchandise for half the money I
would spend on one item in some other stores.
shelves, some dating back to the early 1800’s, many in extraordinarily
good condition. There is amber glass and pressed glass, ruby glass and
cobalt blue glass. Old antique kitchen utensils, cigar boxes, and advertising paraphernalia. A china cabinet proudly boasts a large collection
of collectible Christmas plates, and the walls are filled with prints of
every imaginable description; Ethan Allen prints, tin signs, famous
prints, as well as mirrors. If you need lamps, they are sure to have one
to fit almost any décor, along with a good selection of wood stoves to
keep you warm this winter. There are antique tools, oyster tins, even
an old floor model radio, and we can’t forget the large selection of collectible steins or brassware. Looking for silver? A beautiful imitation
Paul Revere coffee or tea pot holds the place of honor on one of the
tables, alongside other attractive pieces of even more silver as well as a
nice selection of pewter. “We just sold all three antique mantles we had” says
Rick “I want to try and get a few more in, they are pretty popular.” Turning and
heading to the opposite end of the building, he quickly adds “Look, did
you see this? We just got this in, it’s an old watering bottle for chickens, isn’t that
something?” Indeed, Accomac Pickers restocks merchandise frequently,
sometimes every day, and one visit to the store surely won’t be your
last as if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself returning often, never
knowing what you might miss out on if you wait too long between
visits. “Scotty” Rick stops and laughs “Scotty is always out buying something;
you never know what he’s going to come back here with.” Scotty Scott, Rick’s
partner and undisputed best friend, laughs quietly as he listens to Rick
ramble on about some of the adventures he’s taken him on in their
search for new and different items to bring into the little store. The
camaraderie between the two men is almost tangible, and their offbeat
humor and easy banter is a complimentary and pleasant bonus to your
shopping trip.
The Treasure Chest in Parksley, run by the Floyds offers gifts for the entire family, collectible trains, antiques, beautiful furniture and more.
Yet, despite their popularity, I’m sure there are many of you out
there saying “Oh I’d have no problem shopping at a thrift store for myself, but
to buy Christmas gifts? I could never do that!” Well, if there is in fact any
of you that feel that way, let’s take a peek at some of the many thrift
stores and consignment stores we have right here on the Shore and see
if you haven’t changed your mind by the time we’re finished.
To begin, these stores aren’t just about clothing. Take for example Accomac Pickers, the newest addition to this wonderful style
variety store, located on Front Street in Accomac. Walking in the door,
you are immediately taken back by the massive amounts of “stuff” that
is shoved into every available nook and cranny. “We don’t call it stuff,
we call it merchandise” laughs Rick Matthews, co-owner and chief sales
person at the little store. “We’re learning as we go” he explains “people
keep asking us if we have something, and so we’re trying to get a good selection of
what people are looking for.” Looking around, there is definitely a good
selection. And if you’re patient, and a tad bit curious like myself you
will be amazed at what you will find. Antique books line numerous
A lighted china cabinet displays a beautiful assortement of collectible plates,
Pfaltzgraff, cut glass, antique glassware and more at Accomac Pickers.
Rick and Scotty have also begun placing a few things on eBay if
you can’t find quite what you’re looking for among the nicely stocked
shelves. “We come across some things that I just don’t think would be big hits
here locally” explains Rick “For example, we just sold a gold finder, it’s kind
of like a metal detector, only you use it to look for gold.” Scotty interrupts to
explain further “I kind of figured that would go out to Colorado or somewhere
around there. The guy who won the auction is from California.” Occasionally,
someone will bring in something to sell that Rick feels they would get
a better price for if they sold it online. “We want to be fair” says Rick
“for example, someone just brought in a really nice, pretty old set of sterling silver.
That’s an eBay item, he will get a much higher price on eBay for that than we could
Page 47
get him here, and we want him to be happy.” One thing’s for sure, no matter
whom you’re shopping for, there is sure to be something tucked away
at Accomac Pickers for pretty much everyone on your Christmas list.
Over in Parksley, you will find a veritable treasure trove of unique
and exciting items in a little story aptly named the Treasure Chest,
owned by local residents, the Floyds. Rummaging through the multitude of glassware, vintage toy trains, collectibles for every taste including nautical and decoys, I find myself returning time and time again
to a beautiful old antique Hoosier cabinet that would fit perfectly in
my breakfast room. Of course, as is always the case, I have to remind
myself that I’m not shopping for “me” though and so I tear myself
away, losing myself in the wonderful selection of sparkling cut glass,
authentic railroad paraphernalia and a fascinating collection of old
toys. On the other end of town, just a few doors down from Jaxon’s
Hardware, you will find still another thrift shop, this one run by the
CSB. Clothing, knick knacks, collectibles and more, there is always a
large selection to choose from.
artists, collectible glassware, cut glass, fishing lures, paintings, furniture, toys, vintage clothing, jewelry and more, you literally could spend
a day at the Blue Crow and finish up your entire Christmas list in one
easy stop. If it’s Christmas decorations you’re looking for, you can
find them as well, many of the items are handmade right here on the
Shore, offering a local, Shore touch such as tiny fishing boats, or crab
pots, light houses and various fish or birds native to our area, all attractively created to look beautiful hanging on your Christmas tree. Their
selection of local artwork, both paintings as well as photography is
awesome, and from a personal perspective, every year since I’ve been
back on the Shore, at least one person on my list each and every year
has received one of these breathtaking pieces of art.
In addtion to one of the largest selections of antiques and collectibles in the area,
the Blue Crow in Painter has a wonderful assortment of Christmas items.
Warm and attractive winter coats are displayed at the Hospice Thrift Store in
Oak Hall, ranging from dress coats to hunting coats, ski jackets to rain coats.
As we traveled up and down the Shore checking out different
shops, one of the most exciting finds for us was A – Z in Temperanceville. Although we’d passed by the long, white building on many
occasions, always with the same comment “We really need to go in there
one day” we had somehow just never seemed to find the time. So we
were on a “mission” to check out as many places as we could this day,
we finally made the stop. And wow, what a great decision that was!
Walking in the door you take in massive amounts of merchandise in
every nook and cranny. Yet despite the large quantities, it is attractively
displayed and has a distinct order of arrangement, making it easy for
you to find whatever item you may have come in there to buy. Small
appliances have their own special place, shoes on yet another rack just
down the aisle. There are tons of Christmas decorations, appliances,
collectibles, glassware, and a very, very impressive display of stunningly attractive furniture, running the gambit from bedroom suits, dining
room furniture and numerous comfy, yet stylish living room pieces.
Of course, one can’t talk about shopping, in any context, not
just “thrift” shopping, without stopping by the Blue Crow, despite the
fact that the Blue Crow truly doesn’t fall into that category. As you
all know, the Blue Crow Antique Mall is without a doubt, one of my
favorite stores on the Shore, and where you are apt to find me on any
given day, browsing the aisles and booths for hours. The Blue Crow is
actually a consignment venue, various dealers from up and down the
East Coast exhibiting their wares in attractively arranged spaces, the
quality of merchandise most assuredly some of the best anywhere
around. From antique decoys to hand carved shore birds from local
Page 48
In Tasley, you’ll find the Food Bank Thrift Store, offering a wonderful selection of clothing, household items, collectibles, games, furniture, and a positively amazing assortment of beautiful jewelry, in
fact, some of the prettiest pieces of sterling silver jewelry I’ve ever
found in my travels.
Hospice of the Eastern Shore has three thrift shops, located in
Oak Hall, Onancock and Exmore, and you really need to make a point
to spend some time in each one. “Thrift stores are a great way to stretch your
family’s dollars any time of the year, but especially during the holiday/giving season” says Marge Paone, Administrative Assistant at the Hospice office
in Onancock. “You can find extremely good prices on merchandise that is almost brand new, including designer clothes, jewelry, electronics, furniture and much
more.” My daughter and I frequently visit the shop on Market Street in
Onancock, and each and every visit is like walking into a store for the
very first time, since the inventory is added to so frequently. Obviously
someone with a keen sense of decorating was responsible for the set
up there, because the racks of clothing are perfectly displayed, items
hung neatly by color as well as function (for example, you’re not going
to find a random coat hanging on a rack with blue jeans), and the displays of glassware, decorations and household items are all arranged
with a keen eye for style and flair. And if you’re looking for furniture,
you can certainly find anything you need and more. “Speaking of furniture, you can also pick up some really nice antiques or near antique furnishings
at times as well” explains Marge. Like other thrift stores that are sponsored to support community organizations, Hospice Thrift Stores accept donations from the community, creating a true “green” shopping
experience. “Hospice recycles as much as possible of what is donated but can’t be
sold, including taking torn blankets, sheets and towels which go to the SPCA to be
used for bedding for their animals. We also take torn and extremely worn cotton
t-shirts and cut them up to use for rags in the store and at the Hospice offices” says
Marge “But most items donated to us are given a quick sprucing up or refreshShore Secrets Winter 2010 - 2011
ing and put out on the floor to be repurposed by some new owner.” It truly is
amazing the vast array of items that you can find. For example, we’ve
found Longaberger Baskets as well as Antique Baskets, some Roseville
Pottery, another time there was some Fiestaware. Boyd’s Bears and
Antique toys, even some Sterling Silver flatware. Depression glass,
Mikasa Crystal, Lennox Vases, even a few original oil paintings and
local artwork. Looking for tools? You can run across both modern
and antique tools, power tools and even lawn equipment. Heck, you
never know, they’ve even been known to have a boat or car for sale.
Antique furniture, even some of that awesome 20’s and 40’s kitchen
collectibles. So you see, you just never know until you take a few hours
to browse around, and I can promise you, you won’t be sorry.
One of the newest shops to enter the market place is Accomac Pickers, on Front
Street in Accomac, offers antiques, collectibles, furniture and more.
At the Hospice Thrift Shop in Onancock, you will find a wide array of Christmas
related items in addition to like new (or even new) clothing, gifts, and more.
After spending the day racing around the Shore and filling our car
overly full with those bargains we simply couldn’t live without (and I
might mention here that we literally couldn’t get another matchstick
in our car, an SUV so it’s not a small car, if we had tried, and all total,
had spent less than $75.00) we found ourselves back where we had
started, sitting around enjoying the camaraderie at Accomac Pickers.
A few customers ambled in, browsing through the shelves and tables,
commenting on various items here and there. A lady held up an old
portrait made of tin, truly an old, vintage item, and asked Rick if he
knew who it was. Rick smiled and walked over to her, taking the picture from her hands and pointing to the image, and began the dialogue
that never fails to make me smile. “I’m so glad you asked” he says “This
is actually a picture of John Wilkes Boothe, taken when he was in college, a very
rare find, not many people have ever had the opportunity to see this likeness of
him.” The woman quickly takes the picture back from him, examining
it closely, turning it over to check the back for any sign of its authenticity. Naturally, Rick quickly laughs and says “No, actually I have no idea
who it is, but I like my John Wilkes story better than the truth, it’s a little more
interesting.” Still laughing, he comes back to sit down,. “You know, it’s just
amazing the history you can find here” as he bursts into peals of laughter
again. Oh yes, it’s like I said above, the shop holds marvelous trinkets
and bargains, but the laughter and memories of the experience you
take away are worth their weight in gold.
So whether it’s a thrift shop or a consignment shop, an antique
shop or a flea market, one thing is for sure, you can definitely wrap up
your Christmas shopping with some absolutely perfect gifts. The nice
thing is, you’re not just giving your family or friends or co-worker a
gift, you’re doing a whole lot more. For those community sponsored
shops, you’re truly helping a worthy cause, and after all, that is kinda
the reason for the season is it not? And of course, with the money
you’ll save, and it will be a large sum, I promise, you’re giving yourself
a gift as well. Just think of what you can do with that extra money, for
us, I just might not have to choose between paying the electric bill and
buying gifts for my family this year, thanks to shops like these, I just
may be able to do both!
Unique Gift Ideas
 Find a unique coffee mug and fill it with a homemade hot chocolate or coffee mix, all tied up with a big bow.
 Tie a big red ribbon around an old decoy or other wildlife statue,
stick in a gift bag and you have the perfect gift!
 Pick up an assortment of old spoons and an old metal plate. A
small hole drilled in the neck of each spoon and along the plate
edges allows you to attach spoons with monofilament fishing line
and makes an awesome, memorable wind chime.
 A gift bag filled with tissue wrapped Christmas ornaments
comes in handy in any household.
Several tables displaying Christmas items greet the shoppers as they arrive at
Accomac Pickers, from candles to wreaths to ornaments and glassware.
 A pyrex or corning ware dish becomes a more personal gift
when filled with your homemade bread and the gift card can be
your own special recipe!
Page 49
Recipes to Rave About
I love to cook during the cold winter months, and am
always searchuing out new recipes to enjoy. Here are a few of my favorites!
New Year’s Day Hoppin’ John
1 Tblsp olive oil
Sliced Jowl Bacon
1 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green
pepper
1 Tblsp minced garlic
1 pound black-eyed peas
1 quart chicken stock
Salt, black pepper, and cayenne
Heat oil in a large pot, add the jowl bacon and brown lightly, then cut
into bite size pieces. Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic, cook
until done. Add the black-eyed peas, stock, and seasonings to taste.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until
the peas are tender, stirring occasionally. Serve over hot cooked rice.
Looking for something to do with the leftover turkey from the holidays? Try this
quick and easy meal for a different twist!
Turkey Tetrazzini
1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup diced onion
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp ground mustard
1 cup shredded sharp cheese,
1 small can sliced mushrooms
1 pound cooked turkey, cubed
Preheat the oven to 400°.. Cook 8 ounces of pasta (I prefer angel
hair or very thin spaghetti) until done. Melt butter and add the onion;
cook stirring, until tender and clear. Stir in the flour and gradually stir
in milk. Add salt, pepper, poultry seasoning and mustard. Cook over
medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove
from the heat and add 3/4 cup of the cheese, stirring until cheese
melts, then add the mushrooms to sauce. Put a layer of pasta in the
bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, followed by a layer of turkey, and
then a layer of cheese sauce. Repeat the layers. Sprinkle remaining 1/4
cup cheese over top. Bake for 25 minutes.
A great meal for those cold winter evenings!
Cajun Jambalaya
2 tsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cubed
8 oz. spicy smoked sausage, diced
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
2 Tblsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp red pepper
Page 50
1/2 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups uncooked white rice
4 cups chicken stock
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Texas Pete
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Saute chicken and sausage
until lightly browned. Stir in onion, pepper and garlic. Sir in the red
pepper, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes, or until onion
is tender. Add rice, then stir in chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then
reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, until rice is tender. Stir in
the Worcestershire sauce and Texas Pete.
One of my favorite side dishes, winter or summer, it just can’t be beat.
Southern Fried Cabbage
3 slices bacon, cooked
1/3 cup oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 head cabbage, cored and sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp sugar
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, add cabbage and
onion and season with salt and pepper. Stir in sugar. Cook until tender
and onion is clear. Stir in crumbled bacon.
Another favorite winter treat, warm apple cobbler fresh out of the oven, just the
way my grandmother used to make.
Apple Cobbler
3 cups flour
1 cup sugar, divided
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 Tblsp vanilla
3 Tblsp milk
8 cups thinly sliced and peeled
apples
2 Tblsp tapioca
Topping::
1 Tblsp milk, 3/4 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Blend in butter
until crumbly. In seperate bowl, beat eggs and vanilla; add to crumb
mixture. Add in the milk and to form soft dough. Put half of the
dough into the bottom of a greased 13-in. x 9-in. pan. Chill remaining
dough. Mix apples with tapioca, cinnamon and remaining sugar; place
over dough in pan. On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to fit
top of pan. Place over apples and brush with milk. Combine sugar and
cinnamon; sprinkle on top. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes.
Dining in Northampton
Aqua
757-331-8660
Cape Charles, VA
The Pelican Pub
(757)331-4229
Cape Charles, VA
Little Italy Restaurant
(757) 442-7831
Nassawadox, VA
Bls Home Cooking
(757) 678-5993
Cape Charles, VA
Old Fire House
(757)331-4440
Cape Charles, VA
Great Machipongo Clam Shack
757-442-3800
Nassawadox, VA
Couch House Tavern
757-331-8631
Cape Charles, VA
Hardee’s
(757) 331-4029
Cape Charles, VA
(757) 442-2536
Exmore, VA
Bay Creek Railway
757-331-8770
Cape Charles, VA
Yuk Yuk & Joe’s
(757) 678-7870
Eastville, VA
Eastville Inn
(757) 678-5745
Eastville, VA
Ballard Fish & Oyster Co
(757) 331-2426
Cheriton, VA
Mc Donald’s
(757) 331-1855
Cape Charles, VA
(757) 442-3534
Exmore, VA
Seaside Family Restaurant
(757) 414-0175
Exmore, VA
Good For You Naturally
757-442-4484
Exmore, VA
The Great Machipongo Clam Shack
Seafood Market and Restaurant
Live Music on Saturday Nights, No Cover!
Daily $5.00 Specials
for Lunch and Dinner
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant
(757) 442-2900
Exmore, VA
La Rosita Mexican Store
(757) 442-5055
Exmore, VA
757-442-3800
Rt. 13 • Nassawadox
www.greatclams.com
Yellow Duck Bakery Cafe
(757) 442-5909
Exmore, VA
Don Valerios Mexican Rest
(757) 678-0011
Cape Charles, VA
Exmore Diner
(757) 442-2313
Exmore, VA
(757) 331-3222
Cape Charles, VA
China Chefs Restaurant
(757) 787-8711
Exmore, VA
Rock N Robins Family Rstrnt
(757) 331-3601
Cape Charles, VA
China Wok
(757) 442-3300
Exmore, VA
Chesapeake
(757) 331-3123
Cape Charles, VA
(757) 442-0090
Exmore, VA
Cape Charles Coffee Co Llc
(757) 331-1880
Cape Charles, VA
Wendy’s
(757) 442-6997
Exmore, VA
Veneto’s Pizzeria
(757) 331-2275
Cape Charles, VA
Taco Bell
(757) 442-7827
Exmore, VA
Sting-Ray’s Restaurant
(757) 331-1541
Cape Charles, VA
Burger King
(757) 442-2643
Exmore, VA
If you would like to see your
favorite restaurant added here,
please contact us at:
09
of 20
Old fashioned food. Old fashioned prices.
Fresh, Eastern Shore seafood, prime cut steaks,
friendly atmosphere, prompt service , home-style
cooking and old fashioned prices.
Weekdays 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sundays 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
757-442-2313
4264 Main St
Exmore, VA 23350
An Eastern Shore Tradition For Over 50 Years.
Page 51
He, She and Baby Makes 3
A Threefold Look At Today’s Controversial Issues
I am not a shopper. I despise the mall,
I hate standing in line at any store, positively
loathe trying to push my way through the
crowds only to find that the item I was headed
for was snatched up by the rude woman in front
of me who almost knocked me down without
so much as an excuse me. This is one of the
reasons I enjoy Christmas on the Shore so very
much, because you just simply do not have to
deal with those types of experiences here. But
as always seems to be the case, at some point
during the holidays we inevitably find ourselves going across the Bay.
Whether it be for that can’t live without item on my son’s Christmas
list that can only come from Bass Pro Shops, or because for some
insane reason, we feel the need to go over to enjoy the Christmas
lights along the oceanfront, we just never seem to be able to avoid the
nightmare that always ensues. For you see, if there is anything in this
world that I despise more than shopping, it’s traffic.
It’s only been about a month ago that my daughter and I made
the four hour drive back home to visit with my grandson. After thoroughly enjoying the short time we had together, we left there a little
after dinnertime, thinking that we would avoid most of the end of
the weekend traffic. Things went relatively smoothly all the way up
through Richmond, down through Williamsburg, and then just past
Newport News, bam, we came to a screeching halt. Minutes slowly,
very slowly ticked by and we barely moved. In fact, at the end of two
hours, we still had not made it so far as the Hampton Roads Tunnel.
Traffic inched along, and a short time later we finally came around a
small curve in the road. Glancing up ahead of us to see if she could
determine exactly what had turned I-64 into a parking lot, Lennie suddenly, very angrily exclaimed “Are you serious right now?” I looked up,
searching the road in front of me, and couldn’t see a single thing to
explain this mess. Asking her what she was talking about, she literally
growled at me “Do you see that sign?” Up ahead on an overhang was
a very large sign, lights flashing brightly, that read simply “Caution!
Congestion ahead, be alert.” Like my daughter, my blood was boiling
as she continued to release all her pent up frustration on the unsuspecting ears of anyone even remotely close to our car “Up ahead?
What the heck (expletive deleted out of respect for our readers) about
the five miles of traffic behind us? Do they honestly think we don’t
already know there’s traffic ahead? We’re sitting in a parking lot oh I
don’t know, you think that might be a clue? And the best part, congratulations America, our tax dollars are paying for the Government’s
stupidity, as usual.”
Unfortunately, this is only one incident in a long, long string of
traffic related misery that raises my blood pressure, threatens my sanity and assaults everyone even remotely connected to my life with a
string of cursing from me that is worthy of a sailor. I suppose the big
thing that really gets to me is that each and every time I end up dealing
with some moron, or if you’re in the city, an entire population of morons, that I left sitting there wondering exactly where did these people
obtain their drivers license? I am starting to think that perhaps you
can order them off of eBay, sans any kind of testing, because wow,
people sure don’t understand anything about the rules of the road.
Take for example the Sunday driver. He or she moseys on along
at say forty miles per hour; naturally they’re in the left lane, preventing
you from passing them, since there is another string of drivers in the
She
Says
Page 52
right lane to begin with. They touch their brakes, pointing at this tidbit
of scenery or another, then they speed up a little, you can see them
talking animatedly amongst themselves in the car, completely oblivious to the line of traffic that has built up behind them. I am sorry; I
just don’t quite understand this at all. Personally, if I want to take a
leisurely drive to enjoy some scenery, it’s not going to be on an Interstate. There are plenty of back roads all over Virginia that are perfect
for that purpose, I-64 or I-95 are not two of them.
Next we have what my sister used to angrily call the “rubber
neckers.” She commuted back and forth to DC everyday where she
worked for the FCC, so she most assuredly got to see her share of
these maddening people. Okay, so a police officer has stopped someone for speeding and is pulled off on the side of the road. Or maybe
someone has a flat tire. There might even be an accident, pulled off
quickly by law enforcement and rescue personnel to the side of the
road. None of these people are having a good day, obviously. Do you
somewhere in that pea brain of yours think that since someone else
is having a bad day that your slowing down to five miles an hour so
that you can turn your neck backwards like Linda Blair in the Exorcist
to stare at them is really going to help anyone else have a good day?
No, you’re an idiot and the police should be pulling you over for being stupid. In fact, that’s a traffic law that I’d vote for in a heartbeat
“Failure to use your brain while driving.” It should be punishable with
a life sentence.
Then there is the whole issue of merging traffic. Webster’s defines merge as: “to blend or come together without abrupt change.”
This does not mean you come to a dead stop and sit there until there
is not a car in sight. It means you check the road, determine the speed
you need to enter safely into the line of traffic, and you either slow
down or speed up according and ENTER the traffic. And perhaps
even more annoying, in the case of road construction, if you see a
sign along your path that says “Road Construction, Right Lane Closed
in 2 Miles Merge Left” it does not, by any stretch of the imagination,
definitely does not mean that you race ahead blindly, thinking you are
just going to slip easily into the left lane at the last possible minute.
Seriously? Do you have any idea how much of a royal pain you people
are? With 75% of the cars trying to merge at the last possible minute,
what happens? Come on, you’re smart enough to be able to read this
article, so obviously there is a little intelligent life in there somewhere.
Well, perhaps your brain is off on vacation this week, so I’ll spare you
the trouble of trying to figure it out. You are going to cause a huge,
huge traffic jam. With the left lane already moving slower since it’s
accommodating two lanes of traffic instead of one, and 75% of you
people trying to enter that line of traffic all at one time, traffic isn’t
going to slow down, it’s going to stop as we are forced to sit there and
let all of you idiots into our lane, the lane WE merged into two miles
back. Well, for anyone out there who knows my car, or my daughter’s
car, you can sit there in that right lane till the earth stops rotating, because you’re not getting in front of me. I will ride the bumper of the
car in front of me as closely as possible and still be safe, because you
are not going to make me pay the price for your ignorance.
And texting and driving, well, that’s just a topic that we really
shouldn’t even have to cover. I mean seriously, do you really think you
can carry on a conversation in a text and still pay attention to the road?
Somewhere in my travels, I don’t really remember where, I read a billboard that really grabbed my attention. It said “In the time it takes you
to pick up your phone and look down to check a text message, driving
55 MPH you have traveled the length of a football field.” Now, if you
think about a football field and how many cars can be lined up bumper
to bumper from one end to the other, that’s a whole lot of devastation
and destruction you could wreak while you’re texting your boyfriend
that you’re running late. And for you people sitting at home texting
your friends and family, you’re just as guilty as the driver, or don’t you
even care that you are putting their lives, as well as the other innocent
drivers around them, in danger? Is asking them what time they’ll be
home, or what’s for dinner so danged important that you are willing
to risk them getting killed over it? Perhaps you need to rethink your
priorities. The bottom line is, if you’re looking at your phone, you’re
not looking at the road. I don’t care if you’re on an interstate or a back
road; it only takes a second, literally a split second for a car, or a dog,
or a deer or a small child to dart out in front of you.
Of course we can’t talk about traffic without confronting those
people who seem to think if they drive 80 miles an hour they’re going
to still make that meeting that in reality they should have left home for
thirty minutes ago. It’s not our fault you’re late, make a phone call, tell
them you’re on your way and slow down before you kill us all. Worse
of course is the person who just likes to fly down the highway because
well, because they can and they think that makes them something special. Well, you’re special alright, though I dare say it’s not in the context
you were aiming for.
Couple other things that bear mentioning as well. You know that
little knob on the side of your steering column? No, not the windshield wiper, the other one. Yeah, that thing. It’s called a turn signal,
and I can promise you that car manufactures’ do not put them in your
car for decoration. Use them. And another thing. If your windshield
wipers are worn out, replace them. If your headlight is burned out,
get a new one. And if your brakes are grinding metal, it’s time to get
new ones. Driving down the road at 75 MPH with no brakes makes
you the equivalent of a suicide bomber on wheels.
And then, there’s drunk driving. It is so very sad that this is even
an issue. I don’t care how much you’ve had to drink, if you’ve been
drinking, you don’t belong behind the wheel. You might think you’re
perfectly fine, but the fact is, you’re not. If alcohol didn’t affect us so
adversely, it wouldn’t be a controlled substance now would it? Yeah
it can make you happy (though you might be interested to know that
the only alcohol that isn’t a depressant is Tequila) and yeah, it can add
to your good times for your night out, but it’s not going to be much
fun when you wake up in the hospital, if you wake up at all, because
you misjudged that last curve, or thought the car passing you was just
a wee bit further over in his lane than he really was. Or even worse,
how about living with your conscious for the rest of your life knowing you killed that young mom and her 2 year old daughter that you
broadsided? Sadly, I know your type and absolutely nothing I say here
is going to matter to you. You don’t think you’ve had too much, you’re
only going a few miles down the road, you’ll be careful, and besides,
who am I (or anyone) to tell you when you can and can’t drive. You are
ready to leave and you want to leave right now, you have no intention
of waiting twenty minutes until someone can give you a ride. You feel
like it’s an insult to be told you can’t drive, you’re a big boy (or girl)
you are perfectly capable of doing whatever you want to do. Guess
what big shot; you don’t impress me at all. In fact, you disgust me. I
can honestly say I can’t think of a more selfish, stubborn, arrogant,
irresponsible, immature, did I say selfish person than someone who
would endanger the lives of perfectly innocent people simply to prove
something to himself or just to get his own way. Grow up.
And lastly, a topic I believe that the baby has already covered,
but personally, I think it bears repeating. Back seat drivers. It’s really
very simple, and I actually only have one thing to say about the whole
subject. If you don’t like the way I’m driving, there’s this thing right
beside you called a door handle. Use it, get out, and walk. If you aren’t
going to man up and drive yourself, then just shut up. I’ll get us there
safely, and you know what? If I don’t then maybe you shouldn’t have
driven yourself in the first place.
Okay, I’m done ranting and raving, wow, I sure do feel better
now. Nope, I’m not one of those people that you hear about with a
massive case of road rage. In fact, I am one of the most ridiculously
defensive drivers you’ve ever seen, infuriatingly so according to my
daughter. In fact, since the day I first got my driver’s license way back
in oh, somewhere around 1973 or so, I’ve never had a single accident,
not one. Well, not unless you want to count when I was 16 years old
and had borrowed an “admirers” car (he wanted to date me, he sure
wasn’t going to tell me no) to slip into town one evening. Well it was
one of those really old T-birds, the kind with the convertible top that
you could raise and lower with a button inside. It started raining and
me, being sixteen and having no earthly clue what I was doing, decided
I needed to put the top up – while driving along. Well that obviously
didn’t work very well, so I pulled off in a parking lot to remedy the
problem. But once I finally managed to get the top up, the rain and
dampness had created quite the fog on the back window, which, being a convertible was plastic, and I couldn’t see a thing. In the process
of backing up to get out of the parking lot, I hit a light pole, rather
backed into a light pole, creating a perfect elongated dent down the
back bumper. Needless to say I was late. Needless to say I was terrified to tell him what I’d done. Needless to say I figured at the very
least, he’d never let me drive his car again. However, by the time I finished explaining my story to him, he was laughing so hard he couldn’t
have gotten mad at me if he tried. And the very next day? I was right
back in town driving his car. So yeah, I just don’t think that counts
at all.
Okay so I admit it. Yes, I am one of those
backseat drivers that both of the females in this
column are complaining about. But see, here’s
the thing. If you knew how to drive and knew
what you were doing, then I wouldn’t have to
tell you what to do. Perhaps if I remind you
often enough to stay in the right lane, one of
these days you’ll learn how to drive.
Now, as far as general traffic is concerned,
exactly what do you want me to say about that? It stinks, is there
anything else that needs to be said? Seems more and more the roads
are filled with people that have no idea at all of what they are doing.
People weaving in and out of traffic with no warning, doesn’t anyone
know what a turn signal is these days? And as far as the speed limit is
concerned, they have posted speed limits for a reason. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving too fast or too slow, either way, you’re a nuisance
to other drivers who have to either get out of your way or get around
you. At least drive within five or ten miles of the posted speed limit,
anything else just creates more problems on the road.
I guess my biggest pet peeve with traffic in general is people who
don’t know how to yield. If you see cars approaching on the ramp
then get over so that they can merge into the traffic. Most of the back
ups I see on highways are centered right around the on ramps, and
it’s because people are just rude and don’t pay attention to anything
around them. What harm is it really going to do you to get over in the
left lane so someone can enter the interstate? And for those of you
actually trying to get into traffic, coming to a complete stop is pretty
ridiculous. At that point, you have to figure out a way to merge into
traffic going easily 70 miles an hour from a complete stop, and that’s
pretty difficult to do.
He
Says
Page 53
And cell phones are another nuiscance. It’s a pity they aren’t illegal
in every state for drivers, they’re just dangerous, period. I can’t tell you
how many people I pass that are chatting away on their phones, completely oblivious to everything around them, and worse, the people I
see swerving off the side of the road because they’re so busy texting
away that they just run off the road. Those little ear pieces are not that
expensive, you can buy them starting at like $30 or something, buy
one and use it if you must talk on the phone. And there’s a service for
your cell phones that you can download, it’s called Drive Safely. When
you turn it on, if you receive a text message, it will respond to the
person that sent it simply telling them you’re driving and will get back
with them when you can safely talk or text. Why don’t more people
use that service, its such an awesome idea. And another thing, how
many people do you see breeze right through a stop sign because they
“think” they can see what’s coming without stopping? Well, thinking
and knowing are two different things, come to a stop, suppose there’s
a kid getting ready to cross the street and you don’t see them?
In a nutshell, if you’re driving, act like you have some sense. Take
a driver refresher course if you need to, in fact, may not be a bad idea
to take one anyway, we all have a tendency to ignore traffic laws that
are easy to avoid. And that’s really all I have to say about that folks, so,
end of discussion. Be smart, be safe.
Baby’s
Ohhh traffic. If you ever ride with
me you will experience my self professed
superiority over every other driver on the
road. It is especially bad around the holidays, when everybody and their mother is
on the road, going I don’t care where, just
wish they would get there, and then never
drive again. So, while you are on the road
this year, try to keep in mind that you are not the only one trying to go
somewhere, and be considerate of other drivers so everyone can arrive at their destination safely, and sanity in tact. Here are some things
that “drive” me crazy.
Number one: Impossibly slow drivers. If the posted speed limit
is 55, go 55. If you feel the need to drive 35 miles an hour, take a
back road, or at the very least, put your flashers on to warn people
that drive the speed limit that you are completely unaware of road
etiquette so they don’t have to slam on the brakes and nearly give
themselves a heart attack, or send everything in their vehicle flying
into the windshield.
Number two: Pulling out in front of someone when there is no
way to avoid hitting you without a) slamming on the brakes or b) running off the road. I mean come on, if you are pulling out onto the
highway and the car that is coming is so close you can see the driver
giving you the finger in your rearview mirror, you should have waited
until they passed, or pulled into a lane with no traffic in it. Despite
the fact that people shouldn’t be on their cell phones, either talking
or texting, while driving, the fact remains that people do it. And are
you really in that big of a hurry that you need to pull directly out in
front of someone who is driving at least 55 mph from a complete
stop and risk getting smashed into, probably killed at that speed? I
have to travel back and forth across the bay often for work, and it is
truly scary, down right terrifying, how many times a car sitting at a
crossover in the median has pulled out in front of me on the highway
when I was literally no more than 25 yards away from them. Traffic
in the other lane beside me, so there is no way I can get over, I slam
on my brakes so hard I can’t even control the steering, send purse and
whatever else I have in the seat next to me flying, heart racing, and
literally wanting to run over the driver in front of me. Once my fear
Turn
Page 54
dissipates, I drive on, fuming, envisioning pulling that person over and
telling them what I think of their driving skills, or lack there of. But of
course I don’t actually do it, or flick them off, or even honk, because
at the time one would do those things, I’m too busy trying to figure
out if I actually soiled my underwear like I think I did. So, don’t pull
out on the highway until you have plenty of room to do so. At the
very least, you will cause someone to crap their pants, perhaps seek
revenge. At the worst, you will pull out like that in front of someone
who isn’t paying attention, and you will end up getting yourself killed,
as well as whoever else is in the other car.
Number three: I feel like this list could go on forever. Again, this
refers to the posted speed limit. Just like driving too slow, driving way
too fast is irritating and dangerous too. If everyone else on the road
is going 55 to 60 mph, then weaving in and out of traffic at 80 mph
is not only careless and dangerous, but really annoying. We see your
Honda Civic with the spoiler and the racing stripe, and driving like an
idiot doesn’t make us think you are any cooler. You’re an idiot, and no
one is impressed by you. When you run off the road and get in an accident, we are going to be even less impressed with the traffic jam you
have created. So slow down, you’re not cool, you’re only going to get
there about 30 seconds earlier by driving that fast, and you are putting
everyone else on the road in danger with your antics.
Number four: This doesn’t really involve other drivers so to
speak, but I guess inadvertently it sort of does. Unless you are a parent teaching your teenager how to drive, please refrain from telling
the person driving your tail around, using their gas, their time, putting
miles on their car, how to drive. It is also known as backseat driving,
and it is quite possibly the most annoying thing I have ever dealt with.
It might just be me, but when I have someone in my car whining about
how fast or slow I am driving, if I don’t slow down a mile before I
get to the red light, to pull out if I’m not comfortable, to drive in a
different lane because they can’t stand “left lane drivers” (no matter
that maybe I’m over there because I’m turning left soon, or the traffic
in the right hand lane is going slower than I would like), eventually, it
makes it me crazy. I start doing whatever it is they want just so they
will shut up. At this point, I’m nervous, and probably mad, which
means my head is not completely focused on driving. Instead of arguing with the person driving you about how they drive, why don’t you
drive yourself ? All you are going to do by constantly telling them what
to do behind the wheel is irritate them and possibly make them even
more dangerous on the road, both to you and to other motorists. So
my motto is, shut up or walk.
Number five: Tailgating. It is extremely dangerous. If the person in front of you has to hit the brakes for any reason (oh let’s say
an animal, the Shore is definitely full of deer), there is no way you can
avoid rear ending them. I know it is frustrating when you are cruising
along in the left hand lane and you get behind someone going significantly slower, but save yourself the frustration and pass them on the
right instead of riding their bumper and flashing your lights trying
to make them move over into another lane. That really does cause
accidents. I know when I have had someone tailgating me, I tend to
spend more time looking in the rearview mirror afraid they are too
close than looking at the road, which means if something jumps out in
front of me, or a car suddenly stops in front of me, I will be slamming
on the brakes, which means you are going to hit me, because a foot
between my back bumper and your front bumper is just not enough
room between us for you to be able to slow down in time when I slow
down. So if the person in front of you won’t get out of your way, just
pass them instead of making them nervous, which might make them
make a mistake that will involve you since you are too close to get out
of the way.
Number six: Unnecessary signs on the road. I know that the
signs on the road are meant to alert drivers to certain things that may
impact how they drive. But it sort of irks my nerves when I am sitting in a traffic jam on 64 for two hours trying to get through the
Hampton Roads Tunnel and there is a big sign saying “Congestion
Ahead.” Really? Thank you Captain Obvious, I have only been IN
this congestion for the past two miles, which by the way it has taken
me three hours to even go three miles. Thanks for the news flash, glad
my tax dollars are going to such a good purpose. The same goes for
signs warning us of bad weather. Fog so thick you can’t even see the
sign that tells you there is fog until you are within three feet of it. Gee
thanks, I hadn’t noticed, but now I will be much more careful. I was
wondering what that was anyway. If you are going to put some kind
of warning sign on the road to alert drivers of certain conditions, oh
I don’t know, why don’t you place them somewhere BEFORE we are
already in those conditions.
Number seven: Tunnel traffic is something that gets on everyone’s
nerves. How many times have you been cruising along the bridge and
when you get to the tunnel the person in front of you slows down so
much that you could get through the tunnel faster if you were walking.
Common sense here, the speed limit wouldn’t be 55 if it was unsafe to
drive 55 through there. There are signs that say “maintain speed.” It’s
a shame cops don’t give tickets for people going way under the speed
limit like they do to people going way over it. So, I guess you are afraid
of the tunnel, you can’t help that. So how about when we get out of
it, you let the fifteen cars that have gotten stuck behind you pass you
so the same thing doesn’t happen in the next one? Nope, that would
be too courteous. As soon as you get past those walls you floor it so
the only way we can pass you would be to drive about 90 mph. And
then … surprise! We are at the next tunnel where we can’t pass you,
and you have slowed down so much it seems like we are idling through
the tunnel.
Number eight: Loud music at stop lights. Do people not realize
how offensive it is when their bass is so loud it vibrates the rear view
mirror in MY car? Maybe I am trying to listen to a song I like on the
radio, with my windows up, at a reasonable volume. Nope, you have
to turn your bass all the way up, volume at the max, roll your windows
down, and proclaim to the rest of world that you are an annoying fool.
If you want to damage your eardrums beyond repair and be deaf by
the time you are forty, fine, but not everyone is as excited about blowing out their eardrums as you are, and some of us actually prefer not
to. If you feel the need to listen to music that loud, do it where it
doesn’t offend other people.
Number nine: Those sweet little family stickers on your car are
cute, and we are glad you are proud of your family. But I want to paint
a scenario that might make you think twice about putting those stickers on your car. Everyone has seen them, the little stick figure family
on the back window of the SUV in front of you, Mom, Dad, two
kids, a boy and a girl, and the little family stick figure dog too. On the
bumper of your SUV is a sticker proudly proclaiming your child is an
honor roll student at whatever elementary school. You have a cheerleading sticker on there, and a soccer ball. You may as well find the
nearest pedophile and say “Hey, my daughter goes to such and such
elementary school, she is in cheerleading and her brother plays soccer,
so if you want to kidnap her, you can just give her these little facts
that will help her feel just comfortable enough to get in your car.” If
you are extra cute, you may even put yours and your family members
(including the dog) names over top each little stick figure. Why would
you want random strangers to know so much about your family? If
you drive some Lexus SUV and have all that information on your
about your family, don’t you realize how that puts the ones you love in
danger? Even if isn’t a sexual predator, it could be someone desperate for money (and we know with the state of the economy there are
plenty of desperate people out there) that sees your expensive car and
figures they can get a good ransom for one of your kids. So it’s not so
much that those stickers annoy me, as frighten me.
Number ten: It is something everyone of us has done, and perhaps still do. Talking on the cell phone while driving, or texting (worse
than talking). You can not tell me that you pay as much attention to
the road while you are on your cell phone as you do when you are not.
Not only that, but unless you are using a hands free device, one hand
is NOT on the wheel, and you can not, no matter how much you think
you can, control a car in an emergency, with one hand. And that goes
for those of you that text or call someone when you KNOW they are
driving somewhere. Why would you even put that temptation in their
minds to answer? Are you TRYING to get them killed? Is talking to
your girlfriend or boyfriend so important at that very minute that you
would risk that? I’m a big fan of someone calling or texting me and
I let them know I am driving and will talk to them when I get where
I am going, and yet, they continue to text, or talk, and then wonder
why I get upset.
So, those are my top ten things that aggravate me about driving
and traffic. It seems like everyone lives in their own little world, and
acts like there is no one else in that little world, so they can do whatever they want and not worry about the consequences those actions
may have on anyone else. So folks, lets all get our heads out of our
behinds, and have some common decency for other people. If you
don’t value your own life, at least realize other people may value theirs,
and if you feel the need to risk your own, try not to risk everyone else’s
at the same time. Traveling doesn’t have to be a bad experience, if we
could all be a little more aware of each other, things would go a lot
more smoothly.
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Page 55
The Suppression of America, Part 1
The suppression of America is really a story about the efforts of
the institutions of America to keep the worker bees in their place. It
is about the plight and struggles that each of us have endured and the
demagoguery of those same institutions that, while claiming to help
us, are actually making things worse. Over the next four articles, I will
address each of these institutions and the steps they take to hold us in
our places. The first and most important is the U.S. Government.
The U.S. Government is all about the middle class and small business. How many times have you heard that? Whether the Republicans
or Democrats are in power, the message is always the same. Truthfully, each has its own agenda but they have to claim this message
because it is a massage which touches the most voters. Both parties
acknowledge that small business is the backbone of America and is
responsible for the majority of job growth in our country. All this is
true. So then, why is it that the large corporations often pay little or
no taxes while small businesses are taxed and regulated into oblivion?
These small businesses lack the size and financial resources to have
accountants, lawyers, and financial consultants to take advantage of
the loopholes contained in our tax code.
The big guys like the system which is why it still exists. Our government considers small business to be much bigger than the Mom
& Pops which helped grow and develop our economy over the past
couple centuries.
So how does the government actually suppress the very people
and organizations that have gotten us this far? Let’s start with legislation.
Until recently, our U.S. Congress passed laws affecting each and
every one of us, but exempted themselves from these same laws.
That’s right, for example, when sexual harassment, and all other laws
were passed by Congress, they exempted themselves from this legislation. Bowing to political pressure, they now subject themselves to
these laws.
Perhaps the biggest challenge to any small business and to the
working class of this country is the Internal Revenue Service. It wasn’t
until recently that Congress began to insist that the IRS become more
taxpayer friendly. Just like their cozy relationship with our banking
system, it took a total revolt from taxpayers before they bowed to
political pressure from us little guys. Still inequities remain. Take
for example, the application of taxes to the working class. Income is
taxed differently based on whether it is “earned” or “unearned”.
Let’s say that you’re a working stiff making $50,000 per year.
You’ve got rent of $800 per month, groceries, etc. Then there’s the
guy who receives $50,000 per year in dividends from the stocks he
owns and has a mortgage payment of $800. We’ll assume they’re in
the same tax bracket. In addition to the income tax withheld from the
working stiff, he has another 7.5%, or so, withheld for FICA. The
small business he works for also has to put up 7.5%. Effectively, his
tax rate on that “earned” income is 15% higher than the “unearned”
income the guy who receives the same amount of income from stock
dividends. To rub salt in that wound, the interest on the $800 a month
mortgage is deductible from his income.
The poor guy renting has no such deduction. Of course, opponents to my position will say that the FICA tax goes to support the
working guy in his retirement and that the mortgage interest deduction is to encourage home ownership. My retort is that the social
security he is paying is also available to the other guy. In fact, I believe,
that earned income should be taxed at a lower rate than the unearned
income. Unfortunately, the folks earning income have virtually no
Page 56
by Rick Matthews
voice and, in fact, may not even know about this fact. As far as
the rent he pays each month, maybe renting is better for him and his
family than buying. That’s a decision that must be left to him and his
family. Nonetheless, he and his family are at a significant disadvantage
as far as the IRS is concerned. Do you think that the U.S. Government
and the IRS treat you and your small business the same as they do
BIG BUSINESS. Not a chance. Take for example, the recent TARP
(Troubled Asset Relief Program) passed by Congress to bail out the
banks and some insurance companies. One of the stipulations was
that federal taxes were to be paid up to date in order for a company to
receive these funds. After these monies were disbursed, it was discovered that hundreds of millions of dollars of back taxes were owed by
some of the recipients. With modern computers you’d think it would
be fairly easy to check to see if ABC Corp owed taxes. Now take for
example that you or your little business owes the IRS $10,000 in back
taxes. You’ll be hounded by the IRS, bank accounts seized, threatening letters, etc.
Sounds like we need to grow our businesses so we can be treated
like BIG BUSINESS. Good luck! Say you decide to grow your business and that that business is going to amass wealth via investment
in real estate. Not in a big way, just a rental building or two as you
amass a little money here and there. Say your lucky enough to gather
together $200,000 and leverage that money to build or purchase an
income producing property for $1,000,000. You borrow $800,000 for
20 years and everything’s good. Your principal and interest payments,
taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc., are covered by the rentals you receive. No problem, right? Wrong!
Buildings, such as this, are depreciated over a 39.5 year schedule.
Only short-lived items receive the more favorable 7 year schedule. As
with all amortizing loans, as the payments progress, the portion applied to mortgage interest decreases and the principal portion increases. This sounds like your building equity and that eventually you’ll
have your loan paid off and you can retire with a steady income from
rentals. The problem is that about when the 8th year rolls around,
your short-lived depreciation goes away and now you have nothing to
offset the growing amount of principal you’re paying. Assume in year
8 you have paid $50,000 in principal to your lender. You’ve used all
the rental income for expenses, maintenance, and loan payments and
have put none of it in your pocket. So how does the IRS treat the
$50,000 of principal repayment? AS INCOME. It’s what is known as
“phantom income”. You didn’t receive a dime from the cash flow but
you must pay income taxes on money you didn’t receive. That means
you’ll have to use other income sources to pay taxes on the money you
didn’t receive.
Not to pick on just the U.S. Government/IRS, the State is no better. For example, let’s look at state laws which stick it to the small guy.
Ever wonder how heirs/heiresses keep their money from spouses?
It’s simple. The law allows gifts from donors to be kept separate from
other assets that come into a marriage. Let’s look at the worst case
scenario, a divorce. John and Sharon get married. Sharon is heir to a
technology fortune and, over time, her parents have given her a lot
of money. Since she is well advised, she has established an account
in her name and has placed all these funds in this account. John, on
the other hand, is an engineer. He’s worked for a major firm and after
finding it difficult to advance, he leaves to open his own firm. He
struggles, sweats and, ultimately, succeeds. Sharon meets someone she
likes at her weekly visit to the day spa and decides she wants a divorce.
She has $1,000,000 in her personal account from gifts from her parents. Her attorney has John’s business appraised and determines it is
worth $800,000. John visits his attorney and feels comfortable since
her half of his business is less than his half of her personal account.
He is sickened when informed that she’ll get half of the value of his
business and he gets nothing from her personal account.
Why? Because gifts as described above are outside the equitable
distribution calculations. What’s more, she’s likely to get alimony and
child support. So, in the example above, the final tally looks something like this. Sharon $900,000 and John $400,000. Plus, John will
likely need to borrow the $400,000 to pay Sharon. In the interest of
fairness, the roles could easily be reversed.
Recent actions by our Congress have targeted some of the inequities discussed in this article. The recent passing of the Dodd/Frank
legislation has addressed some of these issues as they relate to banking
and consumer issues. We’ll address these in the next segment of The
Suppression of America – The Banks.
Did You Know?
It took Radio 38 years to reach 50 million listeners.
Oak Hall
at The Anchor
Vehicle Titles & Registrations
Save the
License Plates
$5
Permits & Placards
in person
Transcript Requests
Fee!
UPS Drop Location
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Visit Our Flag
& Gift Shop
Mon - Fri 9 - 5 and Sat. 9 -12
757-854-1425
8171 Lankford Hwy • Oak Hall
Mulch
on
the
Spot
Landcaping Supply
a division of Eastern Shore Mini Storage, Inc
21012 Fairgrounds Road • Onancock
757-787-1304
TV reached 50 million viewers in 13 years.
The Internet hit their 50 million mark in only 4 years.
Every month, there are 31 billion searches on Google.
In 1992, there were 1,000,000 Internet devices.
DELIVERY
AVAILABLE
In 2008, there were 1,000,000,000 Internet devices.
The Herm and Rayce Show
On the Air.
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Friday's at 5:00 PM
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Just an hour or so of your life that
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ONANCOCK • MELFA • PAINTER
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Page 57
Winter 2010-11
Calendar of Events
December
Dec. 10: Onancock 2nd Friday & Art Stroll. Participating shops
and galleries are open late, showcasing artists, specials and
demonstrations with dining and entertainment at many of Onancock’s
restaurants. 5 – 8 p.m. www.onancock.org
Dec. 11: Annual Onancock Christmas Homes Tour and Holiday Concert.
Homes Tour 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Holiday Concert at Historic Cokesbury
Church 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. www.onancock.org Call 757-302-0330 to
purchase tickets in advance. Other events in town the same afternoon
include the “Holiday Celebration with History” at the Ker Place house
museum. Historically-oriented exhibits and entertainment for the
whole family plus refreshments.
Dec. 11: Christmas Spectacular-Cape Charles
Dec. 15: DAR and Colonial Dames Lunch and Lecture at Ker Place. The
Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society welcomes the DAR and
the Colonial Dames to a festive lunch and lecture with local historian
Dennis Custis. Reservations are required.
Dec 17-20: ESO Presents “SWING” Nutcracker Ballet 20th Anniversary
at Nandua High SchoolTickets $12 Advanced, $15 Door, $18
Reserved For more information call ESO at 442-3226, Online at www.
esoartscenter.org
Dec. 18: Town of Onancock Annual Christmas Parade, 5 p.m. www.
onancock.com
January
Jan 13: Roseland Theatre, Onancock www.roselandonancock.com
Ondine, 2009, Ireland, English & Romanian. The movie opens shortly
before Syracuse (Colin Farrell), trawling the Irish waters alone, pulls
up a net sagging with fish and the inert body of a young woman.
Thus a man meets a mermaid, or maybe he doesn’t. In the Celtic
myth, a selkie (mermaid) is able to become human by taking off
her seal coat, and can return to seal form by putting it back on.
However, like all fairy tales, enchantment and darkness go hand in
hand. This movie fills the screen with beautiful landscapes of sea,
sky and land. How nice it would be to throw a net overboard and
come up with a beautiful woman - this film may inspire lots of men
to take up fishing.
February
Feb 10: Roseland Theatre, Onancock www.roselandonancock.com.
Ghost Writer, 2010, Germany, English-Part detective story and part
political thriller, The Ghost Writer is built on recent world events in an
imaginary scenario that is not so fanciful as to be incredible This film
is about a man without a past (the writer) who agrees to ghost write
the memoirs of a former British prime minister.
Feb 12: ESO Cabaret Series -Heather and Nathan Travis - Specializing
in covers from the late 50’s up to 2010 at ESO Arts Center at 7:30
PM $10 per person
Feb 25:ESO Cabaret Series-Dancing with Dragons - Celtic Jazz with
great fiddle, guitar and vocals at ESO Arts Center at 7:30 PM $10
per person
Feb 26: ACES Virginia Symphony Saturday, 8pm, Nandua High School
www.acesva.org
March
March 5: The SPCA Winter Blues Ball (AKA Dog Dance) This semiformal event is being held at the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country
Club. Tickets are $50 for one or $95 per couple available at the SPCAEastern Shore. The band will be The H. M. Johnson Band. There will
be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and heavy hors d’eouvres. Tickets
make an excellent Christmas Gift!
March 10: Roseland Theatre, Onancock www.roselandonancock.com.
Get Low, 2009, USA, English. This is one of those true stories that
seem indistinguishable from legend. You might have thought that
you would like to be at your own funeral, to hear the stories and tell
your own. Get Low is a movie spun out of equal parts folk tale, fable
and real-life legend about the mysterious, 1930s Tennessee hermit
who famously threw his own funeral party... while he was still alive.
Robert Duvall stars as Felix who plans his burial plot, his stone, his
farewell sendoff and even the designated speaker. He intends this
all to happen now, while he’s still alive and can enjoy getting the
value for his money – and making sure the real story is told. You will
enjoy it too.
March 12: ESO Cabaret Series- 7th Sense - Original blues/rock group
at ESO ARTS CENTER at 7:30 PM $10 per person
Jan 15: Eastern Shore Ice Bowl 2011 at Indiantown Park, Eastville,
Va. 10:00 am $$$$$$$ to play proceeds go to Eastern Shore Food
Bank. This is a Disc Golf tournament event. For more information
email floodlight92@gmail.com or call 757-710-3272.
March 25: ESO Cabaret Series - Thelma and Ericka - Anyways a good
time at ESO ARTS CENTER at 7:30 PM $10 per person
Jan 15: ESO Cabaret Series -Johnny Mo - Unplugged and exciting at
ESO ARTS CENTER at 7:30 PM $10 per person
Jan 28: ESO Cabaret Series -“Originals Coffee House” - Music and
Poetry performed by the composers at ESO Arts Center at 7:30 PM
$10 per person.
Please send your submissions to:
Jan 29: ACES presents Bowen McCauley Dance, 8pm, Nandua High
School www.acesva.org
Page 58
Don’t See Your Event Listed?
or visit us online at:
www.shoresecretsmagazine.com
Eastern Shore Taxidermy
Game Heads • Shoulder Mounts
Horns on Panel • Skulls • Custom Tanning
Specializing in White Tail Deer
Travis Pruitt • 757-710-8015
Certified by the Colorado Institute of Taxidermy Training.
Kefford Linton
Award Winning Decoy Carver &
Model Boat Builder
“We are God’s workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do
good work, which God prepared in
advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
757-824-5885 • Saxis, VA
Last shop on the right before the dock!
Going Somewhere?
We Are!
We at Hospice and Palliative
Care of the Eastern Shore
would like to recognize and
thank the Eastern Shore
community, our many volunteers,
medical providers, residents, churches, and
civic organizations that support us in our
mission of providing comfort and dignity to
improve quality of life for those who are suffering
from advanced illness.
It is with your continued support that we are able
to fulfill our commitment to the residents of the
Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Call 757-787-3310 for information
about our many services.
Hospice and Palliative Care
of the Eastern Shore
“Your community non-profit Hospice”
165 Market St, Suite 3
Onancock, VA 23417
99.3 FM
WVES Shore Country
The area’s most listened to music station.
hot hits
cool classics
all country
all the time.
Home of the All Country
General Store
every weekday at 10 AM.
Watch us as we grow
Shore
Secrets
MAGAZINE
757-665-6500
757-768-7828
27214 Mutton Hunk Rd
Parksley
Page 59
Need A Number?
A & N Electric Co-op 757-787-9750
Emergency - after hours 757-787-9777
Accomack County Administrator’s Office 757-787-5700
Accomack County Animal Control 757-787-1131, 757-824-5666
Accomack County Commissioner of Revenue 757-787-5747
Accomack County Department of Social Services 757-787-1530
Accomack County Health Department 757-787-5886
Accomack County Parks & Recreation 757-787-3900
Accomack County Public Works 757-787-1468
Accomack County Registrar (voter questions) 757-787-2935
Accomack County Sheriff 757-787-1131
Accomack County School Board 757-787-5754
Chincoteague Police 757-336-3155
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce 757-336-6161
Chincoteague Public Works 757-336-3366
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge 757-336-6122
Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 757-787-2460
Eastern Shore Public Library 757-787-3400
Northampton County Administrator’s Office 757-678-0440
Northampton County Animal Control 757-678-0460
Northampton County Commissioner of Revenue 757-678-0446
Northampton County Social Services 757-678-5153
Northampton County Parks & Recreation 757-678-0468
Northampton County Registrar (voter questions) 757-678-0480
Northampton County Sheriff 757-678-0460
Northampton County School Board 757.678.5151
Northampton County Chamber of Commerce 757-678-0010
Atlantic Community Health Center 757-824-5676
Bayview Community Health Center 757-331-1086
Chincoteague Island Community Health Center 757-336-3682
Franktown Community Health Center (with dental) 757-442-4819
ESRHS Metompkin Elementary School Dental 757-665-1159
Onley Community Health Center 757-787-7374
ESRHS Pungoteague Elementary School Dental 757-789-7777
Shore Memorial Hospital 757-414-8000, 1-800-834-7035
SPCA 757-787-7385
State Police / Melfa757-787-5813
Miss Utility “Call before you dig” 800-552-7001
Poison Control Center 800-222-1222
Verizon (telephone) 757-954-6222
Spark Your Imagination
(and let us do the rest!)
Captain Perry Romig
Beautiful 50 foot custom boat
Specializing in shark, tuna,
mahi-mahi and billfishing
offshore of the beautiful
Island of Chincoteague, VA
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Page 60
Greenbackville, VA
757-824-5580
Reese’s Rockin’ Christmas
Why?
When?
What?
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday,
December 23, 2010
A fundraising event to
benefit the Camryn
Reese Coffin Trust Fund.
Beer Truck, DJ Outten,
Live Music, Mark Linton Band
& The Inspectors
The fun starts at
5:00 PM and
ends at 2:00 AM
Where?
Cost?
A Rockin’ Reesen for
the Season!
Cherokee Point Farms
Rt. 617
4 Miles down Bayford Rd
Weirwood, Virginia
(a few miles from Nassawadox)
Oysters, Clams, BBQ & Sides
Advance Tickets $25
At the Door $30
Rayfields, Eastern Shore &
Northampton County
Chambers, Sandpiper Marine
& Mallards
On October 4, 2010, little five year old Reese Coffin was diagnosed with an
Ependymoma, a tumor that arises from the ependyma, a tissue of the Central
Nervous System. Although the tumor is normally found in adults in the spine,
in children it is more often located intracranial. Yet for little Reese, the tumor
has invaded both areas, making her condition extremely difficult to treat, given
the complexities involved with both areas.
Please keep Reese and her entire family in your prayers as they travel down
“Reese’s Road” to recovery.
For more information, please visit: www.reesesroad.com
Information
For More Information on
how you can help call
Susan Murphy at 757787-2099 or Major Jones
at 757-646-9909
A Rockin’
Reesen
For the
Season!
This ad donated courtesy of
Come on In and WArm Up!
Club Car Cafe
Best Coffee in Town!
Monday-Thursday
8 AM to 8 PM
Friday
8 AM to 9 PM
Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM
Closed Sundays
757-665-7822
And Don’t Forget to
Ring in the New Years at
Eagle’s Nest
Lounge and Billiards
18497 Dunne Ave • Parksley, VA
www.clubcarcafe.com
Come For
The Food,
Stay For
the Fun!

Winter 2010 - Shore Secrets Magazine

Transcription

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