Northampton’s Conner Handwerk won the State Championship in Impromptu speaking at the State Forensics Championships which were held at Clover Hill High School, Midlothian, VA (Richmond) on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Other members of the team, Ann Espriella and Dante Wilson made the Final Three by placing third in Serious Duo. The Northampton High School squad was coached by Cheryl Fenderson.
Archives for April 2018
A Chat with Mayoral Candidate Terry Carney
The Mirror met with Mayoral Candidate Terry Carney last Saturday at the Palace Theatre in Cape Charles. As a relatively unknown candidate, the Mirror was anxious to learn more about Mr. Carney, and what he plans to bring to Cape Charles.
Mirror: So, what, or why are you running for Mayor?
Carney: My wife and I had been coming to the Shore for vacations for several years…we stayed in different places, including a Pungateague. We just fell in love with the Eastern Shore, and over time, tried to stay in different places, which is how we came about to Cape Charles.
Mirror: Where do you live now?
Carney: We bought a place in Bay Creek. We always loved Cape Charles, and wanted to buy a home in the Historic District, but at the time, we couldn’t afford what we really wanted.
Mirror: That may be a blessing in disguise…these old houses.
Carney: I know, we renovated a house in Petersburg, so…
Mirror: Yes.
Carney: I have a question for you. What would you want in the next Mayor?
Mirror: To tell the truth, I’d like to see someone like George Proto. He’s a smart guy, and more importantly, his work experience involved bringing together divergent groups and viewpoints, and he tried to form a synthesis of those ideas. I think in his tenure here, he was fairly successful in managing the competing desires of Town Council, producing a generally accepted consensus…so, I’d like to see more of that.
Carney: I agree. I’ve met with Mayor Proto, and he is a smart guy. I don’t think I’ll be able to fill all of those shoes.
Mirror: Well, you have to be yourself anyway. You may bring a skill set that is different, but maybe just as effective. What is the style that you would bring to the job?
Carney: In my job as an FBI agent, I spent most of my time listening to people. I think that is one of the most important things, listening to what the constituents have to say.
Mirror: What do see as a problem area or something that needs addressing?
Carney: Parking in the downtown business district is a big one.
Mirror: Agreed. We have been grappling with this for some time.
Carney: As a business owner, it is a concern.
Mirror: Once the town relinquished Meatland and the other lots, things got tight.
Carney: That leads to the back in parking.
Mirror: Not popular.
Carney: No, but with the limitations, we have to do something. Even with front in parking, backing out is still…
Mirror: Just as dangerous really…
Carney: Yes, it is. But on another subject, to me the harbor is really the crown jewel of this town. I worry that there are still issues with maintenance, receipts and other things…
Mirror: Yes, but the harbor has always operated in the red, not sure really how to turn that around.
Carney: Well, I think we need to get it physically up to speed, and then up the marketing effort. Even if we have to hire someone to help with that, I think the issues at the harbor need to be addressed.
Mirror: Agreed, but the beach is probably the twin jewel, but that is one area where I think the town has done a good job. We are lucky to have a great Dune and Wetlands Board, and they have done great managing the beach and dunes…some say they have managed the dunes too well.
Carney: I agree with you, but parking again is an issue we probably need to look at for the future. As a business owner, I’d also like to see, or at least have a clearer idea of where the beautification of the town lies…is it with the Town, like maintaing areas around trees or flower beds, or should the business take that on.
Mirror: That is a good question, I think the Community Enhancement Board will be addressing much of that, but if it’s in front of your store, the business may want to take that on. Curb appeal is very important.
Carney: Yes, it is very important. You know Wayne, the main reason I’m doing this, is that my wife and I really love this town, and if there is some way I can help keep it wonderful, or even make it better, well I’m here to do that.
Mirror: Well, it was great talking with you and getting you point of view on things. Good luck to you.
Carney: Nice talking with you also. I think I’m in a pretty good spot…the worst I can do is come in second place!
Terry also provided this statement:
I worked for the FBI for 31 years, was assigned to Washington DC, New York and Richmond Offices. During my career, I had leadership roles with special operations, SWAT, Evidence Response Team, and was a relief Supervisor for 20 years. I have never had a position in local government and after owning a home and business In town, we see a lot of good things happening in Cape Charles. My interest in running for Mayor is primarily related to being responsive to residents and business owners and promoting development, through the various groups in place. Common sense is an excellent leadership tool in my opinion. There will be challenges going forward and the issues can be resolved by having good dialogue between town management and citizens. I would encourage everyone to attend the Candidates Forum on Sunday, April 15th, 1:30pm, at the Palace Theatre.
Paul Grossman: Why I’m Running for Town Council
One of the most involved citizens in Cape Charles is running for Town Council. If you have spent time at Town Council or Northampton County School Board Meetings, you have probably run into Paul Grossmam. Mr. Grossman provided this statement to the Mirror.
My name is Paul Grossman and I am running for Town Council in Cape Charles. You may have seen me around town at council and various town board meetings or at Northampton school board meetings. Perhaps you have seen me enjoying a day of fishing at the pier or renovating the old barber shop behind town hall offices or watching the major renovations at my house at 506 Randolph. My wife, Barbara, and I purchased the house in 2012 and we have spent as much time in Cape Charles as possible since then. In May 2016, after retirement, we moved to Cape Charles full time.
My background is in the electric power industry, specifically nuclear power. I have a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in nuclear engineering. I held the positions of nuclear licensing engineer, engineering director, project engineer and project manager. I worked primarily with architect- engineering firms building new plants as well as with the Virginia utility Dominion Energy where I was involved in the operation and modification of existing plants. During my career, I have had the opportunity to live in New York City, Florida, New Orleans, Knoxville, Connecticut and Richmond which has provided me with the ability to work with a broad range of people. I have managed groups as large as several hundred in size and have been involved in technical problem solving, financial budgeting and accountability, planning, dealing with legal issues, procurement, and aspects of personnel management such as hiring, evaluating, and disciplining. [Read more…]
Cape Charles Candidate Forum April 15th 1:30
The Rotary Club of Cape Charles and the Cape Charles Business Association will jointly sponsor a public forum for the seven Cape Charles Town Council candidates as well as for the two Mayoral candidates on Sunday afternoon, April 15th, from 1:30 PM until 5, at the Palace Theater on Mason Avenue in Cape Charles.
This will be the only opportunity for the voting residents of Cape Charles to evaluate all of the candidates at a neutral venue this year, and it is hoped and anticipated that all of the candidates will participate. The forum’s first hour will be devoted to the two mayoral candidates, and the subsequent 2 hours will devoted to the seven council candidates.
In each portion, the candidates will each be given an opportunity to introduce themselves and will then be asked to answer each of three questions which will have been sent to them in advance; they will then be asked questions originating from the audience that afternoon. The sessions will be moderated by Rev. Felton Sessoms.
All interested citizens are encouraged to attend.
Northampton County Schools request 4% increase for teachers and staff
As it continues work on this fiscal year’s budget, Northampton County Board of Supervisors continues to struggle to meet the competing needs of the county. Funding for the schools is once again is a top priority and challenge for the board.
Northampton Schools Superintendent Eddie Lawrence briefed the Northampton County Board of Supervisors Thursday evening in Eastville. Mr. Lawrence, citing low wages in the school system, requested 4% raise for teachers and staff.
Chairman Spencer Murray noted that the budget process is very challenging. Unexpected costs also put pressure on funding. The County was notified earlier this year that health premiums for employees would be raising by approximately 24%. This increase will somehow have to be worked into the final numbers, along with everything else.
Meet and Greet with Smitty Dize April 7th 1:00 to 4:00
Join Mayoral Candidate W.S. “Smitty” Dize, Jr. on April 7th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for “Coffee & Cake with the Candidate” at 118 Peach Street, Cape Charles, VA. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the candidate and learn more about his demonstrated record of improving Cape Charles for all and how his leadership will position or town for future success.
Vote May 1, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 410 Tazewell Avenue, Cape Charles, VA.
David Gay: Position Paper Outlining Candidacy for Town Council
I have written a few words to present my position on issues that face our town for the upcoming election. If you agree with my platform please vote for me on May 1, 2018.
Regardless of whether you were born here or are a “come here”, whether you miss Old Cape Charles or embrace the new, the fact is that we are a small town in transition and have been for some time. Cape Charles fell into decline years ago when the bridge-tunnel opened, and the last ferry left Cape Charles. After that Dickey Foster acquired the land surrounding Cape Charles and built Bay Creek which changed the character of our town forever.
This election is not a popularity contest; it is about making the right decisions now to ensure a great future for our town and everyone in it.
How we manage this transition will tell whether we have a town that has a sustainable year-round economy, is attractive to full-time residents and tourists, or just a beach town that caters to a seasonal population. What we need is smart growth. The key to smart growth is capitalizing on our current assets while improving our infrastructure and attracting new diverse businesses.
Assets
Among our assets are the variety of housing choices from traditional neighborhoods, to gated planned golf community, to the marina village. We have one of the largest collections of historic homes (526) on the National Historic Register. In fact, according to the US Department of the Interior, the entire original street grid of Old Cape Charles is considered a National Historic Place. We need to create and enforce strong regulations to preserve and protect the historic character of the district. Bay Creek and the Marina Villages are upscale venues that offer comfortable living in a secure gated minimal maintenance community. These are all marketable assets that draw people into our charming town.
We have something for everyone!
For those who enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, sports, we have the Beach, the Harbor, Central Park, Bay Creek Golf Courses, the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and Barrier Islands waterways. We need to promote these venues to attract new residents and seasonal guests.
We have a strong arts and entertainment community that encompasses music, literature, the visual and performing arts, as well as many extraordinary events, like the Free Concert Series in Central Park, the Museum Shrimp Boil & Oyster Roast, the Crabby Blues Festival, the Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks and the annual Crab Pot Drop on New Year’s Eve to name a few. We need an organized effort to coordinate these events with our business community to take full advantage of the economic potential that a larger audience can bring to our town.
Eastern Shore Signs wins Northampton County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year
Northampton County Chamber of Commerce presented the Business of the Year award to Eastern Shore Signs, LLC .
In a statement from the Chamber, “In May of 2011, Northampton County gained a startup company we didn’t know we needed. Andy Buchholz has over 30 years of graphic design, desktop publishing, printing industry and sign industry experience. The County is lucky he moved from the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia to lower Northampton County to open Eastern Shore Signs, LLC. This small sign company started in his home in the historic district of Cape Charles.
People would stop by and pick up custom t-shirts he had printed for them off his front porch for the first three years of the business. Business picked up and he moved his operation to an old bank building in the heart of downtown Cheriton. If anyone visited Andy, Jeremy, Mike and May in the old Shore Bank building you probably know of the confined space they were working in and were also renting across the street for storage. Eastern Shore Signs has printers for banners, signs, stickers, vinyl decals for vehicles, t-shirts, billboards and so much more. They also have a cutting machine that cuts signs and temples for company’s products.
Eastern Shore signs was growing rapidly and in December of 2016 they started the renovation of a 1,500 square foot old church down the street from downtown Cheriton. The old church was the perfect location for the new Eastern Shore Signs but 2,800 more square feet was needed.
Almost exactly a year ago today, Eastern Shore Signs broke ground on the manufacturing space. After 8 months of permits and building, in November Eastern Shore Signs hosted an open house groundbreaking their new space. They now have a printing service available for any small coping or printing needs.
Eastern Shore Signs has stepped up the automation game in 2018. At the beginning of February a 36’ x 144’ conveyor dryer was unpacked in the new facility. A month ago their new automated silk-screener machine arrived which will make the process of making t-shirts a lot easier. This month has been the biggest growth of all, Eastern Shore Signs has created two new jobs in Northampton County.
An excellent service the company has is last minute printing. Sometimes things need to be printed the day before and event and they can get it printed for you!
Another thing the community loves about Eastern Shore Signs is how much they give back. Andy and his team are always helping non-profits and businesses on and off the Shore get the word about causes that are important to them.
Jeremy Ayersman has been with the company for three years and Mike Celli for two. These two guys make it easy for Andy to be involved in every organization in Northampton County.
Eastern Shore Signs is a perfect example of Chamber members helping Chamber members.”
Transcript of awards provided by Northampton County Chamber of Commerce
Eastern Shore high school students are organizing a Town Hall on Gun Violence
Eastern Shore high school students are organizing a Town Hall on Gun Violence on Saturday, April 7 from 1:30 to 3 PM at the Roseland Theatre in Onancock. This is a follow up to the March for our Lives and will feature elected officials and candidates for Congress.
Op-Ed: I watched in awe this past weekend
Special Opinion to the Cape Charles Mirror by Chas Cornweller
I watched in awe this past weekend of young children (I am in my sixties, so anyone under forty is considered young to me – anyone under twenty is still a child in my eyes) taking to the streets and soapboxes of this nation to inform this nation, that they are mad as hell and are not going to take it anymore. In fact, not only are they mad as hell, but they are frightened, confused, and somewhat disappointed in the very people they expected to protect them and keep them safe during their childhood, adults.
I watched in awe as many spoke eloquently with dignity and purpose. Some used theater, expression mixed with pathos, and with strength to get their points across. Some were as young as eleven years of age! In Washington D.C. there were upwards to half a million souls, reaching out to the rest of the nation for answers and for help in reaching those answers. It was peaceful and it was strong. And more importantly, it shows no signs of waning anytime soon.
I am old enough to remember the protests of the sixties. The main issue then, was, what was the sense of justice in, of sending a young man half-way around the world to kill and subjugate a people, we had no issues with. Tag lines; such as Chinese involvement, Soviet involvement and Domino Theory, came from the mouths of politicians and government officials and permeated the media. These, along with the phrases, Hearts and Minds, appeasement, draw-down, guerrilla warfare, Vietnamization, ceasefire, Paris Peace Accords, were the political propaganda of the day. Conversely, young people protested and carried signs that read, Hell No, We Won’t Go, Ban the Bomb, End the War, Veterans for Peace and Power to the People. There was a sense that societal issues were losing to a war driven by issues that no one seemed to be able to do anything about. So, the youth rallied and took to the streets. If you watch the timeline, you will see that the movement started fairly quietly and relatively peacefully. In 1965 thru 1967, most marches were smaller and quieter, spurred on by passionate and intelligent speeches. But by the time of the Democratic Convention of 1968 in Chicago, the mood began to change. With out of control police and rampant brutality (both televised and chastised on the international front) the youth of America began taking a hard look at their parent’s generation (and the authority then in place) and began to outwardly and physically rebel. In many places, the marches turned violent and ugly. The war dragged on for a number of years, only to be lost in the end. And for America to be told, eventually, the government knew that it was fighting an unjust and losing (War) only to have dragged it out due to politics, fear of losing face in the international community and a fear of a backlash from the real enemy, the Communists states of China and Russia. It did not come in the expected way. We (American Government) opened the door on Cambodia and Laos. We infiltrated two neutral countries only to pave the way for lesser and more violent actors to step in and fill that void, once we pulled out. It’s what we do…we are good at it. Cuba, Chile, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya…the list is long. And growing… [Read more…]
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