The CBES is announcing the cancellation of our upcoming three Candidate Forums. The Mirror will provide the full, formal notice with the next edition.
Archives for September 2023
Bay Creek’s Jack Fisher Convicted of Conspiracy to Defraud
Preserve Communities and Bay Creek’s Jack Fisher was convicted in Federal Court in Atlanta.
Justice.gov — A federal jury sitting in Atlanta convicted Jack Fisher and James Sinnott today of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns and subscribing to false tax returns. Fisher was also convicted of money laundering.
The convictions stem from Fisher and Sinnott’s fraudulent tax shelter scheme involving syndicated conservation easements dating back nearly two decades. A co-defendant, Clay Weibel, was acquitted. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Timothy Batten for the Northern District of Georgia remanded Fisher and Sinnott into custody pending their sentencing.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Fisher and Sinnott designed, marketed and sold to high-income clients abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters based on fraudulently inflated charitable contribution tax deductions, promising them deductions 4.5 times the amount the taxpayer clients paid.
The evidence proved that Fisher and Sinnott used the funds raised from their taxpayer clients to buy land and property holding companies and then had the tax shelters cause the companies to donate the land or a conservation easement over the land – often within days or weeks of purchase. To reach the inflated fair market value of the donations, Fisher and Sinnott primarily used appraisals of the conservation easements and fee simple land donations at valuations often more than 10 times higher than what Fisher and Sinnott actually paid to acquire the property.
The evidence further showed that Fisher and Sinnott backdated or instructed others to backdate false documents to present to the IRS, including subscription agreements, payment documents, engagement letters and other records. Fisher’s accountant, who testified at trial and previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme, prepared tax returns claiming charitable contribution tax deductions in the fraudulently inflated amounts reported in the false appraisals, resulting in fraudulent tax deductions flowing to the clients who purchased units in the abusive and illegal tax shelters. The evidence demonstrated that Fisher, Sinnott and others received more than $41 million in payments that were backdated or late for false and inflated tax deductions.
In total, the defendants sold over $1.3 billion in fraudulent tax deductions through this scheme.
The government proved that Fisher and Sinnott made millions from their scheme. Fisher used the illegal proceeds to purchase a Mercedes Benz automobile, a private jet and an RV and trailer. Fisher also used proceeds of the scheme to purchase homes in the United States and on the Caribbean island of Bonaire, which the jury found to be forfeitable.
Fisher and Sinnott face a maximum penalty ranging between three and twenty years in prison for each count of conviction. The government is also seeking the forfeiture of monetary proceeds and real properties purchased by Fisher and Sinnott in connection with their fraud scheme. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia and IRS-Criminal Investigation Chief Jim Lee made the announcement, also thanking U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina for her office’s assistance.
IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing, Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft, Grace Albinson and Nicholas J. Schilling Jr. of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Huber, who also serves as Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section, for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.
Beach Closures Are In Effect
The beach closures at the north end of the beach, all areas north of Madison Ave will begin on September 19th. The adjusted date for the Kings Creek Dredging project is due to contractor (Michels Construction) making faster progress than was originally anticipated. They need to begin equipment mobilization on the beach as soon as possible.
Public Works has closed the north section of the project area on September 19th.
The Town notes that for safety reasons, only authorized personnel will be permitted within the work zones.
As the project moves ahead the closed area will continue to grow and move south.
The town will provide additional notices as the project area expands.
Residents and visitors are free to continue normal use of all beach areas that remain open.
Flavors Unleashed: Exploring the Fresh and Innovative Mexican Cuisine at Carmelitas
Mexican cuisine has always been celebrated for its rich and diverse flavors, from spicy salsas to savory tacos and mouthwatering burritos. Recently, a new wave of Mexican food trucks and stores has emerged on the Eastern Shore, offering a fresh and innovative take on traditional dishes. Among these culinary gems is Carmelitas, a vibrant food truck and store that is redefining Mexican gastronomy in exciting ways in the Town of Cheriton.
Location: 4297 Sunnyside Rd, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Carmelitas effortlessly combines the timeless appeal of traditional Mexican recipes with a creative twist that tantalizes the taste buds. They are passionate about their Mexican heritage and have dedicated themselves to bringing the authentic flavors of Mexico to our community in a unique way.
The Food Truck Experience
Step up to the colorful Carmelitas food truck, and you’ll immediately be greeted by the enticing aroma of sizzling meats, fresh herbs, and spices. The menu boasts a tempting array of dishes, from classic tacos, gorditas, and burritos, to imaginative fusion creations.
All items feature a variety of proteins including grilled or marinated meats like carne asada (grilled beef), al pastor (marinated and spit-roasted pork), carnitas (slow-cooked pork), and pollo asado (grilled chicken). Seafood options like shrimp or fish are also sometimes available.
Toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice. Salsas play a crucial role in street tacos, providing heat and flavor. You might find a variety of salsas on offer, including salsa verde (green salsa made from tomatillos and green chilies) and salsa roja (red salsa made from tomatoes and red chilies).
Tacos with a Twist: Carmelitas serves up street tacos that are anything but ordinary. Handmade tortillas are soft, slightly chewy, and have a distinct corn flavor.
Gorditas Revamped: For those craving something cheesy and satisfying, Gorditas are near perfection. Thick, stuffed masa (corn dough) pockets that are either fried or baked until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The word “gordita” translates to “little fatty” in Spanish, referring to their plump appearance.
The Store Experience
Beyond the food truck, Carmelitas also operates a cozy store where you can find an array of Mexican food products and artisanal goods. From tuna, salsas, and sauces to imported spices and authentic tortillas, this store is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to recreate the flavors of Mexico in their kitchen.
What sets Carmelitas apart is not just its delectable food but also its super friendly staff and welcoming ambiance. Colorful decorations and warm smiles create an atmosphere that transports you straight to the heart of Mexico.
Carmelitas is a shining example of the exciting evolution of Mexican cuisine happening on the Eastern Shore. By offering a fresh take on beloved classics while preserving the essence of tradition, this food truck and store have become a beloved destination for locals and visitors seeking a delightful Mexican food experience.
So, whether you’re in search of a quick and satisfying meal from the food truck or looking to stock up on authentic Mexican ingredients at the store, Carmelitas promises a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more of their inventive Mexican delights.
CBES Meet the Candidates Forum Sept. 28th
The CBES Meet the Candidates Forum with State Legislature candidates is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 28, 7-9PM.
House of Delegates candidates- Del. Rob Bloxom and Charlena Jones, as well as Senate candidates Sen. Bill DeSteph and Victoria Luevanos will be in attendance.
The is the 1st in series of 3 Forums.
The event will take place at Eastern Shore Community College, Great Hall.
Written questions accepted from audience.
“CBES neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office.”
CO-SPONSORS: Pi Epsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Accomack-Northampton Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
SAVE DATES: Wed., Oct. 4 ACCOMACK COUNTY Contested Supervisor Seats and Circuit Clerk of Court. Thurs., Oct 12 ACCOMACK SCHOOL BOARD.
All forums 7-9PM
Clamtown Jam: A Willis Wharf Music Festival Oct 7th
Willis Wharf – Mark your calendars and get ready for a toe-tapping, music-filled afternoon as the first-ever Clamtown Jam is set to take place on October 7th, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Willis Wharf Boat Ramp. This exciting music festival will showcase some of the finest local talents, promising an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
The Clamtown Jam is a testament to the vibrant music scene in Willis Wharf and the surrounding community. Organized to celebrate the rich musical heritage of the region, this event promises a delightful blend of genres, from soulful blues to foot-tapping country rhythms.
Local Artists Take the Stage
The lineup for the Clamtown Jam includes some of the most talented musicians from the area. Dee Ervin, a beloved local artist known for his soulful and captivating performances, will be gracing the stage. Dee’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals are sure to strike a chord with the audience.
Thelma and Erika Peterson, a dynamic mother-daughter duo, will also be sharing their musical talents. Their harmonious voices and heartfelt melodies have won them a dedicated following in the region, and their performance is eagerly anticipated.
But that’s not all – the Clamtown Jam will feature the energetic and charismatic band, the Down N Outs, with Brian Irminger leading the way. Their high-energy blend of rock and blues will have everyone on their feet and dancing the evening away.
A Spectacular Venue
The Willis Wharf Boat Ramp provides a picturesque backdrop for this musical extravaganza. With the beautiful waters of Willis Wharf as a backdrop, attendees can enjoy the music while basking in the natural beauty of the area.
Family-Friendly Fun
The Clamtown Jam is a family-friendly event, so bring your loved ones and make it a day to remember. There will be food vendors offering delicious local cuisine, ensuring that you stay energized throughout the event.
Admission to the festival is free, so you won’t want to miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the vibrant music scene of Willis Wharf and celebrate the talents of local artists.
So mark your calendar for October 7th, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and join us at the Willis Wharf Boat Ramp for the first-ever Clamtown Jam. It’s a celebration of community, music, and the rich cultural heritage of our region. We look forward to seeing you there!
North Street Playhouse Open House Sept. 30th
An open house event at the North Street Playhouse in Onancock, Virginia, scheduled for September 30th, is a fantastic opportunity for theater enthusiasts and the local community to get a sneak peek into what promises to be an exciting “Season of Firsts.”
Come on out and learn about our 2023/2024 which will consist of 8 plays and musicals new to North Street audiences! We are excited to host a few concerts and special events this season as well.
New to NSP? Come take a tour of our theater and learn about NSP’s history in Onancock!
We will have information about volunteer opportunities – on and off stage and refreshments will be provided!
Here’s some information you might want to know about the event:
Event Details:
- What: North Street Playhouse Open House – “Season of Firsts”
- Where: North Street Playhouse, Onancock, Virginia
- Date: September 30th
- Time: 2:00 to 5:00 PM
Attending an open house at a local theater is a wonderful way to support the arts in your community and get a taste of the exciting productions coming up this season. Whether you’re a long-time theater aficionado or a newcomer to the world of live performances, you’re sure to have a great time. Enjoy the open house!
Accomack County Changes School Gender Policies
Background – On July 18, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released “Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools” — an 18-page document outlining guidance on how transgender and nonbinary students should be treated in Virginia schools.
“The Virginia Department of Education…recognizes that each child is a unique individual with distinctive abilities and characteristics that should be valued and respected,” VDOE writes at the beginning of the Model Policies document. “All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. The Department supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students. Thus, we have a collective responsibility to address topics such as the treatment of transgender students with necessary compassion and respect for all students.”
Throughout the policies, the VDOE formally defines “transgender student” as “a public school student whose parent has stated in writing that the student’s gender differs from the student’s sex, or an eligible student who states in writing that his or her gender differs from
his or her sex.”
The policies also address how to handle bathroom policies, student identification and athletic policies in Virginia schools.
Under the new guidelines, school extracurriculars and athletics that are separated by sex will be determined by a student’s sex, not their gender identity.
Parents can also opt their child out of using sex-segregated facilities at school, such as bathrooms or locker rooms, if they feel their child’s safety is at risk. If a student’s parent opts them out of using these facilities, they should be given alternative options.
While the policies state that “every effort should be made to ensure that a transgender student wishing to change his or her means of address is treated with respect, compassion, and dignity in the classroom and school environment,” the guidelines also dictate that school staff can only use the name on a student’s official records to refer to them. Likewise, school staff can also only use pronouns “appropriate to the sex appearing in the student’s official record.” While a student can request to be called a nickname, this name should be “commonly associated with the name that appears in the student’s official record.”
A student’s name and sex can be changed on their official records if a parent submits official documentation showing a student’s change of legal name or sex.
From Shore Daily News – The Accomack County School Board amended their anti discrimination policies in order to comply with the Virginia Board of Education guidelines at their September 5 work session.
The Board adopted the amended policy by a 7 to 2 vote, with Board members Ed Taylor and Janet Turner casting opposing votes.
The revised policy contains provisions that prevent schools from counseling students pertaining to gender without written permission from the parents. Parents or legal guardians must be given the opportunity to object before counseling services pertaining to gender are given.
Schools are also required to maintain an official record for each student that includes the student’s legal name and sex.
Schools can only change the legal name or sex in a student’s or former student’s official record only if a parent or eligible student, defined as being over the age of 18, submits a legal document such as a birth certificate, state or federal id, passport or court order substantiating the student or former student’s change of legal name or sex.
School officials will refer to each student using only the pronouns appropriate to the sex appearing on the student’s official record. Only if an eligible student or student’s parent has instructed the school in writing that such other pronouns can be used.
For any school program, event, or activity including extracurricular activities that are separated by sex, the appropriate participation of students shall be determined by sex rather than gender or gender identity.
Overnight travel accommodations, locker rooms or other intimate spaces used for school-related activities and events shall be based on sex. Reasonable modifications to this policy will be made only to the extent required by law.
Students shall use bathrooms that correspond to his or her sex except to the extent that federal law otherwise requires. Single use bathrooms should be available with appropriate signage.
Students diagnosed with gender dysphoria by a licensed health care provider should consult with the school’s ADA coordinator regarding any requested services.
For any athletic program or activity that is separated by sex, appropriate participation of students shall be determined by sex rather than gender or gender identity. The school shall provide reasonable modifications to this policy only to the extent required by law.
The policy also includes language pertaining to training staff annually on health and mental wellness support for all students. The schools will provide bullying prevention education and will require schools to inform parents of bullying incidents within 24 hours of being informed of the allegation of bullying.
A Lack of Mental Health Services on the Shore
The lack of mental health services in Eastern Shore is a significant and pressing problem.
Places such as Northampton County often have limited access to mental health facilities and professionals due to our remote locations. This lack of proximity (even having to cross the CBBT) can be a major barrier for individuals seeking care, particularly when transportation options are limited.
Many rural areas suffer from a shortage of mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. These professionals are more likely to be concentrated in urban or suburban areas.
While affluent residents in Cape Charles may skew the scale, our area has higher poverty rates and lower income levels than urban areas. This can make it difficult for individuals to afford mental health services, even if they are available.
While telehealth has the potential to bridge some gaps in rural mental health services, it can be limited by poor internet connectivity in rural areas. Additionally, not everyone has access to the technology required for telehealth appointments.
The consequences of the lack of mental health services in rural communities are far-reaching.
Many individuals in rural areas may go undiagnosed and untreated for mental health conditions, leading to a worsening of their symptoms and a decreased quality of life.
Mental health issues in rural communities can lead to social isolation, reduced productivity, and strained family and community relationships, which can, in turn, have economic implications.
Addressing the issue of the lack of mental health services in rural communities like ours is still daunting. Are there approaches that can be taken?
Surely, Governments and organizations should try to allocate more funding to expand mental health services in rural areas, including initiatives to recruit and retain mental health professionals in these communities.
As broadband expands in our area, this may be an opportunity to promote more telehealth services to make mental health care more accessible to rural residents.
If possible, try to implement mobile mental health clinics and outreach programs to bring services directly to underserved rural areas. Finding more ways to encourage collaboration between mental health providers, local organizations, schools, and community leaders to create a holistic approach to mental health care in rural communities is another option.
Addressing the lack of mental health services in rural areas is a complex challenge that requires the coordinated efforts of policymakers, healthcare providers, community leaders, and individuals themselves. It is critical that we improve access to mental health care and reduce the negative consequences of untreated mental health conditions in rural communities.
Money Making Opportunity for Cape Charles?
In Yorktown, a large grassroots citizen group called “Preserve Yorktown” is voicing opposition to Princess Cruises starting a two-year pilot historical cruise program that would ferry visitors from the ship into Yorktown.
Concerns were raised about the quality of life for Yorktown residents if cruise ship visits lead to noise pollution, traffic congestion, and changes in the town’s character that locals find undesirable. The large ship could interfere with historic shipwrecks at the bottom of York River and Chesapeake Bay and large numbers of visitors to the small village could change the small-town culture of Yorktown.
Opponents expressed concerns about the environmental impact of cruise ship visits, including issues related to air and water pollution, waste disposal, and damage to local ecosystems and waterways.
Some residents worry that an influx of cruise ship passengers could lead to overcrowding in the town, putting stress on local resources and disrupting the atmosphere of Yorktown.
Many critics, not just in Yorktown, argue that excessive tourism, especially from large cruise ships, may erode the unique cultural and historical character of Yorktown, as businesses cater more to tourists and less to the needs and interests of local residents (Cape Charles locals know all about that).
Hosting cruise ships may require significant upgrades to local infrastructure, including roads and parking facilities, which could result in inconvenience and additional costs for residents. The Emerald Princess, which will make two calls in Yorktown, is 951 feet long, 19 decks high, and has 1539 cabins The Island Princess, which will make three calls in Yorktown, is 964 feet long with 987 cabins.
The York County Board of Supervisors is reviewing the pilot and may cancel it if the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
What if?? If Yorktown deep-sixes the cruise line, could Cape Charles jump in and usurp the business? Think of the possibilities. Even more tourists! More congestion! And the business community could stuff the greasy till with more money. Remember locals, the Town and its business owners only have your best interests at heart.
Just think of it! The future is glorious!
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