Circulation 13,000 July 31, 2009 Free Fire Sweeps Crash Kills Bayview Office Shore Native By Linda Cicoira A 24-year-old Shore native was About 50 firefighters from eight killed Saturday morning in a Vir- companies battled a blaze in a ginia Beach crash. Bayview Circle office Wednesday According to police, 24-year-old that resulted from a lighting strike. Mathew Mason was speeding west Cheriton Chief Eddie Stockton down Shore Drive when he lost con- said the fire was reported at about trol of his 2001 Honda CBR motor- 3:50 p.m. The three-story house is cycle and went through a grassy about two miles from town and was median. converted for business by owner Al- Mason hit a “Welcome to Virginia ice Coles about three years ago. Beach” sign and then struck an east- It took between 35 and 45 min- bound Ford Taurus, police said. He utes to control the blaze, the chief was rushed to a local hospital where said. Firefighters managed to con- he died a short time later. tain the flames to the top floor. According to police, Mason was Stockton said it would cost about wearing a helmet at the time of the $100,000 to repair the building. deadly wreck. Alcohol is not be- Initially, companies from Cheri- lieved to have been a factor. ton, Cape Charles, Eastville and The crash remains under investi- Nassawadox were called to the gation by the Department’s Fatal scene. Stockton said more tankers Accident Crash Team, with Officer were needed, so volunteers from Ex- They’ve Been Horsing Around for Years Photo by Ted Walters as the lead investigator. more, Painter, Wachapreague and Linda Cicoira Born in Nassawadox, Mason was Melfa also were alerted. Though this week marked the 84th annual Pony Swim and Auction the son of Jack and Cindy Davis No one was in the office when the on Chincoteague, the events were just as much of an attraction Mason of Onley and the grandson of incident occurred and no firefight- about 25 years ago. Pictured at an auction in the early ’80s are Jean and Billy Davis of Onley and ers were injured. “It was a very safe (from left) Robert Dill, Robbie Fisher (now a lieutenant with Chin- Anne and Jack Mason of Accomac. scene,” Stockton said. coteague Police) and Kenny Wayne Rhodes, now of North Carolina. (Complete obituary is on Page 10) What Businesses Does the Shore Need? By Linda Cicoira and more, a theme park, an arcade, a bowling Downing said she wants the center to be alley, a casino, a taxi service and a mall. family-oriented while keeping the young people ccomack and Northampton county resi- “I would LOVE to see a multiplex movie the- from saying there’s “nothing to do.” dents want more recreational opportuni- ater come to the Eastern Shore of Virginia,” Georgette Tabor of Nassawadox said, “We Aties to come to the area, according to wrote Felicia Stratton-Ray of Wachapreague. need some sort of entertainment for everyone those who recently participated in an Eastern “One of my favorite pastimes is going to the and in either county, it really doesn’t matter. Shore Post e-mail survey. movies. I appreciate the theaters that we have “This would provide jobs for our young people They also want daycare for their pets and here. But ‘variety is the spice of life.’ … I am during the summer months they are out of their ailing or elderly family members, a 24- sure I’m not the only movie buff that would kill school with nothing to do but go to other areas hour urgent-care facility and businesses that to catch a matinee with at least six movies to in Maryland to spend their money,” she said. will bring jobs to the area. choose from … without … nightmare drives to Norma Spencer of Cheriton wrote, “I would be Most said they are still waiting anxiously for and from Salisbury (Md.).” interested in any business that would provide Walmart to come to Onley. Others listed dozens “We need places for our young to go and have jobs … in Northampton County. We are in des- of chain retail businesses including several up- a good time,” wrote Dottie Burger of Frank- perate need of an economic base. Our Board of scale grocery stores. Residents said they favor a town. She also suggested a bowling alley. Supervisors thinks you can make it on tourism, zoo, a firing range, a bagel shop and a public Karen Downing of Parksley wants such a aquaculture and agriculture. All of these only golf course. center to also have a video arcade, a basketball provide seasonal jobs and the pay is not always Matt Hart of Wachapreague wants it all. His court, Ping-Pong tables and concession stands, the greatest – not enough to raise a family, buy list includes a skydive center at the Accomack big screen TVs and a “spacious room” for youth- a house and live like decent human beings.” Airport, a concert hall that could offer plays related activities, retreats and meetings. (Continued on Page 2) 2 • EASTERN SHORE POST • JULY 31, 2009
~ Needed Businesses ~ area suggested a small boat-building here on the Shore.” business modeled after Chesapeake Rhonda P. Marsh, who works in (Continued From Front Page) Light Craft in Annapolis, Md., and Jamesville, said, “I’m afraid I am “More than anything we need can get and less control from the the wooden boat school in Maine. one of those citizens that would employers, not necessarily retail- supervisors.” “Manufacture kits and build like to preserve our beautiful East- ers,” wrote Jim West of Cheriton. Frank Moore of Onley said the them here,” he said. “Give classes ern Shore. Sustainable growth is “The government of Northampton Shore needs an urgent-care facili- on building kits. … Would spawn okay, but I’m a fan of the local art, County has never been business ty. It “would reduce inappropriate more kayak tourism. Employ local businesses we have and would not friendly and has never truly and expensive use of emergency labor,” Picardi said. like the bigger chains to take away sought out to entice businesses to room facilities by patients with no Judith Grier of Onancock wants from our quaint culture. I’d rather locate here.” insurance or no primary care more choices when it comes to gro- travel one hour to shop! A nice “We need several small to medi- physician,” he wrote. cery shopping. “Competition is restaurant in the Exmore area um size businesses not one big “A large university would be sorely needed to keep prices com- would be nice,” Marsh added. one,” West continued. “If it were fun,” said Mary Graham of Park- petitive and the selection of mer- “We should be looking long and not for the bridge-tunnel and sley. “More wineries, some good chandise appealing and timely,” hard at what existing services Bayshore Concrete, lower restaurants (and) a medical col- she said. should be cut, not what should be Northampton County workers, ex- lege … You always have to be care- Added Laurie Swain of Onan- added,” wrote Sam Serio of Hall- cept school teachers and aquacul- ful what you wish for. Conse- cock, “If the store had a salad/soup wood. “Government, even local ture workers, would have no op- quences are not always obvious.” bar with entrée and dessert op- government is bloated, slow, ineffi- tions,” he wrote. “How about a Sprint Car/Stock tions I could pick up on my way cient and corrupt in that it steals “The industrial park (that) Car type race track (multi-use on) home from work, I would be in gro- resources from individuals as well Northampton county threw our Friday or Saturday night races?” cery store heaven.” as small businesses.” money away on was a joke and so wrote Paul Muhly of Parksley. “I’ll be happy just to see Walmart Tony Sacco of Capeville said typical of our stupid county ‘leader- “Just southeast of Melfa on the finally open,” wrote Patrick Belote Northampton has “three assets. ship,’ ” West said. “They finally sold seaside at Racetrack Road & Keller of Onancock. “What I buy locally I’ll We have a deep-water port, a high- it for pennies to burden the citi- Fairground Road is an unused still buy locally. I just won’t wait to way (and a) railroad. I’d like gam- zens with even more debt. What racetrack. Just think of the home- go to Pocomoke or Salisbury for ing to come to Northampton. Off good does it do the general popula- built car cottage industry this what I use Walmart for. Also for the Track Betting (OTB) and a Missis- tion … to push tourism as our pri- might promote. Think mini Indy or good of the Shore’s employment op- sippi-style river boat would bring mary objective? … We need all the a Watkins Glen venue,” he wrote. portunities, I’d like to see even people from Maryland, Norfolk, employers and development we Tony Picardi of the Belle Haven more hi-tech/aerospace opportuni- Virginia Beach, summer and win- ties evolving at Wallops,” he said. ter tourists.” Barbara M. Thackray said, “The Sacco also would like to see a greatest need that I see for Chin- “manufacturing mall selling design- coteague Island residents … is bet- er labels … jobs, jobs, jobs, revenue, ter public transportation. We have revenue, revenue. And the best part, the STAR Transit bus, but it still people come spend, and leave.” takes two hours to get to Nassawa- In 2004, Forest Drummond of dox hospital and pick-up sites are Eastern Shore Auto Body asked few. Most elderly people here rely his customers to list the business- on family … to go shopping.” They es they wanted. Among their “become housebound, particularly wants were Popeye’s Chicken, Tar- in bad weather.” get, outlet stores, Arby’s, Chili’s, David Schwab of Cape Charles Lowe’s, Walmart and Value City. wrote, “Since I do not have a boat Those residents also said they or personal watercraft, I would love wanted another new car dealer, to have the ability to rent one to restaurants, window tinting serv- take advantage of all the water ices and boat supplies. JULY 31, 2009 • EASTERN SHORE POST • 3 Grandmother Donates Pony Tail Story & Photo by Linda Cicoira the United States and hile the Chincoteague ponies were mak- Canada under ing their annual swim across As- age 18 suffering Wsateague Channel Wednesday, another from long-term charitable pony event was going on in Belle medical hair loss Haven. from any diag- LaWanna Wallace of Quinby was having her nosis.” 11-inch ponytail chopped off for Locks for Love, According to an organization that provides wigs to children the Web site, who have lost their hair as a result of medical www.lock- conditions. soflove.org, “It feels great,” said Wallace. “It just takes a “most of the chil- few seconds. It grows right back.” dren … have lost So far, the 58-year-old grandmother has do- their hair due to a medical condition called nated her tresses for the cause three times. alopecia areata, which has no known cause or The most recent ponytail took her three years cure. The prostheses we provide help to re- to grow. store their self-esteem and their confidence … Her quest began when she turned 50. Wallace the children receive hair prostheses free of learned about “some little girl” who donated her charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial hair. She was convinced it wasn’t something just need.” the young could offer. Since then, Wallace has en- couraged others to follow her lead. With one snip of the scissors “Older people can do it, too,” she said. (above), Tammy Harley removes “I get a run on them,” Tammy Harley of Hair two-years’ worth of pony tail Country salon. “I can’t say how many I’ve done.” grown by LaWanna Wallace Florida-based Locks for Love provides “hair- (right), who displays her resulting pieces to financially disadvantaged children in donation for Locks for Love. Lankford Hwy., Keller Want a career in 787-1209 Banking or FORD www.1koolford.com Finance? $3,500 - $4,500 FOR YOUR CLUNKER $ $ $ $ $ $ ESCC has the classes for you! CHOOSE FROM Offi ce Accounting OVER Principles of Banking 20 NEW 2008-2010 Teller Training Internship FORD MODELS Earn a Career Studies Certifi cate STOP IN OR CALL FOR DETAILS in as little as two semesters.
Ford Registration is going on now. Ford Ford Taurus Classes begin August 21. Fusion Ford Edge REMEMBER: F-150 Ford 757.789.7979 We’ll locate any new Ranger Ford Ford es.vccs.edu Focus Escape
vehicle for our customers 386112 ESCC is an equal opportunity institution. 4 • EASTERN SHORE POST • JULY 31, 2009 Cape Charles Is Setting of New Book by Local Author By Linda Cicoira ventures and created a book of fic- “I wanted to write a … coming of in a children’s literature course” tion that can be enjoyed by all. age book from a man’s prospective, and began to read “more books ruce Brinkley of Cape And to top it off, “The ‘BE-BOP- since most children’s literature is about how to write a book.” He Charles has done what A-LULA’ Kid” is set in 1956 in the written by women,” Brinkley ex- added, “Oh yea, it ended up being a Bmany of us dream about. Eastern Shore of Virginia town plained. chick book.” He has merged his own child- where he lives. There’s even a map “After realizing I had Rueben, an hood memories with observations of familiar streets and landmarks no clue about how to American of his now grown son’s youthful ad- and a bay adventure. write a book, I enrolled crow, narrates the story of “a By Cheryl Nowak tween “loose” and “lose,” “stationary” and boy and girl … As an editor, I must admit that I was pleasantly “stationery,” “its” and “it’s” and “breath” I’ve watched surprised by the high quality of Brinkley’s writing. and “breathe.” them all sum- Quite frankly, all too often the novels by new local Brinkley cleverly gets around an au- mer. I’ve flown writers which we are asked to review turn out to be thor’s perennial problem of “voice” — who above them as little more than exercises in vanity by people who can have access to all the characters so he they moved firmly believe “anyone can write.” or she can tell the story — by turning the about town Well, Brinkley proves the exception. narration over to a crow named Rueben and sailed However, “The ‘BE-BOP-A-LULA’ Kid” is in desper- (unorthodox spelling). However, Rueben overhead as ate need of a good editing, particularly if it is purport- repeatedly slips into the “omniscient” they skimmed ed to be a book for youngsters, who derive so much of voice, commenting on what one character along the wa- their literary skills from reading properly written or another is thinking. That doesn’t work ters of the books. This book provides no such model to follow. with a narrator, let alone a crow. Chesapeake Bay. I’ve perched on For example, Brinkley consistently punctuates Yet all of this is by way of saying that such sloppi- their heads and shoulders. I’ve and capitalizes dialogue incorrectly and often simply ness and fixable errors unnecessarily mar what is a shared their meals and their most forgets to close a quote. Apostrophes are misplaced well-written and interesting story. precious secrets. This story is my and tenses misused. As with his idol, “The ‘BE-BOP-A-LULA’ Kid” just gift to you,” Rueben states in the And the author needs to learn the difference be- needs a once-over with a fine-toothed comb. (Continued on Next Page)
davisautocenter.com 5007 Lankford Hwy., New Church, VA JULY 31, 2009 • EASTERN SHORE POST • 5
said Brinkley. “It was a great experi- ~ ‘BE-BOP’ ~ ence. I had a story to tell and I have (Continued From Previous Page) tried to tell it well. So, I went through a novel’s introduction. company called Booksurge, owned by The main character, Skeeter, is a na- Amazon. I didn’t want to spend the time tive of Cape Charles. The name came or energy to go the old fashioned route.” from a boy who was a few years older Brinkley reminisced about the set- than Brinkley, who recalled, “He had ting of his story. “My mom and I rode a slicked back black hair and a real hot bus from Little Creek to Cape Charles rod. I was so envious.” But the actual in 1953, then to New York City, then kid is more like Brinkley was. “I did back again a week later. I had an an- break my arm just like Skeeter, playing tiques business in the ’60s and often baseball … on the last day of the school visited Chalmers in Cape Charles. I year. I walked home and my dad drove bought things from a man in Eastville me into Norfolk to the bone doctor.” who ate at Paul’s Restaurant in Cheri- His best friend, Jill, is the new girl in ton every day.” town, a come-here tomboy from West Vir- These days, Brinkley has a home in- ginia who spits, smokes and cusses. “I’ve spection business and works a few days always loved the name Jill. I think it’s a week at a lighting store in Virginia sweet but it’s slightly tart,” Brinkley said. Beach. He was helping to build condo- $4.99/30-day “My goal is to have tweenagers, miniums several years ago when he and H&H Pharmacy $12.99/90-day teenagers, or anyone else who reads it, to his wife visited Cape Charles for a want to come visit the Eastern Shore weekend. ¥Chincoteague and Cape Charles,” said Brinkley. He is “She had an epiphany and believed Island hopeful that readers will follow Skeeter’s her soul needed to live here,” he said. map and “visit the places where the kids “Our sons have their own homes and ¥Oak Hall and Rueben had their adventures. Who we decided to do something different knows the other places on the Shore they and relocate. I’m sorry I didn’t grow up could visit? Misty's home?” in Cape Charles, but I got here as fast Publishing it myself fit my needs,” as I could.”
BRING THIS AD IN FOR A 10% DISCOUNT ON ANY SERVICE. Offer expires 8-7-09. Not valid with any other offer. CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATES
GIVE EMPLOYERS THE CONFIDENCE KEVIN TAYLOR, SERVICE ADVISOR TO HIRE YOU Andy Linton, Service Manager of Midway GM and Toyota is pleased to announce that Kevin Taylor of Mappsville,VA has joined the Midway Service Department as Service Advisor. It is a rare opportunity for us PROVE YOU here at Midway to be able to have such an experienced automotive service specialist states Linton. Kevin has over 25 years as a technician, HAVE THE business owner and service advisor.An open invitation is extended to all of Kevin’s past customers to come to the Midway Service RIGHT SKILLS Department for a visit. FOR THE JOB
EASTERN SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE • 757.789.1789
ESCC is an equal opportunity institution
“I Got Mine At Midway!” 388236 384416 6 • EASTERN SHORE POST • JULY 31, 2009
30 days, plus 100 hours of commu- nity service. Police and Court Postings Chenelle Coston, 32, of Melfa was found guilty of possessing Northampton Sheriff’s for maliciously shooting at an oc- Michael Gibson, 29, of Chin- marijuana with the intent to dis- Office Arrest cupied dwelling and five years for coteague was found guilty of as- tribute it, and sentenced to two A 34-year-old Exmore man was assaulting a police officer. sault and battery of a police officer years, with all but 30 days sus- charged earlier this month with Corbin Drummond, 61, of At- and sentenced to five years, all pended, plus 100 hours of commu- robbery and felony assault. lantic was sentenced for posses- suspended except for 12 months. nity service. According to Maj. David sion of a firearm by a convicted He also was convicted of driving Rolan Juarez-Perez, 18, of Park- Doughty of the Northampton Sher- felon to five years, with all but two under the influence, for which he sley was found guilty of robbery iff’s Department, Keith Phillip years suspended. was given a 30-day suspended sen- and given a suspended commit- Kerby is being held in Eastern Lawrence Nalls III, 19, of Melfa tence, to be served consecutively. ment to the Department of Juve- Shore Regional Jail without bond. was sentenced for grand larceny to Ray D. Padgett Jr., 35, of Park- nile Justice. Doughty said that at about 8 five years, with all but six months sley was found guilty of shoplifting Sentencing was deferred until a p.m. July 17, Kerby was driving in suspended. and sentenced to five years, half of presentence report can be pre- Exmore and picked up another Kendrick Banks, 24, of Painter which was suspended. pared for Ryan Copes, 22, of With- town man, whom he allegedly as- was found guilty of possession of Keith Kellam, 21, of Nassawa- ams, found guilty of robbery, re- saulted and robbed of nearly $400. cocaine and sentenced to two dox was convicted of reckless driv- ceiving stolen property, use of a The two were on Cemetery Road in years, all suspended except for 30 ing, for which he was given a 12- firearm and possessing a sawed-off Belle Haven, Doughty added. He days, to run concurrently with a month suspended sentence; driv- shotgun; and Hector Ayala, 18, of did not identify the victim. 30-day suspended sentence for ing under the influence, for which Parksley, convicted of armed bur- Deputy Charles Graham inves- possession of marijuana. he was given a six-month suspend- glary and robbery. tigated. Luis Salazar Cruz, 26, of ed sentence; and assaulting a po- Sentencing guidelines were or- ………………………… Mappsville was found guilty of lice officer, for which he was sen- dered for Dustin Fisher, 18, of Quin- Accomack Circuit Court child abuse/neglect and sentenced tenced to three years, with all but by, found guilty of grand larceny. Criminal Cases to two years, all suspended except six months suspended, all to run Judgement was withheld for According to Commonwealth’s for five months and 23 days. consecutively. Keith Woods, 26, of Parksley, Attorney Gary Agar, Jawann James Logan, 25, of Melfa was Joshua Powell, 22, of Parksley charged with possession of cocaine Drummond, 21, of Oak Hall was convicted of possession of cocaine was found guilty of possession of and given First Offender Status by sentenced last week in Accomack and sentenced to 12 months, with cocaine and sentenced to 12 which the charge will be dismissed County Circuit Court to 10 years all but 25 days suspended. months, all suspended except for if Woods keeps his record clean. Marshall’s Tree Service No IMPACT Tree Removal Don’t wait until you lose your TV, computer or a major appliance…
www.mistersparky.com 757-442-7540 JULY 31, 2009 • EASTERN SHORE POST • 7
CLIP & SAVE CLIP & SAVE Sold Right Rico DiMattia Auction Company PO Box 60, Associate Broker & Auctioneer Pocomoke, MD 21851 Licensed DE., MD. & VA 410-957-0000 Associate Broker Licensed Auctioner BOTH-SIDES-OF-THE-BAY (Chincoteague Bay) REAL ESTATE ROUND-UP MULTIPLE PROPERTIES - SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!!! PER SU S! More Than 30 Properties Being Auctioned (Some Absolute) BUY Saturday, August 1, 2009 10:10 AM 4HIS IS ./4 A 4AX OR &ORECLOSURE