COMMENTARY: Heroes, a Small World, and Nonsense

By ANDY ZAHN

June 23, 2014

My mom and dad were my heroes along with our fantastic generals and admirals of WW II who accomplished what wouldn’t be possible today.

Mom’s father got killed at work, leaving a widow with seven young kids. The eldest had to quit school and earn money to support the family, as there was no welfare or food stamps. Mom dropped out in 8th grade and became a playground director at the school she had attended. The job title today would be gym teacher. She lived in Down Neck, Newark, NJ, which was all Irish, and she taught all the Irish police, fire, and politicians. She went on to be a paymaster in a shipyard and worked in teen recreation and child care and nurseries. She was the secretary of the Irvington, NJ, Democratic Club.

Dad left school in 9th grade from the German neighborhood of Newark. He joined the army in WW I and became an officer. He became a city firefighter and retired as a deputy chief. In WW II he joined the Navy and left as a full commander. When WW II started he trained the soldiers from Fort Monmouth who were now firefighters. The fire engine from Fort Monmouth came to the Irvington drill tower where he taught firefighting and safety. He taught all 1,000 Irvington teachers first aid in case we were bombed by the Germans. He organized, trained, and equipped the CD Firefighters in Irvington.

The Irvington Fire Chief was James Thompson, Jr., who was way ahead of the curve. In 1938 he came up with the idea of an Emergency Squad that would respond to every kind of an emergency with a main mission of saving lives. My dad was put in charge of the Squad for the 84 hours a week he was on duty. It was a beautiful white fire engine with a huge spotlight and a powerful, very loud motor. It carried all kinds of equipment for fighting fires and saving lives. There were probably around seven husky men on the Squad, all first aiders, and one man was a police officer who dressed and worked like a fireman but who wore a police badge, had a pair of handcuffs, and was armed. The men on the squad got little sleep because they averaged three calls per night. [Read more…]

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LETTER: Flag Mural Is Uplifting and Timely

Flag appears to float on American Legion building -- a "trump d'oilel," or trick to the eye. (Photo: Wendy Martin)

Flag appears to float on American Legion building — a “trompe l’oeil,” or trick to the eye. (Photo: Wendy Martin)

DEAR EDITOR,

June 23, 2014

On a recent errand off Route 13 into Cheriton we were awestruck by the newly unfurled mural flying’ and caressing the northeast corner facade of American Legion Post 56. So impressed by the artwork and trompe l’oeil undulation of our national flag, I suggested that the Wave capture the image — especially at this time of year. When you replied that community input is welcome, this subscriber became motivated to photograph the site and get the scoop, thanks to dedicated Commander “Captain” Dave Steward, whose inspiration and that of First Vice Commander Joe Vaccaro it is.

Late in April our soggy spring finally permitted designer artist Mike Boan of Parksley to airbrush his installation. Successful fundraisers had followed on the heels of the Post’s power washing, tedious scraping of the formerly institutional-looking grey, and repointing and painting of the brick walls.

Such an uplifting patriotic endeavor is, above all, a handsome reminder of those currently serving our country, our veterans who the Post serves, and in memory of those who paid the ultimate price. Illumination at nightfall presents another moving dimension.

Dave admits there’ve been many compliments, especially from folks arriving from Cherrystone Campground. And in spite of a very productive year in office he has even more upbeat plans in store.

WENDY MARTIN

LETTER: Thank You to American Legion Auxiliary

American Legion

American Legion Auxiliary annual dinner served 100 veterans and their families.

June 23, 2014

DEAR EDITOR,

American Legion Post 56 has been the site for a number of positive and uplifting events over the past weeks including the National Commander’s visit, the Freedom Hunter’s Project for Wounded Warriors, and several Legion- related events to raise monies for community projects. However, May 30 took on a very special meaning for all local veterans when the Post 56 American Legion Auxiliary honored them with their special yearly dinner.

The event was attended by over 100 veterans and their families and featured a four-course meal that several veterans said surpassed the previous year’s menu. President Susan Moyers personally greeted everyone, and Irene Morris made sure that every veteran received a handmade boutonniere at the door. Post 56 Bar Manager Susan Bagwell Miller ensured that those in attendance had the finest refreshments, and chefs Hania Steward and Sandra Salopek were responsible for the wonderful meal along with several members of The Sons of the Legion. [Read more…]

TUESDAY 6/24: Family, Food, Fun at Trinity UMC

Tuesday will be a fun evening for the whole family at Trinity United Methodist Church, Tazewell and Plum, in Cape Charles. The public is invited for dinner, crafts, and a family movie, “Rocket Pack Jack.” There will be crafts for children between dinner and the movie. [Read more…]

FRI/SAT: ‘Cinderella’s Glass Slipper’ at Palace Theatre

“Cinderella’s Glass Slipper” will be performed by the participants of Arts Enter’s annual Musical Theatre summer camp at the Historic Palace Theatre in Cape Charles on Friday, June 27, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 28, at 3 p.m. Adults $8, Students $4.

[Read more…]

FRIDAY 6/27: Shore’s Favorite Musicians Performing ESO Fundraiser

Shore musicians are donating their talents to help raise money for ESO Arts Center’s Scholarship Fund at this Friday’s ESO LIVE! “Originals Show” in Belle Haven. The talent-packed lineup includes musicians known locally and in national music circles, including Angelica Garcia, Scott & Melinda, Peg Volk, Chris Chandler, Folkibart, The New Saturday Night Traditions, and Deedra Ervin, an ABC Rising Star hopeful. [Read more…]

WEDNESDAY 6/25: Name the Artisan Trail

Calling on all who live and work on the Eastern Shore and who have a vested interest in our artisans, agri/aqua cultural community, local businesses and developing artisan trail! Join us Wednesday, June 25, 6-8 p.m. at the Shore Bank building in Onley as we come together in a creatively festive spirit to throw names in the pot in search of “the” Artisan Trail title and tagline that represents all that is wonderful about our community! [Read more…]

Guppie Challenge Kids Tournament Seeks Sponsors

If you have driven through Cape Charles lately you can see that the New Roots Youth Garden is blooming in full swing for this year’s growing season. Our mission at the NRYG is to cultivate healthy children, families, and our community through outdoor, experiential learning, and the profound act of connecting people with food from seed to table. [Read more…]

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