LETTER: Pieces of Tangier Conveys Unique Island Life
August 11, 2014
DEAR EDITOR,
What a treat it was to attend the July 19 screening of Pocomoke City native Jenny Roberts’ documentary Pieces of Tangier in Onancock. It is her 2013 MFA thesis which, more than that, reveals her personal effort, at much of her own expense, to convey the unique life of Tangier residents as erosion nips the island.
Betty Martin (unrelated to the writer) attended last year’s screening at the Mar-Va Theatre and was equally impressed. In fact she undertook a nine-month volunteer effort to coordinate the sterling screening presentation which garnered significant generosity and participation from the Accomac community.
As we continue to mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 for another year a charming prelude to Pieces of Tangier by the same artist can be enjoyed here http://vimeo.com/48050485
Luckily for those who’ve missed the boat thus far, Jenny’s DVD is now available at the Book Bin. Northampton residents look forward to a screening in the not-too-distant-future.
WENDY MARTIN
Eastville
Letters to the Editor are welcome, and a diversity of opinions is encouraged. Send submissions to [email protected].
COMMENTARY
Retired Teacher Recalls ‘New Math’ Hoax
By ANDY ZAHN
August 11, 2014
In 1957 I was an MP in the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Lewis. One of our Captains at Fort Lewis was in Germany at the end of WW II. His sole assignment in Germany was to get Werner Von Braun to the United States in case the USSR should attack.
Before the war Dr. Goddard was ahead of his time and was studying rocket science. He told the government of the possibilites but our leaders paid no attention. The Germans heard and they began work on jet engines and rockets. They had several outstanding scientists working on the program and by war’s end had jet fighter aircraft and V-2 and V-12 rockets with guidance systems raining destruction on London. It was agreed that half these scientists would be in the Russian Zone and half in the U.S. Zone.
Those in our zone came to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, and worked on a rocket that would escape earth’s gravity and orbit the earth. That group, led by Dr. Von Braun, had such a rocket on the launching pad at Redstone but because of politics were not allowed to attempt a launch until the Air Force made a few tries ending in failure.
In the meantime the Russians launched Sputnik and thus were first to orbit the earth. When the army at Redstone was permitted to fire their rocket we were successful but in 2nd place. The American school system got the blame. Sound familiar? It had nothing to do with our schools nor with the Russian schools. The entire program was German!
In 1958 I was teaching math and science to 7th and 8th graders. We had wonderful textbooks written by three authors who knew not only the math but the readiness of the students, and it was written at their level of understanding. The 8th grade text took up where the 7th grade left off, and the 7th grade book prepared them for next year. There were always revews of the basics already learned, lots of practice problems, thousands of word problems dealing with all manner of everyday useful practical math, and here the students were also learning about borrowing, investing, compound interest, bonds, stocks, measuring, weights, volume, dry measure, geometric constructions, perimeters, areas, volumes, and a few new concepts such as the 3rd type percent problem, positive and negative numbers, and basic algebra. [Read more…]
HARBOR FOR THE ARTS
Art Rocks the Inns, Air Force Jazz Band
The second annual Harbor for the Arts Festival August 1-17 includes live free entertainment in public spaces in Cape Charles. Dance, music, art, and theatre is being presented at the harbor, the park, Strawberry Street, Mason Avenue, and even Bill Parr’s barn on Seaside Road. The festival includes an international dance workshop that will engage filmmakers, choreographers, and dancers.
SUNDAY AUGUST 10
8:30 a.m. — Yoga in Central Park: Start your day with a body/mind practice. Various teachers coming from the local Hampton Roads Area and from as far away as Chicago will be teaching many different forms and styles of yoga practice.
1-4 p.m. — Art Rocks the Inns (B&Bs): The porches of the Bed & Breakfasts and inns of Cape Charles will be rocking with artwork. Each Bed and Breakfast will feature local artists showcasing their works, from all different mediums – paint, sculpture, wood, jewelry, and photography. Take a walking tour from inn to inn, or travel by bike, golf cart or car among the 5 properties, all located in Cape Charles’ historic downtown district, and within 3/4 mile of one another.
Chesapeake Bay View B&B, 212 Bay Avenue: Karen Jolly Davis, beach glass jewelry; Melissa Stein, stained glass art; Gary Williams, etched glass
Sea Gate Bed & Breakfast, 9 Tazewell Avenue: Mama Girl, Black Folk Art and Newspaper Sculpturing
Bay Haven Inn, 403 Tazewell Avenue: Heather Gladden, ink wash sketches, photography, and pen illustrations of nature with a surreal twist; Two-Bit Tiaras, unique tiaras weaved from steel wire and embellished with anything from clamshells and freshwater pearls, and other repurposed objects
Cape Charles House, 645 Tazewell Avenue: Pam Kossman, handmade jewelry; Ocean Pottery, whimsical ocean motif porcelain pottery, metal serve ware and Turkish glass bowls
Fig Street Inn, 711 Tazewell Avenue: Ten Good Sheep, handcrafted natural fibers to adorn your body and home including bracelets, hats, ornaments, felted soap balls, and Muttmellows (doggie toys); Terre Ittner,”Banner in a Card” greeting cards that unfold into ribboned banners for all occasions; Carolyn Osmond, nautically inspired small framed pictures, greeting cards and note cards; Terence Smith, watercolor and pastel paintings inspired by nature, with a focus on the Eastern seaboard
4 p.m. — Songs From A Distant Cockpit, Palace Theatre: Local author and resident John Schulz puts you in the cockpit of a single-seat, single-engine fighter plane as he and others trained in the “most dangerous plane ever built.”
7 p.m. — US Air Force Jazz Band, Central Park: “Rhythm in Blue” is a highly entertaining and versatile 13-piece ensemble that performs the American musical art forms of jazz, blues and funk. The band features repertoire from the great jazz masters and pays tribute to the Big Band leaders of the swing era. Bring a beach chair and picnic. Wine and Margaritas available.
CLICK for additional information about performances during the Harbor for the Arts Festival.
WEEKEND HARBOR FOR THE ARTS
Jazz, Elvis, Drums, Yoga, Stories and More
August 8, 2014
The second annual Harbor for the Arts Festival August 1-17 includes live free entertainment in public spaces in Cape Charles. Dance, music, art, and theatre is being presented at the harbor, the park, Strawberry Street, Mason Avenue, and even Bill Parr’s barn on Seaside Road. The festival includes an international dance workshop that will engage filmmakers, choreographers, and dancers.
FRIDAY AUGUST 8
11 a.m. — Galapogas George, Barefoot Puppet Theatre, Cape Charles Library: Based on the true story of “Lonesome George,” this show tells the tale of a truly one-on-a-kind tortoise from the Galapagos Islands. Described by The Smithsonian as “an uplifting eco-fable,” this engaging theatrical piece shares an important lesson about man’s impact upon the environment.
7 p.m. — Okyerema Asante on Strawberry Street: Okyerema Asante is a renowned master percussionist and the music ambassador of Ghana. Asante is truly an African music legend, having worked with world renowned musicians including Little Feet and Hugh Masekela. He has been on three world tours, once with Paul Simon on the Graceland tour and twice with Fleetwood Mac on the Behind the Mask and Tango in the Night tours. As a soloist and a one-man ensemble. Mr. Asante is a master drummer well known for performing all parts of a traditional five-person drum group by himself. He attaches percussion instruments to various parts of his body and simultaneously plays drums, a balafon, and many other instruments. He plays as many as 85 instruments in one performance. Coming from a family of drummers, Asante is an expert of traditional Ghanaian talking drums.
SATURDAY AUGUST 9
8:30 a.m. — Yoga in Central Park: Start your Saturday with a body/mind practice. Various teachers coming from the local Hampton Roads Area and from as far away as Chicago will be teaching many different forms and styles of yoga practice.
11 a.m. — Mike Hawker at the Beachfront: Guitarist Mike Hawker offers easy listening, favorite ballads, and classic oldies — a great mix for an outing with friends!
11 a.m. — Storyteller Mermaid Hales at the Cape Charles Library: As a family-friendly mermaid, Hales seeks to inspire children and feed both their imaginations and their love for the ocean. She believes that children are the future, and a passion for the ocean will lead to a passion for conservation. By encouraging children and adults to make eco-friendly choices, she believe that we can have a brighter, cleaner future. When not a mermaid, she is a student at the University of Virginia, studying Environmental Sciences and German Literature.
2-4 p.m. — Elvis, Roy Orbison, and Patsy Cline on Mason Avenue: Enjoy a family show that will take you on a musical ride thru the 50s, 60s and 70s with hits from Roy, Patsy and the King while mixing in some great classics. Shake, Rattle, and Roll with Jim Smith and members of his Memories Band.
Tony Sacco
4-5:30 p.m. — Old Man at the Fountain and Friends on Mason Avenue: Tony Sacco and friends on clarinet and guitar will perform outside the Stage Door Gallery playing traditional tunes and requests.
7 p.m. — Art in a Barn: Interactive Arts Night at Parr Barn, 24021 Seaside Road: Bill Parr’s Seaside barn will be the home of one of the festival’s most unusual events: a night of experimental music, dance, and visual arts. With a full moon rising, Taiwan’s Dancecology, a dance group who performs in nature, will launch an evening of music, sound and light. Guggenheim Fellows Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer will share excerpts of their pioneering dance-film work, restaged inside the barn. Upstairs, a transformed space offers a light and sound experience with a surprise performance by dancers-in-residence. Live music by Charles Grove, drummer Okyerema Asante, and Sheila Sheppard Lovelady. A light sculpture garden and dancers in costumes will light up the night. Cash bar. [Read more…]
EXTRA
County Planning Commissioner Coker Quits in Disgust
CAPE CHARLES WAVE
August 7, 2014
Stating that “I can no longer serve in good conscience given the flawed processes we are working under,” Northampton County Planning Commission Vice-Chair Martina Coker submitted her resignation August 5 effective immediately. Coker was the District 1 representative, which includes the Cape Charles area.
“I continue to be dismayed at the manner in which the Zoning Ordinance was developed and proposed, without any public input or analysis of data which could support proposed changes,” she wrote, adding that there could be a “significant detrimental effect on residential property values” as a result.
Coker did not attend the August 5 Planning Commission meeting, but submitted her statement to be read at the meeting. Economic Development Director Charles McSwain reportedly suggested that Coker’s statement be included in the record but not read out loud. But after it was pointed out that Coker had so requested, the letter was read.
Coker’s frustration comes from the County Board of Supervisors’ refusal to give the Planning Commission more than 100 days to review what amounts to a whole new zoning code for the county. She wrote: “The proposed ordinance strips property owners of their rights to maintain their property value by eliminating Special Use Process for virtually all uses, many of which could decimate property values.” [Read more…]
THURSDAY HARBOR FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL
‘Hot Club’ Jazz at the Shanty
“Gypsy Jazz” is Hot Club specialty.
August 7, 2014
The second annual Harbor for the Arts Festival August 1-17 includes live free entertainment in public spaces in Cape Charles. Dance, music, art, and theatre is being presented at the harbor, the park, Strawberry Street, Mason Avenue, and even Bill Parr’s barn on Seaside Road. The festival includes an international dance workshop that will engage filmmakers, choreographers, and dancers.
THURSDAY AUGUST 7
7 p.m. — Le Hot Club de Biglick, Shanty Restaurant, Town Harbor: In the 1930s, a style of music became popular known as “Gypsy Jazz.” This style of music was made famous by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Gypsy Jazz began with French musicians trying to emulate the jazz music coming out of America, while incorporating the gypsy influences that flavor their music. Today this music is kept alive by a group known as Le Hotclub de Biglick. The authentic gypsy sound is brought to the group by violinist Dan Adams of Bucovina (first chair violinist in national Philharmonic orchestras of Lautari, Doina Moldovei, and Balada). Sponsored in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
FRIDAY AUGUST 8
11 a.m. — Galapogas George, Barefoot Puppet Theatre, Cape Charles Library: Based on the true story of “Lonesome George,” this show tells the tale of a truly one-on-a-kind tortoise from the Galapagos Islands. Described by The Smithsonian as “an uplifting eco-fable,” this engaging theatrical piece shares an important lesson about man’s impact upon the environment. This show was funded in part by a grant from the Puppeteers of America Endowment Fund and was awarded an UNIMA Citation of Excellence in 2005. The Barefoot Puppets Theatre shows feature contemporary adaptations of world folktales, classic tales with a twist, myths, and works based on true stories. The scripts, puppets, music, and sets are all original. Program sponsored in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Space is limited.
7 p.m. — Okyerema Asante on Strawberry Street: Okyerema Asante is a renowned master percussionist and the music ambassador of Ghana. Asante is truly an African music legend, having worked with world renowned musicians including Little Feet and Hugh Masekela. He has been on three world tours, once with Paul Simon on the Graceland tour and twice with Fleetwood Mac on the Behind the Mask and Tango in the Night tours. As a soloist and a one-man ensemble. Mr. Asante is a master drummer well known for performing all parts of a traditional five-person drum group by himself. He attaches percussion instruments to various parts of his body and simultaneously plays drums, a balafon, and many other instruments. He plays as many as 85 instruments in one performance. Coming from a family of drummers, Asante is an expert of traditional Ghanaian talking drums. [Read more…]
TUESDAY HARBOR FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL
‘I Played the Palace’ Is Great Variety Show
You too can say “I played the Palace.”
August 5, 2014
The second annual Harbor for the Arts Festival August 1-17 includes live free entertainment in public spaces in Cape Charles. Dance, music, art and theatre is being presented at the harbor, the park, Strawberry Street, and Mason Avenue. The festival includes an international dance workshop that will engage filmmakers, choreographers, and dancers.
TUESDAY AUGUST 5
3 p.m. — Local Thespians at the Coffee House: The Cape Charles Players will be performing skits, reading poetry and entertaining you with their acting skills.
8 p.m. — I Played the Palace, Palace Theatre: Have you always dreamed of performing? Your opportunity has arrived. A lighthearted and non-competitive evening at the Historic Palace Theatre where the talents of our neighbors and friends will be highlighted, all in good fun. A variety of acts are welcome — singers, bands, actors and poets. Bring your own equipment and props and we will provide the microphone to 10 performers. Call 757 331-2787 to register.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6
6 p.m. — Heather and Nathan, Palace Theatre: We couldn’t be more proud to present this talented duo Heather and Nathan! Heather and Nathan Travis are a Shore institution. They can regularly be heard on WESR Radio. They are in high demand at Aqua in Kings Creek Marina and in other venues on the Eastern Shore.
8 p.m. — Classics and Crooners, Palace Theatre: With pianist/vocalist William Neill along with Caitlin Wynonna Messer. Enjoy an evening in the 1940s art deco theatre while William and Caitlin entertain with a selection of classical tunes and show tunes. Delightful and emotional ballads complemented by lively Broadway hits, all presented in a cabaret setting.
THURSDAY AUGUST 7
7 p.m. — Le Hot Club de Biglick, Shanty Restaurant, Town Harbor: In the 1930s, a style of music became popular known as “Gypsy Jazz.” This style of music was made famous by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Gypsy Jazz began with French musicians trying to emulate the jazz music coming out of America, while incorporating the gypsy influences that flavor their music. Today this music is kept alive by a group known as Le Hotclub de Biglick. The authentic gypsy sound is brought to the group by violinist Dan Adams of Bucovina (first chair violinist in national Philharmonic orchestras of Lautari, Doina Moldovei, and Balada). Sponsored in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
FRIDAY AUGUST 8
11 a.m. — Galapogas George, Barefoot Puppet Theatre, Cape Charles Library: Based on the true story of “Lonesome George,” this show tells the tale of a truly one-on-a-kind tortoise from the Galapagos Islands. Described by The Smithsonian as “an uplifting eco-fable,” this engaging theatrical piece shares an important lesson about man’s impact upon the environment. This show was funded in part by a grant from the Puppeteers of America Endowment Fund and was awarded an UNIMA Citation of Excellence in 2005. The Barefoot Puppets Theatre shows feature contemporary adaptations of world folktales, classic tales with a twist, myths, and works based on true stories. The scripts, puppets, music, and sets are all original. Program sponsored in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Space is limited.
7 p.m. — Okyerema Asante on Strawberry Street: Okyerema Asante is a renowned master percussionist and the music ambassador of Ghana. Asante is truly an African music legend, having worked with world renowned musicians including Little Feet and Hugh Masekela. He has been on three world tours, once with Paul Simon on the Graceland tour and twice with Fleetwood Mac on the Behind the Mask and Tango in the Night tours. As a soloist and a one-man ensemble. Mr. Asante is a master drummer well known for performing all parts of a traditional five-person drum group by himself. He attaches percussion instruments to various parts of his body and simultaneously plays drums, a balafon, and many other instruments. He plays as many as 85 instruments in one performance. Coming from a family of drummers, Asante is an expert of traditional Ghanaian talking drums.
CLICK for additional information about performances during the Harbor for the Arts Festival.
WEDNESDAY 8/6: Sen. Kaine Staff at Town Hall
Senator Kaine’s office is holding “Kaine Connects” office hours across the Commonwealth so folks can meet with members of his staff, ask questions, and get assistance in their hometown. The next office hours are 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, at Cape Charles Town Hall (NOT the Civic Center). RSVP to [email protected].
