Animal Abuse, Theft Highlight Longtime Problems
Tethering laws are rarely enforced.
By WAYNE CREED
Cape Charles Wave
February 9, 2015
The news of animal abuse and theft that has been documented over the last few months, accompanied by graphic video and photographic evidence, has been an eye-opening experience for some. But for those that have been working this issue for many years now, it was nothing more than confirmation of the status quo.
On January 23, many of the Shore’s animal rights top guns came together at the Bank Coffee House in Onancock for a meeting of the Accomack Animal Cooperative. President Charles Knitter led the meeting, and the fundamental message was that there are many folks that really care, whether it is the staff at the Accomack-Northampton shelter, County animal control agents, or non-profit groups and private citizens. But the situation on the ground is so overwhelming that, given current funding and available workers, it is almost impossible to influence meaningful change.
From a facilities management standpoint, the regional Accomack-Northampton animal shelter, despite being a first class operation, is still considered undersized and not fully able to meet the demands of the population — not unusual for any county facility. What is lacking is an adequate means of dealing with the overflow. According to Knitter, “we need to bolster our network of fosters, some way to help with overcrowding at the shelter.”
As always, funding is major issue. A problem that Knitter pointed out is that, even as fines are levied for any number of abuse cases, those fines generally go right into the general fund. Knitter recommends instead that such revenue should go back into the animal welfare operations, freeing up resources for expanded capacity and allowing the county to hire additional part-time staff to relieve some of the burden felt by the current staff limitations. [Read more…]
COMMENTARY
Resounding Defeat for Home-Prepared Food
Virginia Food Freedom lost big in Richmond — but they’ll be back to lobby again next year.
By KAREN GAY
Cape Charles Wave
February 9, 2015
If you read my previous two articles about Virginia House Bill 1290 you may be wondering how it all turned out. This bill was designed to exempt food prepared or processed in a private home or farm from government inspection provided that the food is sold directly to the end consumer and is labeled with the producer’s name, address, and product ingredients and the disclosure “NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION.”
The bill came up before the House Agriculture Subcommittee February 2, and the meeting was held in a smallish conference room that had standing room only. About half of the non-delegate attendees represented the Virginia Farm Bureau, the Virginia Agribusiness Council, and their supporters. The other half were mostly small farmers who traveled at their own expense to plead their case. Delegate Robert Bell from the 58th District (Charlottesville) introduced the bill. Then it was time for supporters to speak to the committee members.
The first speaker was Duane McIntyre who drove six and a half hours from Russell County. He placed cigarettes, honey, alcohol, and meat on the conference room table as examples of commonly sold items that are known to have safety issues. Bernadette Barber spoke about her son’s febrile seizures as a young child and how he recovered by eating raw honey and milk from her own cow. Store owner and a member of the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors Holder Trumbo said he believes that this bill should be passed so that small farmers can keep their expenses to a minimum and make a living.
It was clear from the opponents that their concern was the sale of raw milk — even though the bill encompasses more than that. Wearing his white lab coat, Dr. Sam Bartle of the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics said there were no studies on the health aspects of raw milk (although I found several articles in the PubMed library of medical studies). Other speakers were Dr. Tom Massey of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, Lindsay Reams of the Virginia Farm Bureau, Brad Coperhaven of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, and Sam Towell, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, all of whom spoke out against raw milk in particular. [Read more…]
TUESDAY 2/10: Rural Health Presentation by Nancy Stern
Northampton County Supervisor Granville Hogg urges interested constituents to attend a presentation to the Board of Supervisors by Nancy Stern, Eastern Shore Rural Health, beginning 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 10 at the County chambers in Eastville. Hogg notes that the hospital will relocate in 22 months, and “we, especially in the southern end of the county, need to be cognizant of that fact. There is the need to take some action to assure there is some source of medical assistance available. In addition to our personal needs, there is the need to attract other commercial activity, and all County residents recognize the need for additional employment opportunities,” Hogg said. He welcomes comments emailed to [email protected].
WEDNESDAY 2/11: Creekwatchers Meeting Open to All
What: Meeting of the Creekwatchers (Open to everyone)
When: Wednesday, February 11 at 6 p.m.
Where: Barrier Island Center in Machipongo
The Virginia General Assembly has been in full swing a couple of weeks now with many bills carrying consequences for our waters. We are committed to ensure Richmond knows the Eastern Shore stands strong for clean water, but we need your help. We know Richmond is a long drive so we have decided to bring Richmond to you! [Read more…]
TUES/WED NIGHTS: Town Water Flush
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 10-11, beginning each evening at 9 p.m. and continuing until 2 a.m., the Town of Cape Charles Utility Department will be conducting a system flush of the water system. Residents are cautioned not to use water during those hours, as sediment could be drawn into the residence water lines. When done, the system should rectify itself fairly quickly.
FRIDAY 2/13: Lloyd Kellam on ‘Contemporary Issues in Cardiology’
This week’s Science and Philosophy Seminar of the Eastern Shore of Virginia is “Contemporary Issues in Cardiology.” The free 90-minute seminar will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 13, in the Lecture Hall of the Eastern Shore Community College, 29300 Lankford Hwy., Melfa. Lloyd J. Kellam will talk about the screening and diagnosis of cardiac disease other than atherosclerosis. Kellam has practiced cardiology on the Shore for almost 30 years.
February Classes at ESO Arts Center
Warm up your creative juices, defrost your fitness goals with new offers and perennial favorites at ESO Arts School in nearby Belle Haven. Pre-registration required.
Roses in Watercolor Watershop with Diana M. Davis
February 12, Thursday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The beauty of a rose may soon fade but if you paint one –you create a Valentine’s Keepsake for a Lifetime. Learn to draw and paint roses, glazing in watercolor. This workshop provides a relaxing environment with plenty of one-on-one attention. Bring your own supplies or purchase for $10 extra. (Material list available at ESO. [email protected])
One Day Workshop: Beginners to Advanced. Cost: $80 [Read more…]
Time Running Out for Employers to Register for Job Fair
Only a few spots remain available for employers who wish to promote job openings at the 2nd Annual Accomack-Northampton Regional Job Fair sponsored by the Virginia Employment Commission (Eastern Shore One-Stop Center); the three local Chambers of Commerce (Chincoteague, Eastern Shore of Virginia and Northampton County) and hosted by Eastern Shore Community College. The Job Fair will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, in the Great Hall of ESCC’s Workforce Development Center. Over 300 job seekers attended last year’s event. With an additional sponsor and more employers, up to 400 job seekers are expected to attend in this, the second year of this regional effort. [Read more…]
