WAYNE CREED: How to Bring Avian Flu to Northampton
By WAYNE CREED
Cape Charles Wave Columnist
June 15, 2015
As Northampton County continues to grapple with the ramifications of the proposed zoning changes, still lurking in the shadows is the subtle opening of the door for the poultry industry, including CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations), as well as chicken litter waste incinerators. Having less available expansion options left on the northern Delmarva, the industry finally hopes to gain a foothold in Northampton County.
While the special, and even conflicted, interests continued to gather in the back rooms of Northampton to plot their next moves in efforts to make the county “more profitable” through proposed zoning changes, it was reported in the New York Times by Stephanie Strom that the deadly avian flu had struck some of the largest egg operations in the Midwest where millions of chickens will have to be euthanized.
The Center Fresh Group, a top U.S. egg producer must kill (using carbon dioxide or foam) and dispose of about 5.5 million laying hens housed in 26 metal barns on their property. For the last month, the daily ritual of the Agriculture Department has become to report how many more hens must be destroyed. On extreme days, the number can be several million. In Iowa, where a good bit of all eggs originate (including liquid egg products), nearly 40% of the egg laying hens have been affected by the flu.
This is creating a monstrous disposal problem, as carcasses have filled barns; poultry farmers have been pleading for state and federal assistance to deal the disposal effort, as “workers in masks and hazmat gear attempt to clear the barns.” Part of the issue is the way the battery hens are crammed in, with the battery cages stacked on top of each other, usually filling almost every square inch, top to bottom, of the barns. [Read more…]
LETTER
Chamber of Commerce Applauds School Resolution
June 15, 2015
DEAR EDITOR,
I am writing on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce has served businesses on the Eastern Shore for 62 years. Representing more than 450 businesses, our mission is to “serve, promote and connect businesses and communities of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.”
The Board of Directors would like to commend the Northampton County Board of Supervisors for the Resolution they adopted at their meeting on May 12, 2015. We wholeheartedly agree that education should be viewed as the cornerstone for the county’s economic future. We encourage the Board of Supervisors to remain focused on education and to keep all the educational declarations listed below in the forefront of their decision making.
RESOLUTION DECLARING EDUCATION AS THE CORNERSTONE FOR NORTHAMPTON COUNTY’S ECONOMIC FUTURE
WHEREAS, it is well established and recognized that the future of our local, regional and even global society hinges on an engaged, informed, and educated youth; and
WHEREAS, it is also recognized that a well-educated and inspired student body is the engine that drives, and will continue to drive our local and regional economy; and
WHEREAS, Northampton County is fortunate to enjoy world-class teachers who have dedicated themselves to ensuring that their students are equipped and prepared to become productive and beneficial members of society in business, academic and leadership roles; and [Read more…]
WEDNESDAYS: Trivia Night at the Oyster Farm with Jeopardy! Star Eric Hack
All trivia enthusiasts are invited to spend Wednesday evenings at the Oyster Farm (Trivia Question: What well-known Cape Charles restaurant recently changed its name to “The Oyster Farm”?). The games start at 7 p.m. and are hosted by local Jeopardy! star Eric Hack. (Don’t worry — he won’t be on the other team.) Hack describes the games as “laid-back and the atmosphere is fun while teams of contestants have three or four minutes to come up with their answers to tricky trivia questions while enjoying dinner and drinks. [Read more…]
TUESDAY 6/23: Civil War Historian Kellee Blake at Accomac Library
Fourth Tuesdays at the Library, an initiative of the Friends of the Eastern Shore Public Library, presents a program by Civil War historian Kellee Green Blake, “The End of the Civil War and What That Meant for the Eastern Shore,” on Tuesday, June 23, at 7 p.m. at the Accomac Library, 23610 Front St. [Read more…]
SATURDAY 6/20: Register for Vacation Bible School at Cheriton Baptist
Cheriton Baptist Church will be having Vacation Bible School June 22-26 from 6-8:30. We will have registration June 20 from 10-12 with bounce house, rock climbing wall, and refreshments. Come take an Epic Expedition through Proverbs at Camp Kilimanjaro. This is for ages 3 (must have turned 3 by Sept 30, 2014) – 6th grade. [Read more…]
MONDAY 6/15: Library Author Series Features Bill Morris, John Schulz
Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m., the Author Series at Cape Charles Memorial Library presents two nationally known authors, each reading excerpts from his latest novel followed by a short question and answer segment. Light refreshments will be available. [Read more…]
FRIDAY 6/19: Melinda & the Benders at Do Drop Inn
Giddens’ Legendary Do Drop Inn, 8204 Bayford Road, Weirwood, presents Melinda & the Benders on Friday, June 19. Austin Riopel opens at 8 .m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $10 admission.
SATURDAY 6/20: Juneteenth Festival at ESCC Features Music, Food, Speakers, Games
The annual Juneteenth Festival begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, with the Walk for Sickle Cell. Other events start at 10 a.m., all at the Eastern Shore Community College in Melfa. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Musical includes the Shore’s own Black Elvis, Snowflake, Dot Giddens, and The New Heavenly Wings over Jordan as well as the FTC Praise Dancers and the Anointed Angel Praise Dancers. [Read more…]
