Town Gets Fluoridation Award Amid Rising Health Concerns

By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

February 20, 2013

Cape Charles has again received an annual Water Fluoridation Quality Award for maintaining safe levels of fluoride in the drinking water.

Daily tests ensure that fluoride added to Town water is maintained between .6 to 1.2 parts per million.

Virginia Department of Health representative Dixon Tucker presented the award to Public Utilities Director Dave Fauber at the January 10 Town Council meeting.

The Department of Health encourages communities to fluoridate their water supplies to prevent tooth decay.

According to the Health Department, fluoridated water reaches 80 percent of the state’s residents.

Fluoride concentrations are generally low in wells on the Eastern Shore. But in some other areas, naturally occurring fluoride levels are so high that the water is not considered safe for children to drink. In those areas, bottled water is recommended for children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that parents monitor the use of fluoride toothpaste by young children.

Consuming excessive fluoride either in the water or as toothpaste can cause dental fluorosis in children younger than nine years old. Effects can vary from barely perceptible off-white to light brown marks, pitting, enamel loss, and brown staining on permanent teeth. [Read more…]

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SHORE THING: The Troll Under the Bridge

By GEORGE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

February 18, 2013

The Bridge-Tunnel Commission’s surprising decision to lower tolls for some commuters just might be like the first bricks chipped away from the Berlin Wall.

By itself it may not be that meaningful, but if it starts a trend, who knows where it might end?

Could the action escalate to the point that we no longer fear the “Toll Troll” under the bridge, lurking to gobble up travelers’ wallets?

I wonder why, after all these years, the Bridge-Tunnel Commission made a concession to Eastern Shore residents?

Is there finally a recognition that the crushing toll is the major reason that Northampton is the poorest county in the state of Virginia?

The $12 Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) toll is the highest in the United States by far.

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge toll into New York City is $13, but the other direction is free, so the average toll is $6.50. Motorcyclists pay $5.50, or an average of $2.75 both ways.

(And why does our Bridge-Tunnel charge the same rate for a motorcycle as for a 2-axle truck?)

The Overseas Highway to Key West spans 127 miles, with the longest bridge in the chain stretching seven miles. The last toll was collected in 1954. Now it’s free.

FREE!

The CBBT carries like a badge of honor the distinction of being built and maintained totally by tolls.

As if that’s something to be proud of. [Read more…]

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Hotel, Park Bathroom Appeals Challenge Historic Board

BY GEORGE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

February 15, 2013

Two appeals will be heard on rulings by the Cape Charles Historic District Review Board — one regarding Hotel Cape Charles, and the other a bathroom in Central Park.

Cape Charles Town Council will hear the appeal concerning Hotel Cape Charles 6 p.m. Thursday, February 21, during the regular council meeting at Saint Charles Parish Hall.

The hotel owners, David and Kathryn Gammino, are appealing the final decision of the Historic District Review Board.

The Review Board ruled last November 20 that the hotel as constructed failed to comply with the plans submitted and approved by the Board.

The hotel has not been granted a permanent certificate of occupancy. It is closed for the winter but due to reopen March 1.

Unless Town Council overturns the Historic District Review Board decision, the hotel will not receive permission to reopen.

In a 35-page submission to the Town, the Gamminos argue that the Review Board failed to follow the Cape Charles Historic District Guidelines. “The denial was based on subjective impressions rather than [the] Guidelines,” the Gamminos wrote.

The Gamminos’ letter to the Town may be read here.

Meanwhile, another appeal of the Review Board’s decision has been filed in Northampton County Circuit Court.

The Circuit Court appeal is over a decision by the Historic District Review Board to approve a bathroom design adjacent to the pergola in Central Park.

The bathroom is planned to duplicate the design of an existing sewage pump station north of the pergola. [Read more…]

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Seeking Enlightenment? Join ‘Circle of Friends’

February 15, 2013

A circle of friends old and new in and around Cape Charles is forming to share and openly discuss some of the most fundamental questions of life: who are we; how does life unfold before us; does our Creator have a master design, and how is it manifest?

The Circle will seek to stimulate curiosity and expand philosophical and metaphysical knowledge through discussions based on the studies, experiences, and observations of participants and presenters.

The overarching objective is “to find the spiritual meaning of connectedness wherein we are all part of something much larger.”

The Circle will gather  a couple times a month for about two hours in the evening to hear a brief presentation by a member or invited guest, hear a short reading, or watch a video. [Read more…]

An Eastern Shore Valentine

February 14, 2013

Today is St. Valentine’s Day.

Sure, it would be easy to be cynical.

The schmaltzy, saccharine cards.

The Hallmarkification of the original Valentine who was — I don’t know — tortured by the Inquisition or something.

I suppose I’m still young at heart, because I love those cards.

I love boxes of candy with little pointless teddy bears.

I love sweet nothings.

One day, I will take a pretty girl to an Italian restaurant and together, we will sit in the alley and share a plate of spaghetti (heavy on the meatballs.)

Tony, the rotund owner, will come out and sing to us. [Read more…]

COMMENTARY:
Anonymous School Survey Biased and Cowardly

By TED WARNER

February 13, 2013

Recently a survey was circulated though email by an unnamed “local community group” in an attempt to explore “perceptions of the local school options” and “local Eastern Shore schools.” It was reported by the Cape Charles Wave. The survey was not appreciated and accomplished nothing. Its organizers should be ashamed.

And who are the organizers? They are anonymous; anonymity has no place in the public discourse.

At a basic level, we must exchange ideas in order to make any progress. That’s why testimony has value in a democracy. That’s how minds are changed. And, because we sign our names to our ideas, democracy is done in the light of day and personal accountability.

It matters that I sign my name to this letter; it means that tomorrow, someone can approach me on Mason Avenue and speak to me about it. My boss will see it. I can’t hide from what I’m saying here, but I’m going to say it anyway. Because it matters.

But this anonymous group has deliberately chosen to excuse themselves from that system of accountability. They are hiding. They are cowards.

There is also something psychologically violent about this anonymous survey. It is not, as it claims, an exploration. Its suspicious and shoddy methodology reveals its own bias. [Read more…]

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TOWN COUNCIL:
South Port Wins Easements; Library Remodeling Funded

By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

February 12, 2013

South Port Investors LLC has cleared two more hurdles in its quest to construct a yacht repair facility adjacent to the town harbor.

Cape Charles Town Council on February 7 awarded South Port two 40-year encroachment easements at the harbor.

The easements were put out for bid and were advertised as required by law. South Port’s offer of $100 was the sole bid.

Council also voted to amend two property leases with South Port. The lease amendments allow land leased by South Port from the Town to be used for boat repair, fueling, docking, a cafe/market, sale of ship stores, administrative offices, transient housing, and a boatel.

Library Update

Town Manager Heather Arcos reported the status of remodeling  the new library building. Painting is complete,  the bathroom is almost ready, and carpeting has been purchased. A new circulation desk is under consideration.

If renovations are completed on schedule, the new library will open April 1. [Read more…]

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February FREEZE Lives Up to Its Name

February Freeze Benefitting Eastern Shore Habitat for Humanity

Running Out.
Shivering & Smiling.
Bare Feet.
Frigid Wind.
Itsy Bitsy Bikinis.
Blowing Sand.
Swim Shorts.
Cameras.
Whitecaps.
Bundled Spectators.
Huge Bonfire.
Ice.Cold.Water.
Many Dogs.
Enthusiastic Young Students & Young at Heart Adults.
Running in, Cheering & Screaming &
Then . . . Delicious Lunch.
Wonderful Volunteers.
Memorable Celebration.
Over $3,000 raised.
WE DID IT!
Thank you everyone.
–Victor Abrahamian

 

Winners from Broadwater Academy appear below. [Read more…]

Cape Charles Police Chief and Town Planner Retiring in 2013

CAPE CHARLES WAVE

February 7, 2013

Two long-time Town of Cape Charles employees are planning to retire by the end of the year.

Town Planner Tom Bonadeo has announced that he will retire as of November 1, and will take accumulated vacation time for about a month before that, making his last day of work around October 1.

Police Chief Charles ‘Sambo’ Brown has made no formal retirement announcement, but Mayor Dora Sullivan told the Wave yesterday that the Chief also plans to retire around the end of the year. [Read more…]

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Planning Commission Bypasses Public Hearing Requirement

By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

February 7, 2013

The Cape Charles Planning Commission voted February 5 to send a letter to Town Council requesting concurrence with a plan to amend the Town’s zoning ordinance.

The amendment would establish limits on residential occupancy in the Harbor District.

The Planning Commission recommends using the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to calculate housing density in the Harbor District.

Under Town regulations, public hearings are required to be held before either the Planning Commission can recommend or Town Council can approve a change to a zoning ordinance.

Since no public hearings have been scheduled, the Planning Commission vote occurred without opportunity for any public input.

Town Council consideration of the proposed zoning amendment would also occur before a public hearing is held.

After Town Council has given its concurrence with the proposed changes, the Planning Commission intends to hold a public hearing on the changes, followed by a public hearing by Town Council.

OTHER PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS

Town Planner Tom Bonadeo reported that the town manager is consulting with the town attorney regarding limiting appeals of rulings by the Historic District Review Board.

Under the current Town ordinance, any decision of the Review Board may be appealed, first to Town Council, and then to the Circuit Court.

Town staff appear interested in changing the ordinance such that only denials, not approvals, by the Review Board may be appealed. [Read more…]

Trouble with a Capital T? Not with New Choral Group & Band!

CAPE CHARLES WAVE

February 6, 2013

Has the “Music Man” come to Cape Charles?

It might seem so, with the sudden formation not only of a choral group but also a band.

The vocal chorale group is being organized  by Arts Enter, the fine and performing art center.

Men and women who love to sing, as well as young adults who are just starting to appreciate the world of music, are invited to participate.

The first meeting of the choral group is 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 12, at the Historic Palace Theatre.

The choral group will be directed by Shirley Christian, a voice professor and accomplished vocal performer who has retired to the Eastern Shore.

Meanwhile, here is what’s happening with the new Cape Charles Band:

The band has grown to 20 musicians, with organizers working to arrange rehearsal space, obtain sheet music, and locate equipment.

Organizers report that the first band meeting/rehearsal will be “very soon,” with an announcement coming later  this week.

To date, players include trumpets, clarinets, saxophone,  flutes, trombone, percussion, and tuba.

The band needs other woodwinds — oboe, bassoon, piccolo, and bass clarinet — as well as brass instruments including  baritone, euphonium, etc. [Read more…]

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