January 21, 2022 Youngkin Inaugurated as Governor, Gets To Work Signing 11Actions - Eastern Shore Post
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CIRCULATION
12,000
January 21, 2022
Youngkin Inaugurated as Governor,
Gets To Work Signing 11Actions
By Stefanie Jackson entrusted to protect liberty, create op-
At the inauguration of Gov. Glenn portunity, and build unity for the hard
Youngkin Saturday, Jan. 15, at the work ahead,” he said.
Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, A record of nearly 3.3 million Vir-
the new governor outlined his vision ginians, or about 25% more than pre-
for Virginia and, after a parade cele- viously, voted in the November gener-
brating diverse groups and interests al election in which Youngkin won the
A groundbreaking ceremony is held for New Road’s Legacy Project at the from across the commonwealth, he governorship.
corner of Thurgood Marshall Road and Harriet Tubman Road in Exmore. started work on his Day One agenda He thanked former Gov. Ralph
by signing 11 executive actions. Northam and first lady Pam Northam
New Road Breaks Ground on Housing Project “Today we gather not as individ-
uals … nor as Republicans or Demo-
for being “gracious and supportive
during this transition.”
Story and Photo by Stefanie Jackson in the New Road community will honor crats, but today we gather as Virgin- “My fellow Virginians,” Youngkin
The New Road Community Devel- the legacy of the group’s former execu- ians,” Youngkin began his inaugural said, “the spirit of Virginia is alive and
opment Group held a groundbreaking tive director, the late Ruth Wise. address. well, and together we will strengthen
Tuesday morning in Exmore for the first Opening remarks were made by her The voters “sent us here on a mis- it. Together we will renew the promise
phase of its Legacy Project, so named be- daughter, Ava Gabrielle-Wise, who filled sion to restore trust in government of Virginia so it will be the best place
cause the construction of six new houses (Continued on Page 2) and to restore power to the people … (Continued on Page 6)
Children’s Harbor Opening Soon, Dedication Postponed Due to Forecast Winter Storm
By Carol Vaughn interim chief executive officer. “She knew that there was a need. funds have been given to the project
A new child care facility is coming to Ann Williams, who serves as a con- She reached out to the political pow- by the Perdue Foundation, the Eastern
Accomack County. sultant on the Eastern Shore project, ers,” including Sen. Lynwood Lewis Shore of Virginia Community Founda-
Children’s Harbor Eastern Shore soon after that came to Bell with the and Del. Rob Bloxom, he said. tion, and individual donors, according
will be housed in a former restaurant at idea of opening a Children’s Harbor on Conversations at the state level re- to Bell.
20250 Fairgrounds Road near Onancock. the Shore, Bell said during a telephone sulted in then-Gov. Ralph Northam in- The organization also is hoping to
The building most recently was the interview Jan. 13. cluding $250,000 for the Eastern Shore qualify for a grant through a new Acco-
location of Fairgrounds Restaurant. “So I approached my board and said, center in the state budget, a measure mack County program.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony that was ‘Hey, I’m a resident of the Eastern the General Assembly approved. The Accomack County Board of Su-
to have been held this week was post- Shore, so I love that area. They are in “That’s what really catapulted us to pervisors last fall identified child care
poned due to a forecast winter storm. need of child care and I want to be able be able to secure the facility,” said Bell. as one of its three priorities for spend-
A winter storm watch was issued to give back — and I think it fits into The former restaurant was select- ing the first of two installments of fed-
Wednesday for the possibility of snow Children’s Harbor’s mission,” Bell said. ed in part because it already had ade- eral funds coming to the county as re-
Friday and Saturday. The board gave the go ahead to pur- quate parking and was close to several sult of the American Rescue Plan Act.
Children’s Harbor is a nonprofit or- sue the idea, but indicated financial re- major employers, according to Bell. The board set aside $600,000 of the
ganization with four other centers in sources likely would have to come from The cost to get the center up and first $3.1 million installment to expand
Hampton Roads. outside the organization. running is nearly $500,000, according child care in the county.
The Children’s Harbor board of di- Williams was very instrumental in to Bell, who said the playground alone Children’s Harbor plans to apply for
rectors in April 2019 asked Wayne Bell working to find funds to make the facil- cost more than $90,000. a grant to help with costs associated
Jr., of the Eastern Shore, to serve as ity a reality, according to Bell. In addition to the state funding, (Continued on Page 5)
2 • Eastern Shore Post • January 21, 2022
~ Groundbreaking ~
New Road to seek financial assistance She reserved special thanks for ment to New Road and other groups in
and purchase the land they lived on from Chris Thompson, of Virginia Housing, their efforts to build affordable hous-
(Continued From Front Page) the absentee landlords who owned it. who has been “a solid and steadfast ing in Northampton.
the position of New Road’s executive di- “A lot of people don’t realize that New partner through all of our troubles.” Thompson thanked everyone present
rector after Ruth Wise died in 2017. Road … was not a whole government Gabrielle-Wise also thanked War- “for bringing us along on this journey
Ava Gabrielle-Wise noted that “a project. We acquired our community, sub- ren Thomas, chief executive officer of with you. … It’s about people, and at the
milestone in the history of this commu- divided it, and sold it to ourselves,” Gabri- RMT Construction and Development end of the day, we’re going to have six
nity” will be reached when the Legacy elle-Wise said, “and that was a new mod- Group, of Richmond, and Chris Car- new families that are here. … What I re-
Project is complete, as all 30 acres of el that had not been seen yet at that point baugh, engineer, Atlantic Group & As- ally like is that this is phase one, and so,
the New Road community will be filled and hasn’t been seen much since then.” sociates, of Berlin, Md. there are big plans for phase two, there’s
to capacity with housing. “This project is not only about lega- Exmore Councilman G.W. Adkins phase three, there’s more to come.”
She felt “grateful to be here to … car- cy, it’s about innovation and progress,” acknowledged that “in the old days” During phase two of the Legacy Proj-
ry the torch forward” for her mother and Gabrielle-Wise said. the Town Council had not acted as an ect, housing will be built on the remaining
the rest of New Road’s original mem- The six new houses to be built in New advocate for the New Road communi- undeveloped land owned by New Road.
bers, of whom at least one is still living Road “are not like the houses that you’ve ty, “but we’ve gone beyond that and we The land is adjacent to the New Road
– Burley Rogers, who is 83 years old and seen in the past, and that’s because we’re are here, we have the back of everyone community on the west side of Route 13,
was invited to the groundbreaking but trying to take the community forward in New Road … and we’re here to stay.” intersected by Ruth Wise Road. This proj-
could not attend due to illness. into the future in housing development.” Northampton County Administra- ect phase will provide housing for 34 fam-
Gabrielle-Wise briefly reflected on The homes will feature modern ame- tor Charlie Kolakowski spoke on be- ilies in the form of a three-story, 18-unit
New Road’s history and “the turmoil nities and be built in a range of sizes half of the Northampton County Board apartment building and eight duplexes.
we had in the early years with the town to suit families with differing housing of Supervisors and Chair Betsy Mapp Gabrielle-Wise said she recently
and the county and the struggle over needs: two tiny homes, two two-bed- about all the public and private part- closed on an option to acquire anoth-
getting the infrastructure in,” referring room homes, one three-bedroom home, ners working on the New Road project: er 30 acres near Occohannock Road,
to the previsus lack of indoor plumb- and one four-bedroom home. “The level of cooperation and enthu- which would not be an extension of
ing in New Road and the failure of local Gabrielle-Wise thanked the Virgin- siasm involved in this project is real- New Road but a new community with
government to provide the historically ia Department of Housing and Com- ly, really encouraging. We all recognize its own name and identity.
African American community with pub- munity Development for providing the the need for a significant cooperative Gabrielle-Wise anticipates the de-
lic water and sewer service even though New Road group Acquire, Renovate, effort to provide affordable and work- sign of a master plan for the new com-
it was available elsewhere in Exmore. and Sell funding in 2019, which was force housing on the Eastern Shore,” munity will be completed this year so
Those issues drove the residents of the catalyst for the Legacy Project. he said, pledging supervisors’ commit- development can begin in 2023.
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January 21, 2022 • Eastern Shore Post • 3
4 • Eastern Shore Post • January 21, 2022
‘I Am Going To Be A Professor’
“The ticket to my future success,” find their own paths to success.” Shaw’s long game is to return as a
says University of Virginia senior ESCC’s culture of YES! (Your East- professor at ESCC. He shared his sto-
Shaw Matthews, “was Your Eastern ern Shore) is about hospitality and in- ry at ESCC’s Advisory Board meeting
Shore Community College.” Forming clusion. Just as Shaw benefited from last week. “I want to give back, to try,
his own future goals through influ- this culture, he contributed to mak- in some measure, to be as influential
ential instructors and supportive fac- ing it flourish. Career Coach Debbie as those who helped shaped my life,
ulty and staff, Shaw said, “The help Daniels said, “He’s a great example of my career, my future.”
ESCC provided along the way made a student finding what makes them And he encourages his friends and
my goals a reality.” happy and pursuing that dream with neighbors on the Shore. “I truly hope
Home-schooled from kindergarten the support of all of us at the college.” potential students understand the
through high school, Shaw enrolled With his associate degree in Arts benefits of attending ESCC, from
in ESCC in 2017. “ESCC wasn’t my and Sciences in Liberal Arts and the low cost, to the easy transfer to
second choice or third choice,” Shaw help from ESCC advisors, Shaw eas- a four-year school, to rewarding jobs
said,” it was my best choice.” ily transferred to the University of and careers.”
One of his first and most influen- Shaw Matthews Virginia where he’s closing in on his Dr. Patrick Tompkins, ESCC vice
tial instructors was Assistant Profes- influence on forming my future plans. bachelor’s degree next semester. He’s president of academics, said, “At ES-
sor of History Barry Neville. Shaw ex- “I started to see me in a role where I, already applying to graduate school to CC we can help. We helped Shaw,
plained, “Mr. Neville’s interaction with too, could influence young adults and pursue a master’s degree and then a and he is helping others. For all of us,
students and love of history was a huge nontraditional students and help them doctorate. that’s a YES!”
‘You Can Be an IT Professional’
“The IT Industry is one of the few the Commonwealth of Virginia.” arship to help as they continue their
places where a certified professional Additional sources of financial aid career journey.”
can get a high-paying job without a are also available to eliminate any Vice President of Academics Pat-
four-year college degree,” states Doug out-of-pocket costs for the student. rick Tompkins noted “you don’t have
Fleming who instructs CompTIA In- Hall adds that “CompTIA IT Fun- to have any experience. If you’re in-
formation Technology Fundamen- damentals is an approved course of terested in IT, we can help.”
tals students at YOUR Eastern Shore study for the Virginia Ready Scholar- Get started at ESCC. Call 757-
Community College. ship. Upon earning their credential, 789-7979 or email studentservices@
Fleming will be leading ESCC’s students will receive a $1,000 schol- es.vccs.edu.
next CompTIA class beginning March
15. He adds that “students will get a
broad view of the IT industry and an
understanding of the fundamental
fields of emphasis where an IT Pro-
fessional can focus their talents and
abilities to build a successful career.
Students will also learn how to man-
age computer-based testing, so they
can pass a proctored exam to earn an
industry certification.”
CompTIA IT Fundamentals class
provides that solid technology foun-
dation for anyone entering the work-
place — regardless of the industry.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals is a
the basic course for other CompTIA
classes offered by ESCC, including
A+, Network+, and Security+.
Scott Hall, Workforce & Business
Solutions Officer, added that ESCC
offers tuition support for eligible stu-
dents. “With the FastForward pro-
gram,” Scott said, “two-thirds of the
tuition is automatically paid for by
January 21, 2022 • Eastern Shore Post • 5
as determined We’re actually an early childhood care
~ Children’s Harbor ~ by licensure.
Trina Coo-
education facility,” he said.
The curriculum guides teachers on
(Continued From Front Page)
per, Eastern how to adequately train the children to
with its new facility. Shore center di- meet the appropriate milestones before
Guidelines for the county’s child rector, said the they enter kindergarten, Bell said.
care startup and expansion grant center already Staff members are trained in first-
program were approved by the board has around 47 aid and CPR certified.
of supervisors at the board’s Jan. 19 children on its Bell also spoke about security mea-
meeting, meaning grant applications waiting list and sures at the center, including secu-
will be available on the county web- more than a rity cameras, a buzz-in system at
site Jan. 28 and awards will be made dozen already the entrance, and a secure outside
in early April. have paid the playground.
The maximum award per applicant registration fee. Children will be served breakfast,
is $150,000. “Our infant lunch, and a snack, and infants will be
The organization’s goal is to open room is already provided formula, according to Bell.
Children’s Harbor Eastern Shore some- full, so we are
time in late February, but the opening entertaining
date will depend on how long it takes opening up a Work continues to ready the Children’s Harbor for chil- Children’s Harbor Eastern Shore
to obtain required licensure and other second infant dren ages 6 weeks to 10 years. Photo by Connie Morrison. 20250 Fairgrounds Road
approvals, according to Bell. room,” Bell said. Onancock, VA 23417-1305
The center has rooms for infants (6 Cooper, who earned a bachelor’s will have a lead teacher and another Telephone: 757-302-0700
weeks to 12 months), waddlers (ages degree and a master’s degree in edu- teacher. Along with cooks and custodi- Email: cheasternshore@childrensharbor.cc
12 to 15 months), toddlers (16 to 24 cational leadership from Wilmington al staff, the center likely will employ To fill out an application for either
months), 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds (al- University, has experience as a cen- around 18 to 19 people. employment or child care, go to www.
so called preschool), 4-year-olds (or ter director in Delaware and as an ad- Children’s Harbor uses the Frog childrensharbor.cc and search for
pre-K), and school-age children (ages ministrator for a Christian school in Street curriculum, Bell said. the Eastern Shore center. Click on
5 to 10). Georgia. “What’s very important to under- the link for the application desired.
At capacity, the center will be able In addition to Cooper, the center has stand about Children’s Harbor is, Donations to Children’s Harbor
to serve between 80 and 100 children, two assistant directors and each class we don’t consider ourselves day care. are tax deductible.
Marybeth Fasano, DMD
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
(757) 412-2235
984 First Colonial Rd. Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
www.VAPerfectsmile.com
6 • Eastern Shore Post • January 21, 2022
normal’ but to a new and better day,” stay in school five days a week, he said. limitless,” Youngkin said. “We must
~ Youngkin ~ Youngkin said.
“Our common path forward is with
Later, the new governor added,
“Parents should have a say in what is
set our eyes on the common values and
common future that unites us, to work
(Continued From Front Page)
the miracle of modern medicine. It’s taught in schools … because in Virgin- every day to strengthen the spirit of
to live and work and raise a family.” given us vaccines, new therapeutics, ia, parents have a fundamental right Virginia and redeem the promise of our
He reflected on the impact of the and medical treatments. And our com- to make decisions with regard to their people. My fellow Virginians, it’s Day
COVID-19 pandemic on Virginia over mon path forward is also forged with a child’s upbringing, education, and One – let’s get to work.”
the last two years. “Not a single one of deep and abiding respect for individual care.” Later that afternoon, Youngkin
us has escaped the tragic consequenc- freedom. … Our common path forward To offset the increased cost of living, signed 11 executive actions:
es of COVID-19. Today we lift up our protects both lives and livelihoods Virginia’s recent gas tax increase will • Executive order one ends the use of
prayers for the more than 15,000 Vir- across this great commonwealth.” be suspended for one year, its grocery “divisive concepts,” such as Critical
ginians whose lives have been lost. “We must bind the wounds of divi- tax will be eliminated, and the income Race Theory, in public education.
We pray for their families and we sion, restore trust, find common cause tax standard deduction will be dou- • Executive order two allows par-
pray for those who have survived but for the common good,” Youngkin said. bled, Youngkin said. ents to decide whether or not their
who’ve lost jobs, lost an income or a He outlined his top priorities as gov- “We will … rein in skyrocketing in- children will wear face masks in
business, or even lost hope,” Youn- ernor, starting with education: raising come tax and provide the largest tax school.
gkin said. public education standards, increasing rebate in Virginia’s history.” • Executive order three focuses on
But “we’re home to a resilient and teacher pay, investing in school facil- Taxes on military veterans’ retire- restoring “integrity and confi-
courageous people – heroes who’ve ities, funding programs for students ment benefits also will be cut, he said. dence” in Virginia’s parole board.
inspired us: doctors and nurses who with disabilities, and creating char- Additional economic boosters will • Executive order four concerns
worked double shifts to save lives; ter schools within the public school include reducing regulations, invest- the opening of an investigation of
grocers, truckers, postal workers who system. ing in job training, and making it easi- wrongdoing in Loudoun County.
worked overtime to stock shelves and “We will remove politics from the er for businesses to access capital, “and • Executive order five creates the
make deliveries; and neighbors who classroom,” Youngkin continued, “and we are going to get all Virginians back position of Commonwealth Chief
have taken care of the frail and elderly we will focus on essential math, sci- to work,” Youngkin said. Transformation Officer to make
in our communities. ence, and reading; and we will teach all He pledged that 400,000 jobs and “government work for Virginians.”
“Despite the continuing challenges of our history, the good and the bad.” 10,000 new businesses will be created • Executive order six declares Vir-
posed by COVID-19, I see a path for- To prevent further learning loss and over the next four years. ginia “open for business.”
ward – not to some pessimistic ‘new development setbacks, children must Youngkin also said Virginia will • Executive order seven focuses on
stop “conceding corporate relocations” stopping and preventing human
to neighboring states like Maryland, trafficking and providing support
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January 21, 2022 • Eastern Shore Post • 7
rest on these charges, said defense months, all suspended, for trespass.
attorney Tucker Watson. He said his He ordered him to be on supervised
Court Postings By Nancy Drury Duncan
client had completed a drug treat-
ment program and was doing well.
probation for two years and on good
behavior for five years.
“He has struggled and has had a
Accomack County ries, Morgan said. He said Fisher’s
wallet was found at the scene.
rough go of it,” he told the court. He
said Johnson has had no new larceny
Barbara Annette Powell, 49, of Ac-
comac, who pleaded guilty to obtain-
Circuit Court “This was a violent offense,” said convictions since this arrest on these ing a controlled substance by fraud,
Judge W. Revell Lewis III. “You charges. “The Walmart theft was not will spend no time in jail.
David Joseph Fisher, 25, of New broke in in the nighttime, picked up well thought out,” Watson said. In November, Powell entered a
Church, who pleaded guilty to bur- a knife, and stabbed a person nu- Watson said Johnson had the cash guilty plea to the charge in an agree-
glary and malicious wounding in Oc- merous times.” He sentenced Fish- in his pocket to pay for the stolen ment with the commonwealth. Pow-
tober 2021, was sentenced to five er to 10 years for the burglary, with $40 bottle of cologne. This theft was ell was employed as a home health
years in prison. eight years suspended, and 10 years charged as a felony because of earli- care nurse when she took prescrip-
In February 2021, a deputy was for malicious wounding, with sev- er shoplifting convictions. “It would tion medicines assigned to patients.
called to the Pine Ridge mobile home en years suspended. The sentences no longer be considered a felony,” Assistant Commonwealth’s Attor-
park in Melfa. The man there report- are to run concurrently for a total of Watson said, referring to the change ney Michael Baker said the reason
ed that Fisher came inside, attacked five years. He ordered Fisher to be in Virginia law. for the plea agreement, which con-
and stabbed him. He said the woman on supervised probation for three “It is fantastic he sought out help,” tained a recommendation for a sus-
there was formerly in a relationship years and to be on good behavior for said Assistant Commonwealth’s At- pended sentence, was because no pa-
with Fisher. 10 years. He was ordered to have no torney William Fox. tients were harmed by her actions.
The defendant entered through a contact with the victim. “You have a record of not following “She has been receiving treat-
window over the kitchen sink and the law,” said Judge Lewis. “But the ment since this occurred,” said de-
found a knife nearby, said Common- Robert Elmer Johnson III, 38, of court notes what you have accom- fense attorney Tucker Watson.
wealth’s Attorney Spencer Morgan. Atlantic, who pleaded guilty to felo- plished since your Nov. 4 guilty plea. Judge Lewis sentenced her to three
The man and woman hid in the bath- ny shoplifting and trespass late last Congratulations on turning things years, all suspended, and ordered
room but Fisher got to the man and year, will serve no more jail time. around.” He sentenced Johnson to her to be on supervised probation
stabbed him repeatedly. He was tak- He has made efforts to deal with his three years, with all but time served for two years and to be on good be-
en to a hospital with serious inju- substance abuse issues since his ar- suspended, for shoplifting and to six havior for five years.
8 • Eastern Shore Post • January 21, 2022
Northam Reflects on Governorship
Starting the Conversation By Carol Vaughn
Virginia’s 73rd governor, Ralph
He noted more than $1 billion this
year is being invested in improving the
How to talk to Mom and Dad about Senior Living Northam, in an interview with the bay’s health.
Eastern Shore Post last week looked “To make that healthier, not just
being forced to make a choice in an back at his administration’s accom- for us, but for our children and grand-
Mom may have had a hard time
plishments and talked about what children, I really think people will look
recalling names when you spoke emergency.
comes next. back and say that was a good initia-
with her over the phone the last Here are some tips for discussing Northam, only the second Eastern tive,” Northam said.
few times, but you weren’t prepared your concerns with your loved one: Shore native to serve as Virginia gov- He also cited other accomplish-
for what you found during a recent ernor, handed over the keys to Virgin- ments, including efforts to develop re-
visit. While you were happy to • Remind Mom or Dad that you ia’s Executive Masion to Gov. Glenn newable energy and resiliency mea-
finally be able to see her again, you love them and are worried about Youngkin, who took the oath of office sures against sea level rise, among
were concerned. It was clear the their wellbeing. Saturday. others.
Northam thanked Eastern Shore res- The development of offshore wind
carpets needed vacuuming and the • Ask them what would need to
idents for their support over the years. power, in particular, “is really going
bathrooms had not been scrubbed happen for them to decide it was “To represent the Shore in the Sen- to transform Hampton Roads and, I
in some time. Most worrisome, time to move. ate for six years was a tremendous think, all of Virginia — provide a lot of
however, was Mom’s appearance. She • Discuss their concerns about privilege and now to represent them jobs, is good for the environment, and
looked like she’d lost a lot of weight. senior living and what they would as governor,” he said. it’s also really good for the economy,”
Many of his friends and extended Northam said.
like to see in a community.
family, including his 97-year-old fa- Although no one knew when he
While this can be a very difficult ther, live on the Shore and Northam took office that Northam would over-
said he looks forward to spending more see Virginia’s response to a pandemic,
time, there is a myriad of support
time with them. health care also was a priority of his
available to you. Commonwealth Northam, a pediatric neurologist administration.
Senior Living has been guiding with a practice in Norfolk, told his Expanding Medicaid in a bipartisan
families on this journey for almost wife, Pam, he was taking Sunday off way is something of which Northam is
20 years. Our caregiver support and would head back to his job Mon- proud.
groups can connect you with day morning. He also is on the faculty “Now, during COVID, over 600,000
For many families, sheltering in
families who are experiencing the at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Virginians have access to health care
place due to COVID opened their “We’ve had a good team and I think that didn’t back in 2018. It’s a really
eyes to the side effects of isolation. same challenges and will provide
when we turn over the keys on Satur- important time for people to have ac-
You may wonder what is happening useful tips for ensuring that your
day we are leaving Virginia a lot better cess,” he said.
when you aren’t there. Is Mom safe? loved one gets the attention and than it was when I started four years Northam also mentioned the G3
Is she happy? Now is the time to support they ago. Our economy is doing well and we (Get a Skill, Get A Job, Get Ahead)
make a plan and find a senior living deserve. are, I think, a much more open state, program, a tuition assistance program
community that you would both so I’m proud of the work that my team in Virginia community colleges for
has done,” Northam said. students who qualify for state finan-
feel comfortable with, rather than
Among the accomplishments of which cial aid, with a household income less
Call for a FREE copy of our guide,
he is proud are steps taken to improve than $100,000. G3 is available for se-
the health of the Chesapeake Bay. lect programs in five of Virginia’s most
Helpful Tips for When It’s Time, Concern about the bay was “one of
the reasons I ran” for the Virginia Sen-
in-demand industries.
The program “really helps folks on
757-655-7783 ate, he said, noting, “The bay was lit- the Eastern Shore that want to go to
erally my backyard growing up on the community college. They don’t have to
Commonwealth
mouth of Onancock Creek. I watched pay any tuition and it helps with wrap-
the demise of the bay.” around expenses like transportation
Serving as chairman of the Ches- and child care,” he said.
SENIOR LIVING at THE EASTERN SHORE apeake Executive Council, which in- Also in the education field, Northam
cludes the governors of Delaware, noted the inclusion of a cost-of-compet-
Welcome Home Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York,
Virginia, and West Virginia, the may-
ing adjustment for Eastern Shore K-12
public schools in his final budget. The
Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care or of Washington, D.C., the U.S. Envi- adjustment is intended to help school
ronmental Protection Agency adminis- districts attract and retain teachers
23610 North Street, Onancock, VA 23417 trator, and the Chesapeake Bay Com- by being able to offer more competitive
mission chairperson, was a highlight, salaries.
www.CommonwealthSL.com according to Northam. Additional accomplishments likely
January 21, 2022 • Eastern Shore Post • 9
to have positive impacts on the Shore In his post-politics life, Dr. Northam
include efforts to attract Rocket Lab to was scheduled to see 10 patients Mon-
locate its Neutron rocket facilities in day, a slight break from his normal
HERE
Accomack County, as well as major in- schedule of 18 to 20 a day.
vestments in broadband expansion. “They’re going to give me a break
“By 2024, everybody will have ac- and start me off slow,” he said.
FOR YOU
cess in Virginia to broadband — that The last four years will inform the
will really be good for the Eastern next part of Northam’s life, he said.
Shore,” he said, noting this year the “With my experience, I’ll certainly
state invested just over $2 billion in be a better doctor and also probably
broadband, compared to $4 million a a better teacher, being able to bring
year when he took office. my perspective on being governor into
Land conservation is another area both practicing medicine and teaching. HAMILTON LEWIS BICE, D.O.
where the Shore will see benefits, ac- I look forward to that.”
cording to Northam.
Finally, his team’s response to
Northam said being a candidate for
elected office again is not in his imme- Welcoming
new patients
COVID-19 “has saved thousands of diate plans.
lives” in Virginia, Northam said, not- “I’ll pay attention and certainly help
ing, “We had a lot of challenges with people if they seek my help, but I don’t
COVID on the Shore and we had a re- think you will see my name on a ballot
ally good response and good relation- any time soon,” he said.
ship with both Perdue and Tyson’s Northam said he is proud that over RIVERSIDE CAPE CHARLES
when the virus was spreading; and I the last four years “we have proven MEDICAL CENTER
think because we have been able to that we can be progressive in Virgin- 216 Mason Avenue
follow the science and data and make ia; we can take care of our workers; we Cape Charles, VA 23310
decisions that keep Virginians healthi- can embrace diversity and be stewards
er, we are at a much better place than of our environment, while at the same Born and raised on the
a lot of our other states with both the time having a strong economy.”
Shore, Dr. Bice returned
number of cases and deaths.” He noted Virginia’s economy “is as
Northam credited Eastern Shore strong as it has ever been,” noting the to his home to provide
Rural Health and Riverside Health commonwealth now has a surplus of trusted medical care
System for the Shore having good $2.6 billion and has been ranked as the to adults and children
health care options, especially com- number one state in which to do busi- of all ages.
pared to some other rural areas. ness for three consecutive years.
“They are to be commended for the His administration announced at Take care of your
work they have done,” he said. the end of December revenue was up
health and schedule your
Asked what “breaks his heart to 20% from the previous December —
think he didn’t get done,” Northam “that’s despite COVID-19,” he said. appointment today.
said, “You know, I don’t have a broken What gives Northam hope?
heart over anything. We hit the ground “Virginia does — the people. … I’ve 757-331-1422
running four years ago and I had the traveled around and been welcomed riversideonline.com/bice
advantage of having served in the Sen- in all corners, in all areas of Virginia.
ate for six years and then as lieutenant Virginians are good people. They are
governor for four. I knew the politics hardworking; they follow our guide-
of Richmond. I had good relationships. lines for COVID for the most part, so
I think that has really worked to my we’re in a good place there. We have
advantage.” a really talented workforce. We’ve put
Having a Democratic majority in investment in K through 12 and ear-
both the House of Delegates and the ly childhood (education), so I think
Senate for a time also helped get things we have really laid the groundwork to
done, according to Northam. move Virginia in a more positive direc-
If he could run for a second term — tion,” he said.
Virginia governors can not run for a “I don’t have any regrets,” Northam
second consecutive term — a priority said, adding, “When we turn the keys
would be universal early childhood ed- over on Saturday, I really think that
ucation, Northam said. Virginia is a better place than it was
He also would keep working to im- four years ago and the governor-elect
prove the bay’s health, “because, while will have a tremendous opportunity to
it has improved, we still have a lot of build on our progress — and also a re-
work to do.” sponsibility at the same time.”
10 • Eastern Shore Post • January 21, 2022
MLK/Unity Day Celebrations Keep ‘Spark of Love’ Alive on the Shore
By Stefanie Jackson “What kind of generation do you schools Superintendent Eddie Law- Sample Smith, retired registered nurse
The Eastern Shore celebrated Com- guys want to be?” he asked any stu- rence, Congresswoman Elaine Luria, Joan Wilson, Virginia Organizing member
munity Unity and Martin Luther King dents who were listening. and students Abby Zodun, Ashley Zo- Karen Downing, financial advisor Willie
Jr. Day virtually again this year with “Do you guys want to use love as a dun, Derick Hill, Samrit Kaur, James Randall, and Camesha Handy, member of
two events, one online and another source to defeat darkness? Or, do you Thomas Applegate, Kiptopeke Elemen- the Living Word Church in Parksley.
on the radio, organized by the East- guys want to use hatred as a source to tary School kindergarten and pre-K Tracy Giddens-Jarrett, director of
ern Shore NAACP, Citizens for a Bet- defeat darkness? You guys know which students, and KES Principal Subrina LifeNet Health, announced the recipi-
ter Eastern Shore, and Northampton one is going to win,” Weeks told the kids. Parker. ents of the 32nd annual Martin Luther
County Public Schools. “Do not let anyone tell you that love Musical performances included “The King Jr. Community Service Awards:
Jane Cabarrus, director of the East- is a weakness. Love is a strength. Love Star-Spangled Banner” by ninth grad- Donna Sample Smith, ESAAA/CAA;
ern Shore NAACP, opened the online is the most powerful force in the uni- er Autumn Buckley, the African Amer- Andre Elliott, executive director of
event Friday, Jan. 14, featuring pre- verse,” he said. ican spiritual “Wade In the Water” the Eastern Shore YMCAs. The post-
sentations and music by Shore citizens “And you might be asking, ‘How do by KES students, and a rendition of humous recipients of the Trailblazer
and students. Teacher Cheryl Fender- I use love in my everyday life?’ … Let’s “Amazing Grace” by the Northampton Awards were William “Bill” Allen, a re-
son was the master of ceremonies. say that someone is bullying you or call- High School and eighth grade march- tiree of Northampton County Parks and
Joshua Weeks, a freshman at Salis- ing you names or picking on you. What ing bands and the NHS chorus, led by Recreation, and Berkley Ashby, retired
bury University, delivered the keynote do you do? Do you call them names music teacher Brad Ford. administrator and college professor.
address. back? Do you push them around?” The celebration resumed on Martin The program closed with words by the
He shared one of his favorite Martin Instead, “give them kind words, give Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 17, Rev. Felton Sessoms and King’s famous
Luther King Jr. quotes: “Darkness can- them encouragement,” Weeks advised. on local radio station WESR, in place speech, “I Have a Dream,” in which he
not drive out darkness, only light can “Go get a teacher to help you, but do of the annual Community Unity Day envisions the day “when all God’s chil-
do that. Hatred cannot drive out ha- not ever retaliate.” breakfast normally held at NHS, which dren – black men and white men, Jews
tred, only love can do that.” “Keep the spark of love within you was canceled this year due to COVID-19. and Gentiles, Protestants and Catho-
“Love is the only way,” Weeks said. and use it wherever you go.” Participants included Northampton lics – will be able to join hands and sing
“Love is the only way to defeat dark- Other participants who made re- County Sheriff David Doughty, Eastern in the words of the old Negro spiritual:
ness. Love is the only way to turn an marks or recited historical facts or Shore Area Agency on Aging/Community ‘Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Al-
enemy into a friend.” quotes of King included Northampton Action Agency Executive Director Donna mighty, we are free at last!”
Interdisciplinary Project Manager
The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission
Protect the (A-NPDC) has been the Eastern Shore of Virginia’s regional
planning organization since 1970. This is an exciting
ones you love, opportunity, with benefits, for a driven professional to gain
get your experience in project management while making a positive impact on
community development for the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
flu shot Required Skills and Qualifications: The position focuses on managing the
planning, design, and implementation or construction of projects approved
today.
by the Planning District Commission. The successful candidate will have
completed a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent professional experience
in project management, business administration, planning, engineering,
architecture, or a related field. The Interdisciplinary Project Manager must
have excellent verbal and written communication and facilitation skills, be
detail‐oriented, and possess analytical and problem‐solving skills. Proficiency
is required in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficiency in GIS and other
software are a plus. Familiarity with construction project
management and infrastructure planning is favored. Knowledge of federal and
state grant programs and experience with grant writing, administration, and
reporting are desirable.
@vaccinatevirginia
To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume to Anne Doyle at adoyle@a‐npdc.org
with Interdisciplinary Project Manager Application in the subject line, or mail
a hard copy to the A‐NPDC at 23372 Front Street, Accomac, VA 23301.
The A‐NPDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.January 21, 2022 • Eastern Shore Post • 11
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Accomac, VA Onancock, VA Chincoteague, VA Cape Charles, VA
(757) 787-1305 / (800) 989-5852 (757) 787-1999 / (800) 637-8202 (757) 336-1999 / (800) 989-5854 (757) 331-325512 • Eastern Shore Post • January 21, 2022
We are Here for You!
Special Message about Transitions
We thank Physician Assistant Rebecca Nightingale
for her service to our community.
We wish her well in the future!
• Patients of Physician Assistant Rebecca Nightingale at our Atlantic center have several
options for care. See the Care Team tab for our online provider directory at esrh.org.
All our family practice providers see adults. Most of our family practice providers see
children and our pediatricians* at the Onley center can offer more specialized care.
*Appointments with pediatricians are currently limited due to planned and emergency absences
of staff in addition to the COVID pandemic. Pediatrician Brownhilda Ngwang, M.D. begins in
January at our Onley center.
esrh.org • Our goal is to be staffed at our Atlantic center by Spring 2022 – Nurse Practitioner
Tyler Rodriguez-Lichtenberg began in November, a new dentist starts in March, and
a new nurse practitioner begins in April.
We ask for your patience as we work
to serve you during the COVID
pandemic and nationwide shortage
of health care providers.
Exceptional care. Every patient. Every time.January 21, 2022 • Eastern Shore Post • 13
Accomack Superintendent: Division Schools Will Continue To Require Face Masks
By Stefanie Jackson such policies. al occasions required medical care at a more than 20 teachers, about 20 school
Accomack County Public Schools will The executive order states that par- children’s hospital. staff members, and nearly 120 students.
not comply with Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s ents “may elect for their children not to “I think that it’s very important for Martin clarified that those num-
executive order two, which allows par- be subject to any mask mandate in ef- our children to continue to wear these bers did not include individuals who
ents to decide whether or not their chil- fect at the child’s school or educational masks. I’m hoping that you all will con- were in quarantine for exposure to
dren will wear face masks in school, program” and those children “should not sider this ... for all children,” Young said. COVID-19. “The quarantine numbers
Superintendent Chris Holland said in be required to wear a mask under any “We don’t want our kids to be sick, are high, the amount of positives are
a recorded message sent to parents via policy implemented by a teacher, school, and as parents, we make that decision not,” she said.
phone Wednesday night. school district, the Department of Edu- for them.” Martin said a school division task
Face masks will continue to be re- cation, or any other state authority.” Executive order two will take effect force is still reviewing the new CDC
quired inside Accomack schools for all When the school board opened its Monday, Jan. 24. Senate Bill 1303 will guidelines – which include reducing the
teachers, staff, students, and visitors public comment period Tuesday night, expire Aug. 1. COVID-19 quarantine period from 10 to
until further notice, in accordance with only one parent spoke with concern re- Coordinator of Student Health Ser- five days – but recommendations to the
the Virginia General Assembly’s Senate lated to the executive order. vices Tonya Martin reported that as of school board are forthcoming.
Bill 1303, Holland said. Tonya Young, of Parksley, asked the Jan. 18, Accomack had 59 new cases of Superintendent Chris Holland. said
The bill became state law in 2021 and school board to consider retaining its COVID-19 and a seven-day average of in-person learning will continue in Ac-
requires public schools to offer in-person mask mandate to protect students like 111 new cases per day, according to the comack schools for now. “Our teachers
learning and follow, to the maximum ex- her 15-year-old daughter, who is immu- Virginia Department of Health. want to teach in person, and our stu-
tent practicable, the COVID-19 recom- nocompromised and also has asthma. Martin shared a statement from Jon dents want to be in the buildings,” he
mendations for schools as provided by the Young was concerned that without Richardson, chief operating officer of said.
Centers for Disease Control and Preven- the protection of face masks, other stu- the Eastern Shore Health District: “We However, due to the number of
tion – which include wearing face masks. dents could cough or sneeze near her are still in a surge, and it’s really too COVID-19 cases in schools, Northamp-
But executive order two does not daughter, who could become sick, and early to know if we have reached the ton County Public Schools scheduled
prohibit schools from setting mask in her immunocompromised state, “that peak, but we should know in the next virtual learning days for Friday, Jan.,
mandates; it allows parents to exempt could be a very bad situation for her.” couple of weeks.” 21, and Monday, Jan. 24, and also will
their children from the mask mandates Young said her daughter has had As of Tuesday, Accomack schools had retain its mask mandate, according to
and prohibits schools from enforcing health issues since age 5 and on sever- approximately 160 cases of COVID-19: its website.
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47 Market Street, Onancock 16-Year-Old Arrested in Saturday Shooting
757-787-1010 Staff Report birthday party. The girl was treated for
Independently Owned & Operated mason-davis.com A 16-year-old boy has been appre- injuries that were not life-threatening.
hended in connection with the shooting Investigation led to petitions being
Cape Charles #54957 $499,000 Accomac #55130 $299,000
of a 17-year-old girl at Mary N. Smith obtained for a 16-year-old boy from
Cultural Center Saturday, Jan. 15. Cape Charles on charges of malicious
According to Accomack County Sheriff wounding, use of a firearm in commis-
Todd Wessells, the sheriff’s office received sion of a felony, and shooting into an
a report at around 11:40 p.m. Saturday occupied vehicle.
that a gunshot victim was transported to The suspect is currently incarcerated
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital. at the Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center.
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Catherine Stinson 757-288-4144 catherinestinsonrealtor@gmail.com pital, they found a 17-year-old girl suf- The Accomack County Sheriff’s Of-
fering from a gunshot wound. Depu- fice was assisted by the Onley Police
ties were told the shooting happened Department.
at Mary N. Smith Cultural Enrichment Anyone with information on this or
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Belle Haven (757)442-3277January 21, 2022 • Eastern Shore Post • 15
Accomack Board Approves Child Care Grant Guidelines, Hears RV Concerns
By Carol Vaughn compliance with SB 1303, he said, add- lates short-term use of travel trailers dubious distinction of having poverty
The Accomack County Board of Su- ing, “They need to wear a mask in school.” (keeping an RV on property for camp- rates of over 30% over the last 40 years.”
pervisors Wednesday approved guide- Holland said administrators in Au- ing) in the agricultural and residential Mallette said of the proposed ordi-
lines for a child care startup and ex- gust created the Return to School Task districts by special use permit — no nance, “I think you’re missing the point.”
pansion grant program. Force, noting, “Our schools were open changes to that part are proposed. He suggested when someone applies
The program will award up to when many schools were not.” RVs in RV parks or campgrounds for a building permit, they should have the
$150,000 each to child care operations, The school district began the year would not be affected. option to have a travel trailer on site for
using a total of $600,000 set aside from with 4,359 students and as of Jan. 11 Three people spoke at a public hear- two years, without the added expense of
federal American Rescue Plan Act had 4,824, he said. ing about the ordinance. having to go before the BZA for a permit.
money given to the county. Sixty students are enrolled in the Ace Seybolt said he was speaking as a Additionally, Mallette said many peo-
Accomack County Administrator Mike Virtual Virginia program. property manager and trailer park owner. ple are living in travel trailers “because
Mason said the guidelines were vetted by The district has 958 employees. “The inference in this proposed ordi- they’ve got no other place to go to.”
the Department of Social Services. The district last summer had a “rigor- nance change is all travel trailers not He also asked how much addition-
Three major changes were made ous” summer school program and plans associated with new residential con- al cost the county will incur by hiring
from a draft version of the guidelines are in the works for a “Learning on struction are not permitted,” he said. people to enforce the ordinance and
previously presented to the board. Wheels” program, with two special edu- The special use permit process costs what the cost will be for economically
A requirement for an applicant to cation buses — one for the northern part around $1,000, he said. challenged families who are displaced.
submit a formal business plan was of the county and one for the southern “All housing expenses, speaking as a Glen Smith, of Onancock, said he fa-
dropped and replaced with a require- part — being outfitted to take technology property manager, have greatly increased vors hiring additional county employ-
ment to provide estimated revenue and and other resources into communities. over the past few years. We need to en- ees to enforce the existing regulations.
expenses for the first year of operation, The program is planned to operate courage homebuilding and not create re- “Travel trailers and sheds are not
along with fee structure. all year long, including weekends, ac- strictive ordinances that increase costs for intended to be lived in,” he said.
A requirement was added requir- cording to Holland. new home construction,” Seybolt said. He said he knows of at least four lo-
ing an applicant for a grant to expand Additionally, the district purchased He also cited the lack of affordable cations where people are living illegal-
services to provide services to at least 400 hotspots for students needing in- housing in the county. ly in a travel trailer behind a business.
10 additional children from what they ternet access and 76 Chromebooks for “The proposed ordinance does not ad- “You folks are here to protect the
now serve at the location. instructional assistants. dress the majority of existing occupied residences of the county,” he said.
The original condition that grants The district is also doing mainte- travel trailers by those who can not find Smith, a 41-year firefighter, cited
be used primarily to improve access to nance and making improvements to affordable housing, who are living in pov- safety concerns with people living in
childcare for people in communities dis- its facilities, including installing met- erty with nowhere else to live,” he said. travel trailers.
proportionately negatively impacted by al roofs on three schools, a “facelift” He recommended the board table the Rich Morrison, deputy county ad-
the pandemic was changed to align with at Tangier Combined School, and new ordinance change “if you can not deter- ministrator of building, planning, and
final U.S. Treasury rules. Funds now HVAC equipment at three schools. mine the extent of those who could be development, said the BZA heard 14 re-
must be used to improve access to child- No Vote on Proposed RV Ordinance impacted, especially those who lack af- quests related to living in travel trail-
care for those negatively impacted by The board postponed until February fordable housing and a travel trailer is ers from 2011 to June 2021, eight of
the pandemic, which is broader in reach. a vote on proposed changes to the zon- their only means for accommodation.” which were tied to home construction.
The federal rule considers low- and mod- ing ordinance that would affect the use If the amendments are approved, “They were granting these permits
erate-income households to have been of recreational vehicles as residences. Seybolt asked the board to consider pro- and people were not doing the work in
negatively impacted by the pandemic. Planning staff last fall, at the request of viding exemptions for family hardship, the time allotted,” he said.
Applicants must complete an applica- the board of zoning appeals, began work caregivers, and agricultural workers. The BZA asked for support through
tion and meet other requirements, includ- on amendments to the ordinance to limit Steve Mallette, of Locustville, also an ordinance to “strengthen their abil-
ing submitting two letters of support from extended habitation in travel trailers. spoke against the changes, noting the ity to review and kind of hold the line
the community on official letterhead. The current ordinance allows people two Eastern Shore counties “have the on these things,” he said.
The application will be available on to live in travel trailers by special use
the county website Jan. 28. The dead-
line to apply is March 18. Awardees
permit issued by the BZA.
The proposed change would limit
Ocean East REALTY
6373 Maddox Blvd.,
will be selected by April 8. that use to one year unless the BZA Chincoteague Island, VA
www.ChincoteagueOceanEast.com
Costs incurred between March permits it to be extended. 1-866-406-3354 • 757-336-2222 Linda Budd Vicky Thornton Donna Jones, Broker
3, 2021, and June 30, 2023, can be Most of the recent cases before the
claimed under the grant. BZA relate to people living in a trav- Ocean East #10
Situated on a large 1.7 acre lot in Nocks Landing, this true classic is
School Superintendent Report el trailer on the property during con- located only minutes from NASA Wallops Flight Facility and just minutes
more to cross the causeway to Chincoteague Island and Assateague Island
Accomack County School Superin- struction of a home, resulting in the National Seashore Park. First floor: Large living room, dining room,
tendent Chris Holland told the board planning commission recommending den/sunroom, with vaulted ceilings, master bedroom & bath, additional
bedroom, full bath, and office. The home features a large kitchen with
the school board decided to continue tying long-term habitation in travel an abundance of cabinets, stainless steel appliances, garbage disposal &
utility room with stackable washer/dryer, freezer. Second story: boasts
requiring mask wearing despite Gov. trailers to construction of a residence a large suite with sky lights, full bath. In addition second floor has large
Glenn Youngkin’s executive order end- and that the travel trailers must be li- storage area. Additional perks include: bamboo flooring, Anderson
windows, 2x6 walls, central vacuum system, an instant tankless water
ing the mask mandate in schools. censed and inspected for safety. system, new heat pump and large garage with black top drive.
The school board’s decision was in The current ordinance also regu- $495,000You can also read
