During the Labor Day weekend, the 167th Airlift Wing will use the sky as their canvas to provide the largest air show in this region to date. Inspired by the Spirit of America over Martinsburg Air Show in 2008, the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport and the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle have partnered with the airlift wing. Primarily, the performance will display the skills of aerial demonstration teams, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Golden Knights.

The show has gathered the support from the four-state region with approximately 200 volunteers and over 60 sponsors. With the opening ceremonies beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m., the gates will open at 9:00 a.m. on Sept. 4th. According to a press release, thousands of people are expected to attend the show at the Martinsburg Air Guard base. Base officials have been working with WV Division of Highways and law enforcement to prepare for the massive influx of people.

The Thunderbirds will master the sky with maneuvers in F-16 aircrafts soaring up to 1200 mph. Based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, the team travels continually to display their skills, trying to build their audience’s pride in the U.S. Air Force. They will be accompanied with the talents of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, known as the Golden Knights. Maneuvers will be performed while falling at speeds up to 120 mph from an altitude of 12,500 feet. Veteran of the sky, Larry Rutt, will announcing for the show. Rutt has spent 46 years performing as an aerobatic pilot and skydiver, as well as, airline and military pilot.

Along with the airborne skills of the demonstrators, the open house expects their display of aircraft to amaze the crowds. The U.S. Navy Hornet team, known as the Gladiators, will display the beauty of the F/A-18, a twin engine aircraft packing 44,000 pounds of thrust with the ability to reach the speed of Mach 1.6+. Used primarily for fleet defense, this beast of machinery is the nation’s first strike-fighter capable aircraft. Other various aircraft, antique and new, will be exhibited, such as the A10 East Coast Demo Team and the UH-60 Blackhawk.

Aside from the air show, the open house will include a variety of activities; such as a rock wall, scavenger hunt, live pro wrestling, and laser tag. Organizations, such as the Martinsburg Police Academy, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, Girl Scouts, and 4-H will also be present. A place in the aircraft hangar will specifically be designated for children in order to provide a family friendly environment. After the show, the base will be open until 4 p.m. with activities.

Attendees are encouraged to access the air show from Interstate 81 off exit 8, Tabler Station. They are instructed to turn left onto Tablers Station Road, another left onto U.S. route 11, and then a right onto Novak Drive. Parking will cost $5, and tickets for the show are $12. For further questions, please call (304) 616-5240 or visit http://www.martinsburgairshow.com.

Inwood, WV - A new poll issued by Rasmussen Reports, a non-partisan, national polling firm, shows that nearly 7 out of 10 WV voters oppose the Obamacare requirement that all Americans must buy health insurance.

“I’m not surprised by this poll,” stated Delegate Jonathan Miller (R-Berkeley), the lead sponsor of the Healthcare Freedom Act.

“Nearly 7 out of 10 WV voters support repealing Obamacare. I believe the mandate that every person must buy health insurance is one of the main reasons why West Virginians want Obamacare repealed.”

“I’m not surprised by this poll,” stated Delegate Jonathan Miller (R-Berkeley), the lead sponsor of the Healthcare Freedom Act.

“Nearly 7 out of 10 WV voters support repealing Obamacare. I believe the mandate that every person must buy health insurance is one of the main reasons why West Virginians want Obamacare repealed.”

“West Virginians strongly believe in freedom. After all, out state motto is ‘Mountaineers are always free’. They understand that Obamacare is a major attack on their freedom, especially the mandate that all of us have to buy a certain product. This poll confirms this belief,” continued Miller.

“This poll also confirms that Governor Manchin should call a Special Session to pass the Healthcare Freedom Act,” contended the Delegate from the Eastern Panhandle.

“The Healthcare Freedom Act protects you from Obamacare by protecting your freedom to buy the healthcare you want without the threat of punishment from the government.”

Miller said, “In other words, it gives you a personal ‘opt out’ of Obamacare. This bill puts into writing the promise, ‘If you like your health insurance, you can keep it.’”

Miller stated further, “With so many people opposed to the Obamacare mandate to buy health insurance, most West Virginians would certainly welcome, as did the citizens in Missouri last month, the passage of a bill like the Healthcare Freedom Act which allows them to opt out of this heavy handed mandate.”

“The question remains: How much more evidence will Governor Manchin and the WV Legislature need before they pass the Healthcare Freedom Act?”

“Nearly 7 out of 10 WV voters want Obamacare repealed. Nearly 7 out of 10 WV voters oppose the Obamacare mandate to buy.”

“Despite this overwhelming evidence that the people are against Obamacare, Manchin and the WV Legislature continue supporting Obamacare and ignoring the Healthcare Freedom Act.”

Delegate Miller concluded, “If Manchin and the WV Legislature won’t pass the Healthcare Freedom Act, it will show they’ve been infected with the Washington Syndrome-only the politicians matter, not the people.”

To see the Rasmussen Poll, follow this link and look for question number 9.

For more information on Delegate Miller and the Healthcare Freedom Act, please visit Delegate Jonathan Miller’s website http://www.delegatejmiller.com. You can also follow Delegate Miller on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/DelegateJMiller.

Go Green. It is certainly the IN thing isn’t it? If you have tried it, you will probably also know it can prove to be a bit expensive.  Solar panels don’t come cheap.  Neither do those hybrids.  But have you ever considered antiques as a way of green living?  Think about it.  Reuse, recycle doesn’t only apply to plastics and cardboard.  Buying antique furniture is another possible contribution by those who wish to ‘save the planet’ if you will.  And aside from the most often stated reason for a buying an antique being “Things were made better in the old days” you can add a bit of history to your home by turning something old into something current.

Here are some ideas.

Add decorative hooks to the top of an old wooden ironing board or door for a new coat rack in the foyer.
Sand and varnish an orchard ladder and it serves as an excellent towel rack.

Use an antique dresser for a vanity.  Marble top ones are great for this. A few cuts with a diamond point drill bit, add a bowl sink and there you are – a very fashionable retro looking sink without cutting any more trees.

Do not be afraid to cut into old furniture though.  Despite the rhetoric, most of it isn’t that special.  There is rarely any harm in making small holes in the back of what once was a washstand or pie safe to pass the electrical wires thru.  Do this and you have yourself a very nice television stand or stereo cabinet with all the components tucked neatly away.

While vintage trunks may no longer be convenient for travel they too are still very functional, particularly for storing those rarely needed items or keepsakes. And they can do double duty as a nightstand or coffee table.

Speaking of tables – one can only be stopped by one’s own lack of creativity.  Add some legs and a glass top to an old chicken coop, stand a wood crate on end or use an old school desk for an end table, there are no boundaries when it comes to re using things.

And simple things like mason jars for storing plastic covers, a tin pie plate turned clock or wood shafted golf clubs in place of curtain rods or old window shutters for backdrops– these are also green living possibilities.

Don’t delay. Go green today. Go antiquing I say.  You are likely to find some real bargains.

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s youth waterfowl season has been set for Sept. 25, 2010, and the youth small game season is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2010, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

“These special youth hunts provide an excellent opportunity to introduce youngsters to our state’s strong hunting heritage,” said Taylor. “The mild days of early fall are a great time to be afield with our youth, and provide an excellent opportunity for experienced hunters to mentor our youngsters on the various aspects of hunting such as the safe handling of firearms, hunter ethics and wildlife conservation.”

Youth waterfowl hunters must be 15 years of age or younger on the day of the hunt to participate in the youth waterfowl season (Sept. 25, 2010). Resident youth hunters age 14 and younger are not required to have a hunting license. Those who have reached their 15th birthday must possess a valid state hunting license (A, XJ, XXJ, AB-L or A-L) and HIP registration card, or be a qualified resident landowner. Nonresident youth need to have an XXJ license and HIP registration card. All youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years of age.  Landowners over 15 years of age are not exempt from the requirement to carry a valid migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp, commonly called the duck stamp. The daily bag limit for the waterfowl hunt is the same as during the regular season with several species restrictions.

New for 2010, the youth small game season to be held on Oct. 2, 2010 enables youth hunters to take any small game species which have a legal hunting season, excluding migratory game birds. Youth small game hunters must be 17 years of age or younger on the day of the hunt to participate in the youth small game season. All licensing requirements remain in effect for ages 15-17. Resident youth hunters age 14 and younger are not required to have a hunting license.  Nonresident youth need to have an XXJ license.  All youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years of age or older. The supervising adult may not hunt or carry a firearm or bow and must remain near enough to the youth to render advice and assistance. The daily bag limits for the youth small game season are the same as the bag limits for the statewide small game seasons.

            For additional information, hunters should check the 2010-2011 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the 2010-2011 West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations.  These publications are available at all license agents, DNR offices and the DNR’s website at http://www.wvdnr.gov.

Martinsburg, WV, August 30, 2010—As part of its ongoing commitment to support local artists and artisans, the Berkeley Arts Council (http://www.berkeleyartswv.org) is sponsoring a line-up of workshops for late summer and fall. Slots are still available for these weekend workshops.

A web presence is becoming more and more important for artists who want to market their work beyond showing the work in person at exhibits and shows. Even if you are not using the site to sell directly, it is valuable to use it as an online portfolio, which gives you the opportunity to show your work to people you meet anywhere.

Rip Smith will be teaching “Building a Free Website with Wordpress” on September 11, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. at the Martinsburg, WV Comfort Inn (1872 Edwin Miller Blvd). In this hands-on workshop, participants will have the opportunity to build their own site during the workshop. Topics covered include selecting a name and setting up a free Wordpress account, selecting a theme, customizing the site, and adding content and images.

On September 25, Leia Wood, Berkeley County artist and teacher, will conduct “Matting and Framing.” In the 4-hour hands-on workshop, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, participants will learn how to measure and cut mats for and frame their art, tips and tricks of the trade, and where to purchase materials for framing their own work.
Nancy McKeithen, a WV-based writer and print/web designer, will conduct a 4-hour workshop on “Writing to Promote Your Art” on October 16. Workshop participants will write copy that can be used for creating an artist statement, press release, bio, website and brochure.

Berkeley Arts Council members are eligible for discounted fees on the workshops. To register for the workshops or become a member of the Arts Council, please go to http://www.berkeleyartswv.com.

The Berkeley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization incorporated in West Virginia working to ensure that Berkeley County has a vibrant, vital arts environment. Our mission is to promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of the literary, visual and performing arts in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, in order to enhance the quality of life in our area.

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV—The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), which celebrated its 20th season this summer, hosts internships each year. These internships are available to students of all majors, and play a variety of roles in the daily operations of CATF.

This year, the festival hired 17 interns, five of whom were Shepherd students, in addition to a sixth Shepherd student who was also employed by the CATF, according to Peggy McKowen, associate producing director.

An education fund was established 14 years ago in memory of Shirley A. Marinoff, who was an original member of the CATF board of trustees. The fund is set up through the Shepherd University Foundation.

Dr. Stanley Marinoff, said that following the death of his wife, he and his daughter took her place on the CATF board. “She was an educator,” Marinoff said. “It was important for her to get involved.”

Marinoff said that after she died, the family wanted to get involved with the internship and provide a way for Shepherd students to afford to be at CATF. “The internship gives them an opportunity to get involved with theater and see all aspects of it,” Marinoff said.

CATF interns are paid $1,500. The education fund helps supplement their stipend. Through the education fund and a gift given through an anonymous donor, three students received a $250 supplement to their internship stipend.

This year’s interns included junior Marilyn Greenfield, events and costumes intern, of Inwood; senior Caryn Michael, administrative intern, of Hagerstown, Maryland, who benefited from the anonymous Shepherd donor; sophomore Leslie Hencke, acting intern, of Arthur; senior Joshua Riese, sound intern of Shenandoah Junction; and junior Roxanne Estes, accounting intern, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, who benefited from the Marinoff fund. CATF also hired Tyler Sherman, ‘10, of Winchester, Virginia, who worked in the box office during the season.

Internships are available to students of any major, can be done for credit, and are available during the school term as well as through the summer. Students interested in applying for internships should e-mail McKowen at pmckowen@shepherd.edu.

Photo: CATF summer interns and employees include Tyler Sherman, Marilyn Greenfield, Caryn Michael (back row), Leslie Hencke, and Dr. Stanley Marinoff, who heads the Shirley Marinoff Education Fund.

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV—The ninth annual Scarborough Society Gala, held August 13 at the Bavarian Inn, Shepherdstown, netted more than $15,000 to support the activities of the Shepherd University Scarborough Library. A full house of 260 invited guests attended the black-tie event. The theme for this year’s event was “A River Runs Through It,” based on the semi-autobiographical collection of short stories by celebrated author and scholar Norman Maclean.

The presenting sponsors for the elegant evening of dinner and dancing were BB&T Wealth Management, hosted and represented by John and Shelly Beatty, and Jefferson Security Bank, hosted by Steve and Kathy Morris. Valley Proteins, Inc., sponsored the band, Souled Out, and was represented by Mike Smith, company owner. Other community sponsors included Bowles Rice McDavid Graff and Love, LLC; John Wolff - Capital Fiduciary Advisors; CoxHollidaPrice, LLC; Friends of the Shepherdstown Riverfront, Hoxton Financial; Smith Elliott Kearns and Co., LLC; United Bank; and Jerry Williams, State Farm Insurance.

John Beatty, senior vice president and city executive with BB&T, West Virginia North, stated, “As always, it is an honor to sponsor the Gala in its mission to endow and strengthen Scarborough Library and the Shepherd University library system. BB&T is proud to support this worthy cause.” BB&T Corporation, headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., is among the nation’s top financial holding companies with $155.1 billion in assets. Its bank subsidiaries operate 1,800 branch offices in 12 states and the District of Columbia, and it is the largest mortgage lender in West Virginia.

“We are honored to support Shepherd University in this endeavor to benefit Scarborough Library and are pleased that it brings together supporters of Shepherd University from the communities we serve,” said Steve Morris, president and CEO of Jefferson Security Bank in Shepherdstown. “We look forward to the Scarborough Society’s continued success.” Jefferson Security Bank is a West Virginia state-chartered bank that opened for business May 19, 1869, making it the oldest community bank in Jefferson County.  The bank provides general banking services within its primary market area of Jefferson and Berkeley counties in West Virginia, and in secondary markets of Washington County, Maryland, and Frederick County, Virginia.

Written from the author’s point of view, “A River Runs Through It and Other Short Stories” follows the relationship of two brothers in the summer of 1937, mainly through their interaction during fishing expeditions. It was a fitting theme for the popular Shepherdstown-based event given the town’s location on the south side of the Potomac River along the spring-fed Town Run, which meanders through backyards, under houses, across alleys, and beneath five streets.  Nature-inspired décor for the Gala was provided by Potomac Farms in the form of greenery and river rocks, and Brian Kelly of Kelly’s White Fly Shoppe in Shepherdstown loaned his hand-made Victorian-era McKenzie boat, against which guests could have their picture taken.

Scarborough Society President Ray Alvarez praised this year’s Gala for its success in raising funds as well as its significance in increasing community awareness of the Society’s existence and purpose. Shepherd University President Suzanne Shipley joined 20 other host couples from the regional community who invited friends to enjoy the evening and support the Scarborough Library.

The 222-member Scarborough Society, sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation, was chartered in the spring of 2002 as a friends-of-the-library organization to support and strengthen the Shepherd University library system. Funds raised by the society increase the bound collections and assist in acquiring, maintaining, and updating the technology necessary to operate a 21st-century library and provide a scholarship for a student library intern.

Memberships in the organization are available on an annual basis and members’ names are engraved on a Wall of Honor located in the new addition to the Scarborough Library. Members receive special library cards and privileges, and are placed on invitation lists for library lectures, book signings, musical events, seminars, and receptions. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Scarborough Society is encouraged to call the Shepherd University Foundation Office at 304-876-5397 or 800-344-5231, ext. 5397.

Images:
Primary Image:
Pictured above (l. to r.) are M. Wayne Goodrich, executive vice president of Jefferson Security Bank; Ramon A. Alvarez, president of the Shepherd University Foundation; Suzanne Shipley, president of Shepherd University; John F. Beatty, senior vice president and city executive of BB&T—WV North; and Michael A. Smith, vice president of Valley Proteins, Inc.

Secondary Image: Brian Kelly, of Harpers Ferry, loaned his hand-made McKennzie boat as part of the Gala’s decor. Guests could have their picture taken in front of the boat, which was popular in the late 1880s Victorian era.

Carroll, Frederick and Washington Counties, MD - The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (HCWHA), a state heritage area encompassing parts of Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties, announces the FY11 mini-grant program.

HCWHA is offering competitive mini-grants of between $500 and $2,500 to heritage sites, non-profit organizations, and government units within the heritage area (Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties in Maryland) to develop new and innovative programs, partnerships, exhibits, tours, events, and other heritage tourism-related initiatives that are consistent with the goals and priorities stated in the HCWHA management plan (available at http://www.heartofthecivilwar.org).

“This is a great opportunity for museums, municipalities, heritage groups, and other entities to receive financial assistance from the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area,” said Tom Riford the Chairman of the Washington County Delegation on the heritage area’s board of directors. “Recent awarded grant funding has helped museums, towns, and events. We look forward to seeing the grant funding be awarded, to assist groups with their goals, which ultimately will help enhance the experience that visitors will have coming to Washington County, and the other counties in the heritage area.”

A FY11 mini-grant workshop will be held on September 22, 2010 at the Carroll County Office Building, Room 105, 225 N. Center Street, Westminster, Maryland at 2 p.m. Please RSVP to info@heartofthecivilwar.org. Attendance is encouraged but not required for FY11 mini-grant applicants.

There is one mini-grant deadline in FY11: November 18, 2010. Mini-grant guidelines and applications are available on-line at http://www.heartofthecivilwar.org (click on “About the Heritage Area” and then “Grants and Other Benefits”). Prospective mini-grant applicants are encouraged to contact the heritage area director, Elizabeth Scott Shatto, at info@heartofthecivilwar.org, or (301) 600-4042 to discuss potential grant projects, or to request copies of the application and guidelines. Washington County applicants can contact Charissa Stanton at 301-791-3246 x 15 or charissas@marylandmemories.com.

In 2006, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority certified the application of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area to become Maryland’s 11th Certified Heritage Area. The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (HCWHA) includes portions of Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties, and encompasses the sites of three principal Civil War battles: Antietam, Monocacy and South Mountain, as well as the sites of numerous other smaller battles. The heritage area is rich in museums, history, heritage, and quality recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike.

As a Certified Heritage Area, participating local jurisdictions, non-profits, businesses and individuals become eligible for grants, loans, tax credits or other benefit programs available through the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. The heritage area was established to encourage regional leadership and partnerships in interpreting, promoting, and protecting the historic sites, traditions, and landscapes associated with some of the major events of the Civil War in Maryland.

The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a financial supporter of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, providing a third of the heritage area’s operating budget.

Leaders in tourism, historic preservation, Civil War history, and economic development in the three county region collaborated in the preparation of a Heritage Area Management Plan to guide efforts to enhance the visitor experience, encourage more active conservation of scenic landscapes, and preserve more of the region’s historic buildings and sites related to the Civil War. This management plan, which is a requirement for State certification, serves as a guiding document for the HCWHA Certified Heritage Area. The plan describes the boundaries of the Certified Heritage Area and smaller “target investment zones” where special state financial and tax credit benefits are focused.

Grant funding is provided in part by State Funds from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, an instrumentality of the State of Maryland.

Also see: http://www.heartofthecivilwar.org.

ROMNEY, W.Va. – The public fishing and boating access known as Blue Ford North on the South Branch of the Potomac River in Hampshire County has been re-opened, according to Bret Preston, Asst. Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The Blue Ford North public access was temporarily closed earlier this year because of questions regarding the public right-of-way. Preston says those questions have been resolved and anglers and boaters now have access again.

Martinsburg, WV - Main Street Martinsburg announces their 4th annual Scarecrow Project. Whether scary or funny, silly or ridiculous, this is your chance to express yourself and your business or organization! Use your imagination, discarded old clothes, hats, gloves, and any other accessories you’ll need to make your scarecrow unforgettable!

Continuing the fun, and using the creativity of the community, the downtown will be decorated with scarecrows beginning September 25th, 2010. This is a great way to usher in the beginning of the fall and winter holiday season for our downtown.

Download the application for the 2010 Main Street Martinsburg Scarecrow Project [.PDF].

We are looking for a few good men…and women, children, businesses and organizations to create a scarecrow masterpiece. It can be any theme, from the traditional to the absurd, from a rock star to a robot. All we ask is that they be “family friendly” since they will be on public display. Other requirements are that they are weatherproof, solidly constructed and able to withstand being displayed outside from September 25th thru November 1st (about one month). Please make sure that all accessories are firmly attached.

Due to popular demand, one scarecrow will be chosen the Scarecrow Fest ’10 winner and will proudly wear its ribbon for the duration of the event. Judging will be done by the public on First Saturday, October 2th Ballots can be picked up at the Main Street Martinsburg tent on Queen Street between Burke and King between 10 and 3. The Chili Cook-off is also this date from 3-7:30pm.

Please return application to Main Street Martinsburg-142 N. Queen Street or email rlewis@mainstreetmartinsburg.com to sign up and reserve your pole now! We expect this opportunity to showcase your business and talents to go fast as poles are limited. There is no charge to participate in this event.

FINE PRINT

• Creators are responsible for attaching the scarecrows to their assigned light pole on Saturday, September 25th between 7am -9 a.m. Main Street will supply the zippy-ties needed so not to damage the light pole paint.  Main Street volunteers will be around for assistance. Scarecrow is to be removed by creator on Monday Nov 1 or Tuesday November 2nd. Any remaining scarecrows will be thrown out and nothing kept.
• Main Street Martinsburg is not responsible for any losses to your scarecrow. You are expected to visit it periodically to make sure it is still in good shape and not an eyesore.
• “Sponsored by” or Business advertising is allowed (tastefully) as part of the design. This plaque can not exceed 9x4 inches.
• Scarecrow and surrounds can not impede sidewalk, parking meter, access from street to sidewalk or parking meters. Once assigned a pole you might want to look at the location before deciding on your design.