The Comedy Opera Vote, County Commission debates words in a play

The Jefferson County Commission has been meeting at the meeting room in the basement of the Charles Town Library while their meeting room is being used for early voting.
Dan Lutz went before the Jefferson County to ask for permission to use the room for work on a play in production called the “the Comic Opera War.” The play is about the second treason trial held in Jefferson the coal minor’s trial for treason which was held in the Jefferson County Courthouse in the summer of 1922.
The “Comic Opera War” is being directed by play is being directed by Dr. Robert G. Willgoos and his wife Dr. Joyce Webb. In the trial of 1922 several black minors were part of the 300 coal minors being charged with various crimes that included murder and treason. Lutz explained that the title of the play came about when one of the witness was ask by reporters what he thought of the treason trial replied that he thought it was a comic opera war.
The play it self is well written but uses the language of the day in referring to people and groups. The cast and director had a discussion on the matter and it was decided that a disclaimer would be placed in the program about the language which included the N word.
When it came time to vote on letting Lutz use the room a discussion took place about the play and the use of the N word. “Yes it does have the N ward I have talked to Mr. Rutherford and Mr. Tolbert about it,” Lutz said. He went on to say that after talking to several people and getting thee advice of a lawyer, who is in the cast, that a disclaimer would serve the purpose of forewarning those that the N word was used but that it was in the context of the language of the day. A motion was made and Commissioner Jim Surkamp said “madam President we really can not use the N word if we are endorsing it.” Lutz reminded the commission that a disclaimer was going to be used. Surkamp went on to say that he had the same problem several years ago and that Mr. Tolbert did not want the word used and he had to take it out of his production. The president of the County Commission Lyn Widmyer said that it could not be debated now but would again be discussed. Commissioner Dale Manuel seconded the motion. Commissioner Frances Morgan Wanted to commend Lutz on his many years of service he has giving to the county. Right before the vote Surkamp said I will vote for this but I want it on the record that we will not support a play with that word in it. We will have to have no misunderstanding about providing any kind of support. I just wanted to say that.” With that the motion passed.
The commission agreed that the mater of the language in the play would be taken up at another time.
Anyone wanting to try out for “the Comic Opera War” should come to the meeting room at the library on May 20th at 7 p.m.

The Dixie Swim Club

Comedy/Drama by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten
Rated PG
Written by the same comedy team that brought Christmas Belles and Dearly Beloved to the Old Opera House stage. If you like plays like plays that revolve around strong, funny, slightly off center women, you will love “Dixie Swim Club“
Five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives. The Dixie Swim Club focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years. The Dixie Swim Club is the story of these five unforgettable women—a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever…
Director David Porterfield, who directed last season’s comedy-hit Leading Ladies, has assembled a wonderful cast of actresses, each one slightly off center in their own right, including Amy Barley, Christine Brewer, Elizabeth Egan, Bettina Fiery and Robin Tatina.
Times & Prices Friday May 7 8:00pm Saturday May 8 8:00pm Sunday May 9 2:30pmFriday May 14 8:00pm Saturday May 15 8:00pm Sunday May 16 2:30pm Adults $17 on Friday & Saturdays; $15 Sunday matinees
Students $8.00 all performances
. For more information or to make a reservation call the Old Opera House at (304) 725-4420 or email then at ooh@oldoperahouse.org

Fine Dinning and Theatre

(They simply go together)
To get the most out of your theatre experience, have dinner at one of these fine restaurants in Charles Town.
DISH http://www.wvdish.com/
The Mediterranean Café http://www.allworldmenu.com/1.html
And don’t forget to … Show your theater ticket at The Mediterranean Café and receive a 15% discount on your meal. Show your theater ticket at DISH and receive a 10% discount on your meal Both DISH and The Mediterranean Café in downtown Charles Town will be open this Sunday for Mother’s Day.

The Mediterranean café will be open this Sunday for Mothers Day

For more than 15 years, the chefs at The Mediterranean Cafe have been preparing authentic Persian cuisine, and we are now pleased to bring you The Mediterranean Cafe, with an “All World Menu” The menu includes meals from Greece as well as France and Italy., Persian, Span, Moroccan and Lebanese. The restaurant located at the corner of West Washington and Charles Streets is well appointed with the atmosphere of eating lunch or dinner in a foreign exotic nation. The food is excellent as well as the service.
The regular hours of service are: Monday 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Tuesday 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Wednesday 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Thursday 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Friday 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sunday CLOSED
For reservations or carry out please call (304) 724-9992, you may also visit us on the web at http://www.allworldmenu.com/ we recommend reservations on Fridays and Saturdays,
Especially for parties of 4 and more.
The next time you are in Charles Town stop for a Great meal at the Mediterranean Cafe

2010 Summer Employment Opportunities


Below is a list of summer jobs for students listed by the Federal Government.
　
For Students
Search for more Federal jobs at: www.USAJOBS. gov or www.Studentjobs. gov
　
Agency Name: Department Of Justice
Job Location: Washington DC, DC
Job Title: Office Clerk (Student Temporary Employment Program) http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 82692047

Agency Name: Department Of Defense
Job Location: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Job Title: The DIA Cooperative Education Program http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 82437847

Agency Name: Department Of Justice
Job Location: Washington
Job Title: Clerk (Student Aide)
http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 80482903
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: 2010 Summer Honors Law Program-1L http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 85145768
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Summer Honors College Program 2010 http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 85187020
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: 2010 Summer Honors Business Program http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 85146992

Agency Name: Department Of Commerce
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Student Volunteer
http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 78809982

Agency Name: Department Of Agriculture
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Agricultural Marketing Assistant, GS-1199-4/7 http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 85300630

Agency Name: Department Of Agriculture
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Public Affairs Assistant, GS-1099, 4/7 http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 85300472

Agency Name: Department Of Agriculture
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: International Trade Assistant, GS-0303-4/7 http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 85300593

Agency Name: Department Of The Navy
Job Location: Washington
Job Title: OFFICE AUTOMATION CLERK
http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 85083411

Agency Name: Department Of The Navy
Job Location: Washington
Job Title: ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 84990291
Agency Name: Department Of Health And Human Services Job Location: Rockville, Maryland Job Title: Student Temporary Employment Program (Clerk/Office Automation
Clerk)
http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 79301810

Agency Name: Judicial Branch
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Volunteer Student Intern Program http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 85067146
Job Location: Washington
Job Title: Student Intern
http://jobview. studentjobs. gov/getjob. aspx?jobid= 84937286

Agency Name: Department Of Housing And Urban Development Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area Job Title: Management Support Clerk (OA) http://jobview. usajobs.gov/ getjob.aspx? jobid=85269357

Please Get out and vote

Voting is a wonderful way to keep democracy alive. We sometimes don’t realize it but local politics is the first rug of the ladder of democracy. The choices we make locally are our belief in the system. If we stop voting or show apathy for the processes were in essence are giving up not only our vote but also our voices. Some say that if you do not vote you do not have a right to say what is right or wrong in our community. Here are some words from our sixth President "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." John Quincy Adams 6Th President of the United States. (1767 - 1848) So please get out and vote. Primary Day Election will be held on May 11, 2010?
If you wish to vote early you may do so by going to the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse, Monday, May 3rd to Saturday, May 8th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Below is a list of candidates for the primary election:

Board of Education Harpers Ferry District Laurie M. Ogden	Board of Education Harpers Ferry District Karan Townsend
Board of Education Middleway District Mariland Dunn Lee	Board of Education Middleway District Scott Sudduth
Circuit Clerk Laura E. Rattenni	County Clerk Jennifer S. Maghan
County Commissioner Charles Town District Dale Manuel	County Commissioner Shepherdstown District Paul G. Taylor
County Commissioner Shepherdstown District Walt Pellish	House of Representatives 2nd Congressional District Shelley Moore Capito
Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals Unexpired Term John Yoder	Member of House of Delegates 56th Delegate District Eric L. Householer
Board of Education Kabletown District Pete Dougherty	Circuit Clerk Edward C. Compton
Conservation District Supervisor Bob Gruber	County Clerk Ronda Lehman
County Commissioner Charles Town Derek Lambert	County Commissioner Shepherdstown District Ruth A. McQuade
County Commissioner Shepherdstown District Jim Surkamp	House of Representatives 2nd Congressional District Virginia Lynch Graf
Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals Unexpired Term Thomas E. Mchugh	Member of House of Delegates 56th Delegate District Terry L. Walker
Member of House of Delegates 57th Delegate District Donny Jones	Member of House of Delegates 57th Delegate District Elliot Simon
Member of House of Delegates 57th Delegate District Lori Rea	Member of House of Delegates 58th Delegate District Tiffany Lawrence
State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District Gary Dungan	State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District John Overington
State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District Jean K. Jacobs	State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District Patricia Rucker
State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District Reva Nicodemus Mickey	State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District Warren "Jim" Mickey
State Senator 16th Senatorial District Patrick Hale Murphy	Member of House of Delegates 57th Delegate District John Doyle
Member of House of Delegates 58th Delegate District Blake Thompson	State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District Carolyn M. Snyder
State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District John Maxey	State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District John Unger
State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District Lynn Staton	State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District Ray Bielicki
State Executive Committee 16th Senatorial District Rosalie Bernick	State Senator 16th Senatorial District John Unger

　
Area to receive federal aid for winter storms
　
This past April President Obama signed a disaster declaration for the State of West Virginia. The storms in February which brought several inches of snow prompted Governor Manchin to ask for Federal relief funds. Included in the federal declaration are Berkeley, Morgan and Jefferson counties.
Barbara Miller, director of Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management went before the County Commission this past Thursday, April 29 to give a presentation on the cost of the clean up after the snow storm this past February. "It has been a very rough year," she told members of the Jefferson County Commission. The county, along with local municipal governments and other agencies in the area, spent nearly $683,000. "We definitely met the threshold, only $136,000 has to be spent to qualify." she said.
Miller said that the largest pay out for the storm came from the Jefferson County school system which shelled out $159,915. “Municipalities spent between $22,000 and $87,000 each on February's storms and related cleanup efforts,” Miller said. Charles Town paid out $112,282. “The snowstorm bills for the Jefferson County Commission totaled close to $93, 000,” she said.
Miller said with the help of the federal disaster declaration communities in the county can receive payments for certain payouts relating to the storm. Below is the statement from the White House concerning the federal disaster declaration to West Virginia.
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of West Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe winter storms and snowstorms during the period of February 5-11, 2010.
Federal funding is available to the State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms and snowstorms in the counties of Berkeley, Brooke, Doddridge, Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Jefferson, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Ohio, Pocahontas, Preston, Ritchie, Tucker, Tyler, and Wetzel.
In addition, assistance is available to the State and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period.
W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Regis Leo Phelan as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.
FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-3272.
　
At this time, it is the first to include the Eastern Panhandle, though Miller said there is a possibility that the region could be included in another declaration that was made following December's snowstorm.

Historian Doug Perks to speak at Mens Club

Between September 2009 and June 2010, the Jefferson County Historical Society and the Men's Club of Shepherdstown are hosting a series of presentations by local experts on aspects of Jefferson County History. In the eighth of the series on Monday, May 10, local historian Doug Perks will discuss the 1860-1861 events in Jefferson County which surrounded the issue of Virginia’s secession from the Union. Mr. Perks’ presentation is free and open to the public and will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the War Memorial Building, 102 E. German Street, Shepherdstown, WV. It will be preceded at 6 pm by a social hour at the same location for members of the Society and the Men's Club. Persons interested in joining either of these organizations are welcome to arrive early and complete membership forms.
Historian Doug Perks is the Recording Secretary for the Jefferson County Historical Society and the new Director of the Charles Town Library. He has been a director of the Historic Shepherdstown Commission, president of the Harpers Ferry Historical Association, and a member of the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission. Doug designed the Parks As Classrooms Educator's Guide and the Niagara Movement Educator's Guide for Harpers Ferry National Historical Park; coordinated the J. R. Clifford Youth Discovery Tent during the August, 2006, Niagara Movement Centennial Commemoration at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park; and coordinated the School House Ridge Elementary Program - a hands-on education experience in Civil War History for all Jefferson County 5th grade students. He has also developed and coordinated Burr Farm Days for all Jefferson County 4th grade students and the Prepared For Success- the History of Storer College program for Jefferson & Berkeley County 8th grade students while serving as education coordinator for the Harpers Ferry Historical Association. Doug presents community lectures on local history, and writes the Mr. Jefferson's County column for the Guardian, the newsletter of the Jefferson County Historical Society.
“All Quiet Along the Potomac” is the title of a lecture series developed by Mr. Perks that will examine what happened in Jefferson County, Virginia, during the American Civil War. The first in his series, entitled “I Am a Son of Virginia, and Her Destiny Shall be Mine,” will examine Jefferson County as she and her citizens struggle whether to remain with the Union or secede. “The Picket Guard - All Quiet Along the Potomac” was the title of a poem written by Ethel Lynn Eliot Beers published in Harper’s Weekly, November 30, 1861. But at that time nothing was further from the truth for the citizens of Jefferson County, Virginia.
To have a more complete understanding of the American Civil War one needs to examine not only what happened on the battlefields, but also what happened at home. Jefferson County, Virginia’s experience during those four years wasn’t any worse or any better than any other place in The Valley of the Shenandoah, east of the Blue Ridge, or North of the Potomac. By taking a look at what happened in the county during that time and by using where possible the words of the men and women who shared the experience, we are given an opportunity to better understand that the American Civil War changed not only the lives of the men who fought “The War,” but also changed the lives of the men, women, and children who remained at home.
For more information about the presentation, contact Curt Mason at cmasonwhf@aol.com. To learn more about the Men’s Club and the Historical Society, please visit their respective web sites at http://www.smc25443.org/ and http://www.jeffersonhistoricalwv.org/.

Simon is running for 57th District Seat

Harpers Ferry man announces that he is running for the 57th District Seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates, which is now held by John Doyle
Elliot Simon from Harpers Ferry who lives with his wife Isabel moved to Jefferson County eight years ago. Simon was born in New York. He works at the Blue Ridge Acres Civic Association where he is the treasurer. Simon is also the treasurer of the
Jefferson County Organization of Home Owners Associations.
Simon is concerned about the growth of Jefferson County as well as the State of West Virginia. “West Virginia’s per capa income has declined relative to other states. In 1934 we ranked 30th, today we are 48th. I am running for delegate because I am extremely concerned about the future of Jefferson County and the state of West Virginia," Simon said. "Unfortunately, West Virginia ranks near or at the bottom of nearly every important economic category. That needs to change."
Below is a statement from Simon’s web page that gives an over view of his candidacy and his reasons for running for the 57th Distract seat.
Hello, my name is Elliot Simon and I am running for Delegate in the West Virginia House of Delegates in the 57th District. Over the ensuing weeks and months I will expand the content of this website. I am planning to include local, state and national stories, issues, information and opinion. I am going to let you know what I believe to be the important state and local issues. I also want to learn from you. I need to know what you believe to be the important issues. It would be an honor to work with you to address them.
When it comes to the “Big Picture” I have two overriding concerns with regard to my world outlook – the Economy and the Ecology. Both words derive from the same root: Eco. This is a Greek word that means home or household. The Ancient Greeks understood that that the home or household or more to the point – the family – is the basic unit of civilization. In order to have a strong community, we need an environment that provides for the opportunity for each and every family to have the means to live decently and to pursue their happiness. In order to achieve this we need policies that allow for a strong economy and a safe and clean environment so that we can preserve and maintain the unique character of our community as we continue to prosper.
One of the most pressing issues confronting our community is the economy. The national economy is in recession. West Virginia is also in recession. However the policies that govern and create the economic climate locally and are formulated and legislated in our state capital in Charleston are exacerbating the problem. Our tax and regulatory structure present enormous obstacles for entrepreneurs to start businesses and to run their existing businesses. This is especially true with regard to small businesses. Small business is the life blood of the economy of any community. As a result, most of the people who live in Jefferson County commute to businesses that they own elsewhere, or to jobs that exist beyond our borders. In many cases, we even have to shop elsewhere. We need to examine the reasons for this and to make the appropriate changes in policy to address the problem. For those brave entrepreneurs that currently own businesses in the county, we need to remove the barriers they face that impair their ability to thrive and serve our community. We need to create an atmosphere that fosters the creation of private sector jobs. We in Jefferson County deserve to have a vibrant local economy that serves its citizens. Many of those changes need to be made at the state level – in Charleston.
There are other crucial issues we face as well. We need to provide opportunity for our children. Since 1950 the population of West Virginia has trended downward. One of the few places in the state that has bucked this trend is Jefferson County. Over the last ten years our county has increased in population. However, we must ensure that all of our citizens have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate all that our great community has to offer. Education is the surest way to improve the chances of individual success. We need to ensure that the quality of our schools remains competitive with neighboring communities. We need to attract the best teachers and to reward those teachers that achieve results. Once again, the policies that affect our local schools emanate from the state capitol.
A statistic that may not be well known to West Virginians is that 52% of the Gross State Product (GSP) is made up of government spending either at the national, state or local level. I’m sure that everyone realizes that there is a limit to the extent that government can grow. In fact, the current level of government participation in our economy is not sustainable. Unless we reverse this trend, our standard of living cannot be maintained. With budget deficits ballooning because of the current economic downturn, our state economy runs the risk of falling victim to potential budget cuts. The solution is to rely more on the private sector and less on the public sector. We will then be more self sufficient and most certainly better off in the long run.
Simon is a Republican who has declared his interest in running for the 57th District seat. Two Democrats are already in the race. The incumbent, Delegate John Doyle, D-Jefferson, and Democrat Lori Rea, of Shepherdstown.

REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS


County Commission of Jefferson County, West Virginia
Request for Professional Engineering Services
Groundwater Resources Water Budget Study


The County Commission of Jefferson County is accepting Statements of Qualification from
interested qualified professional engineering consulting firms detailing the firm’s qualifications,
technical expertise, management and staffing capabilities, references, related prior experience
and the estimated time and methodology or approach to completing the study; for the purpose
of selecting a firm to perform a county-wide groundwater study with the intent of identifying the
extent of groundwater resources available for residential and commercial use in Jefferson
County. The scope of work generally includes, but is not limited to, the following:
· An assessment of what related studies, reports, and data already exists and is
available from state and local agencies for review and incorporation into this study
and report, and a determination of what additional information needs to be obtained
in order to make a county-wide assessment of Jefferson County’s groundwater
resources. Information available includes but is not limited to the West Virginia
Department of Environmental Protection and related studies completed by
consultants, including Golder Associates.
· Provide mapping of groundwater resource features based on aerial and
topographical maps.
· Develop a water budget that shows the total estimated groundwater resources
available and the current demands and the excess capacity or shortage that exists to
serve future residential and commercial development.
· Identify any water quality issues that may affect future utilization of groundwater
resources.
· Identify any legal/environmental/regulatory issues that affect future utilization of
groundwater resources.
· Provide the applicable standards utilized in the study.
· Provide a written report/analysis with a summary of the findings and guidance on
future utilization of groundwater resources for residential and commercial
development.
The total cost of the project is anticipated to be less than $250,000. Therefore, procurement of
professional services will be in accordance with West Virginia Code 5G-1-4, et seq. Interested
firms shall submit four copies of their qualifications to:
Jefferson County Engineering Department
116 East Washington Street, Suite 100
P.O. Box 716
Charles Town, WV 25414
All requested information is to be submitted by 3:00 pm, Tuesday, May 18, 2010.
A meeting for prospective engineering firms will be held at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, May, 5,
2010, at the offices of the Jefferson County Engineering Department, 116 East Washington
Street, Suite 100, Charles Town, West Virginia. The purpose of the meeting is to give firms the
opportunity to ask questions about the project to aid in preparation of their Qualifications
Statement.
Attention is directed to the fact that the proposed study may be undertaken with public funding
and all work will be performed in accordance with regulations of all public agencies including
Jefferson County, West Virginia, the State of West Virginia, and the federal government.
The County Commission of Jefferson County shall conduct discussions with three or more
professional firms solicited on the basis of known or submitted qualifications for the assignment
prior to the awarding of any contract. The County Commission of Jefferson County shall
evaluate the statements of qualifications and performance data and other material submitted by
the interested firms and select a minimum of three firms which, in their opinion, are best
qualified to perform the desired services. The County Commission will then meet with the three
firms to finalize the scope of services; and then receive proposals and prices from the three
firms for completing the scope of services. The selection of a firm will be based on
consideration of both qualifications and a fee determined to be fair and reasonable.
The County Commission of Jefferson County will afford full opportunity to women-owned and
minority business enterprises to submit a show of interest in response to this request and will
not discriminate against any interested firm or individual on the grounds of race, creed, color,
sex, age, handicap, or national origin in the award of this contract.
The County Commission of Jefferson County reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all