FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FILES SUIT AGAINST THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION OVER HIS TERMINATION

Charles Town, WV (October 14, 2010) – On October 13, 2010 former Executive Director Tim Barr filed a civil action against the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Commission (JCPRC) and Commissioners Paul Marshall, Toni Milbourne and Robert Shirley in connection with his termination by the JCPRC on August 10, 2010. Among four causes of action, the complaint alleges violation of the West Virginia Open Governmental Proceedings Act, retaliation and discrimination under the West Virginia Human Rights Act, as well as defamation and invasion of privacy. The civil action, which also requests a jury trial and an injunction ordering that Mr. Barr be reinstated to his position as Executive Director with full back pay and benefits was filed in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County by Mr. Barr’s attorney, Harry P. Waddell of Martinsburg, West Virginia.The complaint contends that the defendants violated the Open Governmental Proceedings Act by improperly scheduling an "emergency" meeting; failing to provide legally required notice to the public, selected members the Commission, and to Mr. Barr himself, who was out-of state on a scheduled vacation at the time of the meeting; and failing to apprise the public of the particular matters to be dealt with at the meeting as required by WV state law. The complaint also alleges that the Commission retaliated against Mr. Barr by improperly scheduling the emergency meeting during which his employment was terminated after he reported concerns about an inappropriate relationship between a Commissioner and a female employee of the JCPRC. According to the complaint, Mr. Barr reported the inappropriate and unprofessional relationship, including email exchanges which exhibited a extremely negative bias and derogatory comments towards Mr. Barr, to President Paul Marshall in June 2010. President Marshall failed to take official action, and allowed the Commissioner in question to investigate and otherwise orchestrate Mr. Barr's termination. In addition, the complaint alleges that Commission President Paul Marshall defamed the plaintiff and violated his privacy by discussing accusations of forgery with the press despite the fact they were raised in executive session.In addition to seeking reinstatement to his position with the JCPRC and back pay, the plaintiff also seeks compensation for humiliation, mental and emotional distress and punitive damages.

Early voting is under way in Jefferson County

Early voting in Jefferson County started on October 13. Off year elections are nodded for very poor turn outs. If the primary election is any mark on how the voting will go, then we may see only 13 percent of the registered voters voting in the General election. Election Day is November second.
Casting your ballot is the only way to ensure that we can keep building on the accomplishments of the Future. It is important that we have more those 13 percent voting. The issues in Jefferson County are many. New zoning regulations, controlled growth. Teacher’s salaries and education are at the top of the list. What ever your point of view politically or which ever way you want to see the county government go in the next few years is in your hands. Please vote.Early voting in Jefferson County is an easy process -- you can vote early in person at your county clerk's office. If you are a first-time voter in West Virginia who registered by mail, you should bring ID with you when you go to vote. Acceptable forms of ID include a current photo ID, utility bill, or bank statement. Early voting will be held at the Historic Courthouse at 100 E. Washington Street in Charles Town. The polls will be open from October 13 to 30. The hours will be from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5: too p.m. On October 23 and 30 the hours will also be from 9:00a.m. To 5:00 p.m. On Election Day, November 2, the polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
James P. Whipple

Valley Health Presents

Desperate Affection
A comedy-thriller by Bruce Graham

October 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
A wonderfully dark, suspenseful comedy about an actress who finally finds the perfect man; he is warm, affectionate and handsome. The suspense ignites when she learns that her perfect man is also a professional assassin and that his current assignment involves her bedroom window and its ideal view of the street below. When these two lost souls fall in love we are taken on a rollercoaster ride of obsession and dark intentions. Can their passion for one another deflect Richard from his target? Or will his need to complete his assignment smother the heat of their passions?
Director Michael Saunders, who has directed a variety of thought-provoking plays for the Old Opera House including Doubt, A Parable; Enchanted April and Proof has asked Jessica Billones (last seen in Sweet Charity & Miracle on 34th Street in 2009) and Robert Allen (who appeared most recently as Paul Bartter in Barefoot in the Park 2010) to bring this deliciously-dark comedy to the Old Opera House stage. Like curling up with your favorite spine-tingling novel, this adult comedy is the perfect way to spend a crisp fall evening.
This play is rated PG14 due to adult language and situation, it is not recommended for children or students under age 14.
Show times and PricesFriday Oct 22 8:00pm $17.00 Adults
Saturday Oct 23 8:00pm $17.00 Adults
Sunday Oct 24 2:30pm $15.00 Adults
Friday Oct 29 8:00pm $17.00 Adults
Saturday Oct 30 8:00pm $17.00 Adults
Sunday Oct 31 2:30pm $15.00 Adults
Students $8.00 for all performances
For more information or to make a reservation call (304) 725-4420 or email at oh@oldoperahouse.org
We sincerely thank Valley Health for their generous sponsorship of Desperate Affection
http://www.valleyhealthlink.com/

New Artists, Artisans, Authors Join Charles Town Gallery

CHARLES TOWN, October 14, 2010 -- Washington Street Gallery & Gift has recently juried in 15 new artists, artisans and authors. These new talents will be featured in a reception Saturday, October 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, in the downtown Charles Town gallery. The new offerings include watercolor and oil paintings, handcrafted wood furniture, pottery, jewelry, decorative furniture, wooden bowls, baskets and note-cards
"This reception is sponsored by the Old Opera House Theatre Company and takes place on the second night of its fall comedy-thriller “Desperate Affection,“ which opens Oct 22, says gallery owner Susan Ford Pritchard. We thank the Opera House for its support, and encourage you to see the play. In fact, our event is timed so that you can attend the reception AND see the show!"
Receptions at the gallery provide an opportunity to meet the artists. Whether you are interested in a hand-stitched pillow, a nature photograph, a book on successful retirement, or a beautiful necklace, you can find it at Washington Street Gallery & Gift. Established in May 2010, the gallery is the only permanent venue in Jefferson County to feature all local art.

Flock to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Open House

Shepherdstown, WV -- The National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) will present its 13th annual Open House on Saturday, October 23, 2010, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. This year's theme is “Flock to NCTC’s Open House…It’s for the Birds.” Presentations, hands-on activities, and demonstrations will focus on birds including Birding for the Blind, Jr. Duck Stamp Program, Migratory Birds, and Climate Change – Impact on Birds. NCTC Director Jay Slack looks forward to the NCTC’s Open House each year. "We offer a variety of programs and activities to the community to showcase the important work we perform at the Fish and Wildlife Service. We take great pride in our work and enjoy sharing what we do with the community," said Slack. Several favorite activities will return, including Larry Battson and his live critter show and Talons: Birds of Prey Experience featuring live hawks, owls, and falcons. Children and youth of all ages will enjoy building bird feeders, painting bird eggs, and playing a bird identification game. Come to NCTC and join us for a fun-filled day of learning and outdoor activities. The NCTC dining hall will be open to purchase lunches. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau of the Department of the Interior. Its 8,000 employees work on a wide range of fish and wildlife conservation issues, including the management of the 150 million acre National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Fish Hatchery System, migratory bird and endangered species management, international programs, and wildlife law enforcement. The National Conservation Training Center, the home of the Fish and Wildlife Service, opens its doors to the community each year as thanks for the support that NCTC receives from our many friends and neighbors. For directions, visit the NCTC website at: http://training.fws.gov/meet/gettinghere.html.

Four Tips To Keep You Warm On Colder Days

(NAPSI)-It’s important to stay active, whatever the season, so don’t let colder days discourage you.
Here are a few tips to help keep you warm when you venture out:
1. Cover your head but don’t forget neck and ears. Keep your ears warm with a cap, earplugs or ear warmers.
2. Get some tight gloves. Make sure they are waterproof gloves so ice and water can’t seep in to chill you.
Also, make sure the gloves have a good grip, so you don’t have to take them off to do things outside. If it’s really cold, you can put some mittens on over your gloves or a liner in them.
3. Dress in layers and make the layer closest to your skin wool or polyester. Cotton or silk is good at absorbing moisture and if you work up a sweat, you could get chilled.
In extreme climates, you might start with a layer or two of underwear to be topped with wool sweaters, fleece pants and jackets, plus a windproof shell.
Layers should be loose enough to leave room for air so you lock in heat.
4. To keep toes nice and toasty, use footwear with a rechargeable heating system. Boar from Wenger Footwear not only comes with a rechargeable heating system but offers waterproofing technology, making it impenetrable in cold, wet conditions.
Weighing only 20 ounces, the product allows for three temperature settings and offers up to 10 hours of heating. Recharging takes about two to three hours.
Other features include Thinsulate insulation, PosiStep outsoles (which provide enhanced traction) and ZipTight lacing.
The product also features OutDry, the state of the art in waterproofing technology. Unlike other waterproofing systems, which use a booty that acts like a sock lining, this waterproof membrane is laminated directly to the outer layer of the shoe, so there is no water penetration.
For more information, visit http://www.wengerna.com/.