A Charles Town Christmas

(Ed note: I wrote this several years ago. It is copied with changes from Clement C, Moore’s famous Poem. I love Charles Town and can at times picture it at its beginnings. Merry Christmas to all and to all a Happy New Year. Pictured Left is Santa by Thomas Nast 1890
James P. Whipple
Editor of the Charles Town Crier.)

Twas the night before Christmas and all through Charles Town not a creature was stirring not even a horse.
The stockings were hung by the merchants with care, in hopes that Santa would soon be there.
The children were all snuggled warm in their beds with dreams of presents spinning their heads.
Ma in her wool nightgown and I in my cap had just settled down for a short winters nap. Out on Washington Street there rose such a clatter that I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash to open the shutters and through open the sash.
The snow covered streets were bright from the moon light and there standing by Charles and Washington Streets was a sleigh with eight reindeer. There was a little old man who was lively and quick who jumped from the sleigh, I knew in a moment it must be Santa.
He was dressed all in fur from his head to his feet. His clothing was all tarnished with ash and soot. A bundle of toys he had on his back, he looked like a peddler just opening his sack. His face was broad with a beard that was as white as the snow; his belly was round and shook like a bowl full of jelly whenever he laughed.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know that I had nothing to fear. He went straight to work, flying from rooftop to rooftop; disappearing in one chimney and climbing out another, quick as a wink his work was complete.
With a nod of his head and a pipe in his teeth he seemed to be saying “I’ve done a good job.”
Suddenly he sprang to his sled and whistled and shouted “On Dancer, Donner and Blitzen.” The wind from the sled caused the new fallen snow to swirl.
I herd him shout as he flew out of sight “Merry Christmas to Charles Town and to all a good night.”
James P. Whipple
This poem is borrowed from The Night before Christmas by Clement C, Moore.

Cement Mill Property Purchased

On Wednesday afternoon, West Virginia Delegate John Doyle and the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission announced that the Landmarks Commission completed the purchase of the historic Cement Mill property. The property is an 18 acre site on the Potomac River. The property contains structures from an 1829 Cement Mill that was the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Jefferson County and is also part of the site of the 1862 Battle of Shepherdstown. The structures include the ruins of the mill, six kilns on the bank of the river, a large kiln south of River Road and the remnants of an office building. Some of the kilns on the river show damage from Union artillery shells sustained during the Battle of Shepherdstown.

"This is an important acquisition for Jefferson County," stated John C. Allen Jr., Chairman of the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission, "not only is the property historic, it will provide public access to the Potomac River for recreational purposes. We plan on enlisting community help in the spring to help clean up the site and begin creating trails. It is the intention of the Landmarks Commission to place a conservation easement on the property to insure that it remain undeveloped in perpetuity. Also, we will apply for inclusion in the National Registry of Historic Places. The Commission intends to begin the process whereby ultimately the site will be deeded to the Antietam National Battlefield Park."

"Many historians regard the site of the Battle of Shepherdstown as the end of the Battle of Antietam or certainly the end of Robert E. Lee's Maryland Campaign of September 1862," said Ed Dunleavy, President of the Shepherdstown Battle Preservation Association Inc. (SBPA), " the Battle of Shepherdstown was fought on September 19 and 20, 1862 and was one of the reasons that Lee
ended his campaign and retreated up the Shenandoah Valley. SBPA has been working for the last 8 years attempting to save battlefield land and this purchase now means that 102 acres have been saved. SBPA brought the idea of purchasing the site to the County more than two and half years ago," added Dunleavy," and it is gratifying that the Landmarks Commission was willing to spend the time and energy in a long and arduous negotiating process."

The site was purchased for $375,000 from a private individual whose family owned it for more than 100 years. The funds used to purchase the land came from two $100,000 West Virginia Transportation Enhancement Grants garnered by SBPA for the County with $50,000 in matching funds from the Civil War Trust (CWT). When it became apparent that the owner was willing to sell the property additional funds were sought and the CWT, the Save Historic Antietam Foundation, SBPA provided those funds. However late last week $25,000 was still needed to purchase the property. Delegate John Doyle was able to successfully request those funds from West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.

News Briefs

Doyle to Step Down
In Published reports Del. John Doyle has said that he will not run for re-election in 2012. Doyle’s decision comes as a surprise to many. Doyle, a democrat represents the 57th District in the West Virginia House of Delegates and has served in that seat since 1992 a 20 year span. He has served under six Governors the first being Jay Rockefeller
Doyle served one term in the house from 1982 to 1984. The lines in the 57 district have been redrawn since 1984 election putting most of the district in Jefferson County.Asbury United Asbury Methodist to host Community dinner
In a Press release the Asbury United Methodist Church in Charles Town said that the Church will be hosting its second annual Community Christmas Dinner this Sunday to help those in need this holiday, as well as to offer a place of fellowship for anyone in the community.
The free community dinner will be held at the church, 110 W. North St. The church also has partnered with Meals on Wheels in Jefferson County to deliver Christmas Day meals to area shut-ins.
"We are going to feed anybody in the community regardless of race, gender, finances, religion - it doesn't matter. If you are part of the community, come eat with us," said church member Bill Ball, an organizer for the dinner.
The dinner, which has been in the planning for about three months, will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. Christmas Day. Ball said the church decided to come together last year to provide the dinner as a necessary outreach effort.

Full Circle Theater Presents A Christmas Carol
You have another opportunity to experience Devan Whitacre creating all of your favorite Christmas Carol characters in this amazing one-man Christmas Carol. FCTC will present encore performances next week at the new St. James church located at 49 Crosswinds Dr., off of Route 9 in Charles Town, W.V.
Show dates are Tuesday and Wednesday, December 27th and 28th at 8:00 P.M. The entrance fee is a suggested contribution of at least $5 at the door. All are welcome.
　
Point of Time Survey volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed for the "Point in Time Homeless Count." Volunteers will spread out all over the United States, including West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, from 4 p.m. Jan. 24 to 4 p.m. Jan. 25, 2012, for the annual National Point-in-Time Count of the Homeless. In a Press release from the Jefferson County Homeless Coalition says that volunteers are needed for this project.
Training for Jefferson County's volunteers will take place at 7 p.m. Jan. 10, 2012, at the Charles Town Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 211 E. Congress St. Attendance at a training session is required in order to assist with the Point in Time count. In case of severe weather, the following alternative dates have been selected: Jan. 26 and 27, 2012, or Jan. 30 and 31, 2012.
"It's critical to understand the scope and magnitude of this very pressing social problem. It is increasingly important especially during the current economic crisis to connect individuals and families with state, local and faith-based resources available," said the Rev. Wyman Hall, Chair of the Jefferson County Homeless Coalition.
"We know that many individuals who are homeless or near-homeless face other challenges as well, and we're hopeful this will help raise awareness for accessible services and encourage individuals to seek assistance," the Rev. Hall concluded.
Anyone who is interested is encouraged to attend the training and participate in the Point in Time Survey.
Call 304-725-2592 to volunteer or for more information

Christmas Safety a Must

Christmas is just around the corner. Each year Christmas is celebrated in homes across America. Trees are put up and decorations are put on the trees. Holiday decorations, like candles, lights and Christmas trees bulbs, add a joyous and festive mood to the holiday. Over the years several fires and electrical failures have been caused by tree decorations. According to the U.S. Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500 people for falls, cuts, shocks, and burns due to incidents involving faulty holiday lights, dried-out Christmas trees and other holiday decorations.
Christmas candles are another cause of concern there are more than 13,000 candle-related fires each year. The property damage alone is around $205 million. Besides property there is loss of life. Last year there was a report 140 deaths due to Christmas candle fires. Christmas trees alone are responsible for 300 fires which lead to 10 deaths and 30 people treated for burn injuries. The average cost of property damage is around $10 million. "The flickering light of candles can add beauty and tradition to the holidays," said James Robertson, former Fire Marshal for the State of Maryland. "However, when left unattended or within a child's reach, burning candles can turn your celebration into tragedy.” Following a few simple safety tips can help prevent holiday decoration-related fires." Check all of the electric cords and the plugs. Keep the Christmas away from fireplaces. Always unplug the Christmas tree lights and put out all candles before leaving the house.

In 2009 in a speech in London economist Joes Waldfogel said that over 65 billion dollars was spent on Christmas gifts in America. Not much thought is given in how safe gifts are especially for children until we hear of a toy safety related accident that might have been prevented. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 150,000 accidents every year. Most accidents happen when toys are broken. The toys will produce sharp edges and corners that are pointed Electric trains and other electric toys can be dangerous. If the items are in any way defective a child could be shocked and even burned by the toy. One of the major problems is with toys with tiny parts such as glass eyes, buttons, and small beads. These can be swallowed by the child causing death or if partly blocking the airway can cause brain damage. US Consumer Product Safety Commission has put out eight suggestions for toy safety in your home;“1. When you are buying toys, get into the habit of reading the labels. Many toys have age-appropriate recommendations. In addition, you may not want to give a small child a toy with a label that says, "Stuffing material may be toxic."2. Look for name brands that are known to have quality construction and solid design principles. Plastic is usually the best choice for material, then wood, and finally metals.3. If you are buying anything electrical, make sure it has the 'Underwriters Laboratories' (UL) seal on it, indicating that electrical parts have been tested and deemed safe.4. Read the instructions yourself, and make sure the child understands how to play with, and care for, the toy. Talk in general terms with your children about toy safety -- not to alarm, but to inform.5. Check your children's toy box on a regular basis for 'preventive medicine.' Throw away anything that's suspect!
6. Make sure the toy storage method is age appropriate and safe, too. For example, check shelving units from time to time to make sure they are sturdy. Make sure a toy box lid is lightweight and can be opened and closed easily, etc. Check to see if heavy toys are stacked on top of others.7. Teach children to routinely put toys away appropriately so they won't be stepped on or tripped over. (Stressing the toy safety aspect may make it easier to gain their cooperation in this regard -- but don't hold your breath.) ;-)8. If you have a baby or toddler, remember that everything automatically goes into the mouth. Make sure the child isn't playing with anything with detachable parts, or pieces that are too small.

The road to grandma’s house may be crowded this year. A lot of families travel at Christmas time it is one of the most traveled holidays of the year. According to AAA
“Roughly 1.18 million Virginians and West Virginians are expected to clog the roads for trips of 50 miles or more this week, according to AAA. That’s a 12.2 percent increase over the number of residents who drove last year.”
Here are a few tips for the road. Even before you leave the house make sure your car is road ready. Check the windshield wipers and fluids look at the battery and make sure that it is charged. Keep the windshield and windows clean for proper visibility. Check the tire pressure. Make sure the car is equipped for emergencies. Carry a First aid kit, blankets, matches, safety flares, flashlight, fully-charged cell phone and bottled water.
According to AAA “Thirty-six percent of all Christmas accidents on the road are alcohol-related. Those who become too festive for their own good should never get behind the wheel and instead should use a taxi service or have a friend drive them. Make sure that you are will rested before starting on a trip. The Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood wrote in a recent report that “Driver distraction is becoming Epidemic,” and has caused 500,000 car accidents and 6,000 fatalities last year.
Finally, plan for day time driving. Three times as many fatalities occur during the night from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. This fact has been reported by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Safety Council.
Make Safety first during this Holiday and through out the year. To all of you Have a Merry Christmas. (994)
James P. Whipple

JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2012

NEW YEAR’S DAY MONDAY, JANUARY 02, 2012
MARTIN LUTHER KING'S BIRTHDAY MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2012
PRESIDENT’S DAY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
PRIMARY ELECTION TUESDAY, MAY 08, 2012
MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012
WEST VIRGINIA DAY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012
INDEPENDENCE DAY WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2012
LABOR DAY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 03, 2012
COLUMBUS DAY MONDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2012
GENERAL ELECTION TUES DAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012
VETERAN'S DAY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2012
THANKSGIVING THURS DAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2012
CHRISTMAS EVE ½ DAY MONDAY. DECEMBER 24, 2012
CHRISTMAS TUES DAY, DECEMBER 25, 2012
NEW YEARS EVE ½ DAY MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012
IN ADDITION TO THE DAYS LISTED ABOVE, THE COMMISSION WILL OBSERVE AS HOLIDAYS, ANY NATIONAL, STATE OR OTHER ELECTION DAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, AND ALL DAYS WHICH MAY BE APPOINTED OR RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR, OF THIS STATE, OR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AS DAYS OF THANKSGIVING, OR FOR THE GENERAL CESSATION OF BUSINESS, ANY DAY OR PART THERE OF DESIGNATED BY THE GOVERNOR AS TIME OFF, WITHOUT CHARGE AGAINST ACCRUED ANNUAL LEAVE, FOR STATE EMPLOYEES STATEWIDE MAY ALSO BE TIME OFF FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES IF THE COUNTY COMMISSION ELECTS TO DESIGNATE THE DAY OR PART THEREOF AS TIME OFF, WITHOUT CHARGE AGAINST ACCRUED ANNUAL LEAVE FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES. ANY ENTIRE OR PART STATE WIDE DAY OFF DESIGNATED BY THE GOVERNOR MAY, FOR ALL COURTS, BE TREATED AS IF IT WERE A LEGAL HOLIDAY, AS PROVIDE FOR IN 2-2-1 OF THE WEST VIRGINIA CODE, AS AMENDED.

Tax Moves to Make By December 31

What: Sales taxes shouldn’t be the only kinds of taxes on consumers' minds this holiday season. After a record breaking year of 89 natural disasters (and a continued high unemployment rate), millions of taxpayers may be eligible for additional tax relief dollars. Though the end of 2011 is fast approaching, consumers still have time to uncover – and act on – opportunities to increase a potential tax refund or reduce what they may owe when filing early next year.
Who: Representatives from offices of "http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/" are available for interviews to guide local taxpayers with steps to take between now and December 31 to reduce taxable income and increase deductions or credits to claim, including:
1. Save more for retirement – By increasing retirement plan contributions, you can reduce your income for tax purposes. Taxpayers can contribute up to $16,500 to a 401(k), 403(b) or Federal Government Thrift Savings Plan; those over age 50 can contribute an additional $5,500.
2. Prepay January payments in December – Taking care of your January mortgage payment, 4th quarter state tax estimate, or winter semester tuition now lets you claim these payments on your 2011 tax return.
3. Get to the doctor! – If you are holding off on a major medical procedure until after the holidays, stop procrastinating and make an appointment now to increase your 2011 medical expense deductions.
4. Give to charity – Giving cash and non-cash donations to charity can give back on your taxes. And volunteering time counts too, which means the more than 80,000, from all over the country, who lent a helping hand to the Joplin, Mo. tornado victims may be able to deduct certain out of pocket expenses incurred durign that volunteering time on a tax return.
5. Save energy, save $500 on your taxes – If you are planning to buy an energy saving hot water heater or install energy efficient windows or insulation to your home, do it now. Up to $500 in credit may be available for making energy-related home improvements.
When: Please contact me for more information or to schedule an interview at your convenience.
Contact: Melissa Connerton, CooperKatz for Jackson Hewitt
Office: 917-595-3039
Email: "mailto:mconnerton@cooperkatz.com"