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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Kids Skipping School on Inauguration Day

If you kept your kids home from school today because of the Inauguration, you weren't the only one.

1/20/09


Board Of Education Awards & Recognitions Night

Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Prince Street Elementary School

The Wicomico County Board of Education will hold the second Awards & Recognitions Night of the 2008-09 school year at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Prince Street Elementary School in Salisbury. The public is welcome to attend. Parking is available in the large lot on Spring Avenue at the school's side entrance.

On the program for recognition tonight, in this order, are:

2008 Tobacco Prevention Poster Contest
Wicomico County Schools’ Eagle Scout Recognition
2008 BOE Holiday Card Designers
2008 All State Music Ensembles Recognition

2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament of Bands Participants
Eastern Shore High School Mathematics Competition Winner
President’s Volunteer Service Award Recipients
Wendy’s High School Heisman Award Winners

High School Scholar Awards
WMDT’s “Teachers Who Make a Difference “ Award Recipient
2008-09 Maryland Elementary School Counselor of the Year
Fruitland Walmart Teacher of the Year

National Board Certification Teachers
Giant Store’s Teacher of the Month Recipients
Mary Gay Calcott Award of Excellence in Education
National Promising Practices Award

Governor’s Citation for Superior Maintenance of Schools
Recipient of Salisbury Chamber’s Fred P. Adkins Award for Architectural Enhancement
2008-09 First Quarter Recycling Contest Winners

Please join the Board in congratulating these outstanding students, teachers and schools. Additional details on the Awards & Recognitions Night will be available after the event.

People Get Ready



The following is from NPR news:

Part of the March on Washington's legacy is its music. Singer and songwriter Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" was written in the year after the march. For many, it captured the spirit of the march -- the song reaches across racial and religious lines to offer a message of redemption and forgiveness.

After hearing the Rev. Martin Luther King deliver his "I Have a Dream" speech that August day in 1963, the crowd of 250,000 sang "We Shall Overcome." In 1965, another gospel song emerged -- "People Get Ready" by Mayfield and the Impressions.

People get ready, there's a train a-comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

In addition to the march, the song followed several jarring events in American history: the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham -- which killed four little girls -- and the assassination of President Kennedy

Music critic Stanley Crouch explains Mayfield's response to those events: "...by saying 'There's a train a-coming, get ready' that was like saying, okay, so regardless of what happens, get yourself together for this because you are going to get a chance. Your chance is coming."

"The train that is coming in the song speaks to a chance for redemption -- the long-sought chance to rise above racism, to stand apart from despair and any desire for retaliation -- an end to the cycle of pain," Williams adds.

The song became one of the first gospel crossover hits, while at the same time continuing a tradition of American folklore -- the train of salvation -- in the vein of Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash's popular versions of "This Train's Bound For Glory." Mayfield sings about the same train stopping to pick up the faithful of all colors.

"Curtis Mayfield died in 1999. 'People Get Ready,' the song inspired by the March on Washington, lives on. It's idealism and optimism make it the ultimate crossover -- crossing not only racial barriers but generations,"

Inauguration In Fruitland

"We have seen nothing but complaints about children watching the Inauguration at school and I had to write this. My 10 yr. old son came home from Fruitland Intermediate completely excited about today's events. He went into detail about this Inauguration, the events surrounding it, and also told us what he learned about previous ceremonies. To top it off, he asked if I had taped it or could get a copy so that he could watch it again.

Not only did Fruitland do an excellent job at TEACHING about the Inauguration, but my middle-schooler at Bennett Middle was also able to cover some highlights that he learned about the Inauguration today and the past.

I would like to thank these schools for giving my sons the opportunity to be part of this historical event and incorporate real learning into the event.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to express the other side."

Quote of the Day

“We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to give back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right,” ~ Rev. Joseph Lowery
Inaugural Benediction

Miracle Has Been Adopted


Ladies & Gentlemen, the puppy you see above is from THIS STORY and THIS STORY.

I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want people flocking in to rescue this particular dog over others. The two stories above were from the middle of December where the Humane Society came in and pulled 14 dogs from the property, one of which was dead.

I was invited by Linda Lugo to come to the Humane Society and see these dogs and if you click on the links above you'll see how bone thin they were. Linda will tell you, I personally held Miracle for a good 1/2 hour shaking like a leaf and hanging on to dear life. The Staff at the Humane Society obviously brought this puppy back to good health and Linda just informed me,

"someone was putting an application in on Miracle! It has been approved and Miracle will be going home on the 22nd! Hooray!

Linda"


To Miracle's new owner, congratulations and Thank You! What a special puppy and as close as they were to that dog, you must have offered one heck of a home for them to let her go. Linda also informed me a ton of people had come through the doors today, AGAIN and they were trying to work with everyone showing them what they had. This is a great thing. Thanks Linda & Co.!

Parkside Forcing Students To Watch Obama

"Joe,

Get this. My daughter goes to Parkside and just texted me and told me that the whole school has stopped teaching the students just to watch the tv today. I don't remember giving them permission to allow this to happen and I don't remember this ever happening before. She actually got in trouble when she put her head down, so she wouldn't have to watch. And ofcourse the Afro-Americans are going crazy. I feel now that Obama is in office the schools are going to be more dangerous than ever. The troublemakers are going to feel that because we have a NON-CAUCASIAN president that they will be able to get away with alot more and make things harder on the student that actually are there to learn. I would like to know the opinions of everyone that reads your blog."

Obama Is The New President Of The United States


President Obama has just been sworn into Office.

VA to Provide Extra Funds for Rural Vets

Military.com reports:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide $21.7 million to its regional health care systems to improve services specifically designed for veterans in rural areas. The extra funding is part of a two-year VA program and will be used to increase the number of mobile clinics, establish new outpatient clinics, expand fee-based care, explore collaborations with federal and community partners, accelerate the use of telemedicine deployment, and fund innovative pilot programs. VA's Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) with less than 3 percent of their patients in rural areas will receive $250,000. Those with population of rural veterans between 3 percent and 6 percent will receive $1 million each. And VISNs with more than 6 percent of their veterans population in rural areas will receive $1.5 million.

Are You Ready?



This video was sent in by a loyal reader. Upon viewing it, I deemed it appropriate at this time, due to the many comments revolving around Christianity.

A Comment Worthy Of A Post

Several people have asked good questions about the fundraising for Brooke Mulford. We have received one reply towards this so far and I thought I should share it for open discussion.

"To answer your question, I would say you are missing A WHOLE LOT! So, are you saying that just because a few individuals decided to act NOW instead of waiting for something to happen, as you and many people have done in the past, that Salisbury should not support us in an effort to expose Neuroblastoma and try to raise money to pay for costs not covered by insurance?It is a real shame that you or anyone should have such a burden placed on them.

Insurance doesn't cover everything. The moneys being raised are going towards paying for Brooke's medical costs and any other costs associated with staying in a hospital for weeks on end. There is no absolute cure for this disease. This fight will be a long one. We need all the help we can get.Just so you and everyone is aware, we are in the process of establishing a foundation here that will benefit not only Brooke, but children with similar conditions for years to come.

One question for you, "What did you, your friends, the families you speak of, or any of their friends do to help in their time of need? Did they form a foundation? Did they contact the United Way? Did they reach out to your's and their friends and business partners?"It sounds to me the answer here is not much if anything.I can't help it that I don't know you or your family or those that need help that you speak of. I know Rob, Amy and Brooke. Am I just supposed to sit back and do nothing because no one did anything for you?

Please don't turn something good like helping a little girl in need into something where people begin to doubt the righteousness of Team Brooke's efforts.

Eric Morris"
Publishers Note: I have been involved in many fundraisers throughout my lifetime. This is nothing new and many of us have participated in many other local fundraisers for this same kind of cause. One that stands out in my mind quite a bit is one from Pittsville. Nevertheless, I personally believe the negative comments that have come about on this particular fundraiser is the IDEA that the Mulford's are rich and live in a big house, blah, blah, blah. I mean, lets get right to the punch here. Just because someone owns a Bar/Restaurant does NOT make them rich. Believe me, I have owned a successful Bar/Restaurant and while you can make a good living, you're NOT going to get rich. Well, unless you own Seacrets. Market Street Inn is NOT Seacrets and never will be. The Mulford's have a mortgage on that business and while this child may be rich with love, she is not rich with health right now.

The Daily Times Kicks Off City Election Campaign

Is the Daily Times pulling a bait and switch, or can we expect moderately decent reporting during this year's city election campaign?  This is but one of the questions raised by this morning's article on the Salisbury City Council.

Rising a tad above the "he said, she said" reporting so typical of Gannett's local arm, city reporter Laura D'Alessandro provides what could be her best example of reporting since moving to the city beat.  While there is definitely room for improvement, it's almost difficult to find the bias in this piece.

Given that Councilwoman Louise Smith changes the rules on a regular basis, and seldom follows them in between, I agree with Councilwoman Terry Cohen as to the purpose of the article:
"I'm not sure why this incident of the council president trying to cut
me off from making comments I feel are important to our citizens and to
my decision-making process would be any more newsworthy than all the
other times she has done so," Cohen said.
Smith frequently interrupts both Cohen and Councilwoman Debbie Campbell.  Amusingly, she loves to interrupt them when they respond to attacks levied on them by Councilman (and Mayoral candidate) Gary Comegys.  Her claimed basis for interruption is that they (Cohen or Campbell) are attacking Comegys.  Smith has never, to my best recollection, EVER interrupted Comegys.

Why should she?  Comegys (along with Mayor Barrie Tilghman) is the man who put Smith in the center chair so that she can preen before the cameras as she rapes taxpayers and goes back on every promise she made during her campaign almost two years ago.

D'Alessandro did make one glaring error in her reporting.  She quoted an avowed and vicious opponent of Campbell's re-election while identifying him only as "a resident who regularly attends council meetings".  Perhaps D'Alessandro simply didn't know.

As a frequent critic of both the Daily Times and D'Alessandro, I believe that an improvement in reporting such as this morning's piece deserves mention.  Does this mark a trend?  I hope so.  However, taking a "wait and see" approach is definitely the prudent course.

G. A. Harrison is a frequent contributor to "Salisbury News" and publishes "Delmarva Dealings".




What Recession? The $170 Million Inauguration

Obama's Inauguration Has Been Financed Partially by Bailed-Out Wall Street Executives

The country is in the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, which isn't stopping rich donors and the government from spending $170 million, or more, on the inauguration of Barack Obama

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Inauguration/story?id=6665946&page=1

While ABC News recognizes this, why aren't the American People speaking out? I guess my biggest question is, when is enough, enough? Our Congressional Leaders are driving this Country into the poor house. Are YOU feeling like YOU have no control? Do YOU believe the Bailouts are necessary? Are you so trusting in these leaders that you feel we'll walk away from this without permanent financial scars? I don't want to hear political answers. I want to know, HOW CAN WE RESOLVE THIS FINANCIAL PROBLEM? If we start discussing what WE think might be the answer, then we can judge our Congress as to how they're handling it. WE need to speak up about it and there's no time to waste.

I do have an answer to some of the problems, not all. Are you interested in hearing it in detail?

Washington, D.C.


Good Morning from Washington, D.C. Folks. As you can clearly see, many are getting the impression that after hours of lining up to get in, it may just be impossible to do so. The lines are forever long and the feel is like there's 2 billion people here. We'll see how things go. Back to you Joe.

Concerned Alumni

"Dear Joe,

I am writing you because of my disgust of non action taken against the Salisbury football players who were involved in the Oct. 5th incident where several players were arrested for assault, disorderly conduct, and drug possession. Yes at the time Coach Wood said these players were no longer part of the team and awaiting
disciplinary/possible expulsion from the university, but when a week or so had passed the school did not discipline these individuals nor were they off the team. i am a former college athlete but i was always held to higher standards because i was a representative of the university. I feel that because these individuals were African American athletes who cried racial equality to there coach they were given preferential treatment. I know this because i was involved in the original event
that occurred on Oct. 5th. These individuals cursed fought and yelled at arresting officers saying that there coach would get them out of this and that they would not be held accountable, and in the end it looks like they were right. When representatives of the Monkey Barrel went to talk to Coach Wood about what happened he refused to speak with them and instead sent one of his Graduate Assistants out to relay the message he did not want to hear what they had to say, and that he would be going on the words of his players. Now i am someone who usually turns the other cheek and would count this whole incident as a lose, but now after reading your blog on Dec. 19th i am infuriated.

On December 19, 2008 at approximately 7:46 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department Community Action Team executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence on the two hundred block of Newton St. During the execution of the search and seizure warrant the officers recovered quantities of suspected “crack”/cocaine, suspected Marijuana, unauthorized prescription medication, and a handgun.

ARRESTED: Justin Taylor Sykes, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of
a school
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia (2 counts)
Possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking
Possession of a firearm while engaged in drug trafficking

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200800042131

This individual is on the football team was the individual who was arrested on Oct. 5th for assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, along with 4 other charges. The house the police raided is known as a "football" house where parties occur and other social activities involving the entire football team. Other individuals in the house were football players who also were involved in the Oct. 5th event but were
not arrested because they had nothing in there possession according to an officer who was on scene and is a close friend of mine.

Now i write this all to you because your site is the most honest and uncorrupted news source on the shore.

Thank you"

Update On Cecil County SPCA & Delegate Mike Smigiel

The following was Posted on Delegate Smigiel's Blog.This is so unbelievable I just had to share it with you.

Caution, this sworn statement contains unconscionable revelations of animal abuse and neglect.

Posted by Delegate Mike Smigiel on January 18, 2009

In this message I am posting a sworn affidavit, which contains horrendous allegations. I held off on posting this until after the public Commissioner meeting since the statements are so disturbing.

Unfortunately, the local media continue to mislead the public into believing that these allegations are trivial and only involve two disgruntled employees. Since local media refuses to help spread the word and we need to gather as much information as possible, to supply to the investigating agencies, I will publish as many affidavits as possible over the next few days.

Ms. Van Scoy spoke on WMAR-TV about several of these allegations but because of time limitations they were unable to broadcast her full interview. Below is the full affadavit. I have already had other persons come forward to coroborate some of these new allegations. Thier information has been provided to the criminal investigators with the Office of the Attorney General.

Please be warned that there are truly disturbing statements within this document.


A Crying Shame



It's a crying shame that one of the greatest men on this earth isn't around today to see just how many people love and respect Martin Luther King for all the incredible words of wisdom and unity so many enjoy in America today.

Today we celebrate our first Black President. I strongly believe it was Martin Luther King who set the stage and the bar, allowing President Obama and ALL Americans to believe in a dream and make our dreams come true.

Last night hundreds of people celebrated Mr. King's Birthday in Salisbury. What a great way to start the next 4 years. President Obama has some mighty big shoes to fill. It's time to give him the chance to do so. It's a big day today but it was an even bigger day yesterday.

George Washington to Barack Obama

I'll Give You One Guess Who's Table This Was

Congressman Frank Kratovil Celebrates Martin Luther Kings B-Day In Salisbury


Congressman Frank Kratovil joined hundreds of people celebrating Martin Luther King's Birthday right here on the Eastern Shore in Salisbury. It was good to see the Congressman breaking bread and enjoying the company.

Home Depot Scam

A 'heads up' for those men who may be regular Home Depot customers. This one caught me by surprise.

Over the last month I became a victim of a clever scam while out shopping. Simply going out to get supplies has turned out to be quite traumatic. Don't be naive enough to think it couldn't happen to you or your friends.

Here's how the scam works:

Two seriously good-looking 20-21 year-old girls come over to your car as you are packing your shopping into the trunk. They both start wiping your windshield with a rag and Windex, with their breasts almost falling out of their skimpy T-shirts.

It is impossible not to look.

When you thank them and offer them a tip, they say 'No' and instead ask you for a ride to McDonalds.

You agree and they get into the back seat. On the way, they start undressing. Then one of them climbs over into the front seat and starts crawling all over you, while the other one steals your wallet.

I had my wallet stolen October 4th, 9th, 10th, twice on the 15th, 17th, 20th, 24th & 29th. Also November 1st & 4th, twice on the 8th, 16th, 23rd, 26th & 30th, three times last Monday and very likely again this upcoming weekend.

So tell your friends to be careful.

P.S. Walmart has wallets on sale for 2.99 each~~I found cheaper ones for $1.99 at K-Mart and bought them out. Also, you never will get to eat at McDonalds. I've already lost 11 pounds just running back and forth to Home Depot.

Note To Barrie:


Click on image to enlarge.
I was right in the middle of the greatest joke I ever told, (you know the one about the prostitute and the donkey) I got to the punch line and only one person was laughing. I looked up and they were all staring behind me! You CAN'T tell that joke twice!

Anyhoot, I can't take 4 more years of this guy over my shoulder. What's the name of your lawyer? Chief said he ain't never going through that again.

Bubba

Our State Politicians

A Maryland State Senator is getting Obama fever and raising the temperature of some area residents. Her so-called slip of the tongue was seen on Fox 45. Gladden's Controversial Comment - Karen Parks

GO HERE to view the short Video.

A Wild Night At Shannondell!



HOW TRUE IT IS

Another year has passed

And we're all a little older.

Last summer felt hotter

And winter seems much colder.

I rack my brain for happy thoughts,

To put down on my pad,

But lots of things,

That come to mind

Just make me kind of sad.

There was a time not long ago

When life was quite a blast.

Now I fully understand

About 'Living in the Past'.

We used to go to friends homes,

Baseball games and lunches.

Now we go to therapy, to hospitals,

And after-funeral brunches.

We used to have hangovers,

From parties that were gay.

Now we suffer body aches

And sleep the night away.

We used to go out dining,

And couldn't get our fill.

Now we ask for doggie bags,

Come home and take a pill.

We used to travel often

To places near and far.

Now we get backaches

From riding in the car.

We used to go out shopping

For new clothing at the Mall

But, now we never bother...

All the sizes are too small.

That, my friend is how life is,

And now my tale is told.

So, enjoy each day and live it up...

Before you're too darn old!!

Through The Eyes Of The Mayor


Look at Chiefy in his GQ suit. You heard me, start the car, I'll be out there in a minute. Mike Lewwwwiss, Mike Lewwwwiss, Mike Lewwwwiss, thhhhinks he's all dat! How many fffingers does he have ups? Who's that, let me write his name down. Oh look, a chicken! Whoops, dats not a ccchhicken, dats chiefffy. Dat Mikey sure is cute though. Whoopsiedaisy, who puts dat in front of my foot. Where'sss the door. Ssstuuupid door. I TOLD YOU TO PUT ON THE HEATED SEATS, IDIOT!

Clear Channel Layoff Update

Apparently a bunch more layoffs today with Clear Channel; about 5 or more folks being let go in Salisbury at their radio division. Maybe some in Outdoor too....

COMMENT WORTHY OF BEING POSTED


"Dear Mr. Pollitt:

When you ran, you said that your administration was going to be "transparent",
but it does not seem to be happening. What does the appraisal for that farm say?

Why is it needed to do another closed meeting to discuss buying that land and
the mall property?"

Editorial Comment: The Wicomico County Council should also address these
questions during the public part of today's meeting -- before the closed
session to discuss those items.

Deli 111 Extends Fundraiser

"Deli 111 will be extending its fundraisning for Brooke Mulford from January 20th to February 20th."

Remember Folks, stop in and grab a bite to eat and you'll be donating 10% to Brooke Mulford.

Happy Days Are Here Again... The Great Depression is Back

How Old Is Your Brain

This will drive you nuts. The site instructions are in Japanese, so read below!

1. Touch 'start'
2. Wait for 3, 2, 1.
3. Memorize the numbers positions on the screen, then click the circle from the smallest number to the biggest number.
4. At the end of game, the computer will tell you the age of your brain.
5. Type in you are in the comment section of this Post.

GO HERE.

Inauguration Festivities Under Way In Wicomico Schools

Inauguration Festivities Under Way in Wicomico Schools, Many Learning Activities Planned for Jan. 20

Presidential Inauguration learning activities have already been taking place in Wicomico Schools, and Inauguration festivities began Thursday as Pinehurst Elementary School held an inaguration rally with special guest speaker Dr. John Fredericksen, superintendent of schools. The event at Pinehurst included a parade and a mock swearing in as part of the assembly, and staff members performing patriotic songs.

Most events will take place Tuesday, the day the actual inauguration will occur just a couple of hours away from Wicomico County. Wicomico County students will learn more about their country's government through hands-on activities, and participate in the swearing in of a new president by viewing the actual events and taking part in elections and inaugural parades and balls. Each teacher and school was invited to design their own activities.

Inauguration Learning Activities Scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20

West Salisbury Elementary

West Salisbury has planned age-appropriate learning activities leading for the Inauguration. As the Obama children look forward to getting the promised new puppy, our prekindergarten and kindergarten students will learn of the responsibilities in caring for others and pets at home and in the community. In addition to receiving a visit from Linda Lugo of the Humane Society, the students will oversee a school-wide fund raiser entitled “Pennies for Pets, ” with the money awarded to our local Humane Society. Students will also create a Pet Picture wall for all to enjoy. First-graders will experience an online tour of the White House and learn about why new inhabitants of the White House often redecorate to best represent themselves and their nation; students will then participate in an activity where they will decorate and design a classroom that would best serve their learning needs and make an appropriate representation of our school. A wall of classroom designs will be on display for our school to view and enjoy. First graders will also nominate names for our hallways that relate to good citizenship and our school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support plan. Second-graders have learned about the purpose and history of the Inauguration and they will participate in the celebration process. Students will have a formal luncheon, an Inaugural Parade and an Inaugural Ball. At the Ball, children will perform dances that represent the many cultural experiences of President Obama. All students and staff are encouraged to show their patriotism Jan. 20 by wearing Red, White and Blue, and the entire school will view the televised swearing in of the new President.

Prince Street Elementary

Wauchilue Jackson-Snyder, principal of Prince Street, will be attending the Inaugural event in Washington and will be reporting back to staff and students via the morning announcements when she returns. Supplementary materials have been provided for all students, consisting of a coloring activity book for primary students, and activity packets for intermediate students. Teachers will be completing activities utilizing these materials and various other technology-based instructional resources to supplement their instructional activities in progress this month, leading up to the inauguration on the 20th. Student elections have been timed by grade level teachers to coincide with the actual inauguration. The Inaugural event will be televised live to all classrooms and common areas via our closed captioned televisions. All students will view the inaugural event including the swearing in of Mr. Obama and his speech. Inauguration learning activities will be going on in classrooms throughout the day Jan. 20, as they have been in the days leading up to the historic event.

Pemberton Elementary School

The school has been using its morning announcements to have regular pieces highlighting the inauguration. At 8:55 a.m., Pemberton will have a Culminating Quiz Show using the school-wide televised broadcasting system for this interactive event. At noon, students and staff in our entire building will be tuning in to watch the Inauguration Ceremony. Teachers have created engaging and elaborate inauguration lessons leading up to and including the day of the event.

North Salisbury Elementary

North Salisbury will recognize this unique moment in the nation's history by broadcasting a special NSS Live Inauguration 2009 presentation on the school's closed circuit television channel. NSS staff and students have worked in collaboration to devise this special program to be broadcast at 9 a.m. school-wide. The program will begin with our grade 4 reading intervention students presenting a skit noting the significance of this historic event while highlighting Inauguration facts. Following the skit, North Salisbury's Obama impersonator, fifth- grade student Dante Barnes, will take the presidential oath of office. (Dante played Obama in the NSS campaign rally in October and was elected overwhelmingly by the student body to be president.) Finally, the program will conclude with members from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade chorus singing "Hail to the Chief."

Glen Avenue Elementary

Having elected a President and Vice President from current Student Council members, Glen Avenue will hold its own Inauguration ceremony. The Student Council president-elect and his/her running mate will be escorted to school by administration. The president-elect will take an oath of office during the morning announcements and then proceed through the building with a parade. Following the parade, the president will proceed with an inaugural address and the national anthem will be shared. At noon the school focus on Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony and celebrate this historical event as a school. Students will view the televised event, and classroom discussions will follow.

Westside Primary

Lunch shifts have been adjusted so all students at Westside Primary can watch the Swearing in Ceremony in their classrooms on our large Promethean screens. Teachers have been given a great number of resources from which to choose activities. Some of the activities that will be occurring here on January 20th include Promethean Activity about events on inauguration day, Obama Poster, pre-kindergarten Travel Buddy is from Chicago and "knows Obama," use of periodicals, symbols of Washington and map skills, President Song (Dr. Jean Song), and books from the media center.

Pittsville Elementary and Middle

Leading up to Inauguration Day, the assistant principal has done daily announcements to share with students historical inauguration quotes, the Presidential oath of office, and other inaugural facts. Students could earn prizes by accurately answering challenge questions on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration and previous inaugurations. Inauguration Day will be a school-wide Dress-up Day, with students and staff encouraged to dress their best and prizes given to the best dressers. Students have learned about Presidential Inaugurations in the days leading up to the 20th and will continue to do so on this day. Hyperlink resources and lessons have been provided to teachers from education and government websites. Teachers will actively engage students in reflection upon the personal meaning of the Presidential election process and Inauguration, including the significance of the first African-American president. The entire school will view the Oath of Office and the Presidential Inauguration speech via television and online streaming.

Charles H. Chipman Elementary

Leading up to the Inauguration, students heard an age-appropriate biography of Barack Obama. On the morning of the 20th, the entire school will conclude the morning announcements by singing "Hail to the Chief." Inauguration Day will be a school-wide dress-up day. Students will use the current Weekly Reader issue to learn more about the new president and he inaugural process. Classes will watch the inauguration ceremony, and some parents will join their children for the event. Viewing other Inauguration Day events and conducting other activities will be done at the discretion of the teacher or grade-level team. Students may discuss the three major events of the inauguration (ceremony at Capitol, parade, Inaugural Ball), compare/contrast symbolism of the Seal of the President and the Great Seal of the United States, write a letter to our new president, discuss how President-Elect Obama may have prepared for the Inaugural Ceremony, discuss current issues and how the new administration will affect the American people, discuss the theme "Renewing America’s Promise" and make a collage, banner, or other item showing what the theme means to them.

Fruitland Primary

Throughout the week before the Inauguration, teachers have been reviewing the election process, discussing the historical impact of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and getting to know the incoming president and vice president. On Inauguration Day, students will create portraits of President Obama in art class, experience music from the Inaugural Ball in music class, write about what they would do as president, become TV anchors to ask questions of the new president, and watch the swearing in.


Willards Elementary

Student anchors have been sharing inaugural and presidential information on the morning announcements. In classes, students of different grade levels have learned more about the president, the inauguration and leadership. Prekindergarten students learned about Barack Obama and his family and where they will live, put together an Obama puzzle, and talked about why a president is needed. Kindergartners created a presidential coin. First- and second-graders used the internet to build their knowledge about the Inauguration. On Jan. 20, the entire school will demonstrate its patriotism by wearing red, white and blue. Everyone will participate in an Inaugural parade using banners, flags and hats. Students and staff will watch the swearing in either in their classrooms or in the cafeteria.

Beaver Run Elementary

Inauguration Day will be Red, White and Blue Day at Beaver Run. Classroom teachers will conduct social studies lessons in the morning, building background knowledge in preparation for the inauguration of the President. The school will tape the inauguration as it occurs so that students may see it, one grade at a time, in the media center. Tables will be cleared so that they may all sit together to view the actual swearing in of the president. "Hail to the Chief" will be played as students arrive. A facilitator will discuss what they are going to watch and why it is significant. In the cafeteria, another grade level will make a foldable book craft to take home as a memento. Another grade will be in the gym to dance at an Inaugural Ball. The grades will rotate to do all three activities. Every child who participates in these activities will receive a souvenir, a Barack Obama silicone bracelet with card.

Northwestern Elementary

Throughout January, students have learned about the democratic process, elections, inaugural trivia and the president-elect in classroom and grade-level lessons. One reading group is developing a biography of Barack Obama. Students will watch the swearing in Jan. 20.

Delmar Elementary

The school will have a mock inauguration swearing-in ceremony. Students will provide musical selections and self-developed speeches. This will be performed for the entire school at approximately 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.. This will prepare students to watch the actual inauguration ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. In addition, students and staff will wear red, white and blue to celebrate this historical event. Prior to this day teachers have been utilizing lessons to prepare students for the inauguration.

Westside Intermediate

Students will be working on Obama activity booklets and bookmarks. They'll be learning about the Inauguration, the Constitution, past elections and other historic inaugurations. The students will all be eating a bag lunch together and then watching the swearing in ceremony from the cafeteria. Two teachers are going to the Inauguration and they will be bringing back pictures and information.

Salisbury Middle

Students have been asked to dress on Jan. 20 as if they are actually attending the ceremony. At 7:53am, students will arrive to the strains of "Hail to the Chief" and enter a school building decorated with streamers. Students who have dressed professionally for this day will be able to have their picture taken giving their own inaugural speech or standing with a life-size picture of Barack Obama. Students will watch the swearing in and inaugural speech in their classrooms. Parents and alumni have been invited to visit the school to watch the inauguration, and parents and children can watch together in the cafeteria.

Is There A Solution for Downtown Salisbury?

The Daily Times wants "vision".  The downtown business owners probably want a city government that, at best is a partner, at worst gets out of the way.

Is there a way to make downtown Salisbury a vital, and viable, destination again?  Perhaps.

One thing that is sure - more "grand schemes" and subsidies to a chosen few are not the answer.  Read More ...