DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Another Serious Situation
There has allegedly been some kind of serious assault at Sub Runners on Rt. 13 Sby PD & FD are on the scene and again we'll get back to you once we have any updates. Keep your eyes on the comments.
Breaking News
I have just been informed there has been a stabbing with life threatening injuries at Williams Pond Road and Stage Road in Delmar, MD. This is all I have so far and if I get any additional information I'll update this Post.
A Comment Worthy Of A Post
"Guess I have to sign this one....
Greg Bassett and others at the Daily Times (and their other E.S. papers/reporters)have chosen to do whatever they want, including purposely not getting public information out correctly, or just not putting it out at all, putting their spin on what was said (even when they are provided printed copies of EXACTLY what was said) and just doing what they can to cause a stir in many instances.
I have said it before, and I will say it again....
Being from Delmar AND being a former Councilperson AND being former Chairperson of the largest community event in Delmar (Day in the Park)AND being involved with the Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce, in my opinion, the Daily Times has not reported anything coming out of Delmar, for many years, which they did not put their negative spin on.
I believe people WANT to be involved in their communities, but when you have the largest newspaper in the area flat out not caring about the communities and not running your information, that is awful.
As I have been told, Delmar is not the only community treated this way by the Daily Times and their other papers.
Heck, the LAUREL Star covers Delmar, and Laurel is our rival town! Go figure!
Is Joe's blog any different? YES IT IS. Sure, Joe can be biased at times with his posts, however, a blog is set up so that all sides get reflected, either by Joe, or by the people who post on here.
AND...AND....Joe has made the decision to not only be just another run-of-the-mill blog...he has chosen to also provide much needed community announcements so more of us will know what is going on.
Best of all....IT'S FREE. Joe didn't raise his price (LOL) to give us all LESS like the Daily Times did.
It is no surprise to me that Mr. Ireton is having issues with this newspaper. Mr. Ireton, just find another way of getting your word out. There ARE better ways and those other ways will probably not try to change what it is you're saying only for you to find it was changed after it is in print
I may not always agree with what Joe has on here, seriously, but I do appreciate what it is he's doing.
Sorry for such a long response Joe, but I felt I had to say it.
I'm am definitely not the most eloquent writer and don't claim to be but I feel I made my point.
Sincerely,
Diane Buckley"
Thank You Diane. I'd simply like to add, the Daily Times announced their endorsement of Gary Comegys well before Jim Ireton or Bob Caldwell even signed up to run. If that doesn't tell you what's going on here, I don't know what else to tell you other than, CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!
Greg Bassett and others at the Daily Times (and their other E.S. papers/reporters)have chosen to do whatever they want, including purposely not getting public information out correctly, or just not putting it out at all, putting their spin on what was said (even when they are provided printed copies of EXACTLY what was said) and just doing what they can to cause a stir in many instances.
I have said it before, and I will say it again....
Being from Delmar AND being a former Councilperson AND being former Chairperson of the largest community event in Delmar (Day in the Park)AND being involved with the Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce, in my opinion, the Daily Times has not reported anything coming out of Delmar, for many years, which they did not put their negative spin on.
I believe people WANT to be involved in their communities, but when you have the largest newspaper in the area flat out not caring about the communities and not running your information, that is awful.
As I have been told, Delmar is not the only community treated this way by the Daily Times and their other papers.
Heck, the LAUREL Star covers Delmar, and Laurel is our rival town! Go figure!
Is Joe's blog any different? YES IT IS. Sure, Joe can be biased at times with his posts, however, a blog is set up so that all sides get reflected, either by Joe, or by the people who post on here.
AND...AND....Joe has made the decision to not only be just another run-of-the-mill blog...he has chosen to also provide much needed community announcements so more of us will know what is going on.
Best of all....IT'S FREE. Joe didn't raise his price (LOL) to give us all LESS like the Daily Times did.
It is no surprise to me that Mr. Ireton is having issues with this newspaper. Mr. Ireton, just find another way of getting your word out. There ARE better ways and those other ways will probably not try to change what it is you're saying only for you to find it was changed after it is in print
I may not always agree with what Joe has on here, seriously, but I do appreciate what it is he's doing.
Sorry for such a long response Joe, but I felt I had to say it.
I'm am definitely not the most eloquent writer and don't claim to be but I feel I made my point.
Sincerely,
Diane Buckley"
Thank You Diane. I'd simply like to add, the Daily Times announced their endorsement of Gary Comegys well before Jim Ireton or Bob Caldwell even signed up to run. If that doesn't tell you what's going on here, I don't know what else to tell you other than, CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!
DON'T FORGET, FREE FERNANDO GUERRERO TICKETS SOME TIME TOMORROW
Keep your eyes open for the Fernando Guerrero Free ESPN 2 Ticket Give Away starting tomorrow. Get a good night sleep tonight and be ready to answer a tough question.
Daily Times Greg Bassett Responds To Jim Ireton
"Hi Jim.
Thank you for your kind inquiry.
In the court of public opinion, people are free to make their own determinations and offer their opinions via many public forum opportunities. This applies to countless issues affecting countless public personalities and public officials; it happens all the time every day.
As always, the opinion pages of The Daily Times and DelmarvaNow.com are open for you to offer your viewpoint at anytime.
Cheers!
GREG BASSETT
Executive Editor
The Daily Times/Delmarva Media Group"
Mr. Bassett/Daily Times Staff:
Your response does not answer any part of any of my questions: The Daily Times did not state my position, hence misinformation is out in the public realm due to your error. I have no intention or need to get into a Grapevine war, or spend precious time crafting a letter to the editor stating my position when I have already done so. If you, and the staff at the Daily Times, are proud of this coverage - than I assume you, and Mr. Penserga, had an ulterior motive in not printing my clearly stated opinion, and approved a damning Grapevine that is so patently untrue. Salisbury collectively mourns your decision to sell newspapers and lower the quality of journalism in this community. It looks as if Mr. Comegys, Mr. Caldwell, and Mr. Della Penna are not the only opponents I have on the ballot this year. Thank you for your time.
Jim Ireton - Candidate for Mayor
DO YOU KNOW ME?
Hi Joe,
We are going to try something new in an attempt to match up stray dogs with possible owners. We are going to take photos of stray dogs that are brought in to the shelter and if you are willing, have you post them with info that we have on them.
Photo #187--a lab mix, female, about 1 yr. old, tannish red with a white spot on her chest, wearing a multi-colored collar, found on South Division St in Salisbury 1-21-09, cage # B-6
Photo #189--a Lhasa Apso mix, male, about 10 months-1 yr old, taupe colored, wearing a black collar, found running around the airport 1-21-09, cage #B-7
Photo #191--a chow mix, blonde, male, about 2 yrs. old, wearing a leather collar, found on Waller Rd 1-20-09, cage #467
We are calling this our Lost and Found and hoping it will reunite more pets with their families. If it is too much info, let me know and I will try to pare it down. Thanks so much for your help.
Linda
Salisbury Man Pleded Guilty Of Robbing Convenience Store
Today, a Salisbury man pled guilty to robbing a local convenience store.
Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Montemuro says on June 30, 2008, 34-year-old Billy Sorrow and a co-defendant walked into the Royal Farms Store on South Division Street in Salisbury, with stockings on their faces. Sorrow then held his hand under his shirt as if he had a gun and ordered the store clerks to “get down.” Montemuro says Sorrow and his accomplice then removed two cash drawers from the store and fled.
Today, Sorrow pled guilty to robbery and Wicomico County Circuit Court Judge Donald Davis sentenced Sorrow to 15 years in the Division of Correction, suspend all but 8 years. Upon release Sorrow will have 18 months of supervised probation. This is not the first criminal conviction for Sorrow.
The State’s Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Salisbury Police Department, especially Officer Eric Baker and Sergeant Hazel Beauchamp for their tremendous police work in this case.
Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Montemuro says on June 30, 2008, 34-year-old Billy Sorrow and a co-defendant walked into the Royal Farms Store on South Division Street in Salisbury, with stockings on their faces. Sorrow then held his hand under his shirt as if he had a gun and ordered the store clerks to “get down.” Montemuro says Sorrow and his accomplice then removed two cash drawers from the store and fled.
Today, Sorrow pled guilty to robbery and Wicomico County Circuit Court Judge Donald Davis sentenced Sorrow to 15 years in the Division of Correction, suspend all but 8 years. Upon release Sorrow will have 18 months of supervised probation. This is not the first criminal conviction for Sorrow.
The State’s Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Salisbury Police Department, especially Officer Eric Baker and Sergeant Hazel Beauchamp for their tremendous police work in this case.
Wicomico County Licensed Nurse Pled Guilty To Elderly's Identity Theft
This morning, a Licensed Practical Nurse at a Salisbury retirement community pled guilty to stealing the identity of three elderly patients. At least one patient had Alzheimer’s disease and at least one patient has died since the thefts.
Twenty-seven-year-old Tara Campbell, from Crisfield, pled guilty to one count of theft scheme over $500 and two counts of theft under $500 in Wicomico Circuit Court. Judge Donald Davis sentenced Campbell to 15 years in the Division of Correction, suspend all but 5 years with 5 years supervised probation upon release. Campbell was also ordered to pay back the stolen money as a condition of her probation.
Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Montemuro says while Campbell was an LPN at Mallard Landing between October 2007 and January 2008, she stole identifying information from three elderly patients. Montemuro says Campbell used their identities to apply for credit cards in the patients’ names. Montemuro says Campbell then charged more than $8,000.00 on these credit cards.
Montemuro says the judge went beyond the sentencing guidelines because Campbell had prior theft convictions, she preyed upon the most vulnerable of victims, and she executed a well thought out scheme.
The State’s Attorney’s Office would like to thank former Detective Dana Peterson of the Salisbury Police Department and Trooper First Class Sabrina Metzger of the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation for their exhaustive investigation in this case.
Twenty-seven-year-old Tara Campbell, from Crisfield, pled guilty to one count of theft scheme over $500 and two counts of theft under $500 in Wicomico Circuit Court. Judge Donald Davis sentenced Campbell to 15 years in the Division of Correction, suspend all but 5 years with 5 years supervised probation upon release. Campbell was also ordered to pay back the stolen money as a condition of her probation.
Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Montemuro says while Campbell was an LPN at Mallard Landing between October 2007 and January 2008, she stole identifying information from three elderly patients. Montemuro says Campbell used their identities to apply for credit cards in the patients’ names. Montemuro says Campbell then charged more than $8,000.00 on these credit cards.
Montemuro says the judge went beyond the sentencing guidelines because Campbell had prior theft convictions, she preyed upon the most vulnerable of victims, and she executed a well thought out scheme.
The State’s Attorney’s Office would like to thank former Detective Dana Peterson of the Salisbury Police Department and Trooper First Class Sabrina Metzger of the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation for their exhaustive investigation in this case.
Clarity Of Position
January 22, 2009
The Daily Times
Mr. Bassett,
Will it be you or Mr. Penserga that clearly states my position in response to the Grapevine today? I have always supported the redress to neighbors who suffer from this flooding in Camden Neighborhood.
Your reporter missed it, and I expect that his omission will be fixed. Can I count on that from the Daily Times?
Either there was a mistake made on the part of the paper and a correction should be issued, or the omission was done to garner just this kind of response in your Grapevine...which is it? Candidates do everything they can to put forth their vision and the paper ignores what they say. Now misinformation is out there, and your paper is responsible. Please do something about it. I await your response.
Thank you.
Jim Ireton - Candidate for Mayor
http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090122/OPINION08/901220425&s=d&page=2#pluckcomments
72 Year Old Woman Can Finally Retire From McDonald's After Winning Lottery
Nell Pierce-Boykin, a 72-year-old McDonald's worked for McDonald's restaurants in the Atlanta area for 39 years before hitting a $750,000 win in a Georgia State Lottery scratch-off game.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
Obama's First Day: Quick Hits
Here is a quick summary of some of the things that happened yesterday, President Obama's first full day in office.
Lobbyists- "If you are a lobbyist entering my administration, you will not be able to work on matters you lobbied on, nor in the agencies you lobbied during the previous two years. When you leave government, you will not be able to lobby my administration for as long as I am President. And there will be a ban on [ALL] gifts by lobbyists to anyone serving in the administration, as well."
Guantánamo- In the first hours of his presidency, President Obama directed an immediate halt to the Bush administration’s military commissions system for prosecuting detainees at the detention center at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The decision was described as a pause in all war-crimes proceedings there so that the new administration can evaluate how to proceed with prosecutions. Later this week, the new administration is expected to issue an executive order that is to start what could be a long process of closing the detention camp, where about 245 detainees remain.
Bailout- President Obama’s nominee for Treasury secretary, Timothy F. Geithner, called for “fundamental reform” of the government’s $700 billion bailout plan Wednesday, saying it favored big financial institutions over small businesses and struggling families. “Many people believe the program has allowed too much upside for financial institutions, while doing too little for small business owners, families who are struggling to keep their jobs and make ends meet, and innocent homeowners,” Mr. Geithner said. “We have to fundamentally reform this program to ensure that there is enough credit available to support recovery.”
White House Pay- "During this period of economic emergency, families are tightening their belts, and so should Washington. And that's why I'm instituting a pay freeze on the salaries of my senior White House staff." The pay freeze affects anyone in the White House making over $100,000 per year, which is around 100 people.
Transparency- "For a long time now, there's been too much secrecy in [Washington]. The old rules said that if there was a defensible argument for not disclosing something to the American people, then it should not be disclosed. That era is now over. Starting today, every agency and department should know that this administration stands on the side not of those who seek to withhold information but those who seek to make it known. Information will not be withheld just because I say so. It will be withheld because a separate authority [Attorney General] believes my request is well grounded in the Constitution. Let me say it as simply as I can: Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency.
Lobbyists- "If you are a lobbyist entering my administration, you will not be able to work on matters you lobbied on, nor in the agencies you lobbied during the previous two years. When you leave government, you will not be able to lobby my administration for as long as I am President. And there will be a ban on [ALL] gifts by lobbyists to anyone serving in the administration, as well."
Guantánamo- In the first hours of his presidency, President Obama directed an immediate halt to the Bush administration’s military commissions system for prosecuting detainees at the detention center at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The decision was described as a pause in all war-crimes proceedings there so that the new administration can evaluate how to proceed with prosecutions. Later this week, the new administration is expected to issue an executive order that is to start what could be a long process of closing the detention camp, where about 245 detainees remain.
Bailout- President Obama’s nominee for Treasury secretary, Timothy F. Geithner, called for “fundamental reform” of the government’s $700 billion bailout plan Wednesday, saying it favored big financial institutions over small businesses and struggling families. “Many people believe the program has allowed too much upside for financial institutions, while doing too little for small business owners, families who are struggling to keep their jobs and make ends meet, and innocent homeowners,” Mr. Geithner said. “We have to fundamentally reform this program to ensure that there is enough credit available to support recovery.”
White House Pay- "During this period of economic emergency, families are tightening their belts, and so should Washington. And that's why I'm instituting a pay freeze on the salaries of my senior White House staff." The pay freeze affects anyone in the White House making over $100,000 per year, which is around 100 people.
Transparency- "For a long time now, there's been too much secrecy in [Washington]. The old rules said that if there was a defensible argument for not disclosing something to the American people, then it should not be disclosed. That era is now over. Starting today, every agency and department should know that this administration stands on the side not of those who seek to withhold information but those who seek to make it known. Information will not be withheld just because I say so. It will be withheld because a separate authority [Attorney General] believes my request is well grounded in the Constitution. Let me say it as simply as I can: Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency.
Wal-Mart, K-Mart & Target Want To Own The Pet Supply Industry
The American Pet Product Association has projected Pet Supplies to be a $43 billion pet product business in 2008 and Wal-Mart wants a bigger piece of the action. Wal-Mart is convinced that pets are recession proof but having companies like Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target getting more involved in the pet industry, this is going to put a very serious hurting on the small Pet Stores across the Nation.
Wal-Mart is a big enough powerhouse that when it says it wants something done, its suppliers listen. So, if Wal-Mart leans on companies about ingredients from China, that will stop. The new presence of these big box stores in the pet industry means you may be able to get some good items if you can get food you feel good about feeding your dog cheaper, great. If Wal-Mart shuts down the stores that give you that choice, that's not going to be so great.
Melanine was one of the materials found in dog food not too long ago that was recalled and powerhouses like Wal-Mart and Target can help to assure products are manufactured healthier while saving the buyers a lot of money. It's a flip of a coin as to who will make out best in the long run. The losing side is once again taking thousands of additional small businesses out of the market in just a few short years, similar to the small town Hardware Stores and personal service we used to enjoy before the big guys came along. Convenient, yes. Good for the economy, no!
K-Mart, Target and Wal-Mart have all invested heavily in the Pet Supply Industry in the past 2 or 3 years. In no time they will completely own the Industry.
Will they be selling cars and trucks next? These are some pretty smart business people and I hate to say it but there's not going to be many more American Dream businesses left out there if these big companies sit back and watch, waiting for the next big business to come along and then steal the entire Industry out from underneath us all. Small Businesses will do all the hard work and as soon as they smell profits the Wal-Marts of the world will instantly take it away from them and run all the way to the Bank, their Bank that is, because they probably own that too.
So, all that being said, should our Government step in at some point and time and tell these big companies they must be capped at a certain amount of income each year? How do YOU think it should be handled, or do you think these big companies should have the right to do what they're doing?
Wal-Mart is a big enough powerhouse that when it says it wants something done, its suppliers listen. So, if Wal-Mart leans on companies about ingredients from China, that will stop. The new presence of these big box stores in the pet industry means you may be able to get some good items if you can get food you feel good about feeding your dog cheaper, great. If Wal-Mart shuts down the stores that give you that choice, that's not going to be so great.
Melanine was one of the materials found in dog food not too long ago that was recalled and powerhouses like Wal-Mart and Target can help to assure products are manufactured healthier while saving the buyers a lot of money. It's a flip of a coin as to who will make out best in the long run. The losing side is once again taking thousands of additional small businesses out of the market in just a few short years, similar to the small town Hardware Stores and personal service we used to enjoy before the big guys came along. Convenient, yes. Good for the economy, no!
K-Mart, Target and Wal-Mart have all invested heavily in the Pet Supply Industry in the past 2 or 3 years. In no time they will completely own the Industry.
Will they be selling cars and trucks next? These are some pretty smart business people and I hate to say it but there's not going to be many more American Dream businesses left out there if these big companies sit back and watch, waiting for the next big business to come along and then steal the entire Industry out from underneath us all. Small Businesses will do all the hard work and as soon as they smell profits the Wal-Marts of the world will instantly take it away from them and run all the way to the Bank, their Bank that is, because they probably own that too.
So, all that being said, should our Government step in at some point and time and tell these big companies they must be capped at a certain amount of income each year? How do YOU think it should be handled, or do you think these big companies should have the right to do what they're doing?
Alleged Travolta Extortion Plot Over Picture
John Travolta is allegedly being extorted for "millions of dollars" by a pair of men who reportedly are threatening to release a photo of a dying Jett Travolta unless the actor pays up.
Britain's Daily Mail reports that once the extortionists made their demands clear, Travolta contacted his lawyers, who then flew to the Bahamas to meet with the culprits. The Daily Mail cites local media as reporting that two men -- a local Bahamian politician and an ambulance worker -- were being questioned about the incident.
GO HERE to read more.
Britain's Daily Mail reports that once the extortionists made their demands clear, Travolta contacted his lawyers, who then flew to the Bahamas to meet with the culprits. The Daily Mail cites local media as reporting that two men -- a local Bahamian politician and an ambulance worker -- were being questioned about the incident.
GO HERE to read more.
LOST PUPPY IN DELMAR
“PIPER”
9 months old, female Jack Russell Terrier, white and black, only has one eye (right), about 7 lbs. Last seen 1/21/09, needs her medication,
VERY LOVED and TERRIBLY MISSED!
Please call 410-900-3052, 410-493-0897 or 443-365-0315 if you have seen her or have any information.
REWARD FOR HER RETURN!
SALISBURY: THIS COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING NEW!
Now that the filing period has ended for this year’s city election, it is possible to see light at the end of the tunnel under this scenario:
1. Either of two credible candidates – Tim Chaney or Cynthia Polk – prevails in District 1.
2. Debbie Campbell holds her seat in District 2.
3. Either of two very good persons Bob Caldwell or Jim Ireton – becomes Mayor.
Please help to make it happen, starting now (not after the primary), because we know that the landlords (SAPOA) and others who see Salisbury as a cash-cow will be going to even greater lengths than they have to maintain the control that they have had for years – most recently under the Barrie Tilghman regime and her puppets on the Council.
1. Either of two credible candidates – Tim Chaney or Cynthia Polk – prevails in District 1.
2. Debbie Campbell holds her seat in District 2.
3. Either of two very good persons Bob Caldwell or Jim Ireton – becomes Mayor.
Please help to make it happen, starting now (not after the primary), because we know that the landlords (SAPOA) and others who see Salisbury as a cash-cow will be going to even greater lengths than they have to maintain the control that they have had for years – most recently under the Barrie Tilghman regime and her puppets on the Council.
Finally The "Change" We Deserve, I Think?
"So, let's see,
We have a President who has never run anything, not even a corner store.
Don't tell me he ran his campaign, because he didn't, he showed up and gave speeches.
The candidate doesn't have time to run the campaign.
We have a Vice President who thinks FDR was President and America had TV when the
stock market crashed in 1929, (Herbert Hoover was in office and Television didn't
become widely used until the '50's), he is also well known for his plagiarism in the
late '80s.
We have a Secretary of State, who has never run anything, not even a corner store.
Her claim to fame is that she is the wife of a former President, who had sex in the
Oval Office, disgraced the Presidency and was impeached.
We have a CIA Director who has never worked in the intelligence field and is
expected to take over during the most dangerous times we have ever faced.
We have a Democrat Governor of Illinois who is the process of being impeached for
trying to sell the Senate seat of the now President. At the same time, the Democrat
Senate is about to approve the person this Governor named as a replacement for that
senate seat.
Now we have someone that is expected to replace Hillary Clinton as the new Senator from New York, who has never held office, has never run anything, not even a corner store, and whose only claim to fame is that she is worth over 100 million dollars and her father was President and was assassinated 45 years ago.
Finally, though I don't think that this is the end, we have a Treasury Secretary who doesn't pay his taxes.
Oh, this is really upbeat. Only someone with their head firmly where the sun doesn't shine could think this is a positive situation.
Not sure I like the 'Change'."
Published by Joe Albero
We have a President who has never run anything, not even a corner store.
Don't tell me he ran his campaign, because he didn't, he showed up and gave speeches.
The candidate doesn't have time to run the campaign.
We have a Vice President who thinks FDR was President and America had TV when the
stock market crashed in 1929, (Herbert Hoover was in office and Television didn't
become widely used until the '50's), he is also well known for his plagiarism in the
late '80s.
We have a Secretary of State, who has never run anything, not even a corner store.
Her claim to fame is that she is the wife of a former President, who had sex in the
Oval Office, disgraced the Presidency and was impeached.
We have a CIA Director who has never worked in the intelligence field and is
expected to take over during the most dangerous times we have ever faced.
We have a Democrat Governor of Illinois who is the process of being impeached for
trying to sell the Senate seat of the now President. At the same time, the Democrat
Senate is about to approve the person this Governor named as a replacement for that
senate seat.
Now we have someone that is expected to replace Hillary Clinton as the new Senator from New York, who has never held office, has never run anything, not even a corner store, and whose only claim to fame is that she is worth over 100 million dollars and her father was President and was assassinated 45 years ago.
Finally, though I don't think that this is the end, we have a Treasury Secretary who doesn't pay his taxes.
Oh, this is really upbeat. Only someone with their head firmly where the sun doesn't shine could think this is a positive situation.
Not sure I like the 'Change'."
Published by Joe Albero
KURTIS THE STOCK BOY AND BRENDA THE CHECKOUT GIRL
If you're asking yourself why this is our TOP 9:00 AM Post, READ ON!
In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock-boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.
Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.
He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us."
She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Downs Syndrome.
Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a different mindset.
That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.
A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added two more kids.
So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona, where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in this year’s Super Bowl. Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person?
It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NFL's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player, but first and foremost He is a believer in Jesus Christ!
In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock-boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.
Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.
He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us."
She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Downs Syndrome.
Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a different mindset.
That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.
A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added two more kids.
So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona, where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in this year’s Super Bowl. Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person?
It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NFL's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player, but first and foremost He is a believer in Jesus Christ!
New Element Discovered
New Element
Lawrence Livermore Laboratories has discovered the heaviest element yet known to science.
The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.
Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from four days to four years to complete.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2- 6 years; It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.
In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass.
When catalysed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.
Lawrence Livermore Laboratories has discovered the heaviest element yet known to science.
The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.
Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from four days to four years to complete.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2- 6 years; It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.
In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass.
When catalysed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.
Blogger Joe Albero Gains Access To Bank Of Delmar Safe
The Bank of Delmarva on Line Road in Downtown Delmar, Maryland recently moved but not completely. The Bank of Delmar recently completed their new Bank next to Rite Aide on Rt. 13. Their Downtown Drive-Thru will remain open until they feel everyone has become used to going to the new location. The photos above is the second location for this Bank since it was established in the 1800's and the last photo was the very first location, which is now a Barber Shop. I'm told their original safe is still hidden within the Barber Shop but not many people know where it is and it hasn't been used in in more than 50 years.
When I came upon the move I was instantly interested in the building but I'm told the Town of Delmar is actually interested in purchasing the building. I'm sure they're considering a new City Hall or perhaps a new Police department, which they desperately need. The current Police Department doesn't even have a Cell in it. They actually hand cuff prisoners to a bench.
Anyhow, while I was touring the inside of the building I came to learn that it's actually 3 buildings in one. The Safe was custom manufactured in the early 1920's and is quite a sight to see, especially the door. Oh well, onward and upward as they say. I could see a pretty cool jail cell where the safe now sits.
The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps
The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps
National Citizens Neighborhood Watch - Securing the American Border
Border Watch Operation Totals: 289 Days on Watch
30,962 Illegal Aliens Sighted; 329 Rescues; 13,769 Intruder Apprehensions from 26 Countries Confirmed by Border Patrol.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps to see the borders and coastal boundaries of the United States secured against the unlawful and unauthorized entry of all individuals, contraband, and foreign military. We will employ all means of civil protest, demonstration, and political lobbying to accomplish this goal.
http://www.minutemanhq.com/hq
Maryland Chapter
http://www.minutemanhq.com/state/index.php?chapter=md
National Citizens Neighborhood Watch - Securing the American Border
Border Watch Operation Totals: 289 Days on Watch
30,962 Illegal Aliens Sighted; 329 Rescues; 13,769 Intruder Apprehensions from 26 Countries Confirmed by Border Patrol.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps to see the borders and coastal boundaries of the United States secured against the unlawful and unauthorized entry of all individuals, contraband, and foreign military. We will employ all means of civil protest, demonstration, and political lobbying to accomplish this goal.
http://www.minutemanhq.com/hq
Maryland Chapter
http://www.minutemanhq.com/state/index.php?chapter=md
More 2008 Darwin Awards
You've been waiting for them with bated breath, so without further ado here
are the 2008 Darwin Awards.
Eighth Place
In Detroit , a 41-year-old man got stuck and drowned in two feet of water after squeezing head first through an 18-inch-wide sewer grate to retrieve his car keys.
Seventh Place
A 49-year-old San Francisco stockbroker, who 'totally zoned when he ran', accidentally, jogged off a 100-foot high cliff on his daily run.
Sixth Place
While at the beach, Daniel Jones, 21, dug an 8 foot hole for protection from the wind and had been sitting in a beach chair at the bottom when it collapsed, burying him beneath 5 feet of sand. People on the beach used their hands and shovels trying to get him out but could not reach him. It took rescue workers using heavy equipment almost an hour to free him. Jones was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Fifth Place
Santiago Alvarado, 24, was killed as he fell through the ceiling of a bicycle shop he was burglarizing. Death was caused when the long flashlight he had placed in his mouth to keep his hands free rammed into the base of his skull as he hit the floor.
Fourth Place
Sylvester Briddell, Jr., 26, was killed as he won a bet with friends who said he would not put a revolver loaded with four bullets into his mouth and pull the trigger.
Third Place
After stepping around a marked police patrol car parked at the front door, a man walked into H&J Leather & Firearms intent on robbing the store. The shop was full of customers and a uniformed officer was standing at the counter. Upon seeing the officer, the would-be robber announced a hold-up!, and fired a few wild shots from a target pistol. The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, and several customers also drew their guns and fired. The robber was pronounced dead at the scene by Paramedics. Crime scene investigators located 47 expended cartridge cases in the shop. The subsequent autopsy revealed 23 gunshot wounds. Ballistics identified rounds from 7 different weapons. No one else was hurt.
HONORABLE MENTION
Paul Stiller, 47, and his wife Bonnie were bored just driving around at 2 A.M. so they lit a quarter stick of dynamite to toss out the window to see what would happen. Apparently they failed to notice the window was closed.
RUNNER UP
Kerry Bingham had been drinking with several friends when one of them said they knew a person who had bungee-jumped from a local bridge in the middle of traffic. The conversation grew more heated and at least 10 men trooped along the walkway of the bridge at 4:30 AM.
Upon arrival at the midpoint of the bridge they discovered that no one had brought a bungee rope. Bingham, who had continued drinking, volunteered and pointed out that a coil of lineman's cable, lay near by. They secured one end around Bingham's leg and then tied the other to the bridge. His fall lasted 40 feet before the cable tightened and tore his foot off at the ankle.
He miraculously survived his fall into the icy water and was rescued by two nearby fishermen. Bingham's foot was never located.
AND THE WINNER IS...
Zookeeper Friedrich Riesfeldt (Paderborn, Germany) fed his constipated elephant 22 doses of animal laxative and more than a bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the plugged-up pachyderm finally got relief. Investigators say ill-fated Friedrich, 46, was attempting to give the ailing elephant an olive oil enema when the relieved beast unloaded. The sheer force of the elephant's unexpected defecation knocked Mr. Riesfeldt to the ground where he struck his head on a rock as the elephant continued to evacuate 200 pounds of dung on top of him.
It seems to be just one of those freak accidents that proves.. 'Sh!t happens'
IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPORTANT TO THANK THESE PEOPLE FOR REMOVING THEMSELVES FROM THE GENE POOL.
are the 2008 Darwin Awards.
Eighth Place
In Detroit , a 41-year-old man got stuck and drowned in two feet of water after squeezing head first through an 18-inch-wide sewer grate to retrieve his car keys.
Seventh Place
A 49-year-old San Francisco stockbroker, who 'totally zoned when he ran', accidentally, jogged off a 100-foot high cliff on his daily run.
Sixth Place
While at the beach, Daniel Jones, 21, dug an 8 foot hole for protection from the wind and had been sitting in a beach chair at the bottom when it collapsed, burying him beneath 5 feet of sand. People on the beach used their hands and shovels trying to get him out but could not reach him. It took rescue workers using heavy equipment almost an hour to free him. Jones was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Fifth Place
Santiago Alvarado, 24, was killed as he fell through the ceiling of a bicycle shop he was burglarizing. Death was caused when the long flashlight he had placed in his mouth to keep his hands free rammed into the base of his skull as he hit the floor.
Fourth Place
Sylvester Briddell, Jr., 26, was killed as he won a bet with friends who said he would not put a revolver loaded with four bullets into his mouth and pull the trigger.
Third Place
After stepping around a marked police patrol car parked at the front door, a man walked into H&J Leather & Firearms intent on robbing the store. The shop was full of customers and a uniformed officer was standing at the counter. Upon seeing the officer, the would-be robber announced a hold-up!, and fired a few wild shots from a target pistol. The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, and several customers also drew their guns and fired. The robber was pronounced dead at the scene by Paramedics. Crime scene investigators located 47 expended cartridge cases in the shop. The subsequent autopsy revealed 23 gunshot wounds. Ballistics identified rounds from 7 different weapons. No one else was hurt.
HONORABLE MENTION
Paul Stiller, 47, and his wife Bonnie were bored just driving around at 2 A.M. so they lit a quarter stick of dynamite to toss out the window to see what would happen. Apparently they failed to notice the window was closed.
RUNNER UP
Kerry Bingham had been drinking with several friends when one of them said they knew a person who had bungee-jumped from a local bridge in the middle of traffic. The conversation grew more heated and at least 10 men trooped along the walkway of the bridge at 4:30 AM.
Upon arrival at the midpoint of the bridge they discovered that no one had brought a bungee rope. Bingham, who had continued drinking, volunteered and pointed out that a coil of lineman's cable, lay near by. They secured one end around Bingham's leg and then tied the other to the bridge. His fall lasted 40 feet before the cable tightened and tore his foot off at the ankle.
He miraculously survived his fall into the icy water and was rescued by two nearby fishermen. Bingham's foot was never located.
AND THE WINNER IS...
Zookeeper Friedrich Riesfeldt (Paderborn, Germany) fed his constipated elephant 22 doses of animal laxative and more than a bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the plugged-up pachyderm finally got relief. Investigators say ill-fated Friedrich, 46, was attempting to give the ailing elephant an olive oil enema when the relieved beast unloaded. The sheer force of the elephant's unexpected defecation knocked Mr. Riesfeldt to the ground where he struck his head on a rock as the elephant continued to evacuate 200 pounds of dung on top of him.
It seems to be just one of those freak accidents that proves.. 'Sh!t happens'
IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPORTANT TO THANK THESE PEOPLE FOR REMOVING THEMSELVES FROM THE GENE POOL.
Magician Brad Brown At Greenwood Mennonite School
Greenwood Mennonite School will host a FREE community Family Fun Night with Christian magician and entertainer Brad Brown. Everyone is invited to join us!
Your children will especially enjoy the evening as they interact with him in making the magic happen. Kids love Brad! He has the ability to use magic to capture their imagination. Your children will laugh, clap and actively be involved in the program. Brad’s unique style allows him to connect with people of all ages making this a great event for the entire family. Not just for kids, teenagers and grown-ups are also engaged and entertained by his amazing magic and off-beat humor. His one man stage show is a perfect family event combining side splitting humor and mind blowing magic to present an uplifting message.
Brad Brown is a family entertainer who travels from coast to coast and abroad delighting audiences with his unique blend of comedy and magic. More than just mere entertainment, Brad uses his program to present the gospel of Jesus Christ. He got his start in magic as a child, when he found a magic kit in his grandmother’s attic. He has never outgrown his love for magic.
Brad continued to hone his skills in performing magic and ministry through his college years. He directed a Christian creative performing arts team while in college and used his magic skills as a summer missionary for several years.
He now works in partnership with churches, schools and other ministry organizations across the nation and abroad to provide entertainment and inspiration. He has taken his magic on tour overseas eleven times. Most recently he spent 6 weeks in the Philippines performing in churches, youth camps and outreach events.
Brad Brown is a member of the National Speakers Association and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. He is a recommended speaker for Upward Christian sports award celebrations.
Family Fun Night
Christian magician and entertainer Brad Brown
Saturday February 28 @ 7:00 P.M.
Admission is FREE!
An offering will be received to benefit Greenwood Mennonite School.
12802 Mennonite School Road - between Routes 16 & 36 just east of Greenwood.
Contact our school office @ 302-349-4131 to learn more details
We encourage you to visit our web site @ http://www.gms-flames.org
The Lone Star Rodeo Company
The Lone Star Rodeo Company presents:
The Still Standing Tour featuring Bulls, Broncs & Barrels
Dust off your cowboy boots! The Lone Star Rodeo is returning to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center January 23-24, 2009 with the action-packed Still Standing Tour featuring Bulls, Broncs and Barrels.
Contest events include barback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, cowgirls barrel racing and brahma bull riding. Special added attractions include a professional rodeo clown and funnyman Keith Isley.
Tickets are on sale now online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org, by phone at 410-548-4911 or in person at the Box Office. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Tickets are $22 plus fees for reserved seats. General admission seating is $15 for adults and $12 for children under 12.
Join us on Friday, January 23 for Crush Family Fun Night for $3 off all children’s tickets! There will also be a “Best Dressed Cowboy & Cowgirl Contest” during Friday’s intermission.
The 2009 Still Standing Tour featuring Bulls, Broncs and Barrels is brought to you by The Lone Star Rodeo Company, the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, Crush, US Army, Cat Country and Microtel.
The Still Standing Tour featuring Bulls, Broncs & Barrels
Dust off your cowboy boots! The Lone Star Rodeo is returning to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center January 23-24, 2009 with the action-packed Still Standing Tour featuring Bulls, Broncs and Barrels.
Contest events include barback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, cowgirls barrel racing and brahma bull riding. Special added attractions include a professional rodeo clown and funnyman Keith Isley.
Tickets are on sale now online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org, by phone at 410-548-4911 or in person at the Box Office. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Tickets are $22 plus fees for reserved seats. General admission seating is $15 for adults and $12 for children under 12.
Join us on Friday, January 23 for Crush Family Fun Night for $3 off all children’s tickets! There will also be a “Best Dressed Cowboy & Cowgirl Contest” during Friday’s intermission.
The 2009 Still Standing Tour featuring Bulls, Broncs and Barrels is brought to you by The Lone Star Rodeo Company, the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, Crush, US Army, Cat Country and Microtel.
“MARPSA GoodSport” Award Recipients Announced
(Salisbury, MD) The Wicomico County Recreation & Parks Department has announced the two county residents to represent the local sports at the annual “Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks Sports Alliance GoodSport Awards Ceremony” on Monday, February 2 at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. The event includes a reception co-hosted by the Alliance and Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Michael Busch followed by recognition of all recipients at the evenings General Assembly session.
Taylor Phippin, a member of the Junior Girls Softball league and an 11th grade student at Parkiside High School, will represent County athletes and George Vogelsang, a Junior Girls Softball assistant coach will represent County coaches at the ceremony. Both were awarded Sportsmanship awards at the Wicomico County’s 2008 Annual Volunteer Banquet held in December.
The MARPSA GoodSports Award program provides an opportunity for member agencies to recognize both young athletes and coaches who have modeled GoodSports behaviors in local athletics.
Taylor was recognized for her desire, enthusiasm, and love for the sport of softball. Her attitude and sportsmanship are contagious and her commitment became the cog of the wheel that carried her team. Her willingness and team first attitude spread throughout the players and parents on the team. Her outstanding sportsmanship has been recognized and noticed by opposing coaches, parents, players, and umpires
George Vogelsang displayed outstanding morals and values when working with his 14 & under Softball team. He was very supportive of his players and always displayed a positive attitude at all times, in all situations, on and off the field. He was respectful of other coaches, players, and umpires setting a good example for all to follow. He exemplified the positive approach expected of youth coaches during games and practices.
The Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks’ Sports Alliance is a consortium of Recreation and Parks Departments, organizations representing sports officials, and sport governing bodies in the region. Each member organization designates one player and one coach to represent their community as a model of GoodSports.
The mission of the Alliance is to develop and communicate a consistent message that organizations and their players, coaches and spectators will be held accountable to a code of conduct that promotes GoodSports and keeps recreational competitive and non-competitive sporting activities in proper perspective.
Taylor Phippin, a member of the Junior Girls Softball league and an 11th grade student at Parkiside High School, will represent County athletes and George Vogelsang, a Junior Girls Softball assistant coach will represent County coaches at the ceremony. Both were awarded Sportsmanship awards at the Wicomico County’s 2008 Annual Volunteer Banquet held in December.
The MARPSA GoodSports Award program provides an opportunity for member agencies to recognize both young athletes and coaches who have modeled GoodSports behaviors in local athletics.
Taylor was recognized for her desire, enthusiasm, and love for the sport of softball. Her attitude and sportsmanship are contagious and her commitment became the cog of the wheel that carried her team. Her willingness and team first attitude spread throughout the players and parents on the team. Her outstanding sportsmanship has been recognized and noticed by opposing coaches, parents, players, and umpires
George Vogelsang displayed outstanding morals and values when working with his 14 & under Softball team. He was very supportive of his players and always displayed a positive attitude at all times, in all situations, on and off the field. He was respectful of other coaches, players, and umpires setting a good example for all to follow. He exemplified the positive approach expected of youth coaches during games and practices.
The Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks’ Sports Alliance is a consortium of Recreation and Parks Departments, organizations representing sports officials, and sport governing bodies in the region. Each member organization designates one player and one coach to represent their community as a model of GoodSports.
The mission of the Alliance is to develop and communicate a consistent message that organizations and their players, coaches and spectators will be held accountable to a code of conduct that promotes GoodSports and keeps recreational competitive and non-competitive sporting activities in proper perspective.
The Wicomico County Board of Education Recognitions Night
Students, Teachers, Schools Honored at the Jan. 20 Wicomico County Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night
The Wicomico County Board of Education held its second Awards and Recognitions Night of the 2008-09 school year Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Prince Street Elementary School. The following students, teachers and schools were recognized:
“Tobacco-Free! It’s the Way to Be” Tobacco Prevention Poster Contest
The Tobacco Prevention Poster Contests have been successful campaigns both for the Wicomico County Health Department’s CRF Tobacco Program and for health education in the classroom. Earlier this school year, a poster contest was held for students in grades 6 through 12 who were enrolled in health education classes. The two overall winning designs -- one for middle school, one for high school -- will be displayed on large advertising signs in the Centre at Salisbury. The Board of Education, in cooperation with Sara Seitz, community health educator for the Wicomico County Health Department, was pleased to present certificates of recognition to students whose artwork was chosen for the 2008-09 “Tobacco Free! It’s the Way to Be!” Poster Contest:
School winners:
Sherrie Shatney, Wicomico Middle School
Marcus Milligan, Salisbury Middle School
Brandi Scott, Wicomico High School
Marcus Morrison, James M. Bennett High School
Overall winners:
Luke Bae, Parkside High School
Emma Mathes, Bennett Middle School
Wicomico County Schools’ Eagle Scouts
Last June, the Board of Education recognized three young women for earning the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, and now the Board is recognizing the young men in Wicomico County Schools who have capped their years in the Boy Scouts by attaining the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Less than 5 percent of the boys who join a Boy Scout Troop earn the Eagle Award. The award represents leadership, service, mastery of outdoor skills, and completion of a service project that benefits and engages the community. The Board of Education proudly recognized these current Wicomico County students who have attained the rank of Eagle Scout since 2006:
James Robert Cook, Wicomico High School
William Paul Curtis, Jr., James M. Bennett High School
Brandon Gleason Hildreth, Parkside High School
Jonathan Robert Holloway, James M. Bennett High School
Ryan MacKay Lewis, Wicomico High School
James Edward Moyers, III, James M. Bennett High School
Kyle Madison Vestal, Mardela High School
Cody Ryan Whitelock, James M. Bennett High School
2008 Board of Education Holiday Card Designers
Every year, art teachers across the county ask their students to design a card to be submitted for selection for the annual Board of Education holiday card, sent to businesses, public officials and other educational agencies. The designs must be original and the winning design or designs are chosen by the superintendent of schools. This year, the superintendent of schools selected three winning designs by:
Jessica A. Silbert, 10th grade student from Wicomico High School, Teacher Julia Kohut;
Cindy D. Garcia, 9th grade student from Parkside High School, teacher Stephanie McCoy;
Erin O. Lee, 9th grade student from James M. Bennett High School, Teacher Heather Riser.
2008 All-State Music Ensembles Recognition
The seven students recognized as All-State Musicians qualified for 2009 Maryland All State Musical Performing Groups through an audition procedure that included thousands of candidates. The performances will be held during the Maryland Music Educators Conference in late February in Baltimore.
2009 Maryland All-State Junior Chorus: Daniel W. Bishop, tenor, Salisbury Middle School (Toni Cropper, Director); and Paul D. Gray, tenor, Pittsville Middle School (Janice Davis, Director).
2009 Maryland All-State Junior Band: Molly E. Potvin, clarinet (alternate), James M. Bennett High School (Douglas Miles, Director).
2009 All-State Senior Mixed Chorus: Leah M. Carpenter, alto, and Melissa K. Craft, alto, James M. Bennett High School (Charles Reavis, Director); and
2009 All-State Senior Women’s Chorus: Emily F. Morris, soprano, James M. Bennett High School (Charles Reavis, Director) and Taylor L. Brady, alto, Parkside High School (Sarah McCabe, Director).
2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament of Bands
The Atlantic Coast conference Tournament of Bands Competition is a prestigious annual competition in Allentown, Pa., that comprises the top 25 bands in each competition group based on band size. This includes bands from Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina. Two Wicomico County School bands earned the right to compete this year, as one of the best in their respective Tournament of Bands Chapter.
Band Director Douglas Miles and the James M. Bennett Marching Band
Band Director Kevin Zaczkiewicz and the Parkside High School Marching Band
Eastern Shore High School Mathematics Competition
The Eastern Shore High School Mathematics Competition is sponsored by Delmarva Power and Salisbury University’s Department of Mathematics & Computer Science. The competition is designed to test math and problem-solving skills of students in grades nine through twelve. This year a Wicomico student tied for third place in that competition.
Derek Wu, James M. Bennett High School
President’s Volunteer Service Award
The President's Volunteer Service Award was created by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Council brings together leaders from the worlds of business, entertainment, sports, education, government, nonprofits, and the media to focus on volunteer service. This Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. Three Wicomico students who attend James M. Bennett High School have been honored with this award.
Marcella Morris
Austin Wigley
Derek Wu
Wendy’s High School Heisman Award
In conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, the Wendy's High School Heisman Award celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom. The Wendy’s High School Heisman Award encourages future leadership by recognizing well-balanced lifestyles at an early age. To be eligible for this award, students must display academic aptitude, athletic talent and exceptional commitment to their communities. Four Wicomico County seniors were recognized in this year's Wendy's High School Heisman Award program.
School Winner: Claire Gianelle, Parkside High School
State Finalists: Ashley Benson, James M. Bennett High School; Seth Illian, Parkside High School
For each state, a male and a female winner are selected to compete at the national level. The Maryland Male Winner was:
Austin Wigley, James M. Bennett High School
High School Scholar Awards
The National Hispanic Recognition Program was initiated in 1983 to identify outstanding Hispanic/ Latino high school students and to share information about those students with interested colleges and universities. In order to be eligible, students must be at least one-quarter Hispanic/Latino as defined by the program, meet the minimum PSAT/NMSQT cutoff score for the state, and achieve a minimum grade point average requirement. Each year the program identifies nearly 5,000 of the highest-scoring students from about 200,000 students in the United States and U. S. Territories. A Wicomico County student has received this national recognition.
Krystal Arroyo-Flores, Parkside High School
The National Merit Scholarship Award Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Of the 1.5 million students who take the PSAT/NMSQT in a given year, 50,000 qualify for recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program. A number of Wicomico County students have earned this recognition.
Commended Students:
Sakib Adnan, James M. Bennett High School
Courtney Burton, Wicomico High School
Micah J. Colston, Parkside High School
Steven Hearne, James M. Bennett High School
Cathleen Jones, James M. Bennett High School
Joseph Raffa, James M. Bennett High School
Ann Reading, James M. Bennett High School
Kevin Smith, James M. Bennett High School
Austin Wigley, James M. Bennett High School
Derek Wu, James M. Bennett High School
Semifinalists are the highest-scoring entrants in each state and are eligible to advance to the competition for the National Merit Scholarships.
National Merit Scholarship—Semi-Finalist: Joseph Tilghman, James M. Bennett High School
Maryland Distinguished Scholar Program
The Maryland Distinguished Scholar Program is sponsored by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and students may enter this statewide program in their junior year. Eligible students must earn a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.7 and must submit either PSAT or SAT scores and an application. Students may receive recognition at several levels of the Distinguished Scholar Award and may vie for associated scholarships.
Maryland Distinguished Scholar Semi-finalist: Ann Reading, James M. Bennett High School
Maryland Distinguished Scholar Finalists: Kevin Smith, James M. Bennett High School; Joseph Tilghman, James M. Bennett High School
Students may also earn Maryland Distinguished Scholar recognition in the area of visual art, instrumental music, vocal music, dance or drama. Selected students must appear in front of a panel of professional judges. For both his musical prowess and his academic performance, the Maryland Distinguished Scholar Program has recognized as a finalist:
Derek Wu, James M. Bennett High School
AP Scholars
These students have taken challenging college-level AP or Advanced Placement Courses. At the end of each AP course, students have the option to take an exam on which high marks may earn them college credit. The AP Program recognizes students for outstanding success on these exams.
These students are recognized as AP Scholars for receiving grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams:
Dev Basumallik, James M. Bennett High School
Rafiq Gharbi, Parkside High School
Daphne Heflin, James M. Bennett High School
Laura Heller, Parkside High School
Kelsey Miller, Parkside High School
Marcella Morris, James M. Bennett High School
Laura Payne, James M. Bennett High School
David Perry, James M. Bennett High School
Ann Reading, James M. Bennett High School
AP Scholars with Honor, with an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams, are:
Sakib Adnan, James M. Bennett High School
Krystal Arroyo-Flores, Parkside High School
David Casavant, James M. Bennett High School
Rachel Hall, James M. Bennett High School
Steven Hearne, James M. Bennett High School
Nathan Hetzler, James M. Bennett High School
Abigail Johnson, James M. Bennett High School
Cathleen Jones, James M. Bennett High School
Erin Kennedy, James M. Bennett High School
Amit Patel, James M. Bennett High School
AP Scholars with Distinction, recognized for receiving an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams, are:
Ashley Benson, James M. Bennett High School
Zachary Dorman, James M. Bennett High School
Abdulrehman Siddiqui, James M. Bennett High School
Wesley Skeeter, James M. Bennett High School
Kevin Smith, James M. Bennett High School
Joseph Tilghman, James M. Bennett High School
Austin Wigley, James M. Bennett High School
Derek Wu, James M. Bennett High School
WMDT’S “Teachers Who Make A Difference”
Local TV station WMDT selects a monthly WMDT Teacher Who Makes a Difference based upon nominations. In September 2008, a student nominated this teacher as the ‘best gym teacher I ever had in the 7 years of my life.” He has taught at Delmar for 8 years, enjoys teaching and working with young students, is pursuing administration certification in order to become a future elementary administrator, has a master in post secondary education, has taught a physical internship class at Salisbury University and continues to work with SU students as a mentor. The September WMDT Teacher Who Makes a Difference was:
Mark Thomas, physical education teacher, Delmar Elementary School
2008-09 Maryland Elementary School Counselor of the Year
In October at the Maryland School Counselors Association Conference, a Wicomico school counselor was recognized as Maryland Elementary School Counselor of the Year. This honor was a reflection of her personal and professional commitment to her students, staff and community. The Maryland Elementary School Counselor of the Year is:
Tana Ellis, guidance counselor, Prince Street Elementary School
Fruitland Walmart Teacher of the Year
During this year's American Education Week, the Fruitland Walmart announced as its Teacher of the Year a teacher who had received "a huge amount of nominations in her honor." The 2008-09 Fruitland Walmart Teacher of the Year received $1000 for the school to use for the students, a $100 gift card for her to use for her class, and a framed certificate. The Fruitland Walmart Teacher of the Year is:
Susan S. Jones, Fruitland Primary School
2008 National Board Certified Teachers
National Board Certification is a symbol of professional teaching excellence. Achieving this distinction attests to the fact that a teacher has been judged by his or her peers as one who is accomplished in a chosen field. It is a voluntary assessment program designed to recognize and reward great teacher and make them even greater. National Board Certified Teachers have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills, and practices and certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. This year seven Wicomico County teachers achieved National Certification, one of the largest groups ever to achieve national board certification from the district in one year.
Melinda Demaris, Pemberton Elementary School
Julie Dill, Pemberton Elementary School
Vicki Ewalt, Willards Elementary School
Marc Garlock, James M. Bennett High School
Jane Long, Salisbury Middle School
Elaine Tilghman, Prince Street Elementary School
Nicole Twilley, Pemberton Elementary School
Giant Teachers of the Month
The management of the Salisbury Giant Food Store initiated a program last year to recognize Wicomico teachers who exemplify the characteristics found in the Developmental Assets, exhibit a caring relationship towards students, and go above and beyond to meet the needs of students. Winners from the 2008-09 school year so far are:
October: Connie Boccia, Beaver Run Elementary School
November: Beth Cox, Glen Avenue Elementary School
December: Sharon Rash, Wicomico Middle School
Mary Gay Calcott Award of Excellence in Education
This award is given through the Mary Gay Calcott Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation. Ms. Calcott was a professor of English at Salisbury University for 30 years. She embodied in her life and her teaching the ideals of liberal education: teaching students to think to express themselves with clarity and to care about the world they live in. This year's Mary Gay Calcott Award of Excellence in Education Award went to:
North Salisbury Elementary School
National Promising Practices Award Recipient
The National Promising Practices Award is given for a unique and specific character education strategy that addresses one or more of the Character Education partnership’s Eleven Principles of Character Education. The purpose of the award is to recognize exemplary practices and to spread the word about effective character education strategies. The Bobcat Bunch won a National Promising Practices Award for Principle 11: Assessment and Action. The Bobcat Bunch achieved its exemplary status because of its demonstrated effectiveness. The winner of a National Promising Practices Award was:
Delmar Elementary School, for the Bobcat Bunch
Facility Awards
The Department of Facility Services has been recognized with a Governor's Citation for Superior Maintenance of Schools for superior state maintenance inspections of Pemberton Elementary, Willards Elementary and Westside Primary.
The Board of Education and the Department of Facility Services were also recognized by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce with the Fred P. Adkins Award for Architectural Enhancement for the Prince Street Elementary School renovation project.
2008-09 First Quarter Paper Recycling Contest Winner
As part of an effort to encourage good stewardship of community resources and to promote environmental awareness, a quarterly recycling contest initiative is sponsored by the Walmart Super Center in North Salisbury, in partnership with the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Facility Services. A $1000 quarterly reward is offered to the Wicomico County School recycling team with the best school paper recycling effort. The school with the best effort for the First Quarter of the 2008-09 school year was:
Glen Avenue Elementary School, with 6.675 pounds of recycled paper per student
The Wicomico County Board of Education held its second Awards and Recognitions Night of the 2008-09 school year Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Prince Street Elementary School. The following students, teachers and schools were recognized:
“Tobacco-Free! It’s the Way to Be” Tobacco Prevention Poster Contest
The Tobacco Prevention Poster Contests have been successful campaigns both for the Wicomico County Health Department’s CRF Tobacco Program and for health education in the classroom. Earlier this school year, a poster contest was held for students in grades 6 through 12 who were enrolled in health education classes. The two overall winning designs -- one for middle school, one for high school -- will be displayed on large advertising signs in the Centre at Salisbury. The Board of Education, in cooperation with Sara Seitz, community health educator for the Wicomico County Health Department, was pleased to present certificates of recognition to students whose artwork was chosen for the 2008-09 “Tobacco Free! It’s the Way to Be!” Poster Contest:
School winners:
Sherrie Shatney, Wicomico Middle School
Marcus Milligan, Salisbury Middle School
Brandi Scott, Wicomico High School
Marcus Morrison, James M. Bennett High School
Overall winners:
Luke Bae, Parkside High School
Emma Mathes, Bennett Middle School
Wicomico County Schools’ Eagle Scouts
Last June, the Board of Education recognized three young women for earning the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, and now the Board is recognizing the young men in Wicomico County Schools who have capped their years in the Boy Scouts by attaining the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Less than 5 percent of the boys who join a Boy Scout Troop earn the Eagle Award. The award represents leadership, service, mastery of outdoor skills, and completion of a service project that benefits and engages the community. The Board of Education proudly recognized these current Wicomico County students who have attained the rank of Eagle Scout since 2006:
James Robert Cook, Wicomico High School
William Paul Curtis, Jr., James M. Bennett High School
Brandon Gleason Hildreth, Parkside High School
Jonathan Robert Holloway, James M. Bennett High School
Ryan MacKay Lewis, Wicomico High School
James Edward Moyers, III, James M. Bennett High School
Kyle Madison Vestal, Mardela High School
Cody Ryan Whitelock, James M. Bennett High School
2008 Board of Education Holiday Card Designers
Every year, art teachers across the county ask their students to design a card to be submitted for selection for the annual Board of Education holiday card, sent to businesses, public officials and other educational agencies. The designs must be original and the winning design or designs are chosen by the superintendent of schools. This year, the superintendent of schools selected three winning designs by:
Jessica A. Silbert, 10th grade student from Wicomico High School, Teacher Julia Kohut;
Cindy D. Garcia, 9th grade student from Parkside High School, teacher Stephanie McCoy;
Erin O. Lee, 9th grade student from James M. Bennett High School, Teacher Heather Riser.
2008 All-State Music Ensembles Recognition
The seven students recognized as All-State Musicians qualified for 2009 Maryland All State Musical Performing Groups through an audition procedure that included thousands of candidates. The performances will be held during the Maryland Music Educators Conference in late February in Baltimore.
2009 Maryland All-State Junior Chorus: Daniel W. Bishop, tenor, Salisbury Middle School (Toni Cropper, Director); and Paul D. Gray, tenor, Pittsville Middle School (Janice Davis, Director).
2009 Maryland All-State Junior Band: Molly E. Potvin, clarinet (alternate), James M. Bennett High School (Douglas Miles, Director).
2009 All-State Senior Mixed Chorus: Leah M. Carpenter, alto, and Melissa K. Craft, alto, James M. Bennett High School (Charles Reavis, Director); and
2009 All-State Senior Women’s Chorus: Emily F. Morris, soprano, James M. Bennett High School (Charles Reavis, Director) and Taylor L. Brady, alto, Parkside High School (Sarah McCabe, Director).
2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament of Bands
The Atlantic Coast conference Tournament of Bands Competition is a prestigious annual competition in Allentown, Pa., that comprises the top 25 bands in each competition group based on band size. This includes bands from Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina. Two Wicomico County School bands earned the right to compete this year, as one of the best in their respective Tournament of Bands Chapter.
Band Director Douglas Miles and the James M. Bennett Marching Band
Band Director Kevin Zaczkiewicz and the Parkside High School Marching Band
Eastern Shore High School Mathematics Competition
The Eastern Shore High School Mathematics Competition is sponsored by Delmarva Power and Salisbury University’s Department of Mathematics & Computer Science. The competition is designed to test math and problem-solving skills of students in grades nine through twelve. This year a Wicomico student tied for third place in that competition.
Derek Wu, James M. Bennett High School
President’s Volunteer Service Award
The President's Volunteer Service Award was created by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Council brings together leaders from the worlds of business, entertainment, sports, education, government, nonprofits, and the media to focus on volunteer service. This Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. Three Wicomico students who attend James M. Bennett High School have been honored with this award.
Marcella Morris
Austin Wigley
Derek Wu
Wendy’s High School Heisman Award
In conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, the Wendy's High School Heisman Award celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom. The Wendy’s High School Heisman Award encourages future leadership by recognizing well-balanced lifestyles at an early age. To be eligible for this award, students must display academic aptitude, athletic talent and exceptional commitment to their communities. Four Wicomico County seniors were recognized in this year's Wendy's High School Heisman Award program.
School Winner: Claire Gianelle, Parkside High School
State Finalists: Ashley Benson, James M. Bennett High School; Seth Illian, Parkside High School
For each state, a male and a female winner are selected to compete at the national level. The Maryland Male Winner was:
Austin Wigley, James M. Bennett High School
High School Scholar Awards
The National Hispanic Recognition Program was initiated in 1983 to identify outstanding Hispanic/ Latino high school students and to share information about those students with interested colleges and universities. In order to be eligible, students must be at least one-quarter Hispanic/Latino as defined by the program, meet the minimum PSAT/NMSQT cutoff score for the state, and achieve a minimum grade point average requirement. Each year the program identifies nearly 5,000 of the highest-scoring students from about 200,000 students in the United States and U. S. Territories. A Wicomico County student has received this national recognition.
Krystal Arroyo-Flores, Parkside High School
The National Merit Scholarship Award Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Of the 1.5 million students who take the PSAT/NMSQT in a given year, 50,000 qualify for recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program. A number of Wicomico County students have earned this recognition.
Commended Students:
Sakib Adnan, James M. Bennett High School
Courtney Burton, Wicomico High School
Micah J. Colston, Parkside High School
Steven Hearne, James M. Bennett High School
Cathleen Jones, James M. Bennett High School
Joseph Raffa, James M. Bennett High School
Ann Reading, James M. Bennett High School
Kevin Smith, James M. Bennett High School
Austin Wigley, James M. Bennett High School
Derek Wu, James M. Bennett High School
Semifinalists are the highest-scoring entrants in each state and are eligible to advance to the competition for the National Merit Scholarships.
National Merit Scholarship—Semi-Finalist: Joseph Tilghman, James M. Bennett High School
Maryland Distinguished Scholar Program
The Maryland Distinguished Scholar Program is sponsored by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and students may enter this statewide program in their junior year. Eligible students must earn a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.7 and must submit either PSAT or SAT scores and an application. Students may receive recognition at several levels of the Distinguished Scholar Award and may vie for associated scholarships.
Maryland Distinguished Scholar Semi-finalist: Ann Reading, James M. Bennett High School
Maryland Distinguished Scholar Finalists: Kevin Smith, James M. Bennett High School; Joseph Tilghman, James M. Bennett High School
Students may also earn Maryland Distinguished Scholar recognition in the area of visual art, instrumental music, vocal music, dance or drama. Selected students must appear in front of a panel of professional judges. For both his musical prowess and his academic performance, the Maryland Distinguished Scholar Program has recognized as a finalist:
Derek Wu, James M. Bennett High School
AP Scholars
These students have taken challenging college-level AP or Advanced Placement Courses. At the end of each AP course, students have the option to take an exam on which high marks may earn them college credit. The AP Program recognizes students for outstanding success on these exams.
These students are recognized as AP Scholars for receiving grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams:
Dev Basumallik, James M. Bennett High School
Rafiq Gharbi, Parkside High School
Daphne Heflin, James M. Bennett High School
Laura Heller, Parkside High School
Kelsey Miller, Parkside High School
Marcella Morris, James M. Bennett High School
Laura Payne, James M. Bennett High School
David Perry, James M. Bennett High School
Ann Reading, James M. Bennett High School
AP Scholars with Honor, with an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams, are:
Sakib Adnan, James M. Bennett High School
Krystal Arroyo-Flores, Parkside High School
David Casavant, James M. Bennett High School
Rachel Hall, James M. Bennett High School
Steven Hearne, James M. Bennett High School
Nathan Hetzler, James M. Bennett High School
Abigail Johnson, James M. Bennett High School
Cathleen Jones, James M. Bennett High School
Erin Kennedy, James M. Bennett High School
Amit Patel, James M. Bennett High School
AP Scholars with Distinction, recognized for receiving an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams, are:
Ashley Benson, James M. Bennett High School
Zachary Dorman, James M. Bennett High School
Abdulrehman Siddiqui, James M. Bennett High School
Wesley Skeeter, James M. Bennett High School
Kevin Smith, James M. Bennett High School
Joseph Tilghman, James M. Bennett High School
Austin Wigley, James M. Bennett High School
Derek Wu, James M. Bennett High School
WMDT’S “Teachers Who Make A Difference”
Local TV station WMDT selects a monthly WMDT Teacher Who Makes a Difference based upon nominations. In September 2008, a student nominated this teacher as the ‘best gym teacher I ever had in the 7 years of my life.” He has taught at Delmar for 8 years, enjoys teaching and working with young students, is pursuing administration certification in order to become a future elementary administrator, has a master in post secondary education, has taught a physical internship class at Salisbury University and continues to work with SU students as a mentor. The September WMDT Teacher Who Makes a Difference was:
Mark Thomas, physical education teacher, Delmar Elementary School
2008-09 Maryland Elementary School Counselor of the Year
In October at the Maryland School Counselors Association Conference, a Wicomico school counselor was recognized as Maryland Elementary School Counselor of the Year. This honor was a reflection of her personal and professional commitment to her students, staff and community. The Maryland Elementary School Counselor of the Year is:
Tana Ellis, guidance counselor, Prince Street Elementary School
Fruitland Walmart Teacher of the Year
During this year's American Education Week, the Fruitland Walmart announced as its Teacher of the Year a teacher who had received "a huge amount of nominations in her honor." The 2008-09 Fruitland Walmart Teacher of the Year received $1000 for the school to use for the students, a $100 gift card for her to use for her class, and a framed certificate. The Fruitland Walmart Teacher of the Year is:
Susan S. Jones, Fruitland Primary School
2008 National Board Certified Teachers
National Board Certification is a symbol of professional teaching excellence. Achieving this distinction attests to the fact that a teacher has been judged by his or her peers as one who is accomplished in a chosen field. It is a voluntary assessment program designed to recognize and reward great teacher and make them even greater. National Board Certified Teachers have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills, and practices and certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. This year seven Wicomico County teachers achieved National Certification, one of the largest groups ever to achieve national board certification from the district in one year.
Melinda Demaris, Pemberton Elementary School
Julie Dill, Pemberton Elementary School
Vicki Ewalt, Willards Elementary School
Marc Garlock, James M. Bennett High School
Jane Long, Salisbury Middle School
Elaine Tilghman, Prince Street Elementary School
Nicole Twilley, Pemberton Elementary School
Giant Teachers of the Month
The management of the Salisbury Giant Food Store initiated a program last year to recognize Wicomico teachers who exemplify the characteristics found in the Developmental Assets, exhibit a caring relationship towards students, and go above and beyond to meet the needs of students. Winners from the 2008-09 school year so far are:
October: Connie Boccia, Beaver Run Elementary School
November: Beth Cox, Glen Avenue Elementary School
December: Sharon Rash, Wicomico Middle School
Mary Gay Calcott Award of Excellence in Education
This award is given through the Mary Gay Calcott Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation. Ms. Calcott was a professor of English at Salisbury University for 30 years. She embodied in her life and her teaching the ideals of liberal education: teaching students to think to express themselves with clarity and to care about the world they live in. This year's Mary Gay Calcott Award of Excellence in Education Award went to:
North Salisbury Elementary School
National Promising Practices Award Recipient
The National Promising Practices Award is given for a unique and specific character education strategy that addresses one or more of the Character Education partnership’s Eleven Principles of Character Education. The purpose of the award is to recognize exemplary practices and to spread the word about effective character education strategies. The Bobcat Bunch won a National Promising Practices Award for Principle 11: Assessment and Action. The Bobcat Bunch achieved its exemplary status because of its demonstrated effectiveness. The winner of a National Promising Practices Award was:
Delmar Elementary School, for the Bobcat Bunch
Facility Awards
The Department of Facility Services has been recognized with a Governor's Citation for Superior Maintenance of Schools for superior state maintenance inspections of Pemberton Elementary, Willards Elementary and Westside Primary.
The Board of Education and the Department of Facility Services were also recognized by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce with the Fred P. Adkins Award for Architectural Enhancement for the Prince Street Elementary School renovation project.
2008-09 First Quarter Paper Recycling Contest Winner
As part of an effort to encourage good stewardship of community resources and to promote environmental awareness, a quarterly recycling contest initiative is sponsored by the Walmart Super Center in North Salisbury, in partnership with the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Facility Services. A $1000 quarterly reward is offered to the Wicomico County School recycling team with the best school paper recycling effort. The school with the best effort for the First Quarter of the 2008-09 school year was:
Glen Avenue Elementary School, with 6.675 pounds of recycled paper per student