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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

GANNETT CO., INC WAS WITHIN TWO PENNIES OF SETTING YET ANOTHER RECORD LOW

Today, Gannett Co., Inc. stock price - GCI trading symbol - continued to spiral downward and was within 2 pennies of setting yet another record low today.

Gannett Co., Inc. is The Daily Times parent company.

Click here for more details on today's trading:
http://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:GCI

Important Delmar Meeting TONIGHT

Joe,

If you could remind the residents in lower Sussex county, specifically the Delmar area, about the informational meeting tonight at the Delmar Fire Department concerning the MAPP project-the 500,000 volt transmission power line that is proposed by Pepco Holdings Inc (parent company for Delmarva Power) for the peninsula. A section of the line comes from Vienna, through the area near Packing House corner over to Racetrack Rd, and then through right-of-way headed east towards Gumboro. The informal meeting runs from 6pm to 8pm.

All interested/concerned citizens should try to attend. More information can be found at www.powerpathway.com .

Thanks.

Mark B. Naugle
Bay Region System Operations
Delmarva Power

Obama's America: Our New Government At Work

A must read article HERE.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases


Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 8 February 2009
Location: 5600 block of Archie Dennis Road, Powellville, MD
Suspect: Dustin Kyle Vass, 21, Hebron, MD

Narrative: On 8 February 2009
at 1:30 AM, Wicomico County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a burglary in progress in the 5600 block of Powellville Road. The resident advised that Dustin Vass was at the front door, kicking it in an apparent attempt to force the door open. While en-route, the deputies were advised that Vass had left the area. Upon arrival, the deputies observed damage to both the front and rear doors where Vass had attempted to force the doors open. Deputies managed to locate Vass operating a vehicle in the Willards area at which point he was stopped and taken into custody.

Vass was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Vass was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $35,000.00 bond.

Charges:
Burglary 1st Degree
Burglary 3rd Degree
Burglary 4th Degree
Malicious Destruction of Property

Incident: Assault on a Deputy
Date of Incident: 9 February 2009
Location: U.S. 13 N/B at Winner Blvd., Delmar, MD
Suspect: Trevaughn Levar Wilson, 20, Seaford, DE

Narrative: On 9 February 2009
at 7:09 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle operated by Trevaughn Wilson for aggressive driving on U.S. 13. Upon stopping the vehicle and making contact with Wilson, he immediately became argumentative and began yelling at the deputy. During this contact with Wilson, the deputy observed indicators of criminal activity and requested that a WCSO Drug K9 team respond to the stop. While waiting for the K9 team, the deputy attempted to get Wilson to provide his driver’s license, yet Wilson refused to speak with the deputy or provide the requested information. Upon the arrival of the K9 team, the deputies requested that Wilson and his passengers exit the vehicle. The two passengers complied, but Wilson locked himself in the vehicle, rolled up the windows and refused the requests to exit the vehicle. After about a minute, Wilson exited the vehicle at which point a protective pat down was initiated by one of the deputies. During the pat down, Wilson became uncooperative and kicked the two deputies.

Wilson was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Wilson was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.

Charges:
Aggressive Driving
Assault (2 counts)
Failure to Obey the Order of a Law Enforcement Office
Obstruct and Hinder a law Enforcement Officer

Illegally Placed Signs?







I just happened to spot these signs on my way to and from lunch today and I'm sure there are many others like it around Salisbury.

When you see a sign between the curb and the sidewalk, you can bet that 99% of the time it is within the City of Salisbury right-of-way. In other words it is on public property. In most cases the City will own the roadway up to the back of the sidewalk. Makes sense right, since the City is responsible for the sidewalk? You'll also notice in the third picture there is a fence. You can be 99% sure that when that property owner built that fence he made sure it was on his property and didn't extend into the right-of-way. But there is a sign, just behind the curb and in front of the sidewalk.

You might be saying "Well, maybe they didn't know?"

Gary Comegys works for the State Highway Admin. It is his job to know. Clearly, let me repeat, clearly he would know where the right-of-way is in a situation like this.

You might also be saying "Hey, what's the big deal? It's just a sign."

The big deal is that a man who's job it is to know where a right-of-way is, has purposely placed his signs in it. He has a responsibility to tell his campaigners where they can a cannot place signs and for him to over look this constitutes not only bad judgement but a violation of the law. If Gary Comegys is willing to knowingly break the law, or at least look the other way during this campaign, what do you think he will be willing to do behind closed doors if he is to be elected?
I wonder what would happen if someone were to call the Jim Caldwell at the City Public Works Department (410-548-3170) and tell them about Gary Comegys' signs? I can only speculate that, not only could they not be bother by it, they wouldn't even tell you who to call to resolve it.
Now, I also wonder what would happen if you told them it was a Jim Ireton sign?

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On February 6, 2009,Officers of the Salisbury Police Department
received a call to respond to a residence on the five hundred (500) block of Emory Court for the report of a robbery. Upon arrival, the officers met with a single victim who advised that he had been the victim of a robbery by unknown males. The victim advised the officers that while exiting his vehicle in this area of Emory Court, he was approached by two (2) suspects and robbed of U.S. Currency. Once receiving the currency, the suspects fled from the area. A short while later, the Maryland State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by below listed suspect # 1. During the traffic stop, officers located property that was taken from the victim during the robbery. Salisbury Detectives were able to link Suspects # 2 and # 3 to the robbery, in addition to suspect #1. Salisbury detectives were also able to link the three (3) suspects to several other robberies that occurred in this area. The investigation is continuing.

ARRESTED #1: Jeremy Michael McCullough, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #2: Shawn Andre Lewis, 34 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #3: Terrell Lamar Showell, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (All):
Robbery
Second degree assault
Conspiracy to commit robbery
Conspiracy to commit assault
Theft (under $ 100)
Conspiracy to commit theft

DISPOSITION: All released to Central Booking CC # 200900003995

On February 5, 2009 at approximately 11:42 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to a residence on the eight hundred (800) block of W. Isabella St. for the report of an assault. Upon arrival the officers found that a single female victim, identified as 49 year old Marjorie Belote of Salisbury, had been assaulted and sustained non life-threatening injuries to the facial area. As a result of the response and investigation, the below listed three (3) suspects were charged with the assault.

ARRESTED #1: Jamar Tyrone Savage, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #2: Leroy McKnight, 25 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (Both):
First degree assault
Second degree assault

ARRESTED #3: Vanessa Jeanine Travers, 48 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Second degree assault

DISPOSITION: All released to Central Booking CC # 200900003993

On February 7, 2009 at approximately 12:15 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine foot patrol in the area of the Cedar Lane Apartments. While in the three hundred (300) block of Cedar Lane the officers observed the below listed suspect throw an object at the police officers in an attempt to strike the officers. The item was retrieved and found to be a can of beer. The officers were not struck by the beer can and there were no injuries.

ARRESTED: Michael Paul Vilasi, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Disorderly conduct
Under age possession of alcohol

DISPOSITION: Released to central booking CC # 200900004114

The Snakes In Hebron May Be Slick But Their Venom Is No Match For SBYnews


Here's how you have to learn about meetings in Hebron: you have to drive to Town Hall and see if there is anything posted on the door. Sometimes, this Town which thinks it can handle this mega-development uses their other high-tech communication networks for meeting info, i.e., the post office and barbershop!

Although they have talked about a Website for years, nothing at all moving in that direction.

Would Town Officials like my tag number in advance? I'd be happy to give it to them.

The Proposal

"The Proposal" - IT ALL ADDS UP!

When a company falls on difficult times, one of the things that seems to happen is they reduce their staff and workers. The remaining workers must find ways to continue to do a good job or risk that their job would be eliminated as well.

Wall street, and the media normally congratulate the CEO for making this type of "tough decision", and his board of directors gives him a big bonus.

Our government should not be immune from similar risks.

Therefore:
Reduce the House of Representatives from the current 435 members to 218 members.
Reduce Senate members from 100 to 50 (one per State).
Then, reduce their staff by 25%.

Accomplish this over the next 8 years (two steps/two elections) and some redistricting.

Some Yearly Monetary Gains Include:
$44,108,400 for elimination of base pay for congress. (267 members X $165,200 pay/member/ yr.)
$97,175,000 for elimination of their staff. (estimate $1.3 Million in staff per each member of the House, and $3 Million in staff per each member of the Senate every year)
$240,294 for the reduction in remaining staff by 25%.
$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork barrel ear-marks each year. (those members whose jobs are gone. Current estimates for total government pork earmarks are at $15 Billion/yr)

The remaining representatives would need to work smarter and improve efficiencies. It might even be in their best interests to work together for the good of our country!

We may also expect that smaller committees might lead to a more efficient resolution of issues as well. It might even be easier to keep track of what your representative is doing.

Congress has more tools available to do their jobs than it had back in 1911 when the current number of representatives was established. (telephone, computers, cell phones to name a few)

Note:
Congress did not hesitate to head home when it was a holiday, when the nation needed a real fix to the economic problems. Also, we have 3 senators that have not been doing their jobs for the past 18+ months (on the campaign trail) and still they all have been accepting full pay. These facts alone support a reduction in senators & congress.

Summary of opportunity:
$44,108,400 reduction of congress members.
$282,100, 000 for elimination of the reduced house member staff.
$150,000,000 for elimination of reduced senate member staff.
$59,675,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining house members.
$37,500,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining senate members.
$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork added to bills by the reduction of congress members.

$8,073,383,400 per year, estimated total savings. (that's 8-BILLION just to start!)

Big business does these types of cuts all the time.If Congresspersons were required to serve 20, 25 or 30 years (like everyone else) in order to collect retirement benefits, tax payers could save a bundle. Now they get full retirement after serving only ONE term.

"Meet The Mayoral Candidates" On PAC 14

ONE ON ONE - "Meet the Mayoral Candidates" on PAC 14

Phillip Tilghman's interviews with each of the four candidates for Mayor of Salisbury will be broadcast today (Tues.) at 8:58 P.M. and tomorrow (Wed.) at 8:57 A.M.

I believe that it will also be on PAC 14's website at those times.

Mayor Blackballs Qualified Marina Commission Applicants


Last nights Council Meeting was quite interesting, even though it was brief. The Mayor and Louise Smith made sure in advance that Council Members could only ask questions about Thomas Elliott and his appointment to the Marina Commission. Mr. Elliott had been on the Commission/Committee in the past but the Mayor could not explain why he all of a sudden, out of nowhere, chose to come back. That doesn't sound like they interviewed him very much if they didn't have that answer.


Nevertheless, what was even more interesting was the fact that there were actually THREE applicants, not one. There are also THREE seats available/open to this Commission. Additionally, Mr. Bob Harris and Mr. S.J. Disharoon had applied, both with very extensive boating backgrounds. ALL three applications were received around the same time but even more interesting was the fact that the Mayor replied to S.J. & Bob insisting they send in a resume.


Well, where's the resume for Mr. Elliott, asked some Council Members? There was none. Just a one paragraph message stating he'd be interested in the appointment. Mr. Pick was asked, (before the meeting) what the criteria was for such an applicant and does it require a resume. Mr. Pick responded, we do not require a resume, only a letter of interest.


Now why did the Mayor say we don't have qualified candidates? I actually know for a fact that Mr. Harris has been a boater for many years and actually kept his yacht right at this Marina for 3 years. In fact, when Mr. Harris applied he offered the following message.
"Robert Harris
32898 Grant St.,
Parsonsburg , Maryland
443-783-3906

Mr. Pick,

I am writing to express my interest in serving on the Marina Commission.
As a local business owner, I feel that my experience would be helpful in developing a strategy to put the marina back on track to being an entity that attracts yearly and transient slip holders.

As a former slip holder, as well as an avid boater, I feel that I have insight that would prove invaluable in determining the existing shortcomings of the marina so that we can be sure that these issues are corrected.

I’ve always believed that the Port of Salisbury is a diamond in the rough. It is an integral part of a resource to which the City of Salisbury owes its historic beginnings. It warrants the attention necessary to allow it to achieve its full potential.

Respectfully,
Robert Harris"
YOU decide Folks. Would YOU accept this application? Do YOU need a resume from this man? The Mayor certainly never asked for one from Mr. Elliott, nor is it required, per Mr. John Pick.
I simply want YOU to see what has been delivered and how the Mayor has always handled them. There are three seats available and there were three applicants. I'm truly interested in what YOU think.

RICHARD INSLEY IS NOT OUR ONLY ENEMY



Mr. Albero:

First my compliments – you have performed a public service in obtaining and publishing the letter that certain “slumlord” types and their coalition (“SAPOA”) plan to distribute to their tenants. Please also publish the following information that should be of interest to anyone who rents his/her place of residence in Salisbury.

The “4 to 2” law was not intended to (nor does it) prohibit the rental of property. In fact, it does not even apply to the apartment complex sites. Nor does it apply to actual families.

You have exposed the plan to scare and trick tenants into voting for Comegys that was the brainchild of Richard Insley in the last City election (2007). Besides keeping your spotlight on him, please be vigilant about similar conduct by a member of the SU faculty who also engages in rental (mostly to students, I understand) and used the campus e-mail system to importune students.

It appears that “Prof. Landlord” is still at SU. His infamous e-mail of March 4, 2007 is attached.

Valentine's Day At Station 7

Click on image to enlarge.

The House That Fernando Built?



There is so much talk about a new Civic Center here in Wicomico County and the desire to sell alcohol. There's also a lot of talk about parking issues at the current location but quite frankly I didn't experience a single problem parking wise for the 5,000+ seats sold at the Guerrero Fight.

Nevertheless, it seems pretty clear there are issues with the Civic Center needing to be much larger and updating so many of the things out dated. A committee was established to determine if a new Civic Center could be possible and the jury is still out on their findings.

With Fernando Guerrero being such a huge draw and several events being regularly sold out, the time is NOW to put the idea into motion as our economy won't be in the toilet for that many years and it will take years to simply come up with a design.

They know what shows do best there and IF they can enlarge the facility and compete more with Ocean City, this complex could deliver much bigger acts and events. But I have another idea in which the County should seriously consider for such a complex. Why not build the new Library into it as well and help fund the complex? It's being done all across the Country and quite frankly it makes sense. I had heard there was even talk years ago about having a Hockey Team there if there was enough interest.

It may be too early to consider this but I'd call it the Guerrero Center! Fernando won't be the only draw fighter wise to pull everyone together extreme boxing events and with the Main Street Gym almost ready to open their doors, I'm confident that ESPN, HBO, Showtime and others would be very interested in returning regularly.

Would you support a new Civic Center here in Wicomico County? I'd like to see the County consider purchasing the land next to the Shorebirds Stadium, since I hear that Development may not come through after all. What's your thoughts? Perhaps they could buy the old mall property? Let's all talk about it and see what everyone thinks.

Main Street Gym Gives Out After School Program Awards




AWARDS PROGRAM HELD WED FEBRUARY 4TH, FERNANDO GUERRERO AND NANCY CHERNOFF GIVE OUT AWARDS, GUEST SPEAKER THAT NIGHT DAVIS RUARK.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM AT MAIN STREET GYM

WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAYS BEFORE GYM PRACTICE 5PM - 6PM

VOLUNTEER STAFF:

LISA TULL GRANGER AND COMPANY
STACY SAKAI CHANNEL 47
CINDY MOORE PARENT OF BOXER
NANCY CHERNOFF WICOMICO COUNTY STATE' S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

MEMBERS ATTEND ON VOLUNTARY BASIS BUT IF FAILING IN SCHOOL IT IS MANDATORY.

MEMBERS SUBMIT REPORT CARDS TO NANCY CHERNOFF FOR REVIEW.

AWARDS AND INCENTIVES ARE GIVEN EVERY MONTH AT THE END OF THE MONTH FOR THE MEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN THE AFTER SCHOOL. THEY RECEIVE THING SUCH AS GIFT CARDS ECT.

THE MEMBERS ARE EVALUATED ON THEIR ATTENDANCE IN THE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM, BEHAVIOR IN AND OUT OF THE GYM, AND REPORT CARDS.

MONTHLY SPEAKERS COME IN AND ADDRESS THE GROUP USUALLY LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATED.

GOOD THING HE WORE HIS RUBBERS.....


Salisbury Vandalism

"Joe,

I wonder if you could ask the Salisbury area people if there has been an upsurge in vandalism in the area? And have they had any luck retrieving their stolen items?
I had an unoccupied house completely stripped including approximately 30 sets of brass door knobs,storm window frames,all the brand new gutters a huge heating and air conditioner and even the knobs off the kitchen cabinets taken. The Wicomico County Sheriff deputies did a great job rounding up the criminal that kept breaking in and he is jailed again.Trial is in March. The last time he went to trial they let him back on the streets. There seems to be a lot of that happening in the Salisbury courts.... sort of a revolving door.

The question is... Is there any other place in Salisbury where they take their stuff to sell besides Salisbury Steel? I called them but in order to find out anything they said I would have to get the police to check. What happened to the good old Eastern Shore honesty that would have at least had them check to see if anyone knew. 30 pairs of doorknobs is kind of hard to not remember. I guess the "Honest Abe" mentality is no longer in vogue. It certainly has disappeared in Washington."

Salisbury Police Officer Unmarked Vehicle Vandalized


A Salisbury Police Officer had their unmarked City Police car vandalized, (rear window busted out in broad daylight!) at the officers residence this past SaturDAY at 1:28 PM.

As if the SPD doesn't have enough trouble with run down marked vehicles, now they have to deal with thugs vandalizing the unmarked ones too. What is happening to the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County Folks!

2009010935 09000469 2/7/2009 1:28:53PM THEFT SALISBURY MDOP OR

Success Of Obama Stimulus Package Noted

"It's obvious Obama's stimulus package is working....everyone he nominates then decides to pay their taxes....."

Air Traffic Control

Some fantastic, safe, belly landings in frozen rivers.....

Tuesday Comedy

Where Did The White Man Go Wrong


Indian Chief 'Two Eagles' was asked by a white government official, 'You have observed the white man for 90 years. You've seen his wars and his technological advances. You've seen his progress, and the damage he's done.'

The Chief nodded in agreement.

The official continued, 'Considering all these events, in your opinion, where did the white man go wrong?'

The Chief stared at the government official for over a minute and then calmly replied. 'When white man find land, Indians running it, no taxes, no debt, plenty buffalo, plenty beaver, clean water. Women did all the work, Medicine man free. Indian man spend all day hunting and fishing; all night having sex.'

Then the chief leaned back and smiled. 'Only white man dumb enough to think he could improve system like that.'

DELMAR OPEN SKATE NIGHT

Date: Friday – Feb. 13th

Time: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Only $5.00 per person at the door/skates included

Location: Old Skateland Building

1305 N. Division Street in Salisbury

Snack bar will be open

**You do not have to be from Delmar to skate**

Sponsored by the Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, 2/10. This week is. . .

This week (2/08 - 2/14) is JELL-O Week.

Jell-O is a brand name for a number of gelatin desserts (fruit gels, puddings, n0-bake pies, etc.) Jell-O violates vegan diets because the gelatin is made from animal products. The original 4 flavors were strawberry, raspberry, orange and lemon.

Early history of Jell-O:
In 1845, Peter Cooper dabbled with and patented a product made with gelatin. The American public did not respond. In 1897, Pearle Waite made a fruit-flavored gelatin dessert for his wife, May. May liked it and named in Jell-O. He unsuccessfully marketed his dessert creation. In 1899, he sold his formula. Mr. Orator Frank "O.F." Woodward, bought the Jell-O formula for $450.00. Business was slow, so O.F. offered the whole business for $35 to Sam Nico. Mr. Nico successfully marketed Jell-O and sales soared to $250,000.00. Jell-O Company, Inc. was founded. In 1925, the company was sold to Postum Cereal Company Inc., by stock exchange, which (over the years) became General Foods, then finally Kraft/General Foods.

Today, Jell-O is manufactured by Kraft/General Foods in Dover, Delaware. There is a Jell-O museum in LeRoy, NY, where it was first manufactured until the plant closed in 1964.

Are you a fan of Jello-O? What flavor is your favorite? Does your kids like it? What flavor would you like to see that has not been made?

Jell-O shooters anyone?

Help Wanted Ads Needed

Would you like to post a job here?

Would you like to post your information here if you are looking for a job?

It's FREE!!

Please email me, SunnyInOC, at atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "Help Wanted" in the subject of your email. I will need all info by Thursday, February 12th for Friday's posting.

WBOE Listing Of Events For February

February 2009 Events
2-6

Northwestern Elementary - Maryland Mobile Agricultural Science Lab visits, all grades

James M. Bennett High - Spirit Week

2-March 4

Pittsville Elementary and Middle - Cool Kids Reading Challenge and Campaign. Throughout the month of February, Pittsville students are challenged to read and track their minutes spent reading. Donations may be collected to help pediatric oncology patients in Maryland, with the donations helping to fund fun activities that help children celebrate reaching milestones in their cancer treatments. Homeroom classes at Pittsville are competing to see which class can read the most minutes and collect the most donations; the teacher of the winning classroom will receive a gift card for instructional/classroom materials worth 10 percent of the class' fund-raising total. The media center will also receive a boost equaling 15 percent of total donations. If you see a Pittsville student, be sure to ask how the reading is going this month!

5-6

Westside Intermediate - Quarterly PBIS Awards Incentive, Indoor Golf in Ocean City

6

Beaver Run Elementary - School administrators, teachers and staff help students mark the 100th day of school in 100 special ways. On the schedule: 100 jumping jacks, 100 jumps with a jump rope, 100 dribbles with a basketball, 100 positive comments given to student, staff or parent/guardian, 100 seconds of silence, 100 cafeteria trays stacked together, 100 pages of a book read aloud and 100 stickers handed out. Principal Bill Curtis and Assistant Principal Becky Doss will put the days theme into action by walking 100 steps at a time around the school together. 410-677-5101

Fruitland Primary - 100 Days of School posters and activities

West Salisbury- Grade 2 Term Awards Assemblies (grades K-2), 2 p.m.

Pittsville Middle - Grade 8 Ropes (selected students). Math benchmark exam grades 6-8 (continued). Middle School Valentine's Dance (including Grade 5 band), 7-9 p.m.

Wicomico Middle - PTA-sponsored Valentine's Dance in the gymnasium, 7-9 p.m. Admission is $3. There will be food, snacks and drinks for sale. School attendance, behavior, and academic policies will be enforced in order to receive an invitation ticket.

James M. Bennett High - National Honor Society assembly for eligible candidates, 9 a.m.

7

Parkside High CTE - Open House and Local SkillsUSA Competition, most competitions between 9-11 a.m. Prizes and medals will be given out in the auditorium starting at noon. Prizes and medals will be awarded to the top three students in each competition. Winners will go on to compete in the state SkillsUSA contest, and could even represent Wicomico at the national level. All in the community are invited to attend the SkillsUSA competition and the Parkside CTE open house, which together will showcase all 20 CTE programs for prospective students and families. Those programs are: automotive technology, carpentry, collision repair, computer assisted drafting and design (CADD), computer network and repair, cosmetology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood, electricity, electronics, firefighter/EMT, health occupations, high performance manufacturing, horticulture and turf management, HVAC, masonry, nursing assistant, plumbing and welding. 410-677-5144

Wor-Wic Community College - Free Financial Aid Workshop for area college-bound students and their parents, "You Can Afford College," from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 103 of Wor-Wic's Workforce Development Center. Financial Aid personnel will help participants complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on line. Continental breakfast, admission information and tours provided. Call 410-334-2905

All Shore Chorus Auditions at Mace�s Lane Middle School, Cambridge

All Shore Band Auditions at Stephen Decatur Middle, Berlin (alternate date)

9-12

Glen Avenue Elementary - Student Council Lollipop Sales, 6:30 p.m.

9-13

North Salisbury Elementary - BioTech Lab for all grade 5

Feb. 9, 12, 16, 19, 23 and 26

Wor-Wic Community College - On Mondays and Thursdays from Feb. 9-26, Wor-Wic offers free "FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on the Web" workshop for students and parents, as well as anyone in the community who would like to obtain financial aid for college. Anyone 23 or younger must attend with a parent or guardian, bringing IRS 1040 tax forms, W-2 forms and any other 2008 financial information. Age 24 and older may attend alone, bringing their own 208 tax records. Open to all who are college-bound, not just those planning to attend Wor-Wic. Call 410-334-2905.

9

Westside Intermediate - Almost Recess performances, 1:30 p.m. for grades 2 and 3, 2:30 p.m. for grades 4 and 5

Pinehurst Elementary - Faculty meetings, 3:30/4 p.m.

Fruitland Intermediate - Almost Recess performances, 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Glen Avenue Elementary - PTA dinner and general meeting, 5:30 p.m.

East Salisbury Elementary - Quarterly Awards Assemblies (Gr. 3,4,5). PTA Family Night, 6 p.m.

Wicomico Middle - Select Wi Middle students and parents will attend an Academic Achievement Night at Wicomico High School

Pittsville Elementary and Middle - Grade 8 Ropes (selected students). Band Boosters parent meeting, 6:30 p.m.

10

SAT Testing - Deadline to register for SAT I & II testing scheduled for March 14. Check with high school guidance office.

Westside Intermediate - PLC (grade-level team meetings) half-day

Pinehurst Elementary - GLIT (Grade Level Instructional Team) meetings grades 3, 4, 5

Mardela Middle - Sixth-graders go to Beyond the Limits at Salisbury University

East Salisbury Elementary - Mentors brown bag lunch with mentees, 11:30 a.m.

Pemberton Elementary - PTA Science Night (dinner at 6 p.m.)

North Salisbury Elementary - Title I Parent Night

Pittsville Elementary and Middle - Band Boosters, 6:30 p.m.

James M. Bennett High - Sophomore class meeting, 6:30 p.m. in media center

11

Bennett Middle - As part of the school's participation in Maryland's One School, One Book Campaign, Bennett Middle will have an author visit. Author Ben Mikaelsen, who wrote "Touching Spirit Bear," will be coming to Bennett Middle School Feb. 11 to share more about his story, about being an author and to autograph students' books. Three grade-level assemblies are scheduled and Mikaelsen will also visit with students during lunch shifts. The One School, One Book initiative will encourage school spirit and a sense of community by reading the same book. The PTA purchased a copy of "Touching Spirit Bear" for every BMS student and staff member. Principal C. Michael Johnson kicked off this initiative by conducting book talks in all RELA (Reading English Language Arts) classes.�Teachers are encouraged to ask students questions about the book and incorporate discussions about the book into advisory discussions, as the story is filled with many good discussion topics. Teachers have also been using it for independent reading time, or in regular instruction. Teachers and other staff members will even stop students walking in the hallway and ask them a question about the book. Throughout the year, students will be eligible to win prizes as they show evidence that they have read the book.

Mardela Middle - Almost Recess Assembly, 8:10 a.m. for 6th-graders and 9:10 a.m. for 7th- and 8th-graders�

Mardela Middle and High - Students of the Month Luncheon, 10:45 a.m.-12:06 p.m.

Wicomico Early Learning Center - Parent Advisory Committee, 9:15 a.m.

Fruitland Intermediate - Ident-A-Kid Pictures

Westside Intermediate - Jump Rope for Heart

Pinehurst Elementary - GLIT (Grade Level Instructional Team) meetings for Pre-K, K, 1, 2

Wicomico High - Talent Show

12

Salisbury Middle - Award-Winning children's author/illustrator Bryan Collier visits SMS, all day. Bryan Collier ( http://www.bryancollier.com/) grew up in Pocomoke, Maryland. His interest in art was encouraged both at home and at school and as a teenager he began to develop a unique style of painting that incorporated both watercolors and collage. He has been celebrated as an accomplished artist and illustrator and is the recipient of both the Caldecott Honor and the Coretta Scott King Award. He currently lives in Harlem in New York City. His books, "Martin's Big Words," "Freedom River," and "Visiting Langston" are wonderful reads any time and are especially relevant in February. Collier's most recent picture book, "Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope," is currently in stores. (Collier is also presenting at Salisbury University's Teacher Education and Technology Center Room 154 at 5 p.m. Feb. 11; this talk will be followed by a book-signing and reception and the event is free and open to the public.)

Wicomico Adult Learning Center - Last day to register for information sessions for Spring Term daytime and evening GED classes, to be held Feb. 17 and 19, 9-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. each day. The Center is located at 224 Phillip Morris Drive, Suite 300 (Philmore Commons) in Salisbury. If you are interested in attending an Information Session, call Valerie Vandever at 410-749-3217 between 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Thursday. The Spring Term will begin in mid-April.

Wicomico County Board of Education meeting, 1:30 p.m., Board of Education auditorium, Mt. Hermon Road and Long Avenue, Salisbury. (Meeting rescheduled from Feb. 10 so the Board and superintendent may attend a legislative meeting in Annapolis.) Agenda is posted at www.wcboe.org the Friday before the meeting. Call 410-677-4561

Mardela Middle - Sixth-graders go to Beyond the Limits at Salisbury University

Fruitland Intermediate - Class Acts Assemblies, 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Pittsville Elementary - Honor Roll Party, 1:30-2:45 p.m.

Willards Elementary - Title I Family Night 6 p.m.

East Salisbury Elementary - Family Center Barnes and Noble Night, 6:30 p.m.

Beaver Run Elementary - Family Fun Night for Kindergarten 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Wicomico Early Learning Center - Wicomico County Judy Center Partnership's Family Fun Night, hosted by Beaver Run Elementary, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dinner is at 5:30. Children ages 3,4 and 5 in the Beaver Run and Pemberton districts are invited to attend. Activities for children and their families on building self esteem, resiliency, literacy and other skills are planned by Lower Shore Early Intervention Program and the Wicomico Public Library.

13-14

James M. Bennett High - Rock 'n' Roll Revival, Bennett Auditorium, 7 p.m. Tickets $15, available at PNC Bank at Snow Hill Road/College Avenue/Beaglin Park Drive intersection. Call 410-677-5141

13

Pittsville Middle - Honor Roll Party, 1:30-2:45 p.m. Grade 8 Ropes (selected students)

Pittsville Elementary - PTA dance for elementary students, 6-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Music, dancing, refreshments.

Beaver Run Elementary - Jump Rope for Heart

Fruitland Primary - Jump Rope for Heart, 9:15 a.m.-3 p.m.�

West Salisbury Elementary - PTA Sweetheart Gala, 6 p.m.

Willards Elementary - Valentine�s Day Classroom Activities

Westside Primary- Grandparents� Day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All grandparents invited to visit their grandchildren at school. Valentine's Day treasts, 2:30 p.m.

Westside Intermediate - Popcorn Fundraiser ends

Wicomico Early Learning Center - Partnership Steering Committee, 9:30 a.m.

Bennett Middle - School Dance, 7-9 p.m.

Salisbury Middle - Valentine�s Dance, 7-9 p.m.

14

All Shore Chorus Auditions (alternate date)

Parkside High - College Financial Aid Workshop, 9 a.m.

James M. Bennett High - It's Academic team competes in the afternoon on WJZ's "It's Academic" program in Baltimore, against River Hill and Huntingtown high schools. Each of these teams won in the first round to advance to this second round of competition. The game will be taped to air at 10 a.m. April 25 on WJZ TV.�

Mardela High - Winter Formal, 8-11 p.m.

Pittsville Elementary and Middle - Willards Little League registration, 10 a.m.-noon in gym lobby

15

James M. Bennett High - Rock 'n' Roll Revival, Bennett Auditorium, noon. Tickets $15, available at PNC Bank at Snow Hill Road/College Avenue/Beaglin Park Drive intersection. Call 410-677-5141

16

President�s Day (Schools and Central Office Closed)

17

Westside Intermediate - PLC (grade-level team meetings) half-day

Westside Schools - Parent Advisory Committee meeting, 6 p.m. at Westside Primary

Parkside High - Executive PTA

Pittsville Elementary and Middle - Parent Conferences, 4:30-6 p.m. (no PTA meeting that night). College Savings Plan of Maryland Parent Information Night, 6-7:30 p.m. Willards Little League Registration, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Delmar Elementary - MSA (Maryland School Assessment) Night, 6 p.m.

Bennett Middle - PTA meeting, 6-8 p.m.

Wicomico Adult Learning Center - Information Sessions for Spring Term daytime and evening GED classes, 9-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. (pre-registration by Feb. 12 was required). The Center is located at 224 Phillip Morris Drive, Suite 300 (Philmore Commons) in Salisbury. If you are interested in GED classes, call Valerie Vandever at 410-749-3217 from 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Thursday. The Spring Term will begin in mid-April.

18

Fruitland Primary - Children's Theater Assembly, "Anansi, Brer Rabbit, The Leprechaun," 9:10 and 10:10 a.m. Ident-A-Kid.

Wicomico High - Hosts the 2nd annual Engineering Expo for Wicomico County high school students interested in careers in engineering, 7 a.m.-noon

Mardela Middle and High - 2nd Term Recognition Awards, 6th period (high school) and 7th period (middle school)

Willards Elementary - Grade 2 Parent Workshop, 6:30 p.m.

19-20

Westside Intermediate - Math benchmarks

19

Pinehurst Elementary - Math Unit Assessment grades 1 and 2

Mardela Middle and High - Media Festival, 5-6:30 p.m.

Willards Elementary - Grade 1 Parent Workshop, 6:30 p.m.

Fruitland Intermediate - Chorus Performance "Black American History," 6:30 p.m.

Delmar Elementary - PTA Talent Show, 6:30 p.m.

Wicomico Adult Learning Center - Information Sessions for Spring Term daytime and evening GED classes, 9-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. (pre-registration by Feb. 12 was required). The Center is located at 224 Phillip Morris Drive, Suite 300 (Philmore Commons) in Salisbury. If you are interested in GED classes, call Valerie Vandever at 410-749-3217 from 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Thursday. The Spring Term will begin in mid-April.

James M. Bennett High - JMB Sports Carrabba's fund-raising dinner, seatings at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.; call 410-677-5141 for tickets

20

Westside Primary - Jump Rope for Heart, cafeteria

East Salisbury Elementary - Enrichment program "Reptile World," morning

Northwestern Elementary - Grade 4 field trip to Annapolis

Parkside High - Winter Formal, 8-11 p.m.

North Salisbury Elementary - PTA Talent Show, 7 p.m.

20-21

James M. Bennett High - Rock 'n' Roll Revival, Bennett Auditorium, 7 p.m. The show on Saturday, Feb. 21, is sold out. Tickets for the 20th are $15, available at PNC Bank at Snow Hill Road/College Avenue/Beaglin Park Drive intersection. Call 410-677-5141

21

Willards Elementary - PTA Auction

Pittsville Elementary and Middle - Willards Little League registration, 10 a.m.-noon in gym lobby

Literacy Fair - The Eastern Shore Reading Council presents the annual Literacy Fair at the Centre at Salisbury from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come check out the literacy-based activities and displays at this free event.

22

James M. Bennett High - Rock 'n' Roll Revival, Bennett Auditorium, noon. Tickets $15, available at PNC Bank at Snow Hill Road/College Avenue/Beaglin Park Drive intersection. Call 410-677-5141

23-27

Pittsville Elementary and Middle - Book Fair. "Lights! Camera" Book Fair! Reading Makes You a Star!"

23

Parkside High - PTA meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Mardela Middle and High - PTA meeting/teacher visitation, 6:30 p.m.

James M. Bennett High - Senior class meeting, 7 p.m. in room P8

24

Wicomico County Council of PTAs - Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Pinehurst Elementary - ILT (Instructional Leadership Team) meeting, 8:30 a.m.

Westside Primary - Dental program for kindergarten students. Chris Leo, the program coordinator for the Eastern Shore Oral Health Education and Outreach Program, will visit kindergarten classrooms to discuss the importance of oral hygiene.

Parkside CTE - PTA meeting, 4:30 p.m.

Willards Elementary - Kindergarten Parent Workshop, 6:30 p.m.

25-26

Pittsville Elementary and Middle - Hosting District Solo and Ensemble Festival, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

25

Superintendent's Open Door Session, 4-6 p.m., at the Superintendent's Office, Board of Education, Mt. Hermon Road and Long Avenue, Salisbury. An opportunity to talk one-on-one with Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen about questions, comments or concerns. Call 410-677-4495 for information.

Parkside High - Senior parent meeting

Pittsville Elementary and Middle - Bookmobile Day

26-27

Westside Intermediate - Organ Annie presentations to Grade 2. Volunteers from PRMC come to talk about going to the hospital, your organs, how to prevent getting sick, and what happens is you do have to go to the hospital.

26

Northwestern Elementary - NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) Testing, grade 4

Parkside High - Blood Drive

Pinehurst Elementary - Talent Show 6:30 p.m.

Pittsville School - Family Night, 4-7 p.m., held in conjunction with the Book Fair in the media center. Lots of fun activities for students and families. The P.E. Department will hold two fund-raising activities that night to raise money to purchase new equipment for weight and aerobic training.

Willards Elementary - Prekindergarten Parent Workshop, 6:30 p.m.

Beaver Run Elementary - STARS Night, 5 p.m.

Wicomico High - Junior Class Fashion Show

Wicomico Middle - Wi Middle students will participate in the Band Solo and Ensemble Festival at Pittsville Middle School. Also, Wi Middle School Basket Bingo/Auction at the Salisbury Moose Lodge. Doors open at 5 p.m.; games begin at 6:30 p.m. $15 special for tickets bought by 2/15/09 (save $5 on door price). All baskets will be filled with goodies. Must be 18 or older. Only 220 tickets will be sold. Longaberger Homestead Items/Raffles/50/50 Special Bingo for Sort 'N Store Hamper with Lid and Beverage Tub Basket w/ Beverage Tub Wrought Iron Holder. 410-677-5145

27

Deadline to enter the second annual Technology Media Festival, which will be held at Prince Street Elementary March 31. All Wicomico students in grades preK-12 are eligible to enter a project that has been created during the current school year. Check with your school office or teacher for information on entering.

ACT Testing - Deadline to register for scheduled April 4 ACT testing. Check with high school guidance office.

Northwestern Elementary - Midterm progress reports go home

Bennett Middle - Movie Night, 6-8 p.m. Snacks, all students are invited.

North Salisbury Elementary - PTA Skate Night, 6-8 p.m.

28

East Salisbury Elementary - School-wide DEAR (Drop Everything and Read), 3 p.m.

Wicomico Middle - Bands Rockathon Fundraiser in the cafeteria

Mardela High - Prom Fashion Show 7 p.m.

Delmar Elementary - Perks for Parents, 8:45-11:30 a.m. Perks for Parents is a morning for Delmar parents in which the school offers informational sessions on educational topics and some fun activities. The morning will begin with the Superintendent of Wicomico County Schools, Dr. John Fredericksen, as keynote speaker. He will speak on our theme, "Parent Involvement = Student's Success". After that the parents will have a choice of attending two 45-minute sessions on related topics, or they may enjoy stress relief by Mitchell's Martial Arts or makeovers by Mary Kay. Black Belt World will also present.

James M. Bennett High - Winter Formal at JMB, 8 p.m.