DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Attention
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Obama Exposed AGAIN!
President Obama's plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs for the treatment of troops injured in service has angered veterans groups who say the government has a moral obligation to pay for service-related medical care.
GO HERE to read more.
Numerous Theft From Motor Vehicle Complaints In Rehoboth Beach Area
Troopers Investigate Numerous Theft from Motor Vehicle Complaints in Rehoboth Beach Area
Released Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Rehoboth Beach – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating several theft from motor vehicles that occurred late Sunday evening through early Monday morning. Nine separate victims called police to report their vehicles had been entered and property was removed.
All of these incidents occurred in separate driveways of homes in the following developments: Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club, Kingsale Glen and Silverview Farms. The crimes occurred between the hours of 11:00 pm this past Sunday evening and 5:00 am on Monday.
Property taken included GPS Navigation devices, radar detectors, I-Pod’s, portable DVD players and small amounts of money. Investigators note that all the vehicles involved were unsecured and no forced entry was used by the culprits.
The Delaware State Police are encouraging all persons to lock and secure their vehicles if they remain parked in the driveway or along a roadway overnight. Leaving a vehicle unsecured presents a crime of opportunity for a criminal and in many cases if the vehicle is locked the criminal will not force entry and will attempt to enter another unsecured vehicle.
Additionally, the DSP is asking for neighbors and residents to be vigilant of their surroundings and to report any suspicious person(s) and/or vehicle(s) they observe in their communities to police. Residents are asked to gather as much detail as possible on the description of the person or vehicle and then call 911 to report it.
Anyone with information on the aforementioned crimes is asked to contact investigators at Troop 7 at 302.644.5020 or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.TIP.3333.
UPPER FERRY REOPENS
Following a little more than two months of maintenance work, the car-transport vessel is operating again at Upper Ferry. County Roads workers removed the vessel from the river in early January and sent it away for an extensive overhaul which included engine and auto ramp replacement.
Wicomico County operates two ferries that carry autos and passengers across the river. Both the Upper and Whitehaven Ferries are open to serve the public from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. daily. Summer hours start on May 16th. Following that date, the ferries will operate from 6:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. daily until September 15th.
TONIGHT - A Prime Time Delight!
Obama Mulls Making Vets Foot Bill For Service Injuries
McCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
WASHINGTON—The Obama administration is considering making veterans use private insurance to pay for treatment of combat and service-related injuries. The plan would be an about-face on what veterans believe is a long-standing pledge to pay for health care costs that result from their military service.
But in a White House meeting Monday, veterans groups apparently failed to persuade President Obama to take the plan off the table.
“Veterans of all generations agree that this proposal is bad for the country and bad for veterans,” said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “If the president and the OMB [Office of Management and Budget] want to cut costs, they can start at AIG, not the VA.”
GO HERE to read more.
Another Blogger Writes About The Mayor & Salisbury News
Simon Owens is the owner of Bloggasm.
COLD CASE DNA EVIDENCE BRINGS ANOTHER CRIMINAL TO JUSTICE
COLD CASE DNA EVIDENCE BRINGS ANOTHER CRIMINAL TO JUSTICE
(Westminster, MD) – An armed robber who might have been thinking he ‘got away with one’ has been charged with a Carroll County armed robbery that occurred nine years ago, thanks to DNA evidence that had been preserved since the original crime.
Maryland State Police investigators from the Westminster Barracks Criminal Investigation Section have charged Thomas C. Ahalt, Jr., 33, with armed robbery, first degree assault, reckless endangerment, and other related crimes. Ahalt is currently serving a sentence in the Maryland Division of Correction for an unrelated armed robbery conviction. He is scheduled to be arraigned on these latest charges in the District Court for Carroll County on March 20, 2009.
On August 16, 2000, Maryland State Police troopers responded to the Amoco Gas Station at 1500 Liberty Road in Eldersburg, for a report of an armed robbery. The investigation revealed that a lone male suspect had entered the business wearing a black handmade mask over his face. As the suspect attempted to force the victim to open the cash register, a struggle ensued, during which the suspect assaulted the victim with a box cutter or similar weapon. The victim received only minor injuries from the assault and the suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.
During a search of the area with the assistance of Maryland State Police K-9 personnel, troopers located the handmade ski mask that had been worn by the suspect. This item was forwarded to the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division laboratory where it was processed. Biological evidence was collected and preserved.
Late last year, investigators were notified that the biological evidence submitted in this investigation had produced a match in Maryland’s DNA database, which is coordinated by the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division. The DNA profile was matched with convicted offender Thomas C. Ahalt, Jr. Based on the identification through the DNA database and the follow-up investigation conducted by the Westminster Barracks Criminal Investigation Section, Ahalt, who lived in Carroll County at the time of the crime, has been charged in connection with this armed robbery.
Biker
sees a sign hanging over the bar, which reads:
CHEESEBURGER $2.50
HAMBURGER $2.25
CHICKEN SANDWICH $3.50
HAND JOB $500.00
Checking his wallet for the necessary payment, he walks up to the bar and
beckons to the exceptionally attractive female bartender serving drinks to a
meager looking group of farmers.
"Yes?" she inquires with a knowing smile, "can I help you?"
"I was wondering," whispers the old biker, "are you the young lady who gives the hand jobs?"
"Yes," she smiles and purrs, "I sure am."
The old biker replies, "Well wash your hands real good cause I want a cheeseburger".
Sanchez Fulfills Dream With Commitment To Navy
The majestic view from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Bridge was more than enough to inform Martin Sanchez's college choice - even at the age of nine.
From the vantage point of the bridge is where Sanchez first saw something that captured his attention.
Martin Sanchez"I would always look over and ask my parents what it was I was seeing," Sanchez recalls. "My parents told me it was one of the most prestigious schools in the country. From then on I thought it would be awesome to one day attend." Sanchez's childhood dream will come true beginning in 2010 when he starts his education at the United States Naval Academy (Navy) in Annapolis, Maryland.
GO HERE to read more.
Charges Filed In Fatal Crash That Killed 3 Year Old Child
Charges Filed in October ’08 Fatal Crash that Killed 3 Year old Child
Released Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Seaford – The Delaware State Police have arrested Marcella L. Nichols, 45 of Seaford, for one count of Death by Motor Vehicle (traffic offense) for her involvement in the October 18 fatal crash that killed Alexis Downes, 3 of Laurel. Ms. Nichols was arrested yesterday and released on a $50.00 unsecured bond.
Investigators previously arrested Lacey I. Rash on March 6, 2009 for a single count of a child restraint violation. She was released on her own recognizance.
###
Fatal Car Crash Claims the Life of a 3-Year-Old Child
Released- Sunday, October 19, 2008
Seaford- On Saturday, October 18th, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Troopers were called to the area of Route 13 southbound at Bethel Concord Road (in the vicinity of the Frederick Ford Dealership) for the report of a fatal crash
A 2004 Oldsmobile Alero (operated by Marcella Nichols, 45, of Seaford) was westbound from Bethel Concord Road (east side of US 13) crossing over southbound US 13 traveling towards westbound O’Neal’s Road (west side of US 13). The east and westbound crossover of US 13 is controlled by a yield sign.
A 1996 Chrysler Sebring (operated by Lacey Rash, 22, of Laurel) was southbound on US 13 in the right lane approaching the above listed crossover area.
The Alero failed to yield right of way and pulled into the path of the Sebring resulting in the impact. After colliding, both vehicles came to a stop off of the roadway to the south of O’Neal’s Road and west of US 13.
A 3-year-old female child was ejected from the Sebring during the collision and was pronounced deceased at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital from injuries related to the crash. She was positioned in the left rear seat and her seatbelt use is unknown.
Oldsmobile:
Operator: Marcella Nichols of Seaford DE, treated and released at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital for contusions.
Right front passenger-1 Joy Mann, 27, of Seaford DE, treated and released at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital for contusions.
Sebring:
Operator: Lacey Rash of Laurel was treated and released at PRMC for contusions.
Right front passenger-1 Gail Rash, 45, of Laurel was treated and released at PRMC for contusions and facial lacerations.
Rear center passenger Candence James, 3, of Laurel DE treated and released at PRMC for contusions.
Right rear passenger Dakota Meyers, 1, of Laurel DE, treated and released at PRMC for contusions.
This crash remains under investigation. The seatbelt use of all of the involved juveniles is still being determined. No charges have been filed.
County Council Moves Forward With Land Theft Bill
Moving the legislation to public hearing was approved by council members Bill McCain, Dave MacLeod, Sheree Sample-Hughes, and the council's newest Dem John Cannon. Sample-Hughes was at least honest enough to admit that there would NOT be any compensation mechanism in the legislation.
We'll have a more detailed report tomorrow. We are also waiting for a response from County Executive Rick Pollitt. Pollitt has stated on at least two occasions that he would not support a bill that failed to compensate land owners for the loss of development rights. I'm hoping that he sticks to his guns.
Salisbury University & Tony Tank Fuel Spill Update
From: Richard Culver, Media Relations Director
Cleanup of diesel fuel from the Henson Science Hall leak continued throughout the weekend. The vast majority of the oil was confined to a campus sediment holding tank and the University’s storm water drainage pipes and has been retrieved. Miller Environmental Group, hired for the cleanup, said 95-98 percent of the oil was captured within the first 72 hours. Such figures are considered remarkable, those knowledgeable of oil cleanup said. A field manager with the Maryland Department of the Environment at the site added he was very pleased with the progress. On Sunday cleanup moved from the emergency to maintenance phase, which continues as a precaution.
Salisbury University would like to thank all those involved in the cleanup effort which began as a united initiative in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Maryland Department of the Environment, Miller Environmental Group, Wicomico Emergency Management and the Salisbury Fire Department, with assistance from the Wicomico Health Department.
Salisbury University would like to offer a particular thanks to the residents of the Tony Tank neighborhood and the Tony Tank Neighborhood Association who have been both welcoming and patient throughout the cleanup.
Fruitland Police Department Press Release
DATE & TIME OF INCIDENT: Feb thru March 7, 2009
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Attempted fraud
LOCATION OF INCIDENT: Fruitland, Maryland
VICTIM: Theodore Willette
CASE NO.: 2009-9197
ADDRESS: Fruitland, Maryland
On Friday, March 13, 2009, your writer, Detective Taylor spoke with Theodore Willette by telephone. Willette advised that he was the victim of an attempted fraud scheme over the internet.
He advised that he posted a computer monitor on the internet thru WBOC classifieds with a selling price of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). A person using the name Patrick Anderson later contacted Willette by email from the email address pat2pman@yahoo.com. This suspect requested to purchase the monitor and offered to send a check.
The suspect mailed Willette a company check from Gac Contractors out Panama City Florida for twenty-five hundred dollars ($2500.00). The letter containing the check mailed from Southern Connecticut. Willette deposited the check in his PNC bank account.
The suspect instructed Willette to keep the sale price twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and one-hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00) for his trouble and send back the unused portion by Money Gram. PNC bank contacted Willette that the check was a fraud. Willette did not return any money to the suspect.
I contacted the business of Gac Contractors. A representative of that business advised that the company is aware of the attempted fraud, that the account has no money in it and flagged for fraud. Arrest have been made in several other states relating to this type of mail /check fraud.
Mayor Barrie Tilghman Dumps $2,500,000.00 On The North Prong
It was one thing to build the Fire Palace during the most expensive time in American History, but it had to be built before ANYONE caught on to the "could be's."
Like I have said in the past, I lived directly on the Assawoman Bay in West Ocean City where the currents are just unbelievable. Bulkheading is an absolute necessity. However, not only is this on a river, it's by far the calmest portion of the Wicomico River and DOES NOT need steel bulkheading.
2 years from now I'll bet Gary Comegys, (still City Council Member) will blame this overspending once again on Blogger Joe Albero. So let it be known on the record that Joe Albero thinks the Citizens of Salisbury have been BONED again! Just like they got BONED at all the rip rap on the river near the City Park and Zoo.
You better start listening people. Jim Ireton will have individuals like me to turn to when they get bids and I'll say, Hell No, you don't spend $90,000.00 to repair an elevator! Hell No, you don't spend $2.5 million on steel bulkheading, etc.,, etc., etc! For once citizens will be able to share their professional background and experience and let the new Mayor know what's right from wrong and the new Mayor Jim Ireton will at least listen. He'll place people on Boards that have wisdom and experience and do everything possible to stop this wasteful spending. It has to end Ladies & Gentlemen, it really does. This bulkheading project is a joke.
Fellow Blogger "Shares Your Pain"
Hi,
Well, I see you have a dufus mayor, too. Interesting that they've both been voted out of office, isn't it? My fellow freedom-fighter, I commend you for your efforts and would love it if you could give me a brief run-down from your first-hand viewpoint that I can post on my blog.
My name is Jeni and I run sheboyganshenanigans.com - been quite a victim of abuse of power by our current mayor.
I am suing for what's been done to me - I won't back down but in my fight, I've found it's a rare person willing to stay the course when fighting government tyranny (and stupidity). You have my admiration and respect - hey, let's link! : )
Godspeed,
Jeni
http://sheboyganshenanigans.com
Inacom Hosts Another Trade Show At The Fountains
Comegys and Ireton to Debate on WSDL-FM
You have multiple options for listening to this program. Tune into 90.7 on your FM dial. You can listen online by visiting WSDL's website. If you miss the live broadcast, you can listen to it at your leisure by visiting Delmarva Today's podcast page.
Delmarva Today host Don Rush always does a great job interviewing his guests. This should be a broadcast worth listening to.
Women Supporting Women Event At The Fountains
Yard Sales Anyone?
If you are having a yard sale this weekend, or in the next few weeks, post it here for FREE.
Email me, SunnyInOC, at atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type the "yard sale" in the subject of your email. Please have this to me no later than Thursday at 3pm.
Don't Forget The Fountains TONIGHT!
St. Patrick's Day - 7:00 pm
The Curse of O'Bryan's Ring Murder Mystery Dinner! Join the Leprechauns and be a part of the action, figure out who did it! Tickets are $45 per person for a Four Course Dinner, Glass of Wine & Show. The Table Restaurant and Bar. Reservations are required along with pre-payment or credit card guarantee 410-749-6644
Sixteen Wicomico Destination ImagiNation Teams Qualify For Maryland State DI Tournament
Salisbury Middle had six teams qualify for the state contest, while Westside Intermediate will send three teams, and Pemberton Elementary and Mardela Middle and High will each have two teams in the state competition. Pinehurst Elementary, Bennett Middle and James M. Bennett High will also be represented.
The Wicomico County winning teams that will go to the Maryland State DI Tournament on Sat., Apr. 18, at Towson University are:
Challenge A: Operation Cooperation
Middle School Level
1st Place: Salisbury Middle School "Mini Tuts"
2nd Place: Salisbury Middle School "D*I*C*S*E*F*D"
Challenge B: Instinct Messaging
Elementary Level
1st Place: Pemberton Elementary "Dynamite Dudettes"
2nd Place: Westside Intermediate "Translating Rams"
Middle Level
1st Place: Salisbury Middle School "All of That"
3rd Place: Salisbury Middle School " DI-Namytes"
Secondary Level
1st Place: Mardela High School "Detonating DIalogs"
Challenge C: ViDIo Lit Hits
Elementary Level
1st Place: Pinehurst Elementary "Rockin' Panthers"
Middle Level
1st Place: Bennett Middle School "Easily DIstracted"
2nd Place: Salisbury Middle School "ID"
Challenge D: Private DI
Elementary Level
1st Place: Westside Intermediate School "DInamic Peeps"
Middle Level
3rd Place: Salisbury Middle School "DI Investigators"
Secondary Level
2nd Place: JMBennett High School "Dilly Dallies"
Challenge E: A New Angle
Elementary Level
1st Place: Pemberton Elementary School "DIfferent Angles"
2nd Place: Westside Intermediate School "Wic-O-mic-O"
Middle Level
1st Place: Mardela Middle / High School "Hot Pockets"
There's A Tea Party Tomorrow In Salisbury
Breaktime 9-Ball Tournament
I participated at the Nine Ball Tournament at Breaktime on Saturday March 14 at 1pm, had a full field. First match was with Bob Fritz and he put me in the losers bracket. The next gentleman that I played was Ben Green. I beat him 5-2 and put him out of the tournament. The next gentleman that I played was a double "0" so he had to give up some weight. I had him down 4-0 until he came back with a couple unbelievable Joe Albero breaks and sunk the 9-Ball on the break to come back 5-4 and put me out of the tournament.
The Results of the tournament were as follows. In First place Jeff Gibson, Second was Robby Hubbard, and in third place Bob Fritz. I had great time, it was the first tournament I had shot in in 16 years! Cant wait for the next one!
Bruce Hunter
Bruce's Billiards
Riddle Of The Day
Michael J. Fox has a small one.
Madonna doesn't have one.
The Pope has one but doesn't use it.
Clinton uses his all the time.
Bush is one.
Mickey Mouse has an unusual one.
Liberace never used his on women.
Jerry Seinfeld is very, very proud of his.
Cher claims that she took on 3.
We never saw Lucy use Desi's.
What is it?
Answer below! (this is pretty good )
Answer, A Last Name.
WCSO Charges Man With 4 Counts Of Animal Cruelty
Incident: Animal Cruelty
Date of Incident: 12 March 2009
Location: 25000 block of Elzey Brown Loop, Mardela Springs, MD
Suspect: Terrell Duane Strawberry, 29, Mardela Springs, MD
Narrative: On 17 December 2008, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into animal cruelty occurring at the residence of Terrell Strawberry in the 25000 block of Elzey Brown Loop in Mardela Springs. While at the scene, deputies were joined by representatives of the Wicomico County Humane Society and together they observed evidence of several maltreated dogs. They observed several dogs that appeared emaciated due to malnutrition along with four dogs that had open wounds. All of the dogs were secured by heavy chains. Upon further checking of the premises, they located a deceased dog that had apparently been left there unattended.
The dogs were seized by the humane society and the one deceased dog was sent for a necropsy. Upon receiving the result of the necropsy it appeared the deceased dog died as a result of malnutrition and a general lack of care.
On 10 March 2009, the investigating deputy obtained a warrant for the arrest of Terrell Strawberry, charging him with multiple counts of Animal Cruelty. On 12 March 2009, a deputy located Strawberry and placed him under arrest. Strawberry was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Strawberry was released by the Commissioner on Personal recognizance.
Charges: Animal Cruelty – 4 counts
Animal Cruelty / Cause deprivation of necessary sustenance – 4 counts
Animal Cruelty/ Inflict Unnecessary Pain or Suffering – 4 counts
Animal Cruelty / Failure Provide Food and Water – 4 counts
Animal Cruelty / Dog in Unsafe or Unsanitary Conditions outside – 4 counts
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
The Following individuals were arrested by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office on Arrest Warrants 9 March – 15 March 2009
Arrest Warrants
Eric D. Campbell, 23, Delmar, DE; Burglary / Theft, Held $50,000.00
Marty E. Days, 45, Salisbury; Assault 1st Degree, Held $40,000.00
Joshua James Halverson, 26, Salisbury; MDOP, released Personal Recognizance
Terrell D. Strawberry, 29, Mardela Springs; Animal Cruelty, released Personal Recognizance
Andre G. Thompson, 21, Salisbury; Possession with Intent Dist. CDS, held $75,000.00
Daniel C. Mckinney, 45, Salisbury; Obstruct/ Hinder, held $3,500.00
Amy Lynn Simpson, 23, Salisbury; Assault 2nd / MDOP, released on Personal Recognizance
Failure to Appear Bench Warrant
Charles Von Kollmar, 26, Salisbury; FTA Traffic, held $5,000.00
Robin Ann Wells, 47, Willards, MD; FTA False Statement to Law Enforcement, held $5,000.00
Patrice L. Tilghman, 25, Snow Hill, MD; FTA Motor Vehicle Theft, held $2,500.00
Keith Arthur Abbott Sr., 51, Delmar, MD; FTA Trespass, held $500.00
Tiara Monet Robinson, 20, Salisbury; FTA Confine Unattended Child, held $1,000.00
Sheneda S. Mann, 26, Salisbury, FTA Theft less $100.00, held $3,000.00
Violation of Probation Bench Warrant
Manuel Kevin Diaz, Salisbury; VOP: CDS Possession, held $25,000.00
Billie Jo Stephenson, 28, Salisbury, VOP: Theft / Obtain CDS Prescription by forgery, held $10,000.00
Stacy Lynn Copes, 23, Salisbury; VOP: Deadly Weapon/ Assault. Held without bond
Circuit Court Bench Warrant – Child Support Non Compliance
Marcus Leon Anderson, 20, Salisbury; Child Support Non Compliance, held $500.00
Circuit Court Indictment
Andrew Tobias Miller, 18, Parsonsburg; Possession of Marijuana / Possession of CDS Production Equipment, held $50,000.00
Joseph Alexander Simms, 17, Salisbury; Sex Abuse of Minor, held without bond
Clint Edward Clark, 28, Salisbury; Sex Abuse of Minor, held without bond
Gerald Lynn Todd Jr., 25, Delmar, DE; Manufacture/ Distribute Marijuana, held without bond
Andre G. Thompson, 21, Seaford, DE; CDS Manufacture / Distribute, held without bond
Kristen Lee Morse, 22, Millsboror, DE; Conspiracy to Manufacture/ Distribute CDS, held without bond
Charles D. Quailes, 21, Salisbury, MD; Robbery, held without bond
Tameka R. Richardson, 34, Salisbury; CDS Possession w/ Intent to Dist., held $50,000.00
Good News Highlights From Wicomico County Public Schools
Pemberton Elementary's Nicolas Selser, the school's Geography Bee winner, qualified for the state Geography Bee competition (April 3). The fourth-grader will be the school's first ever Maryland State Geography Bee participant.
Cub Scout Douglas Buck, a student at Glen Avenue Elementary who last year responded quickly when a teacher fainted in class, was recognized in early March with an invitation to a Boy Scout event at the White House, where he met President Obama.
TAD teacher Susan Bounds was recognized by the Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted Education as an Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education. Mrs. Bounds has worked for 26 years to provide outstanding gifted and talented education in the county. She is a TAD (Thinking and Doing Program for gifted and talented elementary students) teacher in Wicomico County, director of the Maryland Summer Centers for the Lower Eastern Shore, and coordinator of Destination ImagiNation.
Two Wicomico students who earned first-place recognition in the Eastern Shore Reading Council Young Authors Contest have also won awards in the SoMIRAC (State of Maryland International Reading Association Council) Young Authors Contest. Alison Sahler, a third-grader at North Salisbury Elementary, and Alexis Cooper, a ninth-grader at Mardela Middle and High, both earned second-place awards have been invited to SoMIRAC’s Young Authors Reception in April.
James M. Bennett High's It's Academic team won its second-round match in February and will compete with the state's eight other top teams in semifinal and final matches May 9. The second-round show will air on WJZ TV April 25. The team also finished first in the inaugural Stephen Decatur Academic Invitational Challenge, held March 13 at Wor-Wic Community College.
The Maryland State Department of Education spotlighted four Wicomico County elementary schools and two high schools with 2008 Maryland School Performance Recognition Awards based on improvement from 2007 to 2008 on Maryland's assessments. Westside Primary was recognized for overall improvement in its scores by from 2007 to 2008. Three Title I elementary schools, Charles H. Chipman, Pinehurst and Northwestern, were recognized for subgroup improvement and will receive a $5,533.93 award for the school to use to continue improving. Parkside High and James M. Bennett High have received state recognition for subgroup improvements.
Bennett Middle's band director, Gary Hammer, received the prestigious Outstanding Music Educator Award in the State of Maryland for 2009 at a special reception during the Maryland Music Educator's Conference on Feb. 27 in Baltimore.
Nearly $70,000 has been raised to fight heart disease through Jump Rope for Heart (American Heart Association) in county school: $17,363 from Delmar Elementary, $11,891 from Westside Intermediate, Fruitland Primary $7,500, Charles H. Chipman Elementary $2,179, Pinehurst Elementary $3,500, North Salisbury Elementary $6,074, Beaver Run Elementary $5,000, West Salisbury Elementary $1,415, Westside Primary $4,558, Pittsville Elementary and Middle $3,180, Salisbury Middle $1,165, and Willards Elementary $2,736. Northwestern Elementary raised $2,900, a 260 percent increase over the previous year. Pemberton and Prince Street will do their Jump Rope for Heart on March 27).
Fruitland Primary, in its first year as a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Schools, received 100 percent on its PBIS evaluation.
Wicomico County's seven newly Nationally Certified teachers are featured throughout March on "Working Together for Children," the school system's cable TV program on PAC 14. Also shown: Bennett Middle's author visit for the One Maryland, One Book campaign; music education assemblies around the school system by the a cappella group Almost Recess; Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot's visit to James M. Bennett High.
Parkside High won the quarterly recycling contest (sponsored by the school system and the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce) and the $1,000 award from Walmart Supercenter in Salisbury for recycling 7.64 pounds of paper per student (Parkside's second win).
Westside Primary welcomed 359 grandparents and visitors for its annual Grandparents & Friends Day and received cards and letters from grandparents all over the United States and one from India. Grandparents and friends were excited about the opportunity to donate money to purchase a book for the school library to honor their “special child," donating $3245 to purchase books.
How Many Of These Did YOU Know About?
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Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
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For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. (Wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
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To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
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Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!)..
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Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt glue!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
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Whenever I purchase a box of S..O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened'' this way!
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Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! (Now, where to put the body? LOL)
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Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
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Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
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Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.
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Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
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To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
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To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.
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Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
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Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
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When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness
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Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
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Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
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To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
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Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants end to march.. See for yourself.
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Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
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When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simple put the scotch tape over the splinter,and then pull it off.. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
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Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer........
Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush.
The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China .
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Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
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Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
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Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
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Unclog a drain..
Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar.. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.
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Do your friends a favor. Pass this timely information on to a friend! I just did.
Makes you wonder about ingesting Alka Seltzer, doesn't it?
"Expensive Funeral"
sure Bob would be pleased," she said.
"I am sure you are right," replied Judy, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. "How much did this really cost?"
"All of it," said Helen. "Thirty thousand."
"No!" Judy exclaimed. "I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?"
Helen answered, "The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The wake, food and drinks were a nother $500. The rest went for the memorial stone."
"Judy computed quickly, $22,500 for a memorial stone? My Lord, how big is it?"
"Two and a half carats."
AN IRISH BLONDE IN A CASINO
She said, 'I hope you don't mind, but I feel much luckier when I'm completely nude'.
With that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and with an Irish brogue yelled, 'Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!'
As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and squealed...'YES! YES!
I WON, I WON!'
She hugged each of the dealers and then picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly departed.
The dealers stared at each other dumbfounded. Finally, one of them asked, 'What did she roll?'
The other answered,
I don't know - I thought you were watching.'
*MORAL OF THE STORY -*
Not all Irish are drunks,
not all blondes are dumb,
but all men...are men
Who's Counting
Then he collapsed onto his desk, head in his hands, visibly shaken, almost in tears.
Finally, he composed himself and asked, 'Just how many is a brazilian?'
This is especially funny since he obviously has no understanding of billion or
trillion either.
Let's Be Realistic, Shall We
Our government should not be immune from similar risks..
Therefore: Reduce the House of Representatives from the current 435 members to 218 members and Senate members from 100 to 50 (one per State). Also reduce remaining staff by at least 25%.
Accomplish this over the next 8 years (two steps/two elections) and of course this would require 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 the above people's staffs (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 would need to 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 would 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.
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, there is no telling how much we would save. Now they get full retirement after serving only ONE term.
I also think they should all be limited to 2 terms.