DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Addendum To The Formal Filing Of M&T Complaint
This letter is in response to the negative feedback of my Formal Filing M&T Complaint posted on this site March 11th, 2010. Below is a link, which should be read before demeaning me! I believe there are several important banking issues that were not clearly understood by some people. It appears the bank automatically enrolled me in overdraft protection, without my consent or knowledge. I am not a banker therefore had no knowledge of how or why this was happening to my account. M&T Bank never gave me any answers or direction as to how I could stop them from doing this to my account. The bank is suppose to deny (and charge for) any transaction that would be non-sufficient funds. I am NOT disputing this. What the bank is doing is holding deposits, “re-ordering” debits and charging accounts unlawfully. I would NOT be wasting my time if this were my fault. The public needs to be made aware of what is going on. Maybe its not happening to the people who responded negatively to my letter, but it may be happening to someone you care about.
I may write one or two checks once a month. I normally use my Debit/ATM card to pay bills online, after making sure I have the funds available. I use M&T’s online banking on a very regular basis. I have print outs and other supporting documents which clearly show how the bank manipulates my checking account. M&T Bank “re-orders” my transactions and intentionally deducts any and all debits prior to crediting the account for any deposits, cash or otherwise.
The bank is legally suppose to decline any charges which funds are not available. They do not do this in order to incur excessive fees. The bank is the one who makes the funds unavailable.
I make a weekly deposit to my checking account. Sometimes this is available immediately, other weeks, the deposit is held for days at a time while the bank charges me insufficient fees even though the money is indeed in the bank.
What the bank is doing is unlawful, hence the Civil Class Action Lawsuit against them! I am not making this up. I am not ashamed to say, the people most affected by these unlawful practices are the lower-income people. The people that live pay check to pay check. I go to work every single day. I have not missed a day from work (or called out etc. ) in over twelve years. I do not live off the state in any way. I work hard for my money and should be allowed to be accountable for it. M&T Bank has taken this authority away from me and I want it back.
Please, please, please take the time to read the Complaint so that you can better understand!!!! Respectfully, Rose Johnson
Read a copy of the Class Action Complaint in the M&T Bank abusive overdraft fees class action.
I may write one or two checks once a month. I normally use my Debit/ATM card to pay bills online, after making sure I have the funds available. I use M&T’s online banking on a very regular basis. I have print outs and other supporting documents which clearly show how the bank manipulates my checking account. M&T Bank “re-orders” my transactions and intentionally deducts any and all debits prior to crediting the account for any deposits, cash or otherwise.
The bank is legally suppose to decline any charges which funds are not available. They do not do this in order to incur excessive fees. The bank is the one who makes the funds unavailable.
I make a weekly deposit to my checking account. Sometimes this is available immediately, other weeks, the deposit is held for days at a time while the bank charges me insufficient fees even though the money is indeed in the bank.
What the bank is doing is unlawful, hence the Civil Class Action Lawsuit against them! I am not making this up. I am not ashamed to say, the people most affected by these unlawful practices are the lower-income people. The people that live pay check to pay check. I go to work every single day. I have not missed a day from work (or called out etc. ) in over twelve years. I do not live off the state in any way. I work hard for my money and should be allowed to be accountable for it. M&T Bank has taken this authority away from me and I want it back.
Please, please, please take the time to read the Complaint so that you can better understand!!!! Respectfully, Rose Johnson
Read a copy of the Class Action Complaint in the M&T Bank abusive overdraft fees class action.
Mary Baker Has Passed Away
Will The Fruitland Police Department File Additional Charges Against The Following?
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2010/02/fruitland-police-department-press.html
Mary Baker died Tuesday. She was 83 years old.
Her Grandson had gone to visit her and noticed some unusual bleeding and called for an ambulance. Paramedics immediately noticed signs of neglect and brought her to PRMC. Unfortunately Mary passed Tuesday. I have spoken with the Fruitland Police Department and once they get back her autopsy report they'll then decide if additional charges will be filed against those taking, (if you want to call it that) care of her.
I had heard from one witness, "they took better care of their damn animals then they did her." We'll keep you posted Folks. Charges have already been filed against the following individuals living in Mary's home.
Preliminary Hearings:
George Wilbur Baker (husband) 3/18/10 - 8:30 am - room 02
Sherry Lynn Mundy (daughter) 3/18/10 - 8:30 am - room 02
Michelle Lynn Hundley (granddaughter) 3/18/10 - 8:30 am - room 02
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2010/02/fruitland-police-department-press.html
Mary Baker died Tuesday. She was 83 years old.
Her Grandson had gone to visit her and noticed some unusual bleeding and called for an ambulance. Paramedics immediately noticed signs of neglect and brought her to PRMC. Unfortunately Mary passed Tuesday. I have spoken with the Fruitland Police Department and once they get back her autopsy report they'll then decide if additional charges will be filed against those taking, (if you want to call it that) care of her.
I had heard from one witness, "they took better care of their damn animals then they did her." We'll keep you posted Folks. Charges have already been filed against the following individuals living in Mary's home.
Preliminary Hearings:
George Wilbur Baker (husband) 3/18/10 - 8:30 am - room 02
Sherry Lynn Mundy (daughter) 3/18/10 - 8:30 am - room 02
Michelle Lynn Hundley (granddaughter) 3/18/10 - 8:30 am - room 02
Registering Guns In Maryland
Maryland politicians should be focusing on the state's budget crisis. Instead, some lawmakers are wasting the remaining days of the legislative session to pass more gun-control laws. These efforts to limit freedom should be shot down.
One of the slew of proposed gun laws getting serious attention is the Firearm Safety Act of 2010, which was introduced by state Sen. Brian E. Frosh, Montgomery County Democrat. The bill promises to tighten up Maryland's supposedly "lax" registration and licensing laws, but its main legacy will be to waste money. By diverting funds from crime policies that work - like more cops on the beat - and discouraging gun ownership, the proposal will increase crime.
Registration programs in Hawaii, the District of Columbia and Chicago can't point to any crimes that have been solved as a result of gun registration. In Canada, since the 1930s and up to a few years ago, the government could point to only three handgun crimes solved using registration information.
Long-gun registration hasn't solved a single crime in Canada, and Canadians are pushing to eliminate the program after wasting a couple billion dollars on it. Last autumn, Canadian Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan said, "Canadians don't need another report to know that the long-gun registry is very efficient at harassing law-abiding farmers and outdoors enthusiasts, while wasting billions of taxpayer dollars." Case closed.
If a gun is registered and left at a scene, it could in theory be traced back to the owner to solve the crime, but this is almost never the case. First, crime guns are virtually never left at the scene of the crime. When they are, it's usually because the criminal is seriously wounded (or killed), and thus likely to be caught anyway. Second, even when guns are left at the scene, they generally are not registered to the criminals responsible, who either stole the weapons or otherwise obtained them illegally.
Freedom works; gun controls don't. Gun registration carries the added offense of wasting scarce resources in a troubled economy. Marylanders deserve better from their elected representatives.
Thought For The Day
For decades pundits have been saying that the New Orleans Saints were so bad at playing football that hell would freeze over before the Saints would ever win The Super Bowl.
On Sunday, February 7, 2010 The Saints won the Super Bowl.
On that same Sunday Washington D.C. was paralyzed under several feet of snow and the Government was shut down.
This, then, firmly establishes the exact geographical position of hell.
On Sunday, February 7, 2010 The Saints won the Super Bowl.
On that same Sunday Washington D.C. was paralyzed under several feet of snow and the Government was shut down.
This, then, firmly establishes the exact geographical position of hell.
Powellville Ladies Auxiliary Chicken & Oyster Dinner
3/12/10 4pm until? at Poweville Fire Company the Powellville Ladies Auxiliary will be serving a Chicken & Oyster Dinner. Powellville is well known for their fantastic Oyster Fritters.
Directions: From Salisbury, take Rt 50 toware Ocean City, turn right onto Poweville-Willards Rd (at blinking light in Willards). Drive about 4 miles and the fire house is just past the Adkins Mill Pond.
Directions: From Salisbury, take Rt 50 toware Ocean City, turn right onto Poweville-Willards Rd (at blinking light in Willards). Drive about 4 miles and the fire house is just past the Adkins Mill Pond.
More Games Being Played With The Downtown Library
Don't you just love how the Daily Times puts twists into their stories in the hopes of selling the Public on what they want you to believe.
This morning the Daily Times explains how the Downtown Library is almost 100 years old. I happen to own a Downtown Landmark that was completely renovated in 1984. If you were to walk my building you'd be very impressed with what Palmer Gillis did with the entire building, all three floors.
The same goes with the Library. It too was completely renovated years ago, specifically designed to handle huge amounts of weight. Books are not light in weight Folks.
What gets me the most is the fact that there's nothing but concrete and bricks supporting this two story Library. It should last 400 years. Trying to impress upon the public that this building is old is simply ridiculous. Libraries are getting smaller, not bigger.
However, there's another political game being played. The Library Director is threatening to take the Library out of the City and into the County. This has upset Mayor Ireton quite a bit. Mayor Ireton wants them to stay within the Downtown area but because the Feds are offering to pony up money to relocate, the Library wants to blow that cash.
So the game is, either the Library gets the prime property of Lot 10 Downtown or they threaten to move into the County. My hope is that County Executive Rick Pollitt steps in and says enough is enough. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with the building they are in and considering the hard economic times this Country is in, we do NOT have a building that is failing and there's nothing saying they can't upgrade what they currently have.
Oh, that's right, the Feds aren't going to pony up free cash for renovations, so why not spend millions of dollars on a new building. Seriously Folks, when are our elected officials going to start acting financially responsible?
Old Mall Owners Put The Emergency Brake On The Sale Of 5 Acres
Salisbury News received word that the owners of the Old Mall have requested the sale of the 5 acres of land drop down to 4.2 acres, instead of the original 5 acres. We do not know why they have changed their commitment but as most of you know, games are not something new with these owners.
Let the games begin!
MSP Press Releases
TROOPERS ARREST MAN ON CDS CHARGES
On March 11, 2010 at 2:18 am, A Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police was on Rt. 13 at Main Street in Salisbury when he observed a male subject urinating on the side of the Royal Farms store. The Trooper turned into the parking lot to make contact with the subject who had gotten on a scooter and was traveling down Rt. 13 towards Church Street. The Trooper stopped the subject and subsequently arrested him for driving while intoxicated. A search of the subject incident to his arrest revealed an amount of crack cocaine on his person. Charles Merrill Schoolfield, Jr., 44, of Salisbury, was charged with DUI, Driving while suspended, indecent exposure, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is awaiting a hearing with a commissioner.
TROOPERS ARREST WOMAN FOR OBSTRUCTING AND HINDERING AN INVESTIGATION
On March 11, 2010 at 3:20 am, A Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police stopped a vehicle in the parking lot of the Royal Farms store on Rt. 13 and Main Street in Salisbury for a traffic violation. The Trooper detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver of the vehicle and was speaking with the driver outside of her vehicle. The front seat passenger of the vehicle, Lashonda E. Joyner, 24, of Salisbury, exited the vehicle and began to interfere with the Troopers investigation. Joyner was arrested for obstructing and hindering an investigation. Joyner was taken to WCDC where she is awaiting a hearing with the District Court Commissioner.
On March 11, 2010 at 2:18 am, A Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police was on Rt. 13 at Main Street in Salisbury when he observed a male subject urinating on the side of the Royal Farms store. The Trooper turned into the parking lot to make contact with the subject who had gotten on a scooter and was traveling down Rt. 13 towards Church Street. The Trooper stopped the subject and subsequently arrested him for driving while intoxicated. A search of the subject incident to his arrest revealed an amount of crack cocaine on his person. Charles Merrill Schoolfield, Jr., 44, of Salisbury, was charged with DUI, Driving while suspended, indecent exposure, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is awaiting a hearing with a commissioner.
TROOPERS ARREST WOMAN FOR OBSTRUCTING AND HINDERING AN INVESTIGATION
On March 11, 2010 at 3:20 am, A Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police stopped a vehicle in the parking lot of the Royal Farms store on Rt. 13 and Main Street in Salisbury for a traffic violation. The Trooper detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver of the vehicle and was speaking with the driver outside of her vehicle. The front seat passenger of the vehicle, Lashonda E. Joyner, 24, of Salisbury, exited the vehicle and began to interfere with the Troopers investigation. Joyner was arrested for obstructing and hindering an investigation. Joyner was taken to WCDC where she is awaiting a hearing with the District Court Commissioner.
Obama Math!
A 15 mpg clunker that travels 12,000 miles a year uses 800 gallons of gas a year.
A 25 mpg vehicle that travels 12,000 miles a year uses 480 gallons a year.
So, the average Cash for Clunkers transaction will reduce US gasoline consumption by 320 gallons per year.
They claim 700,000 clunkers were turned-in, so that's 224 million gallons saved per year..
That equates to a bit over 5 million barrels of oil.
5 million barrels is about 5 hours worth of US consumption.
More importantly, 5 million barrels of oil at $70 per barrel costs about $350 million dollars
So, the government paid $3 billion of our tax dollars to save $350 million.
We spent $8.57 for every dollar we saved.
I'm pretty sure they will do a great job with our health care, though.
A 25 mpg vehicle that travels 12,000 miles a year uses 480 gallons a year.
So, the average Cash for Clunkers transaction will reduce US gasoline consumption by 320 gallons per year.
They claim 700,000 clunkers were turned-in, so that's 224 million gallons saved per year..
That equates to a bit over 5 million barrels of oil.
5 million barrels is about 5 hours worth of US consumption.
More importantly, 5 million barrels of oil at $70 per barrel costs about $350 million dollars
So, the government paid $3 billion of our tax dollars to save $350 million.
We spent $8.57 for every dollar we saved.
I'm pretty sure they will do a great job with our health care, though.
Today's Survey Question
Should Outsiders Be Involved In Reviewing Offenses On Doctors, Veterinarians, Lawyers & Police Officers?
Paul Ryan: The Roadmap Warrior
BY Matthew Continetti
Paul Ryan's Roadmap for America's Future would drastically overhaul the American welfare state in a free-market direction. The Congressional Budget Office says it would solve the entitlements crisis through a series of changes to Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid.
The Roadmap also includes a fundamental tax reform -- one that Ryan says, and the CBO assumes, would bring in revenues equivalent to the long-term historical average of 19-percent of GDP. Two new studies dispute that figure, however.
I talked to Ryan [Wednesday] evening to get his response.
"We feel good about our numbers," Ryan told me. "You can tweak a plan to get it toward a historic trend."
He's referring to a Brookings Institution's Tax Policy Center study that says the Roadmap would fall short of its 19-percent goal over the next 10 years, bringing in revenues of somewhere between 16.6 percent and 16.8 percent of GDP.
In a statement [Tuesday] night, Ryan said that "the purpose of the Roadmap is to get spending in line with revenue -- not the other way around."
He reiterated that argument in his conversation with me. "The point is the spending."
Philip Klein made some salient observations in a post [Wednesday]:
There's good reason to believe, based on economic theory and empirical experience, that at least some portion of that "lost" revenue would be recouped by higher GDP. But the overaching point is that the Ryan plan, as scored by the CBO, shows that there's a way to balance the long-term budget by keeping taxes at historical levels rather than raising them to levels that would cripple the economy. If critics acknowledge that Ryan's reforms to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the health care system can make our nation solvent as long as we maintain historical levels of tax revenue, and the only argument left is over how to maintain historical levels of taxation, then I'd say that's a major victory for Ryan.
The other charge critics make is that Ryan's tax changes would hurt the poor. That's the theme of a second report by the liberal Citizens for Tax Justice (CTJ), which concludes with this: "It's difficult to design a tax plan that will lose $2 trillion over a decade even while requiring 90 percent of taxpayers to pay more. But Congressman Ryan has met that daunting challenge."
It's impossible not to notice the snide tone. But sarcasm isn't always persuasive.The $2 trillion figure is a reference to the Bush tax cuts, which Ryan's plan would make permanent for everyone. (One should note that by this measure, the Obama tax plan will also "lose" some revenue, since the president only wants the tax cuts to expire for upper-brackets.) But Ryan also cuts spending over time. Obama does not.
Stop Lecturing Americans, Start Listening To Them
Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s stop in St. Louis [Wednesday] to deliver his 52nd speech on health care reform:
“The White House wants to blame resistance to the Democrats’ health care takeover on poor communication, but this will be President Obama's fifty-second health care speech since taking office,” said Chairman Price. “While the President often declares that the time for talk is over, he’s still talking. No matter how much forced dialogue he engages in, Americans still want us to scrap his plan and start over. The sales pitch isn’t the problem here; Americans just don’t like what Democrats are selling.”
“Real reform would increase access by bringing down costs and giving patients more control, but Democrats are pushing a plan that empowers Washington and actually increases national health care spending by $222 billion over ten years. New taxes and mandates on employers will prevent job creation while limiting patients’ choices and raising the cost of insurance. While the federal government has no constitutional authority to compel Americans to buy anything, the Democrats’ plan forces you to buy health insurance or face the wrath of the IRS. They’re also using shady accounting to conceal the fact that taxpayer funds will subsidize abortion coverage for the first time in our history.”
“The White House wants to blame resistance to the Democrats’ health care takeover on poor communication, but this will be President Obama's fifty-second health care speech since taking office,” said Chairman Price. “While the President often declares that the time for talk is over, he’s still talking. No matter how much forced dialogue he engages in, Americans still want us to scrap his plan and start over. The sales pitch isn’t the problem here; Americans just don’t like what Democrats are selling.”
“Real reform would increase access by bringing down costs and giving patients more control, but Democrats are pushing a plan that empowers Washington and actually increases national health care spending by $222 billion over ten years. New taxes and mandates on employers will prevent job creation while limiting patients’ choices and raising the cost of insurance. While the federal government has no constitutional authority to compel Americans to buy anything, the Democrats’ plan forces you to buy health insurance or face the wrath of the IRS. They’re also using shady accounting to conceal the fact that taxpayer funds will subsidize abortion coverage for the first time in our history.”
It’s time to scrap this government takeover of health care and start over with reforms that empower patients.”
Entire Senate GOP Vows To Block Policy Changes In Health Bill
All Senate Republicans wrote Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Wednesday, vowing to oppose any policy-driven changes to the healthcare bill in the Senate.
All 41 GOP senators signed a letter to Reid pledging to uphold the "Byrd rule," which requires that all elements of a bill passed using budget reconciliation rules be strictly related to the budget.
The GOPers' pledge amounts to a threat to block any changes sought by Senate Democrats on issues like abortion or immigration, or perhaps the reintroduction of the public option to the healthcare bill.
"We wish to inform you that we will oppose efforts to waive the so-called Byrd Rule during Senate consideration of any reconciliation bill concerning health reform," the senators wrote. "As it takes 60 votes to waive the Byrd Rule, we can ensure that any provision that trips the Byrd Rule will be stripped from the bill, which will require that the bill be sent back to the House for further consideration and additional votes."
The letter has the effect of putting Reid and Democrats on notice that any attempt to go beyond the scope of budget reconciliation rules will be met with fierce GOP opposition.
The reconciliation process is being considered to make changes to the Senate's original healthcare bill in order to placate enough House Democrats' concerns about that bill.
More
All 41 GOP senators signed a letter to Reid pledging to uphold the "Byrd rule," which requires that all elements of a bill passed using budget reconciliation rules be strictly related to the budget.
The GOPers' pledge amounts to a threat to block any changes sought by Senate Democrats on issues like abortion or immigration, or perhaps the reintroduction of the public option to the healthcare bill.
"We wish to inform you that we will oppose efforts to waive the so-called Byrd Rule during Senate consideration of any reconciliation bill concerning health reform," the senators wrote. "As it takes 60 votes to waive the Byrd Rule, we can ensure that any provision that trips the Byrd Rule will be stripped from the bill, which will require that the bill be sent back to the House for further consideration and additional votes."
The letter has the effect of putting Reid and Democrats on notice that any attempt to go beyond the scope of budget reconciliation rules will be met with fierce GOP opposition.
The reconciliation process is being considered to make changes to the Senate's original healthcare bill in order to placate enough House Democrats' concerns about that bill.
More
House GOP Leaders To Ask Conference For Immediate Moratorium On Earmarks
House GOP leaders will call for an immediate moratorium on earmarks at a Thursday conference meeting.
In a joint statement, Republican leaders said the earmark process had become a symbol of “a broken Washington” and that the time had come for House Republicans to adopt an immediate, unilateral ban on earmarks.
The move comes after the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday moved to no longer accept earmarks that go to for-profit companies.
More
In a joint statement, Republican leaders said the earmark process had become a symbol of “a broken Washington” and that the time had come for House Republicans to adopt an immediate, unilateral ban on earmarks.
The move comes after the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday moved to no longer accept earmarks that go to for-profit companies.
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Black Caucus To Meet With Obama About Jobs
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) said they'll meet with President Barack Obama on Thursday to talk about job creation.
Several CBC members told The Hill that they're scheduled to meet with the president at 1:45 Thursday afternoon at the White House.
Most of the Black Caucus voted against the $15 billion jobs bill that squeaked by the House last week. CBC Chairwoman Barbara Lee and other caucus leaders dismissed the bill as too small and ineffective to deal with the high unemployment rate, which is 9.7 percent nationally and nearly 14 percent for blacks, according to the Labor Department.
Read more
Several CBC members told The Hill that they're scheduled to meet with the president at 1:45 Thursday afternoon at the White House.
Most of the Black Caucus voted against the $15 billion jobs bill that squeaked by the House last week. CBC Chairwoman Barbara Lee and other caucus leaders dismissed the bill as too small and ineffective to deal with the high unemployment rate, which is 9.7 percent nationally and nearly 14 percent for blacks, according to the Labor Department.
Read more
Silver Bullet From U.S. States Kills 'Mandatory' Obamacare
At least 36 state legislatures are considering legislation that would allow citizens to opt out of a key component of President Obama's health-care "reform" – an "individual mandate" requiring that all Americans have health insurance.
Both the House and Senate health-care bills require Americans to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty. The House bill establishes a fine based on percentage of a person's income, while the Senate version creates a penalty as a flat fee or percentage of income, whichever is higher. Those refusing to get insurance could be found guilty of a misdemeanor crime, punishable by another fine or even jail time.
"The president's proposal adopts the Senate approach but lowers the flat dollar assessments, and raises the percent of income assessment that individuals pay if they choose not to become insured," a White House plan released in February states.
As of March 4, Virginia became the first state to enact a new statute section titled, "Health insurance coverage not required." In Arizona, voters will cast ballots on a constitutional amendment in November 2010 that would "preserve the freedom of all residents of the state to provide for their own health care."
Lawmakers suggest approval of the legislation may spark a legal battle over states' rights versus the federal government's reach of power. The Boston Globe reported the measures could set the stage for "one of the greatest tests of federal power over the states since the civil rights era."
"The administration is trying to shift from a government by social compact, agreement between elected officials and citizens, to a government where the leaders tell the subjects what to do," Virginia Delegate Bob Marshall, chief sponsor of the measure in his state, told the Globe. "That is not what the American Revolution was about."
The American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, has sparked nationwide interest with its model "Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act: How Your State Can Block Single-Payer and Protect Patients' Rights." ALEC warns that forcing patients to enroll in one-size-fits-all plans would cause massive increases in spending and force policymakers to ration care as a cost-containment measure.
Did The Obama Administration Violate Federal Law? GOP Wants Answers
The top Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee says the Obama administration may have broken the law by offering Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.) a job in order to persuade him not to mount a primary challenge against Sen. Arlen Specter.
Sestak has said that the administration offered him a high-ranking government job if he’d stay out of the race. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs has been asked repeatedly about the accusation in recent weeks but so far has neither confirmed nor denied that a job was offered.
But in a letter to White House general counsel Robert Bauer Wednesday, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said that, if Sestak’s allegation is true, administration officials may have violated a federal statute which makes it a crime for a government employee to use his authority “for the purpose of interfering with, or affecting, the nomination or the election of any candidate” for certain offices, including Senate seats.
"While the White House may think this is politics as usual, what is spectacularly unusual is when a candidate — a U.S. congressman no less — freely acknowledges such a proposal,” Issa wrote. “Almost always candidates keep quiet about such deals, and for good reason — they are against the law."
Read more here
Sestak has said that the administration offered him a high-ranking government job if he’d stay out of the race. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs has been asked repeatedly about the accusation in recent weeks but so far has neither confirmed nor denied that a job was offered.
But in a letter to White House general counsel Robert Bauer Wednesday, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said that, if Sestak’s allegation is true, administration officials may have violated a federal statute which makes it a crime for a government employee to use his authority “for the purpose of interfering with, or affecting, the nomination or the election of any candidate” for certain offices, including Senate seats.
"While the White House may think this is politics as usual, what is spectacularly unusual is when a candidate — a U.S. congressman no less — freely acknowledges such a proposal,” Issa wrote. “Almost always candidates keep quiet about such deals, and for good reason — they are against the law."
Read more here
Obama Facing Uprising Over New NASA Strategy
President Barack Obama is trying to tamp down an uprising in politically vital Florida against a new strategy for NASA that has rankled space veterans and lawmakers and sparked fears of job losses.
Obama's decision to kill NASA's Constellation program to launch astronauts into orbit and return Americans to the moon has prompted soul-searching on whether the United States is prepared to cede a pre-eminent space role to Russia and China.
"As with all great human achievements, our commitment to space must be renewed and encouraged or we will surely be surpassed by other nations who are presently challenging our leadership in space," Democratic and Republican members of the U.S. Congress from Florida wrote to Obama last week.
Obama's move for a greater private sector role in space launches -- as he seeks to keep ballooning federal deficits in check -- has generated fears of job losses among thousands of NASA employees who provide an important economic base in Florida, a state usually crucial in presidential elections.
Employees at major space complexes in Alabama and Texas are also worried.
It is making for a potentially explosive environment when Obama travels to the Cape Canaveral area on April 15 to host a space conference with top officials and leaders in the field.
"What reception will they get? Not good," said Keith Cowing, editor of nasawatch.com, a website that closely monitors the U.S. space agency. "It's a gutsy move. It's Daniel in the Lion's Den."
Obama, in his Feb. 1 budget proposal, planned to increase NASA's overall funding to $19 billion in 2011 with an emphasis on science and less spent on space exploration.
He would cancel the Constellation program's Orion spacecraft and Ares rockets, after $9 billion and five years of tests. Constellation is aimed at returning astronauts to the moon in the 2020s to clear the way for a Mars mission.
Instead, Obama would spend $6 billion a year for five years to support commercial spacecraft development and pursue new technologies to explore the solar system in what the White House called "a more effective and affordable way."
55 Percent Think Obama Should ‘Start Over’ On Health Care Reform, Poll Finds
A Rasmussen Reports survey found that 55 percent of Americans think that Congress should throw the current health care plan out and start fresh, suggesting that President Obama’s demand that Congress pass his reform proposal has failed to sway the public.
The poll of 1,000 likely voters, which was released on March 5, showed that a majority of both Republicans and independents favor starting fresh on health care reform, giving congressional Republicans added ammunition as they oppose Obama’s final push for the unpopular legislation.
Only 37 percent of Americans think Congress should continue to build on the bill Democrats have been debating amongst themselves for nearly a year.
Most of those supporters are, unsurprisingly, Democrats, 66 percent of whom support the current effort. Opposition to the plan, and support for starting over, appears to enjoy bipartisan support, the poll found.
Twenty-five percent of Democrats join most Republicans and independents in favor of scrapping the current legislation and starting the process over. Republicans favor starting over (85 percent), while independents favor a fresh start two-to-one.
Here's more
The poll of 1,000 likely voters, which was released on March 5, showed that a majority of both Republicans and independents favor starting fresh on health care reform, giving congressional Republicans added ammunition as they oppose Obama’s final push for the unpopular legislation.
Only 37 percent of Americans think Congress should continue to build on the bill Democrats have been debating amongst themselves for nearly a year.
Most of those supporters are, unsurprisingly, Democrats, 66 percent of whom support the current effort. Opposition to the plan, and support for starting over, appears to enjoy bipartisan support, the poll found.
Twenty-five percent of Democrats join most Republicans and independents in favor of scrapping the current legislation and starting the process over. Republicans favor starting over (85 percent), while independents favor a fresh start two-to-one.
Here's more
Brooke Mulford Update
I'm just noticing that it has been 19 days since I last posted! Brooke has had a wonderful 3 weeks at home. I’ve been wracking my brain to try to think of all the fun things she has been doing these weeks off but decided to just give you a few of the highlights and try to get to bed early.
Sunday, Feb 21st was Brooke’s 6 month anniversary from her second transplant which should mean that she can come off all the transplant precautions but I called Brooke’s transplant Nurse Practitioner and she thought it would be best to keep her on precautions until flu season is over in 1-2 months. We can go out a little more now as long as it is somewhere that isn’t crowded at all and she still cannot be around kids under 3. So for now school, church, malls etc are still out.
We went to see a weekday matinee showing of the Chipmunks movie (which she loved) and we were the only ones in the theater. We took Bailey for an emergency trip to the dogwash (Tails & Tubs) after she tried to dig to China from the backyard and we ran into Brooke’s BFF Greyson there giving his dog Asher a bath! It was such a wonderful surprise! Mrs. Katzaman (Brooke’s teacher) came over a couple days and got Brooke caught up on what she has been missing at school. She had a blast with Caleb & Jordan Anderson while Dr. Jeff was over to fill in for Dr. Dave for her dressing change last Sunday. We did a mommy/daughter spur of the moment spa day yesterday. Brooke got a mani/pedi and I got a spa pedicure (an hour of pampering before heading back to CHOP) and had a quick playdate with Riley and Morgan from next door when we got home.
Also, over that past few weeks we were able to eat out at MSI a couple of times. Brooke has been eating so much the past couple of weeks! It has been so great to see her appetite back to her pre-cancer days. We had a clinic appt last Wednesday and Brooke was up to an all time high of 31.2 lbs (she was 30.5 lbs the day of diagnosis last year)!
We are at Grammy’s right now for the night and heading to CHOP tomorrow for Ophthalmology clinic, followed by Oncology clinic and then she will be admitted for her final round of antibodies! Hoping and praying that this round goes as smoothly as the last one did!
Here is a video of Brooke Hula dancing to Jimmy Buffet last Monday. Gotta love her tubies dangling!click on this link: My Little Hula Girl
Please pray for all of the mighty cancer warriors…
Blessings,
Amy
Sunday, Feb 21st was Brooke’s 6 month anniversary from her second transplant which should mean that she can come off all the transplant precautions but I called Brooke’s transplant Nurse Practitioner and she thought it would be best to keep her on precautions until flu season is over in 1-2 months. We can go out a little more now as long as it is somewhere that isn’t crowded at all and she still cannot be around kids under 3. So for now school, church, malls etc are still out.
We went to see a weekday matinee showing of the Chipmunks movie (which she loved) and we were the only ones in the theater. We took Bailey for an emergency trip to the dogwash (Tails & Tubs) after she tried to dig to China from the backyard and we ran into Brooke’s BFF Greyson there giving his dog Asher a bath! It was such a wonderful surprise! Mrs. Katzaman (Brooke’s teacher) came over a couple days and got Brooke caught up on what she has been missing at school. She had a blast with Caleb & Jordan Anderson while Dr. Jeff was over to fill in for Dr. Dave for her dressing change last Sunday. We did a mommy/daughter spur of the moment spa day yesterday. Brooke got a mani/pedi and I got a spa pedicure (an hour of pampering before heading back to CHOP) and had a quick playdate with Riley and Morgan from next door when we got home.
Also, over that past few weeks we were able to eat out at MSI a couple of times. Brooke has been eating so much the past couple of weeks! It has been so great to see her appetite back to her pre-cancer days. We had a clinic appt last Wednesday and Brooke was up to an all time high of 31.2 lbs (she was 30.5 lbs the day of diagnosis last year)!
We are at Grammy’s right now for the night and heading to CHOP tomorrow for Ophthalmology clinic, followed by Oncology clinic and then she will be admitted for her final round of antibodies! Hoping and praying that this round goes as smoothly as the last one did!
Here is a video of Brooke Hula dancing to Jimmy Buffet last Monday. Gotta love her tubies dangling!click on this link: My Little Hula Girl
Please pray for all of the mighty cancer warriors…
Blessings,
Amy
Formal Filing M&T Complaint
M&T Bank
Attn: Charles Williams, VP
155 East Carroll StreetSalisbury, Maryland 21801
Facsimile: 410-546-1655
Re: Checking Account of Rosemary Johnson Bank: M&T Bank, 155 E. Carroll Street, Salisbury, MD 21801
Dear Mr. Williams:
Per the advice of an attorney, this letter is to formally make my complaint in letter form. Numerous times in the past few years, I have protested the unconscionable and deceptive NSF’s that I have been charged. M&T Bank and their overdraft policies are unfair, misleading and clearly discriminated against me in banking. The bank’s policies definitely have a far greater impact on low-income customers. M&T Bank advertises free checking accounts which are not free because of the unlawful and excessive overdraft fees that are regularly charged to many of their customers.
Instead of M&T Bank declining debit and/or POS/ATM transactions when there were insufficient funds or even warning me (their customer) that an overdraft fee would be assessed, M&T Bank regularly processed such transactions in order to charge the overdraft fees of $37.00, even when the transaction was only for a few dollars. Many times this has cost me hundreds of dollars in a matter of days or even hours.
M&T Bank’s practice of reordering transactions is an extreme violation of Maryland’s consumer protection laws. If it were not for the reordering of debit and check transactions from highest to lowest, I would have had sufficient funds in my account to cover almost every transaction and would not have incurred most or all of the overdraft fees. I was told repeatedly by M&T Bank reps that, “Technically, this is your fault and I can not help you. “ I was also told, “The bank purposely takes the largest charge first, assuming that it would be the most important, like a mortgage payment or something, and will knowingly overdraft the account immediately (the same day even) for all the lesser charges that it could have cleared otherwise.” I was also told that the Branch Manager would contact me upon his return to the office that day (March 5, 2010) but I still have yet to hear from him.
According to Overdraft Protection: A Guide for Bankers issued by the American Bankers Association, M&T Bank is suppose to offer their customers the option of opting out of any overdraft programs and the bank is suppose to inform their customers before they “take” their fees for a check or POS/ATM transaction that would cause my account to incur overdraft fees. This notice would have allowed me to use a different payment method in order to avoid NSF’s. This is a violation of Maryland’s consumer protections laws and the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in the Account Agreement, governing my checking account.
Had the bank not maliciously over-charged my account just this month for at least fourteen NSF’s in a two day period, I would not be in the position that I am in today. At this point in time I am seeking to be refunded full restitution of all overdraft fees paid to the M&T Bank on check-card transactions, including POS and ATM transactions, along with pre-judgment interest for the past year. I have the right to possess my money in my checking account. M&T Bank interfered with the possession of my money and wrongfully converted my funds to be theirs by assessing unlawful overdraft fees. If these fees are not reimbursed within the next five days, I will take this complaint and demand as far as I have to in order to get it the attention it deserves. For the record I am a college educated forty-six year old mother of three, a legal secretary of nine years, a law-abiding and respected citizen, a registered voter, a home-school teacher to my autistic eleven year old son and an established homeowner for over ten years.
M&T Bank has unjustly been enriched by their overdraft fee policies and practices, including but not limited to the manipulation and reordering transactions so that M&T Bank can increase their number of overdraft charges. I was charged excessive amounts of money for banking services and paid excessive fees, thereby suffering actual injury proximately caused by M&T Bank’s incompetent actions and I have been provided very poor customer service.
Respectfully,
Rose Johnson
cc:Legg Law Firm, LLCAttn: Scott Borison5500 Buckeystown PikeFrederick, Maryland 20703
Representative Frank Kratovil One Plaza EastSuite 103 East Main StreetSalisbury, Maryland 21801
Office of the MayorCity of Salisbury Maryland125 North Division Street, Room 304Salisbury, Maryland 21801-4940
Consumer Protection DivisionOffice of the Attorney General 200 St. Paul PlaceBaltimore, Maryland 21202
State of Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation500 North Calvert Street, Room 402 Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Carolyn SumaGeneral Assignment Reporter at WMDT 202 Downtown PlazaSalisbury, Maryland 21801
Daily Times Local Reporter618 Beam StreetSalisbury, Maryland 21801
District Court for Wicomico CountyAttn: Honorable Judge201 Baptist StreetSalisbury, Maryland 21801
Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland 1414 Key Highway, Suite 100 Baltimore Maryland 21230-5189
Salisbury Chamber of CommerceAttn: President J. Scott RobertsonRobertson & Robertson, P.A.144 East Main Street Salisbury, Maryland 21801
Federal Reserve Consumer HelpP.O. Box 1200Minneapolis, MN 55480
Joe Albero, alberobutzo@wmconnect.com Salisbury News Blog
Attn: Charles Williams, VP
155 East Carroll StreetSalisbury, Maryland 21801
Facsimile: 410-546-1655
Re: Checking Account of Rosemary Johnson Bank: M&T Bank, 155 E. Carroll Street, Salisbury, MD 21801
Dear Mr. Williams:
Per the advice of an attorney, this letter is to formally make my complaint in letter form. Numerous times in the past few years, I have protested the unconscionable and deceptive NSF’s that I have been charged. M&T Bank and their overdraft policies are unfair, misleading and clearly discriminated against me in banking. The bank’s policies definitely have a far greater impact on low-income customers. M&T Bank advertises free checking accounts which are not free because of the unlawful and excessive overdraft fees that are regularly charged to many of their customers.
Instead of M&T Bank declining debit and/or POS/ATM transactions when there were insufficient funds or even warning me (their customer) that an overdraft fee would be assessed, M&T Bank regularly processed such transactions in order to charge the overdraft fees of $37.00, even when the transaction was only for a few dollars. Many times this has cost me hundreds of dollars in a matter of days or even hours.
M&T Bank’s practice of reordering transactions is an extreme violation of Maryland’s consumer protection laws. If it were not for the reordering of debit and check transactions from highest to lowest, I would have had sufficient funds in my account to cover almost every transaction and would not have incurred most or all of the overdraft fees. I was told repeatedly by M&T Bank reps that, “Technically, this is your fault and I can not help you. “ I was also told, “The bank purposely takes the largest charge first, assuming that it would be the most important, like a mortgage payment or something, and will knowingly overdraft the account immediately (the same day even) for all the lesser charges that it could have cleared otherwise.” I was also told that the Branch Manager would contact me upon his return to the office that day (March 5, 2010) but I still have yet to hear from him.
According to Overdraft Protection: A Guide for Bankers issued by the American Bankers Association, M&T Bank is suppose to offer their customers the option of opting out of any overdraft programs and the bank is suppose to inform their customers before they “take” their fees for a check or POS/ATM transaction that would cause my account to incur overdraft fees. This notice would have allowed me to use a different payment method in order to avoid NSF’s. This is a violation of Maryland’s consumer protections laws and the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in the Account Agreement, governing my checking account.
Had the bank not maliciously over-charged my account just this month for at least fourteen NSF’s in a two day period, I would not be in the position that I am in today. At this point in time I am seeking to be refunded full restitution of all overdraft fees paid to the M&T Bank on check-card transactions, including POS and ATM transactions, along with pre-judgment interest for the past year. I have the right to possess my money in my checking account. M&T Bank interfered with the possession of my money and wrongfully converted my funds to be theirs by assessing unlawful overdraft fees. If these fees are not reimbursed within the next five days, I will take this complaint and demand as far as I have to in order to get it the attention it deserves. For the record I am a college educated forty-six year old mother of three, a legal secretary of nine years, a law-abiding and respected citizen, a registered voter, a home-school teacher to my autistic eleven year old son and an established homeowner for over ten years.
M&T Bank has unjustly been enriched by their overdraft fee policies and practices, including but not limited to the manipulation and reordering transactions so that M&T Bank can increase their number of overdraft charges. I was charged excessive amounts of money for banking services and paid excessive fees, thereby suffering actual injury proximately caused by M&T Bank’s incompetent actions and I have been provided very poor customer service.
Respectfully,
Rose Johnson
cc:Legg Law Firm, LLCAttn: Scott Borison5500 Buckeystown PikeFrederick, Maryland 20703
Representative Frank Kratovil One Plaza EastSuite 103 East Main StreetSalisbury, Maryland 21801
Office of the MayorCity of Salisbury Maryland125 North Division Street, Room 304Salisbury, Maryland 21801-4940
Consumer Protection DivisionOffice of the Attorney General 200 St. Paul PlaceBaltimore, Maryland 21202
State of Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation500 North Calvert Street, Room 402 Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Carolyn SumaGeneral Assignment Reporter at WMDT 202 Downtown PlazaSalisbury, Maryland 21801
Daily Times Local Reporter618 Beam StreetSalisbury, Maryland 21801
District Court for Wicomico CountyAttn: Honorable Judge201 Baptist StreetSalisbury, Maryland 21801
Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland 1414 Key Highway, Suite 100 Baltimore Maryland 21230-5189
Salisbury Chamber of CommerceAttn: President J. Scott RobertsonRobertson & Robertson, P.A.144 East Main Street Salisbury, Maryland 21801
Federal Reserve Consumer HelpP.O. Box 1200Minneapolis, MN 55480
Joe Albero, alberobutzo@wmconnect.com Salisbury News Blog
SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
MARCH 15, 2010
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
(Times shown for agenda items are estimates only)
9:30 a.m. Fire Station proposals
Coastal Venture Properties, LLC
Aloha Properties, LLC
10:30 a.m. Sidewalk café requirements – Bill Holland
11:00 a.m. Sidewalk sign standards – Bill Holland
11:30 a.m. Briefing – Comprehensive Plan – Jack Lenox/Keith Hall
12:00 p.m. Briefing – energy conservation loans – John Pick
12:25 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas
12:30 p.m. Adjourn
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
(Times shown for agenda items are estimates only)
9:30 a.m. Fire Station proposals
Coastal Venture Properties, LLC
Aloha Properties, LLC
10:30 a.m. Sidewalk café requirements – Bill Holland
11:00 a.m. Sidewalk sign standards – Bill Holland
11:30 a.m. Briefing – Comprehensive Plan – Jack Lenox/Keith Hall
12:00 p.m. Briefing – energy conservation loans – John Pick
12:25 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas
12:30 p.m. Adjourn
College Anti-Discrimination Policies For Gays
Hey Joe,
I read your recent post mentioning the Virginia attorney general's statements concerning college anti-discrimination policies for gays. I recently got a chance to interview several Virginia college students who have been using Facebook to coordinate protests and rallies as a response to the letter
Anyway, I thought this was something you and your readers would find interesting.
Take care,
Simon
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO PRESENT 2011 FEDERAL PRIORITIES TO MARYLAND CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will travel to Capitol Hill today, where he will meet with members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, hosted by Senator Barbara Mikulski. Governor O’Malley will present the state’s FY2011 federal priorities at the annual presentation.
Senator Mikulski will offer opening remarks, and following the Governor’s presentation, he will field questions from the Delegation members. The entire meeting is open press. A media availability will follow the meeting
Senator Mikulski will offer opening remarks, and following the Governor’s presentation, he will field questions from the Delegation members. The entire meeting is open press. A media availability will follow the meeting
Local Community Figures Slated To Select Salisbury's Barnum Award Recipients
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Celebrates Children
Who Give Back to Their Community through the Barnum Awards
Local Community Figures Slated to Select Salisbury Recipients
(Salisbury, MD) In conjunction with a two-year celebration of the 200th anniversary of P.T. Barnum’s birth, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® recently announced the launch of The Barnum Award, which honors the spirit of the founder of The Greatest Show On Earth® and his inspirational contributions to society by identifying and celebrating children who give back to their own communities in creative, fun, and innovative ways. The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center announced last week that Salisbury, MD was one of more than 75 cities throughout the United States selected to participate in the program.
The Barnum Award program is designed to recognize and support children ages six to 14, who have created social good and enriched their local community through their own inventive and pioneering actions. Local Barnum Award recipients will be chosen by a panel of distinguished local luminaries. This panel includes County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., WMDT-47 News Anchor Katherine Amenta and Professor of Psychology at Salisbury University and co-author of A Glorious Revolution for Youth and Communities: Service-Learning and Model Communities George Whitehead.
Pollitt, Amenta and Whitehead will select three award recipients from the Salisbury area. The Gold Barnum Award Recipient will receive a medallion and a $1,000 grant, the Silver Barnum Award Recipient will receive a medallion and a $750 grant, and the Bronze Barnum Award Recipient will receive a medallion and a $500 grant. Grants are to be used to fund future community service endeavors. Additionally, all three award recipients will be honored at a pre-show award ceremony during the opening night performance of The Greatest Show On Earth® at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on April 1, 2010. They and their families will also be invited to stay and enjoy the show.
Nominations for children from Salisbury and the surrounding area can be made online at www.thebarnumaward.com. Nominations can be made now through March 19, 2010. Nominators are required to be over the age of 21, and must fill out a short online questionnaire about the child they feel is making a difference in the community.
For more information about The Barnum Award and how to nominate a child who is making a difference in our community, visit www.thebarnumaward.com. For show-related information regarding the April 1-4, 2010 performances of Ringling Bro. and Barnum & Bailey’s Illuscination at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, please visit www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org or call 410-548-4911.
Who Give Back to Their Community through the Barnum Awards
Local Community Figures Slated to Select Salisbury Recipients
(Salisbury, MD) In conjunction with a two-year celebration of the 200th anniversary of P.T. Barnum’s birth, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® recently announced the launch of The Barnum Award, which honors the spirit of the founder of The Greatest Show On Earth® and his inspirational contributions to society by identifying and celebrating children who give back to their own communities in creative, fun, and innovative ways. The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center announced last week that Salisbury, MD was one of more than 75 cities throughout the United States selected to participate in the program.
The Barnum Award program is designed to recognize and support children ages six to 14, who have created social good and enriched their local community through their own inventive and pioneering actions. Local Barnum Award recipients will be chosen by a panel of distinguished local luminaries. This panel includes County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., WMDT-47 News Anchor Katherine Amenta and Professor of Psychology at Salisbury University and co-author of A Glorious Revolution for Youth and Communities: Service-Learning and Model Communities George Whitehead.
Pollitt, Amenta and Whitehead will select three award recipients from the Salisbury area. The Gold Barnum Award Recipient will receive a medallion and a $1,000 grant, the Silver Barnum Award Recipient will receive a medallion and a $750 grant, and the Bronze Barnum Award Recipient will receive a medallion and a $500 grant. Grants are to be used to fund future community service endeavors. Additionally, all three award recipients will be honored at a pre-show award ceremony during the opening night performance of The Greatest Show On Earth® at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on April 1, 2010. They and their families will also be invited to stay and enjoy the show.
Nominations for children from Salisbury and the surrounding area can be made online at www.thebarnumaward.com. Nominations can be made now through March 19, 2010. Nominators are required to be over the age of 21, and must fill out a short online questionnaire about the child they feel is making a difference in the community.
For more information about The Barnum Award and how to nominate a child who is making a difference in our community, visit www.thebarnumaward.com. For show-related information regarding the April 1-4, 2010 performances of Ringling Bro. and Barnum & Bailey’s Illuscination at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, please visit www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org or call 410-548-4911.
Lacrosse Participation In The U.S. Continues To Climb
BALTIMORE – National lacrosse participation increased 8.4 percent in 2009, according to research by US Lacrosse for its annual participation report. There were 568,021 lacrosse players who were members of organized teams across the country in 2009, from the youth level all the way on up through the professional ranks.
Youth participation (under age 15) saw a 12.1 percent increase with more than 30,000 players picking up the sport in 2009. High school participation increased four-percent in 2009 with 227,624 players nationwide. College play also increased at a sizable rate of six-percent, with 557 men's and women's NCAA teams competing in 2009.
"We are grateful to see that participation in the sport has been increasing at such a substantial rate and that lacrosse continues to be one of the fastest growing team sports in America," said Steve Stenersen, president and CEO of US Lacrosse.
"Since our organization's inception 12 years ago, US Lacrosse has invested millions of dollars in human and programmatic resources to support the sport's continued national expansion, and we're pleased to see these positive results. A key to this growth has been the tireless efforts of volunteers, coaches, officials and parents that enable more young athletes all around the country to participate in this great game."
"Since 2001, the number of people playing lacrosse has increased by over 120 percent," said Joshua Christian, managing director of sport development at US Lacrosse.
"At that rate, participation in the sport will double again within the next ten years. With this anticipated trajectory, the infrastructure to support over a million lacrosse players nationwide will also need to continue to grow and evolve. US Lacrosse continues to responsibly foster the growth of the sport with coaches' and officials' education and recruitment platforms, grassroots development initiatives, equipment and safety grant programs, educational and training resources and so much more."
The US Lacrosse Participation Survey is produced annually by US Lacrosse. The survey is used to monitor participation at different levels of the sport across the country. The primary sources of data for this report are surveys that are sent to the 62 US Lacrosse regional chapters that were active in 2009.
Data is also provided by the US Lacrosse database, National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Federation of State High School Associations, Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association and www.laxpower.com. The survey counts only participation on organized teams and does not include leisure time play of lacrosse. A full copy of the participation report is available on the US Lacrosse web site.
Youth participation (under age 15) saw a 12.1 percent increase with more than 30,000 players picking up the sport in 2009. High school participation increased four-percent in 2009 with 227,624 players nationwide. College play also increased at a sizable rate of six-percent, with 557 men's and women's NCAA teams competing in 2009.
"We are grateful to see that participation in the sport has been increasing at such a substantial rate and that lacrosse continues to be one of the fastest growing team sports in America," said Steve Stenersen, president and CEO of US Lacrosse.
"Since our organization's inception 12 years ago, US Lacrosse has invested millions of dollars in human and programmatic resources to support the sport's continued national expansion, and we're pleased to see these positive results. A key to this growth has been the tireless efforts of volunteers, coaches, officials and parents that enable more young athletes all around the country to participate in this great game."
"Since 2001, the number of people playing lacrosse has increased by over 120 percent," said Joshua Christian, managing director of sport development at US Lacrosse.
"At that rate, participation in the sport will double again within the next ten years. With this anticipated trajectory, the infrastructure to support over a million lacrosse players nationwide will also need to continue to grow and evolve. US Lacrosse continues to responsibly foster the growth of the sport with coaches' and officials' education and recruitment platforms, grassroots development initiatives, equipment and safety grant programs, educational and training resources and so much more."
The US Lacrosse Participation Survey is produced annually by US Lacrosse. The survey is used to monitor participation at different levels of the sport across the country. The primary sources of data for this report are surveys that are sent to the 62 US Lacrosse regional chapters that were active in 2009.
Data is also provided by the US Lacrosse database, National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Federation of State High School Associations, Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association and www.laxpower.com. The survey counts only participation on organized teams and does not include leisure time play of lacrosse. A full copy of the participation report is available on the US Lacrosse web site.
How To Reinforce Your Entry Door And Lock
Overview and Preparation
Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions for How to Reinforce Your Entry Door and Lock
See More Doors Projects
I never realized how easy it is to kick in a solid door that has old hardware until I tried it on our demonstration door. With two kicks in only five seconds, I destroyed the doorjamb and was in the house.
You need to upgrade the deadbolt and lockset plates of your exterior doors if you haven’t already done so. FBI burglary statistics show that 65 percent of break-ins occur by forcing in the front, back or garage service door (not to mention the 12 percent of entries where burglars find your “hidden” key or simply walk in through an unlocked door).
In this story, we’ll show you how to strengthen your exterior doors in three ways. We’ll replace an old deadbolt with a quality Grade 1 deadbolt. Then, we’ll replace the deadbolt strike plate with a four-screw strike box and faceplate— attached with 3-in. wood screws that reach the wall frame. Finally, we’ll replace the lip strike plate and its wimpy 3/4-in. screws with 3-in. wood screws. We’ll also show you a handy method to turn a small deadbolt hole into a larger hole.
The techniques we show in this article will work on any type of exterior door. But keep in mind that these techniques may not be as effective if you have glass sidelight windows or large glass panels in your doors.
For this project, you need only basic carpentry tools, as well as a 2-1/8 in. hole saw bit and a 1-in. spade bit (check the deadbolt packaging for the exact bit size required). Home centers usually carry deadbolt installation kits with the right size bits.
GO HERE to read much more.
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
Robert Lee Williams, 42yoa of Salisbury, MD was arrested and charged with Trespassing. On March 9, 2010 at approximately 11:50am an officer responded to WalMart on North Salisbury Blvd for a subject trespassing. On arrival, the officer met with Loss Prevention personnel who had detained Williams. It was learned that Williams had been previously barred from the store in August 2009. Williams had also signed a no trespass order. Williams was released to the custody of Central Booking.
201000009462
Katelyn Elizabeth Sigai, 18yoa of Parsonsburg, MD was arrested and charged with Theft less than $100. On March 9, 2010 at approximately 5:48pm an officer responded to WalMart on North Salisbury Blvd for a subject detained for shoplifting. On arrival, the officer met with Loss Prevention personnel who had observed Sigai acting in a suspicious manner. Sigai was observed to remove several items from their respective packages and secrete those items on her person. Sigai purchased other items before leaving the store. Sigai was stopped and the stolen merchandise was recovered. Sigai was released to the custody of Central Booking.
201000009524
The following warrants were served March 9-10, 2010.
Christie Marie Lake, 22yoa of Laurel, DE: Bench Warrant-Fail to Appear.
Timyron Lamont Hutt, 20yoa of Salisbury, MD: Circuit Court Bench Warrant-Fail to Appear.
Joseph Everett Domneys, 46yoa of Salisbury, MD: Arrest Warrant-Asssault 2nd.
Jeri Lynn Bowen, 45yoa of Salisbury, MD: Circuit Court Bench Warrant-Fail to Appear.
Courtney Rae Spicer, 19yoa of Laurel, DE: Arrest Warrant-Possession of Herion, Possession of Marihuana, 3 counts of Possess a Destructive Device.
April Mae Matthews, 23yoa of Delmar, MD: Bench Warrant-Fail to Appear.
All subjects were released to the custody of Central Booking pending bond review.
201000009462
Katelyn Elizabeth Sigai, 18yoa of Parsonsburg, MD was arrested and charged with Theft less than $100. On March 9, 2010 at approximately 5:48pm an officer responded to WalMart on North Salisbury Blvd for a subject detained for shoplifting. On arrival, the officer met with Loss Prevention personnel who had observed Sigai acting in a suspicious manner. Sigai was observed to remove several items from their respective packages and secrete those items on her person. Sigai purchased other items before leaving the store. Sigai was stopped and the stolen merchandise was recovered. Sigai was released to the custody of Central Booking.
201000009524
The following warrants were served March 9-10, 2010.
Christie Marie Lake, 22yoa of Laurel, DE: Bench Warrant-Fail to Appear.
Timyron Lamont Hutt, 20yoa of Salisbury, MD: Circuit Court Bench Warrant-Fail to Appear.
Joseph Everett Domneys, 46yoa of Salisbury, MD: Arrest Warrant-Asssault 2nd.
Jeri Lynn Bowen, 45yoa of Salisbury, MD: Circuit Court Bench Warrant-Fail to Appear.
Courtney Rae Spicer, 19yoa of Laurel, DE: Arrest Warrant-Possession of Herion, Possession of Marihuana, 3 counts of Possess a Destructive Device.
April Mae Matthews, 23yoa of Delmar, MD: Bench Warrant-Fail to Appear.
All subjects were released to the custody of Central Booking pending bond review.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Transportation of Counterfeit Goods
Date of Incident: 9 March 2010
Location: U.S. Rt. 13 S/B North of U.S. Rt. 50, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Milton L. Ivey, 43, Ahoskie, NC
Narrative: On 9 March 2010 at 4:10 PM a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle on the U.S. 13 Bypass travelling southbound operated by Milton L. Ivey of Ahoskie, NC. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy observed that most of the passenger compartment of Ivey’s sedan was filled with black bags that appeared to contain merchandise. Upon further inspection, the deputy located a large amount of footwear that the deputy ascertained to be counterfeit. The deputy learned that Ivey purchased the counterfeit shoes in New York City and was on his way back to North Carolina where they would be resold as the authentic items at a substantial profit.
The deputy seized the footwear and placed Ivey under arrest. Ivey was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Ivey in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.
Charges: Possession with the Intent to Sell Counterfeit Goods valued over $1,000.00
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 9 March 2010
Location: 400 block of Little Water Street, Sharptown, MD
Suspect: 1. Wilmer W. Shockley, 49, Sharptown, MD
2. Michelle L. Shockley, 45, Sharptown, MD
Narrative: On 9 March 2010 at 11:29 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 400 block of Little Water Street in Sharptown for a reported altercation that had occurred there. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Wilmer and Michelle Shockley, who were husband and wife, became involved in an argument that turned physical. During the investigation the deputy saw signs of physical injuries consistent with the accounts of the Shockley’s. Additionally, the deputy learned that there had been on and off physical confrontations between the Shockley’s over the last few days.
The deputy placed both Wilmer and Michelle under arrest and transported them to the Central Booking Unit where they were both processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released both on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Assault 2nd degree
2004 4x4 Dodge Hemi P/U Truck For Sale
Rarely ever used, this loaded & upgraded pickup truck has only 12,300 miles on it. Before I trade it in, if someone wants to make an offer to purchase it, I'll consider only decent offers. The vehicle is in excellent condition other than it needs to get back on the road. So please don't waste my time with BS offers. By the way, I did have Johnson's trick out the exhaust on it, the way any Hemi should be.
This vehicle is for sale TODAY ONLY. We sold the Trailer in one day and we'll do the same with the truck. If it doesn't sell today, we'll trade it in tomorrow.
This is a full size 4 door extended cab with an 8 ft bed. Upgraded interior and fully loaded.
410-430-5349
Joe
2nd Annual Kim Scott Memorial Benefit MARCH 11 (7:30 til)
Dear Joe, would you please make mention of the following: 2nd Annual Kim Scott Memorial
Benefit, March 11th 7:30pm at Break Time Sports Grill & Pub
Admission $20.00
Live Music: No Stringz Attatched
Live auction
All you can eat buffet
All proceeds go to Women Supporting Women
A local organization helping women on the Shore, so the admission proceeds stay here and help real people in our area
O’MALLEY TO ATTEND 14th ANNUAL WORLD TRADE CENTER INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Governor to Update State’s International Growth Strategy
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will join with more than 350 Maryland business leaders at the 14th Annual World Trade Center Institute International Awards on Thursday, March 11 at 6 p.m. at the Jim Rouse Visionary Center at the Visionary Arts Museum. The Governor will give an update on the State’s international growth strategy, which, over the past year, includes the opening of several foreign offices in targeted countries, the attraction of 20 new foreign-owned companies and jobs to Maryland and the launch the Maryland International Incubator. The Governor will also present the World Trade Center Institute’s 2010 Governor’s International Leadership Award.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will join with more than 350 Maryland business leaders at the 14th Annual World Trade Center Institute International Awards on Thursday, March 11 at 6 p.m. at the Jim Rouse Visionary Center at the Visionary Arts Museum. The Governor will give an update on the State’s international growth strategy, which, over the past year, includes the opening of several foreign offices in targeted countries, the attraction of 20 new foreign-owned companies and jobs to Maryland and the launch the Maryland International Incubator. The Governor will also present the World Trade Center Institute’s 2010 Governor’s International Leadership Award.
Board Of Education Approves Proposed Budget, Dress Code, 2.0 GPA Requirement, And More
Subject: Board Notes from March 9: Board Approves Proposed Budget, Dress Code, 2.0 GPA Requirement, and More
The Wicomico County Board of Education at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 9, approved the following: Fiscal Year 2011 Proposed Consolidated Current Expense Budget, a new dress code, an increase in the GPA requirement to 2.0 for extracurricular and cocurricular activities, the movement of Delmar fifth-graders to Delmar Middle and High School next school year, and a change to the current school year calendar.
PROPOSED BUDGET
The Board of Education approved 5-1 the fiscal year 2011 Proposed Consolidated Current Expense Budget in the amount of $182,219,716, with $165,552,311 in the unrestricted portion of the budget and $16,667,405 in the Restricted Current Expense Budgets. The unrestricted portion of the budget is $254,242 less than the current year's approved unrestricted budget. The fiscal year 2011 approved proposed budget will be posted under Quick Links at www.wcboe.org once the proposed budget has been submitted to the County Executive on March 15.
The proposed budget includes a request of $50,596,892 from Wicomico County, the amount needed to reach the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) level of funding that the state requires for any new state funding to be provided. (The MOE level is $184,819 less than the current year, due to a decline in the school system's preliminary enrollment count.) Board members said they had an obligation on behalf of students to approve a budget based on Maintenance of Effort funding, even though the county has indicated that the school system can anticipate substantial cuts in funding this year.
Additions to the General Fund budget total $5.6 million, and would be limited to increases for fixed charges, increases to bus contract rates, establishing a budget for replacement of lamps for school digital projectors, impact of the new James M. Bennett High on utility bills, changing 1.25 Management Information Systems positions from grant funding to budgeted salaries, and various capital projects to keep schools operating in an effective and efficient manner.
These additions would be more than offset by nearly $5.9 million in budget reductions. The proposed reductions include eliminating the Adult Education Program and the Year Round Education Program at Delmar Elementary; shifting Delmar fifth-graders to Delmar Middle and High; converting Beyond the Limits from a program funded by the General Fund to a self-supporting enterprise fund; reclassifying, eliminating or not replacing 34 positions throughout the school system, primarily due to the Early Notification Program, but also due to program reductions; eliminating the merit incentive for classified employees; and curtailing funding of the OPEB GASB #45 Trust for future benefit costs for current employees.
Wicomico County Public Schools would also address current budget concerns by realigning existing budget dollars to cover items of greater need. These realignments total $1,176,917.
In approving the proposed budget for what is anticipated to be a very difficult budget year, the Board aligned budgeted items with the school system's Bridge to Excellence Master Plan Strategic Priorities of High Student Achievement, Safe Learning Environment, and Effective and Efficient Operations.
DRESS CODE
A new Dress Code Policy will be in effect for Wicomico students when they return to school in August. The Board approved revisions to its Dress Code Policy at the March 9 meeting. The new policy, posted under Quick Links at www.wcboe.org , outlines what is acceptable and what is not for head coverings, tops, bottoms, outerwear, footwear, jewelry, piercings, perfumes, accessories, and appearance and language on clothing, symbols, tattoos and messages. Disciplinary guidelines for infractions of the Dress Code Policy are also covered. Not included in the approved policy, but available for any school considering school uniforms, are the Procedures for a School-Specific Consistent Attire Program (CAP).
NEW 2.0 GPA REQUIREMENT
The Board voted to raise the GPA (grade point average) Eligibility Requirement for Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities from a 1.6 to a 2.0 GPA effective with the 2010-11 school year. The new policy on GPA Eligibility Requirement is posted under Quick Links at www.wcboe.org.
The Board asked staff to make sure that word of the change is immediately shared with secondary students and their parents/guardians because a student's GPA in the 4th marking period of this school year will determine eligibility for fall sports, clubs, homecoming and other special activities.
"The last report card they receive this year is going to determine whether they can even try out for sports or other activities for the coming year," Board Vice President L. Michelle Wright said. Students whose performance midway through the marking period (starting with the 4th marking period this year) shows them to be in jeopardy of losing eligibility will be notified.
Students who are declared ineligible will remain ineligible for at least half of the next marking period. It will be the student's responsibility to request a GPA check halfway into the next marking period to determine if the student has regained eligibility.
Board members and people from the community who spoke in favor of the new 2.0 GPA requirement said the school system has a duty to see that students perform academically so the students are prepared for success after graduation. Tutoring will be available for students who do not meet the 2.0 GPA requirement. Approximately 1,000 Wicomico students whose GPA is 1.99 or lower would not be eligible to participate beginning in August 2010. "We want to bring them up rather than push them out," Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen said.
DELMAR FIFTH GRADE MOVING TO DELMAR MIDDLE AND HIGH
Officials from the Delmar School District joined the Wicomico County Board of Education Tuesday night to announce the joint decision to shift the fifth grade to Delmar Middle and High starting with the 2010-11 school year. The Wicomico Board of Education voted to modify the Bi-State Agreement with the Delmar School District so that approximately 137 students in Wicomico's largest and most over capacity elementary school can spend their fifth-grade year across town to a wing in Delmar Middle and High, where space is available. The shift, which must still be approved by the Delmar Board of Education and state education officials in both states, will relieve overcrowding at Delmar Elementary, which has been serving nearly 1,000 students in a school with a state-rated capacity of 726. At the same time, the shift will keep fifth-graders within the tight-knit Delmar community that straddles the Maryland-Delaware state line.
2009-10 CALENDAR CHANGES
The Board voted to change the May 3 professional day into a school day with dismissal two hours early for students, followed by professional development time for teachers. This will allow the school system to make up an additional missed school day due to inclement weather.
Of the 12 days missed this winter, the school system has arranged to make up seven by changing professional days on March 1 and May 3 to early dismissal days for students, and by using the calendar's approved makeup days from June 14-18 as school days. Wicomico will ask the state for a waiver of the remaining five missed days, and anticipates the state will grant that request, Dr. Fredericksen said.
Students and parents/guardians should note the following changes in the 2009-10 school calendar:
March 10: Mid-term reports distributed (originally scheduled for Feb. 26)
April 13: End of 3rd marking period (originally scheduled for March 30)
April 14: Beginning of 4th marking period (originally scheduled for April 6)
April 21: Report cards distributed (originally scheduled for April 13)
May 3: School day with dismissal two hours early (originally scheduled as a professional day for teachers)
May 14: Mid-term reports distributed (originally scheduled for May 7)
June 9-11: Regular school days (originally scheduled as early dismissal days)
June 14 and 15: Regular school days (added as makeup days due to inclement weather closings)
June 16, 17 and 18: School days with dismissal two hours early (added as makeup days due to inclement weather closings). June 18 is the last day of school for students.
At the March 9 meeting, the Board also:
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Observed a moment of silence in memory of Jatrae Renee Gibbs, a senior at Parkside High, and Greg Wright, a service worker at the Wicomico Early Learning Center.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Heard during public comments from three parents speaking about the benefits of the Magnet Program, and from the president of the School Bus Contractors Association, which would like to meet with the Board in a work session.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR UNIFIED SPORTS
Signed a memorandum of understanding with Special Olympics Maryland to create a model Unified Sports program that meets the spirit and intent of the Maryland Fitness and Athletics Equity for Students with Disability Law. All four Wicomico high schools will field a bocce ball team this spring with students both with and without disabilities. Practice will begin March 22.
POSTAGE METERS
Voted to utilize the state of Maryland contract with Neopost for a postage machine rental program for schools.
SALISBURY MIDDLE STIPENDS
Approved the payment of $1,500 state grant-funded Advanced Professional Certificate stipends to 41 teachers at Salisbury Middle School.
BENNETT MIDDLE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Approved the schematic design for the Bennett Middle School Replacement Project for submission to the state; the schematic design will be posted on the Facility Services web page, with access from Quick Links at www.wcboe.org. The Board also approved $10,000 in additional services from Hord Coplan Macht to coordinate professional engineering services regarding a traffic study for the BMS replacement project.
JMB REPLACEMENT PROJECT CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS
Approved change orders totaling $43,358.78 on the James M. Bennett High School Replacement Project.
REPORTS
Approved the monthly personnel report for classified employees and budget transfers for March, and received for information the monthly report on competitive grant proposals and personnel matters for classified employees. Heard the annual report on the Horizons academic and enrichment program, and heard during the Superintendent's Report that Wicomico is closely following the Maryland? Race to the Top grant application and legislation in Annapolis on funding and regulations.
The Wicomico County Board of Education at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 9, approved the following: Fiscal Year 2011 Proposed Consolidated Current Expense Budget, a new dress code, an increase in the GPA requirement to 2.0 for extracurricular and cocurricular activities, the movement of Delmar fifth-graders to Delmar Middle and High School next school year, and a change to the current school year calendar.
PROPOSED BUDGET
The Board of Education approved 5-1 the fiscal year 2011 Proposed Consolidated Current Expense Budget in the amount of $182,219,716, with $165,552,311 in the unrestricted portion of the budget and $16,667,405 in the Restricted Current Expense Budgets. The unrestricted portion of the budget is $254,242 less than the current year's approved unrestricted budget. The fiscal year 2011 approved proposed budget will be posted under Quick Links at www.wcboe.org once the proposed budget has been submitted to the County Executive on March 15.
The proposed budget includes a request of $50,596,892 from Wicomico County, the amount needed to reach the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) level of funding that the state requires for any new state funding to be provided. (The MOE level is $184,819 less than the current year, due to a decline in the school system's preliminary enrollment count.) Board members said they had an obligation on behalf of students to approve a budget based on Maintenance of Effort funding, even though the county has indicated that the school system can anticipate substantial cuts in funding this year.
Additions to the General Fund budget total $5.6 million, and would be limited to increases for fixed charges, increases to bus contract rates, establishing a budget for replacement of lamps for school digital projectors, impact of the new James M. Bennett High on utility bills, changing 1.25 Management Information Systems positions from grant funding to budgeted salaries, and various capital projects to keep schools operating in an effective and efficient manner.
These additions would be more than offset by nearly $5.9 million in budget reductions. The proposed reductions include eliminating the Adult Education Program and the Year Round Education Program at Delmar Elementary; shifting Delmar fifth-graders to Delmar Middle and High; converting Beyond the Limits from a program funded by the General Fund to a self-supporting enterprise fund; reclassifying, eliminating or not replacing 34 positions throughout the school system, primarily due to the Early Notification Program, but also due to program reductions; eliminating the merit incentive for classified employees; and curtailing funding of the OPEB GASB #45 Trust for future benefit costs for current employees.
Wicomico County Public Schools would also address current budget concerns by realigning existing budget dollars to cover items of greater need. These realignments total $1,176,917.
In approving the proposed budget for what is anticipated to be a very difficult budget year, the Board aligned budgeted items with the school system's Bridge to Excellence Master Plan Strategic Priorities of High Student Achievement, Safe Learning Environment, and Effective and Efficient Operations.
DRESS CODE
A new Dress Code Policy will be in effect for Wicomico students when they return to school in August. The Board approved revisions to its Dress Code Policy at the March 9 meeting. The new policy, posted under Quick Links at www.wcboe.org , outlines what is acceptable and what is not for head coverings, tops, bottoms, outerwear, footwear, jewelry, piercings, perfumes, accessories, and appearance and language on clothing, symbols, tattoos and messages. Disciplinary guidelines for infractions of the Dress Code Policy are also covered. Not included in the approved policy, but available for any school considering school uniforms, are the Procedures for a School-Specific Consistent Attire Program (CAP).
NEW 2.0 GPA REQUIREMENT
The Board voted to raise the GPA (grade point average) Eligibility Requirement for Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities from a 1.6 to a 2.0 GPA effective with the 2010-11 school year. The new policy on GPA Eligibility Requirement is posted under Quick Links at www.wcboe.org.
The Board asked staff to make sure that word of the change is immediately shared with secondary students and their parents/guardians because a student's GPA in the 4th marking period of this school year will determine eligibility for fall sports, clubs, homecoming and other special activities.
"The last report card they receive this year is going to determine whether they can even try out for sports or other activities for the coming year," Board Vice President L. Michelle Wright said. Students whose performance midway through the marking period (starting with the 4th marking period this year) shows them to be in jeopardy of losing eligibility will be notified.
Students who are declared ineligible will remain ineligible for at least half of the next marking period. It will be the student's responsibility to request a GPA check halfway into the next marking period to determine if the student has regained eligibility.
Board members and people from the community who spoke in favor of the new 2.0 GPA requirement said the school system has a duty to see that students perform academically so the students are prepared for success after graduation. Tutoring will be available for students who do not meet the 2.0 GPA requirement. Approximately 1,000 Wicomico students whose GPA is 1.99 or lower would not be eligible to participate beginning in August 2010. "We want to bring them up rather than push them out," Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen said.
DELMAR FIFTH GRADE MOVING TO DELMAR MIDDLE AND HIGH
Officials from the Delmar School District joined the Wicomico County Board of Education Tuesday night to announce the joint decision to shift the fifth grade to Delmar Middle and High starting with the 2010-11 school year. The Wicomico Board of Education voted to modify the Bi-State Agreement with the Delmar School District so that approximately 137 students in Wicomico's largest and most over capacity elementary school can spend their fifth-grade year across town to a wing in Delmar Middle and High, where space is available. The shift, which must still be approved by the Delmar Board of Education and state education officials in both states, will relieve overcrowding at Delmar Elementary, which has been serving nearly 1,000 students in a school with a state-rated capacity of 726. At the same time, the shift will keep fifth-graders within the tight-knit Delmar community that straddles the Maryland-Delaware state line.
2009-10 CALENDAR CHANGES
The Board voted to change the May 3 professional day into a school day with dismissal two hours early for students, followed by professional development time for teachers. This will allow the school system to make up an additional missed school day due to inclement weather.
Of the 12 days missed this winter, the school system has arranged to make up seven by changing professional days on March 1 and May 3 to early dismissal days for students, and by using the calendar's approved makeup days from June 14-18 as school days. Wicomico will ask the state for a waiver of the remaining five missed days, and anticipates the state will grant that request, Dr. Fredericksen said.
Students and parents/guardians should note the following changes in the 2009-10 school calendar:
March 10: Mid-term reports distributed (originally scheduled for Feb. 26)
April 13: End of 3rd marking period (originally scheduled for March 30)
April 14: Beginning of 4th marking period (originally scheduled for April 6)
April 21: Report cards distributed (originally scheduled for April 13)
May 3: School day with dismissal two hours early (originally scheduled as a professional day for teachers)
May 14: Mid-term reports distributed (originally scheduled for May 7)
June 9-11: Regular school days (originally scheduled as early dismissal days)
June 14 and 15: Regular school days (added as makeup days due to inclement weather closings)
June 16, 17 and 18: School days with dismissal two hours early (added as makeup days due to inclement weather closings). June 18 is the last day of school for students.
At the March 9 meeting, the Board also:
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Observed a moment of silence in memory of Jatrae Renee Gibbs, a senior at Parkside High, and Greg Wright, a service worker at the Wicomico Early Learning Center.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Heard during public comments from three parents speaking about the benefits of the Magnet Program, and from the president of the School Bus Contractors Association, which would like to meet with the Board in a work session.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR UNIFIED SPORTS
Signed a memorandum of understanding with Special Olympics Maryland to create a model Unified Sports program that meets the spirit and intent of the Maryland Fitness and Athletics Equity for Students with Disability Law. All four Wicomico high schools will field a bocce ball team this spring with students both with and without disabilities. Practice will begin March 22.
POSTAGE METERS
Voted to utilize the state of Maryland contract with Neopost for a postage machine rental program for schools.
SALISBURY MIDDLE STIPENDS
Approved the payment of $1,500 state grant-funded Advanced Professional Certificate stipends to 41 teachers at Salisbury Middle School.
BENNETT MIDDLE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Approved the schematic design for the Bennett Middle School Replacement Project for submission to the state; the schematic design will be posted on the Facility Services web page, with access from Quick Links at www.wcboe.org. The Board also approved $10,000 in additional services from Hord Coplan Macht to coordinate professional engineering services regarding a traffic study for the BMS replacement project.
JMB REPLACEMENT PROJECT CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS
Approved change orders totaling $43,358.78 on the James M. Bennett High School Replacement Project.
REPORTS
Approved the monthly personnel report for classified employees and budget transfers for March, and received for information the monthly report on competitive grant proposals and personnel matters for classified employees. Heard the annual report on the Horizons academic and enrichment program, and heard during the Superintendent's Report that Wicomico is closely following the Maryland? Race to the Top grant application and legislation in Annapolis on funding and regulations.
Donald-Easter Seals Summer Camp
Hey Joe,
Can you PLEASE post this on your blog. You do a wonderful job helping the community and I was hoping you could help Donald too!!! I am not related to Donald in any way but I work at PRMC and that is how I became aware of his situation. I have a child with a disability and felt obligated to help him out when I heard that his funding was cut. Here are the details for the post:
Donald Nelson has recently lost his funding to attend the Easter Seals Camp Fairlee Manor from July 11-16th of 2010. His program funds were eliminated after the recent budget cuts were made in Maryland . Camp Fairlee Manor provides summer camp opportunities for individuals with disabilities from ages 6 through adult. This is something that he looks forward to every year and he certainly deserves it. The total cost of the camp is $1,050 and he has recently received a donation from the American Legion in the amount of $250. We are hoping to help Donald raise the additional $800 he needs to be able to attend the program.
Donald has worked in the Lifeline Department at Peninsula Regional Medical Center for over four years and he is a very important part of their team. Lifeline provides 24-hour personal emergency monitoring service to 1,171 subscribers. Donald answers all in-coming telephone calls and routes them to the appropriate associate and also handles many other essential duties. He single handedly mans the office between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily when the staff is out to lunch. He is always very upbeat and enthusiastic, and the subscribers know him by name.
If you would like to help Donald attend Camp Fairlee Manor, please send a check made payable to: Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland ’s Eastern Shore . Please be sure to include the name Donald Nelson on the note line of the check to insure that the funds are applied to his account.
Mail to:
Camp Fairlee Manor
c/o Donald Nelson
22242 Bayshore Road
Chestertown , MD 21620
Phone # 410-778-0566
Thank you for any support you are able to provide!!! The donations are tax deductible and the Federal ID number is 51-0066728.
Thank you,
Stephanie
Can you PLEASE post this on your blog. You do a wonderful job helping the community and I was hoping you could help Donald too!!! I am not related to Donald in any way but I work at PRMC and that is how I became aware of his situation. I have a child with a disability and felt obligated to help him out when I heard that his funding was cut. Here are the details for the post:
Donald Nelson has recently lost his funding to attend the Easter Seals Camp Fairlee Manor from July 11-16th of 2010. His program funds were eliminated after the recent budget cuts were made in Maryland . Camp Fairlee Manor provides summer camp opportunities for individuals with disabilities from ages 6 through adult. This is something that he looks forward to every year and he certainly deserves it. The total cost of the camp is $1,050 and he has recently received a donation from the American Legion in the amount of $250. We are hoping to help Donald raise the additional $800 he needs to be able to attend the program.
Donald has worked in the Lifeline Department at Peninsula Regional Medical Center for over four years and he is a very important part of their team. Lifeline provides 24-hour personal emergency monitoring service to 1,171 subscribers. Donald answers all in-coming telephone calls and routes them to the appropriate associate and also handles many other essential duties. He single handedly mans the office between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily when the staff is out to lunch. He is always very upbeat and enthusiastic, and the subscribers know him by name.
If you would like to help Donald attend Camp Fairlee Manor, please send a check made payable to: Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland ’s Eastern Shore . Please be sure to include the name Donald Nelson on the note line of the check to insure that the funds are applied to his account.
Mail to:
Camp Fairlee Manor
c/o Donald Nelson
22242 Bayshore Road
Chestertown , MD 21620
Phone # 410-778-0566
Thank you for any support you are able to provide!!! The donations are tax deductible and the Federal ID number is 51-0066728.
Thank you,
Stephanie