Lawmakers recommend punishment for ethics violations after veteran N.Y. Democrat tells them: "I don't know how much longer I have to live."
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, November 18, 2010
ANNUAL OPERATION BLUE LIGHT CEREMONY TO KICK OFF THIRD FRIDAY AT GOB TOMORROW AT 5:30 PM
Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. and Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr. have ordered a single blue light candle be placed in Government Office Building windows during the holiday season. This is the 3rd year the building has displayed these blue lights.
Operation Blue Light has grown steadily across America as a way of remembering officers that lost their lives in the line of duty. It began in 1988, when the mother-in-law of a Philadelphia police officer killed in the line of duty told COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors) members that she would place a blue light in her window over the holidays in memory of her son-in-law. She thought others might like to share her idea. This idea is now her legacy. Nationwide thousands of blue lights shine in support of law enforcement during the holidays.
Pollitt and Ireton added that, “The blue lights also honor those who serve us in law enforcement every day. As Mayor and County Executive we have become acutely aware of the hazards of this dangerous profession. We should all have great appreciation for what these officers do for us. We encourage all our citizens, businesses, and churches to display a blue candle in a window this holiday season to show our support for these men and women.”
This November Third Friday will be dedicated to Dr. Douglas I. Smith - musician, arts advocate, teacher, downtown merchant, and enthusiastic participant in Third Friday. Doug made many people smile with his quick wit and his boundless enthusiasm for the arts and for Downtown Salisbury. The Operation Blue Light ceremony will take place at the Government Office Building at 5:30. At 6:00 the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council and Salisbury Arts & Entertainment Committee will present a special musical tribute in Doug's memory. The concert will feature performances by the Parkside High School Concert Choir, Wicomico Middle School Band, St. James AME Zion Church Mass Choir and its Sisters in Christ Liturgical Dance Ministry. There will also be crafts and other activities for children.
Please join us to remember and celebrate the life of a true artist and friend who brought much to the Salisbury community. A reminder of some current events at Salisbury University!
https://www2.salisbury.edu/rent/
https://www2.salisbury.edu/amahl/
Operation Blue Light has grown steadily across America as a way of remembering officers that lost their lives in the line of duty. It began in 1988, when the mother-in-law of a Philadelphia police officer killed in the line of duty told COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors) members that she would place a blue light in her window over the holidays in memory of her son-in-law. She thought others might like to share her idea. This idea is now her legacy. Nationwide thousands of blue lights shine in support of law enforcement during the holidays.
Pollitt and Ireton added that, “The blue lights also honor those who serve us in law enforcement every day. As Mayor and County Executive we have become acutely aware of the hazards of this dangerous profession. We should all have great appreciation for what these officers do for us. We encourage all our citizens, businesses, and churches to display a blue candle in a window this holiday season to show our support for these men and women.”
This November Third Friday will be dedicated to Dr. Douglas I. Smith - musician, arts advocate, teacher, downtown merchant, and enthusiastic participant in Third Friday. Doug made many people smile with his quick wit and his boundless enthusiasm for the arts and for Downtown Salisbury. The Operation Blue Light ceremony will take place at the Government Office Building at 5:30. At 6:00 the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council and Salisbury Arts & Entertainment Committee will present a special musical tribute in Doug's memory. The concert will feature performances by the Parkside High School Concert Choir, Wicomico Middle School Band, St. James AME Zion Church Mass Choir and its Sisters in Christ Liturgical Dance Ministry. There will also be crafts and other activities for children.
Please join us to remember and celebrate the life of a true artist and friend who brought much to the Salisbury community. A reminder of some current events at Salisbury University!
https://www2.salisbury.edu/rent/
https://www2.salisbury.edu/amahl/
Maryland Board Of Physicians Sanctions
An abortionist in Severna Park loses his license:
Romeo A. Ferrer, M.D., License #: D09255
Area of Practice: OB/GYN (Annapolis, MD)
Permanent Surrender of medical license. The physician decided to permanently surrender his license while he was under investigation; the Board's investigation found that in 2006 during the course of an elective abortion procedure, he failed to meet the standards of quality care resulting
in the death of a patient. Date of Action: October 27, 2010
Three abortionists, working for American Women's Services, with facilities in several states (5 locations in Maryland) have lost their licenses in an interstate abortion scam:
Steven Chase Brigham, M.D., Unlicensed
Area of Practice: None, (Voorhees, NJ)
Cease and Desist from practicing medicine without a license. The physician not licensed in Maryland has been performing surgical procedures (abortions) in Maryland. Date of Action: August 25, 2010.
(Brigham owned and operated the American Women's Services facilities. He has previously been licensed in New York, but his license was revoked in 1994 for gross negligence.)
Nicola I. Riley, M.D., License #: D71213
Area of Practice: Family Practice (Salt Lake City, UT)
Summary Suspension. The Board concluded, including but not limited to, that the physician exercised poor medical judgement and otherwise exposed her patients to harm in that she practiced with an unlicensed individual, knowingly participated in a surgical procedure that was initiated elsewhere, and at a hospital acted in a manner that delayed or otherwise impeded hospital staff from attending to that patient. Date of Action: August 31, 2010
(This doctor flew in from Utah to perform abortions in Maryland, including this botched abortion which
perforated the patient's uterus, requiring helicopter evacuation to Johns Hopkins for emergency surgery)
George Shepard, Jr., M.D., License #: D48352
Area of Practice: OB/GYN (Seaford, DE)
Order for Summary Suspension issued on August 31, 2010 continued after post- deprivation hearing. The Board determined that the physician knowingly participated (As the Medical Director) in a practice arrangement in which abortions were initiated in one state and patients were instructed to drive across state lines for completion of the procedure, and practiced with an unlicensed individual and facilitated the unlicensed practice of medicine. Date of Action: September 9, 2010
Here are some other Board actions of local interest:
Arthur C. Marsh, M.D., License #: D64981
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Salisbury, MD)
Revocation for 1 year to commence on July 16, 2010; if Respondent applies for reinstatement he has the affirmative duty to demonstrate to the Board factors set out in the order. The physician violated conditions of the July 26, 2006, Consent Order that addressed his impairment issues. Date of Action: June 1, 2010
Deborah McCabe, Unlicensed
(Salisbury, MD)
Fine of $10,000; Cease and Desist from the practice of medicine. The Respondent, among other things, represented herself as a physician and practiced medicine without a license. Date of Action: September 22, 2010
William Gill, M.D., License #: D15715
Area of Practice: General Practice (Westover, MD)
Permanent Surrender. The Board accepted a permanent surrender based on its determination that the physician engaged in unprofessional conduct in the practice of medicine during the course of the examinations of male patients, and willfully failed to file or record a medical report as required. Date of Action: September 8, 2010
Maryland Board of Physicians website
Romeo A. Ferrer, M.D., License #: D09255
Area of Practice: OB/GYN (Annapolis, MD)
Permanent Surrender of medical license. The physician decided to permanently surrender his license while he was under investigation; the Board's investigation found that in 2006 during the course of an elective abortion procedure, he failed to meet the standards of quality care resulting
in the death of a patient. Date of Action: October 27, 2010
Three abortionists, working for American Women's Services, with facilities in several states (5 locations in Maryland) have lost their licenses in an interstate abortion scam:
Steven Chase Brigham, M.D., Unlicensed
Area of Practice: None, (Voorhees, NJ)
Cease and Desist from practicing medicine without a license. The physician not licensed in Maryland has been performing surgical procedures (abortions) in Maryland. Date of Action: August 25, 2010.
(Brigham owned and operated the American Women's Services facilities. He has previously been licensed in New York, but his license was revoked in 1994 for gross negligence.)
Nicola I. Riley, M.D., License #: D71213
Area of Practice: Family Practice (Salt Lake City, UT)
Summary Suspension. The Board concluded, including but not limited to, that the physician exercised poor medical judgement and otherwise exposed her patients to harm in that she practiced with an unlicensed individual, knowingly participated in a surgical procedure that was initiated elsewhere, and at a hospital acted in a manner that delayed or otherwise impeded hospital staff from attending to that patient. Date of Action: August 31, 2010
(This doctor flew in from Utah to perform abortions in Maryland, including this botched abortion which
perforated the patient's uterus, requiring helicopter evacuation to Johns Hopkins for emergency surgery)
George Shepard, Jr., M.D., License #: D48352
Area of Practice: OB/GYN (Seaford, DE)
Order for Summary Suspension issued on August 31, 2010 continued after post- deprivation hearing. The Board determined that the physician knowingly participated (As the Medical Director) in a practice arrangement in which abortions were initiated in one state and patients were instructed to drive across state lines for completion of the procedure, and practiced with an unlicensed individual and facilitated the unlicensed practice of medicine. Date of Action: September 9, 2010
Here are some other Board actions of local interest:
Arthur C. Marsh, M.D., License #: D64981
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Salisbury, MD)
Revocation for 1 year to commence on July 16, 2010; if Respondent applies for reinstatement he has the affirmative duty to demonstrate to the Board factors set out in the order. The physician violated conditions of the July 26, 2006, Consent Order that addressed his impairment issues. Date of Action: June 1, 2010
Deborah McCabe, Unlicensed
(Salisbury, MD)
Fine of $10,000; Cease and Desist from the practice of medicine. The Respondent, among other things, represented herself as a physician and practiced medicine without a license. Date of Action: September 22, 2010
William Gill, M.D., License #: D15715
Area of Practice: General Practice (Westover, MD)
Permanent Surrender. The Board accepted a permanent surrender based on its determination that the physician engaged in unprofessional conduct in the practice of medicine during the course of the examinations of male patients, and willfully failed to file or record a medical report as required. Date of Action: September 8, 2010
Maryland Board of Physicians website
Bruce Patterson Of PRMC & Urban Salisbury Spreading The Love
BRUCE PATTERSON, YOU'VE BEEN BLOGGED!
WEAR IT IN GOOD HEALTH BRUCE.
Nanticoke Marina Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
What: Nanticoke Marina Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
When: Tuesday, November 23 at 10:00am
Where: Nanticoke Marina (20411 W. Harbor Road Nanticoke, MD 21840)
Details: Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. has invited members
of the community to join him a ribbon cutting ceremony at Nanticoke Marina to mark the beginning of the reconstruction of the jetties and dredging of the harbor.
SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGERS WELCOME
Amnesty for School Cheaters
FAIRFAX CHEATERS Washington Post: "The Fairfax County high school that asked teachers to all but banish F's from its recent report cards has been experimenting with an approach that would allow students caught cheating to retake tests instead of receiving zeros. West Potomac High School Principal Cliff Hardison last month instructed teachers to allow cheaters to retake tests. The idea was that cheating should 'result in a disciplinary consequence separate from an academic consequence,' Hardison said in a Nov. 5 e-mail to teachers."
Source
Source
Senator Colburn Announces Funding For The Williamsburg Line
Cambridge – Senator Richard F. Colburn (R. Eastern Shore) announced today, "I am pleased to have successfully helped secure $250,000 in grant funding through the Department of Business and Economic Development and the Department of Transportation to keep the rail line in Williamsburg open. This line is a viable line for Tri-Gas & Oil, a well-established, family-owned Maryland business, and for other small businesses in transporting heating fuels, specifically propane. I would like to commend both the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development, Christian Johansson, and Governor O’Malley for their help in securing these funds. The monies will be used to secure a stable supply of liquid propane for the mid-shore regions and to keep the rail line open. Currently, Tri-Gas & Oil uses approximately 50% of the line to transport fuels, while the other 50% is used by smaller liquid propane distributers."
The project involves an infrastructure issue of extraordinary importance to the Eastern Shore—the expansion of a storage capacity for liquid propane (LP) to serve the Mid-Shore region. Since the shutdown of the Valero refinery in Delaware, the propane supply has been nearly eliminated on the Delmarva Peninsula. Because of this elimination, the rail-served facility at Williamsburg is necessary to provide the propane needed by both residents and businesses of the agricultural community as well as the poultry industry. Tripling what is currently a fixed-tank storage capacity will supply the region with adequate amounts of LP. This project is of utmost importance because while demand for LP on the Shore has increased, LP storage for the region has decreased. This project will avert potential economic disaster for both large and small businesses on the Shore by providing dramatically more LP storage that is both central and accessible to businesses. It will also ensure the retention of jobs on the Eastern Shore.
Although there were alternative sites in Delaware, the site in Williamsburg is ideal because it is already a major place for LP distribution, it is served by the Maryland and Delaware Railroad, and it is a safe and secure location. Furthermore, this project is strongly supported by the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Agriculture. In addition to the grant, Tri-Gas & Oil will invest a minimum of $100,000 in improvements to the Williamsburg storage facility.
The project involves an infrastructure issue of extraordinary importance to the Eastern Shore—the expansion of a storage capacity for liquid propane (LP) to serve the Mid-Shore region. Since the shutdown of the Valero refinery in Delaware, the propane supply has been nearly eliminated on the Delmarva Peninsula. Because of this elimination, the rail-served facility at Williamsburg is necessary to provide the propane needed by both residents and businesses of the agricultural community as well as the poultry industry. Tripling what is currently a fixed-tank storage capacity will supply the region with adequate amounts of LP. This project is of utmost importance because while demand for LP on the Shore has increased, LP storage for the region has decreased. This project will avert potential economic disaster for both large and small businesses on the Shore by providing dramatically more LP storage that is both central and accessible to businesses. It will also ensure the retention of jobs on the Eastern Shore.
Although there were alternative sites in Delaware, the site in Williamsburg is ideal because it is already a major place for LP distribution, it is served by the Maryland and Delaware Railroad, and it is a safe and secure location. Furthermore, this project is strongly supported by the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Agriculture. In addition to the grant, Tri-Gas & Oil will invest a minimum of $100,000 in improvements to the Williamsburg storage facility.
Montgomery County Officer Fined $185 For Speeding In Crash That Paralyzed Boy
A Montgomery County police officer who hit and paralyzed a Clarksburg boy with his cruiser received a $185 speeding ticket and is now canvassing neighborhoods that show spikes in crime.
Meanwhile, 14-year-old Luis Jovel Jr. is a quadriplegic with permanent brain damage who needs around-the-clock medical care for the smallest of tasks, including eating and getting dressed.
State officials won't say whether Officer Jason Cokinos was disciplined following the April 2008 incident in Clarksburg.
"Personnel information is subject to [state] confidentiality laws," said Patricia Via, who represented Montgomery County in the Jovel family's civil lawsuit against the county and Cokinos.
Cokinos' case qualified under the state's confidentiality laws once the county police department's internal affairs division became involved, said Lt. Paul Starks, spokesman for Montgomery police.
"When the case is referred to the Internal Affairs Division, it's considered a personnel matter," he said.
Cokinos, who was 23 at the time, was speeding at 56 miles an hour in a 30-mile-an-hour zone when he struck Luis -- who was crossing Springtown Road in front of his home.
Seven months later in November, a Montgomery County District Court judge found Cokinos not guilty of negligent driving or contributing to an accident.
Cokinos then pleaded guilty to driving 26 miles-per-hour over the limit and he paid a $185 fine, including a $25 court fee.
A police investigation concluded that the boy would not have been hit had Cokinos been traveling at the speed limit.
More from the Washington Examiner
Meanwhile, 14-year-old Luis Jovel Jr. is a quadriplegic with permanent brain damage who needs around-the-clock medical care for the smallest of tasks, including eating and getting dressed.
State officials won't say whether Officer Jason Cokinos was disciplined following the April 2008 incident in Clarksburg.
"Personnel information is subject to [state] confidentiality laws," said Patricia Via, who represented Montgomery County in the Jovel family's civil lawsuit against the county and Cokinos.
Cokinos' case qualified under the state's confidentiality laws once the county police department's internal affairs division became involved, said Lt. Paul Starks, spokesman for Montgomery police.
"When the case is referred to the Internal Affairs Division, it's considered a personnel matter," he said.
Cokinos, who was 23 at the time, was speeding at 56 miles an hour in a 30-mile-an-hour zone when he struck Luis -- who was crossing Springtown Road in front of his home.
Seven months later in November, a Montgomery County District Court judge found Cokinos not guilty of negligent driving or contributing to an accident.
Cokinos then pleaded guilty to driving 26 miles-per-hour over the limit and he paid a $185 fine, including a $25 court fee.
A police investigation concluded that the boy would not have been hit had Cokinos been traveling at the speed limit.
More from the Washington Examiner
Sheriff Joe Arpaio Recruits Big Names For Border Posse
"America's toughest sheriff," Phoenix's Joe Arpaio, is creating an armed "Immigration Posse" to combat illegal immigration, and Hollywood actors Steven Seagal and Lou Ferrigno, along with Dick Tracy and Wyatt Earp, have signed up.
Fighting Justice Department accusations that his office discriminated against illegal immigrants during arrests, Sheriff Arpaio said the civilian posse of more than 50 members gives citizens a chance to fight the problem inundating their border state.
"Law enforcement budgets are being cut and agencies are losing personnel and yet the battle to stop illegal immigration must continue," said the sheriff, who heads the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. "Arizona is the busiest port of entry for people being smuggled in from Mexico, Latin and South America. So asking for the public's help in this endeavor makes sense, especially given the success the posses have experienced over the years."
Fifty-six new Immigration Posse members from various professions were sworn in by the sheriff Wednesday as "illegal immigration fighters."
Mr. Seagal, who starred in such action movies as "Under Siege" and "Above the Law," is a sworn deputy in New Orleans. Mr. Ferrigno, who played the title role in the 1970s TV series "The Incredible Hulk," works as a reserve deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office. Another new civilian volunteer is Peter Lupus, who starred in "Mission Impossible."
"These guys are busy with their acting careers, so I don't expect them to be here on duty very often," Sheriff Arpaio said. "But they can be instrumental in heightening public awareness of the immigration issue and encouraging others to join the posse's effort to help reduce the flow of illegal immigrants into our communities."
The sheriff also said Dick Tracy, a retired Chicago police official who now lives in Arizona, has joined the posse, along with Wyatt Earp, a Phoenix resident whose uncle was the Old West lawman of the same name.
The Justice Department lawsuit, filed in September in U.S. District Court in Phoenix, was the latest chapter in a bitter feud between Justice and Sheriff Arpaio, who is accused of failing to turn over documents sought since March 2009 that federal prosecutors say comply with its probe of purported discrimination, unconstitutional searches and seizures, and English-only policies in his jails that discriminate against those with limited English skills.
The sheriff has described the lawsuit as "harassment," saying thousands of pages of documents have already been turned over by his office to federal prosecutors.
More here
Fighting Justice Department accusations that his office discriminated against illegal immigrants during arrests, Sheriff Arpaio said the civilian posse of more than 50 members gives citizens a chance to fight the problem inundating their border state.
"Law enforcement budgets are being cut and agencies are losing personnel and yet the battle to stop illegal immigration must continue," said the sheriff, who heads the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. "Arizona is the busiest port of entry for people being smuggled in from Mexico, Latin and South America. So asking for the public's help in this endeavor makes sense, especially given the success the posses have experienced over the years."
Fifty-six new Immigration Posse members from various professions were sworn in by the sheriff Wednesday as "illegal immigration fighters."
Mr. Seagal, who starred in such action movies as "Under Siege" and "Above the Law," is a sworn deputy in New Orleans. Mr. Ferrigno, who played the title role in the 1970s TV series "The Incredible Hulk," works as a reserve deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office. Another new civilian volunteer is Peter Lupus, who starred in "Mission Impossible."
"These guys are busy with their acting careers, so I don't expect them to be here on duty very often," Sheriff Arpaio said. "But they can be instrumental in heightening public awareness of the immigration issue and encouraging others to join the posse's effort to help reduce the flow of illegal immigrants into our communities."
The sheriff also said Dick Tracy, a retired Chicago police official who now lives in Arizona, has joined the posse, along with Wyatt Earp, a Phoenix resident whose uncle was the Old West lawman of the same name.
The Justice Department lawsuit, filed in September in U.S. District Court in Phoenix, was the latest chapter in a bitter feud between Justice and Sheriff Arpaio, who is accused of failing to turn over documents sought since March 2009 that federal prosecutors say comply with its probe of purported discrimination, unconstitutional searches and seizures, and English-only policies in his jails that discriminate against those with limited English skills.
The sheriff has described the lawsuit as "harassment," saying thousands of pages of documents have already been turned over by his office to federal prosecutors.
More here
THANK YOU!
Chief Ivan Barkley and Chief Rick Hoppes stepped in to replace two former Chief's that left behind the lowest morale the City has ever seen in both departments.
Did we see a bunch of people quit their jobs because these two were hired to fill those shoes, NO. In fact, the Mayor even received a letter from the majority of Police Officers supporting Chief Barkley to become the permanent Police Chief.
I want to thank these fine men for their work and dedication to the City, the citizens and the fine men and women, (brothers and sisters) who work for these departments. We're even more grateful you've chosen to stick around.
Is Salisbury Now A Safer Place To Live & Work?
A multitude of Department Heads and Citizens gathered at the new Fire Station 16 for the swearing in of the Police Chief, Fire Chief and IT Director. Newly elected States Attorney for Wicomico County Matt Maciarello, Fruitland Police Chief Mike Phillips and County Executive Rick Pollitt also attended this event to show their support.
Councilwomen Terry Cohen and Debbie Campbell were the only Council Members to attend, which surprised me quite a bit. Louise Smith, Gary Comegys and Shanie Shields did not attend the event.
30 minutes before the event took place a Salisbury Police Officer was injured while making an arrest, making it somewhat stressful for the Mayor and new Police Chief as they wanted to be by the Officer's side at PRMC. I can tell you the Mayor and Police Chief immediately left the event to head to the Hospital.
So, is Salisbury a safer place to live and work. Time will tell and everyone needs to give these new leaders a chance to prove themselves. One can only hope we've seen the worst in Salisbury and better days are ahead.
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Victoria Katherine Williamson of Princess Anne, arrested 11-11-10 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Williamson was later held on a $500.00 bond.
Pamela Sue Fischer of Princess Anne, charged on a criminal summons 11-12-10 regarding failure to send child to school. Fischer was released pending trial.
Rodger Pikinton of Crisfield, charged on a criminal summons regarding failure to register/change address regarding the sex offender registry. Pikinton was released pending trial.
George William Brenneman Jr. of Chance charged on a criminal summons regarding theft over $500.00, and 4th degree burglary. Brenneman was released pending trial.
Shane Alan Wootten of Princess Anne, arrested 11-15-10 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Wootten was released after posting $5,000 bond.
Neil Patrick Wilson of Fairmont, arrested 11-15-10. The arrest was a result of a investigation where deputies were called to a Fishing Island Rd address in Fairmont regarding a domestic dispute. Deputies learned that Wilson assaulted a female at that residence. Wilson was charged with 2nd degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Wilson was later held on a $10,000 bond.
John Daniel Webb Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 11-15-10 regarding driving on a suspended drivers license. Webb was later released pending trial.
Taylor Samuel Bounds of salisbury, arrested 11-16-10 on a warrant regarding cds possession, cds possession other than marijuana, and cds paraphernalia. Bounds was later released on a unsecured $1,000 bond.
Karen Marie Wilson of Princess Anne, arrested 11-17-10 on a Wicomico County warrant regarding 2nd degree assault, and telephone misuse. Wilson was later released on personal recognizance pending trial.
Thomas William Marshall Jr. of Fruitland, arrested on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Marshall was later held on a $250.00 bond.
Kevin Goepfert
Kevin Goepfert
A Comment Worthy Of A Post
As a past candidate for the Fire Chief's position, I would not go along with the need for a fire boat. More emphasis needs to be placed on recruitment and retention, training, basic and advanced life support, public education and listening to the residents and business community. I believe this boat, no matter the cost, will become a green heron situation.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 IS THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT: CHOOSE TODAY TO STOP SMOKING
Each year since 1977, the American Cancer Society has sponsored the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November to help smokers quit cigarettes for at least one day, in hopes they will quit forever. This year, Great American Smokeout is being recognized on Thursday, November 18, 2010.
“Great American Smokeout Day is a great opportunity to challenge yourself to make a change toward a new healthier lifestyle,” said Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “It doesn't matter how long you've been a smoker, the health benefits from quitting start right away. Financial benefits are also profound in that an average smoker could save almost $42 a week, $168 a month, or even $2,016 a year upon choosing to quit,” says Mrs. Brewster.
Support for individuals interested in quitting is available at the health department where county residents may receive free cessation aids, group, or individual support sessions. In addition, the toll-free Maryland Tobacco Quit line, 1-800-QUIT NOW, (1-800-784-8669) is a professional, confidential, telephone-based tobacco cessation service provided at no charge to all Marylanders.
“Great American Smokeout Day is a great opportunity to challenge yourself to make a change toward a new healthier lifestyle,” said Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “It doesn't matter how long you've been a smoker, the health benefits from quitting start right away. Financial benefits are also profound in that an average smoker could save almost $42 a week, $168 a month, or even $2,016 a year upon choosing to quit,” says Mrs. Brewster.
Support for individuals interested in quitting is available at the health department where county residents may receive free cessation aids, group, or individual support sessions. In addition, the toll-free Maryland Tobacco Quit line, 1-800-QUIT NOW, (1-800-784-8669) is a professional, confidential, telephone-based tobacco cessation service provided at no charge to all Marylanders.
Dem. Senator Jay Rockefeller Suggests Eliminating FOX, MSNBC
It would be a big favor to political discourse; our ability to do our work here in Congress, and to the American people, to be able to talk with each other and have some faith in their government and more importantly, in their future."
RTNDA
Palin Says She Could Defeat Obama In 2012
GO HERE to read more.
HELP US HELP A LOCAL FAMILY WITH MEDICAL EXPENSES
NICHOLAS BROBST IS 14 YEARS OLD, BOY, WHO SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM A COMPETETIVE GO-CART ACCIDENT ON OCT. 17 TH.
PLEASE COME OUT EAT AND HELP
HOLT PAPER & CHEMICAL WILL BE HOLDING A SLICED PIT BEEF LUNCH, INCLUDING BAKE BEANS AND ROLL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19
11:30-1:30
$7.00 PER CARRYOUT
THE EVENT WILL BE CARRY OUT AND WILL BE HELD AT:
HOLT PAPER
31375 JOHN DEERE DRIVE
SALISBURY, MD 21804
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE
410-742-7577
A Letter To The Editor
I feel it is my duty as a taxpaying citizen to make you aware of the horrible display I witnessed yesterday at the Mayors Round Table. While, in the past, I have supported the Mayor and his Safe Streets Package, I no longer hold that view. I just don’t know what our city has come to. Mayor Ireton spent 25 minutes of the meeting screaming and hollering at Kris Adams that SAPOA lady. He yelled so loud his eyes were bulging and he pointed his finger repeatedly in her face in front of all of 15-20 people at the meeting. Nobody said anything, because I think we were all in shock. The mayor blamed her for all the crime and calls for service that have happened in the city because his package hasn’t been passed yet in the council. He blamed her for a bad property she had nothing to do with. He threatened all of the landlords. He accused her of paying off council members. He told her, he was coming after the landlords with another Safe Street 2 package. The tirade went on and on. Somehow, Mrs. Adams was able to endure that nasty, bitter attack without saying a word. At the end of the meeting she even thanked the administration for honoring a request she had made at a previous meeting. Then she said SAPOA will continue to do things to help the city. I was actually kind of amazed that she would even want to participate in the meeting after what the Mayor did to her.
I don’t care if you like the landlords or not. No one, especially a woman, should every be treated the way Mrs. Adams was treated by Mayor Ireton. For that ugliness, he loses all my support. As far as I am concerned, if Ireton is not going to act like a mayor, he should not be a mayor.
Cholera Confirmed In Traveler From Haiti To Florida
Florida health authorities are reporting the state's first case of cholera linked to the current outbreak in Haiti.
Dr. Thomas Torok of the Florida Department of Health said Wednesday the case involved a woman who had visited family near where the outbreak began last month. It has killed more than 1,000 people in Haiti.
Torok said the woman returned to Collier County and has recovered. Health officials said privacy laws prohibited them from releasing more information about her case.
The health department said other suspected cases of cholera were under investigation. Florida has a large Haitian community and doctors have been asked to report possible cholera in people who recently visited there.
More at Newsmax
Dr. Thomas Torok of the Florida Department of Health said Wednesday the case involved a woman who had visited family near where the outbreak began last month. It has killed more than 1,000 people in Haiti.
Torok said the woman returned to Collier County and has recovered. Health officials said privacy laws prohibited them from releasing more information about her case.
The health department said other suspected cases of cholera were under investigation. Florida has a large Haitian community and doctors have been asked to report possible cholera in people who recently visited there.
More at Newsmax
GOP To Force Vote On NPR Defunding
House Republicans announced Wednesday they plan to force a floor vote on defunding NPR in response to the firing of analyst Juan Williams last month.
House GOP Whip Eric Cantor (Va.) and Rep. Doug Lamborn (Colo.) said that cutting funds to the publicly subsidized news organization was the winner of the conference's weekly "YouCut" contest, in which the public votes online on spending items they want eliminated.
"When NPR executives made the decision to unfairly terminate Juan Williams and to then disparage him afterwards, the bias of their organization was exposed," the two Republicans said in a statement. "Make no mistake, it is not the role of government to tell news organizations how to operate. What is avoidable, however, is providing taxpayer funds to news organizations that promote a partisan point of view. Eliminating taxpayer funding for NPR is precisely the kind of commonsense cut that we have to begin making if we want to fundamentally alter the way business is conducted in Washington.”
Republicans had indicated that they sought to take action against NPR after it dismissed Williams for making controversial remarks about Muslims.
Under the "YouCut" program, the GOP has promised to force votes on spending cuts chosen by online voters each week that the House is in session. Each week, a series of proposed spending cuts is posted online and the House GOP takes up the cut chosen by the most voters.
More
House GOP Whip Eric Cantor (Va.) and Rep. Doug Lamborn (Colo.) said that cutting funds to the publicly subsidized news organization was the winner of the conference's weekly "YouCut" contest, in which the public votes online on spending items they want eliminated.
"When NPR executives made the decision to unfairly terminate Juan Williams and to then disparage him afterwards, the bias of their organization was exposed," the two Republicans said in a statement. "Make no mistake, it is not the role of government to tell news organizations how to operate. What is avoidable, however, is providing taxpayer funds to news organizations that promote a partisan point of view. Eliminating taxpayer funding for NPR is precisely the kind of commonsense cut that we have to begin making if we want to fundamentally alter the way business is conducted in Washington.”
Republicans had indicated that they sought to take action against NPR after it dismissed Williams for making controversial remarks about Muslims.
Under the "YouCut" program, the GOP has promised to force votes on spending cuts chosen by online voters each week that the House is in session. Each week, a series of proposed spending cuts is posted online and the House GOP takes up the cut chosen by the most voters.
More
Errors Kill 15,000 Elderly Each Month
Mistakes and unavoidable problems kill an estimated 15,000 elderly U.S. patients every month in hospitals, U.S. government investigators reported on Tuesday.
More than 13 percent of patients covered by Medicare, the government health insurance for the elderly, or about 134,000 people monthly have some sort of so-called adverse event each month. These include mistakes such as surgical errors or sometimes unavoidable problems such as an infection spread in the hospital, or patients having their blood sugar fall to unusually low levels.
The new numbers, which total about 180,000 deaths a year, were presented in a report by the Office of Inspector General at the Health and Human Services Department. They support findings of a landmark Institute of Medicine report in 2000 that said up to 98,000 Americans died every year because of medical errors.
"An estimated 13.5 percent of hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries experienced adverse events during their hospital stays," the OIG said in the report.
It said 44 percent of the problems were avoidable.
The OIG team worked by examining a nationally representative random sample of 780 Medicare beneficiaries discharged from a hospital in October 2008.
"Hospital care associated with adverse and temporary harm events cost Medicare an estimated $324 million in October 2008," the report concludes.
More on this
More than 13 percent of patients covered by Medicare, the government health insurance for the elderly, or about 134,000 people monthly have some sort of so-called adverse event each month. These include mistakes such as surgical errors or sometimes unavoidable problems such as an infection spread in the hospital, or patients having their blood sugar fall to unusually low levels.
The new numbers, which total about 180,000 deaths a year, were presented in a report by the Office of Inspector General at the Health and Human Services Department. They support findings of a landmark Institute of Medicine report in 2000 that said up to 98,000 Americans died every year because of medical errors.
"An estimated 13.5 percent of hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries experienced adverse events during their hospital stays," the OIG said in the report.
It said 44 percent of the problems were avoidable.
The OIG team worked by examining a nationally representative random sample of 780 Medicare beneficiaries discharged from a hospital in October 2008.
"Hospital care associated with adverse and temporary harm events cost Medicare an estimated $324 million in October 2008," the report concludes.
Airports? Congress Warned Jihadists Already 'Inside Gate'
In an unprecedented series of Capitol Hill briefings, a coalition of former U.S. intelligence officials, military officials, FBI investigators and federal prosecutors plans to warn incoming Republican lawmakers about what they say is a seditious threat to national security from radical Muslim Brotherhood front groups in America.
The coalition, organized by the Washington-based Center for Security Policy, will urge congressional leaders to "hold urgent hearings to assess the damage" from Brotherhood influence operations, and pass Cold War-style legislation to help ferret out such subversive Islamist elements operating within U.S. borders.
Currently, the officials say, the FBI and Pentagon have no formal counterintelligence programs in place to guard against Brotherhood infiltration efforts targeting Washington.
"Under both parties, the U.S. government has comprehensively failed to grasp the true nature of this enemy," the group warns in a 352-page report distributed to winners of the 2010 elections and other members of Congress.
In addition, the group will present case studies of influence operations the Brotherhood has mounted against the U.S. government.
The Muslim Brotherhood, a worldwide jihadist movement based in Egypt and heavily funded by Saudi Arabia, is the parent of Hamas and al-Qaida. It shares al-Qaida's goals of imposing Shariah law in the West and re-establishing the Islamic caliphate to rule in accordance with it.
The group says laws empowering the FBI and other agencies to crack down on Soviet infiltrations during the Cold War may not be enough to protect Washington from Brotherhood penetrations. It warns that the Brotherhood is already "embedded deep inside both the United States and our allies," and its agents are more "sophisticated" than Soviet spies and "highly skilled in exploiting the civil liberties and multicultural proclivities of Western societies."
A few years ago, FBI investigators uncovered a trove of Brotherhood documents in the Northern Virginia basement of a senior Brotherhood leader under investigation for terrorism. The archives established a subversive network in America that happens to include some of the country's largest mainstream Muslim groups.
Among other entities, the secret documents listed: the Islamic Society of North America; an umbrella group for several Muslim organizations; the North American Islamic Trust; which owns most of the major mosques in America; the Holy Land Foundation, at the time the nation's largest Islamic charity; and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation's largest Muslim advocacy group.
Here is lots more >>
The coalition, organized by the Washington-based Center for Security Policy, will urge congressional leaders to "hold urgent hearings to assess the damage" from Brotherhood influence operations, and pass Cold War-style legislation to help ferret out such subversive Islamist elements operating within U.S. borders.
Currently, the officials say, the FBI and Pentagon have no formal counterintelligence programs in place to guard against Brotherhood infiltration efforts targeting Washington.
"Under both parties, the U.S. government has comprehensively failed to grasp the true nature of this enemy," the group warns in a 352-page report distributed to winners of the 2010 elections and other members of Congress.
In addition, the group will present case studies of influence operations the Brotherhood has mounted against the U.S. government.
The Muslim Brotherhood, a worldwide jihadist movement based in Egypt and heavily funded by Saudi Arabia, is the parent of Hamas and al-Qaida. It shares al-Qaida's goals of imposing Shariah law in the West and re-establishing the Islamic caliphate to rule in accordance with it.
The group says laws empowering the FBI and other agencies to crack down on Soviet infiltrations during the Cold War may not be enough to protect Washington from Brotherhood penetrations. It warns that the Brotherhood is already "embedded deep inside both the United States and our allies," and its agents are more "sophisticated" than Soviet spies and "highly skilled in exploiting the civil liberties and multicultural proclivities of Western societies."
A few years ago, FBI investigators uncovered a trove of Brotherhood documents in the Northern Virginia basement of a senior Brotherhood leader under investigation for terrorism. The archives established a subversive network in America that happens to include some of the country's largest mainstream Muslim groups.
Among other entities, the secret documents listed: the Islamic Society of North America; an umbrella group for several Muslim organizations; the North American Islamic Trust; which owns most of the major mosques in America; the Holy Land Foundation, at the time the nation's largest Islamic charity; and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation's largest Muslim advocacy group.
Here is lots more >>
Ron Paul: Stop This Soviet-Style Nonsense
With a week to go until the Thanksgiving travel peak and Americans' anger continuing to rise over heightened airport-security measures, a U.S. congressman launched legislation today to end what he calls Soviet-style searches by the American government.
Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, introduced the Air Traveler Dignity Act to protect Americans from physical and emotional abuse by federal Transportation Security Administration employees conducting screenings at the nation's airports.
"We have seen the videos of terrified children being grabbed and probed by airport screeners. We have read the stories of Americans being subjected to humiliating body imaging machines and/or forced to have the most intimate parts of their bodies poked and fondled," Paul said.
"This TSA version of our rights looks more like the 'rights' granted in the old Soviet Constitutions, where freedoms were granted to Soviet citizens – right up to the moment the state decided to remove those freedoms."
Paul's legislation, H.R. 6416, is just two sentences long, stating:
No law of the United States shall be construed to confer any immunity for a federal employee or agency or any individual or entity that receives federal funds, who subjects an individual to any physical contact (including contact with any clothing the individual is wearing), X-rays, or millimeter waves, or aids in the creation of or views a representation of any part of a individual's body covered by clothing as a condition for such individual to be in an airport or to fly in an aircraft. The preceding sentence shall apply even if the individual or the individual's parent, guardian, or any other individual gives consent.
"My legislation is simple," Paul said. "It establishes that airport-security screeners are not immune from any U.S. law regarding physical contact with another person, making images of another person, or causing physical harm through the use of radiation-emitting machinery on another person. It means they are subject to the same laws as the rest of us."
Paul suggested the controversial screening techniques would vanish if top-ranking government officials were themselves subject to them.
"Imagine if the political elites in our country were forced to endure the same conditions at the airport as business travelers, families, senior citizens, and the rest of us. Perhaps this problem could be quickly resolved if every cabinet secretary, every member of Congress, and every department head in the Obama administration were forced to submit to the same degrading screening process as the people who pay their salaries."
More
Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, introduced the Air Traveler Dignity Act to protect Americans from physical and emotional abuse by federal Transportation Security Administration employees conducting screenings at the nation's airports.
"We have seen the videos of terrified children being grabbed and probed by airport screeners. We have read the stories of Americans being subjected to humiliating body imaging machines and/or forced to have the most intimate parts of their bodies poked and fondled," Paul said.
"This TSA version of our rights looks more like the 'rights' granted in the old Soviet Constitutions, where freedoms were granted to Soviet citizens – right up to the moment the state decided to remove those freedoms."
Paul's legislation, H.R. 6416, is just two sentences long, stating:
No law of the United States shall be construed to confer any immunity for a federal employee or agency or any individual or entity that receives federal funds, who subjects an individual to any physical contact (including contact with any clothing the individual is wearing), X-rays, or millimeter waves, or aids in the creation of or views a representation of any part of a individual's body covered by clothing as a condition for such individual to be in an airport or to fly in an aircraft. The preceding sentence shall apply even if the individual or the individual's parent, guardian, or any other individual gives consent.
"My legislation is simple," Paul said. "It establishes that airport-security screeners are not immune from any U.S. law regarding physical contact with another person, making images of another person, or causing physical harm through the use of radiation-emitting machinery on another person. It means they are subject to the same laws as the rest of us."
Paul suggested the controversial screening techniques would vanish if top-ranking government officials were themselves subject to them.
"Imagine if the political elites in our country were forced to endure the same conditions at the airport as business travelers, families, senior citizens, and the rest of us. Perhaps this problem could be quickly resolved if every cabinet secretary, every member of Congress, and every department head in the Obama administration were forced to submit to the same degrading screening process as the people who pay their salaries."
More
The Case Of The Missing Letter: US Evades A Written Promise
The U.S. State Department has refused to state whether Secretary Hillary Clinton will stand behind verbal promises to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and put them in writing, while the Cabinet met Wednesday without discussing the proposal.
In Tuesday’s daily press briefing that turned into a game of “dodge’em,” reporters badgered U.S. State Department spokesman Philip Crowley to answer, “Are you prepared to give them [Israel] a piece of paper that outlines what you’re willing to do to get them back to the table.”
Crowley replied, “We’re prepared to do everything that we can to create the conditions for both the Palestinians and the Israelis to have confidence to return to direct negotiations.”
Most of the question and answer session on Israel consisted of several attempts to corner Crowley, whose repetitious answers could have passed as a broken record.
The ping-pong session ended in a tie. The reporters were not satisfied, Crowley did not budge, and the “Clinton freeze” proposal may remain on ice when Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu meets with his Cabinet Wednesday. Government officials have said that without a letter of guarantees, he will not present the freeze proposal for a vote.
Crowley supplied a one-track answer to various questions from State Department reporters, who opened the session by asking a simple question: “Have you sent them this proposal?” Crowley replied, “I am not going to get into specifics as to where we are. We’re trying to encourage both sides to get back into negotiations.”
Another reporter then asked, “The Israeli Government, too, has blamed the Palestinian Authority for thwarting the understanding between Secretary Clinton and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Have you got any reaction from the Palestinians?
Crowley again stated, “We – our efforts are to get both parties back into direct negotiations as soon as possible.”
More here
In Tuesday’s daily press briefing that turned into a game of “dodge’em,” reporters badgered U.S. State Department spokesman Philip Crowley to answer, “Are you prepared to give them [Israel] a piece of paper that outlines what you’re willing to do to get them back to the table.”
Crowley replied, “We’re prepared to do everything that we can to create the conditions for both the Palestinians and the Israelis to have confidence to return to direct negotiations.”
Most of the question and answer session on Israel consisted of several attempts to corner Crowley, whose repetitious answers could have passed as a broken record.
The ping-pong session ended in a tie. The reporters were not satisfied, Crowley did not budge, and the “Clinton freeze” proposal may remain on ice when Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu meets with his Cabinet Wednesday. Government officials have said that without a letter of guarantees, he will not present the freeze proposal for a vote.
Crowley supplied a one-track answer to various questions from State Department reporters, who opened the session by asking a simple question: “Have you sent them this proposal?” Crowley replied, “I am not going to get into specifics as to where we are. We’re trying to encourage both sides to get back into negotiations.”
Another reporter then asked, “The Israeli Government, too, has blamed the Palestinian Authority for thwarting the understanding between Secretary Clinton and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Have you got any reaction from the Palestinians?
Crowley again stated, “We – our efforts are to get both parties back into direct negotiations as soon as possible.”
More here
How To Steal A Body-Scan Picture
Cosmic Log: The Transportation Security Administration says the revealing images made by full-body scanners can't possibly be stored or copied. But critics say it can be done.
GO HERE to read more.
Poll: Nation Wants Change, Skeptical D.C. Can Deliver
According to the latest NBC/WSJ poll, almost seven in 10 registered voters say they voted in the midterm elections with the hope of seeing change. But they are doubtful of just how much change will actually take place.
GO HERE to read more.
P.G. Cop Accused Of Using Office To Smuggle
A Prince George's County police officer used his gun and badge for cover as he drove loads of cocaine and contraband cigarettes across the Northeast, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Copperthite said officer Sinisa Simic, 25, carried the police badge in case he was pulled over by law enforcement and used his service weapon in case the haulers were hijacked while carrying the black market items.
For additional security, Simic sought to buy a .50-caliber Desert Eagle handgun for his co-defendant, Mirza Kujundzic, 30. The two were overheard on wiretaps talking about their operation, Copperthite said at a bond hearing Wednesday.
Simic discussed it "as another part-time job -- they called it a protection business," Copperthite said.
Simic came to the attention to investigators last year during a wide-reaching investigation into political corruption in Prince George's County. Two other police officers were also arrested Monday in a separate indictment on extortion charges in a scheme to distribute untaxed cigarettes and alcohol.
On Friday, County Executive Jack Johnson and his wife, Councilwoman-elect Leslie Johnson, were charged with destroying evidence. The county's power couple flushed a $100,000 check down a toilet and stuffed $80,000 in cash down Leslie Johnson's underwear as FBI agents closed in, authorities allege.
Prosecutors said the cases are all connected as part of an ongoing probe into official wrongdoing in Prince George's County, but they have not said whether they are directly linked.
Simic was ordered to remain behind bars until his trial date. His partner's hearing was postponed.
Simic attorney Brian Stolarz said his client fled with his family to the United States from war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina and that becoming a police officer was a "lifelong dream."
Simic was suspended from the department three months ago.
More from the Washington Examiner
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Copperthite said officer Sinisa Simic, 25, carried the police badge in case he was pulled over by law enforcement and used his service weapon in case the haulers were hijacked while carrying the black market items.
For additional security, Simic sought to buy a .50-caliber Desert Eagle handgun for his co-defendant, Mirza Kujundzic, 30. The two were overheard on wiretaps talking about their operation, Copperthite said at a bond hearing Wednesday.
Simic discussed it "as another part-time job -- they called it a protection business," Copperthite said.
Simic came to the attention to investigators last year during a wide-reaching investigation into political corruption in Prince George's County. Two other police officers were also arrested Monday in a separate indictment on extortion charges in a scheme to distribute untaxed cigarettes and alcohol.
On Friday, County Executive Jack Johnson and his wife, Councilwoman-elect Leslie Johnson, were charged with destroying evidence. The county's power couple flushed a $100,000 check down a toilet and stuffed $80,000 in cash down Leslie Johnson's underwear as FBI agents closed in, authorities allege.
Prosecutors said the cases are all connected as part of an ongoing probe into official wrongdoing in Prince George's County, but they have not said whether they are directly linked.
Simic was ordered to remain behind bars until his trial date. His partner's hearing was postponed.
Simic attorney Brian Stolarz said his client fled with his family to the United States from war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina and that becoming a police officer was a "lifelong dream."
Simic was suspended from the department three months ago.
More from the Washington Examiner
Despite Pending Protest, $345 Million Communication Contract Approved
Board votes split two to one on the contract, with Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown voting to approve it, and Comptroller Peter Franchot voting against. Franchot wanted to delay the vote on the contract until the protest from low bidder ARINC had been resolved.
The contract with Motorola to build a single communication network for all of the state’s first responders to communicate with -- also known as interconnectivity -- has been hailed as the state’s top Homeland Security priority by the O’Malley administration. The Federal Communication Commission has granted the state a license for a 700 megahertz broadcast signal for this project, and Maryland Department of Information Technology Secretary Elliot Schlanger said that the license is set to expire in January 2012. If the state does not utilize the license by then, Schlanger said, Maryland faces losing it.
GO HERE to read more.
Senate Bill S 510
Senate Bill S 510 Food Safety Modernization Act vote imminent: Would outlaw gardening and saving seeds
(NaturalNews) Senate Bill 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act, has been called "the most dangerous bill in the history of the United States of America." It would grant the U.S. government new authority over the public's right to grow, trade and transport any foods. This would give Big brother the power to regulate the tomato plants in your backyard. It would grant them the power to arrest and imprison people selling cucumbers at farmer's markets. It would criminalize the transporting of organic produce if you don't comply with the authoritarian rules of the federal government.
"It will become the most offensive authority against the cultivation, trade and consumption of food and agricultural products of one's choice. It will be unconstitutional and contrary to natural law or, if you like, the will of God." - Dr. Shiv Chopra, Canada Health whistleblower (http://shivchopra.com/?page_id=2)
This tyrannical law puts all food production (yes, even food produced in your own garden) under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security. Yep -- the very same people running the TSA and its naked body scanner / passenger groping programs.
GO HERE to read more.
(NaturalNews) Senate Bill 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act, has been called "the most dangerous bill in the history of the United States of America." It would grant the U.S. government new authority over the public's right to grow, trade and transport any foods. This would give Big brother the power to regulate the tomato plants in your backyard. It would grant them the power to arrest and imprison people selling cucumbers at farmer's markets. It would criminalize the transporting of organic produce if you don't comply with the authoritarian rules of the federal government.
"It will become the most offensive authority against the cultivation, trade and consumption of food and agricultural products of one's choice. It will be unconstitutional and contrary to natural law or, if you like, the will of God." - Dr. Shiv Chopra, Canada Health whistleblower (http://shivchopra.com/?page_id=2)
This tyrannical law puts all food production (yes, even food produced in your own garden) under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security. Yep -- the very same people running the TSA and its naked body scanner / passenger groping programs.
GO HERE to read more.
159 Years Ago
Do you know what happened 160 years ago this fall... back in 1850? |
California became a state
The people had no electricity.
The state had no money.
Almost everyone spoke Spanish.
There were gunfights in the streets.
The people had no electricity.
The state had no money.
Almost everyone spoke Spanish.
There were gunfights in the streets.
So basically nothing has changed except the women had real boobs and the men didn't hold hands.
Computer Logic
A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.
'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'
'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'
A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.
The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.
(THIS GETS BETTER!)
The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador'), because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.
The women won.
'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'
'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'
A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.
The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.
(THIS GETS BETTER!)
The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador'), because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.
The women won.
Explosive New Justice Department Black Panther Emails
The Obama Department of Justice (DOJ) cannot shake the New Black Panther Party scandal. Every week new revelations emerge about the racism and political favoritism that are corrupting our nation’s top law enforcement agency.
Last week, Judicial Watch released to the public brand new documents from the Obama DOJ that provide further evidence that top political appointees at the DOJ were intimately involved in the decision to dismiss the voter intimidation case against the New Black Panther Party.
And just like previous documents we’ve uncovered, this new evidence directly contradicts sworn testimony by Thomas Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, who testified before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights that no political leadership participated in the decision.
GO HERE to read more.
Last week, Judicial Watch released to the public brand new documents from the Obama DOJ that provide further evidence that top political appointees at the DOJ were intimately involved in the decision to dismiss the voter intimidation case against the New Black Panther Party.
And just like previous documents we’ve uncovered, this new evidence directly contradicts sworn testimony by Thomas Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, who testified before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights that no political leadership participated in the decision.
GO HERE to read more.
Drug Firms Say They'll Take Closer Look At The Docs They Pay
Seven drug companies paid $7.1 million to 292 doctors who faced disciplinary action or other regulatory sanctions, ProPublica found. Several companies say they may take steps to tighten screening procedures for physicians who are paid as speakers or for other activities promoting prescription drugs.
Read more.
Read more.
Pregnant Smokers Linked To 'Criminal' Offspring
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
A new study says people whose mothers smoke a pack a day are more likely to become repeat offenders when they grow up, no matter the baby’s gender.GOVERNOR O’MALLEY TO TOUR NIH RESEARCH CENTER, ADDRESS FEDERAL FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD
ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 17, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins and members of the Federal Facilities Advisory Board on a tour of the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center on the NIH Campus at 9000 Rockville Pike in Bethesda on Thursday, November 18 at 10:45 a.m. Following the tour, Governor O’Malley will address the Federal Facilities Advisory Board, which he appointed last year to develop a comprehensive assessment of how Maryland can best support and leverage the vast potential of its more than 50 federal facilities and help connect Maryland companies with federal opportunities to create jobs. Statewide, NIH employs more than 18,000 people and awarded more than $2 billion in procurement contracts and $1.2 billion in research grants to Maryland in FY 2010. Media are asked to arrive by 10:40 a.m. at the north entrance lobby of the Clinical Research Center.
PUBLIC NOTICE
SPECIAL MEETING
In accordance with §SC2-4 of the Salisbury City Charter, at the request of Mayor Ireton a Special Meeting of the City Council will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2010, for consideration of Ordinance No. 2131 for 2nd reading – accepting State Aid In Lieu Funds and to amend the FY11 General Fund Budget to fund the repaving of a portion of Beaglin Park Drive.
The special meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. in Conference Room 306 of the City/County Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street).
CITY OF SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
Meeting #20 NOVEMBER 22, 2010 6:00 p.m.
City/County Government Office Building Room 301
Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.
6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:07 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove
November 8, 2010 minutes
November 15, 2010 Special Meeting minutes
Resolution No. 1992 - accepting donation of automatic external defibrillators for the Salisbury Fire Department
Resolution No. 1993 - accepting funds in cooperation with the Maryland Office of Highway Safety to provide for overtime reimbursement to police officers participating in DUI enforcement
Resolution No. 1994 - accepting overtime reimbursement funding from the United States Marshals Service for the Salisbury Police Department’s investigation, arrest and prosecution of persons who have active state and federal warrants
Resolution No. 1995 - accepting funds in cooperation with the Maryland Office of Highway Safety to provide overtime reimbursement to police officers participating in the "Smooth Operator" program
Resolution No. 1996 - accepting funds in cooperation with the Maryland Office of Highway Safety to provide overtime reimbursement to police officers participating in traffic enforcement during "Bike Week"
6:12 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland
6:20 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No. 2127 - authorizing City to issue and sell bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4,100,000 (Milford Street water tank project)
Ordinance No. 2128 - amending Chapter 8.11, The Fire PreventionCode, of the Salisbury Municipal Code
Ordinance No. 2129 - amending Section 15.24.040, Referenced Standards, and Section 15.24.050, Applicability of Provisions, of the Salisbury Municipal Code
6:30 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No. 2124 - 2nd reading - establishing a fee structure for the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Salisbury Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Mayor and City Council relative to advertising fees for certain public hearings
Ordinance No. 2126 - 2nd reading - amending Ordinance No. 2058 Section A – Lot Rates to add a parking permit rate for parking lot#35 effective December 1, 2010
Ordinance No. 2130 - 2nd reading - approving an amendment to the FY11 General Fund Budget to appropriate additional funds to pay the Humane Society of Wicomico County
Ordinance No. 2132 - 1st reading – approving an amendment of the FY11 General Fund Budget to appropriate additional funds to payfor advertising costs associated with administrative appeals under the
City Zoning Code
7:15 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
Resolution No. 1997 - authorizing submitting a request to Wicomico County for a tax differential
Resolution No. 1998 - accepting Waterway Improvement Grant funds from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to partially fund the new Fire/Rescue/EMS Rapid Response vessel project
Resolution No. 1999 - approving the waiver of all outstanding liens for 114 Tilghman Street
Resolution No. 2000 - repealing Resolution No. 1023 and adopting rules to temporarily close streets and highways when required forpublic safety and convenience
8:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
8:15 p.m. ADJOURN
City/County Government Office Building Room 301
Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.
6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:07 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove
November 8, 2010 minutes
November 15, 2010 Special Meeting minutes
Resolution No. 1992 - accepting donation of automatic external defibrillators for the Salisbury Fire Department
Resolution No. 1993 - accepting funds in cooperation with the Maryland Office of Highway Safety to provide for overtime reimbursement to police officers participating in DUI enforcement
Resolution No. 1994 - accepting overtime reimbursement funding from the United States Marshals Service for the Salisbury Police Department’s investigation, arrest and prosecution of persons who have active state and federal warrants
Resolution No. 1995 - accepting funds in cooperation with the Maryland Office of Highway Safety to provide overtime reimbursement to police officers participating in the "Smooth Operator" program
Resolution No. 1996 - accepting funds in cooperation with the Maryland Office of Highway Safety to provide overtime reimbursement to police officers participating in traffic enforcement during "Bike Week"
6:12 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland
6:20 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No. 2127 - authorizing City to issue and sell bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4,100,000 (Milford Street water tank project)
Ordinance No. 2128 - amending Chapter 8.11, The Fire PreventionCode, of the Salisbury Municipal Code
Ordinance No. 2129 - amending Section 15.24.040, Referenced Standards, and Section 15.24.050, Applicability of Provisions, of the Salisbury Municipal Code
6:30 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No. 2124 - 2nd reading - establishing a fee structure for the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Salisbury Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Mayor and City Council relative to advertising fees for certain public hearings
Ordinance No. 2126 - 2nd reading - amending Ordinance No. 2058 Section A – Lot Rates to add a parking permit rate for parking lot#35 effective December 1, 2010
Ordinance No. 2130 - 2nd reading - approving an amendment to the FY11 General Fund Budget to appropriate additional funds to pay the Humane Society of Wicomico County
Ordinance No. 2132 - 1st reading – approving an amendment of the FY11 General Fund Budget to appropriate additional funds to payfor advertising costs associated with administrative appeals under the
City Zoning Code
7:15 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
Resolution No. 1997 - authorizing submitting a request to Wicomico County for a tax differential
Resolution No. 1998 - accepting Waterway Improvement Grant funds from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to partially fund the new Fire/Rescue/EMS Rapid Response vessel project
Resolution No. 1999 - approving the waiver of all outstanding liens for 114 Tilghman Street
Resolution No. 2000 - repealing Resolution No. 1023 and adopting rules to temporarily close streets and highways when required forpublic safety and convenience
8:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
8:15 p.m. ADJOURN
Third Anti-Crime Legislation Public Dialogue Set For November 30
The third public dialogue meeting on the Salisbury Safe Streets anti-crime legislation package is set for Tuesday, November 30, 6:30 p.m., in council chambers on the third floor of the Government Office Building, 125 N. Division St, downtown. The meeting is slated to be the last in a series hosted by Salisbury City Council Members Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen.
According to the hosts, this final meeting will bring together input collected from the first two meetings, information that answers questions raised and an exchange with residents who “get up in the morning and go to bed at night dealing with crime issues in our city.” The previous two meetings with overflow audiences were dominated heavily by representatives of the rental industry lobbying against the anti-crime proposals related to housing.
“We feel we received useful input from the previous meetings that could lead to improvements in the legislation, stated Campbell. “The rental industry has now had extensive input, and we want to make sure that people on both sides of the issue have an opportunity to provide observations, feedback, and questions regarding the draft legislation.”
Cohen said that, although members of the public were getting a better understanding of the proposals, rumors and misinformation continue to be circulated. “This meeting should help clear up some of those misconceptions and misrepresentations,” Cohen said.
On August 2, Mayor Jim Ireton introduced the proposals, but the president of the city council, Louise Smith, has refused to schedule the legislative proposals for discussion by the council as a body. Numerous residents and the editorial board of the local newspaper, The Daily Times, have stated that the legislation should at least be discussed publicly by the entire council at its open work sessions.
Campbell and Cohen encouraged the public to read the actual text of the anti-crime proposals in preparation for the meeting, since a primary goal of the meeting series has been to get feedback specific to the draft legislation. The proposals can be found under the link “Neighborhood Legislation Pkg” on the city website homepage at left, http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/, and on the website the two council members share, http://www.onyoursidesby.blogspot.com/. Hard copies can be obtained by calling the city clerk’s office at 410-548-3140.
Two Arrested After Shot Fired At Christiana Mall
Location: Christiana Mall south parking lot, Newark, DE
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 1205 p.m.
Victim:
-28 year old Wilmington man
-23 year old New Castle man
Defendants and Charges:
-Myles J. Turner, 17, New Castle, DE (Robbery 1st degree, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Juvenile, Reckless Endangering 1st degree, Conspiracy 2nd degree)
-Aaron C. Mills, 18, New Castle, DE (Robbery 1st degree, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Reckless Endangering 1st degree, Conspiracy 2nd degree)
Resume: The Delaware State Police have arrested two suspects after a shot was fired at the Christiana Mall this afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:05 p.m. this afternoon as defendants Myles J. Turner and Aaron Mills were inside of the Abercrombie and Fitch Store located in the Christiana Mall. The two defendants had placed several clothing items that they had removed from display and had placed them inside of a plastic bag. As the defendants exited the store without paying for the merchandise the security sensors activated the alarm. A store employee who heard the alarm approached the defendants and asked to check their bag. However, they refused to stop and exited the store and entered the mall. As the defendants walked inside of the mall, the store employee continued to attempt to have them return to the store, however, they refused and exited the mall into the south parking lot. It was at this point that a member of the Christiana Mall security responded to the area and also attempted to stop the defendants as they walked through the parking lot. At one point the security guard grabbed a backpack that defendant Turner was wearing in an attempt to get him to stop. Defendant Turner then turned toward the guard and fired one shot from a handgun in the direction of the guard as well as the Abercrombie and Fitch employee that had also followed the defendants into the parking lot. Neither of the victims was struck by the bullet and took cover behind vehicles in the lot. The defendants then fled from the parking lot on foot toward DE. Rt. 7. A short time later a trooper, who was responding to the incident, spotted two male subjects who matched the description of the defendants exit a wooded area approximately ½ mile from the mall. The two then flagged down a passing DART bus and boarded it. The Trooper stopped the bus and was able to take both subjects later identified as Aaron Mills and Myles Turner into custody. He was also able to recover the stolen clothing from the Abercrombie and Fitch Store as well as a handgun.
Both defendants were arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. Aaron Mills was arraigned at JP Court #2 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute for lack of $54, 000.00 secured bail. Arraignment information was not available for Myles Turner at the time of this release. Neither victim was injured in this incident.
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY COMMENDS WASHINGTON BOARD OF TRADE AND WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR REPORT ON METRO GOVERNANCE
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley today expressed his appreciation to the Washington Board of Trade and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for their comprehensive review of governance issues involving the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). A joint task force comprised of 18 business and political leaders from the region reviewed the effectiveness of the current structure used to govern WMATA. In a report issued today, the task force called for sweeping changes to the way WMATA is governed in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the Metro transit system.
“We appreciate the effort of the task force, the Board of Trade and WashCOG to examine WMATA’s current governance structure and to develop a series of recommendations aimed at improving that structure,” said Governor O’Malley. “Maryland agrees with the conclusion that changes in the way WMATA is governed could produce a more effective organization. We look forward to working with the leadership in our fellow jurisdictions and with other stakeholders as, together, we move toward the common goal of making Metro a better, safer system for citizens throughout the region.”
The full Task Force report can be found at http://www.bot.org/media-center/press-releases/press-release-111710.aspx
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO JOIN SECRETARY OF EDUCATION ARNE DUNCAN AND NEA PRESIDENT FOR AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will join U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel today at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring to speak to students and recognize American Education Week.
Governor O’Malley, Secretary Duncan, and NEA President Van Roekel will engage with students in their classrooms, and later hold a media availability at the school.
American Education Week, held November 14-20, honors teachers and support professionals who have dedicated themselves to the education of young people. Celebrated the week prior Thanksgiving, American Education Week began in 1921 as a way to generate public support for education at a time when illiteracy was a major problem.
Governor O'Malley received the America's Greatest Education Governor Award from the NEA during the Association's Annual Meeting in July. The prestigious award is presented each year to a governor who has made major, statewide efforts to improve public education. Maryland's public schools have ranked the best in the nation two years in a row by Education Week Magazine.
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY TO TOUR NIH RESEARCH CENTER, ADDRESS FEDERAL FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD
ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 17, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins and members of the Federal Facilities Advisory Board on a tour of the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center on the NIH Campus at 9000 Rockville Pike in Bethesda on Thursday, November 18 at 10:45 a.m. Following the tour, Governor O’Malley will address the Federal Facilities Advisory Board, which he appointed last year to develop a comprehensive assessment of how Maryland can best support and leverage the vast potential of its more than 50 federal facilities and help connect Maryland companies with federal opportunities to create jobs. Statewide, NIH employs more than 18,000 people and awarded more than $2 billion in procurement contracts and $1.2 billion in research grants to Maryland in FY 2010.
Board Honors Outstanding Students, Teachers, Staff, Schools At Nov. 16 Awards & Recognitions Night
Wicomico County Board of Education
Awards & Recognitions Night
Nov. 16, 2010 Westside Intermediate School
At its first Awards & Recognitions Night of the 2010-11 school year, the Wicomico County Board of Education recognized many students, staff members, administrators, community partners, volunteers, and parents for their accomplishments while involved in and with the Wicomico County School System.
MARYLAND PTA AWARDS
The Wicomico County Council of PTAs was one of five councils in the state to receive the “Council Award for Membership” from the Maryland PTA in 2009-2010. WCCPTA was recognized for increasing membership by more than 15 %, due in part to its innovative 2009-2010 membership drive, Survivor PTA. In addition to higher membership numbers, in 2009-2010 the WCCPTA also had increased participation in WCCPTA meetings, and increased service on district-wide committees. The Wicomico County Council of PTAs also recently received the Maryland PTA Award of Excellence for its good work on behalf of students, families and schools.
MARYLAND FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The Wicomico County School System is proud to have the Maryland Foreign Language Teacher of the Year working every day to broaden the language skills and the world view of our students. Sherri Harkins of Pittsville Elementary and Middle and Willards Elementary has been named the Maryland Foreign Language Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Foreign Language Association. She piloted the FLES (Foreign Language Elementary School) program and uses French language and culture to give students K-8 at Pittsville Elementary and Middle and Willards Elementary an appreciation for the world. A former student said: “There is no other teacher in the state of Maryland that could better represent the foreign language department for teacher of the year, than Mrs. Harkins.”
NATIONAL OPEN DOOR AWARD
The American Heart Association’s National Open Door Award recognizes an outstanding Jump Rope and/or Hoops for Heart volunteer. For more than 20 years, Grace Lamboni of Pinehurst Elementary has given her heart to Jump Rope for Heart. She is passionate about teaching her students and faculty about the importance of good cardiovascular health. Grace has also partnered with the American Heart Association by coaching the Power Panthers Jump Rope for Heart demonstration team that performs at 10 – 12 elementary and middle schools to highlight the jump roping skills of her two teams of 1st through 5th graders and emphasize how students can reduce their own risk of cardiovascular disease. She is a Jump Rope for Heart ambassador, recruiter, mentor, presenter and all around cheerleader for the cause.
2009 MILK CARTON COIN COLLECTION
The Salvation Army Milk Carton Coin Collection drive was created in 2009 as part of the Red Kettle Campaign. The goal was to provide a way for children to help less fortunate kids and families in our community during the holiday season and beyond. Elementary students received a special milk carton to fill and return to the school. The coin collection was something every child could participate in knowing they were doing a good deed and helping others, some of them fellow students. The $9661.48 that was collected helped the 2009 Red Kettle Campaign achieve a 10% increase over the previous year and set a new record of $183,000. A new milk carton campaign is about to begin. On behalf of all those who will benefit from the generosity of Wicomico County students, The Salvation Army – Salisbury Corps extended heartfelt appreciation to:
Beaver Run Elementary
Chipman Elementary
Delmar Elementary
East Salisbury Elementary
Fruitland Primary
Fruitland Intermediate
Glen Avenue Elementary
North Salisbury Elementary
Northwestern Elementary
Pemberton Elementary
Pinehurst Elementary
Pittsville Elementary
Prince Street Elementary
West Salisbury Elementary
Westside Intermediate
Westside Primary
Willards Elementary
WCPS CALENDAR ARTISTS AND WRITERS
The Calendar published each year by Wicomico County Public Schools reflects the values identified as important to our students, our schools and our community. As superintendent, it is my privilege and my pleasure to pick the student illustrations that will be printed in the calendar. This year you will also find insightful student definitions in the calendar, plus information on the 40 Developmental Assets. The creative and thoughtful work of our students is printed in 20,000 calendars distributed to families, staff and others interested in the school system for use throughout the school year. Etch-Art has given longtime support in providing engraved plaques for the calendar artists, and many art teachers and other teachers supported students in submitting an entry for this year’s calendar.
(In all cases except students with the STARS Summer Achievement Academy at Salisbury Middle School, the grade level for each student below is their grade last year, when they submitted an entry for the calendar:)
Cover: Dean Scott, 2010 graduate of James M. Bennett High School
September/Tolerance: Illustration: Alexis Roskovich, junior, Parkside High School Definitions: Cameron Dillard and Marc Miles, STARS Summer Achievement Academy, Salisbury Middle School
October/Compassion: Illustration: Destiny Dickerson, junior, James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Shannon Cottingham and Camille Bautista, kindergartners at Fruitland Primary School
November/Freedom of Thought & Action: Illustration: Kira Kim, sophomore, James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Taneyea Burton, STARS Summer Achievement Academy, Salisbury Middle School; and Tiffany Pham, grade 6, Pittsville Middle School
December/Self Respect: Illustration: Laura Gutierrez, 2010 graduate of James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Krunal Patel and Sara Sadjadi, grade 1, Fruitland Primary School
January/Courtesy: Illustration: Yujin Kang, 5th grader at Prince Street Elementary when she submitted the illustration, now 6th grader at Bennett Middle School Definitions: Ian Childs and Olivia Owens, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School
February/Responsibility: Illustration: Deneesha White, senior, Parkside High School Definition: Koby Bradshaw, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School
March/Responsible Citizenship: Illustration: Chris Truitt, senior, Parkside High School Definitions: Wil Elliott and Paul Chaplin, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School
April/Respect for Others’ Rights: Illustration: Razia Sultana, 2010 graduate of James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Vilaine Frederic and Altora Ware, STARS Summer Achievement Academy, Salisbury Middle School
May/Loyalty: Illustration: Margarito Tello, 2010 graduate of Wicomico High School Definition: Emily Rantz, grade 6, Pittsville Middle School
June/Honesty: Illustration: Sarah Roy, 2010 graduate of Mardela High School Definitions: Jacob Harbinson and Gregory Littleton, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School
SHORE TRANSIT ARTIST
Artwork done by Princess Wallace, a student at North Salisbury School, was chosen to represent the Shore Transit Summer Reading Promotion. The theme for the art contest was “Reading is Fun.” The design by Princess, now a fifth grader at North Salisbury, was chosen to represent all of the students of Wicomico County Public Schools and the posters showing her work was displayed on Shore Transit buses as they traveled around the county.
UP WITH PEOPLE CHOIR
For a few days in early October, Wicomico County was fortunate to serve as sponsor for a visit by Up with People. This high-energy international organization shares a message of peace, global understanding and service to community through music. Up with People did “Stand for Peace” workshops with students at Wicomico Middle School, and on October 12th presented a show for the community. These elementary students joined the Up with People cast on stage to sing and represent children in Wicomico County and all over the world:
Prince Street Elementary: Zion Rivera. Alexandra Naranjo-Aguirre, Cabria Jones, Elizabeth Martin
Westside Intermediate: Kerris King, Katherine Cottingham, Kayla Williams, Michael Duncan, Kamden Kern
Delmar Elementary: Kenneth Good, Javion Nutter, Natalie Smith, Dylan Dietrick, MacKenzie Lucas
North Salisbury Elementary: Adam Hanes, Emily Hanes, Brianna Grall, Camerin Harris, Trupti Valsangikar
Pittsville Elementary: Kelsey Warren and Stephenie Linton
MAGI CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Every November for the past 17 years, The Magi Fund’s Choral Festival has helped address pressing needs in our community. In two concerts at the Wicomico High School Auditorium this coming weekend, this event will raise money and food donations for the Christian Shelter and Joseph House Center. The Magi Children’s Choir includes many students from Wicomico County Public Schools:
East Salisbury Elementary: Rachel Ford
Glen Avenue Elementary: Megan Lynn Catron
North Salisbury Elementary: Alison Sahler, Jordan Hamilton
Northwestern Elementary: Zoe Bradshaw
Pemberton Elementary: Emily Burris, Carys Hazel, Becky Maupin, Jeremy Middleton, Stephanie Myers, Maddie Parsons, Trent Pitoniak, Leanne Townsend
Pittsville Middle: Jessica Graver, Tori Kinsell
Mardela Middle: Alyssa Hazel
Bennett Middle: Elizabeth Hobbs, Brooke Bennish, Gabi Millard, Sarah Townsend, Sandra Zelaya
Salisbury Middle: Allie Creasy, Emily Della Ratta, Rachel Dennis, Sara Dennis, Hope Hare, Mackenzie Johnson, Kennedy Phillips, Lydia Phillips, Amber Williams, Brandy Williams
BAYSIDE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
James M. Bennett High School has been selected as the Bayside Athletic Conference Sportsmanship recipient for the 2009-2010 school year. This award is based on how other opposing coaches, athletes, and parents rate the athletic programs. The athletic programs are rated on climate, supervision, participation, and the conduct of spectators. In recognition of James M. Bennett High School being selected as the recipient of the 2009-2010 Bayside Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Award, the Board recognized Glenn "Hoot" Gibson, Athletic Director; Steve Grudis, Principal; and Mr. James Cook, assistant principal in charge of athletics.
WENDY’S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN SCHOOL WINNERS
Wicomico County is proud of the outstanding seniors who have been recognized in the 2010 Wendy’s High School Heisman contest. The Wendy’s High School Heisman program, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom. Students must display academic aptitude, athletic talent and exceptional commitment to their communities. Wicomico school winners in the 2010 Wendy’s High School Heisman contest:
Rebekah Rodriguez, James M. Bennett High School
From Parkside High School: Nicole Snitzer and Noel Temple
Morgan Burns and Charles Abbott, Mardela High School
PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
James M. Bennett High sophomore Mark Waguespack has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service through the national Prudential Spirit of Community Award Program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The award recognizes middle and high school students who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. As an outstanding service-learner, he has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for giving more than 100 hours of service and will receive a letter and a certificate sign by President Obama.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENTS
During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, several athletic teams took the initiative to focus not just on winning, but on raising awareness and funds for breast cancer awareness and research. Saluted for the efforts of athletes, coaches and fans to save lives and advance research on breast cancer were:
The Parkside High School Girls Field Hockey Team, for doing the Susan G. Komen “Play 4 the Cure” game. The athletes wore pink, sold pink wristbands, and raffled a pink blanket. Referees donated their time. All proceeds benefited the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
The James M. Bennett High School Clippers Volleyball team, which hosted a JMB Dig Pink match against Parkside to benefit the Side-Out Foundation. This event was part of the National Dig Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Rally to promote breast health education and raise funds to eradicate breast cancer.
The Wicomico High School Football team, which hosted a Crucial Catch game to honor those who have successfully fought or been lost of cancer. Funds were raised for research and proactive health promotion through Crucial Catch, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and Women Supporting Women.
MARYLAND ARTS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION RECOGNITION
Several Visual Arts teachers were recognized on Oct. 15th at the 2010 Maryland Art Education Association’s annual conference for their outstanding contribution to the local school community in the field of Visual Arts:
Erin Davis – James M. Bennett High School - Master Teacher at the High School Level
Julia Kohut – Parkside High School - Master Teacher at the High School Level
Eric Hupke – Pittsville Elementary/Middle School - Master Teacher at the Middle School Level
Dawn Littleton – Prince Street and Northwestern Elementary Schools - Master Teacher, Elementary Level
Stephanie McCoy – Parkside High School - Outstanding New Teacher at the High School Level
OUTSTANDING PDS SERVICE
Wicomico County Public Schools benefit greatly from the partnership with Salisbury University in Professional Development Schools, or PDS sites. It takes committed staff members to make the PDS program work. The Board recognized for Outstanding PDS Service:
Lori Bock, Social Studies supervisor for Wicomico County Public Schools
Last spring, Salisbury University recognized a number of outstanding PDS mentor teachers and PDS Site Coordinators with plaques:
Outstanding PDS Mentors: Krista Brown - Salisbury Middle, Jennifer Hill – Pinehurst Elementary, Lori Menzel - East Salisbury Elementary, Marsha Rickards - Prince Street Elementary, Erin Smith - Wicomico High, Bennett Middle: Teresa Parrott and Brett Buffington
Outstanding PDS Site Coordinators: Cheryl Doughty - James M. Bennett High and Theresa Spicer - Fruitland Intermediate
NATIONAL BOARD RECERTIFICATION
The process of obtaining National Board Certification is a rigorous one, and teachers who successfully complete the process are certified for 10 years. Two educators who were among the first in Wicomico to obtain National Board Certification have been recertified. Holly Hatton, supervisor of elementary special education, and Carla Lewis, coordinator of instructional technology, were recently notified that their portfolios for National Board Recertification were accepted.
HEALTHY U WINNERS
Healthy U of Delmarva annually awards $6,000 to local community members and groups for promoting healthy choices. James M. Bennett High School was chosen as the $1,000 Education Winner for the 2010 Huey Awards presented by Healthy U of Delmarva and Salisbury University. JMB’s faculty and staff have implemented a Wellness Team to promote fitness and fellowship, with community 5K events, a Biggest Loser contest, and individual exercise programs. The Wellness Team also started a Wellness newsletter and wiki space. Kim Nutter, a JMB faculty member, was chosen as the $1,000 Individual Winner for the 2010 Huey Awards. She was rewarded for her efforts to change her lifestyle both with an exercise program and nutritional habits.
BAND DIRECTOR RECOGNITION
Gary Hammer, Band Director at Bennett Middle School, was the cover shot and featured article in the nationally distributed publication School Band and Orchestra Magazine. The article, “Foundations 1st”, was published in the September 2010 edition of the magazine. The article concerns the trials & tribulations of middle school band directors and some of the solutions Mr. Hammer offers from his perspective as a 33-year band director and music educator. He has been at Bennett Middle since 1989, and previously worked with students at James M. Bennett High School. For a look at the full article, please visit the website: www.sbomagazine.com and click on “Archives” in the left-hand menu.
MARYLAND CHARACTER EDUCATION SCHOOLS
Each school year, the Maryland State Department of Education recognizes schools for their outstanding leadership and programs which focus on character building. These exemplary character education schools must show evidence of values throughout the school, moral actions of students and adults, positive behavior programs, caring school communities, participation of families in school activities, positive self-motivation of students and staff, and inclusion of curriculum materials with values-embedded concepts. Two Wicomico schools have earned recognition in 2010 through the Maryland Center for Character Education:
Westside Primary School, Principal Kris Gosnell and former Principal Glendon Jones. Westside Primary highlighted its M&M Program – code for Marvelous Manners. Students can be nominated to the M&M Club each month for special recognition.
Pittsville Elementary and Middle School, Principal Mike Cody. Pittsville focuses on creating a school community centered on restoring civility through respect. Focusing on civility supports academic success and a positive learning environment and helps prepare students for life.
The Board also recognized Willards Elementary School, a past Maryland Character Education School, for being selected by the Maryland Center for Character Education as the November 2010 Best Practices of the Month. The organization’s website features the Willards “Dolphin Good Character Club.”
RECYCLING WINNER
The results of the school system’s 2009-2010 Third Quarter Recycling Contest have been tallied. From March-June 2010, Wicomico County Public Schools recycled a total of 111,785 pounds of paper material during this time frame. That’s a fantastic effort by our students, staff and schools to keep waste paper out of the landfill. This quarter’s recycling winner, with 12.68 pounds of paper per students, was James M. Bennett High School, which won the $1,000 recycling prize from Walmart.
SOMIRAC FRIEND OF READING
SoMIRAC – the State of Maryland International Reading Association Council – recognizes with the Friend of Reading Award businesses and community organizations that have made a significant contribution to the field of reading and literacy. Printer technicians Curtis Hearne and Wayne Warrington of the school system’s Print Shop have been recognized as a Friend of Reading for outstanding service and support of SoMIRAC over the past 20 years. They have done an outstanding job of serving SoMIRAC’s print needs, and have delivered student generated anthologies, conference programs, brochures and other printed materials to the doorstep, many times on a “need like yesterday” basis.
Awards & Recognitions Night
Nov. 16, 2010 Westside Intermediate School
At its first Awards & Recognitions Night of the 2010-11 school year, the Wicomico County Board of Education recognized many students, staff members, administrators, community partners, volunteers, and parents for their accomplishments while involved in and with the Wicomico County School System.
MARYLAND PTA AWARDS
The Wicomico County Council of PTAs was one of five councils in the state to receive the “Council Award for Membership” from the Maryland PTA in 2009-2010. WCCPTA was recognized for increasing membership by more than 15 %, due in part to its innovative 2009-2010 membership drive, Survivor PTA. In addition to higher membership numbers, in 2009-2010 the WCCPTA also had increased participation in WCCPTA meetings, and increased service on district-wide committees. The Wicomico County Council of PTAs also recently received the Maryland PTA Award of Excellence for its good work on behalf of students, families and schools.
MARYLAND FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The Wicomico County School System is proud to have the Maryland Foreign Language Teacher of the Year working every day to broaden the language skills and the world view of our students. Sherri Harkins of Pittsville Elementary and Middle and Willards Elementary has been named the Maryland Foreign Language Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Foreign Language Association. She piloted the FLES (Foreign Language Elementary School) program and uses French language and culture to give students K-8 at Pittsville Elementary and Middle and Willards Elementary an appreciation for the world. A former student said: “There is no other teacher in the state of Maryland that could better represent the foreign language department for teacher of the year, than Mrs. Harkins.”
NATIONAL OPEN DOOR AWARD
The American Heart Association’s National Open Door Award recognizes an outstanding Jump Rope and/or Hoops for Heart volunteer. For more than 20 years, Grace Lamboni of Pinehurst Elementary has given her heart to Jump Rope for Heart. She is passionate about teaching her students and faculty about the importance of good cardiovascular health. Grace has also partnered with the American Heart Association by coaching the Power Panthers Jump Rope for Heart demonstration team that performs at 10 – 12 elementary and middle schools to highlight the jump roping skills of her two teams of 1st through 5th graders and emphasize how students can reduce their own risk of cardiovascular disease. She is a Jump Rope for Heart ambassador, recruiter, mentor, presenter and all around cheerleader for the cause.
2009 MILK CARTON COIN COLLECTION
The Salvation Army Milk Carton Coin Collection drive was created in 2009 as part of the Red Kettle Campaign. The goal was to provide a way for children to help less fortunate kids and families in our community during the holiday season and beyond. Elementary students received a special milk carton to fill and return to the school. The coin collection was something every child could participate in knowing they were doing a good deed and helping others, some of them fellow students. The $9661.48 that was collected helped the 2009 Red Kettle Campaign achieve a 10% increase over the previous year and set a new record of $183,000. A new milk carton campaign is about to begin. On behalf of all those who will benefit from the generosity of Wicomico County students, The Salvation Army – Salisbury Corps extended heartfelt appreciation to:
Beaver Run Elementary
Chipman Elementary
Delmar Elementary
East Salisbury Elementary
Fruitland Primary
Fruitland Intermediate
Glen Avenue Elementary
North Salisbury Elementary
Northwestern Elementary
Pemberton Elementary
Pinehurst Elementary
Pittsville Elementary
Prince Street Elementary
West Salisbury Elementary
Westside Intermediate
Westside Primary
Willards Elementary
WCPS CALENDAR ARTISTS AND WRITERS
The Calendar published each year by Wicomico County Public Schools reflects the values identified as important to our students, our schools and our community. As superintendent, it is my privilege and my pleasure to pick the student illustrations that will be printed in the calendar. This year you will also find insightful student definitions in the calendar, plus information on the 40 Developmental Assets. The creative and thoughtful work of our students is printed in 20,000 calendars distributed to families, staff and others interested in the school system for use throughout the school year. Etch-Art has given longtime support in providing engraved plaques for the calendar artists, and many art teachers and other teachers supported students in submitting an entry for this year’s calendar.
(In all cases except students with the STARS Summer Achievement Academy at Salisbury Middle School, the grade level for each student below is their grade last year, when they submitted an entry for the calendar:)
Cover: Dean Scott, 2010 graduate of James M. Bennett High School
September/Tolerance: Illustration: Alexis Roskovich, junior, Parkside High School Definitions: Cameron Dillard and Marc Miles, STARS Summer Achievement Academy, Salisbury Middle School
October/Compassion: Illustration: Destiny Dickerson, junior, James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Shannon Cottingham and Camille Bautista, kindergartners at Fruitland Primary School
November/Freedom of Thought & Action: Illustration: Kira Kim, sophomore, James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Taneyea Burton, STARS Summer Achievement Academy, Salisbury Middle School; and Tiffany Pham, grade 6, Pittsville Middle School
December/Self Respect: Illustration: Laura Gutierrez, 2010 graduate of James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Krunal Patel and Sara Sadjadi, grade 1, Fruitland Primary School
January/Courtesy: Illustration: Yujin Kang, 5th grader at Prince Street Elementary when she submitted the illustration, now 6th grader at Bennett Middle School Definitions: Ian Childs and Olivia Owens, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School
February/Responsibility: Illustration: Deneesha White, senior, Parkside High School Definition: Koby Bradshaw, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School
March/Responsible Citizenship: Illustration: Chris Truitt, senior, Parkside High School Definitions: Wil Elliott and Paul Chaplin, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School
April/Respect for Others’ Rights: Illustration: Razia Sultana, 2010 graduate of James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Vilaine Frederic and Altora Ware, STARS Summer Achievement Academy, Salisbury Middle School
May/Loyalty: Illustration: Margarito Tello, 2010 graduate of Wicomico High School Definition: Emily Rantz, grade 6, Pittsville Middle School
June/Honesty: Illustration: Sarah Roy, 2010 graduate of Mardela High School Definitions: Jacob Harbinson and Gregory Littleton, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School
SHORE TRANSIT ARTIST
Artwork done by Princess Wallace, a student at North Salisbury School, was chosen to represent the Shore Transit Summer Reading Promotion. The theme for the art contest was “Reading is Fun.” The design by Princess, now a fifth grader at North Salisbury, was chosen to represent all of the students of Wicomico County Public Schools and the posters showing her work was displayed on Shore Transit buses as they traveled around the county.
UP WITH PEOPLE CHOIR
For a few days in early October, Wicomico County was fortunate to serve as sponsor for a visit by Up with People. This high-energy international organization shares a message of peace, global understanding and service to community through music. Up with People did “Stand for Peace” workshops with students at Wicomico Middle School, and on October 12th presented a show for the community. These elementary students joined the Up with People cast on stage to sing and represent children in Wicomico County and all over the world:
Prince Street Elementary: Zion Rivera. Alexandra Naranjo-Aguirre, Cabria Jones, Elizabeth Martin
Westside Intermediate: Kerris King, Katherine Cottingham, Kayla Williams, Michael Duncan, Kamden Kern
Delmar Elementary: Kenneth Good, Javion Nutter, Natalie Smith, Dylan Dietrick, MacKenzie Lucas
North Salisbury Elementary: Adam Hanes, Emily Hanes, Brianna Grall, Camerin Harris, Trupti Valsangikar
Pittsville Elementary: Kelsey Warren and Stephenie Linton
MAGI CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Every November for the past 17 years, The Magi Fund’s Choral Festival has helped address pressing needs in our community. In two concerts at the Wicomico High School Auditorium this coming weekend, this event will raise money and food donations for the Christian Shelter and Joseph House Center. The Magi Children’s Choir includes many students from Wicomico County Public Schools:
East Salisbury Elementary: Rachel Ford
Glen Avenue Elementary: Megan Lynn Catron
North Salisbury Elementary: Alison Sahler, Jordan Hamilton
Northwestern Elementary: Zoe Bradshaw
Pemberton Elementary: Emily Burris, Carys Hazel, Becky Maupin, Jeremy Middleton, Stephanie Myers, Maddie Parsons, Trent Pitoniak, Leanne Townsend
Pittsville Middle: Jessica Graver, Tori Kinsell
Mardela Middle: Alyssa Hazel
Bennett Middle: Elizabeth Hobbs, Brooke Bennish, Gabi Millard, Sarah Townsend, Sandra Zelaya
Salisbury Middle: Allie Creasy, Emily Della Ratta, Rachel Dennis, Sara Dennis, Hope Hare, Mackenzie Johnson, Kennedy Phillips, Lydia Phillips, Amber Williams, Brandy Williams
BAYSIDE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
James M. Bennett High School has been selected as the Bayside Athletic Conference Sportsmanship recipient for the 2009-2010 school year. This award is based on how other opposing coaches, athletes, and parents rate the athletic programs. The athletic programs are rated on climate, supervision, participation, and the conduct of spectators. In recognition of James M. Bennett High School being selected as the recipient of the 2009-2010 Bayside Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Award, the Board recognized Glenn "Hoot" Gibson, Athletic Director; Steve Grudis, Principal; and Mr. James Cook, assistant principal in charge of athletics.
WENDY’S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN SCHOOL WINNERS
Wicomico County is proud of the outstanding seniors who have been recognized in the 2010 Wendy’s High School Heisman contest. The Wendy’s High School Heisman program, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom. Students must display academic aptitude, athletic talent and exceptional commitment to their communities. Wicomico school winners in the 2010 Wendy’s High School Heisman contest:
Rebekah Rodriguez, James M. Bennett High School
From Parkside High School: Nicole Snitzer and Noel Temple
Morgan Burns and Charles Abbott, Mardela High School
PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
James M. Bennett High sophomore Mark Waguespack has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service through the national Prudential Spirit of Community Award Program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The award recognizes middle and high school students who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. As an outstanding service-learner, he has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for giving more than 100 hours of service and will receive a letter and a certificate sign by President Obama.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENTS
During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, several athletic teams took the initiative to focus not just on winning, but on raising awareness and funds for breast cancer awareness and research. Saluted for the efforts of athletes, coaches and fans to save lives and advance research on breast cancer were:
The Parkside High School Girls Field Hockey Team, for doing the Susan G. Komen “Play 4 the Cure” game. The athletes wore pink, sold pink wristbands, and raffled a pink blanket. Referees donated their time. All proceeds benefited the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
The James M. Bennett High School Clippers Volleyball team, which hosted a JMB Dig Pink match against Parkside to benefit the Side-Out Foundation. This event was part of the National Dig Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Rally to promote breast health education and raise funds to eradicate breast cancer.
The Wicomico High School Football team, which hosted a Crucial Catch game to honor those who have successfully fought or been lost of cancer. Funds were raised for research and proactive health promotion through Crucial Catch, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and Women Supporting Women.
MARYLAND ARTS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION RECOGNITION
Several Visual Arts teachers were recognized on Oct. 15th at the 2010 Maryland Art Education Association’s annual conference for their outstanding contribution to the local school community in the field of Visual Arts:
Erin Davis – James M. Bennett High School - Master Teacher at the High School Level
Julia Kohut – Parkside High School - Master Teacher at the High School Level
Eric Hupke – Pittsville Elementary/Middle School - Master Teacher at the Middle School Level
Dawn Littleton – Prince Street and Northwestern Elementary Schools - Master Teacher, Elementary Level
Stephanie McCoy – Parkside High School - Outstanding New Teacher at the High School Level
OUTSTANDING PDS SERVICE
Wicomico County Public Schools benefit greatly from the partnership with Salisbury University in Professional Development Schools, or PDS sites. It takes committed staff members to make the PDS program work. The Board recognized for Outstanding PDS Service:
Lori Bock, Social Studies supervisor for Wicomico County Public Schools
Last spring, Salisbury University recognized a number of outstanding PDS mentor teachers and PDS Site Coordinators with plaques:
Outstanding PDS Mentors: Krista Brown - Salisbury Middle, Jennifer Hill – Pinehurst Elementary, Lori Menzel - East Salisbury Elementary, Marsha Rickards - Prince Street Elementary, Erin Smith - Wicomico High, Bennett Middle: Teresa Parrott and Brett Buffington
Outstanding PDS Site Coordinators: Cheryl Doughty - James M. Bennett High and Theresa Spicer - Fruitland Intermediate
NATIONAL BOARD RECERTIFICATION
The process of obtaining National Board Certification is a rigorous one, and teachers who successfully complete the process are certified for 10 years. Two educators who were among the first in Wicomico to obtain National Board Certification have been recertified. Holly Hatton, supervisor of elementary special education, and Carla Lewis, coordinator of instructional technology, were recently notified that their portfolios for National Board Recertification were accepted.
HEALTHY U WINNERS
Healthy U of Delmarva annually awards $6,000 to local community members and groups for promoting healthy choices. James M. Bennett High School was chosen as the $1,000 Education Winner for the 2010 Huey Awards presented by Healthy U of Delmarva and Salisbury University. JMB’s faculty and staff have implemented a Wellness Team to promote fitness and fellowship, with community 5K events, a Biggest Loser contest, and individual exercise programs. The Wellness Team also started a Wellness newsletter and wiki space. Kim Nutter, a JMB faculty member, was chosen as the $1,000 Individual Winner for the 2010 Huey Awards. She was rewarded for her efforts to change her lifestyle both with an exercise program and nutritional habits.
BAND DIRECTOR RECOGNITION
Gary Hammer, Band Director at Bennett Middle School, was the cover shot and featured article in the nationally distributed publication School Band and Orchestra Magazine. The article, “Foundations 1st”, was published in the September 2010 edition of the magazine. The article concerns the trials & tribulations of middle school band directors and some of the solutions Mr. Hammer offers from his perspective as a 33-year band director and music educator. He has been at Bennett Middle since 1989, and previously worked with students at James M. Bennett High School. For a look at the full article, please visit the website: www.sbomagazine.com and click on “Archives” in the left-hand menu.
MARYLAND CHARACTER EDUCATION SCHOOLS
Each school year, the Maryland State Department of Education recognizes schools for their outstanding leadership and programs which focus on character building. These exemplary character education schools must show evidence of values throughout the school, moral actions of students and adults, positive behavior programs, caring school communities, participation of families in school activities, positive self-motivation of students and staff, and inclusion of curriculum materials with values-embedded concepts. Two Wicomico schools have earned recognition in 2010 through the Maryland Center for Character Education:
Westside Primary School, Principal Kris Gosnell and former Principal Glendon Jones. Westside Primary highlighted its M&M Program – code for Marvelous Manners. Students can be nominated to the M&M Club each month for special recognition.
Pittsville Elementary and Middle School, Principal Mike Cody. Pittsville focuses on creating a school community centered on restoring civility through respect. Focusing on civility supports academic success and a positive learning environment and helps prepare students for life.
The Board also recognized Willards Elementary School, a past Maryland Character Education School, for being selected by the Maryland Center for Character Education as the November 2010 Best Practices of the Month. The organization’s website features the Willards “Dolphin Good Character Club.”
RECYCLING WINNER
The results of the school system’s 2009-2010 Third Quarter Recycling Contest have been tallied. From March-June 2010, Wicomico County Public Schools recycled a total of 111,785 pounds of paper material during this time frame. That’s a fantastic effort by our students, staff and schools to keep waste paper out of the landfill. This quarter’s recycling winner, with 12.68 pounds of paper per students, was James M. Bennett High School, which won the $1,000 recycling prize from Walmart.
SOMIRAC FRIEND OF READING
SoMIRAC – the State of Maryland International Reading Association Council – recognizes with the Friend of Reading Award businesses and community organizations that have made a significant contribution to the field of reading and literacy. Printer technicians Curtis Hearne and Wayne Warrington of the school system’s Print Shop have been recognized as a Friend of Reading for outstanding service and support of SoMIRAC over the past 20 years. They have done an outstanding job of serving SoMIRAC’s print needs, and have delivered student generated anthologies, conference programs, brochures and other printed materials to the doorstep, many times on a “need like yesterday” basis.