DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
9 Million Bottles Of Tylenol Recalled By Johnson & Johnson
9 million bottles of Tylenol recalled by Johnson & Johnson
NEW YORK — Johnson & Johnson said on Wednesday that it was recalling 9 million more bottles of its Tylenol painkiller because they did not adequately warn customers about the presence of trace amounts of alcohol used in the product flavorings.
The latest in a seemingly incessant string of J&J recalls involves three Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom liquid products. More than 200 million packages of Tylenol and other consumer brands have been recalled over the past year due to quality control problems.
GO HERE to read more.
Christmas Tree Safety
As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.
Picking the tree
-If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Placing the tree
- Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1–2" from the base of the trunk.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the tree
-Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
After Christmas
-Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.
-Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Each year, fire departments nationwide respond to roughly 200 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Controlled studies show that natural Christmas trees that catch fire are fully engulfed within 3 to 7 seconds. Please take your time when setting up your tree this year. The Salisbury Fire Department reminds everyone to please check and test their smoke alarms monthly. If you or someone you know is in need of a working smoke alarm, please contact your local fire department.
Picking the tree
-If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Placing the tree
- Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1–2" from the base of the trunk.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the tree
-Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
After Christmas
-Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.
-Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Each year, fire departments nationwide respond to roughly 200 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Controlled studies show that natural Christmas trees that catch fire are fully engulfed within 3 to 7 seconds. Please take your time when setting up your tree this year. The Salisbury Fire Department reminds everyone to please check and test their smoke alarms monthly. If you or someone you know is in need of a working smoke alarm, please contact your local fire department.
Another Viewer Finds Worthless Campaign Sign
We Need Your Help On Black Friday
The Salvation Army is looking for Volunteers at the following "Black Friday" locations and times.
JC Penny: 7 to 9 PM.
Fruitland WalMart: 6 to 9 PM (retail side).
Super Fresh: 9 to 11 AM and 3 to 9 PM.
K-Mart: 9 AM to 1 PM.
Ace Hardware: 3 to 4 PM and 6 to 7 PM.
Macy's: 4 to 5 PM.
Hallmark: ALL DAY 10 AM to 8 PM.
If you can help, please call 410-749-RING (7464)
JC Penny: 7 to 9 PM.
Fruitland WalMart: 6 to 9 PM (retail side).
Super Fresh: 9 to 11 AM and 3 to 9 PM.
K-Mart: 9 AM to 1 PM.
Ace Hardware: 3 to 4 PM and 6 to 7 PM.
Macy's: 4 to 5 PM.
Hallmark: ALL DAY 10 AM to 8 PM.
If you can help, please call 410-749-RING (7464)
Ehrlich Camp Paid $14,000 To Robocall Operative
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The campaign of former Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich has reported paying $14,000 in the final days of the governor's race to a political operative who says he sent robocalls on Election Day suggesting Democrats didn't need to vote.
The latest payments to Julius Henson's companies were reported in a finance report made public Tuesday.
They bring the total that Ehrlich's campaign spent on his services to $111,150 this year.
Ehrlich, a Republican, has not commented on the robocalls.
Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler, a Democrat, has filed a civil complaint in federal court, alleging the calls were intended to suppress voter turnout and violated federal law.
Source
The latest payments to Julius Henson's companies were reported in a finance report made public Tuesday.
They bring the total that Ehrlich's campaign spent on his services to $111,150 this year.
Ehrlich, a Republican, has not commented on the robocalls.
Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler, a Democrat, has filed a civil complaint in federal court, alleging the calls were intended to suppress voter turnout and violated federal law.
Source
Insurance For Retirees May Not Cover Adult Kids To 26
A provision in the new health law allows adult children to stay on their parents insurance until they turn 26 - but not necessarily if the plan is made up of retirees. Find out what the options are.
Q. My husband and I are on Medicare, and we have his retiree health plan as our secondary insurance. Our son is covered under my husband's plan while he is a full-time student. Now he's 23 years old and about to graduate. Our insurance company has informed us that he does not qualify under the provision of the new health law that allows adult children to stay on their parents' plans until age 26 because my husband is no longer working. Medicare is the primary insurer. Is this true?
A. The short answer is yes: It's likely true that your son doesn't qualify for continued coverage under the provision of the health-care law that allows children to stay on their parents' plans until they turn 26.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the key is whether the retiree health plan is made up only of retirees and their dependents or a mix of both active and retired employees and dependents.
If it's a retiree-only group plan — the typical setup, according to experts — then it doesn't have to abide by the market provisions of the health law. (Whether your Medicare coverage is primary or secondary doesn't really matter in this context.)
GO HERE to read more.
Senate Republicans' Ban On Earmarks Was Short-Lived
One Senate GOP leader reaps $200 million for his state
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans' ban on earmarks — money included in a bill by a lawmaker to benefit a home-state project or interest — was short-lived.
Only three days after GOP senators and senators-elect renounced earmarks, Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl, the No. 2 Senate Republican, got himself a whopping $200 million to settle an Arizona Indian tribe's water rights claim against the government.
Kyl slipped the measure into a larger bill sought by President Barack Obama and passed by the Senate on Friday to settle claims by black farmers and American Indians against the federal government. Kyl's office insists the measure is not an earmark, and the House didn't deem it one when it considered a version earlier this year.
But it meets the know-it-when-you-see-it test, critics say. Under Senate rules, an earmark is a spending item inserted "primarily at the request of a senator" that goes "to an entity, or (is) targeted to a specific state."
GO HERE to read more.
Holiday Tips
The Delaware State Police hope that you all enjoy the holiday season!
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be wary of thieves and others who wish to do you harm. We would like to offer the following tips to help contribute to the safety and security of our communities during this holiday season.
While shopping, following these basic precautions will lessen your chance of becoming a victim:
-Park only in well lit areas.
-Always be aware of suspicious people around you.
-Carry your purse close to your body, not over your shoulder.
-Make sure all items, especially cell phones, gifts, and GPS systems are hidden or locked away.
Remember getting to and from shopping is half the fun!
-Approach traffic signals with caution.
-Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.
-Keep doors locked while riding in your car.
-Always wear seatbelts and use child safety seats for young children.
-NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
If you are going away during the holiday season, these tips will help ensure the safety of your property.
-Make sure your residence appears occupied by leaving lights and radios on a timer.
-Check windows and doors to make sure they a properly locked and secured.
-Ask a neighbor to leave their vehicle parked in your driveway.
Happy Holidays from the Troopers of the Delaware State Police
Serial Knifepoint Robber Arrested
Locations and Dates of Occurrences:
-BP Service Station, 2360 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE (10/22/10)
-40 Cleaners, 2695 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE (10/28/10)
-Teachers Book Bag, 900 Peoples Plaza, Newark, DE (10/30/10)
-A Plus Cleaners, 240 University Plaza, Newark, DE (11/3/10)
-Country Farm, 2480 Glasgow Avenue, Newark, DE (11/6/10)
-Tobacco and Party Outlet, 27 University Plaza, Newark, DE (11/9/10)
-Mi Pueblito, 609 S. Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, DE (11/14/10)
-El Gallito, 107 N. Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, DE (11/16/10)
-Boxwood Cleaners, 626 S. Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, DE (11/17/10)
-Pinata Party, 301 S. Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, DE (11/18/10)
The defendant was also arrested by the Newark Police Department for the robbery of the Tobacco Zone Store located at 1023 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE on October 25, 2010 at 8:45 a.m., and by the Wilmington Police Department for the robbery of the Panda Restaurant located at 315 N. King Street, Wilmington, on November 22, 2010 at 3:35 p.m.
Defendant: Jesse L. Goodchild, 31, 1013 White Birch Drive, Newark, DE and Wood Duck Lane, Elkton, MD.
Charges:
-Robbery 1st (12 counts)
-Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony (12 counts)
-Theft of a Firearm
Warrants are also on file for Goodchild in Maryland.
Resume:
Newark- Delaware State Police detectives with the assistance of detectives from the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man believed to be responsible for at least fifteen armed robberies in the Newark, DE, Wilmington, DE, and the Elkton, MD areas.
The incident began Monday, November 22, afternoon after a detective from the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office attempted to take Jesse L. Goodchild, 31, into custody in Locust Point, Maryland. Goodchild had been seen in the area by a victim of a previous robbery that had occurred in Maryland and who had notified police. As the detective attempted to take Goodchild into custody, he was able to escape, and fled from the area through the Brantwood Country Club into an adjoining neighborhood. It is believed that Goodchild then committed a home invasion style robbery and forced the homeowner to drive him to the city of Wilmington, DE. After being dropped off in Wilmington, Goodchild allegedly committed the robbery of a Chinese Restaurant and then fled the city on a DART bus. It was learned that Goodchild had returned to Elkton, MD, and had been picked up from his parent’s home by his ex-girlfriend in a silver Dodge minivan. He was then believed to be heading toward the Newark, DE area.
At approximately 7:00 p.m. a silver minivan was observed pulling into the McDonald’s Restaurant located on S. College Avenue in Newark. Jesse Goodchild was observed by officers exiting the vehicle and entering the restaurant. He was then taken into custody without incident as he was returning to the vehicle.
Goodchild was arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. He was arraigned and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution for lack of $754,000.00 cash bail.
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On November 22, 2010 at approximately 2:55 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for a sexual assault that occurred on October 29 of this year. On that date officers responded to a residence on the four hundred (400) block of Camden Avenue and met with the female victim of a sexual assault. The victim advised that while at her residence a subject that lived in the same neighborhood had two unwanted sexual contacts with the victim just outside of her residence. Detectives of the Salisbury Police were able to positively identify the suspect, listed below.
ARRESTED: Keith Darnell Duffy, 51 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
Fourth degree sexual offense
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000043014
On November 22, 2010 at approximately 5:22 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Sears Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect attempt to take a computer from the store without making payment. The suspect was apprehended and the property was returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Eric Lester Brewington, 26 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1,000)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000046097
On November 24, 2010 at approximately 1:26 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Royal Farms Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a trespasser. Upon arrival the officers met with store management who advised that the below listed suspect had returned to store property after earlier receiving a trespassing notice prohibiting him from the property.
ARRESTED: Roger Anthony Dennis, 50 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Trespassing
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000046252
ARRESTED: Keith Darnell Duffy, 51 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
Fourth degree sexual offense
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000043014
On November 22, 2010 at approximately 5:22 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Sears Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect attempt to take a computer from the store without making payment. The suspect was apprehended and the property was returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Eric Lester Brewington, 26 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1,000)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000046097
On November 24, 2010 at approximately 1:26 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Royal Farms Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a trespasser. Upon arrival the officers met with store management who advised that the below listed suspect had returned to store property after earlier receiving a trespassing notice prohibiting him from the property.
ARRESTED: Roger Anthony Dennis, 50 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Trespassing
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000046252
Animal CSI: Vets Learn How To Investigate Crimes
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – When federal investigators working the Michael Vick dogfighting case needed someone to dig up and analyze the remains of eight pit bulls buried on the football star's Virginia property, they summoned Melinda Merck.
The nation's top forensic veterinarian, Merck was one of the few specialists trained in processing crime scenes involving animals. Her job at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals involves helping prosecutors build court cases, and she saw there weren't nearly enough vets and other professionals with those skills.
The 46-year-old Merck is trying to change that, co-founding a first-of-its-kind veterinary forensic science training program at the University of Florida. She and scientists from the university's renowned human forensics lab are sharing their expertise with animal-cruelty investigators, police and veterinarians who come from around the world.
In a nod to the popular TV shows, it's already being called "Animal CSI."
GO HERE to read more.
JOHN STOSSEL: The Lost Lesson Of Thanksgiving
Had today's political class been in power in 1623, tomorrow's holiday would have been called "Starvation Day" instead of Thanksgiving. Of course, most of us wouldn't be alive to celebrate it.
Every year around this time, schoolchildren are taught about that wonderful day when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared the fruits of the harvest. But the first Thanksgiving in 1623 almost didn't happen.
Long before the failure of modern socialism, the earliest European settlers gave us a dramatic demonstration of the fatal flaws of collectivism. Unfortunately, few Americans today know it.
The Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony organized their farm economy along communal lines. The goal was to share the work and produce equally.
That's why they nearly all starved.
GO HERE to read more.
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Robert Edgar Fisher Jr. of Salisbury, arrested 11-18-10 regarding possession of cds not marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked and suspended drivers license, and driving with a expired registration. The arrest results were from a traffic stop conducted by deputies on Ocean Highway, Eden. Fisher was later released on personal recognizance.
Larry Darnell Jackson of marion, arrested 11-19-10 on two warrants regarding failure to appear/ child support. Jackson was later held on $1,000 bond.
Thomas Charles Nock Jr. of Salisbury, arrested 11-19-10 on two warrants regarding failure to appear/child support. Nock was later released after posting $1,000 bond.
Placards, Kilts Part Of Plans For Scanner Protests
Fed up with body scans and intrusive pat-downs, some holiday travelers are sticking it to airport security with the fixings of any good protest: handmade fliers, eye-grabbing placards, slogan-bearing T-shirts — and Scottish kilts.
GO HERE to read more.
CHICAGO -- Travelers dismayed by airport body scans are headed to airports Wednesday with the makings of any good protest: handmade fliers, eye-catching placards, slogan-bearing T-shirts -- and Scottish kilts.
The loosely organized effort dubbed National Opt-Out Day hopes to highlight what some call unnecessarily intrusive security screenings. Others fear it will merely snarl pre-Thanksgiving airline operations on one of the busiest travel days of the year.
GO HERE to read more.
Woman, 69, Was Trapped In Bathroom For Three Weeks
Grandmother banged pipes for help, but neighbors raised a petition to stop the noise
An elderly French woman who was trapped in her bathroom for three weeks has finally been rescued, media reports said.
The 69-year-old grandmother got stuck in her Paris bathroom when the door lock broke, Agence France-Presse reported.
Firefighters broke into her home and freed her on Friday after a neighbor noticed that she had not picked up her mail in weeks and called the police.
Authorities said the woman survived by drinking tap water and was in a "very weakened" state when she was found, according to the reports.
"She was badly malnourished and in a state of shock and has been taken to hospital to recover from her ordeal," a police spokeswoman said Tuesday.
GO HERE to read more.
Embrace The Bell Ringers
You can expect to see charts up very soon here on Salisbury News as every location will kick off this Friday.
Salisbury News has sponsored every location as our way of "Paying It Forward". If you'd like to get on board and volunteer your time, please call 410-749-RING (7464).
What?? No More Of Pelosi's 3-Day Work Week?
While Republican leaders spent the last three weeks preparing an agenda for their Jan. 5 takeover of the House, a separate group of about two dozen GOP lawmakers have been scrutinizing the day-to-day operation of the House and are planning potentially significant changes aimed at cutting costs and improving efficiency, including a longer work week.
The House Republican transition team, headed by Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., held a conference call Tuesday to discuss the potential changes and review responses to a survey, sent to all members earlier this month, that asked lawmakers and staff to rate their satisfaction with everything from the House information technology office to whether the House "modular furniture program has been a success."
The transition team also held two days of listening sessions with current and incoming members and on Tuesday discussed "suggestions that particularly resonated," according to a GOP aide.
Walden signaled that the GOP is considering reducing the size and jurisdiction of the 23 House permanent and select committees and examining whether it makes more sense for lawmakers to have a longer work week in Washington, instead of spending fewer than three days at the Capitol each week as they do now. Walden's team will also examine whether the House spends too much time debating seemingly superfluous measures like those renaming post offices and congratulating sports teams.
Read more at the Washington Examiner
The House Republican transition team, headed by Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., held a conference call Tuesday to discuss the potential changes and review responses to a survey, sent to all members earlier this month, that asked lawmakers and staff to rate their satisfaction with everything from the House information technology office to whether the House "modular furniture program has been a success."
The transition team also held two days of listening sessions with current and incoming members and on Tuesday discussed "suggestions that particularly resonated," according to a GOP aide.
Walden signaled that the GOP is considering reducing the size and jurisdiction of the 23 House permanent and select committees and examining whether it makes more sense for lawmakers to have a longer work week in Washington, instead of spending fewer than three days at the Capitol each week as they do now. Walden's team will also examine whether the House spends too much time debating seemingly superfluous measures like those renaming post offices and congratulating sports teams.
Read more at the Washington Examiner
Rep. Maffei Concedes, GOP Gains 63rd Seat
Rep. Dan Maffei (D-N.Y.) conceded to his GOP challenger Tuesday afternoon, giving Republicans their 63rd pickup in the House.
He trailed Republican candidate Ann Marie Buerkle by 567 votes in a race that has been too close to call. Lawyers for both campaigns were due in court Wednesday, where Maffei was reportedly considering asking for a hand recount of the more than 200,000 ballots cast in the race.
Instead, he conceded the election. More here
He trailed Republican candidate Ann Marie Buerkle by 567 votes in a race that has been too close to call. Lawyers for both campaigns were due in court Wednesday, where Maffei was reportedly considering asking for a hand recount of the more than 200,000 ballots cast in the race.
Instead, he conceded the election. More here
GOP Lawmakers Under Pressure To Decline Government Health Plan
Congressional Republicans who assailed the Democrats’ healthcare law in the run-up to the midterm elections are facing pressure to decline government-provided coverage when they take office.
GOP Reps.-elect Bobby Schilling (Ill.) and Mike Kelly (Pa.), both opponents of the law, have already vowed to refuse government-backed health insurance when they come to Capitol Hill next year.
"I have term-limited myself," Schilling told ABC News last week. "I am not taking the pension. I am not taking pay raises, and my family and I are bringing our own healthcare to Washington, D.C."
Other freshman lawmakers who ran on a promise to “repeal and replace” the healthcare law could be pressed to follow suit.
A survey released Tuesday found that the majority of voters want congressional opponents of the new healthcare law to decline government-provided healthcare coverage when they take office.
Fifty-three percent of voters in a survey from Public Policy Polling said lawmakers who ran against the reforms should stay true to their rhetoric and refuse government coverage. Among Republican voters in the survey, that figure jumped to 58 percent. More here
GOP Reps.-elect Bobby Schilling (Ill.) and Mike Kelly (Pa.), both opponents of the law, have already vowed to refuse government-backed health insurance when they come to Capitol Hill next year.
"I have term-limited myself," Schilling told ABC News last week. "I am not taking the pension. I am not taking pay raises, and my family and I are bringing our own healthcare to Washington, D.C."
Other freshman lawmakers who ran on a promise to “repeal and replace” the healthcare law could be pressed to follow suit.
A survey released Tuesday found that the majority of voters want congressional opponents of the new healthcare law to decline government-provided healthcare coverage when they take office.
Fifty-three percent of voters in a survey from Public Policy Polling said lawmakers who ran against the reforms should stay true to their rhetoric and refuse government coverage. Among Republican voters in the survey, that figure jumped to 58 percent. More here
Expert: Behavioral Profiling Could Help US Travelers
American air travelers would be subject to fewer body scans and patdowns if the Transport Safety Administration implemented some Israeli profiling techniques, an expert says.
While there is no big danger in using the new full body scanners that have been implemented in most airports in the United States, subjecting travelers to the invasive body scans – or their even more invasive alternatives, the “enhanced body search” - wouldn't be as necessary if the United States “profiled” travelers as Israel does, says Israeli security expert Alon Wainer, owner of Level Five HLS Consulting.
“The United States and Israel share a great deal of information and techniques on air security, and we both use the same equipment, including the full-body scanner. The difference is that in the U.S., the scanner is the default security check method, while in Israel it is an exceptional method,” he says.
Those scanners, Wainer says, are used at Ben Gurion Airport to check suspected smugglers, and are in use at several land border crossings. But all Israeli border points also utilize a form of profiling, which the United States has decided to forgo. “Since they don't do profiling, they have no way to determine who is a greater and lesser risk – so they have to treat everyone as a potential security risk,” Wainer told Israel National News.
The profiling done by Israel, however, is not based on race or ethnicity, but is based more on behavior and other cues that highly trained Israeli security personnel are trained to pick up. “In the U.S., they don't even profile on the basis of flight destination anymore, but they realize the bad people are out there – so they have no choice but to treat everyone as potentially guilty unless proven innocent, and check them in the scanners," Wainer says.
In fact, he adds, profiling techniques would help U.S. security officials even more than they help Israeli officials. “There's no question that the Transport Safety Administration has a much harder job than us, and many of the things done in Israel would be much harder to implement in the U.S., given the much higher volume of passengers,” Wainer says.
But it is precisely for that reason behavioral profiling would be so helpful – to eliminate the large majority of passengers that are safe, and to use limited resources more efficiently. More
While there is no big danger in using the new full body scanners that have been implemented in most airports in the United States, subjecting travelers to the invasive body scans – or their even more invasive alternatives, the “enhanced body search” - wouldn't be as necessary if the United States “profiled” travelers as Israel does, says Israeli security expert Alon Wainer, owner of Level Five HLS Consulting.
“The United States and Israel share a great deal of information and techniques on air security, and we both use the same equipment, including the full-body scanner. The difference is that in the U.S., the scanner is the default security check method, while in Israel it is an exceptional method,” he says.
Those scanners, Wainer says, are used at Ben Gurion Airport to check suspected smugglers, and are in use at several land border crossings. But all Israeli border points also utilize a form of profiling, which the United States has decided to forgo. “Since they don't do profiling, they have no way to determine who is a greater and lesser risk – so they have to treat everyone as a potential security risk,” Wainer told Israel National News.
The profiling done by Israel, however, is not based on race or ethnicity, but is based more on behavior and other cues that highly trained Israeli security personnel are trained to pick up. “In the U.S., they don't even profile on the basis of flight destination anymore, but they realize the bad people are out there – so they have no choice but to treat everyone as potentially guilty unless proven innocent, and check them in the scanners," Wainer says.
In fact, he adds, profiling techniques would help U.S. security officials even more than they help Israeli officials. “There's no question that the Transport Safety Administration has a much harder job than us, and many of the things done in Israel would be much harder to implement in the U.S., given the much higher volume of passengers,” Wainer says.
But it is precisely for that reason behavioral profiling would be so helpful – to eliminate the large majority of passengers that are safe, and to use limited resources more efficiently. More
Zogby: 61 Percent Oppose Body Scans, Half Will Seek Other Way To Travel
Not only do a majority of Americans oppose full-body scans and security pat-downs at the nation’s airports but also almost half say they will opt for a different mode of traveling when possible instead of submitting to such intrusions, according to a new Zogby Interactive poll. The opposition comes not only from casual travelers but also from frequent fliers, the poll found.
Pollster John Zogby said, "It's clear the majority of Americans are not happy with TSA and the enhanced security measures recently enacted. The airlines should not be happy with 42 percent of frequent fliers seeking a different mode of transportation due to these enhancements. It seems the airlines and TSA need to come together to find a solution before the American flying public abandons both."
Just over half (52 percent) of all those polled said the enhanced security measures will not prevent terrorist activity, almost half (48 percent) say it is a violation of privacy rights, and one-third said they should not have to go through enhanced security methods to get on an airplane. Almost one-third believe the full body scans and pat-downs are tantamount to sexual harassment. More details
Pollster John Zogby said, "It's clear the majority of Americans are not happy with TSA and the enhanced security measures recently enacted. The airlines should not be happy with 42 percent of frequent fliers seeking a different mode of transportation due to these enhancements. It seems the airlines and TSA need to come together to find a solution before the American flying public abandons both."
Just over half (52 percent) of all those polled said the enhanced security measures will not prevent terrorist activity, almost half (48 percent) say it is a violation of privacy rights, and one-third said they should not have to go through enhanced security methods to get on an airplane. Almost one-third believe the full body scans and pat-downs are tantamount to sexual harassment. More details
Hoekstra: Obama Must Get Tough With North Korea, Iran
Rep. Pete Hoekstra, the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, says the United States needs to treat North Korea like the “rogue nation that it is” or risk a nuclear arms race in the region.
The Michigan legislator also says “it’s crazy” not to profile airline passengers — and vows that Congress will thwart the Obama administration’s “ill-guided mission” to try terrorist suspects in civilian courts if the president “doesn’t come to his senses” on the issue.
Hoekstra, who was first elected in 1992, did not seek re-election this year, instead running unsuccessfully for governor. There have been reports that he might run for the Senate from the Wolverine State in 2012.
In an exclusive interview with Newsmax.TV, Hoekstra was asked how the United States should respond to North Korea’s shelling of a South Korean island and news that the North had built a new uranium enrichment facility.
“The way we should respond to both the shelling and the disclosure about this new enrichment facility is not how we’ve responded in the past,” Hoekstra says.
“We’ve got to start treating North Korea like the rogue nation that it is,” he says. “Typically, North Korea does these things, they do it on a pretty regular basis, and then they look for cash payments, they look for food, they look for oil, and they kind of force us back to the negotiating table.
“We give them some stuff, then we find out they break every agreement and every promise they’ve made. It’s like an unending cycle.
Asked whether the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has gone too far by requiring full body scans or intimate pat-downs of airline passengers and should be disbanded, Hoekstra responds: “No, they shouldn’t be disbanded.
“TSA is not out to just harass the people. I find it hard being a defender of TSA, but the threat environment is very high. We’re very worried about what al-Qaida is going to do.
“But TSA could have gone through this procedure and this process in a much more graceful way. I find it hard to believe that they would have implemented a nationwide program without ever doing some kind of test marketing the program to see what the public reaction would be.
“There’s a way that we can do this so people won’t feel violated, they won’t feel that their privacy has been invaded, and at the same time make sure that air system is intact.”
Also on the issue of airport screening, Hoekstra adds: “I think clearly you need to do some type of profiling. With the number of passengers that are flying on airplanes each and every day, it’s crazy to look at them and say they’re all the same and they all pose the same risk. No, they don’t.
“We ought to use the profiling just to make the system more effective, more efficient, and we need to focus our resources at where we think the threat is going to be.”
More of this interview here
The Michigan legislator also says “it’s crazy” not to profile airline passengers — and vows that Congress will thwart the Obama administration’s “ill-guided mission” to try terrorist suspects in civilian courts if the president “doesn’t come to his senses” on the issue.
Hoekstra, who was first elected in 1992, did not seek re-election this year, instead running unsuccessfully for governor. There have been reports that he might run for the Senate from the Wolverine State in 2012.
In an exclusive interview with Newsmax.TV, Hoekstra was asked how the United States should respond to North Korea’s shelling of a South Korean island and news that the North had built a new uranium enrichment facility.
“The way we should respond to both the shelling and the disclosure about this new enrichment facility is not how we’ve responded in the past,” Hoekstra says.
“We’ve got to start treating North Korea like the rogue nation that it is,” he says. “Typically, North Korea does these things, they do it on a pretty regular basis, and then they look for cash payments, they look for food, they look for oil, and they kind of force us back to the negotiating table.
“We give them some stuff, then we find out they break every agreement and every promise they’ve made. It’s like an unending cycle.
Asked whether the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has gone too far by requiring full body scans or intimate pat-downs of airline passengers and should be disbanded, Hoekstra responds: “No, they shouldn’t be disbanded.
“TSA is not out to just harass the people. I find it hard being a defender of TSA, but the threat environment is very high. We’re very worried about what al-Qaida is going to do.
“But TSA could have gone through this procedure and this process in a much more graceful way. I find it hard to believe that they would have implemented a nationwide program without ever doing some kind of test marketing the program to see what the public reaction would be.
“There’s a way that we can do this so people won’t feel violated, they won’t feel that their privacy has been invaded, and at the same time make sure that air system is intact.”
Also on the issue of airport screening, Hoekstra adds: “I think clearly you need to do some type of profiling. With the number of passengers that are flying on airplanes each and every day, it’s crazy to look at them and say they’re all the same and they all pose the same risk. No, they don’t.
“We ought to use the profiling just to make the system more effective, more efficient, and we need to focus our resources at where we think the threat is going to be.”
More of this interview here
Barney Frank: Serving On Appropriations Committee In Republican House Will Be A 'Pain In The A--'
House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D.-Mass.) predicts that serving on the Appropriations Committee in the incoming Republican-majority House of Representatives will be a “great pain in the ass."
“Fascinating fact, apparently for the first time in anybody’s memory, members of Congress have declined seats on the Appropriations Committee," Frank said. "Republican members have said, ‘I don’t want to be on the Appropriations Committee.’ The Appropriations Committee, which has been a great plum, is now going to be a great pain in the ass because you’re going to be expected to come up with cuts in things that are very popular, et cetera.” More wisdom from Barney
“Fascinating fact, apparently for the first time in anybody’s memory, members of Congress have declined seats on the Appropriations Committee," Frank said. "Republican members have said, ‘I don’t want to be on the Appropriations Committee.’ The Appropriations Committee, which has been a great plum, is now going to be a great pain in the ass because you’re going to be expected to come up with cuts in things that are very popular, et cetera.” More wisdom from Barney
Anybody Disciplined Or Fired For The Alleged Discrimination Against 66,000 Black Farmers?
When the lame duck U.S. House of Representatives returns from its Thanksgiving recess, it will consider approving $1.15 billion in compensation to as many as 66,000 African American farmers who were allegedly discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) between 1981 and 1996.
The lameduck Senate approved the $1.15 billion compensation fund on Friday. The money had been requested by President Barack Obama in his fiscal 2011 budget.
When asked by CNSNews.com, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack could not say if any USDA official has ever been fired or disciplined--or will ever be fired--for engaging in the alleged discrimination against the 66,000 African American farmers.
CNSNews.com asked Vilsack about the matter just days before the Senate cleared the $1.15 billion appropriation last week.
In a videotaped interview, when CNSNews.com asked Vilsack if any USDA officials had been fired for the discrimination in the black farmers case, he said that the department was undertaking a “top to bottom review” aimed at making sure there was no recurrence of discrimination.
Vilsack also did not have an answer to the question of how many employees had been disciplined for the alleged discrimination. He further pointed out that many USDA employees who might have been guilty of the alleged discrimination in question no longer work for the department.
CNSNews.com followed up by asking Vilsack, “Should any individuals be fired if they were directly involved in discrimination?”
Vilsack responded by saying that the focus of his department was on compensating African American farmers who had been discriminated against and on ensuring there is no discrimination in the future. More here
The lameduck Senate approved the $1.15 billion compensation fund on Friday. The money had been requested by President Barack Obama in his fiscal 2011 budget.
When asked by CNSNews.com, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack could not say if any USDA official has ever been fired or disciplined--or will ever be fired--for engaging in the alleged discrimination against the 66,000 African American farmers.
CNSNews.com asked Vilsack about the matter just days before the Senate cleared the $1.15 billion appropriation last week.
In a videotaped interview, when CNSNews.com asked Vilsack if any USDA officials had been fired for the discrimination in the black farmers case, he said that the department was undertaking a “top to bottom review” aimed at making sure there was no recurrence of discrimination.
Vilsack also did not have an answer to the question of how many employees had been disciplined for the alleged discrimination. He further pointed out that many USDA employees who might have been guilty of the alleged discrimination in question no longer work for the department.
CNSNews.com followed up by asking Vilsack, “Should any individuals be fired if they were directly involved in discrimination?”
Vilsack responded by saying that the focus of his department was on compensating African American farmers who had been discriminated against and on ensuring there is no discrimination in the future. More here
JOINT STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MCDONNELL, GOVERNOR O'MALLEY AND MAYOR-ELECT GRAY ON MOVING METRO FORWARD REPORT
WASHINGTON - Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and District of Columbia Mayor-elect Vincent Gray issued the following statement today regarding the Moving Metro Forward report. The report was issued by the Joint WMATA Governance Task Force which was sponsored by the Greater Washington Board of Trade and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
“We welcome the results of the report on reforming the governance structure of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in order to make certain that Metro is a safe and efficient transit system that meets the needs of the Greater Washington region. The 18-member Task Force worked diligently and conducted extensive outreach to the expert opinions of officials and stakeholders, as well as the general public, to reach their recommendations. It is obvious that much must be done, both immediately and in the long-term, to reverse the serious decline in safety, performance and reliability currently being experienced by Metro and to restore the system to preeminence among the nation’s transit operations.
“We have reviewed and discussed the report and agree that WMATA’s governance structure needs reform. We support, in principle, the Task Force’s longer-term recommendations for eliminating the role of alternate Board members and increasing the number of primary Board members from two to three for each Appointing Authority, extending the Chair’s term length to more than one year, and exploring a more limited veto provision to more appropriately balance both system and local needs.
“We are committed to working together to advance the implementation of the Task Force’s recommendations. To that end, we have directed our respective secretaries of transportation to meet and develop a comprehensive Moving Metro Forward implementation plan and schedule. The secretaries will reach out to key stakeholders, including the WMATA Board of Directors, the Tri-State Oversight Committee, the WMATA Interim General Manager, the Washington Suburban Transit Commission Chair, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission Chair, the District of Columbia Council Chair, and the General Services Administration Administrator, in order to solicit their input. The secretaries will submit their plan to us for approval in 45 days.
“Finally, we will meet with Congressional members that represent WMATA’s service area since implementation of some of the recommendations would require Congressional consent and may be impacted by a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on WMATA governance commissioned by Senator Barbara Mikulski. We look forward to working with our Delegations to ensure WMATA’s governance structure will start WMATA back on the path to being one of the world’s safest and highest performing transit systems.
“We thank the Task Force, Greater Washington Board of Trade and Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for their efforts and are ready to get to work.”
GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY RECEIVES ARTIFACTS FROM NEW YORK'S WORLD TRADE CENTER TWIN TOWERS
Steel Artifacts to be Centerpiece for Maryland 9/11 Memorial
Arrive under Police, Fire and National Guard Escort
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor O’Malley today officially accepted artifacts from World Trade Center in New York to Maryland. The twenty-two foot long artifact from the Twin Towers will be the centerpiece of the Maryland 9/11 memorial to be dedicated on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy - September 11, 2011.
“We are honored to accept an artifact from the Twin Towers as the core of our memorial,” said Governor O’Malley. “The completed monument will serve as a tribute to those that lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and the heroes who fought to save them. It will remind citizens and visitors alike that the events of that tragic day will never be forgotten.”
Governor O’Malley has appointed Randall “Rand” Griffin as the chair of the Maryland 9/11 Memorial Advisory Committee. Griffin is the CEO of COPT – Corporate Office Properties Trust, and a member of the Maryland Commission on Public Art. The Advisory Committee, comprised of businesses, public safety personnel, artists, the victim’s families and other stakeholders, will oversee the project and make recommendations on the selection process, community engagement, and fund development to DBED and the Maryland State Arts Council. The memorial will be funded by private donations of funds and services.
“I would like to thank Rand for taking on this important project for the citizens of Maryland,” said Governor O’Malley. “His knowledge of how public art speaks to society will ensure that this memorial appropriately acknowledges the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom.”
“I am honored that I was asked to chair the Maryland 9/11 Memorial Advisory Committee,” said Griffin. “Public art creates spaces that bring people together and foster dialogue. We hope that the memorial created here will promote courage, unity and understanding and serve as an inspiration of peace for generations to come.”
The artifacts were escorted by Maryland State Police, Baltimore City Fire Department, and the Maryland National Guard on its trip through Maryland to Dundalk where it will be stored in the Marine Terminal until installation at the World Trade Center in Baltimore. Bowman Truck Leasing provided the in-kind donation of transport of the artifacts from New York City to Maryland.
The receiving ceremony included remarks by Governor O’Malley and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, presentation of colors by the Maryland National Guard Honor Guard, a performance of the national anthem, an invocation by the Police Chaplain and a benediction by the Fire Chaplain; closing with Taps by MD National Guard Honor Guard member, Keith DeFontes. Family members of victims of the Pentagon attack were in attendance.
An artifact from the Twin Towers was requested by Governor O’Malley to be used as the focus of the Maryland 9/11 memorial. A steel artifact, consisting of three amalgamated steel beams, and a smaller steel artifact, were selected by a Maryland delegation when they visited the JFK Airport, which warehouses artifacts from the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. The delegation included members of the Maryland Commission on Public Art, the Maryland Port Administration and the Maryland State Arts Council, a part of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.
A Request for Qualifications to those interested in creating the 9/11 Memorial was distributed to artists, architects and landscape designers nationally, closing on November 22, 2010. A selection committee will review the qualifications and choose finalists in January 2011. The finalist will present designs after meeting with various community sectors and neighborhoods, Pentagon families and others. The large artifact will be the focal point of the design and the smaller artifact part of a display in the World Trade Center’s Top of the World.
Maryland is the only state, other than New York, to request an artifact, although many local governments have also received artifacts.
Library Releases Survey Results
WHAT: Customer Survey Results
WHO: Library customers
WHEN: November 23, 2010
SALISBURY, MD – November 23, 2010 – Wicomico Public Library has released the results of the customer survey taken in October at each library location, as well as online. The survey shows that more than 60% of respondents visit the library more than four times per month, with most visits at the Main Library in downtown Salisbury. The number one reason people visit is to check out books or other materials. More than half of the respondents use the Library’s web site more than five times per month, with the majority able to easily find and use what they are looking for on the web site.
Respondents also lamented the budget-driven loss of library service hours and complimented the “knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff” for the assistance they provide. Complete survey results are available at www.wicomicolibrary.org.
The library is a lifeline for the community, providing free resources to help citizens find health information, complete and submit job applications, startup and run their small businesses, help their children learn to read and succeed in school, support education at all levels and provide a welcoming place to meet, gather and build community, for children, teens and adults.
Last year the library circulated over 815,000 items; offered over 1,400 programs, classes and events attended by over 15,000 people; registered over 135,000 computer sign ups; answered over 45,000 information questions; recorded almost 1,600 community meeting room bookings; and provided almost 1,300 bookmobile visits to schools, daycare centers, senior facilities and neighborhoods.
58,431 card holders, 60% of the 94,000 residents of Wicomico County used Wicomico Public Library, which recorded over 362,000 visits last year.
Last year the library circulated over 815,000 items; offered over 1,400 programs, classes and events attended by over 15,000 people; registered over 135,000 computer sign ups; answered over 45,000 information questions; recorded almost 1,600 community meeting room bookings; and provided almost 1,300 bookmobile visits to schools, daycare centers, senior facilities and neighborhoods.
58,431 card holders, 60% of the 94,000 residents of Wicomico County used Wicomico Public Library, which recorded over 362,000 visits last year.
Police Arrest 11 In Online Sex Sting
GAITHERSBURG, Md. - Gaithersburg police have arrested 11 men in an online sting aimed at people targeting sexual solicitation from minors.
Police say the men were caught by placing a website ad in which officers were communicated with various "Johns." Undercover officers then offered an exchange of services or expectations via phone or text message. Upon meeting the "Johns," police arrested, interviewed and charged the men.
GO HERE to read more.
Police say the men were caught by placing a website ad in which officers were communicated with various "Johns." Undercover officers then offered an exchange of services or expectations via phone or text message. Upon meeting the "Johns," police arrested, interviewed and charged the men.
GO HERE to read more.
Study: D.C.'s holiday traffic among worst
Two of the nation's most congested roads during Thanksgiving are in the Washington area, a new report finds, unwelcome news for the over one million heading home for the holiday.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
Bill Introduced To End Paperwork ‘Nightmare’ Created By New Health Care Law
A controversial new federal law that begins to take effect in January would create a “paperwork nightmare” for thousands of Maryland businesses by drastically increasing the number of 1099 tax forms they have to file, business groups and accountants say.
This provision was tucked into the comprehensive health care bill passed earlier this year by both houses of Congress -- even though it has nothing to do with health care. Professional groups and trade associations are calling for its repeal. U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, introduced a bill to get rid of it. Maryland Democrat Sen. Ben Cardin is one of the bill’s co-sponsors.
The bill was not voted on before Congress took the week off for Thanksgiving, but many people working on behalf of small businesses, accountants, and entrepreneurs are hoping that the repeal will become a reality soon.
GO HERE to read more.
This provision was tucked into the comprehensive health care bill passed earlier this year by both houses of Congress -- even though it has nothing to do with health care. Professional groups and trade associations are calling for its repeal. U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, introduced a bill to get rid of it. Maryland Democrat Sen. Ben Cardin is one of the bill’s co-sponsors.
The bill was not voted on before Congress took the week off for Thanksgiving, but many people working on behalf of small businesses, accountants, and entrepreneurs are hoping that the repeal will become a reality soon.
GO HERE to read more.
Your Morning Cup Of TSA Backwash
American citizen with free time declines both backscatter scan and patdown upon re-entering country, ends up being able to walk through security without doing either even after cops are called. [NO BLASTERS!]
TSA head makes ad explaining why there's nothing to fear. Message belied by ominous grey background. [YouTube]
Reporter goes through pat-down to show us how easy it is. "He uses the back of his hand to check the front of my groin area." [KDAF]
An "I'll be groped for Christmas" holiday jingle. [YouTube]
Man opts for third choice: stripping down to his skivvies. Is then arrested and walked through two terminals in his underwear. [NBC San Diego]
SNL reimagines TSA as a sexy 80's hookup company. [Hulu]
More »
TSA head makes ad explaining why there's nothing to fear. Message belied by ominous grey background. [YouTube]
Reporter goes through pat-down to show us how easy it is. "He uses the back of his hand to check the front of my groin area." [KDAF]
An "I'll be groped for Christmas" holiday jingle. [YouTube]
Man opts for third choice: stripping down to his skivvies. Is then arrested and walked through two terminals in his underwear. [NBC San Diego]
SNL reimagines TSA as a sexy 80's hookup company. [Hulu]
More »
Ex-Ford Employee Admits Stealing Secrets Worth $50 Million
Espionage! A former Ford engineer charged with stealing trade secrets worth $50 million has pleaded guilty, and was apparently caught with the evidence on his laptop when he was arrested in Chicago in 2009. The man worked for Ford for 10 years before quitting the company to accept a position at a Ford competitor -- Beijing Automotive.
More »
More »
Recalls Issued For Children's Benadryl, Motrin & Rolaids Softchews
Johnson & Johnson continues to earn its title as the recall king of the over-the-counter drug business with the announcement of three separate recalls totaling around 5 million units of Children's Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Tablets, Junior Strength Motrin Caplets, and Extra Strength Rolaids Softchews.
More »
More »
Poll Predicts Romney Would Best Obama In 2012
The next presidential elections are still two years away, but that isn't stopping pundits from putting together their lists of top contenders.
TROOPERS READY FOR HOLIDAY TRAFFIC
(PIKESVILLE, MD) – In preparation for the increase in traffic and the potential for unsafe drivers, Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan has ordered additional troopers onto Maryland’s highways to supplement the regular patrol force from Wednesday, November 24th, through Sunday, November 28th. Troopers from all 22 barracks across the state and from specialized units will be deployed in directed enforcement assignments in an effort to keep traffic moving, while reducing highway fatalities and injuries.
“We anticipate a significant increase in traffic throughout Maryland and, working with our partners in the State Highway Administration and allied law enforcement, we will be ready to do everything we can to ensure the safety of motorists traveling on our highways,” Colonel Sheridan said. “In addition to strict speed and DUI enforcement, troopers will also be focused on rapid response to incidents that could cause traffic delays, as well as providing assistance to disabled motorists. I ask everyone traveling this weekend to ensure their vehicle is in good running condition, their passengers are all buckled up, and that they make traffic safety their number one priority when they are behind the wheel.”
Funded by state and federal grant money, extra troopers on overtime will be assigned to speed and aggressive driving enforcement details and drunk driving saturation patrols. Their focus will be on Maryland interstates and major highway routes throughout the state.
Commercial vehicle traffic also increases before and after Thanksgiving Day. The State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division will be conducting “Operation Night Owl” during the holiday period. State Police experts in commercial vehicle enforcement will be on-duty focusing on traffic and criminal violations committed by those driving trucks and buses.
Beginning Friday, troopers will also begin high visibility patrols in the areas of shopping centers and malls within their jurisdiction. Troopers will be working in cooperation with local law enforcement efforts in these crime prevention patrols.
The Maryland State Police is adding its warning to the others issued regarding the potential for traffic delays at the Newark toll plaza on I-95 in Delaware. Ongoing reconstruction at the toll plaza has temporarily reduced the number of toll lanes. The Delaware Department of Transportation is warning motorists that increased traffic will lead to delays and possibly significant backups on I-95 approaching the toll plaza.
Motorists headed north on I-95 through Delaware are urged to take alternate routes, or travel at off-peak times if possible. Motorists traveling through the area can obtain updates on Twitter @DelawareDOT, or by tuning to WTMC 1380 AM radio. Motorists can check updates before leaving by visiting www.deldot.gov/traffic/map.ejs.
Troopers are giving their usual advice to drivers during this holiday weekend which includes:
-Don’t drink and drive;
-Don’t drive drowsy;
-Don’t be an aggressive driver;
-Make sure everyone is properly buckled up;
-Obey the speed limits;
-Make sure you have enough fuel and your vehicle is in good running condition before leaving;
-If possible, travel during off-peak hours.
Travelers should also be aware of Maryland’s new law that requires drivers approaching from the rear of an emergency vehicle using visual signals while stopped on a highway to, if possible, ‘make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle.’ This movement should only be done if another lane in the same direction is available and the move can be made safely and without impeding other traffic. If moving to another lane away from the stopped emergency vehicle is not possible, the law requires drivers to ‘slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.’
The intent of the ‘move over’ law is to provide an extra barrier of safety for police officers, fire fighters, and emergency rescue personnel working along Maryland roads. It is hoped drivers will become more aware of police and emergency workers stopped along the road and move away from them or slow down as they pass by the traffic stop or incident scene.
Under Maryland Vehicle Law, emergency vehicles are defined as:
-Vehicles of federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies;
-Vehicles of volunteer fire companies, rescue squads, fire departments, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, and the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute;
-State vehicles used in response to oil or hazardous materials spills;
-State vehicles designated for emergency use by the Commissioner of Correction;
-Ambulances; and -Special vehicles funded or provided by federal, state, or local government and used for emergency or rescue purposes in Maryland.
Violation of the ‘move over’ law is a primary offense with a fine of $110 and one point. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash, the fine is $150 and three points. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash resulting in death or serious injury, the fine is $750 and three points.
Complete Listing Of Holiday Concerts, Programs And Music Events In Community For Wicomico Schools
Saturday, Nov. 27, 5 p.m.
Parkside Band at Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony
Salisbury City Park
The Parkside High School Band will perform at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, as part of the Winter Wonderland lighting ceremony in Salisbury City Park.
Monday, Nov. 29
Parkside High Band
Parkside High
The Parkside High Band will perform at the Parkside PTA meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, at the school. 410-677-5161.
Monday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m.
Pocomoke Christmas Parade
Mardela Middle & High School Warrior Marching Band & Bandfront, Salisbury Middle Band
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.
Fruitland Tree Lighting
Fruitland City Hall
Fruitland Primary School second graders will sing and the James M. Bennett High School Band will play at the Fruitland City Hall Tree Lighting on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m. 410-677-5171.
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
“A Winter Wish” with 6th-Grade Chorus
Salisbury Middle School
The Salisbury Middle 6th-Grade Chorus will present “A Winter Wish” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, in the Salisbury Middle School cafetorium. Admission free. 410-677-5149.
Thursday, Dec. 2
Parkside High Band
Atria Salisbury
The Parkside High Band will perform at Atria Salisbury at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 2. 410-677-5161.
Friday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 5
“Nutcracker,” presented by the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre
Wicomico High Auditorium
The Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre’s 20th season of the “Nutcracker” will be on stage at the Wicomico High School Auditorium Dec. 3, 4 and 5, with many dancers from Wicomico County Public Schools in the cast. Many Wicomico schools will take students to see special school performances of “Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 3. Public performances will be Saturday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students and seniors. Call 410-742-3316 for tickets, or purchase tickets at PNC Bank, Bank of Delmarva, the office of the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council, and Dance Wear Etc. Visit www.esbt.org for more information.
Friday, Dec. 3
Parkside High Band
Mallard Landing, Salisbury
The Parkside High Band will perform at Mallard Landing in Salisbury at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. 410-677-5161.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 5 p.m.
Cambridge Christmas Parade
Mardela Middle & High School Warrior Marching Band & Bandfront performs as returning Grand Champions
Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
Seaford Christmas Parade
Wicomico Middle School 7th- and 8th-Grade Bands
Sunday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m.
Salisbury Christmas Parade
Marching bands: Mardela Middle & High School Warrior Marching Band & Bandfront, Wicomico High School, Wicomico Middle School, Pittsville Middle School, Salisbury Middle, Bennett Middle, James M. High School, Parkside High School
Sunday, Dec. 5, 4-7 p.m.
Mardela High School Small Ensembles play at the Mardela Springs Heritage Christmas. 410-677-5170.
Monday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m.
Holiday Program
Pinehurst Elementary
A brief December holiday program will be presented as part of the Pinehurst PTA meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, in the Pinehurst auditorium. The presentation will be given by Pinehurst's first graders, along with some songs by a fifth-grade strings student. Musical selections will highlight our celebration of the winter holiday season. Free. 410-677-5810.
Monday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m.
Winter Sing-along
Beaver Run Elementary
Students of Beaver Run Elementary School will present a Winter Sing-along at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, in the Beaver Run gymnasium. The music includes several songs that represent the winter season from different world cultures. Free admission. 410-677-5101.
Monday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
Holiday Program
Westside Intermediate School
The Westside Intermediate School holiday program will take place on Monday, Dec. 6, immediately after a brief PTA meeting that begins at 6 p.m. 410-677-5118.
Monday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
Holiday Program
West Salisbury Elementary
Second graders at West Salisbury Elementary will present the Holiday Program on Monday, Dec. 6, in the cafeteria. Students will perform music from various cultures and celebrations. Admission free. 410-677-5816.
Monday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m.
“Christmas Don’t Be Late (For the Love of Santa)”
Prince Street Elementary
First graders at Prince Street Elementary School will present “Christmas Don’t Be Late (For the Love of Santa)” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6. Fifth-grade string students will also perform. Admission free. 410-677-5813.
Monday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
Mardela Middle School 6th Grade Choir & Band present the 2010 Holiday Concert at the school. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Monday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
“Holiday Lights” with Bennett Middle 6th & 7th Grade Chorus
At Wicomico High School Auditorium
The Bennett Middle School 6th & 7th Grade Chorus will present “Holiday Lights” in the Wicomico High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6. Admission is $2, and students must buy tickets at lunchtime or in the school office. Only adults may purchase tickets at the door. 410-677-5140.
Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.
“A Jingle Bell Christmas” with Wicomico/Bennett/Pittsville Middle Orchestra Students
Wicomico Middle School auditorium
Orchestra students from Wicomico Middle, Bennett Middle and Pittsville Middle will join to present “A Jingle Bell Christmas” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. Admission is free. 410-677-5145.
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
“It’s the Holiday Season” with 7th-Grade Chorus
Salisbury Middle School
The Salisbury Middle 7th-Grade Chorus will present “It’s the Holiday Season” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, in the Salisbury Middle School cafetorium. Admission free. 410-677-5149.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
“Colonial Maryland”
Willards Elementary School
Willards Elementary second graders will present “Colonial Maryland,” with music in song and dance from the Colonial period, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in the Willards Elementary cafetorium. Free admission. 410-677-5819.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Health South-Chesapeake Rehab, Salisbury
The Mardela High School Chime Choir performs at the Christmas tree lighting at Health South-Chesapeake Rehab in Salisbury. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Winter Program with Wicomico Middle 7th- and 8th-Grade Choirs
Wicomico Middle School
The Wicomico Middle School 7th- and 8th-Grade Choirs will present a winter music program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. Free admission. 410-677-5145.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
“Peace on Earth” Winter Concert
Glen Avenue Elementary School
Fifth graders at Glen Avenue Elementary School will present “Peace on Earth,” a winter concert with holiday classics and some new tunes, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in the school auditorium. Admission free. 410-677-5806.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
Holiday Band Concert
Salisbury Middle School
The Salisbury Middle School Holiday Band Concert will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in the cafetorium. The concert will feature the 6th, 7th and 8th grade Intermediate and Advanced Band students, the Marching Band and the Flag Squad. No admission. 410-677-5149.
Monday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Holiday Program
Charles H. Chipman Elementary
The 2nd-grade Holiday Program at Charles H. Chipman Elementary School will take place Monday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Students will perform music from various cultures and celebrations. Admission free. 410-677-5814.
Monday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Winter Program with Wicomico Middle 6th-Grade Band and Choir
Wicomico Middle School
The Wicomico Middle School 6th-Grade Band and Choir will present a winter music program at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. Free admission. 410-677-5145.
Monday, Dec.13, 7:15 p.m.
Mardela Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Choir & Advanced Band presents the 2010 Holiday Concert. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Monday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. (school shows at 8:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.)
Delmar’s Rockin’ Bobcats “Jingle All the Way”
Delmar Elementary School
Delmar’s Rockin’s Bobcats present “Jingle All the Way” for students, parents and guardians, and the community in three shows on Monday, Dec. 13. School shows will be at 8:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., with a public show at 6:30 p.m. It's December - the happiest time of the year. That is, for everybody except Santa Claus. That's right! Santa is down-hearted. In fact, he's lost his jingle. He feels like people all over the world have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Everyone is so bogged down with shopping, and presents, and decorating, and eating that they have neglected the Spirit of love and joy that is supposed to be at the heart of this season. Will Santa get his jingle back? Come to Delmar Elementary on Dec. 13 and find out! Admission free. 410-677-5178.
Tuesday, Dec. 14
6th-Grade Band Concert
Bennett Middle
The Bennett Middle 6th-Grade Band will play at the start of the Bennett Middle PTA meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. No admission. 410-677-5140.
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Winter Concert
North Salisbury Elementary
At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, the 4th-grade chorus, 5th-grade band, and 5th-grade string orchestra students will present a Winter Concert in the multipurpose room at North Salisbury Elementary. The chorus will present a program titled "All Aboard the Holiday Express." Taking the audience on a "holiday train" in many different songs about several different holiday/cultural traditions and even in different languages! The students have also been working on train carts in art class - one for each song in the program - and will be showcasing their artwork during the concert. The fifth-grade string orchestra will present holiday music. Free admission. 410-677-5807.
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
Winter Concert
East Salisbury Elementary
East Salisbury Elementary’s Winter Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, in the gym. Featured are the 3rd-grade students singing holiday music and a traditional lullaby, 4th-grade string students, and 5th-grade band students. Free admission. 410-677-5803.
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
Holiday Concert
Parkside High School
The Parkside High School Symphonic Band, Intermediate Choir and Concert Choir will present a Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, in the Parkside Auditorium. Admission is one nonperishable food item for donation to the Maryland Food Bank. 410-677-5143.
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m.
“Holidays Lights” by Grades 1 & 2
Northwestern Elementary
Northwestern Elementary's holiday program, "December Lights," will be presented by students in Grades 1 and 2 on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. The program tells this story: The house decorating contest judges are traveling through town to choose the best decorated house, but eventually decide that choosing one winner is not possible. Each of the December holidays, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, have different kinds of decorations and each is beautiful in its own way. Admission is free. 410-677-5808.
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
“Can’t Wait for Christmas” with 8th-Grade Chorus
Salisbury Middle School
The Salisbury Middle 8th-Grade Chorus will present “Can’t Wait for Christmas” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, in the Salisbury Middle School cafetorium. Admission free. 410-677-5149.
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
James M. Bennett High “Sounds of the Season” Holiday Concert
At Wicomico High School Auditorium
The Choirs and Symphonic Band of James M. Bennett High School will present the annual holiday concert Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. The concert is entitled "Sounds of the Season.” It will take place in the Wicomico High School Auditorium due to the ongoing renovation of the Bennett Auditorium. The Intermediate Choir will present seasonal favorites and end with a medley from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The Concert Choir will feature a special selection by the Senior Ladies, a beautiful rendering of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Pie Jesu, and a lively jazzy arrangement of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. The Symphonic Band will perform in its award-winning style and feature the Marching program with the Color Guard and Percussion ensemble. Admission is free but, as always, donation will be accepted. 410-677-5141.
Thursday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m.
Band, Orchestra and 1st-Grade Holiday Show
Pemberton Elementary
Pemberton Elementary will present its holiday program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 in the gym. The band and orchestra will play winter and holiday songs, and the first grade will present “Stars and Winter Skies.” Free admission. 410-677-5809.
Thursday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Winter Program with Wicomico Middle 7th- and 8th-Grade Bands
Wicomico Middle School
The Wicomico Middle School 7th- and 8th-Grade Bands will present a winter music program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. The bands will perform a variety of holiday and non-holiday selections. Free admission. 410-677-5145.
Thursday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m.
2nd-Graders Present “Elfis and the Sleigh Riders”
Fruitland Primary School
Fruitland Primary School 2nd-graders will present Teresa Jennings’ program "Elfis and the Sleigh Riders" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, in the cafeteria at Fruitland Primary School. This rock-and-roll and Elvis inspired program will get everyone tapping their toes as the characters and students learn that friends can disagree and still be friends – they just have to work together and listen to each other. Free admission. A full school performance will take place at 9:30 a.m. that day. 410-677-5171.
Thursday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
“A Holiday of Music” with Chorus and Strings
Pittsville Elementary and Middle
The Pittsville Middle School Chorus and Pittsville String Orchestra will present “A Holiday of Music” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Parkside High School auditorium. Choral Selections include: Festive Processional; Welcome, Winter Winds; Grinch Medley; A Candle for Peace; Mele Kalikimaka. Orchestra selections include Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, Sleigh Ride, Santa at the Symphony, and other carol medleys. Admission is free. 410-677-5811.
Thursday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
Mardela High School Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, & Warrior Marching Band present the 2010 Holiday Concert, with special feature the Mardela High School Chime Choir. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Sunday, Dec. 19
Mardela High School 9th Grade Flute Duet at the First Baptist Church in Delmar, Md. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Monday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Winter Concert with WiHi Choirs and Bands and Wicomico County String Orchestra
Wicomico High School Auditorium
The Wicomico High School Choirs (Intermediate and Concert Choirs), Symphonic Band and the Wicomico County String Orchestra will join to present a holiday concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, in the Wicomico High School Auditorium. This concert will feature a combined band and choir composition. The string orchestra includes students from Wicomico, James M. Bennett and Parkside High Schools. The orchestra will perform several holiday selections, including music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and a carol arranged for strings and winds. Free admission. 410-677-5146.
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
Pittsville Holiday Band Concert
At Parkside High School
The Pittsville Middle School Holiday Band Concert will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the Parkside High School auditorium. Admission free, but donations will be accepted for the homeless shelters in Wicomico County. 410-677-5811.
Thursday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m.
Strings Concert
At Salisbury Middle School
The fall strings concert for students from Mardela Middle and High, Northwestern Elementary, Salisbury Middle and Westside Intermediate has been rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. at Salisbury Middle School. 410-677-5149.
Parkside Band at Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony
Salisbury City Park
The Parkside High School Band will perform at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, as part of the Winter Wonderland lighting ceremony in Salisbury City Park.
Monday, Nov. 29
Parkside High Band
Parkside High
The Parkside High Band will perform at the Parkside PTA meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, at the school. 410-677-5161.
Monday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m.
Pocomoke Christmas Parade
Mardela Middle & High School Warrior Marching Band & Bandfront, Salisbury Middle Band
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.
Fruitland Tree Lighting
Fruitland City Hall
Fruitland Primary School second graders will sing and the James M. Bennett High School Band will play at the Fruitland City Hall Tree Lighting on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m. 410-677-5171.
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
“A Winter Wish” with 6th-Grade Chorus
Salisbury Middle School
The Salisbury Middle 6th-Grade Chorus will present “A Winter Wish” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, in the Salisbury Middle School cafetorium. Admission free. 410-677-5149.
Thursday, Dec. 2
Parkside High Band
Atria Salisbury
The Parkside High Band will perform at Atria Salisbury at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 2. 410-677-5161.
Friday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 5
“Nutcracker,” presented by the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre
Wicomico High Auditorium
The Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre’s 20th season of the “Nutcracker” will be on stage at the Wicomico High School Auditorium Dec. 3, 4 and 5, with many dancers from Wicomico County Public Schools in the cast. Many Wicomico schools will take students to see special school performances of “Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 3. Public performances will be Saturday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students and seniors. Call 410-742-3316 for tickets, or purchase tickets at PNC Bank, Bank of Delmarva, the office of the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council, and Dance Wear Etc. Visit www.esbt.org for more information.
Friday, Dec. 3
Parkside High Band
Mallard Landing, Salisbury
The Parkside High Band will perform at Mallard Landing in Salisbury at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. 410-677-5161.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 5 p.m.
Cambridge Christmas Parade
Mardela Middle & High School Warrior Marching Band & Bandfront performs as returning Grand Champions
Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
Seaford Christmas Parade
Wicomico Middle School 7th- and 8th-Grade Bands
Sunday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m.
Salisbury Christmas Parade
Marching bands: Mardela Middle & High School Warrior Marching Band & Bandfront, Wicomico High School, Wicomico Middle School, Pittsville Middle School, Salisbury Middle, Bennett Middle, James M. High School, Parkside High School
Sunday, Dec. 5, 4-7 p.m.
Mardela High School Small Ensembles play at the Mardela Springs Heritage Christmas. 410-677-5170.
Monday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m.
Holiday Program
Pinehurst Elementary
A brief December holiday program will be presented as part of the Pinehurst PTA meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, in the Pinehurst auditorium. The presentation will be given by Pinehurst's first graders, along with some songs by a fifth-grade strings student. Musical selections will highlight our celebration of the winter holiday season. Free. 410-677-5810.
Monday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m.
Winter Sing-along
Beaver Run Elementary
Students of Beaver Run Elementary School will present a Winter Sing-along at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, in the Beaver Run gymnasium. The music includes several songs that represent the winter season from different world cultures. Free admission. 410-677-5101.
Monday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
Holiday Program
Westside Intermediate School
The Westside Intermediate School holiday program will take place on Monday, Dec. 6, immediately after a brief PTA meeting that begins at 6 p.m. 410-677-5118.
Monday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
Holiday Program
West Salisbury Elementary
Second graders at West Salisbury Elementary will present the Holiday Program on Monday, Dec. 6, in the cafeteria. Students will perform music from various cultures and celebrations. Admission free. 410-677-5816.
Monday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m.
“Christmas Don’t Be Late (For the Love of Santa)”
Prince Street Elementary
First graders at Prince Street Elementary School will present “Christmas Don’t Be Late (For the Love of Santa)” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6. Fifth-grade string students will also perform. Admission free. 410-677-5813.
Monday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
Mardela Middle School 6th Grade Choir & Band present the 2010 Holiday Concert at the school. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Monday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
“Holiday Lights” with Bennett Middle 6th & 7th Grade Chorus
At Wicomico High School Auditorium
The Bennett Middle School 6th & 7th Grade Chorus will present “Holiday Lights” in the Wicomico High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6. Admission is $2, and students must buy tickets at lunchtime or in the school office. Only adults may purchase tickets at the door. 410-677-5140.
Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.
“A Jingle Bell Christmas” with Wicomico/Bennett/Pittsville Middle Orchestra Students
Wicomico Middle School auditorium
Orchestra students from Wicomico Middle, Bennett Middle and Pittsville Middle will join to present “A Jingle Bell Christmas” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. Admission is free. 410-677-5145.
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
“It’s the Holiday Season” with 7th-Grade Chorus
Salisbury Middle School
The Salisbury Middle 7th-Grade Chorus will present “It’s the Holiday Season” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, in the Salisbury Middle School cafetorium. Admission free. 410-677-5149.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
“Colonial Maryland”
Willards Elementary School
Willards Elementary second graders will present “Colonial Maryland,” with music in song and dance from the Colonial period, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in the Willards Elementary cafetorium. Free admission. 410-677-5819.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Health South-Chesapeake Rehab, Salisbury
The Mardela High School Chime Choir performs at the Christmas tree lighting at Health South-Chesapeake Rehab in Salisbury. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Winter Program with Wicomico Middle 7th- and 8th-Grade Choirs
Wicomico Middle School
The Wicomico Middle School 7th- and 8th-Grade Choirs will present a winter music program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. Free admission. 410-677-5145.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
“Peace on Earth” Winter Concert
Glen Avenue Elementary School
Fifth graders at Glen Avenue Elementary School will present “Peace on Earth,” a winter concert with holiday classics and some new tunes, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in the school auditorium. Admission free. 410-677-5806.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
Holiday Band Concert
Salisbury Middle School
The Salisbury Middle School Holiday Band Concert will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in the cafetorium. The concert will feature the 6th, 7th and 8th grade Intermediate and Advanced Band students, the Marching Band and the Flag Squad. No admission. 410-677-5149.
Monday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Holiday Program
Charles H. Chipman Elementary
The 2nd-grade Holiday Program at Charles H. Chipman Elementary School will take place Monday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Students will perform music from various cultures and celebrations. Admission free. 410-677-5814.
Monday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Winter Program with Wicomico Middle 6th-Grade Band and Choir
Wicomico Middle School
The Wicomico Middle School 6th-Grade Band and Choir will present a winter music program at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. Free admission. 410-677-5145.
Monday, Dec.13, 7:15 p.m.
Mardela Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Choir & Advanced Band presents the 2010 Holiday Concert. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Monday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. (school shows at 8:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.)
Delmar’s Rockin’ Bobcats “Jingle All the Way”
Delmar Elementary School
Delmar’s Rockin’s Bobcats present “Jingle All the Way” for students, parents and guardians, and the community in three shows on Monday, Dec. 13. School shows will be at 8:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., with a public show at 6:30 p.m. It's December - the happiest time of the year. That is, for everybody except Santa Claus. That's right! Santa is down-hearted. In fact, he's lost his jingle. He feels like people all over the world have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Everyone is so bogged down with shopping, and presents, and decorating, and eating that they have neglected the Spirit of love and joy that is supposed to be at the heart of this season. Will Santa get his jingle back? Come to Delmar Elementary on Dec. 13 and find out! Admission free. 410-677-5178.
Tuesday, Dec. 14
6th-Grade Band Concert
Bennett Middle
The Bennett Middle 6th-Grade Band will play at the start of the Bennett Middle PTA meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. No admission. 410-677-5140.
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Winter Concert
North Salisbury Elementary
At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, the 4th-grade chorus, 5th-grade band, and 5th-grade string orchestra students will present a Winter Concert in the multipurpose room at North Salisbury Elementary. The chorus will present a program titled "All Aboard the Holiday Express." Taking the audience on a "holiday train" in many different songs about several different holiday/cultural traditions and even in different languages! The students have also been working on train carts in art class - one for each song in the program - and will be showcasing their artwork during the concert. The fifth-grade string orchestra will present holiday music. Free admission. 410-677-5807.
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
Winter Concert
East Salisbury Elementary
East Salisbury Elementary’s Winter Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, in the gym. Featured are the 3rd-grade students singing holiday music and a traditional lullaby, 4th-grade string students, and 5th-grade band students. Free admission. 410-677-5803.
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
Holiday Concert
Parkside High School
The Parkside High School Symphonic Band, Intermediate Choir and Concert Choir will present a Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, in the Parkside Auditorium. Admission is one nonperishable food item for donation to the Maryland Food Bank. 410-677-5143.
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m.
“Holidays Lights” by Grades 1 & 2
Northwestern Elementary
Northwestern Elementary's holiday program, "December Lights," will be presented by students in Grades 1 and 2 on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. The program tells this story: The house decorating contest judges are traveling through town to choose the best decorated house, but eventually decide that choosing one winner is not possible. Each of the December holidays, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, have different kinds of decorations and each is beautiful in its own way. Admission is free. 410-677-5808.
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
“Can’t Wait for Christmas” with 8th-Grade Chorus
Salisbury Middle School
The Salisbury Middle 8th-Grade Chorus will present “Can’t Wait for Christmas” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, in the Salisbury Middle School cafetorium. Admission free. 410-677-5149.
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
James M. Bennett High “Sounds of the Season” Holiday Concert
At Wicomico High School Auditorium
The Choirs and Symphonic Band of James M. Bennett High School will present the annual holiday concert Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. The concert is entitled "Sounds of the Season.” It will take place in the Wicomico High School Auditorium due to the ongoing renovation of the Bennett Auditorium. The Intermediate Choir will present seasonal favorites and end with a medley from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The Concert Choir will feature a special selection by the Senior Ladies, a beautiful rendering of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Pie Jesu, and a lively jazzy arrangement of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. The Symphonic Band will perform in its award-winning style and feature the Marching program with the Color Guard and Percussion ensemble. Admission is free but, as always, donation will be accepted. 410-677-5141.
Thursday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m.
Band, Orchestra and 1st-Grade Holiday Show
Pemberton Elementary
Pemberton Elementary will present its holiday program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 in the gym. The band and orchestra will play winter and holiday songs, and the first grade will present “Stars and Winter Skies.” Free admission. 410-677-5809.
Thursday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Winter Program with Wicomico Middle 7th- and 8th-Grade Bands
Wicomico Middle School
The Wicomico Middle School 7th- and 8th-Grade Bands will present a winter music program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. The bands will perform a variety of holiday and non-holiday selections. Free admission. 410-677-5145.
Thursday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m.
2nd-Graders Present “Elfis and the Sleigh Riders”
Fruitland Primary School
Fruitland Primary School 2nd-graders will present Teresa Jennings’ program "Elfis and the Sleigh Riders" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, in the cafeteria at Fruitland Primary School. This rock-and-roll and Elvis inspired program will get everyone tapping their toes as the characters and students learn that friends can disagree and still be friends – they just have to work together and listen to each other. Free admission. A full school performance will take place at 9:30 a.m. that day. 410-677-5171.
Thursday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
“A Holiday of Music” with Chorus and Strings
Pittsville Elementary and Middle
The Pittsville Middle School Chorus and Pittsville String Orchestra will present “A Holiday of Music” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Parkside High School auditorium. Choral Selections include: Festive Processional; Welcome, Winter Winds; Grinch Medley; A Candle for Peace; Mele Kalikimaka. Orchestra selections include Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, Sleigh Ride, Santa at the Symphony, and other carol medleys. Admission is free. 410-677-5811.
Thursday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
Mardela High School Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, & Warrior Marching Band present the 2010 Holiday Concert, with special feature the Mardela High School Chime Choir. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Sunday, Dec. 19
Mardela High School 9th Grade Flute Duet at the First Baptist Church in Delmar, Md. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Monday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Winter Concert with WiHi Choirs and Bands and Wicomico County String Orchestra
Wicomico High School Auditorium
The Wicomico High School Choirs (Intermediate and Concert Choirs), Symphonic Band and the Wicomico County String Orchestra will join to present a holiday concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, in the Wicomico High School Auditorium. This concert will feature a combined band and choir composition. The string orchestra includes students from Wicomico, James M. Bennett and Parkside High Schools. The orchestra will perform several holiday selections, including music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and a carol arranged for strings and winds. Free admission. 410-677-5146.
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
Pittsville Holiday Band Concert
At Parkside High School
The Pittsville Middle School Holiday Band Concert will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the Parkside High School auditorium. Admission free, but donations will be accepted for the homeless shelters in Wicomico County. 410-677-5811.
Thursday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m.
Strings Concert
At Salisbury Middle School
The fall strings concert for students from Mardela Middle and High, Northwestern Elementary, Salisbury Middle and Westside Intermediate has been rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. at Salisbury Middle School. 410-677-5149.