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Thursday, January 06, 2011

Maryland Explosions: Two Packages Explode At Government Buildings In Hanover And Annapolis

Sobo's Fight Night

God In Commercials

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look
at TV commercials and see if they could use them in 20 ways
to communicate ideas about God. 
  

God is like. 
BAYER ASPIRIN 
He works miracles. 


God is like. 
A FORD 
He's got a better idea.. 


God is like. 

COKE 
He's the  real thing. 


(This is great)
 
God is like. 

HALLMARK CARDS 
He cares enough to send His  very best.. 


God is like. 

TIDE 
He gets the stains out others leave behind. .... 


God is like. 

GENERAL ELECTRIC 
He  brings good things to life. 


God is like.
 WAL-MART 
He has everything. 


God is like. 

ALKA-SELTZER 
Try Him, you'll like Him 


God is like. 

SCOTCH TAPE 
You can't see Him, but you know He's there. 


God is like.. 

DELTA 
He's ready when you are. 


God is like. 

ALLSTATE 
You're in good hands with Him. 
  

God is like. 

VO-5 Hair Spray 
  ; 
He holds through all kinds of weather 


God is like. 

DIAL SOAP 
Aren't you  glad you have Him?  Don't you wish everybody did?

God is like 
The
   U.S. POST OFFICE 
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from
 His appointed destination.  
God is like. 
Chevrolet. .. . .the heartbeat of America
  

God is like 
Maxwell House. .... . 
Good to the very last drop 
 
God is like. 
. . .. . 
He is the quicker picker upper. . Can handle the tough jobs. ..
 And He won't fall apart on you 

U.S. Constitution 4th Amendment Is Dead In America


No probable cause but this representative of the government walks onto someones private property looking for evidence of a crime? Or looking to make sure the owner wasn't doing something wrong?

The American Dream

Obama And The Syrian Trap

With the Palestinian-Israeli peace process returning to a deep freeze, the Obama administration is eyeing an opportunity to make headway with Syria. The theory is nothing new: If the regime in Damascus can make peace with Israel, end its sponsorship of terrorist groups such as Hezbollah  and Hamas, distance itself from Iran, and reorient itself toward the West, then the US would further isolate Tehran’s rulers while giving a critical boost to peace efforts around the region. To that end, President Obama confirmed the new US ambassador to Syria and reports have surfaced of a recent back channel opened between the White House and Syrian officials in Damascus.

While Team Obama may see such a development as a panacea for what ails the Middle East, the reality is that Syria will simply use the opportunity to play all sides against each other and pocket concessions, while preserving the very status quo that Washington seeks to alter.

The timing could not be any better for the Assad  regime. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon tasked with investigating the string of assassinations in 2005 including that of the pro-freedom, former Lebanese premier, Rafik Hariri, is set to hand down indictments in a matter of weeks. Hezbollah will likely be held responsible with the support and orders coming from Assad’s inner circle.

Moreover, just last month US satellite imagery revealed a compound in Western Syria with hundreds of missile-shaped items, functionally related to the North Korean-designed nuclear reactor destroyed in September 2007. For more than two years, Syria has blocked International Atomic Energy Agency access to the remains of the al-Kibar nuclear site and similar installations.

The pattern is already familiar. Damascus makes tactical choices for diplomatic engagement without making the strategic decision to change its worldview in a manner consistent with a state seeking either peace or a regional realignment. By engaging with Syria now, the US not only ensures that Damascus will not be held to account, but it rewards their rogue behavior and emboldens America’s enemies.

Nevertheless, even if one buys the diplomatic snake oil Damascus is selling, there remains the problem of enforcing any imagined peace deal. The international community and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon have utterly failed to prevent the rearmament of Hezbollah now stocked with more weapons from Syria’s shelves than ever before. If the US remains incapable of stemming the flow of insurgents across Syria’s border into Iraq, what makes the administration believe it would be successful in enforcing an Assad commitment to stop arming Hezbollah in Lebanon, and cut support for Hamas?

The Assad regime always benefits from the process of peace, but it is the process and not the peace that interests Damascus. That is because Syria has no intention of trading alliances or stopping its support for terrorists as its regional importance rests solely on its capacity to light fires around the region. Nor has there been any change in Syrian rhetoric.

More on this

'Homeland Security' Sending Officers To Secure Afghan-Pakistan Border

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which by its own admission has thus far failed to control even half of America's nearly 2,000-mile-long border with Mexico, is now sending personnel to Afghanistan to help that country secure its border with Pakistan.

On a New Year’s visit to Afghanistan, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said there are now 25 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CPB) personnel on the ground in Afghanistan. That number could reach 65 or more by the end of 2011, she said.

“We’re going to contribute numbers,” Napolitano said, in explaining her department’s role in helping Afghanistan transition from military to civilian control.

Napolitano said she hoped to leave Afghanistan with an appreciation of what “skill sets” are most needed there – “and to make sure that’s included in the next wave of individuals that we (Department of Homeland Security) send over.”

In July 2002, when the George W. Bush White House released the first national strategy for the Department of Homeland Security, it identified the new agency’s three objectives as preventing terrorist attacks within the United States; reducing America’s vulnerability to terrorism; and minimizing the damage from attacks that do occur.

When asked by CNSNews.com if ICE and CBP personnel have been deployed elsewhere in the world to help secure borders, a DHS spokesperson said that they had, but that security issues prevented the department from providing details on those deployments. Such secrecy apparently does not extend to the deployments of CPB and ICE personnel to Afghanistan, however.

The DHS spokesperson did not respond to questions about what posts CBP and ICE personnel would be pulled from in order to go to Afghanistan. Nor did the spokesperson say what expertise the Homeland Security Department could provide that NATO and U.S. military forces could not provide.

At her Jan. 1 news conference, however, Napolitano said that some of the advice provided by U.S. border security and customs personnel is “very practical in nature.” She gave some examples: “How do you arrange in-bound versus out-bound lanes?  How do you make sure that you can check trucks?  How do you employ the right kind of equipment in the right way?”

More here

Joel Dixon To Run For Saliabury City Council

Mr. Albero,
I spoke with you on the phone a few days ago about filing as a candidate for city council.  At this time I have not finalized a press release due to being on Military Orders, for training this week.  The Daily Times contacted in regards to providing them with some information and I wanted to provide you with the same. 
My name is Joel Dixon, I'm 25, and have lived in the Salisbury area for the majority of my life. I graduated from James M. Bennett and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.  I recently obtained an Associates of Applied Sciences from Wor-Wic Community College, in Emergency Medical Services.  I am currently employed with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department as a Firefighter/Paramedic.  I am a member of the Maryland Army National Guard and hold the rank of Sergeant with the 290th Military Police Company and have deployed once to Iraq.  I am also a Volunteer Lieutenant with the Salisbury Fire Department.  As far as experience with municipal governments, I have voted in every election since turning 18 and as a public servant my career is affected by decision made by local leaders every day.  I plan to have a press release ready prior to the 15th and would be happy to provide you with a copy if you wish.  Thank you for your time if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me by phone at 410-726-0625 or by email at jd40145@yahoo.com.
Respectfully,
Joel Dixon

2 Year Anniversary For Brooke Mulford

Hi Everyone,

I know it has been months since I have updated this and I am so sorry for that but we’ve been keeping busy with normal everyday stuff.
 
We celebrated Brooke’s 6th birthday in November with a huge party at our local YMCA on their indoor soccer field.  68 kids came and everyone seemed to have a blast.  We had soccer on half the field, a huge bounce house, face painting/temp tattoos, and activity stations set up on the other half of the field.  Brooke was not able to have a birthday party the year before because she was still on her transplant precautions from her 2 stem cell transplants in June and August so we decided to do it up big this year!  Special thanks to Adam Manning from Bury Training Club, Leroy Lutz and everyone at the YMCA, Parkside Girls Soccer team, Cassidy (and her friends) and Josh Emhoff.  Thank you also to everyone that day that made donations to The Brooke Mulford Foundation – Brooke was able to raise over $1000 for Neuroblastoma research at CHOP!  It was a day that we will never forget!

Christmas and friends birthday parties kept us very busy in December.  As you might remember, Christmas Eve 2008 was when Brooke started limping and showing symptoms of her cancer and last Christmas Brooke didn’t get out of the hospital from a grueling 2nd round of antibodies and IL2 until December 23rd and was still so very sick on Christmas Eve and morning (it was horrible).  This year we prayed for a wonderful Christmas and that’s what we got!  Brooke was an Angel in the Christmas Eve church program at Trinity (just like 2 years ago) and I think I cried through the entire service (especially when Rev. Patterson brought Brooke up in front of everyone to show them how far she had come since that day 2 years ago).  We are grateful every day for the many prayers that gave us our MIRACLE!  Christmas day was equally as wonderful as we were surrounded by our loving family and friends.

Tomorrow (January 5th) is actually the 2 year anniversary of Brooke being diagnosed with cancer.  2 years ago we packed up for an overnight trip to NJ…we wound up spending about 13 hours in CHOP’s emergency room, a couple days in the ICU and then we were moved to the Oncology unit where we spent the majority of our days and nights for the next year and a half.  I will never forget that day, that moment that our lives changed…I will never forget when they moved us from the ICU to the oncology floor and how sick I felt just at the sight of the word Oncology on the wall.  It felt like we were moving in slow motion and I remember really at that moment how it hit me that this was our lives now.  It’s impossible for me to describe it and only those who have lived it themselves can truly understand it.  Brooke truly has come so far and we are so proud of her every day for the amazing little girl that she has become.  It is not often that an adult would strive to be like a 6 year old but I strive to be more like Brooke every day.  To our amazing friends and family and to the people who 2 years ago were strangers and have now become the dearest of friends  - thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for your love, friendship, prayers, kindness support &  generosity.  We would have never made it to this day without you and we will forever be grateful.  Please continue to pray for Brooke and all the little warriors out there and for a cure.

God Bless,
Amy

Judge Extends All Discovery To 1-31-11 In Thomas Leggs Case


In a small sleeper town more than 100 miles from Wicomico County, a hearing was held yesterday in Elkton, MD in the Thomas Leggs murder trial. While the details are many, what's most important for you to know at this moment is that the honorable Judge weighed testimony from Leggs FOUR attorneys representing him and two Wicomico County States Attorneys. The bottom line, Wicomico County walked away with a win on the 5th.

Leggs lawyers tried to have many discovery motions dismissed and even went so far as to claim there was a conspiracy by the States Attorneys Office, FBI, MSP and another lab that evidence was tainted and an attempt to hide such tainted evidence was being done by all parties involved.

Plain and simple, the Judge wasn't having any of it. He came back and stated no one was trying to hide any evidence or information and that everything had been done in Good Faith by all parties.

Suppression hearings continue today and should be completed by the end of the day. Salisbury News has tried to be involved in every part of this case since the very beginning. These hearings were extremely important as well as detailed and out of respect for the Family and the case itself, I have my 8 pages of notes from yesterday's trial hearings and I will retain them until the completion of the Leggs trial.

It should be known that I left very early yesterday morning for these hearings and I will be doing the same today. While I do not expect the hearing to last as long today as it did yesterday, we are doing our very best to keep things current for your convenience. That means I'm plugging away starting at 5 AM for current information and staying up late at night to keep Posts flowing for the day. In fact, today I'll be publishing information every 15 minutes throughout the day instead of every 5 minutes.

So sit tight for one more day and we'll be back to normal very soon. Once again, news and information you can only read on Salisbury News.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On January 4, 2011 at approximately 9:05 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of East Isabella Street and Tilghman Street and observed two (2) subjects involved in a suspicious transaction. As the officers approached the subjects, both fled from the area. The below listed suspect attempted to flee on a bicycle but was caught by the officers. The suspect was checked and was found to be in possession of a quantity of suspected "crack"/cocaine.

ARRESTED: Jeffrey Linwood Wilhide, 52 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100000381

On January 4, 2011 at approximately 2:11 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for an incident that occurred on December 30, 2010. On that date the Salisbury Police responded to a residence on South Park Drive for the report of a disturbance. Upon arrival it was found that the below listed suspect had become involved in an argument with a family member at the residence and had assaulted the family member. The suspect left the residence but returned later and broke into the residence to continue the assault. At the conclusion of the assault, the suspect left the residence a second time taking property from the residence.

ARRESTED: Tiffanty Lynn Melvin, 29 years of age
Mardela Springs, Maryland
CHARGES: Arrest warrant-
First degree burglary
Third degree burglary
Fourth degree burglary
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Theft (under $ 100)
Malicious destruction of property

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000050609

Rental License Renewal Press Release

The City of Salisbury Department of Neighborhood Services & Code Compliance (NSCC) reminds rental dwelling unit owners (landlords) that on or before January 15, 2011 the Internal Services Department will begin mailing invoices for the renewal of rental dwelling unit owners licenses and rental dwelling unit registrations. The deadline to renew a rental unit owner’s license or re-register a rental dwelling unit is Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

Please be reminded that the rental unit owner’s license and/or rental dwelling unit registration fee is now $32.50 (thirty two dollars and fifty cents) per individual unit or license.

Again this year, in accordance with Section 19-103 of Article 24, Annotated Code of Maryland, the owner of residential rental property must state in writing to the City of Salisbury that the property is either not affected by the State Lead Paint law, or that the owner of the rental unit has registered or re-registered the property with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). A rental registry checklist will be provided with your invoice.

If you have questions or would like to get more information please feel free to contact us @ (410) 341-9550

More New Debit Card Fees Loom

Banks are making less money when you swipe your credit and debit cards because of new caps on interchange rates, the fee that they charge to process each of these transactions, that go into effect on July 1st. They have to make the money up somehow! We've seen new fee-incurring tripwires on checking accounts, and now they're dreaming up even more fees for debit cards. Here's what's on their wishlist:

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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

JANUARY 10, 2011 6:00 p.m.
Government Office Building Room 301

Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.
6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:07 p.m. PROCLAMATION – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.
Proclaiming "Mentoring Month"
6:12 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove
December 13, 2010 minutes
Resolution No. 2010 - accepting funds awarded through a grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development, Emergency Shelter Grant
Resolution No. 2011 - allowing the Salisbury Fire Department to replace two existing radio communication systems and be reimbursed from the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services System grant funds
Resolution No. 2012 - accepting donation of Bless Our Children funds
Resolution No. 2013 - appointment of Eric Pippen to the Zoo  Commission
Manufacturing exemption request - Gardner Sign
6:17 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland 2
6:25 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No. 2133 - amending Chapter 13.04, Section 13.04.090, Reduction or Increase of Water and Sewer Charges, of the SalisburyMunicipal Code
Ordinance No. 2134 - amending Section 12.04.060, Removal of Snow from Sidewalks – Notice –Enforcement, of the Salisbury Municipal Code
6:35 p.m. ORDINANCE – City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No. 2135 - 1st reading - allowing elected officials to participate in elective employee benefits programs offered by the City subject to certain restrictions
Ordinance No. 2136 - 1st reading - amendment to the FY11 General Fund Budget to appropriate funds for the construction of a sidewalk inthe Harbor Pointe Subdivision
7:15 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
Resolution No. 2014 - accepting donation of land located at 407 Anne Street, 412 Anne Street, 501 Anne Street, 503 Anne Street, 505 Anne Street and 621 Short Street, known as the Anderson property, and
authorizing the mayor to sign a donation agreement
Resolution No. 2015 - authorizing the mayor to sign an amended contract with PAC14 Inc. so that the audit requirements are consistentwithin the contract
Resolution No. 2016 - approving lease with the Tri-County Council for the Lower Shore of Maryland for the use of a grass strip and thesidewalk parallel thereto on Circle Avenue between the corner of Division and the Parking Lot #1 entrance as a Shore Transit bus stop
8:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
8:15 p.m. ADJOURN

Copies of the agenda items are available for review in the City Clerk’s Office Room 305 – City/County Government Office Building 410-548-3140 or on the City’s web site
http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/
The City Council reserves the right to go into closed session as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a) Proposed agenda items for January 24, 2011 (subject to change)
Ordinance No. 2133 - 2nd reading - amending Chapter 13.04, Section 13.04.090, Reduction or Increase of Water and Sewer Charges, of the Salisbury Municipal Code
Ordinance No. 2134 - 2nd reading - amending Section 12.04.060, Removal of Snow from Sidewalks – Notice – Enforcement, of the Salisbury Municipal Code
Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 2135 - allowing elected officials to participate in Elective employee benefits programs offered by the City subject to certain restrictions
Ordinance No. 2136 - 2nd reading – amendment to the FY11 General Fund Budget to appropriate funds for the construction of a sidewalk in the Harbor Pointe Subdivision

My Dog Died Under Delta's Care, And Airline Blows Me Off

Deserved or not, Delta is garnering an unfavorable reputation in regards to pet care, most recently after a dog it lost in between flights in Atlanta was found dead. Before that, Delta lost a dog belonging to one of our readers in Mexico City.

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Scheduled Criminal Motion Hearing Dates For Thomas Leggs

January 5, 2011 @ 10:00 A.M.-Suppression Motion

January 6, 2011@ 10:00 A.M.- Suppression Motion

January 26-28, 2011@ 10:00 A.M.-Death Penalty Motions

February 9-11, 2011@ 10:00 A.M.- Motion to Preclude the Admissibility

March 23-24, 2011@ 10:00 A.M.- Evidentiary Motions

Trial Dates:

April 18-22, 2011 @ 9:00 A.M.-Criminal Jury Trial

April 25-29, 2011@ 9:00 A.M -.Criminal Jury Trial

May 2-6, 2011@ 9:00 A.M-.Criminal Jury Trial

May 9-13, 2011@ 9:00 A.M-.Criminal Jury Trial

MySpace Expected To Lay Off Half Its Employees

MySpace employees are bracing for a massive bloodletting on the verge of a possible sale. The troubled social networking site is expected to see its 1,100-strong workforce shrink to half its current size by the middle of the month.

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Repo Man Cometh For Furnace

Repossessing a car or mobile home is one thing, but a furnace? More »

Registration Opens For Girls' Spring Softball Programs

Have a Ball this Spring with Wicomico County Girls’ Softball Programs
Registration is open for Junior Girls Softball & Li’l Sluggers

(Salisbury, MD) Registration is open for Girl’s Spring Softball Programs.  The Junior Girls Softball League is open to Girls 8 – 18 years of age, and Li’l Sluggers is open to Girls 5 – 8 years of age.

Junior Girls Softball League
Open to girls ages 8 to 18, Junior Girls Softball League is a recreational softball league divided into 4 age divisions.  Games are played twice a week beginning in May, with an occasional Saturday game. 
Pre-Minor 10 & under
Minor 12 & under
Major I 14 & under
Major II 18 & under. 

Register now for only $30 per player for the Pre-Minor League and $45 per player for all other leagues.  Umpires and volunteer coaches are needed to help run a successful league. (This discounted registration fee will be honored until February 18, 2011).

Li'l Sluggers
As an instructional softball program, Li'l Sluggers teaches girls the basicc fundamentals of the game.  Girls will learn and practice catching, throwing, fielding, and batting from a tee through station exercises and activities.  Li'l Sluggers is broken into four age divisions (5 year olds, 6 year olds, 6 & 7 year olds, and 7 & 8 year olds) and meets once a week May through June for 7 weeks. The registration fee is $40/player for Residents and $45/player for Non-Residents.

Registration is open and will be accepted at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Ave. Salisbury, MD 21804) or online at http://www.wicomicorecandparks.org/.

For more information contact program director Kelly Rados at 410-548-4900 ext. 108 or email krados@wicomicocounty.org. If you would like to learn about other upcoming programs offered by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism sign up for email alerts at http://www.wicomicorecandparks.org/.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY TO ADDRESS BUDGET CHALLENGES, PENSION REFORM AT COUNTY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will deliver remarks before the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Annual Winter Conference in Cambridge today, where he will install the organization’s new Board members.  In his remarks, the Governor will address the budget challenges ahead and the potential impact budget decisions could have on local governments.  In addition, Governor O’Malley will address the need for pension reform, in order to create a more sustainable system that balances the expectations of recipients and the available revenues.

Cops Can Search Your Cellphone Without Warrant, Cali Supreme Court Rules

Cops don't need a warrant to go through your text messages when you've been arrested, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday.

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- Jobs, government efficiency and bay are top priorities as a member of Congress –
           
Washington, D.C. - Congressman-Elect Andy Harris will be sworn in to represent Maryland’s 1st Congressional District. The ceremony will took place at noon in the U.S. Capitol on the floor of the House of Representatives. The oath was administered by Speaker-Designate John Boehner. This marks the beginning of Harris’ term and will be his first day in Congress.
            “I’m excited to take my first vote which will demonstrate the change that the people of Maryland’s 1st Congressional District demanded in November,” said Congressman-Elect Andy Harris. “My priorities are to serve the people of the district by fostering long-term job growth, making government efficient and protecting our bay.”
            Congressman-Elect Harris will arrive early at the U.S. Capitol and will have press availability from 10:00 -10:45 a.m. He will be taking the oath of office at noon and hosting a reception for friends and well-wishers from 2-4 p.m.
            Congressman-Elect Harris’ new office is located at 506 Cannon House Office Building. The office telephone number is 202-225-5311. All media should contact Press Secretary Ryan Nawrocki at 410-925-5567.
Congressman-Elect Andy Harris will represent Maryland’s 1st Congressional District which includes: Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties and parts of Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Harford Counties.

Hold On To Your Wallets, 3D TVs Are Going To Be Getting Cheaper

A little bit of pricing news out of CES: LG told Dow Jones Newswires that their 3D TVs will be getting cheaper by 20% this year, as "production costs have been dropping with improved technology."

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GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY ANNOUNCES DR. JOSHUA SHARFSTEIN AS MARYLAND'S SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE

Secretary John Colmers to step down after four years leading Maryland’s health agency

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley announced the appointment of Dr. Joshua Sharfstein as Maryland’s Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene.  Sharfstein currently serves as Principal Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and previous served as Baltimore City Health Commissioner.  John Colmers, who has led the state’s health agency since 2007, announced his decision to step down as Secretary of the 7,000-employee agency.

“I want to thank John Colmers for his leadership these last four years.  Having John at the helm of one of the state’s largest agencies has been critical as we’ve navigated through this recession while expanding healthcare to more of our citizens,” said Governor O’Malley.  “While we’re saddened to be losing John, Dr. Sharfstein will bring to the position the expertise and professionalism needed to continue the progress we’ve made for the people of Maryland.”

Sharfstein’s first day as Maryland’s Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene will coincide with the start of the 2011 Legislative Session, January 12. 

“It is a special honor to serve my state at such a critical time for health care and public health,” said Dr. Sharfstein. “The tremendous accomplishments of the last four years provide a terrific foundation for further progress.”  

“I want to thank Governor O'Malley and Lt. Gov. Brown for the opportunity to serve the families of Maryland in the best health job in America,” said Secretary Colmers. “Because of their leadership, we've been able to accomplish a great deal, even in difficult times. Although I will miss the ingenuity and teamwork of the many outstanding professionals at DHMH, they will soon welcome outstanding new leadership to the department.”

Since 2007, in historically difficult economic times, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has expanded health care coverage to nearly 243,000 more Marylanders.  Under the leadership of Secretary Colmers and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Maryland is a national leader in transforming our health care system and preparing for full implementation of federal health care reform.  Maryland recorded the lowest rate of infant mortality ever recorded, received national acclaim for its response to the H1N1 pandemic, and increased access to dental care for low-income children in Maryland through the Deamonte Driver project.

Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a graduate of Harvard Medical School and former Congressional staffer, has served as Principal Deputy Commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration since 2009.  Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Dr. Sharfstein serves as Commissioner of Health for the City of Baltimore where he led efforts to expand literacy efforts in pediatric primary care, facilitated the transition to Medicare Part D for disabled adults, engaged college students in public health activities, increase influenza vaccination of healthcare workers, and expanded access to effective treatment for opioid addiction.

Both Governor O’Malley and Dr. Sharfstein have been named by Governing Magazine as Public Officials of the Year.

Baby Boomer Retirement Songs!

Missing Horse In Parsonsburg

Hi Joe,

I’m hoping you can help me.  My mom lives in Parsonsburg on Lovy Lane which is off of Morris Leonard Road.  She has a 26 year old Paint mare named Sugar that is missing.  Sugar is under a vets care because her liver is failing.  She walked through two sections of rope fence sometime last night.  The vet said she may not know what she’s doing because of her health.  She could be lying in a field or even in a ditch.  If anyone sees her if they could call me at 443-880-6303.  Thank you so much.

My cell is 443-880-6303

TRI-COUNTY GO RED EVENT SET FOR F EBRUARY

(Salisbury, Maryland) - Heart disease is still the number one killer of women taking the life of 1 in every 3 women each year. Come learn how to prevent heart disease at the annual Tri-county Go Red for Women Event on Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Hallowell Conference Center. Keynote Dr. Seema Nour will speak on “Fighting Heart Disease Throughout the Generations.” There will also be health screenings and vendors, food and activity demonstrations, activities for children, and a fashion show featuring local women modeling clothes from Macy’s and The Perfect Dress.

The event is co-sponsored by Atlantic General Hospital, The Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Mid-Shore Family YMCA, and the Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Health Departments.

The event is free and open to the public. All attending are encouraged to wear their favorite red outfit or accessory. Advanced registration is not required. For more information, call the Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute at (410) 543-7028.

Gannett Employees

Gannett Co. (GCI) said all nonunion employees in its U.S. community newspaper division will be required to take a one-week unpaid furlough during the first quarter due to continuing revenue declines.

Red Cross

The American Red Cross Lower Shore Chapter Disaster Action Team is en route to assist with a mobile home fire on Sailfish Dr in Allen, MD Wicomico County.

MARYLAND STATE POLICE AVIATION COMMAND NON COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR SERGEANT JONATHAN P. LONGEST

Wicomico County, Maryland

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command has selected Sergeant Jonathan Longest as the 2010 Non Commissioned Officer of the Year. Sgt. Longest is assigned to the Medical Operations Section at Aviation Command Headquarters and was selected by his peers for this annual award based on proven performance, dedication and commitment to the mission of the Aviation Command Sergeant Jonathan P. Longest has been a member of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) for seven years. Sgt. Longest is a senior tenured flight paramedic, the supervisor in charge of the Medical Operations Section, a field training flight paramedic, and currently serves as the MSPAC Chief Flight Paramedic. Sgt. Longest has completed hundreds of medevac missions on behalf on the Aviation Command and the citizens of the Maryland Eastern Shore; all safely and with a positive patient interaction in each case. Sgt Longest has performed numerous search and rescue missions and assisted in the apprehension of many criminals from Agency aircraft
during the performance of his regular duties.

Personal Background
Name: Jonathan P. Longest
Age: 41
Assignment: Chief Flight Paramedic, Medical Operations Section, Aviation Command
Education: 1991, Bachelor of Science, Washington College
Hobbies: Fishing, teaching, home improvements, spending time with his two children
Family: Wife - Jane, children - Kaityln 12, Noah 11
Community Involvement
Jon and his family reside in Salisbury, MD., where he is a very successful EMS instructor with Chesapeake College. Jon assists with coaching his children with boys football and girls lacrosse.
Activities/Accomplishments

Sgt. Longest was assigned to the Aviation Command in April 2003. He has been a Trooper for 8 years and was promoted to Sergeant on February 4, 2010. Sergeant Longest fulfills a leadership position that requires him to be resourceful, well versed and competent in his area of expertise as a flight paramedic. Sergeant Longest demonstrates excellent performance as a Trooper/Flight Paramedic, exhibiting a thorough knowledge of the Maryland Medical Protocols and Aviation Command rules and regulations. Sergeant Longest is well respected by his co-workers, the Command Staff, the MSPAC medical director and the EMS/Fire Rescue community. In 2009 he was appointed by the Commander as the MSPAC Chief Flight Paramedic. During 2010 he managed the MSPAC Medical Operations Section, in charge of three uniform flight paramedic trainers and oversight of didactic, clinical, and mission specific training for all 42 flight paramedics. Sgt. Longest is a highly motivated individual who is willing to help out in all situations and serves as an excellent role model for Command personnel and supervisors.

Sergeant Longest’s appearance and attention to his equipment and general duties is always exemplary. Since his appointment as Chief Flight Paramedic he has taken the initiative to rapidly fulfill the requirements of the job. Sgt. Longest has reformatted the Flight Paramedic recurrent and entry level training process, provided research and development of aircraft diagnostic medical equipment, and has performed as the medical advisor to the MSPAC new aircraft acquisition team for the Augusta Westland AW-139. Sgt. Longest reports direct to the MSPAC Commander in matters related to the Command’s safety program and serves as liaison to all external regulatory and emergency service agencies and serves as the MSPAC clinical Quality Assurance Officer (a mandated position through the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services System). The State Aeromedical Director, Dr. Douglass Floccare, has stated, "Sgt Longest has quickly organized a talented staff to bring the Medical Operations section from an idea to a well-functioning unit in four short months. He has stepped into the newly created role of Chief Flight Paramedic with enthusiasm and dedication, and has sustained the patient-centered focus of the medical quality assurance program".

In September 2008, Sergeant Longest’s commitment and contributions during the Mishap Investigation Team’s work on the Trooper 2 crash were outstanding. Sgt. Longest served as the Risk Management Flight Paramedic during a chaotic and challenging time. He was thrust into the crash investigation and subjected to extremely challenging conditions (physical and mental), with very long hours on site each day. Sgt. Longest’s work with NTSB representatives regarding survivability, component recognition / location and Command flight operational procedures was extremely valuable. Sergeant Longest was highly effective at the MSP Command Post and helped initiate investigative efforts very early in the process. He was commended for his performance and the sacrifices he and his family made during the crash investigation.
Leadership

Sergeant Longest serves as the Chief Flight Paramedic on the staff of Major Mark E. Gibbons, the leading role and technical expert within the Aviation Command’s 42 flight paramedics. Sgt. Longest attended the 2009 Helicopter Association International Conference in Anaheim, California. During the conference, he staffed a recruitment booth and completed the FAA-approved Safety Management Course. Sgt. Longest also participated with the NTSB Safety Summit hearings in Washington D.C. Sergeant Longest addresses traditional medical and flight safety matters such as performing flight paramedic check rides, monitoring helicopter section medical practices, and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health compliance issues. Sergeant Longest was appointed by the Commander to the Chief Flight Paramedic position because of his strong communication and decision- making skills. In 2010, Sgt. Longest completed all Medical Operations assignments and maintained his flight proficiency requirements at the Salisbury Section where he has been a great asset to the community.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command has served Maryland citizens since 1970, and operates a fleet of eleven (11) helicopters from seven (7) bases throughout the State on a 24/7/365 basis. Missions include medevac, law enforcement, search & rescue, homeland security, and disaster assessment. The success of missions performed by the Aviation Command depends a great deal on the cooperative effort of local fire, rescue, EMS, and law enforcement agencies.