Taxing the Successful to Death

Writing this article I am sick to my stomach as my accountant has just left my office completing end of year taxes– literally sick and angered. I am the grandson of Holocaust survivors. I grew up in a single-parent household in the Bronx and attended New York City public schools. I started working in a local pizzeria at the age of 12, and then attended a state university, which I finished in 3 years while working. A few years later I started 5WPR out of a 400-square foot office. Today as I sit here, I am being penalized for my vow as a kid that my family will never want for anything and I will be successful.

December 2012 marks the 10th anniversary since I founded this company as we now employ more than 100 people – and are one of the 20 largest US PR firms. Thankfully we do well and have healthy margins – I established a family foundation to give charity as I believe it is one’s obligation to give back to their community and important causes.
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MARINE DOUBLE AMPUTEE ‘HUMILIATED’ TO POINT OF TEARS ON DELTA FLIGHT GETS HELPING HAND FROM FELLOW VETS

“I have been flying with Delta for a gazillion years and this crew treated Chris worse than you’d treat any thing, not even any body.” That was the opening line of retired Army Lt. Col. Keith Gafford, during a phone interview about the egregious treatment on Delta Airlines of fellow veteran, Marine Lance Cpl. Christian Brown, who is now a double amputee following severe injuries acquired while serving in Afghanistan.

“I did 27 years in the military. I have seen a lot of things and have seen a lot of guys die, but I have never seen a Marine cry,” added Gafford. “What the kid said was, ‘I have given everything that I can give and this is the way I am being treated? This is how I will be treated for the rest of my life?’”


Gafford’s stern words came in defense of Brown, who just last Sunday was “humiliated” to the point of tears during a Delta flight from Atlanta to Washington. According to the Washington Post, the Marine was treated disrespectfully and clumsily when he was wheeled to the very back of the plane.
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BLOOMBERG: OBAMA MUST TAKE 'IMMEDIATE ACTION' AGAINST GUNS

Today, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an ardent gun control advocate, moved to politicize the monstrous school shooting in Connecticut, issuing the following statement:
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GRAPHIC VIDEO SHOWS POLICE OFFICER FATALLY SHOOTING MAN 11 TIMES — WAS IT JUSTIFIED?

Attorneys released graphic footage of a police officer shooting a man 11 times outside a suburban home — one day after the officer was cleared of wrongdoing. The suspect died and the officer who shot him is back on active duty.

Ernesto Duenez Jr., 34, was wanted in connection with a domestic violence incident the day officers tracked him down on June 8, 2011. Duenez’s attorneys showed the final graphic moments of their client’s life on Wednesday at a press conference in Oakland, Calif., the Manteca Bulletin reports.
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Photo Of Shooter From 5 Yrs ago

Senate Turns To Sandy Aid Bill Monday

The Senate is turning its attention to a $60.4 billion disaster aid package for Superstorm Sandy victims while President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner try to avert the fiscal cliff off spending cuts and tax increases.

The Senate will start debating the bill Monday afternoon. Republicans said they had no objections after Democratic leader Harry Reid assured them on Thursday they could offer amendments to the bill.
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DOE: School Suspensions of Boys, Blacks, Disabled May Violate Civil Rights Laws

“Students of color, students with disabilities and male students” are suspended at a disproportionate rate to their peers, in “potential violation of civil rights laws,” an official from the U.S. Department of Education said at a congressional hearing Wednesday on the so-called school-to-prison pipeline.

“We are alarmed by the disparities in disciplinary sanctions, particularly for students of color, students with disabilities, and male students,” said Deborah Delisle, assistant secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the Education Department.

In written testimony, Delisle said such disparities are a “potential violation of civil rights laws.” 
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NBC'S CHUCK TODD: SUSAN RICE A VICTIM OF CONSERVATIVE 'ADVOCACY MEDIA'

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice announced Thursday that she was taking herself out of the running to be considered the next Secretary of State. NBC's Chuck Todd blamed "conservative advocacy media" for forcing Rice's decision. To Todd, it was nothing but a right-wing witch-hunt.

Todd appeared on MSNBC on Thursday and proclaimed that Rice was a victim because she didn't have a "consulting team or a full PR team" at her disposal. I guess the White House wasn't enough of a megaphone for her.
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Brushing Off Criticism, Red Cross Shifts To New Phase in Sandy Recovery

After pulling in a hefty $188 million in donations to aid victims of Superstorm Sandy, the Red Cross still has some $78 million in the bank even as communities continue to cope with the storm's devastation. The unspent money, raised specifically in response to Sandy, has reignited questions about the Red Cross's initial response to the storm and how it will distribute the remaining funds.

The $78 million may seem like a drop in the bucket compared with what the U.S. government will eventually spend to mitigate the effects of the storm, which displaced tens of thousands of people when it tore through the East Coast in late October. President Barack Obama has asked Congress to approve a $60.4 billion emergency spending bill, which falls far short of the $82 billion in Sandy damage that's been estimated by the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
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Just For the Record: The Left Took Out Susan Rice

Before Democrats start to re-write history and play the race card for their own personal political gain, let's just be clear: It was the left -- not the right -- that took Susan Rice out.

Certainly, Republicans like John McCain and Susan Collins had issues with Rice, and made that clear (although McCain also "softened" his opposition). But is there any thinking person out there who believes the Obama administration would have accepted her withdrawal if opposition to her could have been portrayed as some kind of right wing "dog whistle"? Please.

What ultimately did Rice in was criticism from the likes of Maureen Dowd (twice -- here and here) and Dana Milbank and Lloyd Grove and in the Atlantic magazine(both here and here) and in Foreign Policy even in a piece on the hallowed (to liberals) op/ed page of the New York Times. Hillary Clinton let her opposition to Rice be known. Those are the kind of opponents that a Democrat nominee simply cannot overcome -- not a couple of Republican senators when the administation's customary M.O. is simply to attribute everything to race and gender.
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Straight No Chaser - The Christmas Can-Can

ESPN REPORTER ASKS IF REDSKINS QUARTERBACK IS A ‘CORNBALL BROTHER’ BECAUSE HE HAS A WHITE FIANCEE AND MAY VOTE REPUBLICAN

ESPNNY.com and ClickOnDetroit.com columnist Rob Parker made controversial comments on race and Washington Redskins Quarterback Robert Griffin III during an appearance on ESPN First Take Thursday, culminating with the African-American sports reporter questioning whether the quarterback is a “cornball brother” because he has a white fiancee and may vote Republican.

Griffin has had a successful rookie season thus far and is attempting to practice and appear on the field this Sunday after leaving his last game against the Baltimore Ravens following a significant knee injury. During a press conference Wednesday, questions for the 22-year-old veered away from his knee to race, where Griffin said he wanted to be defined by his work ethic, character and personality, not the color of his skin.
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Medical Companies Brace For 'Devastating' ObamaCare Tax, Prepare For Layoffs

Andre DiMino has been running medical device company ADM Tronics since his father, who founded the decades-old firm, died in 2001. He's never laid off anybody.

"These people are like family with us," he said.

The boss might not be able to hold out much longer. Come Jan. 1, an ObamaCare-tied tax specific to his industry is expected to go into effect. Though the Obama administration has downplayed the impact, DiMino calls it "devastating." 
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STUDENTS SAFE AND NO INCIDENTS REPORTED DURING SCHOOL LOCKDOWN IN QUEEN ANNE'S CO.

(CENTREVILLE, MD) – All students are safe and police report no incidents during a lockdown of schools this afternoon in Queen Anne’s County.
State troopers, Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies and officers from the Centreville Police Department responded to a call for assistance this afternoon from the Queen Anne’s County Board of Education. School officials reported that shortly before 1:00 p.m. today, the Board of Education received a call in which the caller repeatedly said “lock it down.” Based on what had occurred just hours earlier in Connecticut, school officials locked down all Queen Anne County schools and requested police respond to each school.

A combined law enforcement response occurred and police were assigned to each county school. They worked in coordination with school security staff and according to emergency response procedures already in place.

Other than the call, no additional incidents were reported during the afternoon. School officials told police they would lift the lockdown as students ended the school day. Police remained on the scene as students left each school.

Police are taking this call very seriously. Criminal investigators from the State Police Centreville Barrack are conducting an investigation in an attempt to identify the caller. Anyone with information about who made this call is urged to contact State Police at the Centreville Barrack at 410-758-1101. Callers may remain anonymous.

Questions regarding Queen Anne’s County schools should be directed to the county Board of Education.

Feldman's Lot Cleared

We said they'd be done by this Friday and that's exactly what they've done. It's strange, (yet nice) to see right through to Mill Street from Market Street. 

BREAKING NEWS: Gunman ID'd As Adam Lanza

Sources identify the Connecticut school massacre gunman as 20-year-old Adam Lanza, after initial information mistakenly pointed to his older brother.
From Fox News

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE TRAGEDY IN CONNECTICUT

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 14, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued the following statement on the tragedy in Connecticut:

“The loss of innocent lives today in the shootings in Connecticut are tragic beyond words. Katie and I send our thoughts and prayers to those who lost loved ones in this heartbreaking tragedy.

"It's incomprehensible to even attempt to understand the pain these families are feeling today, especially the speechless pain of losing a child. We encourage everyone to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers."

Was Obama Right? Shocking Video

Dear Patriot,

Please see the message below from Newsmax -- a paid sponsor of the Grassroots Action Alert newsletter. These sponsorships help us provide Grassroots Action Alerts at no cost to you. Grassroots Action Alert does not endorse candidates but we are glad to help all candidates get their message out to core Tea Party conservatives like you.

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Dear Reader,
 
It pays to have friends in powerful places.
 
Especially if you are the president of the United States.
 
You see, recently we ramped up efforts to get the word out concerning a very dire and serious assessment of our nation's economic future. So we put together an interview featuring New York Times best-selling author Robert Wiedemer.
 
In the video, Wiedemer provides disturbing evidence for 50% unemployment, a 90% stock market crash, and 100% annual inflation . . . starting in 2013.
 
Word of the video quickly spread to all corners of America, and over 50 million have had the chance to watch this powerful footage.
 
However, when a major Obama donor saw this presentation, the company attempted to ban it from their far-reaching media empire, and refused to show it unless it was "revised."
 
Admittedly, Wiedemer is unapologetic about some of his controversial findings.
 
Bottom line: We think you deserve to see this video.
 
More importantly, we think you NEED to see it to stay safe during these tumultuous times.
 
Launch a private airing of this video right now by clicking here.

Aaron DeHoog
Financial Publisher
Newsmax and Moneynews

No Entitlements

SINGAPORE — While the U.S. unemployment rate “dropped” to 7.7 percent last month — a figure even The Washington Post acknowledged was due “…in large part because the labor force fell by 350,000…” — here in this modern and prosperous city-state of slightly more than 5 million people, unemployment is practically nonexistent.

A taxi driver tells me, “Everyone here works.” With unemployment at an astonishingly low 1.9 percent, he is nearly right.

In part, this is due to a work ethic that seems to be in the genes here. But there is something else at work that should astound Washington politicians struggling with expensive “entitlement” programs and with those who receive them.

The Economist wrote about it in a 2010 article. What contributes to Singapore’s prosperity and a vibrant economy that includes a stable currency and a rising stock market, it said, is this: “The state’s attitude can be simply put: being poor here is your own fault. Citizens are obliged to save for the future, rely on their families and not expect any handouts from the government unless they hit rock bottom.”

As a parent, this is my favorite part of the article: “The emphasis on family extends into old age: retired parents can sue children who fail to support them. In government circles, ‘welfare’ remains a dirty word…”

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Elliott Returns To Jail After Guilty Plea To Assault

SNOW HILL -- A former drug “kingpin”, who returned to Worcester County in June and was promptly arrested for battling with cops over two decades after being indicted as one of the central figures in a major cocaine distribution ring, pleaded guilty last week in Circuit Court to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 90 days in jail.

Archie Burton Elliott, now 64, whose current address is listed as Myrtle Beach, returned to the local area in June and was promptly arrested and charged with numerous offenses including trespassing and second-degree assault on a police officer during a dispute outside his son’s Berlin residence. On June 25, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a residence on Old Ocean City Blvd. to assist the Department of Social Services with an escort in reference to a possible child abuse case.

Upon arrival, the deputy learned one of the residents of the home, identified as Archie Bradford Elliott, had recently had an Emergency Petition filed on his behalf by his father, Archie Burton Elliott. Another Worcester County Sheriff’s Department detective went to District Court in Ocean City to secure the emergency petition when he encountered the elder Elliott, who told the detective he intended to go to his son’s residence in Berlin in reference to the emergency petition, according to the police report.
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Tax Rich Republicans

Republicans have been forced into a Hobson’s choice of either letting the Bush tax cuts expire for everyone or agreeing to a tax hike on the top 2 percent of income earners (not to be confused with “the rich,” who have already made, inherited or married their money).

If Republicans object to the Democrats’ hitting job creators with a tax hike, three things will happen: Taxes will go up for everyone; Republicans will be seen as the “party of the rich”; and the inevitable economic collapse will be blamed on Republicans.

If Democrats were merely trying to raise taxes on the rich in a vacuum, it would be easier for Republicans to oppose raising anyone’s taxes. But because the Bush tax cuts are only temporary, unless the high-income earners’ taxes go up, everyone’s taxes revert to pre-Bush tax rates.

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Marriage Best Left to Churches

The current conundrum regarding the legalization of same-sex marriage is what happens when church and state are mixed -- the topics become confusing and confused.

When I married my husband almost 15 years ago, I did so out of love and out of a desire to witness before God my commitment to him and his to me. The legal and tax ramifications did not enter into my head.

But for couples of the same sex, the legal and tax ramifications can be very important because their legal rights differ from those of heterosexual couples in a number of ways, from hospital visiting rights to insurance benefits and taxes on death benefits.
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How The Feds Let Industry Pollute The Nation's Underground Water Supply

Federal officials have given energy and mining companies permission to pollute aquifers in more than 1,500 places across the country, releasing toxic material into underground reservoirs that help supply more than half of the nation's drinking water.

In many cases, the Environmental Protection Agency has granted these so-called aquifer exemptions in Western states now stricken by drought and increasingly desperate for water.

EPA records show that portions of at least 100 drinking water aquifers have been written off because exemptions have allowed them to be used as dumping grounds.

"You are sacrificing these aquifers," said Mark Williams, a hydrologist at the University of Colorado and a member of a National Science Foundation team studying the effects of energy development on the environment. "By definition, you are putting pollution into them. ... If you are looking 50 to 100 years down the road, this is not a good way to go."

As part of an investigation into the threat to water supplies from underground injection of waste, ProPublica set out to identify which aquifers have been polluted.

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Forbes: Maryland Ranks As 16th Best State For Business

Forbes magazine ranks Maryland as the16th best state for business, driven by what the magazine characterizes as a strong quality of life and workforce.

The magazine pulled data from 10 sources to compile its ranking, which is based on six factors that are important for businesses — costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, current economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life. Business costs, including labor, energy and taxes, are weighted most heavily.
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Are Americans Becoming More European?

Last week the Pew Research Center released a survey of American and European attitudes on a host of issues. Conservative commentators homed in on two findings: first, fewer Americans believe that our culture is superior to others (49% now, compared with 60% a decade ago); second, a rising share of young Americans support activist government. Such findings have been used tobuild a narrative that under President Obama, we’re becoming less American and more like those relativist, collectivist, socialist Europeans across the pond.

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BREAKING NEWS: School Gunman's Parents Dead, Sources Say

Connecticut elementary school gunman identified by sources as 24-year-old Ryan Lanza, and sources say Lanza's father was found dead in his New Jersey home and his mother also was found dead, possibly in the school, where she worked.
From Fox News

Yard Sale Tomorrow

Place: Old Ocean City Rd across from the Unitarian Church

Saturday: Time: 7am until

Big Mens clothing size 3x – 5x, shoes, DVD’s, microwave, ladies and plus size women’s clothes, large trampoline, toys, and various other items.

Yard Sale II 27421 Riverside Drive Extended (opposite Village Down River; one mile west Sharp Pt Rd) Every item $5 - 2 GRACO pac 'n plays child walker/play table poster-sized framed prints oval metal table fireplace screen fireplace metal and glass antique standing lamp adult walker framed boating pictures - nice frames king sized wooden headboard new in box curtain rods quilt stand table book stand new-in box glass cake stand and cover

Md. Panel Votes On Spending Recommendations

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A panel of Maryland lawmakers is recommending Gov. Martin O'Malley cut the state's ongoing projected budget deficit of $382 million by more than half in the next fiscal year.

The state's Spending Affordability Committee on Thursday also voted to allow the state to increase capital debt limit by $150 million for the next fiscal year.
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Don’t Eat Daddy’s Cookies: How To Talk To Your Kids About Pot

Washington state’s legalization of marijuana last week was a professional triumph for Alison Holcomb, a Seattle attorney who wrote the law. But the legal victory created a personal dilemma: how to discuss the no-longer illicit drug with her 4-year-old son. “He’s a sponge right now, and I don’t know if he’s yet at the age when I can have a meaningful conversation with him about it,” says Holcomb, the drug policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Washington. “He has never seen me smoke anything. I probably won’t do it in front of him.”

With marijuana now legal for adults over 21 in Washington and soon in Colorado (a decriminalization law is expected to take effect by Jan. 5), Holcomb is one of many parents trying to figure out what to say to – and do around – their kids as a result. Most moms and dads think nothing of sipping a glass of wine at the family dinner table. Now that lighting up a joint in the Evergreen State should no more raise alarm than an after-work gin and tonic, will parents take the same no-big-deal attitude toward both? As moms and dads figure out how to negotiate marijuana’s transition from illegal drug to just another ho-hum way to unwind, TIME sought advice from experts on how to incorporate pot into parenting (the full magazine story is available to subscribers here).

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NAACP CEO Meets With O'Malley On Death Penalty

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - NAACP President Benjamin Jealous says he's hopeful the votes will be there to repeal capital punishment in Maryland in the next legislative session.

Jealous met with Gov. Martin O'Malley on Thursday for about 45 minutes in the Maryland State House in Annapolis to discuss the issue.

O'Malley, a Democrat who opposes capital punishment, pushed for repeal in 2009. However, full repeal stalled in the Senate, which opted to limit when capital cases could be sought instead of repealing the state's death penalty law.
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Be Careful What You Say Next Time You're On The Bus

Microphone-enabled surveillance systems are being installed on public buses in San Francisco, Baltimore, and other several other cities at the behest of the Department of Homeland Security.

They're being put there to eavesdrop on passenger's private conversations. While transit officials say the recording devices are to keep passengers safe and resolve disputes, privacy experts disagree and point out numerous civil liberties violations – the first being surveillance without a warrant. There's also concern that the audio recording devices can be pared with facial recognition software to immediately identify who's talking as well. The growth of the surveillance security state in America should trouble us all – and has our nation's earliest privacy advocates, like Benjamin Franklin, rolling in their graves.

Legislators Propose Change In Pension Funding

The General Assembly’s Joint Pensions Committee unanimously recommended Wednesday abandoning a pension funding method that has allowed the state to pay hundreds of millions less each year into the state retirement system than actuaries said was needed.

The so-called “corridor method” was instituted 10 years ago when the system was almost fully funded. But over time, due to lower contributions and several years of poor investment returns, the $37 billion fund only covers 65% of the future liabilities for the 376,000 active and former state employees and teachers it covers.

There was virtually no discussion of this major change, which was aired more extensively at a Nov. 14 hearing. The change must be approved by the House and Senate budget committees on which all 16 members of the Joint Pensions Committee sit.
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Is President Obama Quietly Setting Up Retirees For A Great Betrayal?

In an interview with ABC News on Tuesday – President Obama hinted that he may support raising the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67-years-old.

As though he was reading straight from Speaker John Boehner's talking points – when asked about raising the eligibility age, the President said, "what is true is we need to strengthen Social Security, we need to strengthen Medicare for future generations, the current path is not sustainable because we've got an aging population and health care costs are shooting up so quickly." If he goes along with Republicans and raises the retirement age now, the President will be complicit in shifting billions of dollars in extra healthcare costs to individuals, businesses, and states. On the other hand, by holding firm on raising taxes on the rich, and getting rid of waste in Medicare by letting that program negotiate discounts with big pharmaceutical companies, Medicare can be turned around. Someone needs to remind the President that it was Democrats who created Medicare – and it's up to Democrats to save it from the Republicans' austerity binge.

Fires In High School Send Hundreds Home For The Day

It was a short day for students at Queen Anne’s County High School.

Students were sent home Thursday morning after two fires were discovered inside the school.

Fire officials say the two small paper fires caused little damage. One fire was set in a bathroom, while the other was in a classroom.

Jeff Straight, who is the spokesman for Queen Anne's County schools, told WBAL that students were evacuated from the building when the fires were discovered. 
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At This Rate, America Will Soon Be China's Vassal State

Not only is China projected to have the world's biggest economy by 2030, according to the U.S. National Intelligence Council, but they may own everything in the United States by then, too.

That's because - according to data from Dealogic – Chinese investors bought big pieces of a record number of industries in the United States just so far this year. With still a few weeks to go in 2012, China has already spent more than $10 billion acquiring U.S. companies – far exceeding their previous record-spending binge in 2007, which was nearly $9 billion. Following in the footsteps of Saudi, British, German, and French companies, Chinese companies, many state-owned, have bought up everything from electric car battery manufacturers to movie theater chains. This is all the direct result of failed so-called "free trade" policies. Flushed with hundreds of billions of dollars in extra cash - the flip-side of our trade deficits - China can use that money to buy up American industries one-by-one, until one day we're all going to work at the foreign-owned car manufacturer. Or we'll be buying groceries at the foreign-owned supermarket. Or going to see a movie at a foreign-owned theater. Americans have to accept the reality of a new world, in which the United States isn't the only economic superpower. But, Americans don't have to just stand by and watch our domestic economy be sold off to overseas business tycoons. It's time to ditch so-called free trade. Let's protect those industries at home that employ Americans and generate wealth for this nation.

OFFICIAL: 27 DEAD IN CONN. SCHOOL SHOOTING

A shooting at a Connecticut elementary school Friday left 27 people dead, including 18 children, an official said.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was still under way. Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity for the same reason, said the gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown was killed and apparently had two guns.

Stephen Delgiadice said his 8-year-old daughter heard two big bangs and teachers told her to get in a corner. His daughter was fine.
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2 Start-Up Companies Get $300K From InvestMaryland

BALTIMORE - Maryland officials have announced a $300,000 investment in two start- up companies through the state's InvestMaryland initiative.

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development said Thursday that Plasmonix will receive $100,000. Bambeco, which received $400,000 in InvestMaryland funds last month, will receive $200,000.

InvestMaryland was created last year to help innovative companies get started in the state. Maryland has raised $84 million for the venture capital initiative through an online auction of tax credits to Maryland insurance companies.
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Right-To-Work-For-Less

Now that Governor Rick Snyder signed Right-to-Work-for-Less into law in Michigan, the focus shifts to how working people can overturn the legislation.
Unfortunately, Republicans purposefully designed the law to make this task more difficult. By attaching Right-to-Work-for-less to a budget appropriations bill, Republicans made it harder for Michigan voters to repeal the law down the road. According to the Michigan Constitution, voter referendums can repeal laws, but they can't be repeal budget appropriations. But, on the other hand, according to the Michigan Constitution, voters have "the power to propose laws and to enact and reject laws..." with a higher number of signatures to get onto the ballot. In other words, Michigan workers can restore the unionization rights they lost yesterday by gathering enough signatures for a ballot initiative. It would take roughly 260,000 signatures to put Right-to-Work-for-Less up for repeal by putting it to a citizen vote. So now it's time to get to work. Let's hope this was a "Todd Akin" moment, and that Governor Snyder and Republicans, who drastically overreached with this latest attack on unions, will live to regret it. If working people stay organized, then this right-wing assault on working people could end in Michigan, and organized labor in America might finally rise again from the ashes of Reagan's thirty-year-long war on workers.

Dairy Industry Worried That The Answer To “Got Milk?” These Days Is: “Nope.”

Back in milk’s heyday, the cool thing to do in a commercial was proudly wear a white mustache and smirk, “Got Milk?” The idea being, if you didn’t, you weren’t being healthy, as milk was the reigning drink in the health food arena. All you had to do was drink a glass a day and you could claim that yes, you had milk. But with all the energy drinks and enhanced waters flooding the market these days, dairy farmers are worried they’re losing their audience.

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FedEx Employee Says Company Knew It Was Overcharging Customers, Didn’t Care

As part of a class action lawsuit alleging that FedEx has been overcharging its business and government customers for years, an unsealed email from an employee claims that not only did the company know it was doing so, it even overcharged itself for sending packages to its own headquarters. Go on, shake your head in disbelief.

The employee’s emails were added to an amendment of a class action lawsuit first brought against FedEx in 2011, and claims that the company has been “systematically overcharging” customers by billing businesses and government offices at the higher residential rates, reports Bloomberg News.

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Awfully Nice Person Drops $500 Gold Coin Wrapped In $100 Bill Into Salvation Army Kettle

For hours upon hours during the holidays, Salvation Army volunteers stand on streets across America, ringing that bell and calling passers-by to stop a moment, drop a bit of change in, and do some good. And once in a while, one of those people will drop a bit more than the change scraped out of the bottom of a purse. One officer was shocked and pleased to find not just a $100 bill in his red kettle, but also a gold coin worth $500 wrapped inside of it. Happy Holidays, eh?

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Could Gold Make Money For The Federal Government?

Some lawmakers are looking at the mining industry's profits and are interested in a piece. The government collects royalties from fossil fuels extracted from federal lands and waters but it doesn't reap any profit from metals mined in the same areas. A 140-year-old law prohibits the government from collecting royalties on mining. Two Democrat senators, Arizona's Raul Grijalva and New Mexico's Tom Udall said they will press for a repeal.

Thank God Its Friday 12-14-12

What will you be doing this weekend?

On The Lighter Side

An old man was asked, "At your ripe age,

What would you prefer to get - Parkinson's or Alzheimer's?"

The wise one answered, "Definitely Parkinson's. Better to spill half an ounce of Jack Daniels, than to forget where you keep the bottle!!"

Today's Advertiser Of The Day 12-14-12

Salisbury News Is Growing

2012 (21461) so far.

2011 (20450)

2010 (13514)

2009 (10968)

No matter what anyone says, one quick look at a Daily Times Newspaper clearly shows they have shrunk year after year while Salisbury News continues to prove we're growing. 

The above numbers show how many articles we have provided over the past few years for the year. 

I'll never forget the meeting I had 8 years ago with Greg Bassett and Joe Carmean where I told them, if you don't publish the truth I'm going to start my own Newspaper and compete with you. Their response, "We Love Competition". I'll bet their kicking themselves in the rear end for ever saying such a thing, eh?

Calpers Bankruptcy Strategy Pits Retirees vs. All Others

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System is trying to rewrite the rules for bankrupt cities, claiming that it should get paid before almost everyone else, including bondholders.

The biggest U.S. public pension fund would set a legal precedent should courts adopt Calpers’s position that, as an arm of the state, it is exempt from rules that apply to other creditors in the Chapter 9 bankruptcy cases of San Bernardino and Stockton. A Calpers victory would threaten public services in a city trying to reorganize in bankruptcy, or in an extreme case, cause a city to disincorporate, attorney James E. Spiotto said in an interview.

“Chapter 9 was never intended to cause the liquidation of a municipality or the reduction of services,” said Spiotto, who isn’t involved in the San Bernardino and Stockton cases. “What Calpers is doing is threatening the basic tenet of Chapter 9.”

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Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting: Newtown, Connecticut Teacher Wounded, Reports Say

Authorities in Connecticut responded to a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Friday morning, the local NBC station reports.

Police reported multiple injuries, including a wounded teacher, according to the Hartford Courant.

One gunman is dead, authorities told ABC News. There are unconfirmed reports of a second suspect.

A hospital representative in Danbury told NBC that medical facilities admitted three victims from Sandy Hook School.

Students were escorted out of the building single-file. There are approximately 626 students enrolled in kindergarten through 4th grade classes at Sandy Hook Elementary, with another 46 faculty members, Newtown Patch reported.

Source

Salisbury Cable Rates Likely Heading Up

Cable rates in Salisbury could be headed up in the near future.

The only other business on the City Council’s legislative agenda this week besides a consent agenda and the presentation of this past fiscal year’s audit was a resolution to approve the calculation of Maximum Permitted Rates for limited basic service and regulated equipment rates and installation charges as set forth in Comcast’s rate filing dated Oct. 1, 2012.

City Administrator John Pick explained that when Salisbury adopted its franchise agreement with Comcast the city reserved the right to review the rates for limited basic service and for equipment installation charges annually.
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A Letter To The Editor 12-14-12

Joe,

I am the owner of How Sweet It Is and am writing in response to the comments about the beagle pup that was found in front of our store.

On Monday a good samaritan stopped traffic in front of our market and pulled a young maybe 12 week old beagle pup out from under a car as it was about to get hit. He was going to work and asked us to keep it from harm. We went to all houses on our street and no one knew of its origin. I went across the road to the convenience store to let them put the word out and they said they had seen 6 different dogs dropped here over last two weeks. We called the humane society which was closed on Monday. Most of our day was consumed trying to place this small hound that one would not think could travel much over a mile at most at such a very young age. This is a business and at the end of the day a very nice family was in and were obviously fellow pet lovers and took the neglected pup to give it a good home as we were about to close. The next evening a young girl came in at close and told the cashier that she lived in Fruitland and was missing her beagle pup. Fruitland is about three miles or so away and if in fact this was her pup I can't possibly think how it could have traveled that distance. We love pets and have buried two cats and a dog run over in front of the store this month and found homes for 8 cats in the last two months. We would like the young lady to know we went over and above trying to find the pets rightful home and if the dog had a name tag we could have located the owner.

Brent Malone

Salt Hidden Culprit In Childhood Obesity

Sugary drinks may get most of the attention in discussions about Australia’s obesity epidemic, but new research from Deakin University has found salt may be a silent contributor to the problem.

The study of more than 4,200 Australian children found that children who consume high amounts of salt are also likely to drink more sugary beverages, putting them at risk of unhealthy weight gain.

“High salt diets not only put children at risk of serious long-term health problems, such as developing high blood pressure later in life which is a major cause of stroke and heart disease, they are likely to be contributing to the rates of overweight and obesity,” said lead researcher Ms Carley Grimes.

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Today's Survey Question 12-14-12

Should the Salisbury Police Department be abolished?

City taxpayers pay for two police departments, 

City & County.

A Comment Worthy Of A Post 12-14-12

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Iretongate":
Jim Ireton did with Sarah Lake what he did with numerous others the were his so called friends and supporters. He turned his back on them. There were several friends and supporters who Jim were supposed to bring on board with him as a team and he seemed to forget that. There were several department heads that were going to be replaced with his people. There was the City Solicitor who was going to be replaced with his people. Finally the City Council did the right thing and brought in a much better City Solicitor. The only department head position he fought for was his buddy from the Democrat Central Committee. He then screwed over Ivan Barkley on that top position and then we got stuck with an outsider. Then the fire department we got stuck with another outsider who wasn't qualified to be a fireman and he was ran out. Now we are stuck with someone who wasn't wanted then and who isn't wanted now. We had a qualified public works director in house and Ireton brought in another unqualified outsider to run public works. Ireton promised to get rid of John Pick and Lore Chambers and we are still stuck with them who are the part of the reason the city is running down under their watch. What does Ireton do? He rewards Lore Chambers with time off and pays for here to get a PhD at UMES and now she demands to be referred to as Dr. Chambers. He has also proposed and given her several undeserved pay raises. 

The only reason Jim Ireton got elected is because he rode in on the coattails of Debbie Campbell. Councilwoman Campbell got more votes in District 2 than Jim Ireton got in the entire city.

Jim you turned on your friends and you have worn out your welcome in this city. Please go away and leave us alone.

US County Income Changes Since 2007

Just 94 out of the more than 3,000 counties in America saw statistically significant increases in median household income between 2007 and 2011, according to new Census data.

The gains were concentrated in shale and farm-rich counties in states like North Dakota and Nebraska, the data show.

The greatest losses were concentrated in busted housing markets.

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Update On Brooke Mulford 12-14-12

Bone marrow biopsy is done — at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The plan is to start treatment on Wed. Enrolling in Phase I clinical trial ADVL0918 (Temsirolimus with Irinotecan & Temozolomide).

No really good options...she will get scans in 5-6 weeks. If disease is stable or better she will continue on this trial - if there is progression than we will look into another trial.

FIERY CRASH CLAIMS TWO LIVES

(BELTSVILLE, MD) – Troopers attempt to identify the two persons who died in a fiery crash early this morning in Prince George’s County.

The identities of the deceased are unknown at this time. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro burst into flames upon impact, trapping one person inside and ejecting the second occupant. Investigators are working to determine which person was the driver. The fire was extinguished by Prince George’s County Fire Department. County emergency medical personnel pronounced both the driver and the passenger of the Camaro dead at the scene.

The identity of the second driver will not be released at this time, pending notification of next of kin. He was transported by emergency medical personnel of the Prince George’s County Fire Department with non-life threaten injuries to Prince George’s Hospital.

A preliminary investigation has been conducted by troopers from the College Park Barrack, with the assistance of Maryland State Police CRASH Team. The investigation indicates that shortly after 1:30 a.m. today, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro was traveling southbound on Baltimore Avenue. For an undetermined reason, the Camaro crossed the double yellow lines in the area of Powder Mill Road and struck a tow truck head on. The Camaro became fully engulfed by fire, trapping one of the occupants and ejecting the other. Neither occupant of the Camaro had identification in their possession. A forensic examiner from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office will assist with the identifying the deceased.

There were no passengers in the tow truck or in the vehicle being towed. There has been no determination of speed at this point in the investigation.

Due to the severity of the crash and the amount of debris, troopers have closed northbound and southbound Baltimore Avenue between Powder Mill Road and Prince George’s Avenue. The road is expected to be closed for several hours. State Highway Administration personnel are assisting with road closures.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police, College Park Barrack at (301) 345-3101.

The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Holiday Party Benefit Set For Local Woman Known For Helping Others

WEST OCEAN CITY -- A West Ocean City local who has done so much for others in the community over the years needs a little help on the receiving end as she continues to battle leukemia and will be the beneficiary of a holiday party set for next Saturday, Dec. 22 at Sunset Grille.

For nearly two decades, Carolyn Cordial has organized dozens of benefit events for those in need in the community and has helped countless local families and individuals with her leadership role with Worcester Youth and Family and she now needs a little help in return. Diagnosed with leukemia several months ago, Cordial continues to fight the good fight and has turned some corners and is heading in a positive direction, but the battle continues and she can use a little leg up from the same community she has helped so much.

To that end, Sunset Grille in West Ocean City, where Cordial has worked part-time for several years in addition to her duties at Worcester Youth, has dedicated its annual holiday party as a heartfelt benefit in her honor with donations, raffles and other events planned to help her get through her ongoing recovery process.
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Troopers Investigate Personal Injury Crash West Of Seaford

Location: Stein Highway (SR20) west of Shufelt Road, west of Seaford

Date of Occurrence: Thursday December 13, 2012 at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Operator and Vehicle Information:

Operator #1: Hayley L. Womer, 29, Laurel, DE
Vehicle #1: 2012 Kia Sorento
Passenger: 4 year old female (daughter)
Passenger: 2 year old male (son)

Operator #2: William B. Baker, 79, Seaford, DE
Vehicle #2: 2002 Chevrolet S10 pickup

Resume:
Seaford, DE- The Delaware State Police is investigating a crash that occurred west of Seaford, sending four people to the hospital.

The incident occurred yesterday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. as William B. Baker was operating a 2002 Chevrolet S10 pickup truck westbound on Stein Highway (SR20) just west of Shufelt Road. Baker was attempting to make a left turn into a private driveway and had come to a complete stop with his left turn signal on. As cars behind the pickup truck were passing on the shoulder, Hayley L. Womer who was westbound on SR20 failed to see the truck in time and struck the right rear corner of the S10 causing it to roll over onto its roof into the center of the road. The 2012 Kia Sorento that Womer was operating continued in a northwestern direction before coming to a stop in a ditch on the north side of the roadway.

William Baker, who was properly restrained, was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Two passengers in Womer’s vehicle, a 4 year old female and a 2 year old male were not properly restrained in car seats. The 4 year old was initially transported by EMS to Nanticoke Hospital before being flown to A.I. DuPont with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The 2 year old was transported to Nanticoke Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Womer, who was properly restrained, was treated and released at Nanticoke Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. She was then taken into custody by Troopers and transported back to Troop 5 in Bridgeville where she was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Driving While Suspended or Revoked, Vehicular Assault 1st, two counts of Vehicular Assault 2nd, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, two counts of Child Restraint under 8, and No Proof of Insurance. She was arraigned at JP2 and released on $11,550.00 unsecured bail.

SR20 west of Shufelt Road was closed for approximately two hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police and Office of Highway Safety want to remind the public to have your car seats checked. Three out of four car seats aren’t installed correctly. Free check stations are offered throughout Delaware and are listed online by visiting http://ohs.delaware.gov/carseat or by contacting the Office of Highway Safety at (302)744-2740.

The Day General Grant Expelled The Jews

In less than one week, no one will be publicly celebrating the sesquicentennial of one of the oddest events in American history: General Grant's expulsion of the Jews from his military district on December 17, 1862.

Jonathan D. Sarna, who teaches history at Brandeis University, has written a book on this event, one which gets no space in high school and college textbooks on American history: When General Grant Expelled the Jews (2012).

In the weeks prior to Lincoln's issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which emancipated no slaves, General Grant grew weary of Jews who violated the government's price controls on cotton. He wrote a letter to C. P. Wolcott, the Assistant Secretary of War, dated December 17, 1862.
I have long since believed that in spite of all the vigilance that can be infused into Post Commanders, that the Specie regulations of the Treasury Dept. have been violated, and that mostly by Jews and other unprincipled traders. So well satisfied of this have I been at this that I instructed the Commdg Officer at Columbus [Kentucky] to refuse all permits to Jews to come south, and frequently have had them expelled from the Dept. [of the Tennessee]. But they come in with their Carpet sacks in spite of all that can be done to prevent it. The Jews seem to be a privileged class that can travel any where. They will land at any wood yard or landing on the river and make their way through the country. If not permitted to buy Cotton themselves they will act as agents for someone else who will be at a Military post, with a Treasury permit to receive Cotton and pay for it in Treasury notes which the Jew will buy up at an agreed rate, paying gold.

There is but one way that I know of to reach this case. That is for Government to buy all the Cotton at a fixed rate and send it to Cairo, St Louis, or some other point to be sold. Then all traders, they are a curse to the Army, might be expelled..

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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON SALE OF SPARROWS POINT

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley released the following statement on the sale of Sparrows Point:

“The news that Hilco has sold Sparrows Point is disappointing.

“Steelmaking at Sparrows Point has been a major part of Maryland’s economy for more than a century, providing and supporting well-paying jobs for generations. We were hopeful that the plant would remain a viable steelmaking operation.

"Maryland’s Departments of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) engaged both the plant owners and employees in an effort to continue that tradition at Sparrows Point. As we move forward, we will continue to work with Baltimore County and United Steelworkers Local 9477 to ensure that Sparrows Point remains a viable employment center for the County and the State of Maryland. We stand ready to provide additional assistance to USW members during this transition and have dedicated resources to Sparrows Point workers.

“Maryland’s workforce stands among the nation’s best. We are confident that the dedicated steelworkers of Sparrows Point will transition to new jobs and continue to play an important role in our economy.”

Casinos Get Ok For 24-7 Operations

Members of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission have unanimously approved a regulation allowing casinos in Maryland to operate 24 hours a day.

Today's vote by the commission follows approval by voters last month of an expanded gambling ballot question which included allowing table games, 24 hour casino operation, and a sixth casino in Prince George's County.

Not all casinos will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Two-Track Corporate Justice Is Not The American Way

HSBC to Pay $1.92 Billion to Settle Charges of Money Laundering ... State and federal authorities decided against indicting HSBC in a money-laundering case over concerns that criminal charges could jeopardize one of the world's largest banks and ultimately destabilize the global financial system. Instead, HSBC announced on Tuesday that it had agreed to a record $1.92 billion settlement with authorities. The bank, which is based in Britain, faces accusations that it transferred billions of dollars for nations like Iran and enabled Mexican drug cartels to move money illegally through its American subsidiaries. While the settlement with HSBC is a major victory for the government, the case raises questions about whether certain financial institutions, having grown so large and interconnected, are too big to indict. Four years after the failure of Lehman Brothersnearly toppled the financial system, regulators are still wary that a single institution could undermine the recovery of the industry and the economy. But the threat of criminal prosecution acts as a powerful deterrent. If authorities signal such actions are remote for big banks, the threat could lose its sting. Behind the scenes, authorities debated for months the advantages and perils of a criminal indictment against HSBC. – New York Times

Dominant Social Theme: The crooks are caught.

Free-Market Analysis: The bottom line here is that the crooks are NOT caught. Bear in mind as a libertarian paper, we don't buy into any of these pseudo crimes. Money laundering, drug buying, regulatory transgressions ... none of these have anything to do with natural law.

They are all made-up crimes. Nonetheless, they show us the larger sickness of modern-day Western society. Average citizens are imprisoned for decades for the "crimes" that those who work in corporations perform without serious personal consequences.

Were we to observe this behavior in ancient times we would be well aware of just how immoral it really is. If we studied ancient examples of large organizations, favored by the emperor, that avoided criminal consequences, we would easily see the favoritism and unfairness.

If we read that such organizations were exempt from policing because their very size made them a threat to the social order, we would likely scoff. We would surmise that such an attitude was merely a justification for inaction.
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WISE MEN

Delaware Library eBook Usage Tops 100,000 Items

More than 14,000 library users download eBooks & eAudiobooks
In less than a year, more than 14,000 Delawareans have download eBooks and eAudiobooks and they have checked out more than 120,000 items, the state Division of Libraries reports. Delaware libraries will mark the first anniversary of the launch of the statewide eBook lending program on Dec. 19.

As of Nov. 30, there were 14,098 users, from every library throughout the state, of the library eBook collection, provided through a contract with OverDrive, a global distributor of eBooks and eAudiobooks. Through Nov. 30, checkouts totaled 121,923 items. In November, users checked out 11,854 items, the highest monthly total to date.

“I have been very pleased to see how quickly and how positively Delawareans have responded to our eBook initiative,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey W. Bullock. “It is a significant part of our overall effort to provide materials to patrons in the ways they wish to consume them. In addition, the statewide catalog that we have built makes it possible for us to offer these resources in a more efficient manner and to provide a greater variety of titles.”

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Unreal

If anyone is wondering why power is out on the south 

end of Camden, a power line fell on Allen cutoff.

Md. Governor Disappointed Over Sparrows Point Sale

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Gov. Martin O'Malley says he's disappointed that key equipment at the Sparrows Point steel mill has been sold.

O'Malley, in a statement on Thursday, said he had been hopeful the plant would remain a viable steelmaking operation.

The governor said the state will work with Baltimore County and United Steelworkers Local 9477 to ensure that Sparrows Point remains a viable employment center for the county and the state.
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Commissioner Stewart Fines State Farm Insurance $150,000

Dover – As a result of a recently completed Market Conduct Examination performed by The Delaware Department of Insurance (DDOI), State Farm Fire and Casualty Company has been ordered to review its protocols regarding the application of underwriting guidelines for Delaware’s coastal region and adjusts the language included in non-renewal notices distributed by the company.

Following State Farm’s decision to not renew 509 of its more than 127,000 property policies in Delaware, DDOI conducted a Market Conduct Examination to ensure the company was acting within Delaware insurance laws and regulations related to property insurance under Title 18 Insurance Code, Chapter 41.

The Market Conduct Examination determined there was no unfair discrimination in State Farm’s underwriting decisions. However, the report did find that the non-renewal notices did not contain all the statutorily required information for consumers. As a result, State Farm will pay a $150,000.00 penalty, suspend coastal non-renewals for a period of 3 years (starting November 1, 2012) and agree to include additional information on future coastal non-renewal notices. Upon completion of the market conduct examination, Commissioner Stewart stated, “Our mission at the department emphasizes our role as a consumer protection agency. A resolution such as this, demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding Delawareans from any unfair insurance practices. I am extremely happy with this outcome.”

Under an agreement between DDOI and State Farm, the company will: review its procedures to ensure that the cancellation or non-renewal notice contains information advising the insured that the insured may file a written complaint about the cancellation with the DDOI, review its procedures to ensure the specific reason for non-renewal is provided on non-renewal notices, review its procedures regarding accepting and writing new business that may be contrary to its established underwriting guidelines, and review its procedures regarding maintaining correct and complete property addresses to ensure underwriting decisions based on location are applied fairly and consistently.

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SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL TO PARTNER WITH STAND BY ME TO OFFER FINANCIAL COACHING TO COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND PUBLIC

GEORGETOWN - Sussex County Council will partner with stand By Me, the statewide financial empowerment program, to offer free one-on-one financial coaching to the county's nearly 500 employees beginning early next year. Also in January, free financial coaching for the public will begin being offered through stand By Me at the county's public libraries.

"The County is excited to partner with stand By Me to offer this type of financial coaching to both our employees and the public - free of charge," County Administrator Todd F. Lawson said. "From buying a house to balancing a checkbook, financial literacy is an essential skill for any citizen. In tough economic times like these, what better way to help people than to give them the tools to help themselves improve their financial standing?"

Sussex County Department of Libraries Director Kathy Graybeal said the program will add to the multitude of materials, services and programs already provided by local public libraries.

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Sixty-Five Farms Permanently Preserved By Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation

DOVER – Sixty-five new farms totaling more than 5,750 acres have been selected for permanent easements to add to the Delaware Farmland Preservation Program,the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation has announced.

The Foundation’s Board of Trustees recently voted to permanently preserve the properties in Round 17 of the program, which began in 1991, for an investment of $10.7 million. With the purchase of these easements, more than 110,800 acres will be permanently protected in Delaware.

“Delaware’s strong tradition of agricultural preservation helps preserve our way of life and heritage,” said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee. “Our children and grandchildren will look upon this land and thank us for keeping it in farming.”

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Unions Prepare for ‘Civil War’

Top Teamsters goon James R. Hoffa is threatening to bring “civil war” to Michigan in order to roll back the state’s new right to work law.

After Gov. Rick Snyder (R) signed legislation aimed at breaking the labor movement’s death grip on Michigan’s near-comatose economy, Hoffa took to CNN Tuesday to declare, “This is just the first round of a battle that’s going to divide this state.” He added, “We’re going to have a civil war in this state.”

Hoffa also flippantly compared the enactment of the legislation to the attack on Pearl Harbor 71 years ago in which more than 3,000 Americans died.
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December 17, 2012 Work Session

Hostess Said to Attract Bids From Wal-Mart, Kroger

Wal-Mart (WMT) Stores Inc. and Kroger Co. (KR) are among the bidders for assets being sold by Hostess Brands Inc., the bankrupt maker of Wonder bread and Twinkies, said a person familiar with the matter.

There are about two dozen bidders, said the person, who asked not to be named because the process is confidential. Last month, financial adviser Joshua Scherer of Perella Weinberg Partners LP said the liquidation sale may generate about $1 billion.

A few of the bids are for all the assets, some are for just the cakes or breads businesses, and others are interested in individual Hostess plants, said the person. 
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Recognition For Three Support Staff Employees Of The Month For Wicomico School

The Wicomico County Board of Education at its Dec. 11 Board meeting recognized three outstanding support staff employees as Employees of the Month. Congratulations to these employees, one each from representing Administration, Elementary and Secondary.
The purpose of the Support Staff Employee of the Month Program is to recognize classified employees who have served Wicomico County Public Schools in an exceptional manner. The nominee must be someone who performs outstanding service through his or her work and exhibits a positive and supportive attitude. Honorees receive a $50 gift card, award certificate and public recognition for their outstanding service to Wicomico County Public Schools.
Elementary: Mrs. Joan Pitts, special education paraprofessional, Charles H. Chipman Elementary
Mrs. Pitts is committed and compassionate. She is dependable, rarely missing a day of work. When she must be absent, she leaves lesson plans that are as thorough as a teacher’s because she says “I want to keep my children learning.” Thanks to her efforts, the school received a $250 award from the local VFW for books for the Special Education department at Chipman. For the past decade, Mrs. Pitts has placed a handmade poppy in each staff member’s mailbox to celebrate Veterans Day. She was also the first in line to help when the school media center got an extreme makeover last summer. Mrs. Pitts was nominated for this recognition by her principal, William Curtis.
Secondary: Ms. Susan Tayman, principal’s secretary, Mardela Middle and High School
Ms. Tayman ensures that everything runs smoothly at Mardela Middle and High while serving in a variety of essential roles. Her calm demeanor and friendly manner are ideal for greeting the visitors, staff and students who come through the main office each day. She processes all of the school’s discipline paperwork each day and makes sure that parents receive the papers they need to be informed. She keeps the school web page up to date and manages the school calendar by staying in constant communication with teachers, coaches, advisors and school system personnel. Her efforts ensure that parents and the community are aware of all the good things happening at the school. Ms. Tayman was nominated for this recognition by her principal, Frederick L. Briggs, and the home-school liaison, Jo Moore.
Central Office: Dee Calloway, office associate, Department of Instruction
In a short time, Ms. Calloway has become a cornerstone of the Department of Instruction, for which she serves as the front line person for parents and students with questions and concerns about secondary education. She presents a calm and receptive manner when listening to people who are sometimes angry and even volatile, letting them vent to get at the true concern so she can provide a well-informed answer. She recognizes that communication with schools is a key to resolving any concern, and ensures that the principal knows of the concern and is prepared to follow up. She is dependable and helpful and has a personal sparkle that brightens everyone’s day. Ms. Calloway was nominated for this recognition by Kim Miles, Director of Secondary Education.