Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Friday, May 07, 2010

Nightly News At 6 PM

Mosque Going Up In NYC Building Damaged On 9/11

NEW YORK – In a building damaged by debris from the Sept. 11 airliners that brought down the World Trade Center and soon to become a 13-story mosque, some see the bridging of a cultural divide and an opportunity to serve a burgeoning, peaceful religious population. Others see a painful reminder of the religious extremism that killed their loved ones.

Two Muslim organizations have partnered to open the mosque and cultural center in lower Manhattan, saying the $100 million project will create a venue for mainstream Islam and a counterbalance to radicalism. It earned a key endorsement this week from influential community leaders.

But some 9/11 victims' families said they were angered that it would be built so close to where their relatives died.

"I don't like it," said Evelyn Pettigano, who lost a sister in the attacks, during a phone interview on Thursday. "I'm not prejudiced. ... It's too close to the area where our family members were murdered."

GO HERE to read more.

Gary Comegys Featured Tonight On Our 6 PM News Broadcast

Councilman Gary Comegys will be featured as the top story in tonight's broadcast.

SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 5/7 vs. Charleston

Charleston RiverDogs (12-16) @ Delmarva Shorebirds (15-12)

May 7, 2010 Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Salisbury, Md. 7:05 PM

Series: Game 1

Radio Broadcast: Sportstalk 960 www.sportstalk960.com



PREVIEW: Following a split against Southern Division leaders Savannah, the Shorebirds square off with the RiverDogs in game one. Hickory lost last night for the first time since 4/25 to pull the ‘Birds within a half game of the leaders in the Northern Division. The RiverDogs are coming off a split against the Lakewood BlueClaws.

3 HOURS LOOOOONG: The Shorebirds have played four consecutive three-hour plus games at Perdue Stadium. Game one against Savannah lasted 3:35, game two went 3:06, game three took 3:16, while last night’s game went 3:09. Three of the four games in the series went into extra innings.

ONE RUN GAMES: The Shorebirds were involved in their tenth one-run game of the season last night. They are 5-5 in one-run affairs. The Shorebirds lead the lead with 10 one-run contests. Charleston has played in eight one-run games (4-4).

CLUTCH ROSA: Garabez Rosa has recorded two walk off hits this season including a base hit to right field in the 11th inning last night to score Tyler Kolodny. He also blasted a bottom of the ninth inning homer against Greensboro on April 20.

MORE BB THAN K’S: Infielder Ty Kelly is the lone player on the roster with more walks than strikeouts. He has 14 walks to 11 strikeouts.

‘Girls Gone Wild’ To Become Reality Show

HDNet TV to begin airing series that shows behind-the-scenes look at brand

DALLAS
- Mark Cuban's HDNet television network is teaming up with "Girls Gone Wild" on a reality show.

The outspoken owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks said this week that the show would be a behind-the-scenes look at the Girls Gone Wild brand, known for young women exposing themselves on camera.

The series is titled "Girls Gone Wild Presents: Search for the Hottest Girl in America." It will run for 12 weeks starting next week as part of HDNet's "Guys Night in" lineup.

Source

Don't Miss Our 6 PM News Broadcast Tonight

PAY RAISES AND NEW POSITIONS IN IRETON'S PROPOSED FY 2011 SALISBURY CITY BUDGET

General Fund raises (upgrades)
Assistant City Administrator $9,890.00 Lore' Chambers
Community Development Director $5,406
Community Development Administrative Associate $2,747
Assistant Director of Internal Services $3,560
Neighborhood Services Housing Supervisor $5,628
Neighborhood Services Code Enforcement Officers (4) $17,134
Fire Department Office Associate $2,821
Public Works Resource Manager $2,229
Public Works Technical Service Manager $3,327

General Fund reclassifications
Mayor's Executive Office Associate to Communication Coordinator $3,332
Mayor's Office Associate to Administrative Associate $2,443
Human Resources Associate to Manager $3,020
Zookeeper to Lead Zookeeper $0

New positions
IT Director $90,457
IT Network Technician $46,488*
Neighborhood Services Code Enforcement Officer $47,564**

Total: $246,044.00

The Daily Times Fails To Deliver Message


"Fighting cancer, Comegys still on top of budget issues" is today's title for an article written in the Daily Times. Now, please tell me anywhere in that article where it will convince me that Gary Comegys is in fact stating he's on top of the budget matters at hand?

It says:

"Council Vice President Gary Comegys is eager to get back into action."

"Comegys said he hopes he can attend the upcoming session"

"I'm keeping up with stuff as much as I can and keeping up with the budget as much as I can"

"It's not like I've stopped work all together, (but) just getting out of the house is often difficult."

"He said some days are good, and others aren't, but he's staying optimistic."


Clearly, the man is in pain, he can't attend work session meetings as well as council meetings and admittedly they are depending on e-mail messages as to his input on issues, something that cannot be confirmed he authored. "he sent an e-mail detailing his concerns on a scheduled discussion."


IMHO, Mr. Comegys is not capable of representing the Taxpayers while undergoing intense chemo therapy and being in so much pain. Clearly there has to be medication to ease that pain and having a clear mind while doing so is something I truly cannot believe Gary is capable of providing.

Again, these articles are not about kicking a guy when he's down. Taxpayers depend on Council Members, (especially during budget sessions) to represent our best interests and Gary Comegys simply cannot deliver right now. The e-mail is out of the question as we cannot confirm they are in fact from Mr. Comegys and not from someone with a special interest.

Nevertheless, the Daily Times article was clearly a puff piece to defend what Salisbury News has delivered, the tough and direct question, is Gary Comegys in the proper frame of mind to represent the taxpayers. According to their own article, the answer is clearly, NO.

Troopers Make Arrest In Brutal Robbery

Robert Ellison

David J. “Buddy” Wood



Location: 700 block Sand Court, Bethany Beach, Sussex County, DE

Date of Occurrence: Thursday April 8, 2010 at approximately 1 a.m.

Suspect: Robert Ellison, 20, Bethany Beach, DE

Resume:

Delaware State Police have arrested a 20 year-old Bethany Beach man for the brutal robbery and assault of a 54 year-old man back in April.

During a burglary investigating troopers found evidence implicating Ellison in the April 20th crime. Ellison was charged with Robbery an Assault 1st.

In addition Ellison was charged with 40 burglaries in the eastern and central Sussex County area. His accomplice was identified as David J. “Buddy” Wood, 21, Dagsboro.

Both men were committed to the Department of Correction. No bail information was available at the time of this release.

LOCAL CORPS CELEBRATES NATIONAL SALVATION ARMY WEEK


Salisbury…The Salisbury Corps of The Salvation Army has announced several activities planned in celebration of National Salvation Army Week, May 10th – May 16th. As one of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been dispensing aid, without discrimination, to those in need since 1865.

“This is a time for us to highlight the wide array of programs and services The Salvation Army offers 365 days a year,” said Captain Cameron Henderson, Salisbury Corps Officer. “Your Salisbury Corps offers food for the hungry, clothing and shelter for the homeless, assistance with heating bills and prescription drugs, sports and other activities for underprivileged children, early childhood learning centers, mentoring programs, activities for seniors, relief for disaster victims and so much more.”

The Salisbury Corps has planned several fun activities in which those they serve as well as donors and volunteers can participate:

Monday, May 10th, Annual Golf Tournament at Glen Riddle Golf Club
Tuesday, May 11th, GeTogether at Wendy’s Restaurants. The Salvation Army will receive 10% of sales at Wendy’s on Route 13, North and Wendy’s East at Autumn Grove Court between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The public is encouraged to visit Wendy’s during those hours and support The Salvation Army.

Wednesday, May 12th, Annual Youth Sports Awards Ceremony. Dinner available for participating families from 6 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., tickets required. Presentation of awards starting at 7 p.m. under the lights on the football field 407 Oak Street, Salisbury, open to the public.

Thursday, May 13th, PreSchool Shower for Little Ones PreSchool, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 407 Oak Street, PreSchool Room. Help replenish supplies. PreSchool is registered at Toys R Us. Needs include blocks, dolls, action figures, play-doh, art supplies, educational toys and board games and gift cards.

Saturday, May 15th, Parking Lot Sale at the Thrift Store, 215 E. Vine Street. 9:00 a.m. to noon.

“We hope the community will visit us during this week and support one of these activities,” concluded Henderson. “Our community doesn’t just hurt during the Christmas season – the need is year ‘round.”

For more information, call The Salvation Army at 410-749-7771, x105. Donations may be sent to The Salvation Army, 407 Oak Street, Salisbury, MD 21804.

City Of Fruitland Press Release



The Fruitland City Council pursuant to its charter will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed General Operating Fund budget and Water/Sewer Fund budgets for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The Public Hearing will be held during the regularly scheduled Council meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 beginning at 7:30 p.m.


The City indicates the preliminary budget for the Water/Sewer fund includes an increase of $10 per quarter for water service charges and an increase of $20 per quarter for sewer service charges. All other fees and charges in the Water/Sewer Fund are proposed to remain the same as the current year including front footage assessments, tapping charges and impact fees.


The significant expenses in operating a high quality water and wastewater treatment plant are employee expense, energy costs for electricity and gas, chemicals, the cost of complying with Maryland Department of the Environment regulations and funding reserve balances for replacement costs . While the City is planning on holding employee expenses level, other costs out of the City’s control as previously noted continue to rise.


Within the General Operating Fund budget, the City indicates an increase to both the real property tax and personal property tax rates are necessary for the upcoming budget year to offset significant lost revenue from state highway aid and state police aid as well as lower property assessment values. Preliminary indications reveal a reduction in revenue of $300,000. State highway aid is projected to drop from $257,000 to $26,000 and State police aid is projected to drop from $80,000 to $50,000. The balance is as a result of lower assessment values.


Based on the projected income loss, the City believes an 8 to 10 cent tax increase will be needed to offset the lost revenue, while holding the line on expenses. Even with a proposed tax increase, the City projects many residents will actually have lower tax bills than last year because of lower assessments. Other revenue sources in the General Operating Fund are projected to remain constant such as the sanitation fee.


City officials are deeply concerned with the proposed rate increases and their effect on residents during these challenging and difficult economic times. The Council and staff continue to investigate all possible avenues to reduce the proposed increases. The City has sent County Executive Richard Pollitt formal notification with several ideas for the County to grant a tax differential. The recent impartial study jointly funded by Wicomico County, City of Salisbury, City of Fruitland and Town of Delmar reported $0.05 tax differential for Fruitland.


While most capital projects have been stricken from the budget, the City is moving forward with its plans to construct a new municipal building to house its much needed Police Department. Though the overall cost of the project is estimated to be $2.6 million, the upcoming budget will not be significantly impacted by the project.

City Council Work Session - May 11, 2010


PUBLIC NOTICE

Following the conclusion of the Council’s 9:30 a.m., May 11, 2010 budget session, the City Council will convene in a work session for further discussion on the Fire Department grant.

The budget and work session are held in Conference Room 306 of the Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street).

Two More Suspects Arrested For Stealing Copper From Irrigation Systems




Date of Arrest: Thursday May 6, 2010

Suspect:
Jerry W. Miller, 24, Whaleyville, MD
Timothy Wells, 26, Delmar, De

Resume:

Delaware State Police have arrested two more suspects for their involvement in stealing copper from farm irrigation systems.

Troopers extradited Miller from Maryland and Wells was taken into custody in the Delmar area.

Miller was charged with 1 count Felony Theft, 2 counts Conspiracy, Criminal Mischief and Trespass 3rd. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $4,000.00 bail.

Wells was charged with 2 counts of Felony Theft, 2 counts of Conspiracy, Criminal Mischief and 2 counts of Trespass 3rd. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $5,500.00 bail.

The thefts were from farms in the Gumboro and Delmar areas.

The investigation is on going and more arrests are expected.

Robbery Suspect Arrested

Location: Happy Harry’s, 16864 Savannah Road, Lewes, Sussex County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Thursday May 6, 2010 at 6:19 a.m.
Suspect: Douglas Roach, 21, Ellendale, DE

Resume:

Delaware State Police have arrested an Ellendale man and charged him with an early morning robbery at a Lewes area pharmacy.

Roach allegedly entered the Happy Harry’s pharmacy yesterday morning and approached the pharmacist. Roach handed a note to the pharmacist indicating he had a weapon and demanded pharmaceutical drugs and paraphernalia. Roach obtained the items and fled the store. As he was attempting to flee in a car Roach allegedly attempted to run over a security guard.

Troopers obtained evidence at the scene and executed a search warrant at Roach’s Ellendale home last evening. Troopers recovered all the stolen items and tracked Roach to a house on Thicket Road in Milton where he was taken into custody.

He was taken to Troop 4 in Georgetown where he was charged with Robbery 1st and Reckless Endangering. No bail information was available at the time of this release.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY’S MBE UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE COMES TO BALTIMORE

Governor addresses the state of minority business enterprises in Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD (May 7, 2010)
– Today, Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown hosted the MBE University Conference in Baltimore to support Maryland’s minority and women-owned businesses and to highlight the State’s MBE progress. This is the second in a series of conferences that will travel around the State to offer training, opportunities, and information on the tools necessary for minority or woman-owned businesses to expand, create jobs, and thrive even in difficult economic times. Today’s conference in Baltimore focused on access to capital, attracting more than 300 interested attendees to the event. Baltimore County Executive James Smith and Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake also attended the event.

“As we seek to turn the corner from recession to prosperity, our mission is simple: to create jobs, to save jobs, to improve the conditions that empower businesses to create and save jobs,” said Governor O’Malley. “In your state government we have the most ambitious goals for Minority Business Enterprise in the United States of America. MBE University is designed to help us exceed them, together.”

Governor O’Malley launched MBE University in December 2009 in Prince George’s County, where more than business owners gathered to discuss ways to expand opportunity to small, minority and women owned businesses throughout Maryland.

“By investing in Maryland’s small and minority-owned businesses, we are not only supporting our working families and expanding job opportunities, but we are building a stronger future with a diverse economy,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “Governor O’Malley and I are dedicated to strengthening our workforce and providing Marylanders with the vital information and resources they need to successfully open new doors in their communities and continue to thrive for years to come.”

Participants had the opportunity to attend workshops that provided information on contracting with the State as an MBE, response procedures for bid solicitations, MBE certification process, commercial insurance and public/private partnerships. The conference also offered a Financial Pavilion -Speed Dating segment that provided entrepreneurs with an opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from approximately 15 financial lenders/organizations. MBE University’s private sector sponsors and partners included Wachovia Bank, Verizon, National Association of Women Business Owners-Baltimore Regional Chapter (NAWBO), and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. Verizon also hosted a workshop on how to do business with its organization, and NAWBO hosted a workshop on women and entrepreneurship.

“Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown, Maryland continues to make substantial progress in its capacity building initiatives for MBEs,” said Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs Special Secretary Luwanda Jenkins. “MBE University is a more focused outreach effort designed to connect MBE firms with vital opportunities and resources.”

Maryland is home to one of the nation’s leading MBE programs, and it has established the highest minority and women-owned business contracting goals in the nation at 25 percent. In addition, Maryland is one of only 15 states in the nation with MBE goals and one of only a few states with an MBE law in statute. Maryland remains the only state in the nation to collect uniform reporting data including actual payments to MBEs.

In Fiscal Year 2009, Maryland state agencies achieved 22 percent MBE participation, up from 20 percent in the previous year. These include over $1.6 billion in awards to MBE firms, an increase of 26 percent in one year, and $1 billion in payment to MBE firms.

“MBE University” was created in collaboration with the State’s minority business coordinating agencies and the Governor’s Office. Coordinating agencies include the Department of Business and Economic Development, the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs, the Department of General Services, the Department of Housing & Community Development, and the Governor’s Grants Office. The 2010 conference schedule includes Southern Maryland on May 21st, Eastern Shore on June 16th, Western Maryland on July 7th, and Capital Region (Montgomery County) in fall 2010.

For more information on the MBE University Initiative, contact the Governor’s Office at 410-767-8232 or visit www.mdminoritybusiness.com.

Yard Sales this weekend

CLICK HERE for this weekend's yard sales.

If you have a yard sale you would like to post, send it to SunnyInOC at atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email.

Have a safe weekend. Don't forget Springfest in Ocean City.

WHY IS WILBER’S BILL FOR LEGAL WORK MARKED “CONFIDENTIAL”

Although I have not seen it, someone who was at the Salisbury City Council’s work session yesterday has reported that a bill recently submitted to the City by Paul Wilber is marked “personal and confidential.” Our source also reported that when a member of the Council asked who had marked it that way and why, the City Administrator said that Mr. Wilber had for reasons that he apparently had not shared with Mr. Pick.

This blog will stay on this outrageous action like a fly on a cow-paddie until the tale is fully told, but for now we can only speculate that there’s something Jim Ireton does not want the public to know. Go figure.

And consider this scary scenario. If, as Mr. Ireton intends, the city’s attorney becomes an “in-house” full-time employee, there would be no legal bills that indicate the matters being handled, so that the public would have no readily available information in that regard. Imagine if the former mayor had a staff lawyer who could be deployed against the “dirty dozen” or other persons on her enemies list without any public notice. BTW – Ireton has already put a gag on City employees in responding to inquiries.

Welcome to Salisbarrie!

Obama, Egypt Strategizing For Nuke-Free Israel

Egypt and the United States have sought to draft a joint proposal for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons.

Officials and analysts said President Barack Obama has approved efforts of a joint resolution as a means of pressuring Israel to give up its purported nuclear arsenal. They said the resolution was not meant against Iran, which has denied a nuclear weapons program.

"The president is not happy with Israel's nuclear capabilities," former U.S. envoy to the United Nations, John Bolton, said. "I think he would be delighted if Israel gave up its nuclear weapons."

In an interview on May 4 on Israel Army radio, Bolton said Obama's predecessor, George Bush, refused to work with Egypt or any other country for a so-called nuclear-free Middle East. Israel has refused to confirm or deny reports that it possesses nuclear weapons.

"Egypt and the Obama administration are negotiating right now on an Egyptian proposal for a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East, which certainly sounds good," Bolton, who served as Bush's leading nonproliferation official, said. "Except when you think about it, there is only one country that resolution is targeted at and that is Israel."

More here

"There Will Be No Apology"

Those are the words of the mother of Matt Dariano, one of the five kids at Live Oak High School in the San Francisco Bay Area who were sent home for having the temerity to wear American flag tee shirts on the "Mexican heritage day" of Cinco de Mayo.

"There will not be an apology," Mrs. Dariano told the camera crew outside the school. "Matthew is part Hispanic, OK? He's an American. So, no, there will be no apology from any Dariano."

Guess who else uttered the exact same phrase last year? James Crowley, the white Cambridge cop who arrested black Harvard professor Louis Gates, Jr. and was singled out in a nationally televised press conference by President Obama for "acting stupidly."

The fact is, Americans are increasingly fed up with the racially divisive, politically correct insanity pulsating through the country today. After years of being pressured and browbeaten by the left-wing PC police about what they can say, do, think, and wear, many Americans have had enough. And they're especially furious with being asked to apologize for things that aren't or shouldn't be in the least bit offensive.

Read more here

GOP Continues Effort To Thwart EU Bailouts

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash), vice chair of the House Republican Conference, on Thursday said the Dow losing approximately 348 points should signal the Obama administration that the Greece bailout will not help to restore the market.

"The market downturn supports the argument of bailout opponents that investors don't have confidence that the Greek bailout deal will work," she said in prepared remarks.

Rodgers and House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) also sent a letter to Vice President Joseph Biden urging him to oppose a potential bailout of Spain, which appears to be teetering toward financial crisis.

"Should Spain request a bailout from the IMF, we urge you to make it clear that the U.S. will oppose such a bailout, and do all in its power as the IMF's leading contributor to reject putting American money further at risk," they wrote. "The U.S. did not implement the policies that have caused Spain's debt issue and the U.S. taxpayer should not be put at risk to bail them out."

The lawmakers have already sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner calling on him to oppose the $145 billion bailout of Greece, as well as future European bailouts.

Source

Wor-Wic Nursing Students

Hi Joe!

Tonight the RN students from Wor-Wic are having their capping & pinning ceremony.


The pinning ceremony is the culmination of the initial journey to the professional nursing education. It is held each year and is a bridge from nursing's past to nursing's future. Today nurses do not usually wear their traditional whites and nursing cap in the health care environment. However, Wor-Wic Community College graduates still have a cap. They also, proudly wear their nursing school pin and the name tag that clearly states that they are an RN or registered nurse which distinguishes them from all other health care professionals and para-professionals.


Dedication of the Nursing Pin
At this special ceremony given for the graduating nursing students, family and friends, the students get to dedicate their nursing pin. Frequently they dedicate them to family members who helped them along their journey, to a close friend, or to the spiritual force that guided them.
Near the end of the ceremony they take a pledge which reaches back to Florence Nightingale who distinguished herself during the Crimean War nursing sick and wounded British soldiers.

Because of her selfless duty during the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale became known as the "lady with the lamp." As a tribute to Florence's dedication, the lamp icon became symbolic of nursing. The lamp will always shine brightly as a symbol of the care and devotion the nurse administers to the sick and injured in the practice of Nursing.


It is a really big deal. I just wanted to congratulate them on a huge job well done and wish them all the best of luck. For those who do not know, the Wor-Wic nursing program is one of the most competitive programs on the eastern shore, in fact they have people all the way from Annapolis applying for one of these coveted spots. To be able to say that you have completed this program is a testament of dedication. So, congrats 2010 RN grads.....we 2011 RN grads are so proud to call you our mentors.....but most of all our friends. :-)

Thank you,

Jami Post2011

RN student

Cadaver Pile A "Slight Error Of Judgement"


A Prince George's County funeral home ordered closed after the discovery of 46 cadavers piled in the garage will go before the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors at the end of the month to try to get its license reinstated.

The cadavers were discovered during a surprise inspection of Chambers Funeral Home & Crematorium in Riverdale late last month.

Harri Close, of the Maryland Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors, signed the order. He said he'd never seen anything like it before in Maryland.

GO HERE to read more.

Making America Less Secure

EDITORIAL: Obama's nuclear spill

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

The Obama administration has revealed - for the first time ever - the size of the U.S. nuclear arsenal in detail. This information was a closely guarded secret for more than 60 years. By unloading such sensitive information, President Obama is responsible for deliberately exposing a chink in America's defensive armor. The Land of the Free is less secure for it.


On orders from the White House, the Pentagon on Monday released the exact number of nuclear warheads as the 189-nation nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference got under way in New York. The U.S. nuclear stockpile now stands at 5,113 warheads, down from a high of 31,255 in 1967.


Never before has the United States allowed either friend or foe access to such precise information about our nuclear assets - and for good reason. A healthy dread of these awesome weapons has deterred aggression against the American homeland and kept the nation safe.
Disarmament officials and purported peace activists claim the frank U.S. disclosure will elicit similar openness on the part of other nuclear powers, leading them to follow suit. We're not so sure that neighborhood bullies will decide that giving away state secrets is the cool thing to do on the nuclear playground. While revealing the size of the stockpile might earn some diplomatic plaudits for an approval-seeking Mr. Obama, surrendering such information constitutes shortsighted defense policy.


Contrary to Team Obama's pipe dream of a nuclear-free world, the unfolding international trend is toward uncontrollable nuclear proliferation, not reduction - especially in the Third World. It's hardly breaking news that nations that wish us ill profess platitudes of peace while quietly developing their own nuclear capabilities. Foremost among them is the Islamic Republic of Iran, whose president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on Monday called on treaty signatories to punish nations that threaten other countries with nuclear weapons. This was a thinly veiled snipe at the United States.


The Iranian despot has perfected his role as puppet master on the world stage. Relentless denunciations of America's nuclear posture played into the U.S. decision to release its long-guarded nuclear secrets as American treaty negotiators sought to pre-empt Iran's demand that existing nuclear nations provide more accountability for their nuclear materials. Mr. Ahmadinejad has pulled Mr. Obama's strings, goading the United States along the path of disarmament, all the while moving his Islamic regime inexorably toward possession of the mullahs' own nuclear weapons. In the game of power politics, Mr. Obama is clearly out of his depth.


This is not a minor issue. As former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John R. Bolton has warned in this paper, "If Washington will not continue to hold the nuclear umbrella that has provided strategic stability for so long, other countries will begin making divergent decisions about how to protect themselves, including, for some, the possibility of seeking their own nuclear weapons."
In an ideal world, a nuclear umbrella wouldn't be necessary, but ours is hardly an ideal world. Nature abhors a vacuum, and as America surrenders its mantle as the world's foremost superpower, other nations will rush forward to pick it up. Providing America's adversaries with precise information about our military capabilities only assists their strategy against us. If he had any useful experience, Mr. Obama would know that - assuming he's not weakening America on purpose.

Sanders Amendment Update


Financial regulation will be worthless without S604 “audit the fed” S604 settle for nothing less!

Important Information

The Center for Disease Control has issued a warning about a new virulent strain of this old disease. The disease is called Gonorrhea Lectim. It's pronounced "Gonna re-elect 'em," and it is a terrible obamanation.

The disease is contracted through dangerous and high risk behavior involving putting your cranium up your rectum. Many victims contracted it in 2008...but now most people, after having been infected for the past 1-2 years, are starting to realize how destructive this sickness is.

It's sad because Gonorrhea Lectim is easily cured with a new drug just coming on the market called Votemout. You take the first dose in 2010 and the second dose in 2012 and simply don't engage in such behavior again; otherwise, it could become permanent and eventually wipe out all life as we know it.

Several states are already on top of this, like Virginia and New Jersey , and apparently now Massachusetts , with many more seeing the writing on the wall.

Obama Freezes Budget for Program Designed To Stop Terrorists From Getting U.S. Visas

(CNSNews.com) – Four months after the attempted Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Flight 253 over Detroit and nine years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, only 14 of the 57 U.S. consulates identified as being at “high risk” for potentially providing visas to terrorists have been furnished with units of the Department of Homeland Security’s Visa Security Program (VSP).

President Barack Obama, meanwhile, is planning to freeze the program’s budget for fiscal 2011.

The VSP, established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, puts Department of Homeland Security officials in the field at U.S. consulates to vet the backgrounds of people applying for U.S. visas. DHS uses a broader range of databases than the State Department to review the backgrounds of visa applicants. Also, many policymakers believe DHS officials tend to be more security-minded than State Department consular officers when reviewing visa applications.

While administration officials have said publicly that five additional VSP units should be in place at high risk consulates by the end of 2011, President Barack Obama’s fiscal Year 2011 budget for DHS--submitted almost two months after the Christmas Day bombing attempt—does not increase funding for the program from its fiscal 2010 level.

GO HERE to read more.

DEAF WIFE.....

A man feared his wife wasn't hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family Doctor to discuss the problem.

The Doctor told him there is a simple, informal test the husband could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.

"Here's what you do," said the Doctor, "stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears
You. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response."

That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den. He says to himself, "I'm about 40 feet away, let's see what happens." Then in a normal tone he asks, 'Honey, what's for
Dinner?"

No response.

So the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, "Honey, what's for dinner?"

Still no response.

Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?"

Again he gets no response.

So, he walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. "Honey, what's for dinner?" Again there is no response.

So he walks right up behind her. "Honey, what's for dinner?"

(I just love this).....

"Alan , for the FIFTH time, CHICKEN!"

AZ Capitol Protestor Last Saturday

Wonder why AZ passed a law???

Comegys A No Show At Budget Work Session AGAIN

Salisbury City Councilman Gary Comegys diagnosed with cancer and reportedly undergoing aggressive chemo therapy treatment was once again a no show yesterday during extremely important budget work sessions.

While decisions are being made on how to handle the multi-million dollar City Budget, one can only guess as to the mental condition veteran Gary Comegys is in and or what kind of roll Gary is playing in such decisions.

As comments expressed in yesterday's Post exposed, some suggest that's none of our business. I clearly disagree. I personally believe Gary respectfully should step down. Again, in comments, I expressed after 18 years of being a dedicated employee with the City, my Wife herniated three disks in her back on the job and they terminated her because she could not perform 100%. I see no difference in Gary Comegys physical position as he cannot perform his duties and has proven such by not showing up for Work Sessions and or Council Meetings in months. Mind you, elected officials do not have to follow the employee handbook.

Mr. Comegys, please do the right thing and step down, at least for now.

Caption This Photo


Governor May Veto Self-Defense Bill

Ask Governor O'Malley to SIGN this Bill



Your right to self-defense in your home may be vetoed by Governor O'Malley. Although this bill passed with large majorities, the Governor has not stated his intent to sign Senate Bill 411 Castle Doctrine. The Defense of Dwelling and Civil Immunity Act gives the legal right to use force as defense in your home from illegal trespassers and protects against civil charges as a result. Call now. Last bill signing session is May 20, 2010.

Governor's Office:1-800-811-8336

Ask that he sign MD Senate Bill 411 Castle Doctrine

Thank God Its Friday

What Will You Be Doing This Weekend?

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION

2010 Draft City of Salisbury Comprehensive Plan

The City of Salisbury will host a community information session on Thursday, May 13, 2010, starting at 6:00 P.M. in the training center of the Salisbury Fire Headquarters – Station 16, 325 Cypress Street, Salisbury, Maryland.

Over the past 22-months the City has conducted over thirty meetings open to the public to receive feedback about the various elements included in the Draft Plan. As part of the plan adoption process, State agencies had the opportunity to review the Draft Plan. The State review comments received to date are very positive and encouraging. Additionally as part of the plan adoption process, the Salisbury Planning Commission and the City Council have recently held Public Hearings to receive comments from the public. Both hearings had positive outcomes, with appropriate clarification included.

The Mayor and City Council encourage all members of the public with final questions and comments to join staff at this upcoming meeting to learn more about the final draft Plan. Prior to the meeting, we recommend reviewing the latest version of the final draft Plan, which is located on the City of Salisbury website at
http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/SalisburyComprehensivePlan/tabid/621/Default.aspx.

Copies of the draft Plan are also available to the public in the following locations:
• City of Salisbury, City Clerk’s Office, Government Office Building, Room 305;
• Salisbury – Wicomico County Department of Planning, Zoning & Community Development,
Government Office Building, Room 203; and
• The Wicomico Public Library, 122 South Division Street, Salisbury, Maryland.

Public input is an integral component of any comprehensive planning process.

If you are unable to attend the community information session or would like to schedule an individual meeting to learn more about the Draft 2010 City of Salisbury Comprehensive Plan, contact Keith D. Hall, Long-Range/Transportation Planner, Salisbury – Wicomico County Department of Planning, Zoning & Community Development at (410) 548-4860 or via e-mail Khall@wicomicocounty.org.

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus


Does A Bear Sleep In The Woods ?

Great Quote

The General is a quick thinker..
President Obama was having that one, lone brief conversation this year with General McChrystal about Afghanistan .
Things were obviously not going the way the General had hoped. Obama could sense this, and told him, "I bet when I die, you'll piss on my grave."
To which General McChrystal answers, "No sir, I've always said that when I get out of the Army, I'll never again wait in another line."

Saturday, 22 May Barbeque Rutledge Fundraiser!


Bring the family to meet
Maryland's United States Senatorial Candidate
Jim Rutledge

at a

Pig Roast - Barbeque
Fundraiser (Rain or Shine!)

Saturday, May 22, 2010
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

32625 Spearin Road
Salisbury, MD 21804
(Head south from Salisbury on Snow Hill Road, turn left onto Spearin Road. It is the last farm on the right.)

*Meet other Republican Candidates running for various offices
*Horseshoes
*Wagon Rides (hayrides)
*Nature Walks
*BYOB
*4-wheelers welcome

Minimum suggested donation
$25 per individual
Children under 16 ~ free

Please R.S.V.P. (include the names of each person attending)
Contact Don Coffin at 410-860-2111 or e-mail
mailto:dcoffin@ezy.net

Donations can be made the afternoon of the event
OR
On line at Rutledge for US Senate
OR
Checks should be payable to and mailed to:
Rutledge for U.S. Senate
P.O. Box 263
Forest Hill, MD 21050
(Please indicate on check the donation is for the May 22th event)

SHOREBIRDS TOP SAND GNATS 5-4 ON 11TH INNING SINGLE

SALISBURY, Md. – Delmarva shortstop Garabez Rosa hit a bloop single to shallow right field, scoring Tyler Kolodny from third as the Shorebirds topped the Savannah Sand Gnats, 5-4, in 11 innings at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Thursday.

Kolodny got on with an error to begin the 11th and was sacrificed to second with a bunt by T.J. Baxter. After a groundout to short held Kolodny, Garabez’s base hit won it for the Shorebirds.

Delmarva improved to 15-12 with the win, its third of the season in extra innings, while Savannah dropped to 18-10 with the loss.

Steve Bumbry led the ‘Birds 10-hit offense, going 3-for-5 with a triple and a run, while Kolody was 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Wilmer Flores had two hits, including a home run for the Sand Gnats.

Nicholas Haughian (3-0) got the win in relief, pitching the top of the 11th inning and working around a pair of singles.



The Sand Gnats tied the game, 4-4 in the top of the eighth off righty Brent Allar. Flores doubled and moved to third on Marte’s single through the left side and with one out Dock Doyle grounded to Allar on the mound, who was unable to turn the inning-ending double play as Flores pulled Savannah even.

Delmarva took a 4-3 advantage into the sixth inning. Rosa lined a double to left to leadoff. Mike Mooney then singled up the middle for first and third and no outs when Ty Kelly ripped another two-bagger to the gap in right-center field to put the Shorebirds on the scoreboard. After a Brian Conley groundout, Mikey Planeta hit an RBI grounder to short which cut the deficit to 3-2.

Kolodny put the ‘Birds on top with the third double of the inning to the wall in left, scoring Ty Kelly and Bumbry to send Savannah starter Collin McHugh to the showers for Erik Turgeon.

After facing the minimum nine batters through three innings, Delmarva starter Jake Cowan allowed Savannah to tally three runs in the top of the fourth frame. Juan Lagares doubled in front of Steve Bumbry in center with one out before Wilmer Flores deposited a 1-1 pitch over the left-field fence for his first home run of the season and a 2-0 lead.

Jefry Marte and Kai Gronaur then reached on a walk and base hit prior to Cowan committing a pair of errors on a weak groundball, allowing Marte to lengthen the lead with an unearned run.

Bumbry lashed a leadoff triple to right center in the bottom of the eighth but Savannah escaped danger as the defense stiffened, setting the Shorebirds down on three consecutive groundouts and the teams played a scoreless ninth to send it into extras.

The Shorebirds host the Charleston Riverdogs in a four-game series, starting Friday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and information, contact the Shorebirds’ box office at (410) 219-3112. On the mound will be right-hander Matt Hobgood (2-1, 3.90 ERA). Charleston counters with righty Jose Ramirez (1-1, 1.84).

The Times Are Changing

Whether these changes are good or bad depends in part on how we adapt to them. But, ready or not, here they come!


1. The Post Office. Get ready to imagine a world without the post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and bills.

2. The Check. Britain is already laying the groundwork to do away with checks by 2018. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process checks. Plastic cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the check. This plays right into the death of the post office If you never paid your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of business.

3. The Newspaper. The younger generation simply doesn't read the newspaper. They certainly don't subscribe to a daily delivered print edition. That may go the way of the milkman and the laundry man. As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance. They have met with Apple, Amazon, and the major cell phone companies to develop a model for paid subscription services.

4. The Book. You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half that of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find that you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you're holding a gadget instead of a book.

5. The Land Line Telephone. Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don't need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they're always had it. But you are paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes.

6. Music. This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates are simply in self-destruction. Over 40% of the music purchased today is "catalog items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit. To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music Dies."

7. Television. Revenues to the networks are down dramatically. Not just because of the economy. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers. And they're playing games and doing lots of other things that take up the time that used to be spent watching TV. Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator. Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about every 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I say good riddance to most of it. It's time for the cable companies to be put out of our misery. Let the people choose what they want to watch online and through Netflix.


8. The "Things" That You Own. Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in "the cloud." Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest "cloud services." That means that when you turn on a computer, the Internet will be built into the operating system. So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider.

In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your whatever from any laptop or handheld device. That's the good news. But, will you actually own any of this "stuff" or will it all be able to disappear at any moment in a big "Poof?" Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical? It makes you want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the insert.

9. Privacy. If there ever was a concept that we can look back on nostalgically, it would be privacy. That's gone. It's been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and cell phone. But you can be sure that 24/7 "They" know who you are and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and the Google Street View. If you buy something, your habit is put into a zillion profiles, and your ads will change to reflect those habits. And "They" will try to get you to buy something else. Again and again. All we will have that can't be changed are Memories.

DelDOT's Traffic Information For NASCAR Fans

Bus Service Available Sunday, May 16

Dover
-- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) welcomes fans to Dover for the 2010 NASCAR Race Series at the Dover International Speedway beginning on Friday, May 14 for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 200; Saturday, May 15 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series 200; and Sunday, May 16 for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400.

Traffic Information
At both of the Route 1 and I-95 Toll Plazas, additional lanes will be open in expectation of traffic congestion. Extra toll operators will be working at the Route 1 Toll Plaza in Dover on Monday, May 17 to assist recreational vehicles leaving the speedway.

DelDOT's Transportation Management Center (TMC) staff in coordination with the City of Dover Police and Delaware State Police will monitor traffic in and around the Dover vicinity to ensure safe travel for motorists.

On Sunday, May 16, the Dover International Speedway's main entrance on Route 13 will be CLOSED for all southbound traffic when parking at the Dover International Speedway is filled. When the race is concluded on Sunday afternoon, Leipsic Road will also be CLOSED to through traffic. This will allow traffic to immediately exit onto Route 13 and traffic from Lot 2 Parking to exit directly to Leipsic Road.

A designated exit route for the Saturday and Sunday races have been established through the cooperation of many groups including the Towne Point Civic Association. Vehicles parked in Lot 1 will be permitted to exit to Buckson Drive onto Townsend Boulevard (next to K-Mart) and the signalized intersection. Once at the traffic signal, motorists will be able to turn southbound only. Due to special routes being designed just for Saturday and Sunday races, motorists are encouraged to tune to WTMC 1380 AM and to read the variable message board signs surrounding the Dover area.

The TMC and DelDOT's Traffic Division will work from the Command Post at the Dover International Speedway with technicians monitoring traffic inside the track facilities and outside on Dover-area roadways. DelDOT's staff will watch major intersections for proper signal progression, place temporary directional signage, and assist with any incident or congestion problems along major travel routes.

Smyrna Rest Area
The Smyrna Rest Area located approximately ten miles north of Dover International Speedway just off Exit 119 is open 24 hours each day; which offers snacks and sodas, restrooms, and has an RV dump station for the convenience of NASCAR campers.

Park 'n' Ride Bus Service
DelDOT and Dover International Speedway are pleased to offer race fans a better way to enjoy their stay. If you're looking for a smart way to get to and from the track, consider using the Race Express Bus service. This bus service is only available on Sunday, May 16. In the event of inclement weather, and the race is postponed there will be NO bus service on Monday, May 17.

On race day, payment will only be accepted by exact CASH amount, no change will be available.

You can choose to ride from two locations:

The Race Express from Christiana Mall Park & Ride in northern Delaware, just off I-95 takes NASCAR fans directly to Dover International Speedway. The bus service will begin at 8 AM with 800 seats available on a first come, first serve basis. The cost per person is $12.00 round-trip.

For $20 per vehicle, NASCAR fans can also park at the Blue Hen Corporate Center located at 655 South Bay Road in Dover. All vehicle occupants can ride the Race Express Bus to and from the Dover International Speedway. The Race Express Bus avoids race day traffic congestion by traveling north on Route 1 to an exclusive bus-only exit ramp leading directly to Dover International Speedway, approximately 12 minutes. The service begins at 8 AM and is available to transport passengers back and forth until one (1) hour after the race.

Carry-on items on the buses to the grandstands must conform to Dover International Speedway's Gate Admission Policy, and any and all carry-on items that can be handled by one person are permitted on the buses upon departure after the race.


Motorists should check DelDOT online for updated travel-related information or tune to WTMC 1380 AM for up-to-the-minute traffic conditions.

Enjoy the races!

Win Big At Bingomania On Saturday, May 15

(Salisbury, MD) Be the first to shout bingo at Bingomania, which returns to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Saturday, May 15. Doors open at 5:00pm for early bird games and regular games begin at 7:30pm.

Admission to Bingomania includes all regular and special games, including the Jumbo Jackpot Game. Regular games offer a $500 prize while special games pay out $1000. The Jumbo Jackpot Game pays a maximum of $10,000.

Increase your chances of winning and help a local food bank at the same time by bringing three non-perishable food items to the game. Those that do will receive 3 additional cards for the first early bird game, which has a payout of $500.

Tickets are $45 per person in advance and $55 per person at the door. Tickets are on sale now at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Ave. Salisbury, MD), online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org and by phone at 410-548-4911.

All proceeds benefit the Mardela Junior/Senior High School Band. For more information contact the Mardela Band-Aides at 410-677-5170.

Wargotz-Our Common Defense

Wargotz on the Air. ‘Our Common Defense’ addresses Illegal Immigration, Energy and Appeasement.

Annapolis, MD
Eric Wargotz, an elected member of the Queens Anne’s County Board of Commissioners and a candidate for US Senate from Maryland released the first of the campaign’s, “Eric on the Issues” radio ads, which will begin airing on talk radio stations around the state. Wargotz, a physician, is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by four term incumbent Senator, Barbara Mikulski.

In the attached spot titled, “Our Common Defense,” Wargotz takes issue with Washington’s handling of illegal immigration. “While illegal immigrants flood across our borders, Washington holds the door,” he says. To address the problem, he plans to, “crackdown on employers who hire illegals and attract them across the border like a magnet.”

Wargotz says our energy needs are being held hostage to terrorist nations, while, “Washington sacrifices our liberty in the name of public safety.” He pledges to support policies which make use of our natural resources here at home to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Commissioner Wargotz concludes by saying that he, “will not coddle terrorists with civilian trials, while Washington wallows in political correctness and the policies of appeasement.”

The spot, which begins airing tomorrow, is the first in a series designed to highlight the cornerstones of the campaign. In the coming weeks, health care, the economy and the environment will also be addressed.

Listing Of Spring Concerts, Plays, Programs And Other Special Events In Wicomico Schools

Please support our students and schools at these spring events.

Through May 14

Book Fair, Bennett Middle School. Bennett Middle will have a book fair in the media center from May 4-14. Please contact the media center for more information. 410-677-5140.

May 6

7 p.m.
Spring Band Concert
Mardela Middle and High cafetorium
Featuring the Mardela High Festival Band, Mardela High Symphonic Band and Warrior Marching Band, under the direction of Cory Boltz
Admission: Free
410-677-5142

7 p.m.
Jazz Band and Small Ensembles Concert
Parkside High School auditorium
Jazz and ensemble music, under the direction of Kevin Zackiewicz. Donations accepted.
410-677-5161

7 p.m.
African-American Summit IV “Pass the Torch” Student Awards Ceremony
Wicomico High School auditorium
The culminating event for the African-American Summit IV from the 2009-10 school year will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 6, in the Wicomico High School auditorium. The African-American Summit is sponsored through the WCBOE Office of School Climate.

May 7

5-7 p.m.
Multicultural Spring Festival
Beaver Run Elementary
Beavr Run Elementary will put on its first Multicultural Spring Festival from 5-7 p.m. The event will feature a Maypole, students in cultural attire, a steel band, a pinata and other games, face painting, a station where you can have your name written in Arabic, foods from different countries, and plants and herbs for sale just in time for Mothers Day. 410-677-5101

5-8 p.m.
Fruitland Schools Spring Fair
Fruitland Primary School
The Spring Fair for Fruitland Primary and Intermediate schools will be held at the primary school from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 7. Tickets for rides and games will be available at the gate. Fun for all ages: food by Flannery’s, bounce house, fire truck rides, snow cones, dunking booth, crafts, games, silent auction, cotton candy, prizes, radar pitch, and more. Rain or shine.
410-677-5171

5:30-7:30 p.m.
Family Fun Night
West Salisbury Elementary
There will be a host of activities, good food and entertainment at the Family Fun Night. All are welcome.
410-677-5816

8 p.m.
Parkside High School Prom
UMES
The Parkside High School Prom will be held at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Friday, May 7, with the grand march at the William Hytche Center and prom at the Student Service Center. The theme this year is Bright Lights, Big City. An after-prom party will be held at the Student Service Center.

May 8

9:15 a.m.
Mardela Heritage Parade
The Mardela Middle and High School Warrior Marching Band, under the direction of Cory Boltz, will take part in the Mardela Heritage Parade in Mardela Springs. This free event is open to the public.
410-677-5142

6 p.m.
McCool’s Alumni Jamboree
Mardela Middle and High Gymnasium

The first McCool’s Alumni Jamboree will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 8, in the Mardela Middle and High School Gymnasium where Coach McCool gave so many years of services to Mardela athletes and students before her passing this school year. The event is a fund-raiser for the Barbara McCool Scholarship Fund, which provides college funding to eligible graduates of Mardela. Players pay $20, which includes a complimentary T-shirt and food voucher. The Jamboree will feature a boys game, girls game, half-time contest, Chinese table auction, 50/50 drawings and catered food. Mardela alumni Tia Jackson (University of Washington basketball coach) and Russell Springman (University of Texas coach) are among the many alumni who will participate. Interested alumni should check in with Ron Wainwright at 410-677-5142 or wwainwri@wcboe.org. Tickets will be available closer to the event.

May 10

7 p.m.
Spring Choral/Band/Strings Concert as part of “An Evening with the Arts”
Prince Street Elementary
Under the direction of Ms. Marsall, Mrs. Littleton, Mrs. Burton and Mr. Miles
Admission: Free
410-677-5810

May 11

10 a.m.
Kindergarten/Prekindergarten Tours
Fruitland Primary School
Fruitland Primary School will welcome prospective parents of kindergartners and prekindergartners for the 2010-11 school year at a school and classroom tour. 410-677-5171

4:30-6:30 p.m.
HSA Rally
Wicomico High School
Wicomico High will hold an HSA Rally in the media center, with prizes and refreshments. Students and parents are invited to attend. In an effort to increase awareness of and achievement on the HSA’s, Wi-Hi is having a rally from 4:30-6:30 pm in the Media Center. Among the activities will be an “Are You Smarter Than…” group activity, test-taking tips, available resources to students and parents, and much more. Refreshments will be served. Each and every person who attends will receive a small prize. Also, throughout the night, there will be drawings for bigger and better prizes, including a new IPod or digital camera. Any student in an HSA class will receive an invitational coupon from the teacher. Take the coupon to the HSA Rally, and the class with the highest percentage of participation will receive a donut or pizza party after HSA testing is complete.
410-677-5146

7 p.m.
JMB Spring Choral Concert
At Wicomico High School Auditorium
The James M. Bennett High Spring Choral Concert will feature the Intermediate and Concert choirs in a program entitled “I Hear America Singing.” Songs representing a wide variety of styles including a salute to our armed forces and a rousing Star Spangled Banner finale. Choral director Ben Reavis.
Admission: Free
410-677-5141

7 p.m.
Intermediate and Symphonic Band Concert
Parkside High School auditorium
Traditional and contemporary band music, under the direction of Kevin Zackiewicz. Donations accepted.
410-677-5161

7 p.m.
String Concert
Pemberton Elementary
The 4th- and 5th-grade string students present a concert of traditional and contemporary string music, under the direction of Sarah Burton
Admission: Free
410-677-5809

May 12

7 p.m.
“A Broadway Celebration” by 7th-Grade Chorus
Salisbury Middle School
“A Broadway Celebration” will spotlight Broadway with a collection of songs from a variety of musical hits including “Grease,” “Annie,” “Mama Mia,” and many more shows. Students will sing, dance, and even perform in sign language under the direction of Toni Cropper.
Admission: Free
410-677-5149

7 p.m.
Spring Choral Concert
Wicomico High School auditorium
Concert medleys from “Bye, Bye, Birdie” and “Little Shop of Horrors,” under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Baer and student intern Megan Centineo
Admission: $3
410-677-5146

May 12-13

Olympic Athletes Visit Wicomico Schools
Mardela Middle and High, Westside Intermediate
Olympic gold medal-winning diver Laura Wilkinson will visit Mardela Middle and High and Westside Intermediate May 12, along with other top athletes. Wilkinson, who won diving gold at the 2000 Olympics despite having broken her foot earlier that year, will speak on motivation, focus and giving 100 percent to reach your goals. She will speak with Mardela Middle students at 8:15 a.m. and Mardela High students at 9:15 a.m. Wilkinson and two other top athletes will return to Mardela Middle and High for a luncheon with students from 1-1:45 p.m. 410-677-5142. Wilkinson will also visit Northwestern Elementary for an assembly on May 12.

On May 13, Wilkinson will visit Westside Intermediate School to speak to all girls about motivation, focus and reaching your goals. She will speak with grades 2/3 from 9-9:45 a.m., and grades 4/5 from 10-10:45 a.m. 410-677-5118.

May 13

8:30 a.m.
Arts Integration Parade
Willards Elementary School
Students at Willards Elementary School have been engaged this year in arts integration studies on the art, culture and history of India. Starting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 13, students will parade from the school through the town of Willards and back to school to display what they’ve learned. When Willards School did its first arts integration parade last year, it was heartwarming to see all the bank employees, fire department volunteers and family members who lined the streets to cheer the children as they marched along.
410-677-5819

10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Environmental Education Event
Pemberton Historical Park
More than 300 Wicomico students from North Salisbury Elementary and Pemberton Elementary will participate in an Environmental Education Event at Pemberton Historical Park in Salisbury. Wicomico science and service-learning supervisor Brian Raygor, Park Naturalist Kerri Liming, and many community partners have worked for months to design a day of fun and informative environmental activities. Community partners who will participate in the event include Pemberton Park, Salisbury Zoo, Ward Museum, Department of Natural Resources, James M. Bennett High Environmental Science students, Historical Society, Coastal Bays, 4-H, and the University of Maryland Horn Point Laboratory.

6:30 p.m.
7th- and 8th-Grade Band Concert
Wicomico Middle School auditorium
Patriotic and popular selections, under the direction of Jana Hobbs
Admission: free
410-677-5145

7 p.m.
Parkside High School Annual Spring Choral Concert
Parkside Auditorium
Performances by Parkside Intermediate and Concert Choir, grades 9-12
Wide variety of choral repertoire including Lamentations of Jeremiah, Wanting Memories (from Sweet Honey in the Rock), and pop hits from the 20th century
Director: Sarah McCabe
Admission: $3 at door. Children 5 and under are free.
410-677-5143

7 p.m.
5th-Grade Choir, Band and String Concert
Glen Avenue Elementary
One Day: A collection of modern songs and student thoughts on changing the world for the better. Under the direction of teachers Avery Johnson, Sarah Burton and Michael Devine.
Admission: Free
410-677-5806

May 14

Field Day, Delmar Elementary School

2 p.m.
8th Multicultural Talent Show
East Salisbury Elementary

5-8 p.m.
PTA Family Fun Carnival Night
Westside Intermediate School
410-677-5118

7:30 p.m.
West Virginia University and Parkside Percussion Ensembles in Concert
Parkside High School auditorium
Percussion ensemble music under the direction of Parkside’s Kevin Zackiewicz and Professor George R. Willis of West Virginia University. All proceeds from this concert will benefit the Parkside High Band and the West Virginia University Percussion Ensemble.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FROM FEBRUARY STORMS

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement following President Obama’s major disaster declaration for the State of Maryland, triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from the Severe Winter Storms in February. A dollar amount does not immediately accompany this declaration, but rather it begins the process of totaling reimbursable expenses with local and state emergency response agencies over the course of the coming months.

“I want to thank President Obama and FEMA for this commitment of funding, as State and local emergency response agencies continue to recover from the unanticipated costs associated with this winter’s storms. I’d also like to thank Maryland’s Congressional Delegation for showing a real team effort and advocating at a time of crisis.

“For several days, thousands of men and women in Maryland stepped forward to help their fellow citizens get through this historic weather event. We look forward to working closely with FEMA officials as they assess the storms’ damage to our communities, and the extraordinary efforts of our first responders to keep Marylanders safe.”

Highlighted Events This Week And Next Week In Wicomico Schools

May 3-7
Teachers Appreciation Week

The annual observance of Teachers Appreciation Week will be held May 3-7. Teacher appreciation activities will occur in schools throughout Wicomico County.

May 3-14
AP Testing
Wicomico County High Schools

Advanced Placement (AP) tests will be administered in Wicomico County high schools to students who took AP classes this year and signed up to take the end-of course test that could earn them college credit.

Thursday, May 6
African-American Summit IV “Pass the Torch” Student Awards Ceremony
Wicomico High School auditorium

The culminating event for the African-American Summit IV from the 2009-10 school year will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 6, in the Wicomico High School auditorium. The African-American Summit is sponsored through the WCBOE Office of School Climate.

Thursday, May 6
3rd annual Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards
Baltimore

For the second year in a row, a Glen Avenue Elementary School parent is representing Wicomico County Public Schools in the Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards. The awards banquet at which the state winner for 2010 will be named takes place starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 6, in Baltimore. Lori Gillis has been volunteering at Glen Avenue since September 2000. She began as a classroom helper and eventually became president of the school PTA. She developed several engaging fundraisers that not only raised money for the school but helped parents connect with their children’s teachers. Her overarching mantra is: ANYTHING can be done, and she is willing to help with whatever needs to be done.

Friday, May 7, at 1:30 p.m.
STEM speaker from NASA
Salisbury Middle School STEM Academy

Brian Campbell, who works for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, Maryland) and the NASA Wallops Flight Facility (Wallops Island, Virginia) and serves as the Hydrospheric and Cryospheric Science and Education Specialist for the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory, will talk with students in the Salisbury Middle School STEM Academy at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 7. He will be talking with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students about his NASA research and career opportunities. In his duties, Campbell is the ICESat Mission Education Lead, the CoastalObs Project Education Manager, SMAP Mission E/PO Co-lead, and a co-investigator for the Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA) Education Project.

Saturday, May 8
McCool’s Alumni Jamboree
Mardela Middle and High Gymnasium

The first McCool’s Alumni Jamboree will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 8, in the Mardela Middle and High School Gymnasium where Coach McCool gave so many years of services to Mardela athletes and students before her passing this school year. The event is a fund-raiser for the Barbara McCool Scholarship Fund, which provides college funding to eligible graduates of Mardela. Players pay $20, which includes a complimentary T-shirt and food voucher. The Jamboree will feature a boys game, girls game, half-time contest, Chinese table auction, 50/50 drawings and catered food. Mardela alumni Tia Jackson (University of Washington basketball coach) and Russell Springman (University of Texas coach) are among the many alumni who will participate. Interested alumni should check in with Ron Wainwright at 410-677-5142 or wwainwri@wcboe.org. Tickets will be available closer to the event.

Through May 11
MSA Science Testing for Grades 5 and 8

The testing window for Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Science will run until May 11. The MSA Science test is taken by students in grades 5 and 8.

Tuesday, May 11, 1:30 p.m. (NEW TIME)
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
Board of Education Auditorium

The Wicomico County Board of Education will hold its monthly meeting at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, in the Board of Education Auditorium. (This meeting was rescheduled as an afternoon meeting so the Board and others interested in the Wicomico County budget would be able to attend a budget hearing at 6 p.m. May 11 at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.) An agenda will be posted at www.wcboe.org the Friday before the meeting. 410-677-4561.

Tuesday, May 11, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
HSA Rally
Wicomico High School

Wicomico High will hold an HSA (High School Assessment) Rally in the media center, with prizes and refreshments. Students and parents are invited to attend. More information to come. 410-677-5146.

Wednesday, May 12
Free Playgroup for Age 3
Ben’s Red Swings

A free Parent Connection playgroup for children age 3 will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Ben’s Red Swings in Salisbury. In partnership with the Wicomico Early Learning Center (WELC), Infants and Toddlers welcomes the 3-year-old class. This playgroup, part of the Parent Connection offered by the Wicomico Infants and Toddlers Program, provides the opportunity for parents to meet other families while the children and their parents enjoy some fun in an outdoor play area. Each child who attends will receive lunch. Space is limited, so please RSVP by May 7 to Maleasa at 410-677-5250.

May 12-13
Olympic Athletes Visit Wicomico Schools
Mardela Middle and High, Westside Intermediate

Olympic gold medal-winning diver Laura Wilkinson will visit Mardela Middle and High May 12 along with other top athletes, and Westside Intermediate May 13. Wilkinson, who won diving gold at the 2000 Olympics despite having broken her foot earlier that year, will speak on motivation, focus and giving 100 percent to reach your goals. She will speak with Mardela Middle students at 8:15 a.m. and Mardela High students at 9:15 a.m. Wilkinson and two other top athletes will return to Mardela Middle and High for a luncheon with students from 1-1:45 p.m. 410-677-5142. Wilkinson will also visit Northwestern Elementary for an assembly on May 12.

On May 13, Wilkinson will visit Westside Intermediate School to speak to all girls about motivation, focus and reaching your goals. She will speak with grades 2/3 from 9-9:45 a.m., and grades 4/5 from 10-10:45 a.m. 410-677-5118.

Thursday, May 13
Arts Integration Parade
Willards Elementary School

Students at Willards Elementary School have been engaged this year in arts integration studies on the art, culture and history of India. Starting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 13, students will parade from the school through the town of Willards and back to school to display what they’ve learned. When Willards School did its first arts integration parade last year, it was heartwarming to see all the bank employees, fire department volunteers and family members who lined the streets to cheer the children as they marched along. 410-677-5819.

Thursday, May 13
Environmental Education Event
Pemberton Historical Park

More than 300 Wicomico students from North Salisbury Elementary and Pemberton Elementary will participate in an Environmental Education Event from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 13, at Pemberton Historical Park in Salisbury. Wicomico science and service-learning supervisor Brian Raygor, Park Naturalist Kerri Liming, and many community partners have worked for months to design a day of fun and informative environmental activities. Community partners who will participate in the event include Pemberton Park, Salisbury Zoo, Ward Museum, Department of Natural Resources, James M. Bennett High Environmental Science students, Historical Society, Coastal Bays, 4-H, and the University of Maryland Horn Point Laboratory.

REMINDER ON SCHOOL CALENDAR CHANGES

An updated 2009-10 school calendar is posted at www.wcboe.org under Quick Links. Students and parents/guardians should note the following changes in the original 2009-10 school calendar:

May 14: Mid-term reports distributed (originally scheduled for May 7)
June 9-11: Regular school days (originally scheduled as early dismissal days)
June 14 and 15: Regular school days (added as makeup days due to inclement weather closings)
June 16, 17 and 18: Half-days. A dismissal schedule will be available soon. (Added as makeup days due to inclement weather closings).
June 18: Last day of school for students

Coming Up Soon On The Wicomico School Calendar

Beginning May 17
High School Assessments (HSAs) and Modified High School Assessments (Mod-HSAs)
All Wicomico Secondary Schools

Students enrolled in HSA-assessed courses, and students who previously took but did not pass one or more of the HSA/Mod-HSA exams, will take the HSAs/Mod-HSAs starting on May 17. HSAs/Mod-HSAs will be administered in high schools and in middle schools. Passing all four HSAs/Mod-HSAs, or achieving a combined score of 1602 or successfully completing a Bridge Plan for Academic Validation , is a Maryland requirement for graduation.

The HSA and Mod-HSA paper tests will be administered May 17-21, excluding May 19. A single date has been designated for each content-area test. Schools administering the paper/pencil HSAs must give the HSAs on the following schedule: May 17 Biology, May 18 Algebra/Data Analysis (HSA/MSA), May 20 Government, May 21 English (HSA/MSA). On-line testing for the HSAs and Mod-HSAs will be administered according to a flexible schedule set by each school within the state-mandated testing window of May 17-June 4.

Schools have planned to give the HSA as follows:

All computer testing for HSAs and Mod-HSAs: Wicomico High, Mardela Middle and High, all other middle schools.

Computer and paper/pencil testing for HSA: Parkside High students will take the paper/pencil test except those students who are being retested and Mod-HSA, who will take the tests on computer. James M. Bennett High will administer the paper/pencil test for all students except those receiving special education services and others taking the MOD-HSA; these will be done on the computer.

Check with the school guidance office for additional information.

Wednesday, May 19
Evening High School Commencement
Beaver Run Elementary

Evening High School students who have successfully completed the requirements to earn a Maryland high school diploma will participate in commencement at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at Beaver Run Elementary School. 410-677-4537.

Wednesday, May 19
Eastern Shore Reading Council Spring Dinner
Arthur W. Perdue Stadium

Don't miss the Eastern Shore Reading Council's Spring Dinner at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium (home of the Delmarva Shorebirds) at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 19. Hear Kathy Bumgardner speak on Reading IS Thinking: Comprehension Strategies and Literacy Tools That Really Work! Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Please make checks payable to ESRC. For more details or a flier, email gsmith@wcboe.org.

Thursday, May 20
Public Budget Hearing
Location TBD

The Wicomico County Board of Education will hold a public budget hearing at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 20, at a location to be determined. The Board will take input on the budget for fiscal year 2010-11 as it prepares to adopt a final budget by June 30. More details to come.

Tuesday, May 25
Arts Integration Guitar Workshop
Willards Elementary School
On Tuesday, May 25, 3:15-4:15 p.m., Dr. Diana Wagner of Salisbury University will conduct a music integration professional development workshop at Willards School to teach faculty some principles of music integration and give them some ideas for integrating a new set of child guitars into their instruction. Teachers who have never played guitar before will be playing one by the end of the hour! Teachers who have already completed Guitars in the Classroom training with Wagner will be there to help and participate. This wonderful day of collaboration will exemplify both the importance and the success of university-school-community partnerships.
Last fall, Willards Elementary PE teacher and SU alumna Nikki Rittling and Wagner, Assistant Professor, Director, Guitars in the Classroom @ SU Vice Chair, Human Subjects Committee (IRB), wrote a small Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council grant which has made it possible to purchase four child-sized guitars for Willards School. Willards boasts the largest number of teachers who have completed the Guitars in the Classroom program with Wagner since the inception of the program in fall 2008. As one of the first arts-integrated schools in Wicomico County, Willards is taking the lead in arts-infused instruction.
Thursday, May 27
Wicomico County Math 24 Game Tournament
Salisbury University Commons

The annual Math 24 Game Tournament for Wicomico elementary and middle students will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 27, in the Commons at Salisbury University. (This event was originally scheduled for May 20.)

Thursday, May 27
Closing the Minority Achievement Gap
Mills Memorial Baptist Temple, Salisbury

Dr. Judylynn Mitchell, supervisor of elementary education, Education that is Multicultural, and school library/media centers K-5 for Wicomico County Public Schools, will facilitate a discussion on Closing the Minority Achievement Gap at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at as NAACP meeting at the Mills Memorial Baptist Temple in Salisbury. The public is invited to join this discussion. For more information, please call Mary Ashanti at 410-543-4187.

May 25-June 4
Senior Schedule
All Wicomico County High Schools

Tuesday, May 25: Exams in periods 6 and 7
Wednesday, May 26: Exams in periods 4 and 5
Thursday, May 27: Exams in periods 1, 2 and 3
*Makeup exams will be on the day following the original scheduled exam day

Friday, May 28: Final day for all seniors

Saturday, May 29
James M. Bennett High Prom
The Commons, Salisbury University

Following the Grand March at Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury, the JMB Prom will be held at the Commons at Salisbury University.

Tuesday, June 1
Wicomico High School Commencement
Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

Commencement for Wicomico High School seniors will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Seniors must arrive by 6:15 p.m. Commencement practice will be at noon that day.

Wednesday, June 2
James M. Bennett High School Commencement
Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

Commencement for James M. Bennett High School seniors will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Practice is at 9 a.m.

Thursday, June 3
Parkside High School Commencement
Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

Commencement for Parkside High School seniors will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Commencement practice will be at 9 a.m. that day.

Friday, June 4
Mardela High School Commencement
UMES

Commencement for Mardela High School seniors will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, June 4, at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne. Commencement practice will be at 9:30 a.m. that day.

Tuesday, June 8
Maryland Blue Ribbon School Tour of Excellence
Northwestern Elementary School

Maryland Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Grasmick brings the Maryland Blue Ribbon School Tour of Excellence to Northwestern Elementary School in Mardela Springs at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 8.

Tuesday, June 8
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
Board of Education Auditorium

The Wicomico County Board of Education will hold its monthly meeting at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, in the Board of Education Auditorium. An agenda will be posted at www.wcboe.org the Friday before the meeting. 410-677-4561.

Tuesday, June 8, at 7 p.m.
Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night
Parkside High School

The final Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night of the 2009-10 school year will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, at Parkside High School. Outstanding students, staff, schools, programs and community partners will be recognized.

Friday, July 16
School Readiness Fair
Pemberton Elementary School

The annual School Readiness Fair for young children and their families will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 16, at Pemberton Elementary School. This will be an opportunity for children and their parents/guardians to meet representatives of their schools and local community organizations, pick up teaching materials, and learn about school bus safety from Buster the Bus. The Readiness Fair will include free dinner, door prizes, real school bus rides, games and crafts. Call 410-677-4580 to register as an exhibitor or to get more information.

FLOWERMART FESTIVAL

FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO JOIN BALTIMORE CITY MAYOR STEPHANIE RAWLINGS-BLAKE AT BALTIMORE’S 2010 FLOWERMART FESTIVAL

ANNAPOLIS, MD
– First Lady Katie O’Malley today will join Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and other elected officials and community leaders to kick off Baltimore City’s 2010 Flowermart Festival.

In its 93rd year, Flowermart was founded by the Mount Vernon Home and Garden Committee and the Municipal Art Society to celebrate spring and the local arts community around the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore. In its current form, Flowermart is one of the first street fairs of the season, featuring vendors selling flowers, seeds, potted plants, artwork, jewelry, clothing and pottery. Now in its 93rd year in Baltimore, Flowermart has also inspired similar festivals around the country. Flowermart events include: the Maypole Dance; the Hilda Mae Snoops Art Contest; the Hat and Cap Contest; the Red Hat Contest; a Pet Parade and Mascot Contest; a Dance Competition; and many musical and dance performances over the two day festival.

“JOBS ACROSS MARYLAND TOUR”

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO CONTINUE “JOBS ACROSS MARYLAND TOUR” WITH MINORITY BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Governor to address the state of minority business enterprise in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD
– Governor Martin O’Malley will continue the “Jobs Across Maryland Tour” by joining Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Congressman John Sarbanes, County Executive James Smith, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, along with more than 300 of small business owners, advocates and officials tomorrow at “MBE University,” an initiative the Governor launched to support Maryland’s minority- and women-owned businesses and to highlight the state’s MBE program, the oldest and most aggressive in the nation.

Local business owners will attend the Baltimore-area conference where the Governor will address the state of minority business in Maryland. The event will consist of workshops and a plenary session where the Governor will address attendees at 9:00 a.m.

The “Jobs Across Maryland Tour” includes stops in every region of our State, visiting with large and small Maryland businesses, public schools and career-training programs throughout Maryland. At each stop, Governor O’Malley promotes efforts to save and create jobs, including the passage of the emergency Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, which offers a $5,000 tax credit for every unemployed Marylander a company hires. The Governor has also discussed efforts to