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Monday, June 07, 2010

FOR SALE: 2005 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic




This 2005 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic has 15,000 miles on it. 410-430-5349 Joe

Nightly News At 6 PM


2005 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic 15,000 Miles. alberobutzo@wmconnect.com

Helen Thomas Retires After Israel Remark Flap

WASHINGTON — Longtime Washington journalist Helen Thomas abruptly retired Monday as a columnist for Hearst News Service following remarks she made about Israel that were denounced by the White House and her press corps colleagues.

The 89-year-old Thomas, dean of the White House press corps, has long been a fixture in Washington and has been lauded as a pioneering journalist who has covered presidents since 1960.

Known for her confrontational questioning, Thomas apologized for comments that were captured on video and have spread widely on the Internet. On the May 27 video, Thomas says Israelis should "get the hell out of Palestine," suggesting they go to Germany, Poland or the U.S.
Hearst announced her retirement, effective immediately, shortly after White House press secretary Robert Gibbs called her remarks "offensive and reprehensible."

The White House Correspondents Association also issued a rare statement, calling her comments "indefensible."

"Many in our profession who have known Helen for years were saddened by the comments, which were especially unfortunate in light of her role as a trail blazer on the White House beat," said the statement, signed by journalists who are officers of the association.

Thomas had been scheduled to speak at the June 14 graduation of Walt Whitman High School in the Washington suburb of Bethesda, Md., but Principal Alan Goodwin wrote in a Sunday e-mail to students and parents that she was being replaced.

GO HERE to read more.

From Israel Today

New footage from the security cameras aboard the Miva Marmara aid ship shows passengers arming themselves prior to the arrival of Israeli troops. (IDF) Source

BREAKING NEWS

The Wicomico County Council just agreed, (by a majority) to reduce the County Executive's Office Budget by $60,000.00. It seemed pretty clear the reduction was to remove the PIO position, (Jim Fineran) but Rick Pollitt can do whatever he so chooses with the $60,000.00 reduction.

The Council Members that approved it was Gail Bartgovich, Stevie Prettyman, Joe Holloway and John Cannon.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON ADDITION OF 200 JOBS AT MIDDLE RIVER AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 7, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the announcement by Middle River Aircraft Systems, a local manufacturing company, will add 200 jobs in the next year to its East Baltimore County facility:

“When I visited Middle River Aircraft Systems a few weeks ago, I saw a Maryland company at the forefront of design and manufacturing eager to expand and grow its employment base. Today, MRAS announced the addition of 200 jobs in the next year, demonstrating further that Maryland has positioned itself to come through this national recession stronger and more quickly than other states.

“After more than 80 years in the Baltimore area, MRAS is a local institution that employs hundreds of Marylanders. I want to welcome them to the growing list of Maryland companies taking advantage of the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit we passed this legislative session to create jobs, fuel innovation, and drive economic progress throughout our State.”

Youth Fishing Derby Winners









Results of the Youth Fishing Derby

BIGGEST FISH – Billy Baker - 14” Large Mouth Bass

MOST FISH CAUGHT BY A BOY – Alex Sterling - 24 Fish

MOST FISH CAUGHT BY A GIRL – Kelsey Jones – 10 Fish

YOUNGEST FISHERMAN – Jayden Jarred – 2 yrs old

MOST UNUSUAL CATCH - Gavin Rowe – White Perch

MOST OUTSTANDING FISHERMAN - Sarah Deason (Caught 40 fish in 2 hours)

BOE Just Posted This As Well

June 7
Field Day
Westside Intermediate School
410-677-5118
So much for transparency.

Maryland State Police Torch Run For Special Olympics

Monday, June 7
Maryland State Police Torch Run for Special Olympics
Pinehurst Elementary School


In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Maryland Special Olympics, and the 25th anniversary of the Maryland State Police Torch Run, Pinehurst Elementary and current and former Special Olympic athletes will gather outside the school to join in a Special Olympics parade. The Torch Run will begin at Salisbury University and go by Pinehurst School on the way to Sharptown. Once the Torch Run passes, about 1 p.m., there will be a parade of current and former Special Olympic athletes and coaches, including athletes from the recently concluded inaugural bocce season. Music teacher Buck Burton will have his pep band there to play. Mike Bovino, Special Olympics consultant; Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen; Director of Special Education Bonnie Walston, and others are invited guests for this event.

Editors Note: Sorry about the timing Folks. The Board of Education, (Tracy Saylor) didn't post this earlier than 12:00 PM today. Nice work Tracy, AGAIN! I'll add, they hadn't posted ANYTHING on the BOE Site since the May 28th. Not on their Home Page anyway.

AGENDA BOARD OF EDUCATION OF WICOMICO COUNTY

AGENDA BOARD OF EDUCATION OF WICOMICO COUNTY
June 8, 2010


Times are intended for guidance only; unless changed by the Board, the order in which items appear will be followed.
12:30PM 1.0 Call to Order
12:31PM 2.0 Consider Meeting in Closed Session for the reasons listed below, pursuant to Section 10-508 of the Maryland Annotated Code:
Closed Meeting (#20)
2.1 To approve minutes of previous closed meetings
May 11, 2010
May 20, 2010
2.2 To discuss personnel matters - Section 10-508 (a)(1)(ii)
Administrative Appointments/Transfers
2.3 To consult with attorney – Section 10-508 (a)(7)
2.4 To perform administrative functions
1:30 PM 3.0 Reconvene in Open Session
3.1 Pledge of Allegiance
3.2 Approval of the Agenda (A)
3.3 Special Recognition – Tribute to Mark S. Thompson Mrs. Wright
3.4 Special Recognition – Presentation to Wicomico
High School by Wicomico County Chapter NAACP Mrs. Ashanti
3.5 Presentation – Title I Parental Involvement Program Mrs. Sheller
3.6 Introduction of Monthly Student Representative at Board Table
3.7 Reports from Student Representatives:
Gordon Custer – James M. Bennett High School
Caroline Franks – Mardela High School
Rachel McCain – Parkside High School
Caroline Hutchison – Wicomico High School
3.8 Public Comments
3.9 Superintendent’s Report:
Summary of WCPS Competitive Proposals – Mrs. Deana Morris
2: 30PM 4.0 Approval of Minutes (A):
May 11, 2010 Regular Meeting
May 18, 2010 Work Session
May 20, 2010 Special Meeting
5.0 Consent Items (A)
Note: All consent agenda items may be adopted by a majority vote of the Board on a properly seconded motion. Board members may request that any item included in this section be moved to the action/discussion/information section during adoption of the agenda. If staff members or additional information will be required, the Superintendent should be notified prior to the meeting time.
5.1.1 Personnel Matters
2:45 PM 6.0 Action/Discussion/Information Items (A/D/I)
6.1.1 Requests for Students’ Traveling Assistance Mr. Thompson
For JMB FBLA National Competition (A)
6.1.2 Administrative Appointments (A) Dr. Fredericksen
6.1.3 Administrative Transfers (I) Dr. Fredericksen
6.1.4 FY2011 Education Facilities Master Plan (A) Mrs. Ashby
6.2.1 Bid – Office Paper (A) Mr. Miller
6.2.2 Bid – Milk (A) Mr. Miller
6.2.3 Bid – Delmar Elementary School – HVAC Unit Mr. Miller
Replacement (A)
6.2.4 Bid – Mardela Middle/High School – HVAC Unit Mr. Miller
Replacement (A)
6.2.5 Bid - Pittsville Elementary and Middle School – Mr. Miller
HVAC Unit Replacement (A)
6.2.6 Bid - Pittsville Elementary and Middle School – Gym Mr. Miller
Roof Replacement (A)
6.2.7 Bid - Wicomico Middle School – Partial Roof Mr. Miller
Replacement (A)
6.2.8 Bid – Contract 60072-101 for Copier (A) Mr. Miller
6.2.9 Bid – Contract 05535-111 – GPS Vehicle Tracking Mr. Miller
System for Buses and Vehicles
6.3.1 Budget Transfers for June (A) Mr. Ford
6.3.2 401(a) Math Plan Trustees (A) Mr. Ford
6.3.3 Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (A) Mr. Vincent
6.3.4 Retirement Plan & GASB#45 Trustee (A) Mr. Vincent
7.0 Board Members’ Reports (I)
Classified Personnel Matters
4:00 PM 8.0 Adjournment

EHRLICH ANNOUNCES PLAN TO AID AILING SMALL BUSINESSES


Initiative aims to change government’s mindset, improve unemployment insurance, and lower Maryland’s tax burden

POTOMAC, MD
-- As part of his vision to make Maryland the job creation capital of the United States, Bob Ehrlich today unveiled the “Entrepreneur Agenda,” a plan to help small businesses by lowering their tax burden, improving unemployment insurance, and eliminating a culture of discouragement in state government that holds back Maryland’s entrepreneurs. Ehrlich made the announcement at Potomac Pizza, a small business in Montgomery County.

“Job creation is not an election year talking point. It is a governing philosophy, one that has been nonexistent in Annapolis for four years,” said Ehrlich. “With Maryland unemployment doubling since 2006 and nearly 3,000 small businesses shutting their doors last year, a fundamental shift in leadership is needed in state government to revitalize Maryland’s economy. As governor, I will start treating small business owners as a source of new jobs – not a source of new tax revenue.”

Bob Ehrlich’s “Entrepreneur Agenda” aims to address the failures in government most often cited by hundreds of entrepreneurs in small business roundtables he has hosted. His proposal includes but is not limited to:

· Changing the mindset: Appointing senior leaders in government who share Bob Ehrlich’s commitment to encouraging economic growth and proposing a “Small Business Bill of Rights” that ensures Maryland’s regulatory agencies are fair, timely and predictable in their disposition of small business matters;

· Improving unemployment insurance: Cutting the review period for unemployment insurance appeals and ordering an audit to identify vulnerabilities to fraud and abuse, and;

· Lowering the tax burden: Repealing the 20% sales tax increase enacted by Governor Martin O’Malley in 2007 and establishing a bipartisan task force to recommend ways to make Maryland’s corporate income tax more competitive with neighboring states.

Ehrlich’s plan is the product of more than three dozen roundtable discussions and visits with more than 100 entrepreneurs in Maryland over the past eight weeks. Small businesses represent 98% of all employers in Maryland, employ 1.2 million Marylanders, and boast a combined payroll of nearly $50 billion. In formulating this small business initiative, Ehrlich talked with employees and managers in businesses ranging from ice cream shops to classic car detailers; from farmers and watermen to plastics formulators and embroidery designers. Meetings were held in Cumberland, Columbia, Cockeysville and Leonardtown; in Whitehall, Hampstead, Bowie and Rockville, and other Maryland cities.

Online HomeEnergyCalculator™ Helps DEC Consumers Manage Energy Costs


Greenwood, DE--Consumers looking to lower their home energy costs can now go to Delaware Electric Cooperative's Web site for some fast -- and fun -- help. With just a few mouse clicks, DEC's new HomeEnergyCalculator™will analyze the home's current energy use and allow the homeowner to simulate various energy saving measures to see the corresponding dollar savings.


"We want to provide our customers with one more element of education over their home energy use," said Account Manager, Kevin Yingling. "This interactive calculator takes the mystery out of where their energy dollars are going and it shows consumers what they really want to know: how much money can they save if they implement certain conservation measures."


Delaware Electric Cooperative selected the HomeEnergyCalculator™, provided by Apogee Interactive Inc., to supplement its consumer education efforts because of its ease of use and how well it approximates savings for homes in the utility's service area. "Users can try changes like adjusting their thermostat settings, turning down their water heater temperature, adding storm windows or changing out their heating system to see how much that measure might save," Kevin explained. The calculator automatically factors in local weather and current electricity prices.


Web-based tools such as the energy calculator are becoming more integral to good, cost-effective customer service as consumers increasingly rely on the Internet to help manage their busy households. This calculator, along with our online bill pay program, updates via social media and other Web site content, greatly expands what our customers can accomplish at their convenience, after business hours. These tools also offer cost savings to the company through reduced customer calls and on-site visits, and that saves money for everyone.


According to Apogee president Susan Gilbert, the HomeEnergy Calculator is one of the firm's most popular applications. "Delaware Electric Cooperative joins over 200 utilities nationwide that have added this educational feature to their Web sites. Its ability to answer customers' questions 24/7 and reduce customer inquiries helps Delaware Electric in accomplishing its goal of increasing customer satisfaction while lowering operating costs."



Apogee Interactive Inc. is the leading provider of online solutions to the energy industry.

Serving hundreds of utilities for more than a decade, Apogee's Web-based content and tools reach millions of electricity consumers daily. The company also provides eLearning systems, call center and bill analysis programs, and load management platforms to utilities and their trade associations throughout North America and New Zealand.

Tea Party Favorite Leads Race To Challenge Reid

Supporter: Sharron Angle 'was conservative before conservative was cool'

Nevada Republican Sharron Angle is on a roll. The former assemblywoman is surging in late polls of the state's three-way Senate primary battle. She has backing from the deep-pocketed Club for Growth and grassroots Tea Party Express. She even made Joe the Plumber's short list – one of only seven candidates he endorsed this year out of more than 150 requests. "The other 143 or so were just worthless," the Everyman of Campaign 2008 explained on a Tea Party Express fundraising radiothon the other night.

Angle, he said, is the genuine article: "She was conservative before conservative was cool."
Maybe so, but can she beat Harry Reid?

GO HERE to read more.

Julie Brewington's Facebook Message Inaccurate


This morning I have received numerous phone calls referencing a Facebook message they had received from Julie Brewington referencing "Illegals Granted Social Security". The article came out in The Washington Times. It was quickly debunked by Factcheck.

If that isn't bad enough, what Julie missed was the fact that the article came out in 2006, not 2010. That being said, the Main Stream Media isn't hiding anything about this matter. It simply happened 4 years ago. I hope that settles every one's mind on this matter.

Virginia Is For Drivers?

Tempers are getting HOT in Northern Virginia over the proposed High Occupancy Toll lanes on I-95 and I-395.

The HOT lane project would let passenger-less drivers pay a toll in order to cruise down the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes that are currently reserved for those with three or more people in a car. Virginia has already allocated $2 billion for HOT lanes for building 14 miles of the lanes on the Beltway near the Springfield Interchange, promising drivers willing to pay a premium for “a faster, more predictable trip.”

The cost of the lanes will change with the flow of traffic. Two companies, Flour and Transurban, will own the Beltway HOT lanes for their first 80 years. The price will go as high as $6 in heavy traffic, declining as demand does. The companies say lane prices will change every six minutes, with drivers paying whatever the fee was at time of entry.

GO HERE to read more.

Chrysler Recalls Almost 600,000 Vehicles

U.S. safety regulators say recall covers five models in the U.S.

DETROIT
- Doors that could catch fire, brakes that could fail and accelerators that could stick have caused Chrysler Group LLC to recall nearly 600,000 vehicles involving five models in the United States, U.S. safety regulators said Monday.

Chrysler informed the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the potential safety issues last week, the NHTSA reports show.

As many as 284,831 Chrysler Town and Country minivans and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans for model years 2008 and 2009 could develop a problem in the electrical system that could cause a short circuit in the latch for the sliding door, which could cause a fire, Chrysler told regulators.

GO HERE to read more.

Did Rahm Emanuel's Link To BP Compromise Efforts To Regulate It?


White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, WND has learned, lived rent-free in Washington, D.C., for years, thanks in part to a friend under contract with oil giant BP.

While the White House approaches "day 50" of the environmental disaster caused by an explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon oil rig, unable yet to stop the flowing crude in the Gulf, several media sources have questioned the administration's efforts to regulate BP prior to the incident.

WND's research further raises the question of whether the White House was compromised by Emanuel's financial ties to the company.

Emanuel lived for five years rent-free in an apartment owned by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., and her husband, Stanley Greenberg, whose consulting firm was a prime architect in BP's efforts to recast itself as a "green" corporation and recipient of hundreds of thousands of dollars awarded through a committee chaired by Emanuel.

More on this from WND

January 2013

One sunny day in January, 2013 an old man approached the White House from across Pennsylvania Avenue , where he'd been sitting on a park bench. He spoke to the U.S. Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."

The Marine looked at the man and said, "Sir, Mr. Obama is no longer president and no longer resides here."

The old man said, "Okay", and walked away.

The following day, the same man approached the White House and said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."

The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Obama is no longer president and no longer resides here."

The man thanked him and, again, just walked away.

The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke to the very same U.S. Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."

The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to Mr. Obama. I've told you already that Mr. Obama is no longer the president and no longer resides here. Don't you understand?"

The old man looked at the Marine and said, "Oh, I understand. I just love hearing it."

The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said, "See you tomorrow, Sir."

New Oil Plume Evidence Uncovered

St. Petersburg, Florida (CNN) -- As if the pictures of birds, fish and animals killed by floating oil in the Gulf of Mexico is not disturbing enough, scientists now say they have found evidence of another danger lurking underwater.

The University of South Florida recently discovered a second oil plume in the northeastern gulf. The first plume was found by Mississippi universities in early May.

USF has concluded microscopic oil droplets are forming deep water oil plumes. After a weeklong analysis of water samples, USF scientists found more oil in deeper water.

"These hydrocarbons are from depth and not associated with sinking degraded oil but associated with the source of the Deep Horizon well head," said USF Chemical Oceanographer David Hollander.

Through isotopic or microscopic fingerprinting, Hollander and his USF crew were able to show the oil in the plume came from BP's blown out oil well. The surface oil's so-called fingerprint matched the tiny underwater droplet's fingerprint.

"We've taken molecular isotopic approaches which is like a fingerprint on a smoking gun," Hollander said.

GO HERE to read more.

Today's Survey Question


Should Plastic Shopping Bags Be Banned?

The Cost Of Living In The City Of Salisbury Just Went Way Up


The Daily Times reported the cost to repair and upgrade the Waste Water Treatment Plant, (WWTP) is between $50,000,000.00 to $60,000,000.00.


Let me start off with my own personal comment about this matter. Why Paul Wilber hasn't been fired over allowing the City to sign a $1,000,000.00 liability clause with the former Contractor is so far beyond my scope of thinking, clearly Mayor Ireton knows absolutely nothing about business or he's so far to the left he's just that stupid.


Former Mayor Barrie Tilghman should be put up on charges as this scam has got to be one of the most suspicious forms of BS I have ever come across in my lifetime.


We had been told the cost of the last upgrade was already $84,000,000.00 and you've already felt the beginning impact of your water and sewer rates skyrocket. Imagine adding another $60,000,000.00 to your expenses!


It begs the question, is Salisbury worth it? Perdue already got slammed with water and sewer increases that would normally cripple any other business, can they afford another one? Linens of the week took a hike. The Micro Brewery told the City where they could shove it. Will Realtors tell the TRUTH when someone comes to live in Salisbury and share with each customer just what they can expect to pay for upcoming water and sewer rates.


You can point a finger at a few people for this mess. Barrie Tilghman, Paul Wilber, Gary Comegys, Lynn Cathcart, Shanie Shields and Mike Dunn. How's the Democrat Party working for you now people!

Skeptical Public Fears Oil-Spill Health Issues

Experts say medical risks will be mild, but many people just don't believe it

Images of oil-soaked birds and soiled beaches, combined with a general mistrust of industry and government, are making it hard for a skeptical public to believe there won’t be serious health effects from the devastating spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

For nearly seven weeks, local and national health officials have stressed that most medical risks likely will be mild and confined to workers exposed to oil and chemical dispersants at the source of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

“The human toxicity of oil, it’s pretty low,” said LuAnn White, a toxicologist and director of the Tulane Center for Applied Environmental Health in New Orleans, La. “It looks awful, it’s coating the birds, but the toxicity of those compounds is very low.”

GO HERE to read more.

World Markets Tumble On Recovery Fears

Worries over U.S. jobs data and European debt knock global confidence



PARIS
- World stock markets tumbled Monday and the euro hit a new four-year low in the wake of poor U.S. jobs figures and amid fresh fears that the debt crisis that began in Greece is spreading to Hungary.

The FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was down 1.2 percent at 5,066.77 while Germany's DAX slipped 0.8 percent to 5,889.71. The CAC-40 fell 1.3 percent to 3,410.93.

Oil was also buffeted, falling to near $70 a barrel.
GO HERE to read more.

A Letter To The Editor

IRETON’S VENDETTA IS COSTING SALISBURY BIG TIME

Jim Ireton’s mantra and actions against local landlords has become a broken record and are costing the City and its taxpayers in both reputation and budget. Last week he bombed in appeals by landlords to the zoning board from decisions by the administration. The City attorney was involved in those cases, so that could be why there is a pending budget amendment to provide more funding for Mr. Wilber.

Ireton continues to refuse to meet with SAPOA to discuss and resolve issues by establishing a working relationship, while proclaiming that he is going to hang landlords like Stu Leer out to dry. It’s not just a broken record, but an absurd one as well.

The school system will soon be on summer break. We urge Mr. Ireton to spend his free time in addressing matters that he has dodged for the past year, which include appointing both a fire chief and a police chief, rather than trips to the beach. And he should meet with SAPOA representatives before school is out.

1776 Faith Booksigning At William And Mary Bookstore



Local Author Has Booksigning at Williamsburg


On Saturday, June 5, local author Phil Webster had a booksigning of 1776 Faith: The Christian Worldview of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence at the William and Mary College Bookstore in Williamsburg.

Fruitland Final Vote To Raise Taxes, Sewer And Water Fees

This Tueday night is the final meeting where the new fees and tax rate will be voted on, as well as the next fiscal year budget.

Sewer and water fees are slated to go up, and the tax rates are also to be increased.

Many residents have received lower property assessments due to the housing crunch, which would have offered significantly lower tax bills.

But the Fruitland Council has discussed raising the tax rate-- which would mean property owners will not get the full benefit of the decline in assessed value.

By raising the tax rate, the city will take part of that tax reduction. Many tax bills will be lower than they have been, but not as low as they could (and should) be.

Many citizens have asked that budget cuts be made, and that rates be kept the same. Good ideas have been expressed by the citizens at the hearings-- we will see how many of them will be adopted, and whether meaningful cuts will actually be made.

The city's drug policy will receive further 'discussion', though it was supposed to have been in place 3 years ago.

Another agenda item is a lease for the Fruitland Falcon Football program-- an interesting item, since the head of that organization, Kerry Nelson, is also Chairman of the city's Recreation Commission. Though the program is good, there appears to be a significant potential for conflict of interest.

A football field was built in the city park a couple years ago, right beside the fence that separates the park from the adjacent $350,000 homes. The field now has lights, so activities and noise can go on well into the evening.

There was also a new 'Announcer's Booth' discussed at the May meeting:

"Recreation Commission Chairman Kerry Nelson came forward to endorse and present the Fruitland Falcons request to construct a two-story building at Redmen Field that will presently function as a press box and storage facility that could accommodate the addition of restrooms at a later date; he sought Council approval prior to securing architectural and engineering drawings for the project. Like the several other enhancements to the property that have occurred over the last Two (2) years, the Falcons presented their request already having the funds in place for the Fifty Thousand Dollar ($50,000.00) project that will become an asset for the City at no cost to the City."

"On a motion made by Councilor Carey that was seconded by Treasurer Ortiz and approved by a unanimous vote in favor, the Council granted pre-approval to the Fruitland Falcons for a new announcers booth at the Fruitland Recreation Park."

An Announcer's Booth-- adding a PA system to the extra traffic and noise in the area-- is a factor that needs to be considered in the final decision. Certainly the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods need to get involved before the noise and traffic get out of hand. Most will probably have little idea what's coming until it's too late.

Much of the cost of this football field has been covered by sponsoring organizations through the Falcons at no cost to the city, so the lease OK is probably a foregone conclusion. But if the Falcons raised the money to build the facilities, they may have the city over a barrel in the event of future problems.

Here's the rundown for Tuesday night:

FRUITLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2010
Council Chambers, City Hall, 401 E. Main Street, Fruitland, Maryland

The Fruitland City Council will meet in Regular Session beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Active public participation in these meetings helps assure alert, responsive city government.

STAFF MEETING
7:00 p.m. City Council and Staff will meet to review the evening’s agenda in the conference room.

REGULAR MEETING
7:30 p.m. Call to Order, Opening Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance
Adoption of Minutes, Reports: Treasurer’s, City Manager’s, Department Heads’

7:40 p.m. Unfinished Business:

1. Approve paid bills - Action Item.

2. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budget and Fees. Action item.
a. Adopt Water Department Budget and Fees
b. Adopt Sewer Department Budget and Fees
c. Adopt General Operating Budget
(1) Adopt Property Tax Rate
(2) Adopt Personal Property Tax Rate
(3) Adopt Mobile Home Tax Rate
(4) Adopt Sanitation Fee
d. Adopt Water and Sewer Impact Fees
e. Adopt Capital Improvements Budget
f. Adopt Five-Year Capital Improvements Plan

3. Drug Policy - Discussion Item?

4. New Police Building – Update?

5. Tax Differential – Update?

6. Award Asphalt and Concrete needs contracts

7. Energy Contract Extension-Update?

8:15 p.m. New Business:

1. Rowens Mill – Final Plat Approvals – Brock Parker
a. Re-Subdivision of Lots 15-25
b. Re-Subdivision of Lots 37-52

2. Impact Fees – Fruitland Shopping Center (Kool Smiles & Citi Trends) – Tom Marciniec

3. Recreation Commission
a. Agreement of Lease – Fruitland Falcons Football, Inc
b. Nominations for Appointment to the Recreation Commission

4. Easton, Maryland Postal Service Processing and Distribution Facility – Discussion Item
Public Comment/General Discussion
Adjournment

The Fruitland City Council will meet in accordance with the State Open Meetings Act and the public is encouraged to attend. The above Agenda is subject to change without notice and the City Council reserves the right to go into closed session as may be necessary. For further information call 410-548-2809.

The Agenda is available for review on Lobby Bulletin Boards at City Hall, 401 E. Main Street in Fruitland, the Post Office at 201 E. Main Street in Fruitland, and on the City Website at http://www.cityoffruitland.com/

Two Choices

What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat.. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the

plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!

Run to first!'

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!

Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:

We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate.

The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.

If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference.

We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.'

So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:

Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.

You now have two choices:

1. Delete

2. Forward

May your day, be a Shay Day.
Editors Note: For a copy of this Post e-mail me at alberobutzo@wmconnect with Two Choices in the subject line.

Is Fire Station 2 Falling Apart On Purpose?





This is what the upstairs bathroom at Station 2 on Brown and Naylor Street looks like. That fine gentleman that Carol Cugler says deserves to be named Fire Chief refuses to let it be repaired. This is definitely negligence as a leader of the Salisbury Fire Department. This bathroom has been deteriorating for quite some time now and the roof developed a serious leak from the Blizzards of February 2010. They refuse to have any repairs done to this building because it is their way to justify spending another $10 million of tax dollars to get a new fire palace. This plan has been orchestrated by Gordy, Hoppes and See for quite some time now. Ireton needs to do his job and get rid of those clowns now!! The longer you let a building go without repairs the worse it deteriorates and costs to much to fix. And the Daily Times says Hoppes has been "holding the department together" for a year now? What a joke. This building is falling apart!!

Liberal House Dems, Unions Push For $23B Fund To Save Teacher Jobs

Soon after Congress returns from the Memorial Day recess, liberal House Democrats and teacher unions will make one last push to pass a $23 billion fund to prevent teacher layoffs.

Democrats are looking to package the fund with war and disaster spending in a supplemental appropriations bill the House will vote on as early as this week.

The House approved the teacher fund in December as part of a jobs bill, but that legislation stalled in the Senate. With lawmakers wary of moving big spending measures, the upcoming bill may be the last vehicle that could carry the teacher money before the November elections.

Democrats in the House pushing for the fiscal aid warn that up to 300,000 teachers could lose their jobs soon because the $44.5 billion in fiscal aid in the 2009 stimulus bill is running out.

"At the same time, states are still facing bleak budgetary outlooks and may very well have to cut funding for education in order to balance budgets," Democratic Reps. Maurice Hinchey (N.Y.), Phil Hare (Ill.) and Bob Etheridge (N.C.) wrote in a letter. "If Congress does not pass additional funding for education jobs soon, many of the jobs that have been supported by [the stimulus] will be lost."

The letter was signed by 104 other House Democrats, the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association unions, and other public education groups. The teacher fund has gotten public backing from Education Secretary Arne Duncan and senior White House economist Christina Romer.

The measure is likely to run into resistance from Democratic freshman and fiscally conservative Blue Dogs, both of whom face tough reelection races this fall.

House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) is including the teacher money in a $86 billion package that also has $37.5 billion for the Afghanistan and Iraq wars and related State Department operations, $13.4 billion for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, $5.7 billion for Pell grants for college students, $2.8 billion for Haiti aid, $677 million for increased security at the Mexican border and $275 million for aid for the Gulf Coast oil spill. Most of the money isn't offset and would increase the deficit because it's considered emergency spending.

More here

Iran Offers Military Escort To Ships Breaking Gaza Blockade

Iran's Revolutionary Guards are willing to provide a military escort to cargo ships trying to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, a spokesman for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was quoted as saying Sunday. The news was carried by Reuters, quoting Iranian news agency Mehr.

"Iran's navy forces are ready to escort the peace flotilla to Gaza with all their powers and capabilities," announced Ali Shirazi, Khamenei's representative inside the Revolutionary Guards.

The report came just a day after Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was reportedly considering personally joining a flotilla to Gaza and offering the support of the Turkish Navy to protect such flotillas from Israeli inspections.

A naval force from either country heading toward Gaza would be tantamount to a declaration of war on Israel, which is a very small country that is surrounded by hostile Muslim entities.

Mark Regev, spokesman for the Israeli prime minister, earlier dismissed the prospect of a hostile escort for a Gaza flotilla as not being a realistic possibility. "Some of these reports must be taken with a grain of salt ... I am not sure that is a realistic scenario," he told British Sky News. "I prefer that we sort these things out peacefully. Nobody wants any saber-rattling. It does not do any good."

More from INN

It's Not Just Here-- Foreign Laborers 'Conquered' Parts Of Tel Aviv

MK Yaakov Katz (Ketzaleh), Head of the Israeli Knesset Committee on the Foreign Laborers Problem, toured the streets of southern Tel Aviv Sunday, where thousands of illegal immigrant laborers reside. The laborers “stole across the border,” he said, and “effectively conquered entire neighborhoods in the city's south that have been irreparably damaged.”

Ketzaleh visited HaYarden School in HaTikva Neighborhood where many of the laborers' children study, as well as a refuge for female refuge seekers and a day care center for the babies of African laborers.

Ketzaleh, who heads the National Union, praised Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Chuldai for his hospitality and for allowing a free and frank discussion. He said that the municipality was treating the foreigners with great care and devotion.

He was worried by what he saw. In several schools, he said, 50% to 70% of the students were non-Jews. “There are prostitution and crime centers in the city streets and the municipality is doing the best it can in the best possible way,” he noted. The problem, he said, should be laid at the doorstep of the Prime Minister, “because there were 12,000 labor infiltrators at the start of his term and there are 30,000 now, and in the years remaining in the Prime Minister's term I estimate that there will be 100,000 African labor immigrants.”

Ketzaleh said there is no plan for dealing with this national problem and no target date for beginning the construction of a barrier on the southern border. “The government needs to wake up and give one person responsibility for this matter,” he determined. “He will have the relevant authority and will coordinate all of the activities carried out on the matter, and he will be charged with solving the problem.”

(Source)

Off-Duty Officer Fatally Shoots Unarmed Marine

Man Shot 13 Times Outside Baltimore Nightclub

BALTIMORE -- Tyrone BrownAn off-duty Baltimore City police officer fatally shot an unarmed Marine 13 times outside a nightclub early Saturday.

According to Baltimore City police, Tyrone Brown -- a 32-year-old Marine who has served two tours of duty in Iraq -- was shot 13 times at close range. He died a short time later.

Baltimore police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the officer shot and killed Brown, saying Brown made advances toward a woman who was with the officer.

"After the advances, the officer and the individual exchanged words," Gugliemi said. "There was an argument, and the altercation turned physical. At that point, the officer pulled out his service weapon and fired multiple shots at our victim."

Brown's sister said she was there when her brother was shot. She said they were out at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday when they approached a group of people -- including the off-duty officer -- leaving Eden's Lounge, a nightclub in Mount Vernon.

GO HERE to read more.

2010 Bark For Life Of Wicomico County, MD

The Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club 31663 Winter Place Parkway
June 12, 2010 Registration: 8:00 AM Walk Begins: 9:00 AM

Proof of Current Rabies Vaccination required for ALL Dogs participating.
Please bring documentation on day of event.

Dollars raised: $700.00
Team registered: 4
Participants registered: 17

Printable registration form
I'm interested in being a vendor
I would like to be a sponsor.


The American Cancer Society Bark For LifeTM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer.


By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.


So bring your best canine friend and join us for a fun-filled day starting with a walk, and then continuing with demonstrations, contests, and games.

An Oldie But A Goodie

A guy walked into the local welfare office to pick up his check.

He marched straight up to the counter and said, 'Hi. You know, I just HATE drawing welfare. I'd really rather have a job.'

The social worker behind the counter said, 'Your timing is excellent. We just got a job opening from a very wealthy old man who wants a chauffeur and bodyguard for his beautiful daughter.

You'll have to drive around in his 2008 Mercedes CL, and he will supply all of your clothes. Because of the long hours, meals will be provided. You'll also be expected to escort the daughter on her overseas holiday trips.

This is rather awkward to say, but you will also have as part of your job assignment to satisfy her sexual urges as the daughter is in her mid-20's and has a rather strong sex drive. A two-bedroom loft type apartment with plasma TV, stereo, bar, etc. located above the garage will be designated for your sole use and the salary is $200,000 a year.'

The guy, just plain wide-eyed, said, 'You're bullsh!ttin' me!'

The social worker said, 'Yeah, well, you started it.

Old Man At The Beach








YOU HAVE A DIRTY MIND

Life is short but a smile takes barely a second.

Daddy Long Legs

Stories about children and their views of the world are always touching.


A father watched his young daughter playing in the garden.

He smiled as he reflected on how sweet and pure his little girl was.

Tears formed in his eyes as he thought about her seeing the wonders of nature through such innocent eyes.

Suddenly she just stopped and stared at the ground.



He noticed she was looking at two spiders mating.

'Daddy, what are those two spiders doing?' she asked.

'They're mating,' her father replied.

'What do you call the spider on top?' she asked.

A Daddy Longlegs,' her father answered.

'So, the other one is a Mommy Longlegs?' the little girl asked.

As his heart soared with the joy of such a cute and innocent question he replied, 'No dear. Both of them are Daddy Longlegs.'

'The little girl, looking a little puzzled, thought for a moment, then lifted her foot and stomped them flat.

'Well”, she said, “that may be OK in California , but we're not having any of that shit in North Dakota

Felton Man Arrested For Sexually Assaulting A 14 Year-Old Girl


Location: Slaughter Neck Road east of Herring Branch Road, Lincoln, Sussex County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Saturday June 5, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
Suspect:
Franklin K. Cephas, 42, Felton, DE

Resume:


Delaware State Police have charged a Felton man for the sexual assault of a 14 year-old girl.

The incident occurred as the victim was walking on Slaughter Neck Road toward a relative’s house when Cephas drove by in a pickup truck. Cephas stopped his truck and exited the vehicle. Cephas approached the victim while displaying a knife and forced her into the passenger side of the truck. Cephas drove the girl to a remote location where he sexually assaulted her. After the assault Cephas dropped the victim off on Herring Branch Road where she went to a relative’s home to report the incident.

Troopers put a description of Cephas’ tan truck out in Sussex and Kent counties. A trooper in Kent County who was in the area of Felton saw suspect vehicle and stopped the truck. The trooper took Cephas into custody without incident.

Cephas was taken to Troop-4 in Georgetown, Sussex County where he was charged with 2 counts of Rape 1st, Kidnapping 2nd, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, 3 counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of Felony and Possession a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited.

Cephas was arraigned at Court 3 and committed to the Department of Correction in default of $201,500.00 cash bail.

Robbery Suspect Captured After He Victimized An 83 Year-Old Woman As She Walked To Church


Location: St Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, New Castle County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Sunday June 6, 2010 6:35 a.m.
Suspect:
Richard D. Green, 28, Wilmington, DE
Resume:


Delaware State Police have arrested a 28 year-old suspect after he robbed an 83 year-old woman as she was walking to church.

Troopers arrested Green in Pike Creek today after he robbed an elderly woman as she was walking in the parking lot to church early this morning. Green approached the woman and forcibly removed the victim’s purse then fled in a tan colored Toyota.

Later in the day Green was taken into custody in the unit block of Rankin Road, Pike Creek by a state trooper.

He was charged with Robbery 1st charges and was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $5,000 bail.

All of the victim’s property was recovered with the exception of her currency. She was not injured during the incident.

Poss. Of CDS (Marijuana)

LOCATION: Rt. 50 E/B E/O Woodyard Rd, Willards, MD 21874
CASE NUMBER: 1054005270
CRIME: 1. Poss. Of CDS (Marijuana)
2. Poss. Of CDS Paraphernalia
SUSPECT: Johnathon Douglas Mcgrain W/M Littlestown, PA

BRIEF RESUME: On 06/06/2010, at 0946 hours, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack were working a stationary radar assignment in the area of eastbound Rt. 50 and Woodyard Rd, Willards, MD 21874. A Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling above the posted speed limit. Due to criminal indicators, a Drug K-9 performed an open aired scan of the vehicle with the positive presents of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. A search of the vehicle revealed suspected Marijuana in a duffle bag located on the rear passenger seat. Mcgrain was taken into custody without incident and was released to the Wicomico County Detention Center to see the Commissioner.

SHOREBIRDS DROP SUNS 4-3 IN GAME TWO

Bumbry Connects on Decisive Homer in Eighth

SALISBURY, Md.
– Delmarva right-hander Kenny Moreland allowed four hits and one earned run over six innings and center fielder Steve Bumbry rocketed a solo home run to left as the Shorebirds topped Hagerstown, 4-3, at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Sunday.

Moreland (1-2) struck out four and walked none in his third start with the Shorebirds to help them stop a four-game losing skid and improve to 24-34 and drop Hagerstown to 30-28 on the season. Bumbry hit his first homer as a Shorebird in his only at-bat of the day for a 4-3 lead before Hagerstown closed the gap with a run off Josh Dowdy in the ninth.

Three Delmarva relievers combined to limit a potent Hagerstown offense to three hits and one run over the final three innings. Pat Kantakevich, James Brandhorst and Dowdy pitched the seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively, with Dowdy picking up his seventh save in as many chances.

Left fielder Kieron Pope was 3-for-4 in the win with his second homer of the season, while Levi Corolus had a pair of hits.

The Suns jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Sandy Leon led off the frame with a single to right and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. With one out and Francisco Soriano at the plate, Leon stole third and scored when the ball went into left field.

Pope tied the game, 1-1, in the bottom of the fourth. Pope launched a 2-2 pitched over the left-center field fence with out.

Hagerstown regained the lead in the fifth on a sacrifice fly to left by Jeff Kobernus with one out. Eury Perez doubled to right and advanced to third on a balk by Moreland to setup the run-scoring fly out.

A two-run double to right-center field by Brian Conley vaulted the Shorebirds into the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Shortstop Garabez Rosa reached on an error with one out before second baseman Gary Helmick walked. Then Conley ripped a ground-rule double for the lead.

Perez led the Suns, going 2-for-2 with a run scored.

The Shorebirds and Suns play the third game of the series Monday 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 Bobby Bundy (0-3, 5.02). Hagerstown counters with lefty Josh Smoker (0-5, 6.63).

Swimming Lessons

I was wondering if you could post a question about swimming lessons.
Is there another pool besides the Y that offers them?