Highlighted Events This Week and Next Week in Wicomico Schools

Friday, Oct. 14
Wicomico TOY a Finalist at Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala
Baltimore

Salisbury Middle School science teacher Chad Pavlekovich, the 2011-12 Wicomico Teacher of the Year, will attend the Oct. 14 Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala as a finalist for the state honor. The 2011-2012 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced at about 9:30 p.m. during this gala reception and dinner at Martin’s West in Baltimore. The winner will receive cash awards, technology equipment, national travel opportunities, and a new car valued at more than $25,000, donated by the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association. The seven finalists for Maryland Teacher of the Year were selected by a panel of judges from key Maryland education organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, teacher unions, parents and higher education. Finalists are measured against a rigorous set of national criteria. Wicomico is proud of its state finalist and of the school system’s record of educational excellence, with two past Maryland Teachers of the Year (Bonnie Walston and Aaron Deal) working to support the success of Wicomico County students.

Friday, Oct. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
“Children’s Letters to God” Youth Musical
Allen Memorial Baptist Church, Salisbury

“Dear God. How did you know you were God?” “Dear God. Are you really invisible or is that just a trick?” “Dear God. How come you did all the miracles in the old days and you don’t do any now?” Taken directly from the letters of young people, “Children’s Letters to God” is family fun featuring a cast of five young characters ranging in age from 10 to 15 years old and a small ensemble. As in the book that inspired the musical, the production is not specifically religious in nature. It's about kids and various events in their lives that lead them to ask a lot of questions -- some funny, some serious, some surprising. In the end, they realize most of the answers have been around them all the time. Kaleidoscope Children & Youth Production's (KCYP) presentation features Katie Beach (Wicomico Middle) as Iris, Madison Rogers (Pemberton) as Kicker, Rachael Mrohs (Wor-Wic) as Joanna, Hunter Shaner (The Salisbury School) as Brett, and John Paul Chamberlain (Holly Grove) as Theo, all local students and KCYP's travel team as the chorus. Tickets: $14 adults, $11 students and senior citizens (for KCYP members, $13 adults, $10 students and senior citizens). Call 443-880-6240 or 443-944-3238 or visit www.kaleidoscopecyp.com.

Saturday, Oct. 15
2011 Delmarvacade of Bands
Wicomico County Stadium

Lights. Music. Marching. One of the most exciting and uplifting nights of the marching band season is coming up Saturday, Oct. 15, when Parkside High School and the Parkside Band Boosters present the 2011 Delmarvacade of Bands at Wicomico County Stadium.

High school marching bands from throughout the region – including the top three bands in Chapter IX, the chapter in which Wicomico County bands compete -- will fill Wicomico County Stadium that night. Spectators will enjoy the exciting sights and sounds of the field shows as bands tune up for the impending championship events.

Between bands, parents, and spectators, the Delmarvacade is expected to draw thousands of people to the stadium on Oct. 15 (rain date is Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.). Bands will compete on Oct. 15 starting at 6:30 p.m., with each band performing the kind of field show people are accustomed to seeing at halftime of football games. Each performance will last seven to 12 minutes, and a new band will take the field about every 15 minutes.

The event is sponsored by Parkside High School and its Band Boosters. It will be adjudicated by professional judges of the National Judges Association. Bands will be judged on every aspect of their field show, including both musical and visual elements, individual and group elements, as well as the overall general effect of the show. Each band will receive a score based on a 100-point scale, and a trophy. Bands will compete in four categories, depending on the number of instrumentalists in the band. Parkside High and Bennett are in Group 3 and Wicomico is in Group 2. Parkside, as host, will perform in exhibition. There will be an awards ceremony at the end of the night.

Admission to Delmarvacade of Bands is $5. A program detailing the participants, with a score sheet to keep track of how the bands are doing, is $5. The Parkside Band Boosters will donate $1 from each program sold to Women Supporting Women of Salisbury. For information call Kevin Zaczkiewicz, Parkside High School band director, at 410-677-5161.

A Question of 140 Characters: British MPs Vote For Twitter

A glance at the Reporters' Gallery of the House of Commons indicates how rich and deep Britain's tradition of political satire runs. Sketch writers—journalists employed to distill their rare understanding of Westminster's doings and beings into intense bursts of snark—hog the front seats, craning to capture details that transform the thudding realities of parliamentary debate into comedy. They're a brilliant bunch but sometimes their efforts appear redundant. British parliamentarians are remarkably adept at sending up themselves.

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Average Salaries On Wall Street Have Exploded By More Than 330%

The Banksters are getting richer. According to a new report by Mother Jones – over the last 30 years – average salaries on Wall Street have exploded by more than 330%.

That’s compared to other workers in New York City whose pay has seen only a modest 65% increase in 3 decades. In 1981 – banksters made about twice as much as anyone else in New York City. Today – they make 5 times more than anyone else. For some reason our nation has given more priority to people who don’t create any actual wealth – rather than our manufacturers and teachers who we depend most on. We need to reverse that – and there are people on the streets today pledging to do just that.

Source

Americans Favor Occupy Wall Street Far More Than Tea Party

Despite nonstop GOP and conservative disparagement of the Wall Street protests, the most detailed polling yet on Occupy Wall Street suggests that the public holds a broadly favorable view of the movement — and, crucially, the positions it holds.

Time released a new poll this morning finding that 54 percent view the Wall Street protests favorably, versus only 23 percent who think the opposite. Interestingly, only 23 percent say they don’t have an opinion, suggesting the protests have succeeded in punching through to the mainstream. Also: The most populist positions espoused by Occupy Wall Street — that the gap between rich and poor has grown too large; that taxes should be raised on the rich; that execs responsible for the meltdown should be prosecuted — all have strong support.

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Is Wisconsin Trying To Rig Next Year’s Presidential Election

First it was Pennsylvania – now Wisconsin is trying to rig next year’s Presidential election.

Wisconsin State Representative Dan LeMathieu introduced legislation that would change how the state counts electoral votes – dividing them up based on which candidate wins each Congressional district rather than the winner-take-all format that Wisconsin has always used – and that 48 other states in the nation use. Wisconsin has 10 electoral votes – and has voted for a Democrat in every Presidential election since 1988. But if Republicans get their way – then those 10 votes that have normally gone to Democrats would be split up – with half going to Republicans. As the old saying goes, “It’s not the people who vote that counts. It’s the people who count the votes.”

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Fill In The Blank 10-14-11

Today I am going to_____!

Limiting Abortion?

House Republicans will vote on legislation to limit abortion in the country. H.R. 358 will severely restrict women’s access to abortion and also allow health care providers to refuse to administer abortions if it goes against their consciences – no matter how medically necessary the procedure may be. As in – if a woman’s life is at risk during a pregnancy – a doctor now has the right to let her die rather than perform an abortion. The White House has already pledged to veto the legislation – meaning this is nothing but politics being played out by Republicans in the House. Americans gave Speaker John Boehner a majority in 2010 to do something to fix the economy – not divide the nation with controversial abortion legislation. So – the question still remains: “Speaker Boehner – where are the jobs?!”

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US Loosens Strictures On Traveling To Cuba

Despite its location 90 miles off the shores of Florida, Cuba remains, in the eyes of many Americans, one of the last great travel mysteries. Since 1961, when the U.S. government instituted a de facto Cuban travel ban, visits to the country by U.S. nationals have been problematic, if not impossible.

American travelers without legal means of visiting the island have been compelled to choose other destinations or circumvent U.S. law by traveling via a third country.

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Showdown In NYC

Could a showdown be brewing with the Occupy Wall Street movement and New York City?

Yesterday – New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg went to Zucotti Park – the site of the four week long occupation – to tell demonstrators they needed to clear the park by Friday so that it could be cleaned. He assured them they could return right after the cleanup. However – the property managers of the public park want to begin enforcing new rules after the cleaning – including a ban on sleeping bags and camping gear – vital components of the occupation. But demonstrators aren’t budging – vowing to clean the park themselves and form a human chain around the park in case the NYPD tries to force them to leave. They’ve also said that once they clean the park - they plan to take their brooms and mops to Wall Street “where the real mess is.” Looks like another interesting weekend is shaping up in the Big Apple.

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Are You Always The Bad Guy When It Comes to Discipline?

I'm constantly disciplining my 4-year-old, but my husband comes home after a long day at work and is much 'softer' on our son. I'm sick of looking like the bad guy.

The parent who is around more does take on the role of disciplinarian, but the real problem here is consistency. A young child with two parents with opposing styles is bound to get confused about which behaviors are OK or not. You and your spouse need to have ongoing dialogues (NOT after a long day at work) about backing each other up. Surely you both want the same thing: a well-behaved and confident child.

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Opportunities To Support Our Students And Schools

Saturday, Oct. 15
Yard Sale by the Wicomico High National Honor Society
Wicomico High Auditorium

The National Honor Society (NHS) of Wicomico High School will have a yard sale in the school auditorium from 6-11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 to raise money for service to the community. Proceeds from the yard sale will help the NHS provide toys and stockings that will be given out to families through the Salvation Army this winter. Anyone wishing to make a donation of clean, usable clothes or household items should contact Linda Howard at Wicomico High at 410-677-5146 or lhoward@wcboe.org.

A+ Garden Centre at Parkside High School Now Open

The A+ Garden Centre at Parkside High School is open for the fall season, with regular hours from 8:15-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. on school days. The Garden Centre will also be open from 3-6 p.m. this Friday. Purchases of these plants, grown by Parkside CTE horticulture students, supports the horticulture program. Available for purchase are:

mums at $4 each or four for $15
pansies (40 cents for 3-inch or a 32-count flat for $12.16, 80 cents for 4-inch or a 10-count flat for $7.50, or 14-inch pot for $12.95)
perennials $3.95 each
aloe vera, 4-inch pot $1.75
One and 2.8 cubic foot bags also available for purchase

Stay Puft Marshmallow Man Is Best Villain Ever

Forget Freddy and Jason. Not so fast, Leatherface and Hannibal Lecter. One of the best villains in movie history is the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from "Ghostbusters."He's at least 100 feet tall and has googly little eyes that roll happily in his head. He never loses his cheery little smile even as he stomps on cars and steps on churches, leaving melty puddles of delicious looking goo in his wake. Like fellow mascot the Cracker Jack Kid, he boasts a sailor suit — kind of.

Well, he sports the hat and the neckerchief. The rest of him is a lusciously obese pile of his signature marshmallows, smushed together like a killer snowman and resulting in thighs so chubby even Richard Simmons would be at a loss to help.

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The Electric Car Gets Its Revenge

Last night I caught an advance screening of a new documentary, "Revenge of the Electric Car." It's by the same director who did "Who Killed The Electric Car?" except this story ends in triumph instead of tragedy.

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Father Outraged Over Body Suspension Artists in Backyard

Shane Shields can't tell you exactly why, but he gets a rush out of being pierced through the skin with thick hooks and hanging by ropes in the air – a fringe art known as body suspension.

The 29-year-old body modification artist runs a licensed tattoo facility as a day job, but on weekends, he joins other body suspension enthusiasts in a Springfield, Mo., backyard.

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The Scapegoat Strategy

By Charles Krauthammer, Published: October 13

What do you do if you can’t run on your record — on 9 percent unemployment, stagnant growth and ruinous deficits as far as the eye can see? How to run when you are asked whether Americans are better off than they were four years ago and you are compelled to answer no?

Play the outsider. Declare yourself the underdog. Denounce Washington as if the electorate hasn’t noticed that you’ve been in charge of it for nearly three years.

But above all: Find villains.

President Obama first tried finding excuses, blaming America’s dismal condition on Japanese supply-chain interruptions, the Arab Spring, European debt and various acts of God.

Didn’t work. Sounds plaintive, defensive. Lacks fight, which is what Obama’s base lusts for above all.
Hence Obama’s new strategy: Don’t whine, blame. Attack. Indict. Accuse. Who? The rich — and their Republican protectors — for wrecking America.

In Obama’s telling, it’s the refusal of the rich to “pay their fair share” that jeopardizes Medicare. If millionaires don’t pony up, schools will crumble. Oil-drilling tax breaks are costing teachers their jobs. Corporate loopholes will gut medical research.

It’s crude. It’s Manichaean. And the left loves it. As a matter of math and logic, however, it’s ridiculous. Obama’s most coveted tax hike — an extra 3 to 4.6 percent for millionaires and billionaires (weirdly defined as individuals making more than $200,000) — would have reduced last year’s deficit (at the very most) from $1.29 trillion to $1.21 trillion. Nearly a rounding error. The oil-drilling breaks cover less than half a day’s federal spending. You could collect Obama’s favorite tax loophole — depreciation for corporate jets — for 100 years and it wouldn’t cover one month of Medicare, whose insolvency is a function of increased longevity, expensive new technology and wasteful defensive medicine caused by an insane malpractice system.

After three years, Obama’s self-proclaimed transformative social policies have yielded a desperately weak economy. What to do? Take the low road: Plutocrats are bleeding the country, and I shall rescue you from them.

Problem is, this kind of populist demagoguery is more than intellectually dishonest. It’s dangerous. Obama is opening a Pandora’s box. Popular resentment, easily stoked, is less easily controlled, especially when the basest of instincts are granted legitimacy by the nation’s leader.

Exhibit A. On Tuesday, the Democratic-controlled Senate passed punitive legislation over China’s currency. If not stopped by House Speaker John Boehner, it might have led to a trade war — a 21st-century Smoot-Hawley. Obama knows this. He has shown no appetite for a reckless tariff war. But he set the tone. Once you start hunting for villains, they can be found anywhere, particularly if they are conveniently foreign.

Exhibit B. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin rails against Bank of America for announcing a $5-a-month debit card fee. Obama echoes the opprobrium with fine denunciations of banks and their hidden fees — except that this $5 fee is not hidden. It’s perfectly transparent.

Yet here is a leading Democratic senator advocating a run on a major (and troubled) bank — after two presidents and two Congresses sunk billions of taxpayer dollars to save failing banks. Not because they were deserving or virtuous but because they are necessary. Without banks, there is no lending. Without lending, there is no business. Without business, there are no jobs.

Exhibit C. To the villainy-of-the-rich theme emanating from Washington, a child is born: Occupy Wall Street. Starbucks-sipping,  Levi’s-clad, iPhone-clutching protesters denounce corporate America even as they weep for Steve Jobs, corporate titan, billionaire eight times over.

These indignant indolents saddled with their $50,000 student loans and English degrees have decided that their lack of gainful employment is rooted in the malice of the millionaires on whose homes they are now marching — to the applause of Democrats suffering acute Tea Party envy and now salivating at the energy these big-government anarchists will presumably give their cause.

Except that the real Tea Party actually had a program — less government, less regulation, less taxation, less debt. What’s the Occupy Wall Street program? Eat the rich.

And then what? Haven’t gotten that far.

No postprandial plans. But no matter. After all, this is not about programs or policies. This is about scapegoating, a failed administration trying to save itself by blaming our troubles — and its failures — on class enemies, turning general discontent into rage against a malign few.

From the Senate to the streets, it’s working. Obama is too intelligent not to know what he started. But so long as it gives him a shot at reelection, he shows no sign of caring.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-scapegoat-strategy/2011/10/13/gIQArNWViL_print.html

Millions Unaccounted For In Biodiesel Fraud Case

Perry Hall businessman accused of selling phony fuel credits enters no plea

A federal prosecutor said Thursday that the government has recovered only a third of the $9 million that authorities charge a Perry Hall businessman with taking from his customers in a massive biofuel fraud scheme.

The businessman, Rodney R. Hailey, president of the now-shuttered Clean Green Fuel, appeared in U.S. District Court for what had been scheduled as an arraignment. But Hailey surprised prosecutors by not going through with a guilty plea that they said he had agreed to before the proceeding.

The switch prompted prosecutor Stefan D. Cassella to express concern that federal investigators have been unable to track down most of the money they say Hailey collected by selling allegedly phony credits for biodiesel fuel he never produced.

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Arrest Made In January Home Invasion

Defendant: David S. Benson, 50, Magnolia, DE

 

Charges and Arraignment Information:

 

-Burglary 1^st Degree

-Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony

-Unlawful Imprisonment 2^nd Degree

-Assault 3^rd Degree

-Malicious Interference with Emergency Communications

 

Arraigned at the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution for lack of $14,500 secured bail.

Today's Survey Question

Which protest movement do you favor more, Occupy Wall Street or the tea party?

BREAKING NEWS IN WORCESTER COUNTY

Salisbury News just learned of an explosion in Ocean Pines. The blast was heard in Ocean City. More to come.

Free Trade, Free Trade, Free Trade

Congress passed three so-called Free Trade agreements last night – meaning transnational corporations now have new pools of cheap labor in Colombia, South Korea, and Panama.

All three trade deals were passed with bipartisan support in both Chambers of Congress despite the face that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was against them – and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi expressed skepticism about the Colombia deal. Over the last two decades – we’ve seen the effects of these so-called Free Trade deals on our economy. We’ve seen trade surpluses turn into massive trade deficits. We’ve seen millions of factories and manufacturing jobs shipped overseas. And we’ve seen the wealth and power of transnational corporations explode while small businesses collapse. Yet – our lawmakers – continue to buy into this gimmick year after year. It’s time to put down the Free Trade Kool-Aid.

Source

LaHood Says He'll Leave at End of Obama's Term

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will leave the Obama administration at the end of the president's current term, his top spokeswoman said Thursday.

LaHood, 65, indicated his intention to leave the cabinet at a media luncheon, but gave no reason for his decision, spokeswoman Jill Zuckman said. He hasn't yet discussed his intentions with President Obama, she said


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Cat Found In Delmar

This cat showed up at my house last night and it clearly belongs to someone. It is very loving (wasn't the least bit shy). Found in Delmar near Dagsboro Rd.

 

Kitty is having some breakfast but would love to get back home.

410-742-4954

Occupy Wall Street: The T-Shirt

"It's time, the anger is boiling over and we're sick of being taken advantage of and taken for granted! Occupy Wall Street! It is time to stop the greed and bring about real social change," so states what sounds like a passionate tweet from a 19-year-old New York University undergrad skipping her sociology classes to camp out on Wall Street. Instead, this mini-manifesto is the product description for a preshrunk, durable, 100 percent cotton T-shirt from Café Press, which will help you "look cool without breaking the bank," for a mere $28 (unless you want a 3XL, which will cost you three bucks more). And if a T-shirt isn't your thing, you can order "Occupy Wall Street" bags, mugs, water bottles, maternity wear, laptop skins, or performance dry T-shirts, in case you need to take a jog and express your distaste of greedy bankers, all the while hiding your sweaty armpits.

No, you, too, can Occupy Wall Street - all without leaving the comfort of your couch!

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Disabled Navy Veteran In Same-Sex Marriage To Sue For Benefits

A disabled Navy veteran is suing the Department of Veterans Affairs to recognize her marriage to her longtime female partner in what is believed to be the first time a U.S. veteran has sought recognition of same-sex marriage from the department.

Carmen Cardona, 45, of Norwich, Conn., announced details of the lawsuit at a press conference in New Haven Thursday morning. The 18-year Navy veteran was filing an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied her and her wife spousal disability benefits last year.

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Cartels Carve New Drug Routes In Central America

Corozal, Belize - I met Bobby on my last night in Belize, the night before this Central American nation celebrated its 30 th anniversary of independence.

I was standing outside a Chinese market, waiting for the town’s fireworks display to start. Most of Corozal’s 10,000 people, it seemed, were jammed into the civic center plaza across the street.

“Hey man, you OK? You look kinda scared or something.”

The question and comment came at me from a man sitting on a crate next to the entrance to the market, drinking a Heineken beer.

“Where you from, man?” he asked.

States, I told him. And, no, not scared, just taking in the scene. I’d been watching the Chinese family selling beers to young Belizean men through the market’s metal bars, wondering if there weren’t better opportunities in today’s booming China than in this sleepy waterfront town just south of Belize’s border with Mexico.

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Is Dating The Worst?

Let’s face it. Most of us grown-ups relegate dating to the category of necessary but generally quite uncomfortable. As a guy, it’s sort of like getting a prostate check from a doctor with freakishly oversized hands.

But we do it because we must. That’s the way it’s always been done, right? How else does one meet “The One.” Love is a numbers game, is it not? You’ve got to get through your share of “duds” to find your “stud”, right?

Well, maybe not.

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Georgia Considers Replacing Firefighters With Free Prison Laborers

Forcing prison inmates to work as unpaid laborers is not a new practice, but GOP-controlled states are increasing taking the idea to extremes as they face budget shortfalls and refuse to raise taxes. Under Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) anti-collective bargaining law, at least one Wisconsin county replaced some union workers with prison labor. Inmates are not paid for their work, but may receive time off of their sentences.

Now Camden County in Georgia is considering tasking prisoners to take on one of the most dangerous jobs there is: fighting fires. Using prisoners as firefighters is a cost-cutting measure that’s expected to save the county a bundle:

A select group of inmates may be exchanging their prison jumpsuits for firefighting gear in Camden County.

The inmates-to-firefighters program is one of several money-saving options the Board of County Commissioners is looking into to stop residents’ fire insurance costs from more than doubling. [...] The inmate firefighter program would be the most cost-effective choice, saving the county more than $500,000 a year by some estimates. But that option is already controversial, drawing criticism from the firefighters who would have to work alongside – and supervise – the prisoners.

The Camden program would put two inmates in each of three existing firehouses, and they would respond to all emergencies – including residential – alongside traditional firefighters. The inmates would have no guard, but would be monitored by a surveillance system and by the traditional firefighters, who would undergo training to guard the inmates.

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Whitehead Real Estate Executives

Ron Paul Challenges Cain Over Fed

Tuesday night’s GOP Debate went for two hours with largely no new points brought up or any sharp criticisms delivered. That was until late in the event when Congressman Ron Paul challenged up-and-comer Herman Cain over his stance on the Federal Reserve.

Given the recent economic turmoil erupting in America, more and more citizens are rallying for a regular audit of the Fed – a statistic Ron Paul says is evident in more than three-fifths of America. As a result, Congressman Paul pinned a question regarding the central bank on pizzaman Herman Cain, a former bigwig with the Kansas City Fed.

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GOP Pushes For Single County District

Unveil redistricting maps that keep Anne Arundel unified

Republicans plan to introduce at least three alternative maps when the General Assembly meets in special session Monday to take up congressional redistricting.

Del. Ron George, R-Annapolis, is co-sponsoring a plan being promoted by Del. Michael Hough, R-Frederick. Under this proposal, Anne Arundel County would be combined with Calvert and St. Mary's counties to form the 3rd District, which sponsors are calling the "Chesapeake Bay District."

UNO'S RAISES MONEY FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS, HAUNTED HOUSE OPENS TODAY AND BOY SCOUTS SELL PEANIUTS

Uno Chicago Grill in Fruitland recently hosted their 'Deep Dish Tuesday" and raised more than $1,000 for Special Olympics of Maryland Lower Shore. Left to Right: Natalie Costello, Uno’s Manager, Joe Rosales (General Manager), Eddie Cherrix, Special Olympics Maryland Lower Shore Area Director and Julie Stewart Event/Marketing Coordinator for Uno’s.

19th Annual Cemetery House opens today

Presented by Odd Fellows Charity Lodge #27

LAUREL, DE (Oct. 13, 2011) – Don't let the agonizing screams of current...and past...patrons deter you from entering the disturbing dungeons and maddening mazes in the Mid-Atlantic!

Ghouls, corpses, monsters and maniacs are eagerly waiting to guide those willing to traverse through the terrifying twists and turns of this season's Cemetery House in Laurel, DE.

Sponsored by The Odd Fellows Charity Lodge #27, the Cemetery House is open Fridays and Saturdays, October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 and is located on the west side of town at Sharptown and Hastings Roads next to the Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Parking is only available next to the Laurel Firehouse on 10th St. Ride on the free farm wagon to start your journey. Then stroll through 10-foot high grassy fields with spooky characters around every bend, as you wind your way to the haunted Cemetery House. The century-old home will thrill those brave enough to enter with a half hour tour accompanied by spirits and phantoms in every room.

“We have new attractions every year, we change the inside and outside of the house each year. You never come in the same way or leave the same way,” says Jerry Lynch, Odd Fellow member and co-chairman of the event.

Tickets are sold from 7 p.m. – 11 .pm. Admission is $8 and children under 6 admitted free. Receive $1 off admission with a non-perishable food item donation. Limit one discount per person.

Peanuts for sale!

Cub Scout Pack 182 Saturday fundraisers

Seaford, DEL.  Cub Scout Pack 182 of Seaford is selling Virginia Diner brand gourmet nuts to raise money for their annual Pinewood Derby, the Blue and Gold Banquet, and field trips. Stop by Rommel’s Ace Hardware Store in Seaford, Oct. 22 and 29, to purchase these Mid-Atlantic favorites!

Buy from Virginia Diner's gourmet seasoned peanuts collection: Old Bay, Smoked Cajun, Chili Lime, Mesquite Barbecue & more seasoned, spicy peanuts. And… raw peanuts, in the shell peanuts, peanut brittle, trail mixes, gift baskets and more varieties. Gourmet Virginia peanuts make great gifts!

For more information about Rommel’s ACE in Seaford, visit http://rommelsace.com/ or call Bryan D. Burkholder at 302-628-7890. Rommel's Ace Seaford is at 800 Norman Eskridge Hwy Route 20 Ames Plaza Seaford, DE 19973.

Rommel’s ACE is a customer-focused organization and lives by its mission statement: "Together we will always strive to satisfy completely every customer we serve." Each store prides itself on “getting you in, getting you help and getting you on your way in 15 minutes or less.” Information and store locator: http://rommelsace.com

Inside Trader Gets 11 Years In Hedge Case

(NEW YORK) — A former billionaire who was the primary target of what prosecutors called the biggest hedge fund insider trading case in U.S. history was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in prison.

Galleon Group founder Raj Rajaratnam also was fined $10 million. U.S. District Judge Richard J. Holwell announced the sentence after concluding that Rajaratnam made well over $50 million in profits from his illegal trades. "His crimes and the scope of his crimes reflect a virus in our business culture that needs to be eradicated," Holwell said.

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TROOPER JUST TRAINED IN CRIMINAL INTERDICTION ARRESTS TWO AND RECOVERS LOAD OF MARIJUANA

(ELKTON, MD) – A Maryland state trooper returning from criminal interdiction training put his new knowledge to use when he stopped to assist a disabled vehicle last night on I-95 in Cecil County and found a load of marijuana with a street value of more than $300,000.  

The suspects are identified as Fernando A. Gonzalez, 45, of Miami, Fla., and Juan C. Gomez Romero, 51, of Homestead, Fla.  Both are charged with importing marijuana into the state, possession of a large amount of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Both were taken to the Cecil County Detention Center for an initial hearing before a court commissioner.  

Shortly after 7:30 p.m. yesterday, a trooper assigned to the JFK Highway Barrack was returning from a three-day training class on criminal interdiction when he stopped to assist a disabled pickup truck on the exit ramp from northbound I-95 to Rt. 279 near Elkton.  The two occupants, later identified as Gonzalez and Romero, were changing a flat tire on the truck.  

After conversation with the suspects and visual observations indicative of possible criminal activity, the trooper requested and received consent to search the truck.  In the enclosed truck bed, the trooper found two duffle bags and a box.  Inside the bags and box he found dozens of plastic bags of high-grade marijuana.  

The total weight of the marijuana was 67 pounds.  The high-grade “hydroponic” marijuana has an estimated street value of $335,000.  

The investigation is continuing.

Congress Finally Gets Something Right

New York (CNN) -- Our dysfunctional divided Congress finally was able to find some common ground Wednesday, passing long-delayed free-trade bills with South Korea, Panama and Colombia.

Together, these treaties promise to increase U.S. exports by more than $12 billion a year while creating more than 300,000 jobs -- good news for our still-sluggish economy and struggling American workers.

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Wicomico Teacher of the Year Chad Pavlekovich, Science Teacher And Science Lover, Vies For Maryland Teacher Of The Year

When Salisbury Middle School science teacher Chad Pavlekovich was just a first-grader, he became fascinated with all things dinosaur during his school’s Dinosaur Daze celebration. Little did he know that dinosaurs would provide the spark for the love of science and learning that, decades later, now guides an approach to teaching that has made him the 2011-12 Wicomico Teacher of the Year and a finalist for Maryland Teacher of the Year.

“My childhood sense of wonderment and excitement is now prevalent within my classroom through the lessons that I experience with my students,” Pavlekovich said. “The little boy is back as a teacher who is sparking the scientific interest in students. In the back of my room, I have a 3-D cardboard dinosaur hanging from the ceiling as a reminder of my humble beginning and what could have been my ‘extinction’ as a scientist. It is a personal symbol of commitment to my students.”

Pavlekovich’s interest in science stayed with him, but it did not lead him straight into a career as a science teacher. Entering college with plans to become a doctor, he found he couldn’t master calculus and realized he needed to choose another career. To pay the bills, he took a job performing water quality testing in a wastewater treatment plant. “During those lonely days in the lab, I often thought back to my excitement as a young student and how I would like to be able to give other children the opportunity to have the same life-changing experience with the wonders of science.” He began doing just that in 2001, when he began working as a science teacher at Salisbury Middle School.

During the past 10 years at Salisbury Middle, Pavlekovich’s enthusiasm for science has benefitted the students in his classes and students and families throughout the school. He worked with a team to create the first STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy in Wicomico County; he continues to serve as its science teacher and as a lead STEM teacher. He engages eighth-graders in an annual Punkin Chunkin, blending physics and fun. He leads the planning for annual family nights that drew several hundred participants for activities on astronomy and crime scene investigation. In 2009, he was recognized as the Teacher of the Year, Excellence in Middle School Science, by the Maryland Association of Science Teachers. He was named the 2011-12 Wicomico Teacher of the Year last March, and learned in August that he was a finalist for Maryland Teacher of the Year.

At Friday night’s Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala in Baltimore, Pavlekovich and the other six finalists, as well as the other county teachers of the year, will be celebrated for their passion for teaching. The 2011-2012 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced at about 9:30 p.m. during this gala reception and dinner at Martin’s West in Baltimore. The winner will receive cash awards, technology equipment, national travel opportunities, and a new car valued at more than $25,000, donated by the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association.

Wicomico is proud of its 2011-12 state finalist and of the school system’s record of educational excellence, with two past Maryland Teachers of the Year (Bonnie Walston and Aaron Deal) working to support the success of Wicomico County students.

Google Revenue Soars, While G+ Network Grows To 40 Million

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Google reported third-quarter earnings that handily beat estimates, and announced that its three-month-old Google+ social network now has 40 million users.

That's a big increase from the 10 million users Google+ had at the end of Google's last quarter, when it remained in a "limited" trial phase. The network opened to the public in late September.

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SALISBURY/WICOMICO NAMED AMONG "100 BEST COMMUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE" FOR 5TH TIME

Executive Pollitt and Mayor Ireton join Glen Avenue School students for the “100 BEST” national webcast announcement.

Salisbury, MD — Salisbury/Wicomico County achieved national recognition as one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING for its initiatives to help young people. The competition recognizes communities across the country that focus on reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their youth.

A five-time 100 Best winner, Salisbury/Wicomico County continues to make young people a top priority in programming, funding and decision-making. For the past 10 years, the Wicomico Partnership for Families and Children has invested $6 million in local funds to create family-focused programs encouraging youth leadership and positive development. Free programs are offered to students over the summer to prevent learning loss before school begins in the fall and, during the school year, mentors work closely with children to help support their academic and character development. By emphasizing cross-sector collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce, NAACP and the Board of Education, Wicomico County’s graduation rate of 82.7 percent is above the national average.

 “We are proud of Salisbury/Wicomico County for being named one of the America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best,” said Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., Wicomico County Executive, “This award recognizes the hard work of many community members who have dedicated their time to making a difference in the lives of our young people.”

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton Jr., said, “For the community, as a whole, to be recognized again for what we do for children in Wicomico County, is incredible.  The amount of effort that many parents, teachers, community leaders, and so many volunteers put into making this a 100 Best community, for the 5th year running, could never be measured.  Again, I extend my sincere congratulations.” 

“In a nation where 7,000 students drop out of high school every day, we hope Salisbury/Wicomico County’s initiatives inspire other communities across the nation to take action to solve the challenges facing their young people,” said Marguerite W. Kondracke, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO.  “Salisbury/Wicomico County is especially deserving of this recognition due to their efforts to ensure that their young people graduate high school and go on to lead healthy, productive lives. Salisbury/Wicomico County refuses to let the challenges they face determine the future for their young people. Instead, they are helping their youth prosper and become contributing members of society.”

At noon EST on Oct. 12, 2011, Kondracke joined America’s Promise Alliance Chair Alma Powell and ING Foundation President Rhonda Mims at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., to officially announce the 100 winning communities in a live webcast.

Salisbury/Wicomico County will receive a $2,500 grant, signage identifying the community as one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People, and access to America’s Promise Alliance’s community development resources.

First held in 2005, the 100 Best competition is one of the Alliance’s signature initiatives and is part of its Grad Nation campaign, which is a 10-year initiative to mobilize Americans to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21^st century workforce.  The 100 Best honors communities large and small, rural and urban, that are making progress to help young people achieve their potential, which includes earning a high school diploma, securing a good job, and playing an active, productive role in America’s economic vitality.

All communities entering the 100 Best competition completed a rigorous application where they provided details on how their existing programs and initiatives help deliver the Five Promises—resources identified by the Alliance as being critical to the development of healthy, successful children: caring adults; safe places; healthy start; effective education; and opportunities to help others. Applicants were also asked to describe how different sectors of their community work together to help children and families overcome challenges. Most importantly, communities were judged on the strength and innovation of their efforts and programs to help young people graduate from high school prepared for college and the 21^st century workforce.

This year, more than 300 communities from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were nominated for the 100 Best distinction.  Winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of 20 judges that included: Marc Morial, president and CEO, National Urban League, Roxanne Spillett, president and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Michelle Shearer, Chemistry Teacher, Urbana High School, 2011 National Teacher of the Year.

The winners are a diverse group, ranging from small communities to large cities. A list of all 2011 winners can be found at www.americaspromise.org/100best.

Being a 100 Best community not only demonstrates commitment to local young people; the award fosters local pride, bolsters economic development and shines the spotlight on the people and programs that are building better communities. The competition also facilitates the sharing of best practices among communities nationwide regarding education, access to health care, reading score improvement, youth service and pre-school enrollment, among many other areas.

About America’s Promise AllianceAmerica’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth by raising awareness, supporting communities, and engaging in nonpartisan advocacy. Through our Grad Nation campaign, we harness the collective power of our partner network to mobilize Americans to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21^st century workforce.  Building on the legacy of our Founding Chairman General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our young people is grounded in the Five Promises—caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others.  For more information about America’s Promise Alliance, visit http://www.americaspromise.org/.

About ING

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance, and retirement services to over 85 million residential, corporate and institutional clients in more than 40 countries. With a diverse workforce of about 115,000 people, ING is dedicated to setting the standard in helping our clients manage their financial future.

In the U.S., the ING (NYSE: ING) family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, and financial planning. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves nearly 30 million customers across the nation.

ING’s diversity management philosophy and commitment to workplace diversity, diversity marketing, corporate citizenship and supplier diversity fosters an inclusive environment for employees that supports a distinctive product and service experience for the financial services consumer. For more information, visit www.ing.com/us.

About the ING Foundation

The ING Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in communities where ING operates and its employees and customers live. Through charitable giving and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on programs in the areas of financial literacy, children’s education, diversity, and environmental sustainability. For more information, visit http://www.ing-usafoundation.com/.

Accused Celebrity Hacker: 'I Deeply Apologize... It Eats At Me'

(CNN) -- The man accused of hacking celebrities' online accounts -- from which private images were ultimately posted on the Internet -- says he became "addicted" to the intrusion and "didn't know how to stop."

"I deeply apologize. I know what I did was probably one of the worst invasions of privacy someone could experience," Christopher Chaney told CNN affiliate WAWS/WTEV in Jacksonville, Florida, Wednesday.

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STATE OF MARYLAND SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATED FROM ANIMAL WASTE

Clean Bay Power Project will promote green energy and help reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Martin O’Malley announced that the State is seeking proposals for the purchase of electricity generated from animal waste as part of the Clean Bay Power project to promote the use of renewable energy, reduce Maryland’s contribution to agricultural runoff in the Chesapeake Bay, and encourage job creation.

The State’s renewable energy portfolio standard requires that electric suppliers purchase 20 percent of their power from clean energy sources by 2022. Maryland is seeking to purchase electricity from manure based fuels in an effort to reduce the amount of nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, which enter the Chesapeake Bay. These nutrients are partly responsible for the declining health of the Bay.

“Maryland is leading the nation’s efforts in clean energy and sustainability, and our State’s growing ‘green’ jobs sector is vital to our ability to create jobs and compete globally in the new economy,” said Governor O’Malley. “It is only through a diverse, renewable fuel mix that we will be able to reach our aggressive goal of generating 20 percent renewable energy by 2022, create jobs through innovation, and protect our precious environment. With projects like Clean Bay Power, together, we can work toward a more sustainable future for our children and create jobs in this changing new economy.”

The Clean Bay Power project is an effort by the Maryland Department of General Services, in coordination with the Maryland Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment, the Maryland Energy Administration, and the University System of Maryland. The successful supplier must have an electric generating capacity of up to 10MW from animal waste – such as poultry litter or livestock manure - and must be directly connected to the regional electricity grid. The selected supplier must begin providing electricity to the State by December 31, 2015. 

“We are seeking to purchase our power from a variety of renewable resources for a better and more sustainable future,” said DGS Secretary Alvin Collins. “Obtaining electricity from poultry manure or animal waste helps Maryland government to reach its goal of generating 20 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources, all the while improving Bay water quality and support the agriculture industry.”

Energy solicited through this request for proposals is limited to projects consuming animal waste as their primary fuel and that also qualify under the current definition of a “Tier I” renewable energy resource under the Maryland renewable energy portfolio standard.

The Clean Bay Power request for proposals is advertised at the eMaryland Marketplace website: https://ebidmarketplace.com. Deadline for proposal submission is 2 p.m., November 30, 2011.

Chris Tucker To Lose $6 Million Home

(PEOPLE.com) -- "Rush Hour" star Chris Tucker's $6 million Florida mansion is in foreclosure, with more than $4.4 million owed to the bank, reports the Orlando Sentinel, citing papers filed in Circuit Court in Lake County.

Tucker, 39, bought the 10,000-sq.-ft. waterfront home on Lake Apopka, near Orlando, in 2007. The newspaper says the residence contains five bedrooms, three fireplaces, a personal spa, an outdoor kitchen overlooking a pool, and a basement outfitted to resemble a pirate ship, including the sail.

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FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO JOIN YWCA FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS EVENT

ANNAPOLIS, MD First Lady Katie O’Malley and Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention Kristen Mahoney will join the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to raise awareness about domestic violence.

Following the ceremony at Government House, the YWCA will hold its 92^nd annual meeting on Lawyer’s Mall with a candle lit remembrance of victims lost to domestic violence, and a peace walk through downtown Annapolis.

The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. Across the globe, it has more than 25 million members in 106 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States. YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women, providing safe places for women and girls, building strong women leaders, and advocating for women's rights and civil rights in Congress.

Judge O’Malley recently received the Forerunner Award from the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation for a steadfast advocate for the rights of victims of domestic violence. For years, she has served in the fight to end domestic violence by educating victims and abusers, communities and families about the effects of such abuse. In Maryland, Judge O’Malley joined Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown to support and successfully pass legislation to remove firearms from the hands of domestic abusers. She continues to visit public and private schools, colleges and universities, and organizations around the state to promote domestic violence awareness for all families and children.

Delaware Only State To Reach Benchmarks In Policies To Reduce Cancer

Delaware leads the nation in enacting cancer laws and policies that save lives and money, according to a report by the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network. The report “How Do You Measure Up? A Progress Report on State Legislative Activity to Reduce Cancer Incidence and Mortality” ranks Delaware the highest in state policies in five cancer priority areas: breast and cervical cancer early detection program funding; colorectal screening coverage laws; smoke-free laws; tobacco prevention program funding; and tobacco taxes.

“We are moving forward in the fight against cancer,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “In public policies and in personal lives, we must continually support prevention, early detection and healthy lifestyles. Many have confronted this disease with courage, and we are committed to making progress in their name.”

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Maryland State Police Press Releases

DATE & TIME: October 13, 2011 @ 5:47pm C C. CARD NUMBER: 11-54-007209

LOCATION: 7905 Gumboro Rd Pittsville, Md 21850, Wicomico County Maryland.

Vehicle One: 2005 Toyota Prius

Vehicle One Driver: 70 Y/O Male

Pedestrian: 9 Y/O Female

BRIEF RESUME:

Vehicle number one was traveling N/B on Gumboro Rd when a young female ran out in front of the vehicle without looking. The driver of V-1 did not have time to hit the brakes but tried to swerve to avoid hitting the young female. The child sustained a head injury and was transported to PRMC. At this time there are no charges pending for either party.

DATE & TIME: October 13, 2011 @ 1433 hrs C C. CARD NUMBER: 1154007207

LOCATION: Delmar Rd., Mardela Springs, MD

INCIDENT: Suspicious Package.

BRIEF RESUME:

On the above date and time TFC. K. Moore, responded to Delmar Road in Mardela Springs, Maryland to investigate a suspicious package. Representatives from Maryland State Police, Maryland State Fire Marshall’s Office, and Maryland Department of the Environment responded to the scene to assist the investigation. A representative from MDE was able to test the contents on scene and determined the suspicious package contained water, and no dangerous chemicals that would be harmful to the public or property.

25% Of Millionaires Pay Lower Tax Rates Than Many Middle-Class Americans, Study Says

Roughly 25 percent of American millionaires pay a lower tax rate than millions of middle class earners, according to a new study by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.

According to the report, which was based on 2006 data, about a quarter of millionaires (about 94,500) paid less than 26.5 percent of their income in federal taxes, while about 10 percent of moderate-income taxpayers (about 10.4 million taxpayers) paid more than 26.5 percent in taxes. Moderate-income taxpayers were defined as those with an adjusted gross income less than $100,000.

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Today's Weather- 10/14/11

Salisbury,Maryland

Today

High
75°F

Precip
50%

Tonight

Overnight Low
52°F

Precip
20%

Weather Channel

Woman Flees Warren Jeffs' Polygamous FLDS Sect With Help Of Utah Authorities

(CBS/AP) SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Authorities said Wednesday they have helped a woman who was reportedly one of Warren Jeffs' 70 wives leave the polygamous community run by the jailed sect leader.

Media outlets including the Salt Lake Tribune reported the woman was one of Jeffs' many wives. Sheriff's Detective Nate Abbott said he did not know whether the woman was married to Jeffs.

The 55-year-old Jeffs, whom followers consider a religious prophet, is serving a life sentence in Texas for child sexual assault convictions.

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