Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Delmar Fire Department Website
The Delmar Fire Department website is really a good site. It has lots of photos by Wayne Barrall. Unlike the Town of Delmar website that is rarely updated, the fire department must update theirs every day.
Memorial Day, Again
The monument
Color Guard from VFW Post 10159
Speakers
Laying of a wreath
Today, May 30th, is when the VFW observes Memorial Day. I understand our local post will have a Memorial Day ceremony at 11 AM at State Street Park followed by additional services at the post.
UPDATE: I made a mistake about it being at State Street Park, as one of the speakers said this morning "when you get old your hearing goes". The dedication of a new monument was at the park behind the VFW.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Delmar Joint Council Meeting May 29th
The Towns of Delmar, Delaware and Delmar, Maryland had their joint council meeting tonight.
The members of the Police Commission presented two citizens, Harry Naugle and John Roberts, with awards for helping to assist with the capture of the alleged killer of Van Crawford.
The approval of last months minutes was made with no changes. This may be a first and a round of applause was given for Cindy Fisher, the Council clerk.
Sandy McMullen, from Chestnut Street, came in to raise hell about the way the streets and property were kept in her neighborhood. She asked if anyone on the town payroll ever rode around town and why couldn't they see the problems. She had with her a selection of photos. She said many properties were the same one she complained about last year.
Michael Lane of Becker Morgan Group (A North of the canal company) gave a presentation of the concept of phase II at Ponds Edge development on the Maryland side. It looked like a nice plan with eight apartment buildings with 24 units a piece renting in the $1,000 to $1,200 a month range. A large commercial area next to Route 13 will have a food store as an anchor plus several smaller store and there will be five restaurant pads by Route 13.
The Delaware council annexation committee gave their approval to the land owned by Old Stage Road LLC, Brittingham and Chesapeake LLC. The Delaware council, since they have never seen a bad annexation, voted to approve the annexation.
The Councils approved the budget for the upcoming year, no request for public input was made before being voted on. I guess the Police Chief has pissed off Diane Buckley as she made the approval contingent on not giving the Police force any new improved items in their budget until the Police Commission review certain items with Chief Saylor.
Sam Lenox, I think she is from Woodcreek, discussed the survey that is in the Town Summer newsletter. The Town is letting her compile the data from the survey and present it to the Town. Remember to mail or drop off your survey. No doubt if you do not have a copy you can get one from Town Hall. Since the survey does not ask for your name I would think you could submit a number of survey forms and sway the outcome of the survey results in whatever direction you want for it to go.
She would like $1,500 to fix up the basketball courts. She would like lights put there and at ten o'clock they would be turned off. Sam Lenox suggested four movable basketball goal post be placed on the old tennis court. This would expand the number of places to play basketball and allow for a basketball league to be played in Delmar at night.
Sam Lenox took it upon herself to buy four movable basketball goal posts and told the Town council her husband and herself would donate one, the basketball players would donate another one but she would like for the Town to reimburse her for the other two. My opinion is the town should thank her for donating all four, you certainly can not have people going out, unauthorized, buying things for the town or you would have the budget shot in no time.
The Town is currently looking into insurance issues on using these goal posts.
Sam Benson suggested a donation booth at Day in the Park to help pay for improvements at the basketball court.
Jason Jones from Salisbury University spoke about the need for the courts. He said in the 12 years he has played on them there has been no resurfacing of court.
At public comment time other residents around the court spoke up and said they didn't want night basketball as there was enough of a problem currently with foul language and other issues at the court. As one resident said "It is nothing but trouble".
Someone (Andy) from Wicomico County Recreations and Parks spoke saying there were other basketball leagues in Wicomico County and they played at night. The leagues were done by ten o'clock.
The basketball court problem is one that the town is obviously trying to avoiding. Usually when you bring up insurance issues it means the town is trying to postpone the problem and hope it will go away on it's own. I think there is a need for improvement to the basketball courts as a number of the town residents use them. I can also understand the complaints of the residents who live around the court. Frankly, I would not want to live next to them, but I also would not want to live next to the softball fields. You would think with the basketball court being close to the police station, the police would be around frequently to observe it. The softball fields, playground and basketball court were there before many of the residents purchased their homes so they must have been aware of the presents of those facilities at the time they purchased their homes. The social aspect of those facilities however could be improved. I think that night lights are a bad idea and all the facilities, basketball and softball/baseball, should be shut down once night arrives and the park cleared of people.
The new Public Works director is Jerome Reid. The town has purchased a used street sweeper from Georgetown. It is hoped to have it in operation in three to four weeks.
Now, you know I have complained before about the petty crimes in Delmar. Commissioner Hitchens commented that about a third of the flags put out at the local cemetery for Memorial day were stolen. Another person commented that flowers planted around a monument by a church were dug up and removed. You can't get any lower than that.
The members of the Police Commission presented two citizens, Harry Naugle and John Roberts, with awards for helping to assist with the capture of the alleged killer of Van Crawford.
The approval of last months minutes was made with no changes. This may be a first and a round of applause was given for Cindy Fisher, the Council clerk.
Sandy McMullen, from Chestnut Street, came in to raise hell about the way the streets and property were kept in her neighborhood. She asked if anyone on the town payroll ever rode around town and why couldn't they see the problems. She had with her a selection of photos. She said many properties were the same one she complained about last year.
Michael Lane of Becker Morgan Group (A North of the canal company) gave a presentation of the concept of phase II at Ponds Edge development on the Maryland side. It looked like a nice plan with eight apartment buildings with 24 units a piece renting in the $1,000 to $1,200 a month range. A large commercial area next to Route 13 will have a food store as an anchor plus several smaller store and there will be five restaurant pads by Route 13.
The Delaware council annexation committee gave their approval to the land owned by Old Stage Road LLC, Brittingham and Chesapeake LLC. The Delaware council, since they have never seen a bad annexation, voted to approve the annexation.
The Councils approved the budget for the upcoming year, no request for public input was made before being voted on. I guess the Police Chief has pissed off Diane Buckley as she made the approval contingent on not giving the Police force any new improved items in their budget until the Police Commission review certain items with Chief Saylor.
Sam Lenox, I think she is from Woodcreek, discussed the survey that is in the Town Summer newsletter. The Town is letting her compile the data from the survey and present it to the Town. Remember to mail or drop off your survey. No doubt if you do not have a copy you can get one from Town Hall. Since the survey does not ask for your name I would think you could submit a number of survey forms and sway the outcome of the survey results in whatever direction you want for it to go.
She would like $1,500 to fix up the basketball courts. She would like lights put there and at ten o'clock they would be turned off. Sam Lenox suggested four movable basketball goal post be placed on the old tennis court. This would expand the number of places to play basketball and allow for a basketball league to be played in Delmar at night.
Sam Lenox took it upon herself to buy four movable basketball goal posts and told the Town council her husband and herself would donate one, the basketball players would donate another one but she would like for the Town to reimburse her for the other two. My opinion is the town should thank her for donating all four, you certainly can not have people going out, unauthorized, buying things for the town or you would have the budget shot in no time.
The Town is currently looking into insurance issues on using these goal posts.
Sam Benson suggested a donation booth at Day in the Park to help pay for improvements at the basketball court.
Jason Jones from Salisbury University spoke about the need for the courts. He said in the 12 years he has played on them there has been no resurfacing of court.
At public comment time other residents around the court spoke up and said they didn't want night basketball as there was enough of a problem currently with foul language and other issues at the court. As one resident said "It is nothing but trouble".
Someone (Andy) from Wicomico County Recreations and Parks spoke saying there were other basketball leagues in Wicomico County and they played at night. The leagues were done by ten o'clock.
The basketball court problem is one that the town is obviously trying to avoiding. Usually when you bring up insurance issues it means the town is trying to postpone the problem and hope it will go away on it's own. I think there is a need for improvement to the basketball courts as a number of the town residents use them. I can also understand the complaints of the residents who live around the court. Frankly, I would not want to live next to them, but I also would not want to live next to the softball fields. You would think with the basketball court being close to the police station, the police would be around frequently to observe it. The softball fields, playground and basketball court were there before many of the residents purchased their homes so they must have been aware of the presents of those facilities at the time they purchased their homes. The social aspect of those facilities however could be improved. I think that night lights are a bad idea and all the facilities, basketball and softball/baseball, should be shut down once night arrives and the park cleared of people.
The new Public Works director is Jerome Reid. The town has purchased a used street sweeper from Georgetown. It is hoped to have it in operation in three to four weeks.
Now, you know I have complained before about the petty crimes in Delmar. Commissioner Hitchens commented that about a third of the flags put out at the local cemetery for Memorial day were stolen. Another person commented that flowers planted around a monument by a church were dug up and removed. You can't get any lower than that.
Delmar Utility Commission Meeting May 29th
The Delmar Utility Commission had their monthly meeting on May 29th at 6:35 PM. All members were present.
A review of the proposed budget was given by the Town Manager.
There were 41 water disconnect notices given on the Maryland side of town and 23 on the Delaware side of town.
The Pine Street Pump station had a seal leak and the pump had to be removed.
I voiced my comments that the Utility Budget had rates that were inaccurate and charged the customers more than required.
Stan Benson, of Woodcreek, suggested a candidate for the open Maryland Utility Commission position.
A review of the proposed budget was given by the Town Manager.
There were 41 water disconnect notices given on the Maryland side of town and 23 on the Delaware side of town.
The Pine Street Pump station had a seal leak and the pump had to be removed.
I voiced my comments that the Utility Budget had rates that were inaccurate and charged the customers more than required.
Stan Benson, of Woodcreek, suggested a candidate for the open Maryland Utility Commission position.
The Captain John Smith 400 Project
Today at Phillips Landing, a monument was dedicated to Captain John Smith and his crew who in 1608 rowed up Broad Creek. It is part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. About 300 people were there, of which a hundred were government employees and elected officials. There was that sound of Government people kissing one another's ass congratulating themselves in the background.
This is the 28 foot open boat leaving Phillips Landing, going against the Tide, with two dead weights on the stern. I guess once they hit the Nanticoke the tide will help them along to Blades. They rowed the boat a lot faster than I expected it to go, but it could be a great show and once they were around the bend out of sight they slacked off.
The boat leaving with Carper and Castle in the stern.
U. S. Senator Carper poses for a photo op. For Tom Carper blog click here.
Lots of picture taking
This is the 28 foot boat or Shallop.
This is part of crew. I noticed when the speeches were about to end they all made a run for the portable potties. They know there won't be a bathroom stop before Blades. They than went back to the boat and put on Sun block and waited for Carper and Castle to arrive.
Another member of the crew. There were usually always 3 or 4 on board to answer questions.
The Dnrec and state police were everywhere. The only thing I missed seeing was a police helicopter hovering over head and a SWAT team in the trees,
DNREC had about about a quarter of their force there. They blocked the river off around Phillips Landing.
The boat apparently came in at low tide, which means they were rowing against the tide when they came in. It did not look like an easy boat to row - heavy and wide.
Grass at Delmar Drive In
If you receive a letter from the Town about your grass being to tall, tell them you will cut it when the old Delmar Drive In cuts theirs.
The Joint Council meets tonight
"There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling the transmission.....For the next hour, sit quietly and we will control all you see and hear."
The Outer Limits, TV show 1963 to 1965
Tonight the Delmar MD/DE joint Council will meet and vote their final approval on the budget for the next year. If you received your Delmar Town Newsletter today (it has not been posted on the Town of Delmar website yet) or read the article in the Daily Times today, you know it sounds like a done deal and it probably is. As I have said before, in a previous post, I feel the budget for the Utility Commission Water and Sewer availability rates is too high by about $70.00 a year. Tonight is the time to express your opinion, tomorrow it will be late.
The Outer Limits, TV show 1963 to 1965
Tonight the Delmar MD/DE joint Council will meet and vote their final approval on the budget for the next year. If you received your Delmar Town Newsletter today (it has not been posted on the Town of Delmar website yet) or read the article in the Daily Times today, you know it sounds like a done deal and it probably is. As I have said before, in a previous post, I feel the budget for the Utility Commission Water and Sewer availability rates is too high by about $70.00 a year. Tonight is the time to express your opinion, tomorrow it will be late.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day in Delmar
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Interesting Sign
An interesting sign in the yard of a house west of Delmar. It says "ask Me, i am your Mormon Neighbor".
Up Coming Events
Tuesday, May 29 John Smith Shallop, Phillips Landing 11 AM
Tuesday, May 29 Public Works Meeting 6:00 PM
Tuesday, May 29 Utility Commission 6:30 PM
Tuesday, May 29 Joint Council 7:00 PM
Wednesday, May 30th John Smith Shallop, Blades DE 10AM to 6 PM
Saturday, June 2 31st Delmar Day in the Park
Saturday, June 2 Springfest at Church of God of Prophecy Dorthy Rd Delmar
Saturday, June 2 John Smith Shallop Vienna MD starting at 10 AM
Tuesday, May 29 Public Works Meeting 6:00 PM
Tuesday, May 29 Utility Commission 6:30 PM
Tuesday, May 29 Joint Council 7:00 PM
Wednesday, May 30th John Smith Shallop, Blades DE 10AM to 6 PM
Saturday, June 2 31st Delmar Day in the Park
Saturday, June 2 Springfest at Church of God of Prophecy Dorthy Rd Delmar
Saturday, June 2 John Smith Shallop Vienna MD starting at 10 AM
The Weekend in around Delmar
Traffic
There was a credit card commercial that use to say "Don't leave home without it". If you have looked at the camper and boat traffic this weekend you would believe these people had no intentions of leaving anything at home. I have noticed the junk laying on the side of the highway this weekend has shifted from drywall and construction debris to life preservers, ice chests, and folding chairs. It must be summer.
The Flea market was busy with the pirate look being in
Yard Sales
Everyone had a flag
Some had more than one
Gas Prices didn't bother anyone
Special People
At a boat dock there is always one ass hole who has to park in such a way as to take up more parking spaces than needed. This is a bass federation trailer at Phillip's Landing doing so. At least he or she didn't park across the handicap space. There are, of course, any number of parking spaces for pickups with trailers at Phillip Landings.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Levin Smith Hitchens Died in 1938
From the "BiState Weekly", May 27th 1938
Levin Smith Hitchens, 95 years old, Civil War veteran, died Tuesday afternoon, at 2:45 O'clock, at the home of his daughter, Mrs Larry Lowe, State Street.
Mr. Hitchens was Delmar's oldest man. He was a son of the late Elihu and Lavinia Hitchens, and was born in Delaware near the state line, but had spent much of his life in the Melson section, near Delmar. When a young man he served an enlistment in the Civil War. He was well known and had many friends.
Levin Smith Hitchens, 95 years old, Civil War veteran, died Tuesday afternoon, at 2:45 O'clock, at the home of his daughter, Mrs Larry Lowe, State Street.
Mr. Hitchens was Delmar's oldest man. He was a son of the late Elihu and Lavinia Hitchens, and was born in Delaware near the state line, but had spent much of his life in the Melson section, near Delmar. When a young man he served an enlistment in the Civil War. He was well known and had many friends.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Happy Birthday Ruth Colbourne
A big Happy Birthday to Wicomico County Correctional Officer Ruth Colbourne!!!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
3rd US Infantry - Memorial Day
Each year on the Thursday before Memorial Day the 3rd US Infantry will place a small American flag in front of each of the more than 260,000 (and growing) gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They will then remain on guard to ensure the flags remain standing. It is a very moving sight to be in Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day Weekend.
The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, stationed at Fort Myers, was formed in 1784. It is referred to as the "Old Guard". Today, it is a ceremonial unit that is honor Guard to the President, performs military ceremonies at the White House, the Pentagon and national memorials, in addition to maintaining the 24-hour vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The soldiers serve as the mounted escorts for funerals at Arlington National, and some even act as escorts for women at White House dinners.
Arlington has an average of six full honor funerals every day. Six horses are hitched in pairs and they pull a 1918 caisson with the flag draped casket. The stables and equipment is next to the cemetery at Fort Myers. You can visit Fort Myers and walk thru the stables and on Sheridan Avenue is the Old Guard Museum. It is free and is an interesting place to visit.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Salisbury Hospital
For the past week or so I have been going to the hospital in Salisbury to visit someone. The place is a pile of shit with the construction going on and it has had construction going on for the last forty years. Just to rub it in they have signs posted that says "a temporary inconvenience for permanent improvements". What a bureaucratic line of bullshit, there is no temporary to it and I doubt it is going to be improved. It sounds like something the town should post on Foskey Lane, another place that will never be done with construction road cuts.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Upcoming Events
May 22nd Tuesday Sussex County Council Meeting 10:00 AM Note; 2008 budget presentation
May 22nd Tuesday High school Senior academic awards 7:00 PM
May 23rd Wednesday High School academic awards 7:00 PM
May 24th Sussex County Planning and Zoning 6:00 PM
Note; Several Little Creek Hundreds subdivisions are being discussed; Durham and associates 116 homes, La Crosse Homes, 320 lots, Coleman 30 lots, and Gray properties 40 lots.
May 24th Thursday Delmar Planning and Zoning 7:00 PM
May 25th Friday High School Prom
May 28th Town Offices closed for Memorial Day
May 22nd Tuesday High school Senior academic awards 7:00 PM
May 23rd Wednesday High School academic awards 7:00 PM
May 24th Sussex County Planning and Zoning 6:00 PM
Note; Several Little Creek Hundreds subdivisions are being discussed; Durham and associates 116 homes, La Crosse Homes, 320 lots, Coleman 30 lots, and Gray properties 40 lots.
May 24th Thursday Delmar Planning and Zoning 7:00 PM
May 25th Friday High School Prom
May 28th Town Offices closed for Memorial Day
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Happy Birthday Stephen Bailey
A big Happy Birthday to Wicomico County Correctional Officer Stephen Bailey!!!!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Inquiry
I received this as a comment to one of my posts.
"This is a very interesting site. I visited Delmar back in the 60's and am trying to locate a man by the name of Skip wilson whose family lived there. His father, Holt Wilson, owned the gas station in town. Anyone having any information please email lbj356@hotmail.com. Thank you."
Since I read a number of genealogy websites this is the type of post you occasionally come across on them. I have no ideal who Skip Wilson is or what he is like and I being a trusting Eastern Shore type person would take it at face value, but the accountant side of me ask what if?
What if it is a clever bill collector searching for Skip wilson?
What if it is an ex-spouse trying to find out where he lives so she can collect back child support payments?
What if Skip wilson is the name assigned by the Witness protection program and this is a New Jersey mafia member looking for him?
Of course, it could go the opposite way also and this person is searching for Skip wilson to pay back that 100 dollars he or she borrowed in the 1960's.
Well, you can see where this can go. Like I said I have no ideal who Skip Wilson is or what kind of person he is, but sometime simple inquiries can turn into unsuspecting things. The point of the post is to point out possible dangers in answering some these inquires.
"This is a very interesting site. I visited Delmar back in the 60's and am trying to locate a man by the name of Skip wilson whose family lived there. His father, Holt Wilson, owned the gas station in town. Anyone having any information please email lbj356@hotmail.com. Thank you."
Since I read a number of genealogy websites this is the type of post you occasionally come across on them. I have no ideal who Skip Wilson is or what he is like and I being a trusting Eastern Shore type person would take it at face value, but the accountant side of me ask what if?
What if it is a clever bill collector searching for Skip wilson?
What if it is an ex-spouse trying to find out where he lives so she can collect back child support payments?
What if Skip wilson is the name assigned by the Witness protection program and this is a New Jersey mafia member looking for him?
Of course, it could go the opposite way also and this person is searching for Skip wilson to pay back that 100 dollars he or she borrowed in the 1960's.
Well, you can see where this can go. Like I said I have no ideal who Skip Wilson is or what kind of person he is, but sometime simple inquiries can turn into unsuspecting things. The point of the post is to point out possible dangers in answering some these inquires.
Another Eastern Shore Blogger
I noticed a blog called Gaybury has been reading my blog. I looked at his blog which says he is gay and lives somewhere around Salisbury (could it be Delmar?). At first, I thought maybe Outraged Richard had come out of the closet but it doesn't seem to be him. Since I am a liberal kind of of 1950 guy I am sure he must like my blog. Neverless, welcome to the blogging world Gaybury.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Code Compliance at Salvation Army
I stopped by the Salvation Army in Salisbury today. One of things I noticed was the donated cars waiting to auctioned off all had yellow/orange City of Salisbury Neighborhood Service and Code Compliance Vehicle Removal Stickers on them.
I had always assumed it was acceptable for those cars to be there, I guess not. Now if you have read my blog you know the disdain I hold most organized charities in. The Salvation Army being the one exception.
The Vehicle Removal Sticker. I have donated cars to the Salvation Army in the past and I know they take awhile before they are auctioned off. Maybe three to four months. In the time they sit there they are robbed of parts, people sleep in them etc, so that when they are auctioned their value is reduced. I do think however Salisbury over reacted on this.
State Employee does work of three
My wife and I got a big laugh at a comment made in the "Grapevine" section of the Daily Times Today. The Commenter said "Here we go again - our democratic governor wants to balance the budget on the backs of state employees. Each employee does the work of three.". I assume the person was referring to Maryland State Employees, as in Delaware, we all know our state employees do the work of four. LOL
That's Elbert With An E
I have noticed there is a Laurel blogger called That's Elbert With an E . He appear to have just gotten back to posting again so we will see what he is up to.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Upcoming Events
May 14th Monday 7 PM High School Band Concert
May 15th 10 AM Sussex County Council Meeting
May 15th 7 PM Delmar Chamber of Commerce Meeting
May 16th Wednesday 3 PM Sussex County Planning and Zoning Meeting
May 17th Thursday 5:30 PM Delmar Band Award Evening
May 19th Saturday Delmar Library Bake and Book Sale 9 AM to 1 PM
May 19th Saturday Armed Forces Day
May 15th 10 AM Sussex County Council Meeting
May 15th 7 PM Delmar Chamber of Commerce Meeting
May 16th Wednesday 3 PM Sussex County Planning and Zoning Meeting
May 17th Thursday 5:30 PM Delmar Band Award Evening
May 19th Saturday Delmar Library Bake and Book Sale 9 AM to 1 PM
May 19th Saturday Armed Forces Day
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Delaware Confederate Monument
Well it took 142 years but Delaware has a monument dedicated to Delawareans who fought for the Confederacy. Today at the Nutter B. Marvel Museum in Georgetown the monument was unveiled. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #2068 (Delaware Grays) was the group that did it. About 200 people plus about 75 costume people were there for the ceremonies. The ceremonies lasted a long time, there was point in which I wondered if the granite monument would crumble before the speeches were done. Update; It would appear I did not give the website of the Delaware Grays click here
Out of the 66 names on the monument I would guess 80% of them were from Sussex County. Delmar was represented by Samuel Batson Hearn who joined the Confederate Army in 1862. He fought at second Manassas and Brandy Station. After returning to Delmar for leave he was captured trying to get back to his unit. He was paroled and he was at the fall of Richmond. His family was there to lay a wreath in his name at the monument. Update for much more information on Samuel Hearn go to the Delaware Grays site and click on Delaware Confederates.
H K Edgerton gave a great speech. He says history is being rewritten to be politically correct.
The Richmond Howitzer and the Danville artillery was there.
The 8th Georgia gave a salute
There was a number of people in costume there
A number of them had been on the History channel and various War between the States movies.
Ben Ward Has a Birthday
Happy Birthday Ben Ward!!!
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Post Office
Remember that on May 14th postage goes to 41 cents. I won't go into a discussion about postage being 3 cents when I was growing up and we received mail twice a day - once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
Also the Post Office is doing their food drive tomorrow so if you have canned goods or dry goods for them leave the items by your mailbox and they will be picked up.
Postage Rates
Date..............Amount
July 6, 1932.......03
August 1, 1958.....04
January 7,1963.....05
January 7,1968.....06
May 16,1971........08
March 2, 1974......10
December 31,1975...13
May 29, 1978.......15 "A" Stamp Used
March 22, 1981.....18 "B" Stamp Used
November 1, 1981...20 "C" Stamp Used
February 17, 1985..22 "D" Stamp Used
April 3, 1988......25 "E" Stamp Used
February 3, 1991...29 "F" Stamp Used
January 1, 1995....32 "G" Stamp Used
January 10, 1999...33 "H" Stamp Used
January 7, 2001....34 Nondenominated Stamps Used
June 30, 2002......37 Flag and Antique Toy Stamps Used
January 8, 2006....39 Love True Blue and Lady Liberty Flag Stamps Used
Also the Post Office is doing their food drive tomorrow so if you have canned goods or dry goods for them leave the items by your mailbox and they will be picked up.
Postage Rates
Date..............Amount
July 6, 1932.......03
August 1, 1958.....04
January 7,1963.....05
January 7,1968.....06
May 16,1971........08
March 2, 1974......10
December 31,1975...13
May 29, 1978.......15 "A" Stamp Used
March 22, 1981.....18 "B" Stamp Used
November 1, 1981...20 "C" Stamp Used
February 17, 1985..22 "D" Stamp Used
April 3, 1988......25 "E" Stamp Used
February 3, 1991...29 "F" Stamp Used
January 1, 1995....32 "G" Stamp Used
January 10, 1999...33 "H" Stamp Used
January 7, 2001....34 Nondenominated Stamps Used
June 30, 2002......37 Flag and Antique Toy Stamps Used
January 8, 2006....39 Love True Blue and Lady Liberty Flag Stamps Used
A Spendid Little War - V
The Cienfuegos Cable Cutting. Three weeks into the war and altho the land war had not started on Cuba the United States Navy had put a blockade on all the ports in Cuba. When preparing for an invasion one thing you want to do is to isolate the opposing side from their main command. At Cienfuegos, Cuba was a communication center and it had several underwater communication lines going to Spain. Cienfuegos is on the south west side of Cuba and was originally settle by French settler from louisiana in 1819. On May 11th, 1898 Lieutenant Camberon Winslow and a crew made up of 52 volunteers Navy Bluejackets and Marines from the USS Marblehead and the USS Nashville made an early morning night attack on those underwater cables. They set out in four small boats, two steam launches and two sailing launches . The steam launches, armed with a one-pounder Hotchkiss gun and Marine sharpshooter, provided cover. The sailing launches dragged the ocean bottom with grappling hooks 100 feet off shore searching for the 6 inch thick armored cables. For over three hours the men endured rough seas, a shore line with large rocks, mines floating around their boats, and intense fire from the Spanish Garrison there. Eventually the cable was cut with a loss of three Americans killed and six wounded.
This action was one of the stranger ones in the Spanish American War in the fact that if you read books on the war it is rarely mentioned, yet of the 112 Medal of Honor recipients 52 came from this action. One of which was Leonard Chadwick from Middletown Delaware. He was serving on board the USS Marblehead at the time and volunteered to help cut the cable at Cienfuegos. He received the Medal of Honor on July 7, 1899. After being discharged from the service, Leonard Chadwick moved to Boston, Massachusetts . He died of asphyxiation and alcoholism on May 18, 1940.
Cienfuegos is located on the southwest side of Cuba, somewhat below Havana. Why there would be an underwater communication cable to Spain at Cienfuegos is beyond me as you would have to lay it around a third of Cuba before the cable begin to head to Spain.
"I Am Entitled to the Medal of Honor and I Want It"Theodore Roosevelt and His Quest for Glory
By Mitchell Yockelson
One sideline of the Spanish American war was Theodore Roosevelt attempts at trying to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Eventually he was awarded it in 2001 but it was long after his death. Not to completely diminish Roosevelt action in the Spanish American war but I feel it was mostly good publicity and not that much more than anyone else involved in the war. A good website discussing this and a lot of background information is here
In addition, on May 11th the US Torpedo boat Winslow engaged the Spanish at Cardenas Harbor, East of Havana. The Winslow was badly damaged in the ensuing battle. It resulted in the death of 3 sailors and several wounded. One of the dead was Elijah B. Tunnel of Accomac County, Virginia. He was a colored cabin Cook on the "Winslow". He had both legs blown off in a shell burst and later died from the wound. He is buried in Key West. Three Medal of Honor were presented. The Revenue Cutter Hudson towed the Winslow out of danger. The US Revenue Service was the predecessor of today's Coast guard. Congress authorized a special Cardenas Medal of Honor for all on board the Hudson. This medal should not be confused with the Medal of Honor.
In total 55 Medal of Honors were presented for action on May 11th. There would have been more but Naval Officers were not eligible for an award of the Medal of Honor.
A good description of both engagements is given here
.
This action was one of the stranger ones in the Spanish American War in the fact that if you read books on the war it is rarely mentioned, yet of the 112 Medal of Honor recipients 52 came from this action. One of which was Leonard Chadwick from Middletown Delaware. He was serving on board the USS Marblehead at the time and volunteered to help cut the cable at Cienfuegos. He received the Medal of Honor on July 7, 1899. After being discharged from the service, Leonard Chadwick moved to Boston, Massachusetts . He died of asphyxiation and alcoholism on May 18, 1940.
Cienfuegos is located on the southwest side of Cuba, somewhat below Havana. Why there would be an underwater communication cable to Spain at Cienfuegos is beyond me as you would have to lay it around a third of Cuba before the cable begin to head to Spain.
"I Am Entitled to the Medal of Honor and I Want It"Theodore Roosevelt and His Quest for Glory
By Mitchell Yockelson
One sideline of the Spanish American war was Theodore Roosevelt attempts at trying to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Eventually he was awarded it in 2001 but it was long after his death. Not to completely diminish Roosevelt action in the Spanish American war but I feel it was mostly good publicity and not that much more than anyone else involved in the war. A good website discussing this and a lot of background information is here
In addition, on May 11th the US Torpedo boat Winslow engaged the Spanish at Cardenas Harbor, East of Havana. The Winslow was badly damaged in the ensuing battle. It resulted in the death of 3 sailors and several wounded. One of the dead was Elijah B. Tunnel of Accomac County, Virginia. He was a colored cabin Cook on the "Winslow". He had both legs blown off in a shell burst and later died from the wound. He is buried in Key West. Three Medal of Honor were presented. The Revenue Cutter Hudson towed the Winslow out of danger. The US Revenue Service was the predecessor of today's Coast guard. Congress authorized a special Cardenas Medal of Honor for all on board the Hudson. This medal should not be confused with the Medal of Honor.
In total 55 Medal of Honors were presented for action on May 11th. There would have been more but Naval Officers were not eligible for an award of the Medal of Honor.
A good description of both engagements is given here
.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
La Mexicanita Visit
My neighbor and I stopped by La Mexicanita, the new "Mexican" food store in town. It is a small place with mostly can goods/dry goods and produce. Maria showed us some of the plantains and told us how to cook them. I had never eaten them before so I bought some and fried them up that night. They were not bad and I think I will have them again. I am sure the millions who regularly eat plantains are saying dumb damn Eastern Shoreman, makes all of us feel better he approves of them. Maria should add a "Hispanic" cooking class (Maria is from Panama) to her store so non Hispanic people will know how to use the goods she carry.
Confederate Memorial Day
If you have lived further south than the Delmarva Peninsula you know that Memorial Day, May 28th or 30th,as we know it, is not celebrated by everyone. Instead Confederate Memorial Day is celebrated. The date of Confederate Memorial Day is not consistent state to state. Southern states have it from January 19th (Texas) to June 3rd (Tennessee). In most cases the date will correspond to the peak spring flower blossom season, as the day was originally called Decoration day and it was a day in which people would place flowers on the graves of the Union and Confederate dead, so you had to have flowers available. Now the Northern version and official version of Memorial Day is May 28th which makes it a three day weekend for everyone and the reason for the day is cheapened and mostly forgotten. In North and South Carolina today is Confederate Memorial Day. Perhaps this date was selected as it is also the date Stonewall Jackson died in 1863. I assume this is why there will be an unveiling, at noon on Saturday in Georgetown, of the monument to honor Delawareans who fought for the Confederacy in the War Between The States. It is the closest weekend to a Confederate Memorial Day. Of note Alberta Martin, at one time thought to be the oldest living Confederate Widow, died on Memorial Day, 2004 in Alabama. It has since been found that Maudie Hopkins of Arkansas is the last living Confederate widow.
Delmar Greenhouses and Nurseries
Like many people I have been going out to the Greenhouses and Nurseries for plants. Delmar has a great selection of Nurseries and I can't think of any reason to buy plants at Walmart. Walmart is convenient, as you can pick up plants, cat food, shirts, motor oil, and milk all in the same trip, but they do have some uncared for plants. For a detail list of delaware business that have a nursey license go to here So this is some comments on the local Greenhouses and Nurseries;
Bess Buds is just north of town on Route 13 (34593 Sussex Highway). 302-875-2507. It actually has a Laurel mailing address but we will forgive them for that and call them part of Delmar. Their plants are always great looking. They set the standard for healthy plants that will probably live once you plant them.
Iron Hill Greenhouse and Garden Center is at 11133 Iron Hill Road. 302-846-3122. They have several greenhouses and additional landscaping material (stone, bulk mulch etc). Their plants also look great and they have the best selection of herbs.
The Garden Hut out on East Line Road (12609 E. Line Road)302-846-3477. It stands out due to the shade cover over the greenhouse that is either pink, magenta, or purple depending on the degree of color blindness you have. It is the smallest of the greenhouses but they have a good selection of plants in 6 packs. They also have a nice assortments of other plants. Being small they will also give you a good price/discount depending on the amount you buy.
Sunnyside Nursery is out on Line Road 302-846-0652. It is connected with the Sunnyside Nursery in Salisbury on Eastern Shore drive. They have a good selection of 6 pack plants and other plants. I wonder if you can't work an arrangement to avoid Maryland Tax on some garden items by selecting the items in Maryland and having them delivered to the Delaware operation.
Panichella Greenhouse is the newest operation. It is on Pepperbox Road 302-846-2824. Now I have always viewed Bess Buds as the standard on plants but Panichella's may exceed her. He only has three greenhouses, but they are full. He has by far the best selection of Petunias, Calibrachoa and Torenia.
Bryan and Brittingham is in town 302-846-9500. Now Bryan and Brittingham is a hardware/feed store but they have a good selection of the standard plants in 6 packs. Just based on quickest to pick up tomato plants they are the place to go.
Bess Buds is just north of town on Route 13 (34593 Sussex Highway). 302-875-2507. It actually has a Laurel mailing address but we will forgive them for that and call them part of Delmar. Their plants are always great looking. They set the standard for healthy plants that will probably live once you plant them.
Iron Hill Greenhouse and Garden Center is at 11133 Iron Hill Road. 302-846-3122. They have several greenhouses and additional landscaping material (stone, bulk mulch etc). Their plants also look great and they have the best selection of herbs.
The Garden Hut out on East Line Road (12609 E. Line Road)302-846-3477. It stands out due to the shade cover over the greenhouse that is either pink, magenta, or purple depending on the degree of color blindness you have. It is the smallest of the greenhouses but they have a good selection of plants in 6 packs. They also have a nice assortments of other plants. Being small they will also give you a good price/discount depending on the amount you buy.
Sunnyside Nursery is out on Line Road 302-846-0652. It is connected with the Sunnyside Nursery in Salisbury on Eastern Shore drive. They have a good selection of 6 pack plants and other plants. I wonder if you can't work an arrangement to avoid Maryland Tax on some garden items by selecting the items in Maryland and having them delivered to the Delaware operation.
Panichella Greenhouse is the newest operation. It is on Pepperbox Road 302-846-2824. Now I have always viewed Bess Buds as the standard on plants but Panichella's may exceed her. He only has three greenhouses, but they are full. He has by far the best selection of Petunias, Calibrachoa and Torenia.
Bryan and Brittingham is in town 302-846-9500. Now Bryan and Brittingham is a hardware/feed store but they have a good selection of the standard plants in 6 packs. Just based on quickest to pick up tomato plants they are the place to go.
Second Quarter Moon
The last quarter moon is here. It is also called the second quarter or waxing half moon.
From "Moon Gardening"; In the second quarter moon the pull of gravity is less, but the moonlight is substantial and on the increase, which was believed to encourage strong leaf growth. It was generally considered a good time for most types of planting and the prime time for this was usually two days before the full moon. The types of crops that prefer the second quarter moon are annuals that produce their fruits above the ground, but the seeds form inside the fruit, such as beans, melons, peas, peppers, squash, and tomatoes.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Douglas C. Ringgold
In the "Daily Times", today, was an article about Douglas C. Ringgold, a manager at Best Buy in Salisbury, who has been charged with stealing $8,300. He was allegedly using a scheme of returning receipts, gift cards and purchases. I am sure nothing will happen to him and the loss will be passed on to the customers of Best Buy.
Intersection of Line Road and Stage Road
The intersection at Line Road and Stage Road is a place waiting for an accident. You have a lot of difficulty seeing oncoming traffic when you are heading south on Stage Road and making a left on to Line Road. To add to the problem Delmar Commons has planted trees on that corner to block your view even more.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Special People
There seem to be a culture among our elected officials and government employees that driving rules don't apply to them. They seem to view themselves as Special People and above the law. Does it piss you off as much as it does me? These are the people whose jobs are to enforce the law or make laws governing everyone driving habits. We come to them to complain about speeders and drunks on our roads and they are the ones who are usually doing it. In most cases the higher up elected official is being driven by a state trooper who should know the law. Governor Jon Corzine of New Jersey is a recent example. In this case he was not driving but the State trooper who was driving certainly didn't try to obey any road rules other than the Governor rules the road. Then after the accident they tried to blame it on another vehicle. Governor Ed Rendell'sof Pennsylvania has been clocked traveling at more than 100 mphs on nine different occasions Gov. Rendell need for speed. President Bush motorcades have been involved in a number of accidents. In Delaware we certainly all have heard about John Atkins and his attempt at using his "get out of driving drunk" card. In Delmar, we had two elected officials on the Police Commission comment they drove over the speed limit. It is bad enough to have a government vehicle pass you on the highway driving like a bat out of hell but you would think elected officials would not behave like Ricky Bobby. The very government employees that are hired to enforce the laws are the ones who assist the elected officials in covering these violations up, which ensure they can continue to drive drunk or speed. Regretfully, we expect Elected Officials to keep a higher standard of conduct than "normal" people, after all they take an oath of office that says they will uphold the law, and all to often we are disappointed.
Upcoming Events in Delmar
May 7th Monday 7 PM High School Chorus Concert at High school
May 8th Tuesday 8 PM Little league Meeting
May 10th Thursday 7 PM Concerned Citizen Meeting
May 10th Thursday 7 PM Middle School Band Concert at High school
My 13th Mother's Day
May 14th Monday 7 PM High School Band Concert at High school
May 17th Band awards
May 8th Tuesday 8 PM Little league Meeting
May 10th Thursday 7 PM Concerned Citizen Meeting
May 10th Thursday 7 PM Middle School Band Concert at High school
My 13th Mother's Day
May 14th Monday 7 PM High School Band Concert at High school
May 17th Band awards
Wilmington Commercial May 2, 1876
CUSTER ORDERED TO DUTY
Washington, May 1 - By direction of the President, Gen. George A. Custer has been ordered to his regiment in Dakota and left to-night. He is relieved from further duty as commanding officer under the brevet rank, and goes to his regiment as its Lieutenant Colonel. Gen. Terry succeeds him in command of the troops that were under him before he became a politician. Gen. Custer seems considerably chapfallen as this is the first time he has done any duty, except as a general officer since he left his regiment as a line officer, early in the late war.
Washington, May 1 - By direction of the President, Gen. George A. Custer has been ordered to his regiment in Dakota and left to-night. He is relieved from further duty as commanding officer under the brevet rank, and goes to his regiment as its Lieutenant Colonel. Gen. Terry succeeds him in command of the troops that were under him before he became a politician. Gen. Custer seems considerably chapfallen as this is the first time he has done any duty, except as a general officer since he left his regiment as a line officer, early in the late war.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Fire Department Event
I was asked to post this to advertise an event at the fire department.
The Delmar Fire Department is sponsoring their 1st Annual Sportsman Giveaway. Prizes include 4 Artic Cats and 16 cash prizes-- including a $10,000 Grand Prize. 37 prizes in all! Entrants need not be present to win!
TIME PRIZE
1:00 Arctic Cat 250 w/ a Trailer
1:10 $250.00
1:20 Winchester SX2 12ga. Semi-Auto 3.5
1:30 $250.00
1:40 Remington 1187 12ga. Semi-Auto
1:50 $250.00
2:00 Arctic Cat 400 4x4 w/ a 5x8 Trailer
2:10 Mossberg 12ga. Over Under
2:20 $250.00
2:30 Browning A Bolt VRMT Stalker 243
2:40 $250.00
2:50 Stoeger 410 SXS DBL Barrel
3:00 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 w/ a 5x8 Trailer
3:10 $250.00
3:20 Remington 1187 20ga. Semi Auto
3:30 $250.00
3:40 T/C Omega Laminated Thumb Stk
3:50 $250.00
4:00 Arctic Cat TBX-OD 650 w/ a 5x10 Trailer
4:10 Remington 700 Classis Deluxe 30-06
4:20 $250.00
4:30 T/C Encore Pro Hunter
4:40 $250.00
4:50 Winchester MDL 70 BLK Shadow 270WSM
5:00 11' Tica Surf Rod w/ Calcutta B7004BBR Reel
5:10 $250.00
5:20 11' Daiwa Surf Rod w/ Stradic ST 6000FH Spin Reel
5:30 $250.00
5:40 11' Tica Surf Rod w/ Calcutta B7004BBR Reel
5:50 $250.00
6:00 Arctic Cat 650Camo w/ a 5x8 Trailer
6:10 Savage 16FXP3 Stainless Pkg 300WSM
6:20 $250.00
6:30 Mathews or Hoyt Bow of your choice
6:40 $250.00
6:50 Hunting Pkg. 1- 4x8 Blynd w/ a 10' Tower & 1 H&R 20ga., 1 H&R Youth20ga.
7:00 $10,000.00
To order a ticket now using a credit card or ATM card click, go to
www.delmar74fire.com
Or you can also mail your $25 with your name, address, phone, and if you expect to personally attend (not required to win) to:
Delmar Fire Department
Attn: Ways and Means
P.O. Box 143
Delmar DE 19940
Your ticket will be sent to you via return mail.
Plenty of great food and soft drinks provided at no charge, and a cash bar starting at 11:00am on day of raffle.
For more information, or if you have any questions, email me at Delmar_firefighter@hotmail.com
Thank you for your support!
Drawing NOVEMBER 3, 2007. Donation: $25.00
LEGALITIES:
Please read carefully!
Doors open at 11:00am. Ticket must be presented at the door and are good for only 1 admission. $15.00 admission for non-ticket holders. Drawings begins at 1:00pm. Must be 18 years or older to claim a prize. YOU NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN. Winners will be notified. Prizes not claimed within 30 days will become property of the Delmar Fire Dept. DFD will not be responsible for any injuries or accidents. Only 5000 tickets will be sold. There will be 2 numbers per ticket. 3000 tickets must be sold or monies will be refunded in form of a check. Free food and refreshments & cash bar during giveaway. Additional raffles will be sold during giveaway. Any returned check will void ticket.
Some prizes may require payment of federal taxes or tags before receiving prize. This will be the responsibility of the winner.
Guns may be exchanged for Gander Mountain gift cards.
Neither the Delmar Fire Dept nor any other person, organization or business sponsoring or participating in the Sportsman's Giveaway assumes any liability for any claims for injury or other damages arising out of the possession of any firearm or four wheelers obtained through
this ticket.
Identification is required before prizes can be awarded.
Winners will be posted on the Delmar Fire Dept. website after signing a release form.
All firearms winners must have a background check before release of guns.
Must be 18 years old or older to claim prizes.
All prizes may be available the day of the drawing (depending on back ground checks)
Delmar Fire Dept. will not be responsible for the delay in correspondence for tickets by US Mail.
If not present for drawing, winners will be notified and arrangements made to claim prizes.
The Delmar Fire Department is sponsoring their 1st Annual Sportsman Giveaway. Prizes include 4 Artic Cats and 16 cash prizes-- including a $10,000 Grand Prize. 37 prizes in all! Entrants need not be present to win!
TIME PRIZE
1:00 Arctic Cat 250 w/ a Trailer
1:10 $250.00
1:20 Winchester SX2 12ga. Semi-Auto 3.5
1:30 $250.00
1:40 Remington 1187 12ga. Semi-Auto
1:50 $250.00
2:00 Arctic Cat 400 4x4 w/ a 5x8 Trailer
2:10 Mossberg 12ga. Over Under
2:20 $250.00
2:30 Browning A Bolt VRMT Stalker 243
2:40 $250.00
2:50 Stoeger 410 SXS DBL Barrel
3:00 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 w/ a 5x8 Trailer
3:10 $250.00
3:20 Remington 1187 20ga. Semi Auto
3:30 $250.00
3:40 T/C Omega Laminated Thumb Stk
3:50 $250.00
4:00 Arctic Cat TBX-OD 650 w/ a 5x10 Trailer
4:10 Remington 700 Classis Deluxe 30-06
4:20 $250.00
4:30 T/C Encore Pro Hunter
4:40 $250.00
4:50 Winchester MDL 70 BLK Shadow 270WSM
5:00 11' Tica Surf Rod w/ Calcutta B7004BBR Reel
5:10 $250.00
5:20 11' Daiwa Surf Rod w/ Stradic ST 6000FH Spin Reel
5:30 $250.00
5:40 11' Tica Surf Rod w/ Calcutta B7004BBR Reel
5:50 $250.00
6:00 Arctic Cat 650Camo w/ a 5x8 Trailer
6:10 Savage 16FXP3 Stainless Pkg 300WSM
6:20 $250.00
6:30 Mathews or Hoyt Bow of your choice
6:40 $250.00
6:50 Hunting Pkg. 1- 4x8 Blynd w/ a 10' Tower & 1 H&R 20ga., 1 H&R Youth20ga.
7:00 $10,000.00
To order a ticket now using a credit card or ATM card click, go to
www.delmar74fire.com
Or you can also mail your $25 with your name, address, phone, and if you expect to personally attend (not required to win) to:
Delmar Fire Department
Attn: Ways and Means
P.O. Box 143
Delmar DE 19940
Your ticket will be sent to you via return mail.
Plenty of great food and soft drinks provided at no charge, and a cash bar starting at 11:00am on day of raffle.
For more information, or if you have any questions, email me at Delmar_firefighter@hotmail.com
Thank you for your support!
Drawing NOVEMBER 3, 2007. Donation: $25.00
LEGALITIES:
Please read carefully!
Doors open at 11:00am. Ticket must be presented at the door and are good for only 1 admission. $15.00 admission for non-ticket holders. Drawings begins at 1:00pm. Must be 18 years or older to claim a prize. YOU NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN. Winners will be notified. Prizes not claimed within 30 days will become property of the Delmar Fire Dept. DFD will not be responsible for any injuries or accidents. Only 5000 tickets will be sold. There will be 2 numbers per ticket. 3000 tickets must be sold or monies will be refunded in form of a check. Free food and refreshments & cash bar during giveaway. Additional raffles will be sold during giveaway. Any returned check will void ticket.
Some prizes may require payment of federal taxes or tags before receiving prize. This will be the responsibility of the winner.
Guns may be exchanged for Gander Mountain gift cards.
Neither the Delmar Fire Dept nor any other person, organization or business sponsoring or participating in the Sportsman's Giveaway assumes any liability for any claims for injury or other damages arising out of the possession of any firearm or four wheelers obtained through
this ticket.
Identification is required before prizes can be awarded.
Winners will be posted on the Delmar Fire Dept. website after signing a release form.
All firearms winners must have a background check before release of guns.
Must be 18 years old or older to claim prizes.
All prizes may be available the day of the drawing (depending on back ground checks)
Delmar Fire Dept. will not be responsible for the delay in correspondence for tickets by US Mail.
If not present for drawing, winners will be notified and arrangements made to claim prizes.
Christine Truitt, Embezzling
Well I have held off posting the various local fraud and embezzling cases for a while but this one I have to post. Christine H. Truitt, who was the former finance director of Harrington Delaware until April 20th, was charged with embezzling $547,500. Now, Harrington has an annual budget of about $3 million and a population about the size of both sides of Delmar combined so it is similar to Delmar. As a retired accountant, I am insulted by the fact she, if found guilty, would have violate her fiduciary responsibilities and second, by the unimaginative way in which she allegedly stole the money. Writing checks to yourself and forging someone name on them is not a very smart way of stealing money, but it seems to work in over 70% of the cases we read about. Stealing over $500,000 over the period of a year when the budget is only $3 million also is not very bright.
Could this happen in Delmar? Yes it could. No business is safe from embezzling and Delmar is not an exception. Hopefully we have accounting cross checks in place that would prevent this or at least catch it before it reached a half million dollars. At one time there was a Town check verification procedure where the Town of Delmar bank statement when received, would remain unopened until a Mayor opened it and ran thru the cancelled checks verifying they looked correct. I don't know if this cross check is still in existence. When I worked at the Wicomico County Detention Center we had a small checking account there and one of the accounting cross checks I set up was to have a clerk who was not connected with accounting to open the bank statements and look for signatures that looked fake or checks made out to employees that person also looked at the endorsement on the back of the check to see if an employee had endorsed the check, before the bank statement was sent to accounting for reconcilation. This is a simple cross check that would expose the less imaginative ways of fraud.
In addition, way back in the 1980's, a list of bills to be paid for that month would be presented to the Joint Councils, in public session, for approval. It would frequently break into a discussion as to why we had incurred certain bills but at least everyone knew what was going to be paid, including the public. That has since been dropped, as when I talk to councilmembers they have no idea what is being paid by the Town.
Could this happen in Delmar? Yes it could. No business is safe from embezzling and Delmar is not an exception. Hopefully we have accounting cross checks in place that would prevent this or at least catch it before it reached a half million dollars. At one time there was a Town check verification procedure where the Town of Delmar bank statement when received, would remain unopened until a Mayor opened it and ran thru the cancelled checks verifying they looked correct. I don't know if this cross check is still in existence. When I worked at the Wicomico County Detention Center we had a small checking account there and one of the accounting cross checks I set up was to have a clerk who was not connected with accounting to open the bank statements and look for signatures that looked fake or checks made out to employees that person also looked at the endorsement on the back of the check to see if an employee had endorsed the check, before the bank statement was sent to accounting for reconcilation. This is a simple cross check that would expose the less imaginative ways of fraud.
In addition, way back in the 1980's, a list of bills to be paid for that month would be presented to the Joint Councils, in public session, for approval. It would frequently break into a discussion as to why we had incurred certain bills but at least everyone knew what was going to be paid, including the public. That has since been dropped, as when I talk to councilmembers they have no idea what is being paid by the Town.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Full Moon
The Full Moon is upon us. In the Spring time it seems to have an effect on the people in Delmar and not the best effect. Of note, this month we will have a second full moon on the 31st of May, as you know this is called a blue moon. So maybe all of those events that are suppose to happen "once in a blue moon" will happen.
If you are one of the people that plant your garden by the phases of the moon you know that a full moon is a prime time for planting some seed and plants. Since the moon and gravity effects the tides that ideal is converted to an effect on all moisture in the earth. So a full moon will bring to the surface the most moisture for planting, thus causing seeds to germinate. A full moon supposely is the best time for planting above ground annual crops that produce their seeds outside the fruit. Examples of such crops are lettuce, spinach, celery, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and grain crops. An exception to this rule are cucumbers which seem to do well when planted on a full moon.
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. Robert Louis Stevenson (Scottish poet and writer 1850 – 1894).
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
A Pre Cinco de Mayo joke
This is an old one that beats around the internet this time each year.
Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.
This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.
The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.
The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo.
For a discussion on this joke click on Sinko de Mayo
Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.
This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.
The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.
The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo.
For a discussion on this joke click on Sinko de Mayo
A Spendid Little War - IV
Many people will say - Howard not another post on a long forgotten boring war - but that is the reason for the post, to show that one day you are hero and the next you are forgotten because there is a new war and new heroes. Of note, Nathan C. Cook was the last veteran of the Spanish American War and he died at 106 on Sept 10, 1992. Today, in 1898, Commodore Dewey steamed into Manila Bay in the Philippines on his flagship the Olympia and sunk the Spanish Navy there. For a more detail description see Manila Bay .He was promoted to Admiral, the country went wild over him, photographs were everywhere, dolls were made of him, sherbet desserts were served "a la Dewey" and a brand of gum was called Dewey's Chewies. The big honor was May 1st was made Admiral Dewey Day. Well time pass and Admiral Dewey Day was forgotten, except at Dewey Beach Delaware where there is still a wild drunken weekend called Admiral Dewey Day (this past weekend), in the 1920's May 1st was given an additional name of "Loyalty Day" to counteract the May 1st communist day. Loyalty Day seem to have fell by the wayside in popularity also. I don't have the site of the 2007 Loyalty Day Proclamation but this is the 2006 one Loyalty Day 2006. The Cruiser Olympia is still around in Philadelphia. The "Salisbury Advertiser" in Salisbury, Maryland for their May 7th edition devoted 5 of their ten pages to Commodore George Dewey, along with a map as to where the Philippines were ,as no one had every heard of them.
The other big publicity item for May 1st was Andrew S. Rowan, a native of Union, Monroe county, West Virginia, delivered his famous message to General Calixto y Inigues Garcia. Garcia was the leader of the Cuban insurgents and President McKinley wanted his help in fighting the Spanish. Rowan was given an order to take the message from the President to Garcia. Today it would be viewed as blind obedience but at the time and in a number of circles today it is viewed as a point of honor. Rowan took the the message to Garcia without asking questions as to where and how he should do it. After the war Elbert Hubbard wrote an article called A Message to Garcia. This article gained instant acclaim around the world and is the hallmark article for obedience and service. To be "A message to Garcia Guy/Gal" is an honor in both military and business communities.
Rowan, Andrew S.
Captain, U.S. Army
Home: Union, West Virginia
19th Infantry
Date of Action: May 1898
General Orders No. No. 38, W.D., 1922
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Andrew S. Rowan, Captain , U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with the operations in Cuba in May, 1898.
At the outbreak of the Spanish-American campaign Lieutenant Rowan, under disguise, entered the enemy lines in Oriente, crossed the island of Cuba, and not only succeeded in delivering a message to General Garcia, but secured secret information relative to existing military conditions in that region of such great value that it had an important bearing on the quick ending of the struggle and the complete success of the U.S. Army.
The other big publicity item for May 1st was Andrew S. Rowan, a native of Union, Monroe county, West Virginia, delivered his famous message to General Calixto y Inigues Garcia. Garcia was the leader of the Cuban insurgents and President McKinley wanted his help in fighting the Spanish. Rowan was given an order to take the message from the President to Garcia. Today it would be viewed as blind obedience but at the time and in a number of circles today it is viewed as a point of honor. Rowan took the the message to Garcia without asking questions as to where and how he should do it. After the war Elbert Hubbard wrote an article called A Message to Garcia. This article gained instant acclaim around the world and is the hallmark article for obedience and service. To be "A message to Garcia Guy/Gal" is an honor in both military and business communities.
Rowan, Andrew S.
Captain, U.S. Army
Home: Union, West Virginia
19th Infantry
Date of Action: May 1898
General Orders No. No. 38, W.D., 1922
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Andrew S. Rowan, Captain , U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with the operations in Cuba in May, 1898.
At the outbreak of the Spanish-American campaign Lieutenant Rowan, under disguise, entered the enemy lines in Oriente, crossed the island of Cuba, and not only succeeded in delivering a message to General Garcia, but secured secret information relative to existing military conditions in that region of such great value that it had an important bearing on the quick ending of the struggle and the complete success of the U.S. Army.
