Saturday, April 04, 2009
Delmar Kiwanis Club Community Easter Egg Hunt
There is just something about young children and greed that is interesting to watch so I stopped by the School football field this afternoon to watch the Delmar Kiwanis Club Community Easter Egg Hunt. The field was well covered in eggs and was broken into four age groups.
The Youngest Age Group had their parents with them, taking photos and telling them what eggs to pick up. It took about five minutes to cover their strip of the field.
The Second age group stripped their section of the field of eggs in about three minutes
The Third Age Group did it in about two minutes
The Fourth age group, the veterans of previous egg hunts, did it in under a minute
Comparing Egg Count
A big thanks to the Kiwanis club for putting on this event each year. It is one of the positive things in Delmar. I can certainly remember taking my daughters to it many years ago.
Sleep
Let's face it dogs and cats just really seem to enjoy sleeping a whole lot more than people. One of our cats is pictured above. He says to do it right you have to practice sleeping 22/7.
Two Chick Barn Sale
I drove out to look at the Two Chicks Barn Sale this morning. It is about 8 miles to the west of Delmar on the Delmar-Sharptown Road. They had a number of enamel topped tables this year. I spoke to one woman who had drove over from Silver Springs to come to the sale. As I have said before their barn is only open a few days a year so you have until 6 pm tonight to visit or wait a few months until the next sale.
Table $100
Table $65
Baker Cupboard $465
New DNREC Department Head
Governor Jack Markell had his pick for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) head rubber stamped by the Delaware Senate on Thursday. Colin O'Mara is a 29-year old New York Native whose main background for this job is he was the green development strategy leader for San Jose, Calif. for 2 and a half years. I am unable to determine if when he oversaw SyraStat if that was real job or a grant created job for the unemployable. Two to three years work experience and the rest of his life he was in school and now he will be head of DNREC.
In the News Journal words "he chose O'Mara in part to help transform DNREC into a wider-reaching agency -- focused both on the traditional duties of protecting the environment and on helping to cultivate a greener, cleaner and growing state economy."
Now I will admit O'Mara has an impressive resume for a 29 year old. He was a Marshall Scholarship winner and this is the write up from the Marshall Scholarship web page;
Marshall Scholarships
Collin O'Mara
US University: Dartmouth College
A native of Syracuse, New York, Collin O'Mara graduated from Dartmouth College with high honors in History and Classics. As a senior, he conducted field-research in fifty Greek archaeological sites in preparation for his thesis, "The Development of a Democratic Civic Identity and Civic Ideology." As an undergraduate, O'Mara served as an assistant to Congressman James Walsh and as a coordinator for Senator John McCain's New Hampshire Presidential Primary youth campaign. On campus, O'Mara served as Class President and on the Committee on Standards. Following graduation, O'Mara returned to Syracuse as an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer to teach in the inner-city school for violent students. In February 2002, Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll appointed O'Mara to oversee SyraStat, his computerized accountability division. O'Mara also serves as Executive Director of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee. Upon completion of the Philosophy, Politics and Economics course at Oxford, O'Mara plans to continue in public service and focus on stimulating economic opportunities, strengthening schools, making communities safer and ensuring that government is compassionate, responsive and efficient.
And here is an Additional look at Marshal Scholarship writeup after Markell's announcement of his appointment to head of DNREC.
Now in spite of the man being a fast track individual I have to ask if there isn't someone already living in Delaware who could have been picked for this job? With all the education the man has I doubt he is much of a worker and maybe what the State of Delaware needs is someone who can get the job done. So far I am not impressed with Jack Markell decision, of course he also was a fast track individual as on his web site he is described as "Jack Markell was named one of the “100 Rising Stars” of the Democratic Party at the 2000 Democratic National Convention, and The New Democrat Magazine included Jack in a 2000 profile of 10 innovative leaders from around the country under the age of 40." Sounds like this a "Just Like Me" syndrome hiring.
I know in a world where finance executives get more in bonuses in one year than I have made in a life time of work it shows I don't know a hell of a lot or I would be rich and I know Markell is a good sales man as he could sell bibles to the Shiites, but still do we need someone in Delaware who combines both New York and California outlooks? Do we consider that to be a plus for the man? I know all the well educated people will approve of him because he is just like them and that bunch all stick together because if they didn't it would prove all their year's of education aren't worth a flying fuck.
Well just a thought from someone at the ass end of Delaware who was not invited to the Governor's blogger conference.
In the News Journal words "he chose O'Mara in part to help transform DNREC into a wider-reaching agency -- focused both on the traditional duties of protecting the environment and on helping to cultivate a greener, cleaner and growing state economy."
Now I will admit O'Mara has an impressive resume for a 29 year old. He was a Marshall Scholarship winner and this is the write up from the Marshall Scholarship web page;
Marshall Scholarships
Collin O'Mara
US University: Dartmouth College
A native of Syracuse, New York, Collin O'Mara graduated from Dartmouth College with high honors in History and Classics. As a senior, he conducted field-research in fifty Greek archaeological sites in preparation for his thesis, "The Development of a Democratic Civic Identity and Civic Ideology." As an undergraduate, O'Mara served as an assistant to Congressman James Walsh and as a coordinator for Senator John McCain's New Hampshire Presidential Primary youth campaign. On campus, O'Mara served as Class President and on the Committee on Standards. Following graduation, O'Mara returned to Syracuse as an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer to teach in the inner-city school for violent students. In February 2002, Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll appointed O'Mara to oversee SyraStat, his computerized accountability division. O'Mara also serves as Executive Director of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee. Upon completion of the Philosophy, Politics and Economics course at Oxford, O'Mara plans to continue in public service and focus on stimulating economic opportunities, strengthening schools, making communities safer and ensuring that government is compassionate, responsive and efficient.
And here is an Additional look at Marshal Scholarship writeup after Markell's announcement of his appointment to head of DNREC.
Now in spite of the man being a fast track individual I have to ask if there isn't someone already living in Delaware who could have been picked for this job? With all the education the man has I doubt he is much of a worker and maybe what the State of Delaware needs is someone who can get the job done. So far I am not impressed with Jack Markell decision, of course he also was a fast track individual as on his web site he is described as "Jack Markell was named one of the “100 Rising Stars” of the Democratic Party at the 2000 Democratic National Convention, and The New Democrat Magazine included Jack in a 2000 profile of 10 innovative leaders from around the country under the age of 40." Sounds like this a "Just Like Me" syndrome hiring.
I know in a world where finance executives get more in bonuses in one year than I have made in a life time of work it shows I don't know a hell of a lot or I would be rich and I know Markell is a good sales man as he could sell bibles to the Shiites, but still do we need someone in Delaware who combines both New York and California outlooks? Do we consider that to be a plus for the man? I know all the well educated people will approve of him because he is just like them and that bunch all stick together because if they didn't it would prove all their year's of education aren't worth a flying fuck.
Well just a thought from someone at the ass end of Delaware who was not invited to the Governor's blogger conference.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Agnieta Hendriks - 1679
Picked up from This Day in Delaware History:
1679 Agnieta Hendriks of New Castle received 27 lashes for having a third bastard child. After she had another the following November she was whipped another 37 times and banished from the colony for 5 years.
This Day in Delaware History facts were compiled by historian Roger Martin and brought to you by the Delaware Public Archives.
Today Agnieta Hendriks would be wrapped in taxpayer paid government economic security and could continue her life as a Delaware whore. (Howard's comment not the Delaware Public Archives)
1679 Agnieta Hendriks of New Castle received 27 lashes for having a third bastard child. After she had another the following November she was whipped another 37 times and banished from the colony for 5 years.
This Day in Delaware History facts were compiled by historian Roger Martin and brought to you by the Delaware Public Archives.
Today Agnieta Hendriks would be wrapped in taxpayer paid government economic security and could continue her life as a Delaware whore. (Howard's comment not the Delaware Public Archives)
Charlotte Ninon Coleman
Charlotte Ninon Coleman was born today, April 3rd, in 1968. She will perhaps always be remembered as the tiny, birdlike, Scarlett, with the chopped-off hair in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994). She was one of those unique English actresses that appear in Hugh Grant movies.
In 1990 she won acclaim by playing Jess (in England of course), in the television adaptation of Jeanette Winterson's "Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit".
Charlotte Coleman died November 14, 2001 of an asthma attack at aged 33.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
The Sign is up
The sign has finally gone on the building at Evolution Craft Brewing Company, I guess it is official now.
Roadside Beautification
I drove over to Germantown, Maryland earlier this week and I will say I was very impressed with the daffodils (or Jonquils) planted on RT50 and elsewhere in Maryland. I see little of this being done in south western Delaware. Maryland has always had some kind of Roadside beautification going on, from their 1914 Roadside tree law on up until today.
We may recall the ineffective 1965 Beautification Act (Lyndon B. Johnson ) which called for control of outdoor advertising, including removal of certain types of signs, along the Interstate System and the existing Federal-aid primary system. It also required certain junkyards along Interstate or primary highways to be removed or screened and encouraged scenic enhancement and roadside development. Altho Delmar Planning and Zoning and Carl Anderton may not realize it they are doing what was attempted, on a national scale, back in 1965. Later Senator Lloyd Bentson championed the native wildflower requirement in 1987, which became Section 130 of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 (STURAA) by adding a requirement that native wildflower seeds or seedlings or both be planted as part of any landscaping project undertaken on the Federal-aid highway system. At least one-quarter of one percent of funds expended for a landscaping project must be used to plant native wildflowers on that project. I am not sure where that beautification money went in Delaware. Maybe it was used to hire another state employee.
Now I know I am usually against wasteful spending but I do not view a little public beautification as being a waste. If you spray wildflower seeds on the roadside, or have the local garden club plant bulbs, you can let it grow wild all summer and nobody will complain, as compared to a grass which has to be mowed by a work crew all the time - which costs a lot more. I am sure there are people that are saying who wants to spend money to plant flowers when we are looking at laying people off and I am sure that is the similar argument made to do away with the arts programs in school, but there is only so many Walmart plastic bags, beer cans, and old tires along our roadside that you can look at until you say something has to be done. If it continues our children will consider this to be the norm and will never raise above it.
We may recall the ineffective 1965 Beautification Act (Lyndon B. Johnson ) which called for control of outdoor advertising, including removal of certain types of signs, along the Interstate System and the existing Federal-aid primary system. It also required certain junkyards along Interstate or primary highways to be removed or screened and encouraged scenic enhancement and roadside development. Altho Delmar Planning and Zoning and Carl Anderton may not realize it they are doing what was attempted, on a national scale, back in 1965. Later Senator Lloyd Bentson championed the native wildflower requirement in 1987, which became Section 130 of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 (STURAA) by adding a requirement that native wildflower seeds or seedlings or both be planted as part of any landscaping project undertaken on the Federal-aid highway system. At least one-quarter of one percent of funds expended for a landscaping project must be used to plant native wildflowers on that project. I am not sure where that beautification money went in Delaware. Maybe it was used to hire another state employee.
Now I know I am usually against wasteful spending but I do not view a little public beautification as being a waste. If you spray wildflower seeds on the roadside, or have the local garden club plant bulbs, you can let it grow wild all summer and nobody will complain, as compared to a grass which has to be mowed by a work crew all the time - which costs a lot more. I am sure there are people that are saying who wants to spend money to plant flowers when we are looking at laying people off and I am sure that is the similar argument made to do away with the arts programs in school, but there is only so many Walmart plastic bags, beer cans, and old tires along our roadside that you can look at until you say something has to be done. If it continues our children will consider this to be the norm and will never raise above it.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Chicken Barbecue
The Delmar Wesleyan Church is having a Chicken Barbecue on April 17th from 4 to 8. For $8.95 you get a half of a chicken, Potatoe Salad, Bake Beans, Baked apple, and a roll. Tickets must be purchased by April 12th. Contact Ed Ferro at 410-726-2383
Sussex County Press Release Rx Card
Sussex County is continuing its discount card program to help consumers cope with the high price of prescription drugs, especially during these tough economic times.
County Administrator David B. Baker reminds the public that the free Prescription Drug Discount Cards are available at all 14 public libraries, as well as in the County Administrative Offices and West Complex buildings in Georgetown.
Additionally, they are available at many town and city offices, as well as senior centers. And County officials are now working to make the cards available at local, participating pharmacies.
The County is making the free cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The cards offer an average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. The cards may be used by all residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage. Most major pharmacies accept the NACo card, with a national network of more than 59,000 pharmacies participating. No application is necessary.
Since its launch in late 2007, approximately 16,000 cards have been distributed throughout Sussex County. As of February 2009, more than 6,100 prescriptions have been filled using the cards in Sussex County, saving users an average of $14.66 for a total savings of almost $115,500.
“That’s money back in the pockets of our residents, money that can be used for other important needs,” Mr. Baker said. “Sussex County is pleased with the success of the program so far, but there’s more savings to pass on. We want to remind the public this tool is out there ready to use.”
There is no cost to county taxpayers for NACo and Sussex County to make the cards available. County residents can call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit www.caremark.com/naco for assistance with the program. Residents with general questions also can call (302) 855-7700.
Any retailer, organization or other groups interested in partnering with Sussex County to distribute the cards should contact the Sussex County Personnel Office at (302) 855-7711.
The discount card program is administered by Caremark Rx, Inc.
County Administrator David B. Baker reminds the public that the free Prescription Drug Discount Cards are available at all 14 public libraries, as well as in the County Administrative Offices and West Complex buildings in Georgetown.
Additionally, they are available at many town and city offices, as well as senior centers. And County officials are now working to make the cards available at local, participating pharmacies.
The County is making the free cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The cards offer an average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. The cards may be used by all residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage. Most major pharmacies accept the NACo card, with a national network of more than 59,000 pharmacies participating. No application is necessary.
Since its launch in late 2007, approximately 16,000 cards have been distributed throughout Sussex County. As of February 2009, more than 6,100 prescriptions have been filled using the cards in Sussex County, saving users an average of $14.66 for a total savings of almost $115,500.
“That’s money back in the pockets of our residents, money that can be used for other important needs,” Mr. Baker said. “Sussex County is pleased with the success of the program so far, but there’s more savings to pass on. We want to remind the public this tool is out there ready to use.”
There is no cost to county taxpayers for NACo and Sussex County to make the cards available. County residents can call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit www.caremark.com/naco for assistance with the program. Residents with general questions also can call (302) 855-7700.
Any retailer, organization or other groups interested in partnering with Sussex County to distribute the cards should contact the Sussex County Personnel Office at (302) 855-7711.
The discount card program is administered by Caremark Rx, Inc.
Body Found
A 52 year old white male was found dead behind the Riteaid Pharmacy this morning. His body was sent to Baltimore for autopsy. Initially the Delmar Police Department felt he died of natural causes.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Truth or Consequences New Mexico
A special election was held on March 31, 1950 in Hot Springs, New Mexico, and the citizens voted 1,294 to 295 in favor of changing the name to Truth or Consequences. Now if you are younger than sixty you are probably saying "well interesting name but who cares?" If you don't live in Truth or Consequences you are probably right. If you are older than sixty you may remember Ralph Edwards hosted the "Truth or Consequences" game show on the radio from 1940 until 1957. The program also aired on television beginning in 1950. As the the radio show approached it's tenth anniversary they wanted to come up with a catch to attract attention to the show so they offered any city in the United States which changed it's name to "Truth or Consequences" an annual event honoring this change. Hot Springs, New Mexico was picked and as previously stated on March 31st changed their name. The next day Ralph Edwards flew in and broad casted his TV show from the new T of C New Mexico. Each year beginning on May 1st there is held The Truth or Consequences Fiesta and Ralph Edwards Day in T of C.
There was the show itself by that name and also a movie by that name.
There was the show itself by that name and also a movie by that name.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Delmarva Inn
I see our old friends at Delmarva Inn are back in the news. This time for not paying Wicomico county room tax. looking at the place are any of us surprised. Earlier in the month the Delmar Maryland Commissioners refused to renew their business license. The place is up for sale. Have you noticed the owner's name is never mentioned when this rundown property is talked about?
Perdue Ad
I dislike the "Doctor Phil" show so when I watch TV in the afternoon I sometime catch the Baltimore News. One of the perks in watching a Baltimore channel is you get to see the Perdue Farms ads. Jim Perdue had a good one I recently saw in which he was an inspector checking chickens in a military manner. One shot shows him walking down the center of two rows of chickens who are standing at attention. Now I don't know if the chickens were trained or cartoon characters or just had their feet glued to the floor but they didn't move when he walked down the row. Amusing ad if you see it.
Chad Holland Birthday
Today in 1995 Chad Holland, son of Gina and Kenneth Holland, was born in the driveway of the Delmar Fire department. Mrs Holland was on the way to the hospital but decided she wasn't going to make it in time so her husband pulled into the Delmar Fire Department where she delivered.
Delaware Government Employees
Over at Delaware Politics, Dave Burris wrote a good article on Delaware having to many State Employees. He says Delaware has 851 government employees per 100,000 population, which he says is the second highest in the nation. Again this backs up what I have been saying; Delaware has too many government employees. I am sure a few of these positions were created to give the unemployable a job. It is time to eliminate those positions by laying off the 1,500 employees Gov. Markell says needs to be laid off.
Upcoming Events
March 30 6:00 PM Public Works Meeting
March 30 6:30 PM Utility Meeting
March 30. 7 PM Joint Council meeting
March 31 10 am Sussex County Council Meeting
April 3 and 4th A barn sale at the Two Chicks Barn Sale On April 3rd from 10 am to 6 pm and April 4 from 8 am to 6 pm.
April 3 2 PM Lt Gov Matt Denn meeting on how Delaware should spend stimulus package Owens Campus, Del Tech Georgetown
April 4, Community Easter Egg Hunt given by the Delmar Kiwanis Club at 1:00 p.m.; Delmar Senior & Middle High School Football field. Rain Date - April 11, 2009
April 5, Palm Sunday
April 6 7 pm Delmar Delaware council meeting
April 6. 7:00 p.m. Delmar Alumni Association General membership Meeting. Delmar High School Auditorium.
April 10th Good Friday Town Hall Closed
April 12th Easter Sunrise Service - Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 7:00 a.m. All Saints Episcopal Church (corner of 10th& State Streets)
April 13 6:30 Pm Delmar Police Commission
April 13th 7 PM Delmar Maryland Council Meeting
April 18 Little League Opening day
April 22 Administrative Professional day
April 23 7 PM Delmar Planning and Zoning Meeting
April 25. Delmar Alumni Association 7th Annual Banquet at Delmar VFW. 5:30 p.m. Social Hour
7:00 p.m. Dinner
$20.00 per person.
April 25 Noon to 7 Pm Shad Music and Heritiage Festival Vienna MD
April 27 6:30 Delmar Utility Meeting
April 27 6:00 PM Delmar Public Works Meeting
April 27 7 PM Delmar Joint Council Meeting
April 27. Delmar Middle School Band Concert. Delmar Middle School Auditorium. 7:00 p.m.
April 29. Middle School Chorus Concert. Delmar Middle School Auditorium.
7:00 p.m.
May 3. The Chorus Boosters will hold a Beef and Dumpling Dinner on May 3 at the VFW from 1-4 p.m. Boosters will be selling tickets through chorus members and at the bake sale table before the two concerts.
May 7. Delmar High School Chorus Concert. Delmar High School Auditorium. 7:00 p.m.
May 11. Delmar High School Band Concert. Delmar High School Auditorium. 7:00 p.m.
May 12. Delmar School Board Election
May 16. Laurel Strawberry Festival St. Phillips Church
March 30 6:30 PM Utility Meeting
March 30. 7 PM Joint Council meeting
March 31 10 am Sussex County Council Meeting
April 3 and 4th A barn sale at the Two Chicks Barn Sale On April 3rd from 10 am to 6 pm and April 4 from 8 am to 6 pm.
April 3 2 PM Lt Gov Matt Denn meeting on how Delaware should spend stimulus package Owens Campus, Del Tech Georgetown
April 4, Community Easter Egg Hunt given by the Delmar Kiwanis Club at 1:00 p.m.; Delmar Senior & Middle High School Football field. Rain Date - April 11, 2009
April 5, Palm Sunday
April 6 7 pm Delmar Delaware council meeting
April 6. 7:00 p.m. Delmar Alumni Association General membership Meeting. Delmar High School Auditorium.
April 10th Good Friday Town Hall Closed
April 12th Easter Sunrise Service - Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 7:00 a.m. All Saints Episcopal Church (corner of 10th& State Streets)
April 13 6:30 Pm Delmar Police Commission
April 13th 7 PM Delmar Maryland Council Meeting
April 18 Little League Opening day
April 22 Administrative Professional day
April 23 7 PM Delmar Planning and Zoning Meeting
April 25. Delmar Alumni Association 7th Annual Banquet at Delmar VFW. 5:30 p.m. Social Hour
7:00 p.m. Dinner
$20.00 per person.
April 25 Noon to 7 Pm Shad Music and Heritiage Festival Vienna MD
April 27 6:30 Delmar Utility Meeting
April 27 6:00 PM Delmar Public Works Meeting
April 27 7 PM Delmar Joint Council Meeting
April 27. Delmar Middle School Band Concert. Delmar Middle School Auditorium. 7:00 p.m.
April 29. Middle School Chorus Concert. Delmar Middle School Auditorium.
7:00 p.m.
May 3. The Chorus Boosters will hold a Beef and Dumpling Dinner on May 3 at the VFW from 1-4 p.m. Boosters will be selling tickets through chorus members and at the bake sale table before the two concerts.
May 7. Delmar High School Chorus Concert. Delmar High School Auditorium. 7:00 p.m.
May 11. Delmar High School Band Concert. Delmar High School Auditorium. 7:00 p.m.
May 12. Delmar School Board Election
May 16. Laurel Strawberry Festival St. Phillips Church
The 1960 housing Census
In the Bi-State Weekly, March 30th, 1962 edition they printed an article on the results of the 1960 census as far as housing in Sussex County.
There were 29,122 housing units in Sussex County. 22,011 housing units were occupied. Of the 22,011 occupied units 7,748 were rentals with $59 being the median rent. There were 611 trailer homes in the county.
Other sidelights were 2,435 homes had air conditioning, 17,591 had TVs, 20,445 had radios, 16,881 had telephones, 18,344 had washing machines but only 2,031 had dryers, 6,817 had home freezers, 13,340 had one automobile, 5,200 had two automobiles and 633 had three or more vehicles.
It is surprising that 7,111 (24%) of the housing units were vacant. I can see where their electric bill would have been lower with only 11% having air conditioning and only 9% having dryers.
There were 29,122 housing units in Sussex County. 22,011 housing units were occupied. Of the 22,011 occupied units 7,748 were rentals with $59 being the median rent. There were 611 trailer homes in the county.
Other sidelights were 2,435 homes had air conditioning, 17,591 had TVs, 20,445 had radios, 16,881 had telephones, 18,344 had washing machines but only 2,031 had dryers, 6,817 had home freezers, 13,340 had one automobile, 5,200 had two automobiles and 633 had three or more vehicles.
It is surprising that 7,111 (24%) of the housing units were vacant. I can see where their electric bill would have been lower with only 11% having air conditioning and only 9% having dryers.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Diane Krewatch Engagement - 1958
A Good Food Review From Up a Creek
Up A Creek in Lower Slower Delaware has given a GOOD food review on Delmar Pizza. I have to say it would be hard not to give a good food review on that place.
Baltimore Colts Leave Baltimore - 1984
Twenty Five years ago while Baltimore slept, at about this time in the morning, without any sort of public announcement, the moving vans removed the Baltimore Colts from Baltimore, that low life, scum sucking, Bob Irsay, owner of the Baltimore Colts, moved the team to Indianapolis. In Memory of the "Baltimore" Colts lets all go find his grave and piss on it.
