Delmar DustPan

Guitar player and Keyboard player wanted!

2012-01-31T07:16:00.000-05:00

Guitar player and Keyboard player wanted! St Stephen's UM Church for our 9am Contemporary Service. Please call 302-846-9501 for more information or if interested.

The Rev. J C Hanby

2012-01-28T15:16:00.003-05:00

I noticed in the newspaper today the obituary of Gladys Hanby Ewald. Now I didn't know Mrs. Ewald but the name of her father I certainly recognized - Rev. Jacob Carrol Hanby. For those who do family tree research and read obituaries in the Delmar-Laurel area the name is frequently encountered. I think at times, Rev. Hanby must have officiated at every funeral in this area from around 1930 forward. He was the pastor at St. George's Church, west of Delmar.

Anyway much like the last name of Figgs, which says who every bears that name originally originated in the Delmar - Whitesville area, the name Hanby pretty much places the family origination around Wilmington - they even have a place there known as Hanby Corner.

What little I know of the family is; Jacob C. Hanby's father was Willard S. Hanby and his mother was Susan. His grandfather was Jacob K. Hanby. Rev. Hanby was born August 5, 1892 and died in April 1973 at age 81. He married Bessie McCallister on June 9th, 1915 in Wilmington. They had Doris, Gladys, Paul and Bessie as children.

Embro emancipate Leah - 1799

2012-01-28T11:05:00.000-05:00

Know all men by these presents that I Embro (Blackman) do by these presents emancipate and set free from Slavery my wife Leah having bought and paid for her and do for myself and my heirs forever Quit Claim of in and unto all my right title and Interest unto the said Leah as a Slave In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th day of January 1799
Teste
Embro X his mark

At a court for Accomack County January 28th 1799
The Deed of Manumission from Embro to Leah was acknowledged by the said Embro as his Act and deed and ordered to be recorded
Teste
Litt Savage Clk
Examd

Delmar Library - Munch & Learn

2012-01-27T08:19:00.000-05:00

Financial Management Classes

The University of Maryland Extension and Delmar Public Library, 101 North Bi-State Boulevard, Delmar, offer a start to the New Year with full tummies and fatter bank accounts. “Munch & Learn” is a bring-your-own-eats learning opportunity focusing during January, in celebration of Financial Wellness Month, on better personal budgeting and credit repair. Munch & Learn: Brown Bag Lunch is Tuesday January 31, 12 – 1 PM and Munch & Learn: Do It Yourself Dessert is Thursday February 2, 6:30 – 7:30 PM.

The educational programs are being delivered by Megan O’Neil, Finance Educator for UMD Extension on the Lower Shore. Ms. O’Neil is a two time award winner from the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences for outstanding financial management educational programs and has served as Chair of the Public Policy Committee of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and President of the Maryland Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. She is credentialed in both Human Development and Family Studies (CFCS-HDFS) and in Personal and Family Financial Education (CFCS-PFFE).

Munch & Learn is free. Pre-register for the session of your choice by calling the Delmar Public Library, 302-846-9894, then mark the calendar and plan snacks to bring with you.

ONSITE CONTACT:
Susan Upole, Director, Delmar Public Library
101 North Bi-State Blvd., Delmar, DE 19940
302-846-9894

The January Delmar Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - 2012

2012-01-27T07:05:00.016-05:00

The January Delmar Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting was held last night in Town Hall. Commission members Joe Dixon, Wm Boyan, Robt Thompson, Carl Anderton, David Ring, Thomas Luffman, and Ed Ferro were present. Since Carl was elected Mayor after voting on last month's minutes, he stepped down from the Commission tonight and passed the gravel to Robert Thompson.

Charlie Towers came asking for approval of the pylon sign for the Atlantic Financial Building (Old Bonanza)for which he was given approval to use at the Delmar Delaware Board of Adjustments. Of course the approval was given altho he still did not know who the actual owner of the sign was and the owners were not there.

Next Dilip Katrodiva of Shayona Pharmacy came before the commission to request a 4' by 8' sign to be put on the back of his pharmacy so vendors making deliveries and potential customers could see where he was located. A similar argument was put up by Atlantic Financial to justify putting an added sign on the East side of their building. The Commission denied Katrodiva request by saying if permission was given they may have a rash of other people wanting the same thing and the signage ordinance only allowed one sign per building. Interesting

Stuart Brittingham of SELAB, Inc came requesting a sign change for his building Brickyard Garage (the old Autoworld, Skywatch, Bread Company Building) to include the name of a Car Title Loan Company going into the building. God just what Delmar needs another car title loan company. David Ring should be happy as those people have to pay into the Delaware education fund in order to operate in Delaware. Naturally approval was given for the sign.

And the high point of the evening was Doug Marshall who finally presented his concept plan of a pavilion at Heron Ponds Development. Mr. Marshall has been talking to people privately since before the last Maryland election about this concept so I am sure everyone in the meeting room was aware of it. He acquired the Heron Pond Development last year, which is approved for 301 single family homes and is on the Maryland side of East Line Road and is the Afghanistan of Delmar developments. The development has gone thru a number of owners.

The concept is to put a Pavillion, Stage, covered seating area for 2,000 people, two restaurants and an outdoor seating area for 3,000 people, and a fire department substation in the western end of the development. Think Wolf Trap, Merriweather Post pavilion. This will remove a number of single family homes from the development which would also remove the negative impact of added students in the Delmar school district and requirements for Delmar infrastructure. It would employ a number of part-time employees and a few full time employees for the events which may be concerts, outdoor town functions and any festival etc that would require that much space and facilities.

But tonight he merely wanted the property (Heron Pond) rezoned as a PUD (Planned Unit Development). A planned unit development (PUD), is both a type of building development as well as a regulatory process. A PUD is a designed grouping of varied and compatible land uses, such as housing, recreation, commercial centers, and industrial parks, all within one contained development or subdivision.

As far as I know that type of zoning does not exist in Delmar nor is it in the Planning and Zoning ordinance, nor the comprehensive plan. It is however used in Salisbury and we all want to be like Salisbury.

Now it is my opinion that PUD's are the same as no zoning, it means the developer can do what he wants with the property as long as he has the approval of the Delmar council and you know how easy the councils are when it comes to developers.

Anyway Mr. Marshall threw in a few veiled threats of government subsidized housing and $99,000 homes if he didn't get what he wanted. Which frankly if he gets a PUD zoning he may do anyway.

Now Doug Marshall appears to be a nice guy. He is local, unlike the other owners of Heron Pond and I think he will be around for a while. In previous times he has appeared before the P&Z commission he has always done his homework. I personally think the Pavillion would be a great thing but I also think it is the carrot on the stick to allow Mr. Marshall the PUD zoning. He says he needs to sell houses in the Heron Pond Development in order to finance the pallivion and like anyone who has a debt to meet I am sure he will do what he needs to do in order to stay solvent.

Anyway this concept and request will come before the Joint council this coming Monday so come out and see and hear about it.

LHS Performing Arts Annual Craft Fair

2012-01-27T05:17:00.000-05:00

Looking for something to do this weekend – don’t forget that LHS’s Performing Arts Department will be holding its Annual Craft Fair and Indoor Yard Sale. Yes, it’s all indoors, so come rain or shine to Laurel High School, this Saturday (1/28) with doors opening at 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Sounds interesting already! What will be there?

25 craft vendors selling their handmade jewelry, woodcrafts, Avon, air fresheners, nurses scrubs, stained glass and more!

20 flea market/yard sale vendors with amazing finds!

It’s FREE to come in and shop! AND there will be concessions available!

Why waste your time, and gas, driving around town looking for deals, food, and bathrooms, when you can find it all at one place: great deals, indoors, food/drink, and amenities!

So come out and shop at Laurel High School in their gym, cafeteria, and commons this Saturday, 1/28, from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.!

Community Development Block Grant - It's In The Wording

2012-01-26T07:18:00.006-05:00

PUBLIC HEARING
The Town Of Delmar Delaware, in cooperation with Sussex County Council (SCC), and the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) will hold a public hearing so that all citizens can have an opportunity to participate in the development of an application to the State of Delaware Community Development Block Grant Program for a grant under the provisions of the Community Development Act of 1977. The primary objective of the Community Development Program is the development of viable urban communities, including decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. It is also a primary objective to alleviate physical and economic distress through the stimulation of private investment and community revitalization in areas of population out-migration or a stagnating or declining tax base.

In accordance with the Section 106 Review Process established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, comments are especially encouraged from interested agencies and individuals with respect to undertakings that may affect historic properties of significance to such agencies and individuals.

The hearing will be held in the Delmar Town Hall, Delmar, Maryland on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 7:00 PM . a status report for FY-11 will also be included. for more information contact William Lecates, director of Community Development and Housing at 855-7777.

Have you noticed when Academic and Government people write they use a strange flow of words that "normal" people would never use? "alleviate physical and economic distress through the stimulation of private investment and community revitalization in areas of population out-migration or a stagnating or declining tax base" is but one odd phrasing of many in the above Public announcement. Does the author of this Public announcement feel he or she has to impress someone into making them think they have a higher education than the people who will read this crap? Anyway should you regretfully be one of the many in Delmar of low income and desire to fix your house up come to the Town Meeting Monday night and see what this program will offer and hopefully who every explains it will have more common sense than the person who wrote it.

I did notice the write up in the winter issue of the Delmar Town Newsletter was more practical and understandable;

Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehab Application
Reminder- that the Delmar Community Development Office is accepting applications for
the 2012 Maryland and Delaware (Sussex County) Community Development Block Grant
Programs. The Town of Delmar will seek funding allocation for housing rehab to low moderate income families through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD) and the Sussex County DHCD Office. Both DHCD offices will submit
their funding applications in the Spring of 2012. Applications for Maryland CDBG funding only occurs every two years thus the next funding round will not occur again until 2014. Delaware, however, submits an application annually.

Interested parties can obtain an application at Delmar Town Hall or call 410-896-2777

Some Short Comments On Books Read

2012-01-26T06:41:00.003-05:00

Over the past three weeks I have read;

The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen - She writes well but this story is along the lines of Dan Brown novels with Demons and unworldly creatures and a few Latin phrases thrown in. In the end most of the good guys live and the bad ones die.

A Six Letter Word For Death by Patricia Moyes - some thing I picked up in a thrift store. The book is from the 1980's about a Scotland Yard detective solving murders with clues from a mystery club writer group. Usually in mysteries when the case is solved you can go back thru the book and pick up on the clues that solved the case but this one I couldn't. Another book where the father doesn't recognize his own son and help kills him off - reminded of the Dan Brown's Lost Symbol.

Anne of Green Gables by J M Montgomery, - Reread, it is just a delightful novel and I enjoy it, so I have read it maybe four times.

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding - another reread, an amusing novel but I will say the movie is better than the book.

The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne - Another reread, I have read this novel maybe three times in my life. I keep thinking as I get older some great knowledge will come my way about this book but it hasn't, it is just a boring book.

So of the randomly selected books read over the past three weeks, Anne Of Green Gables stands out as the best of the bunch.

Researching the Galestown Area

2012-01-26T06:26:00.003-05:00

I have been spending time doing genealogical research into some families in the Galestown and Woodland Ferry area. I thought the Delmar area was difficult for research as families move between Delaware and Maryland but Galestown is really difficult as Dorchester county doesn't seem to know Galestown is part of their county and a lot of the services for Galestown are in Delaware.

When it works, the Woodland ferry is a great help and a time saver in crossing the Nanticoke.

January P&Z Meeting

2012-01-26T06:22:00.003-05:00

Tonight at 7 PM the Delmar Planning and Zoning will meet at at town hall. Among the items for discussion will be;
Signage for Shayona Pharmacy, SELAB, and 10975 State street.
Doug Marshall will ask for rezoning of Heron Pond Development.

Sweetheart Spaghetti Dinner & Dance

2012-01-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church/Camelot Hall Delmar, De

Sweetheart Spaghetti Dinner & Dance

Saturday, February 4th

4:30pm-7:00pm

Adults & Carry out $10 Children 12 & under $5

Delmar Little League Registration

2012-01-20T08:11:00.003-05:00

2012 Registrations for Delmar little League is going on; January 21 9-12 at High school, 25th 6-8pm at VFW, 28th 12-3pm at high school and February 1st 6-8pm at VFW, 4th 9-12 at high school. See their website on my sidebar.

Cost are; $55 Tball, Coach Pitch (softball & baseball), Girls Softball
$65, American League, National League

$75 Jr & Sr League Baseball, $5 discount for 3+ kids

Bring copy of birth certificate (new & returning players)

Bring children for uniform sizing (ages 5-12)

Volunteers- $15 for background check and coverage
Bring drivers license

Taxpayers Cost of Prison For Robert Gattis

2012-01-20T07:52:00.002-05:00

So in Delaware you can not only have your daughter shot and killed by some useless piece of shit, watch the a jury sentence him to die, watch a wimp of a governor running for re-election ignore the findings of the jury by giving him life, and then as an additional insult you can pay to support this person for the rest of his life.

So how much will it cost the taxpayers to keep a 49 year old Robert Gattis behind bars for the rest of his life?

From the Department of Corrections FY2011 annual report their average cost for an inmate is $34,920.18 annually. This would be $95.67 per day. Since this is average cost, I would think a Level V high security incarceration would be higher than this. At least I hope he is still in high security. Again using general average figures the $95.67 per day would break down to cost of; personnel to run the prison $59.31, Inmate medical $17.22, Food $5.74, Energy $3.83, Transportation $1.91, and Other $ 7.66 per day.

If we say Robert Gattis stays in prison and doesn’t escape or is killed before he reaches age 70 at which times he dies a natural and peaceful death, unlike his girlfriend, whom he shot between the eyes, it will cost the taxpayers at least $733,320, not allowing for any inflation which so ever. Figure he has been in jail since 1990 throws another $733,320 into the mix that has already been spent. So Robert Gattis has and will cost the Delaware taxpayers at least a million and a half.

Interestingly compare this to a previous post I had made about how irate people were in 1933 when they were only paying 25 cents a day for food to keep prisoners.
Jail time

Gov. Markell Statement on Robert Gattis

2012-01-20T06:47:00.001-05:00

Pursuant to my authority under Article VII, Section 1 of the Delaware Constitution, I have decided to commute the sentence of Robert Gattis to life in prison without the possibility of parole, subject to the conditions set forth below.

I realize my decision may cause pain to the family and friends of Shirley Slay. For that, I deeply apologize.

In reaching this conclusion, I give great weight to the decision of the Board of Pardons. In the exercise of its constitutional duties, the Board thoroughly reviewed Mr. Gattis’s application for clemency and the State’s response. The Board studied the entire historical record of this case, carefully listened to the statements made by parties on both sides, and had the opportunity to look Mr. Gattis in the eyes and question him. Having done so, the Board took the unusual and perhaps historic step of recommending, by a 4-1 margin, that Mr. Gattis’s death sentence be commuted to life without parole. I take the Board’s considered decision seriously.

Over the last two decades, executions pursuant to death penalty sentences imposed by the State have proceeded only in the absence of an objection from the Board of Pardons and the multiple courts having jurisdiction over the case. In essence, the multiple checks and balances that are in place have historically been in alignment before the extraordinary action of executing a criminal defendant proceeds. While I have supported the imposition of the death penalty in the past and I consider Mr. Gattis’s crimes to be heinous, I am not prepared to move forward with imposition of the sentence in this case.

I undertake this commutation after thorough review of the record presented and substantial contemplation. I have read Mr. Gattis’s application for clemency, the state’s response, and Mr. Gattis’s reply. I have reviewed the many affidavits submitted. I have spent substantial time considering the harm endured by Ms. Slay and her family, Mr. Gattis’s history, and the merits of the clemency application. I have prayed. At the end of the day, although I am not free from doubt, I believe moving forward with the execution of Mr. Gattis is not appropriate under the totality of the circumstances. After my review, I find myself in agreement with the four members of the Board of Pardons who concluded the mitigating evidence here is sufficiently substantial that an act of clemency on my part is warranted. In doing so, I am committed to the fact that Mr. Gattis will spend his remaining life in prison and will pose no threat to public safety.

Even if one were to discount certain of the allegations of sexual abuse recently alleged by Mr. Gattis (as the Board did), the fact remains that Mr. Gattis’s family background is among the most troubling I have encountered. As one of his former attorneys stated in an affidavit, the additional evidence about Mr. Gattis’s childhood “puts Mr. Gattis, his case, and his potential defenses to capital murder in an entirely different light.” This substantial dysfunction, abuse and neglect Mr. Gattis experienced as a youth does not in any way excuse the cowardly murder of Ms. Slay.

This commutation in no way relieves Mr. Gattis of his moral or legal guilt, and I am mindful of the fact that an innocent victim lost her life on the night of May 9, 1990. That is why I have conditioned Mr. Gattis’s commutation on the following: (1) Mr. Gattis shall forever drop all legal challenges to his conviction and sentence, as commuted; (2) Mr. Gattis shall forever waive any right to present a future commutation or pardon request and agree to live out his natural life in the custody of the Department of Correction; (3) Mr. Gattis will be housed in the Maximum Security Unit of the James T. Vaughn Correction Center for the remainder of his natural life, unless constitutionally required medical care is necessary; and (4) Mr. Gattis, after consultation with counsel, shall knowingly, willingly and voluntarily accept these conditions, as determined by the Superior Court. With these conditions, Ms. Slay’s loved ones can at least know that they will never have to go through the painful process again of trials, hearings or requests for release.

My decision is among the most difficult I have had to make in all my years in public service. But in light of the Board’s unprecedented decision and the reasons set forth above, I believe it is the correct one under the circumstances. My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Shirley Slay during this difficult time.

Nevermore Nevermore

2012-01-20T06:32:00.002-05:00

It would seem for the third year in a row the Poe Toaster did not return to Edgar Allen Poe's Grave site on his birthday and leave three roses and a half-emptied bottle of cognac on the grave.

Poe, who was born in Boston, lived in Baltimore, London, New York, Philadelphia and Richmond, Va. He died in Baltimore in 1849. Poe was buried in his grandfather's lot in Westminster Burial Grounds of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. In 1875, his body and that of his mother-in-law Maria Clemm were moved to a prominent spot by the entrance with a memorial marker. Ten Years later the body of his wife, Virginia, was exhumed and reburied with him. The three roses that are left by the Poe toaster are for each of them.

The Poe Toaster, an anonymous man wearing black clothes with a white scarf and a wide-brimmed hat, date back to at least the 1940s.

The Sale Of Hearn's Cross Roads - 1932

2012-01-20T06:14:00.000-05:00

From State Register March 1932

HEARNS X ROADS TO BE SOLD SATURDAY

Historic Farm And Other Property Will Go Under Sheriff’s Hammer

An entire town, located two miles from Laurel, will be sold under the sheriff’s hammer this afternoon. The town in question is known as of Hearn’s X Roads, and in days gone by was a thriving business center. The property consists of several hundred acres of high grade farm land, some woodland, and about a dozen houses, a large store, a large potato storage house in addition to scores of barns and other countless outbuildings. William F. Windsor is the present owner of the property and has lived on the farm for many years.

The farm is located on the old main road to Salisbury, Md. and was formerly a thriving business center. I n addition to being one of the leading farming sections, a large brick yard is located on the property, which made a large part of the bricks used in the county at one time, being one of the few such manufacturing plants in the county. In former days most of the traffic thru the state from north to south passed thru this land and the large store did a thriving business. The property is connected to Laurel with a concrete highway and is ideally located for truck farming. The land is the best in the section for the growing all kinds of truck crops, such as thrive in this community.

The sale is expected to attract a large number of curious and interested spectators as it will be one of the largest sales of farm property held in this section in recent years.

Millsboro Holds State record For Coldest temperature

2012-01-17T07:05:00.002-05:00

On January 17, 1893 Millsboro Delaware recorded -17°F (-27°C) (state record)

on the 21st of July, 1930 Millsboro recorded the hottest temperature of 43.3 C (110.0 F)

Bed Bath and Beyond Sells Radioactive Tissue Boxes

2012-01-16T10:36:00.004-05:00

Radioactive material was discovered on Jan. 5 at a California Truck inspection station. It would appear besides truck weight California also checks for radiation. The truck was bound for the Bed Bath and Beyond retailer's stores in Santa Clara and San Jose. I can only imagine the excitement that must have been created when the radiation alarms went off. My guess is a homeland security Grant gave them the equipment.

Bed Bath and Beyond are accepting returns of the product called "Dual Ridge Metal Boutique tissue boxes" with the model number DR9M. They contain radioactive cobalt-60.

Cobalt-60 is a man-made product that is typically used to sterilize medical products or for cancer radiation therapy.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said that scrap metal containing the cobalt-60 could have strayed into a metal load smelted in India and been incorporated into the tissue boxes.

Next time Buy American.

Robert Gattis May Get A Chance To Kill again

2012-01-16T10:19:00.003-05:00

Robert Gattis shot and killed his girlfriend Shirley Slay in 1990. He has been in jail every since. He is finally scheduled to die Friday, January 20th. The state Board of Pardons is recommending on a 4 to 1 vote that Gov. Markell grant clemency to Gattis and commute his death sentence to life in prison without parole. What a bunch of crap. The man should have died in 1992 when he was sentenced to death. Given it is an election year and Governor Markell doesn't have much in the way of balls he will no doubt let the taxpayers continue paying for this man to live in jail and give him that slim chance that he will be able to escape one day and kill again.

There are 17 men on deathrow in Delaware. Gattis has been there the longest, Craig A. Zebroski is the second longest have been sentenced in 1997.

The Eighteenth Amendment Was Ratified Today

2012-01-16T10:05:00.002-05:00

The National Prohibition Act (18th Amendment) was ratified on January 16th, 1919 with North Carolina, Utah, Nebraska, Missouri and Wyoming all approving the amendment on January 16, 1919 giving the required 36 states (Delaware was the 9th) to approve the amendment. This gave everyone one year to stock up on alcohol before the amendment went into effect. It is frequently thought that having possession of alcohol was against the law but the amendment merely deny manufacture, sale and transportation of liquors and on January 17, 1920 it went into effect.

The 18th
Section 1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.

Section 2. The Congress and the several states shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several states, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the states by the Congress.

Davis-Noble Kinder Family Inquiry

2012-01-16T09:58:00.001-05:00

I received this email. Does anyone have data they can supply this person?

I am a decendant of Nathan Noble through his son James E. who moved from Maryland to Ohio sometime between 1850-55. James married Susan Maria Keiter in 1860 in Xenia,OH and they had 3 children: Jennie Lynd (my maternal great-grandmother), William Keiter, and Charles Edward. Moved to Maryland in 2006 and excited to find out I am a Marylander. Missedthe reunion as I just started researching in 2011 - but am excited to connect with my roots. Does anyone have early info on James? It appears his mother, Mary Hubbard, died young and that hi sister went to live with her Uncle Joshua Noble. My email is: migrabird1953@aol.com.

A Couple Of Bulletin board Notices

2012-01-15T18:15:00.002-05:00

What Really Happened to Amelia Earhart?

2012-01-15T12:54:00.001-05:00

The Delaware Public archives has an interesting sounding talk on March 3, 10:30 a.m. - What Really Happened to Amelia Earhart?

Presenter: Richard E. Gillespie, Executive Director of TIGHAR (The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery)

In 1937, Amelia Earhart set out to be the first person to circle the globe by air in the area close to the equator. On July 2, Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan failed to arrive as planned on Howland Island in the Central Pacific. Since that time, their disappearance has become one of the most baffling mysteries of the 20th century. At the time of her disappearance, Amelia Earhart was arguably the most famous woman of her generation and is, even today, certainly the most well-known woman aviator of all time.

These programs are free to the public and no reservations are required unless otherwise noted. The Delaware Public Archives is located at 121 Duke of York Street in Dover, Delaware

Crystal Steel Fabricators Is looking for a Project Manager

2012-01-15T12:35:00.000-05:00

Project Manager, Steel Fabricator
Crystal Steel Fabricators, Inc. - Delmar, Delaware (Dover, Delaware Area)
Job Description
PROJECT MANAGER

We are seeking a motivated Project Manager for our Delmar, DE office. This Project Manager will be responsible for managing the progress of multiple steel fabrication jobs from notice to proceed to close out documentation. This is an outstanding opportunity to manage challenging jobs for a multi-national fabricator of structural steel and miscellaneous metals. Crystal Steel offers outstanding benefits and compensation.

Essential Job Functions

•Develop and maintain client relationships
•Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and subcontractors
•Resolve jobsite problems
•Price and issue change order requests
•Negotiate change orders with GCs / CMs
•Schedule fabrication, deliveries, and erection
•Manage the RFI process
•Work with accounting on job cost estimates
•Review contract scopes

Desired Skills & Experience
•2 years of experience in structural steel fabrication
•Knowledge of the building construction process
•Negotiation skills
•Estimating of structural steel fabrication and erection
•Knowledge of structural design

Company Description
Founded in 1992, Crystal Steel has grown to become a multi-national fabricator of structural steel and miscellaneous metals. With 4 locations: DE, PA, TN, and Manila, Crystal Steel serves the requirements of sophisticated nationwide clients including Whiting Turner, Turner, Gilbane, Holder and Clark.

A Couple of Mysteries

2012-01-15T12:22:00.004-05:00

At the last Delmar Historical and Arts Society (DHAS) meeting we had two mysteries we are looking at.

First is a spoon that feature the original 1897 bank building for the Bank of Delmar on it. It has thrown everyone off by the spoon saying Bank Of Delmar Del. At first we thought it was the First National Bank (now the Barber shop) on the Delaware side of town but it doesn't look like that building so we have no idea why Del is included. So does anyone know anything about it?

Second was a wooden mantel taken from a house being remodeled over on E. East street. I didn't get a picture - one of those rare times I was without a camera. It is a simple wooden mantel with some decoration from the 1920's. It was manufactured in South Boston VA in 1923 and shipped to Delmar BR Delmar. At this time we have no idea what Delmar BR was. Active in the 1920's was a development around East street and State Street called "Brooklyn" and I thought it may have something to do with that, but I really have no idea.

A Delmar Eyebrow Window

2012-01-15T11:54:00.004-05:00

On my morning walks I frequently pass this single story brick home with two eyebrow windows, one on each side of the house. Usually I see Eyebrow windows on older two story houses in the Greek and Italian Revival style, but they are also associated with the Craftsman bungalows and English cottages that sprang up in the 1920s and '30s.

The Eyebrow is a low dormer on the slope of a roof. It has no sides, with the roofing carried over it in a wavy line. The window normally used in an eyebrow is rectangular on the bottom and slightly arched on the top the eyebrow window. As you can see this eyebrow pictured above uses a simply rectangular window.

Most do not open but some are hinged so they open inward, and due to the narrow, low space to access the window they are also called 'lie-on-your-stomach windows' because that is the only way you will get to them. They are used to provide light to a storage area, or bedroom. Altho they look like they would cost less than a shed dormer they are expense for new construction or a retro fit to an existing house. This Old House online magazine says

"Anytime you build something that breaks away from a straight line," says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, "it costs more." Most window companies routinely make true half-round windows, but a more traditional eyebrow — a semi-oval or a small segment of a circle — will have to be custom made. Depending on its size and whether the dormer is being retrofitted or planned as part of a new house, Tom says, an eyebrow can cost upward of $10,000. Bensley agrees. For comparison purposes, he tells his clients that a simple shed dormer will cost twice the price of a roof skylight and an eyebrow window three times as much. Along with the expense of a curve-topped window, the high cost of an eyebrow comes from the complicated carpentry it requires. Finishing the inside of a curved wall, be it drywall or plaster, adds to the cost."

Today, in 2001, Wikipedia was launched

2012-01-15T09:29:00.002-05:00

Today, in 2001, Wikipedia was launched

William J. Palmer, Congressional Medal of Honor

2012-01-15T09:18:00.001-05:00

Jan 15, 1865 - William J. Palmer, born in Leipsic, Delaware was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor as Colonel of 15th Pa. Cavalry for valor at Red Hill, AL.

Delaware Agriculture Week

2012-01-15T08:10:00.001-05:00

Delaware Agriculture Week January 16-21, 2012 at Delaware State Fairgrounds Harrington, DE

Delaware “Ag Week” is in its 7th year and is an ongoing collaboration between University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Delaware State University Cooperative Extension, and Delaware Department of Agriculture. The Ag Week program this year includes a wide variety of workshops, exhibits, and activities, providing timely information to the agricultural community and industry through education. Some sessions will count for Maryland pesticide and/or nutrient management certification credits.

Mega Jewish Book Sale in Rockville

2012-01-15T08:07:00.001-05:00

Picked up from the Rockville Patch

Mega Jewish Book Sale 15 January
Today, January 15, 10:00 am Tikvat Israel Congregation, 2200 Baltimore Rd, Rockville, MD, FREE

One of the Washington area’s biggest collections of used Jewish books will be offered for sale at a huge event hosted by Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville, Md., on Sunday, Jan. 15. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Approximately 5,000 books will be available, organized in 10 categories, including Talmud and Rabbinic literature, philosophy and theology, history, Holocaust studies, Israel and Zionism, and Kabbalah and Hasidism. There also will be an expanded Yiddish and Hebrew section over previous book sales, as well as more seforim (classic Jewish texts) than in past years. Most titles are priced at $1 to $5.

A copy of a 1948 newspaper front page announcing Israel’s statehood will be auctioned off at the event.

For further information, contact book sale chair Felicia
Black at books@tikvatisrael.org

Genealogy Search in 1932

2012-01-15T07:54:00.004-05:00

From the Laurel State Register - 1932

CAN YOU FURNISH THIS INFORMATION
April 15, 1932
Postmaster
Laurel, Del.
Dear Sir:

I am trying to trace the genealogy of my great grand-father George Hitchens who was born near Laurel about 1775 to 1780, and who went to Chillicothe, Ohio, prior to 1805. If there are any of the Hitchens family still living in that vicinty who might possibly know something about this branch of the family will you be kind enough to hand this letter to him with the request that he communicate with me?

Self-addressed stamped envelope is enclosed

Very truly,
ARTHUR S. KENT

Deed from William Sharpley to Shadrack Taylor 14 January 1750

2012-01-14T19:56:00.000-05:00

This Indenture made this xivth Day of January Anno Domi Seventeen hundred and fifty Between William Sharpley Eldest Son and Heir at law of William Sharpley late of Accomack County Planter deceas'd of the one part and Shadrack Taylor of the County aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that the said William Sharpley Party to these presents for and in Consideration of Thirty one Pounds one Shilling and Eight Pence Current money of Virginia to him by the said Shadrack Taylor paid before the Sealing and Delivery hereof the Receipt whereof the said William Sharpley doth hereby acknowledge Hath Given Granted Bargained and Sold & Doth hereby give grant Bargain and Sell to the said Shadrack Taylor his heirs and Assigns for ever all that Tract or Parcel of Land Situate lying and being in the County of Accomack aforesaid which Hancock Nichless and Richard Drummond Extors of Richard Drummond Deceas'd and Ann Drummond Executrix of the said Richard Convey'd to the said William Sharpley Deceas'd by their Indenture acknowledged before the Justices of Accomack County Court and among the Records of that court in inroll'd bearing Date the fourth day of December Anno Domi Seventeen hundred thirty and four & by Estimation One hundred Acres be the Same more or Less To have & to hold the said One hundred Acres of land with the appurtenances to the said Shadrack Taylor his Heirs and Assigns for ever and no other use or uses whatsoever and the said William Party to these presents for himself his heirs Executors and Administrators Doth hereby covenant with the said Shadrack Taylor his Heirs and Assigns that he the said William Sharpley at the time of the Sealing and Delivery hereof is Seized of the hereby Granted and bargained Land with the appurtenances in a good and indefencible Estate of Inheritance in fee simple and the he the Said William hath good right and full and Lawful Power and Authority to grant Bargain and Sell the Same to the said Shadrack Taylor in manner and form aforesaid and that the said Bargained one hundred Acres of land with the appurtenances are free and clear of all Dowers intails Mortgages or other incumbrances whatsoever & that he the said William and his heirs forever will Warrant and Defend the same to the sd Shadrack Taylor his Heirs and Assigns forever against all Titles and Persons whatsoever and that he the said William Sharpley and his Heirs will at all times hereafter when he or they shall be thereto required by the said Shadrack Taylor his Heirs or Assigns ... make do and Execute every other and further Act Deed Devise or Devices in the law more Effectually to Secure and assure the said Bargained lands with the appurtenances to the said Shadrack Taylor his Heirs and Assigns for ever as the said Shadrack his Heirs or Assigns his or their Council in the Law [-----] Shall Advise Devise or Require In Testimony whereof the Parties aforesaid have hereto Interchangeably affixed their hands and Seals the day and Year first above written

Wm Sharpley

Sealed & Delivered in presence of Geo. Douglas John Taylor John Elder

At a Court held for Accomack County January 28th 1750

William sharpley Presented and acknowledged the within Indenture to be his Act and Deed to Shadrack Taylor & Admitted to Record Mary the wife of the sd William being first Privately examined as the Law directs and Voluntarily Relinquished her Rights of Dower in the Lands Comprized in the within Indenture

Geo. Holden Cls Cur

Truly Recorded

Geo. Holden Cls

Women In Agriculture - Annie’s Project - Two Local Conferences

2012-01-14T08:16:00.004-05:00

Many farm women in several Midwestern and southern states are hearing about a program called Annie’s Project. In a couple of sentences many women relate to the
mission of Annie’s Project, which is to empower farm women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information. Annie’s Project is based on the life a of farm woman in Illinois.

Annie was a woman who grew up in a small town in northern Illinois. Her goal was to
marry a farmer and she did. Annie spent her lifetime learning how to be an involved
business partner with her farm husband. Together they did great things, but it wasn’t
easy.

Challenges Annie faced included three generations living under one roof, low
profitability, changing farm enterprises, and raising a family. Annie faced pressure from brother and sister-in-laws, and mother-in-law. New regulations for selling processed food directly to the consumer forced many changes. Low profitability did not leave a lot of money to raise a family of four children even though the family worked hard. Annie had to make many painful sacrifices that tested her conviction to be married to a farmer. There were days of tears, anger and sorrow. There were days of laughter, contentment, and accomplishment.

Through it all, Annie kept records. She kept the farm business running, she kept the
family running, and she kept her marriage. Annie knew deadlines, reporting
requirements, tax issues, and did the little management jobs that kept big management
jobs under control.

When big decisions had to be made, Annie was there with her records. To increase cash
flow, Annie sent her husband to work off-farm while she milked cows and kept an egg
route in Chicago. Eventually, her records guided them to discontinue an egg laying
enterprise, a seasonal turkey enterprise, and the dairy business. Other farmers with larger equipment and more resources could better run the farm. So Annie became the landowner renting to other farmers. She paid expenses, and marketed corn and soybeans.

When others looked upon decisions Annie had helped to make, their opinions were not
always kind, and that was very hard on Annie. But she stuck with her decisions. She
corrected mistakes, and learned from experience. As an ex-school teacher Annie had
never ending patience, and ability to weather bad times.

Annie was married to a farmer for 50 years. She died in 1997, a wealthy woman, and
doing things her way. One of Annie’s daughters, Ruth, married a man from a farm. And the story starts all over. One exception to the story; while Annie would never dream of working off-farm, Ruth works for University of Illinois Extension as a Farm Business Management and Marketing educator.

Annie’s Project was founded out of need, observed and lived, by daughter Ruth.
Farm women have diverse backgrounds, some which prepare women well for the
responsibilities of running a farm business. Other farm women come into farming
operations by way of marrying men who happen to be farmers, or by means of their
spouse or family members dying and leaving them in charge. Being married to a farmer
or being a woman in a male dominated business has its challenges. Some women have
learned to handle this responsibility very well and are valuable mentors to women who
have not had it so easy. Through Annie’s Project, Ruth takes the skills instilled in her by her mother, and mentors and educates farm women. Farm women find answers, strength, and friendship, in Annie’s Project. Farm women grow in confidence, business skills, and community prestige.

Other women and men equally skilled, educated and impassioned for the role of farm
women have expanded the program into surrounding states and southern states. Describe
Annie’s Project to farm women and watch their eyes light up. Instructors as well as
students seem to find a piece of Annie in his or her lives.

As much to fill an educational need for risk management, Annie’s Project is dedicated to the life of Annette (Kohlhagen) Fleck (1922-1997.)
Creator of Annie’s Project Ruth Fleck Hambleton Mother, wife, and educator.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNIE'S PROJECT

Wednesdays January 25-March 14, 2012

WorWic Community College

6:00-9:00pm

$75.00 registration (includes dinner each evening & all course materials)

Univeristy of MD Extension Lower Eastern Shore will offer Annie's Project during the winter of 2012 at WorWic Community College. Annie's Project focuses on the many aspects of farm management and is designed to empower women in overall farm decision making and to build local networks throughout the state. The target audience is farm women with a passion for business, agriculture, and involvement in the farm operation. Topics for the sessions cover the five areas of risk management - production, marketing, financial, legal, and human resources. This course is open to anyone interested in farm management practices.

The cost of the course including meals and materials is $75. Registration is required in advance before January 18 - register early as space is limited! For more information, visit www.anniesproject.umd.edu or call 410-758-0166. If you require special assistance to attend the classes, please contact UME Worcester County office at least two weeks prior to the class.

Annie's Project has been approved for FSA Borrower Training. If you require training through the FSA loan process, you can attend Annie's Project and complete a follow up workbook for your training requirement. There will be an additional $100.00 fee for the FSA Borrower Training.

...................................................................

REGIONAL WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE

Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center, Dover, DE

February 9-10, 2012

This conference is geared at educating women involved in agriculture by providing a framework for networking and continuing education. Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Laurie Wolinkski at 302-831-2538 or by e-mail.

Oral Will of William Thompson - Recorded 29 January 1750

2012-01-12T20:51:00.000-05:00

Be it Remembered that Robert Ardis of the County aforesaid Aged forty Seven Years and Upwards and John Taylor Aged thirty Nine years and Upwards being Severally Sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God Severally Declare that William Thompson lately Deceased in the time of his Sickness of which he dy'd and before his Death Spoke and pronounced in the hearing of these Deponents these words following as his will Concerning his Estate (to wit) I desire my sister Mary Thompson may have all I have after my Death And these Deponents also do & Severally Swear that the said William Thompson at the time of his Speaking & Pronouncing the said words was of sound and Disposing memory and understanding as these Deponents verily believe and then did apprehend and at the time when he So spoke and pronounced the said words he desired the said Deponents to take Notice of And that Such was his will Sworn before me January the 12th 1750. -
Anderson Patterson

At a Court held for Accomack County January 29th 1750 -

The within Noncupative Will of William Thompson Deceased was Exhibited in Court by George Douglas who taking the Oath And giving George Holden for his Security Certificate is granted him for Obtaining Letters of Administration on the said Decedent's Estate with his Will annexed
Geo. Holden Clk Cur
Exd

The African-American Heritage Center of Delaware - A Racist Idea

2012-01-12T09:38:00.006-05:00

The News Journal had an article on the proposed African-American Heritage Center of Delaware. The proposed African-American Heritage Center of Delaware has been beat around for a number of years. In 2004 by way of a bond issue from the City of Wilmington one million dollars was obtained to establish it. Another $2.5 million has to be raised for the project. The Afro-American Historical Society and the Delaware Historical Society were the only two organizations to submit proposals for the grant.

The News Journal has an interesting selection of photos with their article. The one of Harmon Carey, who heads the Afro-American Historical Society, shows him standing in front of a run down looking building where they had proposed to change to a heritage center. He is dressed in a plait outdoor's jacket with a skull cap on his head. The photo of Scott W. Loehr, the chief executive officer of the Delaware Historical Society, shows him standing inside the society's Research Library, a grand structure. Obviously the News Journal was going with the sympathy vote on photos.

As I have said before in my experience it is rare to see Black people in museums or doing research on history or genealogy, I also have a hang up about public money going to any museum or culture center that is dedicated to any hyphenated race or ethnicity group, (didn't we try for equality and doing away with separate facilities based on race back in the 1960's? )so to me the possible $3.5 million this will take (and no ones believes it is only going to be $3.5 million) could be put to better use elsewhere.

Anyway the Wilmington Mayor selected the Delaware Historical Society to run the project. It was based on a proven track record of running historical museums in Delaware. As was pointed however the Delaware Historical Society tends to take my view and has not done much to exhibit Black people culture in Delaware. So I am sure the Delaware Historical Society will be searching for the token Black people to sit on the board and contribute their name to the project - you have to love Delaware it is so 1970's.

1953 Bayer Aspirin Ad

2012-01-12T08:42:00.004-05:00

By 1982 Doctors had already reached a consensus that the use of aspirin to treat flu and chicken pox could cause Reye's syndrome, The Centers for Disease Control recommended warning labels as early as November 1981.

In September 1982, President Reagan's Secretary of Health and Human Services, Richard Schweiker, signed proposed regulations requiring the warning labels, yet five years passed before labels were required in 1986. The Reagan Administration and the Bush Administration have been marked by a commitment to deregulation and when it occurs in an area where it has a health impact, the consequences were profound.

The five-year Government delay in requiring warning labels on aspirin led to the needless deaths of 1,470 children from Reye's syndrome.

WARNINGS: Children and teenagers should not use this medicine for
chicken pox or flu symptoms before a doctor is consulted about Reye
syndrome, a rare but serious illness reported to be associated with aspirin.
As with any drug, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, see the advice of a
health professional before using this product. IT IS ESPECIALLY
IMPORTANT NOT TO USE ASPIRIN DURING THE LAST 3 MONTHS
OF PREGNANCY UNLESS SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED TO DO SO
BY A DOCTOR BECAUSE IT MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS IN THE
UNBORN CHILD OR COMPLICATIONS DURING DELIVERY. Keep
this and all medicines out of the reach of children. In the case of accidental
overdose, see professional assistance or contact a poison control center
immediately.

The Life Of A Blonde In 2011

2012-01-11T18:02:00.000-05:00

Blonde 2011 Year In Review......

January – Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight.

February – Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels…HELLOOO!…bottles won’t fit in printer.

March – Got really excited…finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months….box said “2 – 4 years”.

April – Trapped on escalator for hours…power went out.

May - Tried to make Kool-Aid – wrong instructions… 8 cups of water won’t fit into that little packet.

June - Tried to go water skiing – couldn’t find a lake with a slope.

July – Lost breast stroke swimming competition…learned later, the other swimmers cheated, they used their arms.

August - Got locked out of my car in a rain storm…car swamped because soft-top was open.

September - The capital of California is “C”, isn’t it?

October - Hate M&M’s – they are so hard to peel.

November – Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days…instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108 !!!

December – Couldn’t dial 911- duh – there’s no eleven on the stupid phone.

Delmar Delaware Board Of Adjustments Meeting - 2012

2012-01-10T20:08:00.009-05:00

The Delmar Delaware Board Of adjustments had their meeting tonight regarding signage for the Old Bonanza Building. The members of the Board of Adjustments are Mayor Michael Houlihan, Town attorney James Waehler and Public Works Supervisor Jerome Reid. In the audience were Town employees William Hardin, Gaylon Bounds and Cindy Fisher.

The issue tonight was Atlantic Financial (The Old Bonanza Building) would like additional sign(s) over the amount allowed in The Delmar Planning and Zoning Ordinance on page 83 which states;

B. For each lot containing two or more businesses the following shall apply:
1. The number of signs shall not exceed one (1) sign for each single
commercial occupant, and each such sign shall not exceed one (1)
square foot in area for each lineal front foot of the building used for that
single commercial purpose. Each allowed sign must be on or attached
to the building.

A variance was requested to add an additional sign. As the Town attorney stated a hardship condition would have to be provided in order for the Board of adjustments to approve it.

Charlie Towers Of Towers Sign appeared to provide information on the signs and the hardship it would cause without it. The owner of the property was not there.

The first question by the town attorney was who owns the building. Mr. Towers wasn't sure and couldn't swear to it but thought Atlantic Financial did. Again this is a reason why an owner of the property should be there.

Anyway the hardship given for the lack of the additional sign was financial as people could not see where the businesses were from Rt13 without the additional sign. Since this was a public hearing the question was asked if anyone had a comment and since no one was for or against the sign the meeting continued. As to be expected approval was given for the additional sign.

Approval of the meeting of March 15th 2011 was also approved. I assume that was the last time this board had a meeting.

As a side note prior to the meeting Councilman Robt Thompson gave the board a briefing on the matter. I question if this should have not been done after the meeting was called to order as it had the appearance of the Board of Adjustments having a non public meeting out of the public eye as all three members were present.

Open meetings are covered under the Freedom of Information act

Delaware Open Meetings Law Statement of purpose
The statement of purpose of the Open Meetings Act states,
"It is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that our citizens shall have the opportunity to observe the performance of public officials and to monitor the decisions that are made by such officials in formulating and executing public policy; and further, it is vital that citizens have easy access to public records in order that the society remain free and democratic. Toward these ends, and to further the accountability of government to the citizens of this State, this chapter is adopted, and shall be construed."

The law states that all gatherings of a quorum of members of a public body, whether formal, informal or through video conferencing, with the intention of discussing public business are considered meetings.

Delmarva Mediterranean Market

2012-01-10T07:40:00.003-05:00

I stopped by Delmarva Mediterranean Market 1305 South Division st,. Suite 18 Salisbury, MD 21804 (where the old roller rink use to be) yesterday. It is an interesting place - no scrapple but it is an interesting selection of foods.

The owner of the store is quite helpful explaining what everything was. Altho his selection of spices are small they are cheap in comparison to McCormick spices. The selection is aimed at food from Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, etc, like the sign says; Mediterranean and Sudano Africian. I have been trying to add more vegetables to my diet and have been looking at Indian and Mediterranean recipes to give them some taste. I picked up a couple of things to try. I am not expecting to like all of them but maybe 10 to 20% will be keepers.

Among the items he has are Burgul, Farika, Couscous,flafel Pickles and appetizers (BabaGhanouj, Tahini, Humus, Olive oil, Sesame oil, Veggie Ghee, Sheep & goat Feta Cheese, Kefir Cheese, Yogurt drink etc etc etc Stop by and have a look. It's different from Wal-Mart.

The phone number is 410-341-7171 and hours are 10 AM to 7 PM.

TV Local News Coverage

2012-01-10T05:52:00.002-05:00

I am of course a creature of habit, I was around before WBOC TV and started watching it in the 1950's when it was only on the air for a couple of hours a day. Today I tend to automatically turn to it for the 6 o'clock and 7 o'clock news. I expect to heard and see local news coverage when I watch it. For some reason WBOC has gone to doing less coverage of local news and more news from the western shore or those stupid ass voice overs where they show the footage from some place out of the area and the local newsperson does the voice describing it. I am guessing that WBOC is down to maybe five minutes of local news out of a half hour show and the rest is weather, sports, news pickups from other areas, and advertising. God forbid for WBOC to actually do any investigative reporting. Well habits are hard to break but I for one am going to try and turn to WMDT Chanel 47 at night and frankly they do just about a poor job as WBOC but at the moment they seem to do a better job than WBOC.

Sussex County Press release

2012-01-09T17:14:00.001-05:00

Learn about issues seniors, adults with disabilities face in Sussex County

Georgetown, DE (Jan. 9, 2012): If you are 55 or older, if you are an adult with a physical disability, or if you know someone who is, Sussex County offers a forum in which you can voice your concerns to people who care – and who might be able to offer some guidance along the way.

The Sussex County Advisory Committee for the Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities meets six times each year to discuss relevant topics affecting senior citizens and those with physical disabilities. The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, at the Nanticoke Senior Center, 1001 W. Locust St., in Seaford.

Eric Jacobsen, Associate Professor of the University of Delaware’s School of Public Policy and Assistant Director of the Institute for Public Administration, will be the featured guest speaker at the meeting. He will provide a presentation entitled, “Maturing of Sussex County: Helping Communities Prepare for an Aging Population”. The Advisory Committee invites the public to attend the session.

The Sussex County Advisory Committee for the Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities is an 11-member panel established by the Sussex County Council to be an advocate for programs and policies that benefit older and disabled residents. The committee meets every other month, in January, March, May, July, September and November. All meetings are open to the public.

The Advisory Committee’s mission is to increase dialogue, make recommendations to Sussex County Council, and to give support, assistance and advice on significant issues and programs that may affect the lives of the county’s aging and adults with physical disabilities populations.

For more information, visit the Advisory Committee’s page at www.sussexcountyde.gov/committees.

Catesby Fleet Rust (1819-1894)

2012-01-09T10:34:00.003-05:00

I was reading some of Eliza Frances Andrews' "The war-time journal of a Georgia girl, 1864-1865" a free on line book and came across this diary entry.

Feb. 21, Tuesday

A letter from Mecca Joyner, saying she is coming to make me a visit, and I must meet her in Albany on Wednesday. Just as I had finished reading it a buggy drove up with Flora Maxwell and Capt. Rust, from Gopher Hill. Flora has a great reputation for beauty, but I think her even more fascinating and elegant than beautiful. Capt. Rust is an exile from Delaware, and a very nice old gentleman, whom the Maxwells think a great deal of. He was banished for helping Southern prisoners to escape across the lines. He tells me that he sometimes had as many as fourteen rebels concealed in his house at one time.

Albert Bacon called after tea and told us all about the Hobbs poetry, and teased me a good deal at first by pretending that Capt. Hobbs was very angry. He says everybody is talking about it and asking for copies. I had no idea of making such a stir by my little joke. Metta and I were invited to spend this week at Stokes Walton's, but company at home prevented. We are going to have a picnic at the Henry Bacons' lake on Thursday, and the week after we expect to begin our journey home in good earnest. Sister is going to visit Brother Troup in Macon at the same time, and a large party from Albany will go that far with us. I have so much company and so much running about to do that I can't find time for anything else. I have scribbled this off while waiting for breakfast.

The Captain Rust mentioned I think would be Catesby Fleet Rust (1819-1894) before and after the war a farmer of Seaford, Delaware. Since the diary entry says he was an older gentlemen, Catesby Rust would fit the description better than Charles Palmer Rust who also left Delaware to join the Confederate forces.

Catesby Fleet Rust was the son of John Rust and Priscilla Laws Rust. Catesby was married to Anne Eliz Palmer in 1840. Their son was Charles Palmer Rust.

From The Past - 1958

2012-01-09T10:28:00.004-05:00

Click photo To enlarge
Boy scout Troop 127 in 1958, planting seedlings in Salisbury park - Scoutmaster Fred Sahler, Boy scouts Donald Glenn and Robert Dickerson

Delmar Delaware Board Of Adjustments Hearing Tuesday Night

2012-01-09T10:02:00.001-05:00

January 10th at 7:30 PM Click on Photo to enlarge

Full Moon Rising

2012-01-08T20:26:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the Full Moon, if you feel an impulse to race outside and bark at the moon it is because the Indians(PC - native Americans) referred to the full moon in January as the Wolf moon. They chose this name because they heard hungry wolf packs howl outside the villages.

Congratulations to Parth Gadani

2012-01-08T14:02:00.003-05:00

Picked up from the Newark Post

U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, Governor Jack Markell and Mayor James Baker recognized the top scoring students of the 2011 United States Cyber Foundations fall competition at a special award ceremony at the Wilmington Charter School on January 5.

This national online competition included 2,034 high school students from 32 states, three U.S. Territories and 169 schools. Gavy Aggarwal from the Charter School of Wilmington was the national winner, with Jacob Davis, also of the same school, placing 14th nationwide. Third place in Delaware was Esme Li of Middletown High School. Top scorers from other Delaware schools include: Eric Wright, Howard HS of Technology; Cynthia Krejczman, Polytech HS; and Parth Gadani from Delmar Senior High School.

Cyber Foundations is a nationwide online competition focusing on the most important foundational fields of cyber security: networking, operating systems, and system administration. Cyber Foundations is a feeder program into other US Cyber Challenge events, including the collegiate level camps, which were hosted in Delaware in 2010 and 2011.

The goal of the Cyber Challenge is to identify and nurture America's top young people destined for careers in cyber security. The program encourages students to learn advanced skills to protect our nation's critical information infrastructure. Delaware was one of 6 states hosting collegiate level cyber security training camps in 2010 and 2011.

For more click here

Happy Birthday Elvis Presley

2012-01-08T06:43:00.002-05:00

Today at Graceland there will be a birthday cake cutting and a proclamation of Elvis Presley Day by Memphis and Shelby County officials with free admission, because it is Elvis Presley Day.

The Last Will and Testament of Charles Taylor Senior - 6 January 1824

2012-01-07T22:48:00.000-05:00

I Charles Taylor (Senr) of Accomack County do in the name of God appoint this my last will and Testament.

Item I give to my son Charles Taylor the West End of my Island at a pasture on the north side running across to a bar post supposing South East and to continue across my Marsh.

Item I give to my son John Taylor the North East end of my Land that I bought of Thomas Wessells at Spencer Lewis's Line Oak across my land to a partree making Strate lines down to the Creak, and also I give him 1 Yoke of oxen he has in possession and also One cow that he3 has in possession, also I give him nine head of Sheep he has in possession, and I give him one horse for which he has to pay thirty dollars to three of my children, namely Samuel Taylor, and Gilly Taylor, comfort Taylor Equally between them

Item I give my son James Taylor 1/2 of my Land I bought of Joseph Rigs for time to [-----] [-----] after it is laid off & one Bull yearling

Item I give to my son William Taylor the East End of my Island joining to my son Charles Taylor and two thirds of a yoke of oxen not broke

Item I give to my son Bagwell Taylor one half of my land I Bought of Joseph Rigs and one Bull yearling.

Item I give to my Son Samuel Taylor the south West end of my Land I bought of Thomas Wessells except one Acre of it which I Lend to my son and Law Dennis Thorne and Daughter Polly Thorne there life time it being the place the now Live on but at their death it is to go to my son Samuel Taylor.

Item I leave my Son Charles Taylor to pay to my son Gillet Taylor twenty dollars.

Item I leave my son John Taylor to pay to my son Gillet Taylor twenty dollars.

Item I leave my son William Taylor to pay to my son Gillet Taylor twenty dollars

Item I Leave my son James Taylor to pay to my son Gillet Taylor ten dollars.

Item I leave my son Bagwell Taylor to pay to my son Gillet Taylor ten Dollars the above money is to be paid when Gillet Taylor arrives at the age of twenty one clere of interest, If James Taylor died before he is twenty one years old Gillet Taylor takes his Land. William or Bagwell Taylor or Samuel Taylor dies before they arrive at the age of twenty one there Lands goes to Gillet Taylor.

Item I give my daughter Peggy Ewell one spinning wheel that she has in her possession

Item I leave my Thornton Mare to my children namely James, William, Bagwell, Samuel Comfort.

Item I give my Young mare to my son Gillet Taylor.

Item I give my daughter Nancy Taylor, One Blue chest and one white chest, also one spinning wheel and one blue & White counterpin tow bed quilts. -

Item I give my Kilman Canoe, sain and rope to my Son James, William, Bagwell, Samuel except one fourth of the Sain and rope that I give John also One Gun to my to my son John. -

Item I give one Gun to my Son James Taylor.-

Item I give my waine to my sons manely, James, William, Bagwell, Samuel, Gilly.-

Item I give all my Corn fodder, pork, Beans and pease, cotton & flax, six hogs and potatoe seed to my children that now lives with me for their use.

Item I give my daughter Comfort one cow first choice.

Item I give all my property that I have not before give away to be equally divided between my girl children Namely Peggy Ewell, Betsy Middelton, Tabitah Bundick, Rebecca Taylor, Polly Thorns, Patsey Taylor, Nancy Taylor, Comfort Taylor.

Item and Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my friend John Parks (Jr) my executor of this my last will and Testament in the year of one thousand Eight hundred and twenty nine January the Sixth.
Charles Taylor

Acknowledged in presence of Arthur F. Wessels
Jacob Mattews
Meriah White

At a Court held for Accomack County on the 30th day of March 1829, This last will and Testament of Charles Taylor Senr decd was proved by the Oaths of Arthur F. Wessels, Jacob Matthews, and Maria White Witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of John Parkes Junr the Executor therein named taking oath and giving bond according to law in the penalty of $5000 with Thorowgood Taylor and Nathaniel Topping securities thereto certificate s granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form
Teste
Thos R. Joynes Clk
Examined
Sources:

_____. Accomack County Virginia Wills &c 1828-1846, p. 32-34.

“Dear Me – A Letter To My Sixteen-Year-Old Self” by Joseph Galliano - a review

2012-01-07T15:10:00.004-05:00

I have finished reading “Dear Me – A Letter To My Sixteen-Year-Old Self” by Joseph Galliano. A small book of about 125 pages put out by Atria Books – 2011. Something to knock out in an evening. Dear Me is a really interesting and simple concept. If you could write a letter to your 16 year-old self now, what would you say? Joseph Galliano asked a ton of celebrities to do just that, and got replies from 75 of them so he was able to produce this book as a result. The book has facsimiles of letters and notes written, a lot are handwritten, by 75 “celebrities”. Most of the celebrities referred to I have never heard of. I guess you can say Joseph Galliano technically edited the book, but didn’t write it. Interestingly there was no Joseph Galliano letter to his 16 year old self. He has an added catch of saying a dollar of the purchase price will be donated to Doctors Without Borders. J. K. Rowling did the foreword and a letter in the book. The letters vary in length from Steve Vai (10 time Grammy nominee and three-time Grammy winner, I have never heard of him)– To young Steve, You’re doing just fine From Old Steve. To 4 pages from Jodi Picoult (author – Never heard of her). The letters offer advice, give warnings and share words of comfort, humor and love. Some, who are a success today, you have to feel sorry for their life at 16. Overall I am glad I got the book from the Delmar Library instead of buying it as frankly it was not that interesting. On the other hand as short as it is it doesn't take to much out of your life. But the concept of the book -what would you tell your 16 year old self - is quite interesting. Mine of course would include such nuggets as buy gold and Berkshire Hathaway Inc stock.

So if you wrote to your 16 year old self it brings up an interesting discussion of;

First the violation of Starfleet General Order 1: "No starship may interfere with the normal development of any alien life or society."

and second Edward Lorenz's chaos theory of the butterfly effect where a small change at one place in a nonlinear system can result in large differences to a later state.

In others words would your life still turn out to be a success if you had read a letter from the future from your future-self.

I have often heard people say if I did this or that at an earlier time in my life I would be really successful. Since none of us can predict the future or have much control over it the odds of more success by taking a different bend in the road may not turn out that way, if anything unforeseen life forces may act on you.

A friend of mine has mentioned to me if when he was in the army he wish he had went ahead and took up their offer to go to Officer's school. He felt that would have made his life more successful. I told him it may not have, instead imagine the scenario of instead of spending his army term in Germany as a non-commissioned officer, by becoming an officer he may well have been sent to Vietnam and died or became mangled there.

Simply put you just have to play the Hand You’re Dealt.

The Last Will and Testament of Matthias Phillips - 5 January 1771

2012-01-06T22:41:00.002-05:00

In the Name of God Amen the 5th day of Jany one thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy one I Matthias Phillips of Accomack County & Colony of Virginia being very Sick in body but of perfect mind & memory &c & further Settling my temporal Estate Which God hath been pleased to bestow upon me I do Order give & dispose of in manner & following that is to Say First I will & Desire all the Debts that I owe in Virginia Currency to be truly paid within convenient time by my Executors after my Decease

Item I give & Bequeath unto my Loving Wife Rachel Phillips after my Death the Whole of my Estate to be her own Property & disposal Lastly I Leave my Loving wife my Whole & Sole Extor of this my Last Will & Testament Revoking other wills made by me heretofore in Witness Whereof I have Set my hand to the Above & within this 5th Day of January 1771 --- and I Desire that my Estate Should not be Appraised
Matthias Phillips

Jacob Rogers
David Joans
John Spiers

At a Court held for Accomack County the 24th of Feby 1778 This Will was proved by the Oath of John Spiers witness thereto & Admitted to Record & on the Motion of William Parramore taking Oath & Giving George Corbin for his Security who entered into & Acknowledged a bond for theat Purpose Certificate is Granted him for Obtaining letters of Admon with the Will Annexed the Extrix therein Mentioned lately decd.
Littleton Savage ClC
Sources:

_____. Accomack County VA Chancery Causes, 1727-1805. Petition of Sampson - (Alias George). Local Government Records Collection, Northampton County Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia. Accessed 8 December 2011.

English Leather After Shave and Cologne

2012-01-06T12:50:00.008-05:00

I recently was up to Rose's in Seaford Delaware where I bought a package with three bottles of English Leather After Shave and Cologne, very cheap. On looking over the box I see it is now packaged in China but with fragrance oils from the USA. It is a come down from the 1960's when I first started using this product. I have always used English Leather since I first purchased it. It is not an overpowering perfume. One of the unique things about English Leather, and always has been is the wooden top on the bottle. Strangely the wooden bottle top was sometimed used as a gear shift knob in the 1960's when manual shifts were still around. The cheap Chinese version retains this, but the bottle is an untrademarked bottle.

English Leather was first introduced in 1949 by the MEM Company. The MEM company was a toiletries and cosmetics company founded in 1883 in Vienna, Austria. MEM moved to the US in the late forties and became known for fragrances such as English Leather and Timberline. English Leather was developed due to the fondest the public had developed over the years, after the WWII, for pilots' leather jacket which was one of the most romantic and desired things. Leather scents were also very much in, and one of them was the intensive and very masculine English Leather. But all good things come to an end and as mass marketing took over the MEM Company (and English Leather) was acquired in 1996, by Renaissance Cosmetics, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary Dana Perfume Corporation.

Now Dana Perfume also had a good history. Dana is a perfume brand originally founded in Spain, in 1932. Dana's main perfume was Tabu. The fragrance is now a classic and has been a perennial best-seller. It is still in production today. The company relocated to the United States in 1940, when Europe was occupied by Germany. Dana launched a number of notable classic fragrances and acquired some such as Canoe and English Leather and women's scent Ambush. Dana fragrances were re-tooled over time from prestige fragrances to mass market products.

However Dana was purchased by Renaissance Cosmetics in 1994, but the company's bankruptcy in 1999 led to the acquisition by New Dana Perfumes, who later changed their name to Dana Classics. Dana Classics Fragrances (which is owned by Patriarch Partners LLC) today produces English Leather. I think with each change in ownership the formula was re- formulated to be made with cheaper ingredients.

The Mem version of English Leather (must be at least 16 years old by now) can still be found on EBay and other places like that. The Chinese made stuff is about $3 to $5 a bottle and the MEM stuff goes for $30 to $50 a bottle.

So since everything else is made in China why should I worry about Chinese Made English Leather. After all my wife has some china that's made in England, so it all evens out. Well it is just one more sign of cheaper goods and less of a standard and companies that trade on established names.

Joan Of Arc

2012-01-06T12:24:00.003-05:00

St. Joan of Arc with St. Michael the Archangel

As I have written before, Joan of Arc was born today in 1412 (This is the 600 year anniversary of her death). She had a short life being burnt to death at age 19 (Lets hear it for the Catholic Church) but she did lead an Army at age 17. A previous writeup was posted here It is an amazing story of a girl who, according to her family and friends, knew little more than spinning and watching over her father’s flocks, but when you hear the voices inside your head and actually follow their instructions you can achieve a great deal.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy today made a pilgrimage to Joan of Arc's birthplace in eastern France for the 600th anniversary of her birth and delivered a lofty speech that he hopes will improve his image in many French minds (Joan of Arc seems to have always been used by French Leaders). Pope Benedict XVI last year hailed her as a model for public officials (Burn her and use her).

In grandiloquent praise, Sarkozy depicted Joan not just as a defender of France, but as an international ideal of the fight for freedom and a purveyor of women's rights — centuries before the feminist movement.

"The place of Joan of Arc was not in gilded legend, but in the history of France ... Joan is the incarnation of the most beautiful French virtues," said Sarkozy.

Quotes from the official transcript of the trial.

Q - Do you know if you are in the grace of God?

A - If I am not, may God place me there; if I am, may God so keep me. I should be the saddest of all the world if I knew that I were not in the grace of God. But if I were in a state of sin, do you think the Voice would come to me? If would that everyone could hear the Voice as I hear it. I think I was about thirteen when it came to me for the first time.

Down In The Trenches

2012-01-06T12:21:00.003-05:00

The 8 inch sewer line that is being replaced on First street and Delaware Avenue. This project should continue on into Spring or summer.

Extreme Couponing At The Laurel Library

2012-01-06T12:19:00.002-05:00

January 17th

Lost Dog

2012-01-06T12:18:00.002-05:00

Help Find Tug - signs were posted around the railroad track on the Maryland side of town

The Delmar Police Department Flag

2012-01-06T12:16:00.001-05:00

It is about time they retire it and find the money in the budget for a new one.

Ed Ferro has another Birthday

2012-01-06T12:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Ed!!!

William E. Hastings - 1930

2012-01-05T19:11:00.002-05:00

From The Laurel State Register - January 17, 1930

SUDDEN DEATH OF WILLIAM E. HASTINGS

The very sudden death of William E. Hastings, aged 36 years, took place early last Thursday morning at the home of his brother, Elmer, near Laurel where he had been making his home for a number of years. He had been in apparent good health the day before his death but he was taken with an attack of acute indigestion during Wednesday night and died about four o'clock Thursday morning.

He was very well known in both Laurel and Delmar where he had been engaged for a number of years as an automobile salesman. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Grant Cordrey and Mrs. Joseph Phillips, and three brothers, Charles A. Hastings of Laurel, Elmer D. Hastings and G. Ray Hastings, both of near Laurel.

The funeral was held from the home of his brother, Elmer, on Saturday afternoon and the burial took place in Odd Fellows Cemetery, this town.

Delaware Rejects Secession

2012-01-03T08:02:00.000-05:00

From This Day in History - History.com

On this day (Jan 3rd) in 1861, just two weeks after South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union, the state of Delaware rejects a similar proposal.

There had been little doubt that Delaware would remain with the North. Delaware was technically a slave state, but the institution was not widespread by 1861. There were some 20,000 blacks living in the state, but only about 1,800 of them were slaves. Most of the slaves were concentrated in Sussex, the southernmost of the state's three counties.

After South Carolina ratified the ordinance of secession on December 20, 1860, other states considered similar proposals. Although there were some Southern sympathizers, Delaware had a Unionist governor and the legislature was dominated by Unionists. On January 3, the legislature voted overwhelmingly to remain with the United States. For the Union, Delaware's decision was only a temporary respite from the parade of seceding states. Over the next several weeks, six states joined South Carolina in seceding; four more left after the South captured South Carolina's Fort Sumter in April 1861.

Sis's Tavern Makes The News

2012-01-02T09:32:00.003-05:00

I saw in the Daily Times this morning that the old Sis's Tavern is in the news. The building has deteriorated even more than when I wrote about back in 2009 and Worcester County wants the property cleaned up. The owners Michael and Linda Ward are scheduled to appear at a nuisance abatement hearing on January 3rd.

The Lost Symbol - reviewed

2012-01-02T07:22:00.005-05:00

I finished reading “The Lost Symbol” by Dan Brown yesterday. It was published by Anchor Books in 2009. “The Lost Symbol” is the third book in the Robert Langdon, symbologist, series. The first two are “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels and Demons”. This book continues the saga of Langdon, with murder, mystery, misconceptions, and the race to save the world from an unknown fate. It includes ancient languages, history, religion with particular focus on the founding fathers and Masonry.

Dan Brown’s books seem to follow a formula. The story moves at neck breaking speed, Robert Langston will continue his inability to turn off "professor mode" and drown everyone around him in random trivia/facts; A female sidekick will be present who does some scientific/global prolific work; There will be an antagonist who does strange things to his body and threatens the world; a collection of secret societies, symbols, codes, various Latin phrases, and artifacts; an amazing cell phone service provider that allows cell phone service from deep underground, or anywhere Robert Langston is; Robert Langston will be on the run from some organization(s); and none of these groups including Robert Langston will have any care about money as they have an unlimited number of private jets and chaffered vehicles. Well those are the reason you read his books.

The story line for “The Lost Symbol” is;
Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned unexpectedly to deliver an evening lecture in the U.S. Capitol Building. Within minutes of his arrival, however, the night takes a bizarre turn. A disturbing object--artfully encoded with five symbols--is discovered in the Capitol Building. Langdon recognizes the object as an ancient invitation... one meant to usher its recipient into a long-lost world of esoteric wisdom.

When Langdon's beloved mentor, Peter Solomon--a prominent Mason and philanthropist--is brutally kidnapped, Langdon realizes his only hope of saving Peter is to accept this mystical invitation and follow wherever it leads him. Langdon is instantly plunged into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and never-before-seen locations--all of which seem to be dragging him toward a single, inconceivable truth.

Since I have never been to Paris or the Vatican I found this book more interesting than the previous two as it is set in Washington DC, a place even I have been too. I always like history trivia and this book has more than you would want. Once you are finished with this book you will want to use it as a guidebook for the next time you visit DC.

My paperback was 639 pages long consisting of short chapters (133 of them plus prologue and epilogue) so it is very readable as you can read a chapter or two during those many TV commercials or while taking a coffee break. The story line for the entire 639 pages only cover about ten hours of Robert Langston’s life. Because it moves at neck breaking speed the book was a page turner and I will admit Dan Brown is a story teller, and it was hard to put down. I was really into it until about page 546 where it goes to hell. It is at this point you realize the CIA is involved for no real reason but to protect the image of high ranking officials. As the book progresses on from this point it become even more unreal with the antagonist, Mal'akh ("angel" in Hebrew), a muscled, full body tattooed eunuch who wears makeup with a blonde wig that has a video camera hidden in it and fools everyone with his appearance, including his father. By the time you arrive to the last 50 pages you really don’t care how the story ends. But as is usual in a Dan Brown’s novel the world is saved from the bad guys - for the time being - and a hidden secret that the masses can not comprehend remains with an elite group of people who control the world. The main good guy characters live and as usual, in Dan Brown’s view, only a few non-essential, blue collar types (police, janitors, etc) are killed off. Dan Brown is a snob who writes for snobs.

My final comment, in spite of the last hundred or so pages, if you are a Dan Brown fan you will be drawn into to this book like a moth to a flame. It is not good but as I said previously you will keep the book for your next visit to DC just to look up some of the buildings and places mentioned, plus you will have at your finger tips (untattoed I hope) a wealth of historical esoteric to amaze and bore your friends, co-workers and blog readers.

Harry H. Hearn Promoted - 1908

2012-01-01T21:58:00.002-05:00

From The Wicomico News January 1908

Harry H. Hearn has been receiving congratulations this week on his appointment to a position in the main office of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Wilmington. The position pays $86 a month and he was chosen from thirty or more applicants. Mr. Hearn was only recently promoted to the position of ticket agent at Delmar. His successor at Delmar has not yet been appointed.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T05:49:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!! Well a new year is beginning for the Delmar Dustpan blog. I had thought of dropping the blog this year and concentrating on my life instead, after all five years for a blog is a good run as most only last a few months. As I get older I find a number of things are preempting blogging, but we will start the year and see where it goes and if I continue it this year.

The blog will continue as my personal blog giving my opinions on living in Delmar, the 23rd largest town in Delaware. I think the description given it in the blogging world is it is a blog with Hyperlocal content meaning it is predominately aimed at Delmar. However it is not an open forum blog, nor a newspaper, it is just for me, after all that is what a personal blog means. In 2011 I did away with the anonymous comments option. I also am selective on the signed comments that I receive and allow to be posted on my blog.

2011 has been an interesting year with a number of weather extremes, the usual tropical storm that our state government blew out of proportion, an earthquake, increased crime, local elections, increased government control, raising prices, the inability of the Federal Government to govern, another neighborhood fire, and Howard got another year older.

In the month of December I received notification that my social security income will increase this year. The increase pushes me up over a thousand a month which is nice until I go to the grocery store and see the increased prices there. Between increased retail prices and the State of Delaware forcing me to pay to dispose of leaves and yard debris plus paying for a recycling program and Delaware pocketing that plastic soda bottle deposit for themselves which I use to take advantage of, it points to a very fugal upcoming year for me. But I live within my means so I will find a way to do so this year, and I expect governments and other people to do the same and not have me bail their asses out.

The Delmar Town Government has taken care to manage our tax dollar prudently and sensibly. This prudence has enabled the town to preserve jobs in the public service and to avoid salary cuts or lay-offs. I am interested to see if they can pull it off once again in the upcoming 2012-2013 budget.

The Town in 2011 started a number of public infrastructure renewal and upgrade, with the “new” Town hall, street construction and the upgraded Waste water treatment Plant. They also took steps to allow an internet company to come to town to compete with the two existing companies of Comcast and Verizon. All of which will allow the town to better position itself in the future when this economy recovers and growth begins again.

The Maryland side of town had an election and several new people are on their council along with a new mayor so we look forward to seeing how that will work out. At least one elected official is using the internet to say what he is doing for the town each day.

I am disappointed that new ordinances have been voted into place without any of the old ordinances being removed. With the additional ordinances the concept of “your home is your castle” (your's not the town’s) becomes a little more remote in Delmar. I am also disappointed the old Lecates building continue to stand as a very visible reminder of blight in Delmar, which in spite of passing ordinances none are enforced on this building which besides being a blight also reminds us of the discriminatory fashion in which ordinances are enforced in Delmar. I am disappointed the Town does not have a disaster plan in place that the public is aware of. Natural disasters are one thing, but with the railroad and the trucking industry hauling a number of chemicals thru town there is more of a chance a disaster will occur from an accident in that area.

I am also disappointed with the inaction of our United States’ Congress and the people who we elected to be leaders. It was another year that proves out the saying “The rich get’s richer and the poor gets poorer.”

The Delmar Middle and High School continues to do well for it size. The school board also received a newly elected Board of Education member last year. School taxes continue to be high without any taxpayer control and Sussex Tech is the worst of the lot.

What’s coming up in the blog for 2012? Well more history items, I have made a commitment to a couple of different historical societies to write more about history and genealogy for them so that will flow over to the blogs. The research that will be required to write those history articles will mean less time for blogging. There will be more on trying to clean up Delmar buildings and infrastructure. There will be more pointing out that if the town passes ordinances they will enforce them fairly and they will obey the ordinance themselves.

So join me for my opinions on living in Delmar. You may not agree with me but perhaps you will continue to find something of interest. Remember by merely reading this blog daily you have begun a positive journey to attract abundance into your life and channel the cosmic energy of this blog, the positivity of Delmar and the wisdom of Howard directly to you via the internet. Happy New Year.

DNREC Try out new guns, ATVs in proper areas

2011-12-29T17:38:00.001-05:00

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Blotter Dec. 21-28

Reminders for the week:

Try out new guns, ATVs in proper areas;

New Year is time to renew boat registrations, fishing licenses;

Deer hunters should take care with disposing of entrails

DOVER (Dec. 29, 2011) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents issued 7 citations between Dec. 21 and 28. Agents also responded to a variety of complaints, including unfounded reports of gunshots, trespass, target shooting, injured deer and one erroneous report of gross over limit of Canada Geese – the birds reported to have been killed illegally turned out to be a spread of decoys.

Citations issued between Dec. 21 and 28 by violation type included the following: Wildlife Conservation: Trespassing to hunt, Middletown (3) trespass to trap, Smyrna Landing, (1); waterfowl stamp violations, near Smyrna (3).

Are you AWARE?
For this week’s Are You Aware, the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section has reminders for outdoors men and women who got “new toys” from Santa, for cold weather boaters, anglers and waterfowl hunters, and for deer hunters:

Hunters are reminded that target shooting is prohibited on state wildlife areas and in state forests. Those anxious to try out new guns are encouraged to visit Ommelanden Hunter Education Center and Range in New Castle, which offers free firearms safety instruction and public-use ranges for rifle, pistol, shotgun and archery target practice. Target shooting on private property is subject to local, county and state ordinances, and requires permission of the property owner. For more information on Ommelanden Range, please visit http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/HunterEd/Pages/HunterEd.aspx or call 302-323-5334 or weekdays or 302-323-5333 on weekends.

For those with new ATVs or dirt bikes: Operation of non-licensed motor vehicles is prohibited on state wildlife and forest lands, and violators may be subject to fines and seizure of their vehicles. Off-roading in street-licensed vehicles – trucks, SUVs, cars – is also prohibited on state lands. Riding or off-roading on private property is considered trespassing if done without the owner’s permission.

Recreational boaters, anglers and waterfowl hunters are reminded that 2011 fishing licenses and one-year boat registrations expire on Dec. 31, 2011. Anglers and boaters will need to display current license/registration beginning Jan. 1, 2012. Fishing
licenses and boat registration renewals can be purchased online at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw .

Deer hunters are reminded to properly dispose of entrails when field-dressing freshly-taken game. Entrails left near roadways and walking trails in multi-use areas such as state forests and wildlife area trails reflect poorly on sportsmen, cause problems for dog walkers and hikers and, in warmer weather, attract insects and produce foul odors. The ethics portion of Delaware’s Hunter Safety Course focuses on discouraging this activity.

Citizens are encouraged to report fish and wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Hunting/Pages/OpGameTheft.aspx .

New Post Office Mail Box

2011-12-29T17:33:00.002-05:00

Has everyone noticed that the Mail Drop Box outside the Post office is new?

Our Lady of Lourdes Seaford Delaware

2011-12-29T17:22:00.002-05:00

I happened to spot this Grotto (is that the right word?) along side Our Lady Of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Seaford Delaware today. Nicely done.

Just as interesting is the website is maintained by Paul Grubb Realtor, I didn't know he knew anything about computers.

The Post Christmas Induced Sleep

2011-12-28T07:52:00.006-05:00

Well as you can see blogging has been light and will be so until next year. Christmas is finally over with and yesterday everyone here seem to have collapsed and fallen into a long post Christmas induced sleep (the rain helped). The tension of shopping and preparing for Christmas has lifted as Christmas is over and our bodies all seem to say sleep, sleep. I think the lights and the TV in the house have stayed on for the past 24 hours as everyone is on a different schedule of sleep. I tend to find myself waking up in the recliner at 2 in the morning wondering if I just need to go to bed again or get up and do something.

Paint By Numbers - Are They Returning?

2011-12-28T05:47:00.004-05:00

One of the Christmas gifts my daughter received was a Paint By Numbers (PBN) and she is now busy filling in the spaces with the correctly numbered paint. One of the things I notice, that is different from the early PBNs, is today’s paint is water based unlike the oil paints of the 1950’s. Back then you could smell the uncompleted painting before you saw it. With the oil paints you also had to paint some and then let it dry for a couple of days before you could go back to painting which would mean it would take weeks to complete a “painting”.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s you could go in to any home in America and odds were you would find a PBN hanging on the wall. Done not only by children and teenagers, adults too use to sit and paint by the hour. They were fun to do and no one expected to become an artist but you did feel a sense of pride when it was completed. Up until this year two of my PBNs from the 1950’s hung in my parent’s home. This year my mother passed them over to me and I am now wondering where to hang them.

Un-like today, when people have access to the world, in the 1950’s and 1960’s there was limited things to do in your leisure time, board games and PBNs were a big hit. You could sit for hours at the kitchen table painting away and “create” The Last Supper, or maybe a Blue Boy or even a Horse Head. Paint by number functioned as a compromise between genuine creativity and the security of following instructions. Altho when you first opened a PBN it looked like a topographical map instead of a possible painting, in the end it was an artistic success - done by you.

One of the first (and most successful) makers of Paint by numbers was Max S. Klein, owner of the Palmer Paint Company of Detroit, Michigan. He along with artist Dan Robbins conceived the idea and created many of the initial paintings. Palmer Paint began distributing paint-by-number kits under the Craft Master label in 1951.

PBNs found their place in popular parlance when the expression "by the numbers" displaced "by the book" as an expression for doing anything formulaic.

As an indication of their popularity President Dwight Eisenhower, who was an amateur painter, and his presidential appointment secretary Thomas Edwin Stephens distributed Picture Craft kits to cabinet secretaries and Oval Office visitors. Once they were completed they were installed in the west wing corridor of the White House and they were referred to as the Stephens Collection. Twenty two of those paintings are now in Wichita, Kansas, at the Eisenhower Library.

Completed Paint By Numbers are often found at yard sales, flea markets and auctions. In relationship to other items they seem to go high. I think it is because they are considered 1950's kitsch and fall in to the black panther clocks, Elvis and Costume dolls catagory.

So maybe it is time for America to drop the snob appeal and go back to something non-electronic that was enjoyable - buy a paint by Number and enjoy yourself once again.

Delmar Little League

2011-12-24T09:04:00.003-05:00

I have placed the Delmar Little League website on my sidebar. Registration starts in January so you might want to check out their calendar.

The First Amendment Right, Church and State, and Comprehensive Plans

2011-12-24T08:28:00.002-05:00

Picked Up from Lake Minnetonka Patch

The city of Wayzata has reached a settlement in a lawsuit with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka (UUCM), ending a four-year legal dispute. The settlement was reached during a court-ordered conference.

The UUCM, represented by attorneys from the Gray, Plant, Mooty Law Firm, filed suit in 2010, charging that Wayzata’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan is discriminatory and denies the church its First Amendment rights. The lawsuit followed a failed application by UUCM in 2008 to rezone land designated for single-family residency. The UUCM has been located on “Piety Hill” in Wayzata since 1965 but desired a new location and facility. The city's Comprehensive Plan has designated the land for residential use for over 42 years.

Under the terms of the settlement, the city, represented by attorneys through the League of Minnesota Cities, agreed to amend its comprehensive plan and rezone two plots of land in the Holdridge neighborhood to a Planned Unit Development (PUD), allowing the church to build its previously proposed plan at that location. The land is currently owned by Robert Dachelet, a member of the church.

In order to reach settlement, the city will also pay UUCM $500,000 in damages, including attorneys’ fees. Finally, the city agreed to assist UUCM in acquiring two other small parcels of land adjacent to the Dachelet property and currently owned by Minnesota's Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

In return, UUCM dismissed its claims and agreed to work through the city’s normal process to apply for and complete its building project. The UUCM must build and occupy a new church on the property within six years, or the land will revert to its previous zoning.

Following the settlement conference, Wayzata Mayor Ken Willcox released this statement:

“This was a difficult situation for us," Mayor Willcox wrote. "We believe the law supports our position and the city has right to control the planning and zoning within its borders through its long-established Comprehensive Planning process. However, it became clear that ending this expensive and detrimental proceeding was in the overall best interest of the citizens of Wayzata."

Mayor Willcox went on to say the city council's first priority was to "uphold the residential nature of our neighborhoods, a characteristic that has defined the city of Wayzata for decades and one which the majority of our residents wish to continue."

"Because this is such an important aspect of our community, we were willing to commit significant resources in its defense," Willcox said. “However, there is a time when the impending financial burden of continuing that fight forces us, as responsible stewards of the city, to shift our priorities from upholding that community value in order to act in the best interest of taxpayers."

As for costs to the city, Mayor Willcox said today's settlement announcement would end years of continuied expenses.

“Clearly, this settlement comes with great cost, not only financially but also to the comprehensive plan for our city," he said. "It is an expense that was undertaken only after much consideration. It became clear that UUCM and its attorneys were prepared to argue this matter to the fullest extent possible, a scenario resulting in potentially years of litigation and significant financial consequences for the City in legal fees alone. For that reason, we have agreed to settle the matter under these terms."

3 days left

2011-12-22T11:42:00.000-05:00

Luffman's Facebook Page

2011-12-22T11:15:00.001-05:00

I see Tom "Bunky" Luffman is using his Facebook Page to update the residents of Delmar on his work as a Delmar Maryland Commissioner.

Winter Solstice - 2011

2011-12-22T04:34:00.001-05:00

The calender’s “official” first day of Winter, also known as the Winter Solstice
(from the Latin sol, or "sun," and stice, or "come to a stop")

Because of the 23.5 degree tilt of the earth, during the Winter, the northern hemisphere receives less direct daylight than the southern hemisphere and the Solstice marks the SHORTEST day of daylight. This year, this occurs for the Northern Hemisphere at 11:30 pm Wednesday.

It also starts the final countdown as the Mayan calendar finishes one of its great cycles on December 12, 2012, which has fueled countless theories about the end of the world on December 21, 2012 at 11:11(UTC).

Winter - 2011

2011-12-22T01:35:00.000-05:00

Ruth Fallis Back In The News

2011-12-21T13:50:00.004-05:00

If I had to chose beween my two favorite Delaware criminals it would be hard to decide if it would be Bill Hitch or Ruth Fallis. Both worked as accountants and were in a position of trust. They cast shame on a profession that already has done enough to be ashamed of, working in the pay of banks and Stock brokerage firms and almost causing the financial system to collapse. I picked this up from the News Journal today

WILMINGTON -- Federal prosecutors will be allowed to sell more than 100 pieces of jewelry belonging to a Hockessin woman who was convicted of embezzling from her employer and was ordered to repay more than $1 million.

According to court papers, Ruth C. Fallis -- who now goes by Ruth McCutchan -- distributed dozens of items of jewelry to family and friends after her 2007 conviction on fraud charges in what appeared to be an attempt to hide them from prosecutors.

Chief District Judge Gregory M. Sleet told the parties Tuesday he will issue an order authorizing the sale of the seized items after prosecutors provide him with an order to sign.

In 2006, prosecutors charged McCutchan stole more than $1 million from the Perry Anthony Salon & Spa during the more than 10 years she worked as a bookkeeper at the business, taking cash receipts for herself and writing checks from salon accounts to pay for lavish family trips and renovations at her home.

After pleading guilty to bank fraud and wire fraud -- two of the 52 criminal counts against her -- McCutchan indicated in 2007 on a court financial statement she had only one item of jewelry, a diamond engagement ring worth an estimated $28,000.
Prosecutors, however, found that McCutchan had distributed more than 100 items of jewelry to family and friends following her conviction, including gold necklaces, pearl necklaces, Cartier and Rolex watches, a platinum diamond necklace, gold rings and bracelets and a pin with the words "Celebrate the gift of Jesus."

At a November hearing, according to a transcript, McCutchan denied she was trying to hide anything or deceive anyone and claimed she essentially forgot about the items because she was "a mess" due to the charges and the failure of her marriage. She said she also thought the jewelry "wouldn't even make a dent in what I owe [former employer] Perry [Scarfo]."

McCutchan claimed the only reason prosecutors knew about the jewelry was because her ex-husband -- former state labor secretary Matthew Fallis -- was angry with her and told prosecutors about the items, something prosecutors denied. McCutchan, without an attorney, contested the sale of the items, claiming some had sentimental value to her and she hoped the sale of some real estate she owned in North Carolina would instead fully compensate the Internal Revenue Service and her former employer, Scarfo.

According to prosecutors, McCutchan covered up her thefts from Scarfo by not making the salon's quarterly tax payments.

When Judge Sleet looked at the list of jewelry items that McCutchan wanted to keep ownership of in November, he said it did not appear any would be exempt from the plea agreement she signed with the government in which she promised to turn over her assets.

"I guess I was just hoping, your honor," McCutchan responded.
Federal prosecutors estimated that several of the items will likely have a value of more than $1,000 but prosecutors did not have an estimate for the total worth of all the items that McCutchan stashed with family and friends.

Sleet initially delayed making a ruling in the case in November, hoping both sides could reach an agreement. However, no agreement was reached, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Hanson, leading to Tuesday's ruling.

In November, prosecutors said McCutchan had repaid only about $4,000 of the more than $1 million she owes the Internal Revenue Service and Scarfo.
Hanson said Tuesday that McCutchan has completed the three-year prison sentence that was imposed in 2007.

China Needs You

2011-12-21T13:05:00.003-05:00

Snap out of it - The Final Countdown is on - Get out there and buy.

DNREC Press Release - Delmar's wastewater treatment facility

2011-12-21T06:37:00.003-05:00

Delmar’s new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility unveiled
Plant provides significant clean water benefits, protecting public health and the Chesapeake Bay

DELMAR, Del./Md. (Dec. 20, 2011) – Delmar’s new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility was unveiled today at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included dignitaries from Delaware, Maryland, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They were joined by representatives from local construction and engineering companies who worked for more than a year to transform the outdated facility to an innovative, effective wastewater treatment plant that protects the health and safety of families and provides significant clean water benefits for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Delmar Mayor Michael Houlihan (Delaware) was joined by Governor Jack Markell, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del), Senator Chris Coons (D-Del), EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin, Maryland Department of the Environment Deputy Secretary for Planning and Policy David A. Costello, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara and other officials to announce the expansion and upgrades at the facility.

“Here in Delmar, we celebrate efforts by two towns in two states to make clean water a top priority,” said Governor Markell. “Investments made here at the Delmar wastewater treatment facility pay tremendous dividends. They are supporting local jobs and businesses while providing clean water that protects the health of families and helps ensure the water quality of our precious rivers and streams and Chesapeake Bay Watershed.”

Investments at the plant were made possible by EPA funding, the states of Delaware and Maryland, and the town of Delmar. Funding totaling approximately $7.4 million was secured from a $2 million EPA grant to Maryland under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a Maryland Department of the Environment grant of more than $3.3 million, a Delaware Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan of about $1.3 million, a $480,000 grant from the EPA, and local funds from the Town of Delmar of about $320,000. Delaware’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund investments are supported by EPA capitalization grants and State of Delaware matching funds.

“Supporting infrastructure projects like this one is one way to help protect and preserve our precious natural resources for years to come and is just the kind of project I had in mind when I supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act several years ago,” said Senator Tom Carper. “This is a great example of what partnerships between federal, state and local governments can do to keep our environment clean, our communities healthy, and grow our economy.”

“I am proud to work in the U.S. Senate to build communities and create jobs. This federal investment to improve Delmar’s sewage treatment system will do just that,” Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski said. “Maryland cities and towns need to upgrade their water and sewer infrastructure but they can't do it on their own, and rate payers shouldn't have to bear the full burden. This grant is a double value for the taxpayer dollar, creating jobs while improving health and safety and helping this community grow.”

“Improving water quality, protecting public health and creating jobs are just a few of the many benefits of Delmar’s new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility,” said Senator Chris Coons. “This project demonstrates the importance of infrastructure improvements and how two states and various levels of government came together for the common good. The upgrades at the facility translate into a brighter future for those served by the plant and for our treasured Chesapeake Bay.”

“We in Maryland know the value of clean water, from our local streams to the Chesapeake Bay. But our nation’s water infrastructure is reaching a tipping point and the increasing dysfunction of our systems pose risks to human health and safety and environmental quality,” Maryland Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Water and Wildlife Subcommittee, said. “Especially in today’s economy, the projected economic benefits of water infrastructure investment and the job opportunities associated with repairing and upgrading our water infrastructure are substantial. Regional projects like the Delmar Wastewater Treatment Facility make a positive difference in the daily functioning of so many families and local businesses.”

“The new wastewater facility unveiled today is the type of investment we need to create jobs and strengthen the economy while also protecting the environment,” said Congressman John Carney (D-Del). “The partnership that helped create this facility resulted in jobs for Delaware workers, cleaner water for the entire community, and improvements to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed that will help preserve it for generations to come.”

Located in Maryland, Delmar’s wastewater treatment facility serves 2,900 residents who live in Maryland and the almost 1,500 residents who live on the Delaware side of town. Originally built in the mid-1980s, the plant was expanded to treat 30 percent more wastewater than the old treatment facility – a total of 850,000 gallons of wastewater per day – meeting the capacity needs of Delmar now and into the future.

The facility employs cutting-edge clean water technologies that meet stringent pollution control limits set by the State of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay ‘pollution diet’ or TMDL. Last year, EPA and the seven jurisdictions in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed put in place the TMDL. The TMDL, or Total Maximum Daily Load, is the maximum amount of a pollutant that a body of water can receive and still meet water quality standards that protect humans and aquatic life. The watershed’s TMDL will substantially reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution entering our streams and rivers flowing to the Bay, improving the health of the Chesapeake, our nation’s largest estuary and one of strongest contributors to the region’s economy.

“I’m proud of this regional collaboration and EPA’s role in providing more than $3.4 million that was successfully leveraged for these long-needed upgrades to Delmar’s wastewater treatment plant,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “This water infrastructure project is helping improve the health of local waterways and ultimately will benefit the Chesapeake Bay by substantially reducing this plant’s loadings of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution by as much as 85 percent.”

Last week, Maryland, Delaware and the other Bay jurisdictions submitted draft localized plans to implement the Bay TMDL. For the first time in the history of regional and federal cooperation to restore the Chesapeake Bay, local governments have the opportunity to ensure that restoration efforts meet local constituent needs. The reductions in pollution from Delmar’s wastewater treatment plant will help Maryland meet its state-wide nutrient pollution limits.

"Maryland is working with our local municipalities and counties on the most detailed plan yet to improve the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Upgrading our largest wastewater treatment plants is a critical part of that effort," Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Robert M. Summers said. "Improved and restored waterways directly and positively impact our drinking water, are vital to public health and our quality of life, and these efforts create and support jobs."

“Across Delaware strategic investments in clean water infrastructure are creating construction jobs, improving water quality, and building stronger and healthier communities,” said Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O'Mara. "By ensuring that our local rivers and streams are drinkable, fishable, and swimmable, we will improve our state's economic and environmental health today and leave a legacy of environmental stewardship for the betterment of future generations.”

“This upgrade project was very significant to Towns of Delmar as it will have a major impact on our contribution to protecting the watershed. We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of federal, state (MD/DE) and local funds that made this major upgrade to the Wastewater Plant possible,” said Delmar, Del. Mayor Michael Houlihan.

The facility was upgraded to include the addition of biological and enhanced nutrient removal systems that effectively reduce pollutants – nitrogen and phosphorus loadings from entering the waterways that drain into the Chesapeake Bay. An outdated chlorine disinfection system was replaced with a new ultra violet (UV) disinfection system, reducing the hazards of chlorine to the public, the operators and the environment. Other upgrades include a state-of-the-art screen and grit removal system, new influent and effluent pumps that increase the reliability of plant operations, new waste activated return and sludge pumps, and a power backup generation system.

Delmar’s Wastewater Treatment Facility Ribbon Cutting.

2011-12-20T16:19:00.016-05:00

I went to the Ribbon Cutting for Delmar's wastewater treatment facility this afternoon. Big turnout of politicians and State officials. Notably missing were Maryland Officials everyone from Delmar Mayor Anderton, Commissions Gibb, Commissioner Ring, Vice Mayor Wells but Commissioner Tom Luffman was there. No Maryland Governor nor any underlings, except David Costello who is a nice guy. Delmar Delaware Vice Mayor Mary Lee Pase, Councilmen Gregory Smith, and Robert Thompson were there. Generally it was a big photo op.

Delaware Senator Coon, Delaware Gov Markell, Maryland State Delegate Mike McDermott, Delmar Delaware Mayor Mike Houlihan

Delaware NREC Secretary Collin P. O’Mara, Maryland Dept. of the Environment Deputy Secretary for Planning and Policy David A. Costello, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator (Region 3) Shawn M. Garvin, and Delaware Senator Chris Coon

The Governor, senators and the above people have mastered the art of having a permanent smile on their face.

Mayor Houlihan gave the opening remarks and introduced a ton of people. I thought he did well.

Gov Markell gave his create jobs thru infrastructure speech

Senator Carper gave his speech

Senator Coon gave an uplifting talk. It was the first time I heard him talk and he he is good.

Finally after all the talk a ribbon cutting took place.

Mayor Houlihan telling the world (or at least WBOC) about the Sewage Treatment plant.

Investments at the facility were made possible by a collaborative effort among the states of Delaware and Maryland, the EPA, and the Town of Delmar. The improvements have long-lasting benefits – protecting the health and safety of families, ensuring cleaner, healthier water quality for our waterways, while creating and supporting jobs.

"Local" construction and engineering companies have worked for more than a year to transform the outdated facility.

If you believe the politicians the renovation transformed an outdated plant to an innovative, effective wastewater treatment plant that will now protect the health and safety of the local community. No doubt the way the Federal Government and States work we will be renovating it once again next year. lets face it with the number of government employees we have, they have to justify their jobs someway.

It was a toss up as to rather U.S. EPA Regional Administrator (Region 3) Shawn M. Garvin or Gov. Markell had the best shined shoes.

Bring One for the Chipper

2011-12-20T07:21:00.001-05:00

Christmas tree recycling – a Delaware post-holiday tradition – carries on statewide

Take your tree to a drop-off site or yard waste recycling facility

DOVER (Dec. 2, 2011) – Delawareans are encouraged by DNREC to add the spirit of recycling to their holiday season this year by delivering their Christmas trees to one of many yard waste recycling facilities located throughout the state. Please note that Christmas trees are no longer accepted for recycling at any Delaware State Park locations.

Christmas trees will be accepted from families only for recycling at yard waste drop-off sites from December 27 through January 27, 2012. Trees will not be accepted from commercial haulers or tree vendors without prior approval. Artificial decorations, including hooks, wire, tinsel and ornaments, as well as wood and metal tree stands, must be removed from all trees before they are dropped off for recycling.

“Many Delawareans have been recycling their Christmas trees every year and we encourage everyone to continue this eco-friendly tradition or establish it for the future,” said Bill Miller, program manager in DNREC’s Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Section. “These trees are a product of nature and recycling them is a wonderful way to give back to the environment.”

Christmas tree recycling also is another way of complying with the state’s ban on disposal of yard waste. At least 17 percent of residential waste is composed of grass, leaves, brush, trees and other lawn maintenance and landscaped materials. Prior to Delaware’s yard waste ban, these materials – considered a resource for composting and reuse rather than waste – were deposited into landfills, taking up valuable space and limiting local markets for mulch and compost products. In 2010, over 110,000 tons of yard waste was diverted from our landfills and beneficially recycled.

There are many entities that collect Christmas trees, including various waste haulers and landscapers. Your regular trash hauler may offer a one-time collection for Christmas trees in January, and Kent County will collect Christmas trees from January 9 -20 (on your regular trash day) for people in a trash district that has yard waste collection service. For a partial listing of entities that collect Christmas Trees and other yard waste, go to: www.dnrec.delaware.gov/yardwaste and click “Yard waste collection options.”

Meanwhile, please note that Christmas trees, stripped of all decorations and detached from tree stands, can be dropped off by Delaware residents for free at any of the following locations:

New Castle County

Polly Drummond Hill Community Yard Waste Demonstration Site
Located in the Pike Creek area on Polly Drummond Hill Road, about 1/2 mile north of Kirkwood Highway.
Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise posted.

DART Mid-County Community Yard Waste Demonstration Site
Located on the southwest corner of the intersection of U.S. Route 13 and Route 72 near Bear. (Turn into the DART facility at 1423 S. Dupont Highway, Bear.)
Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise posted

Copeland’s Mulch Depot (free if the tree was purchased at Copeland’s; otherwise $2)
2 Honeysuckle Drive, Stanton, DE 19804; (phone 302-633-9536)
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.*
Closed the last week in December

Holland Mulch
135 Hay Road, Edge Moor, DE 19809 (phone 302-765-3100)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - noon*

Wilmington Organic Recycling Center
612 Christiana Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801 (phone 302-266-7678)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m. - noon*

Sussex County

Blue Hen Organics
33529 Fox Run Road, Frankford, DE 19945 (phone 302-732-3211)
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.*

Grizzly’s Landscape Supply Service
18412 The Narrow Road, Lewes, DE 19958 (phone 302-644-0654)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.*

Kaye Construction
22288 Coverdale Road, Seaford, DE 19973 (phone 302-629-7483)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.*

Selbyville Pet and Garden Center (free for active customers within the last 6 months)
38205 DuPont Boulevard, Selbyville, DE 19975 (phone 302-436-8286)
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.*

Stockley Materials
25136 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947 (phone 302-856-7601)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.*

Sussex Tree Inc. Garden Center
20144 John J. Williams Highway, Lewes, DE 19958 (phone 302-645-6262)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.*

*Please note that private businesses accepting trees may alter their hours of operation during the holidays.

Facilities that charge a fee for dropping off other yard waste will continue to charge regular rates for recycling other yard waste during this time – only Christmas trees will be recycled for free.

Other locations throughout the state also accept Christmas trees for recycling for a fee. For information on all yard waste drop-off sites in Delaware, go to: www.dnrec.delaware.gov/yardwaste and click “Yard waste drop-off options.”

There are many entities that collect Christmas trees including various waste haulers and landscapers. For a partial listing of businesses that collect Christmas Trees and other yard waste, go to: www.dnrec.delaware.gov/yardwaste and click “Yard waste collection options.” You may find other options in your local phone book or classified ads.

For more information about yard waste, visit DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov/yardwaste or call 302-739-9403.

How to Deal with Difficult People During Holidays

2011-12-19T11:23:00.002-05:00

No No not dealing with me, you know I am a joy to be around at Christmas Time or anytime, this is about those other difficult people. I picked this up from FindLaw and thought it may be of interest and help. After all not all families and friends get-to-gathers are like those rosy Norman Rockwell pictures and sappy Hollywood movies.

In a greeting-card-perfect-world, the holidays would come and go each year soaked in the golden glow of pumpkin pie, eggnog, warm fellowship, and good cheer. In reality, however, the season is far from being a Norman Rockwell painting. It usually heralds the (often stressful) onslaught of obligatory family dinners, office parties, and reunions with old acquaintances. As a result, we often find ourselves forced to socialize with people we'd rather avoid altogether. Ever notice that there's at least one person in every social network who is an absolute displeasure to be around? Christina Eckert calls them "Wackos"--and she says they're as common this time of year as turkeys, tinsel, and Santa hats.

"'Tis the season to beware of the potential threat that lurks by every punch bowl or in every fireside wing chair," says Eckert, author of the new book Winning Against the Wackos in Your Life: How to spot them and stop them in their tracks ((c) 2007, Larstan Publishing, ISBN-10: 0-97768958-1, ISBN-13: 978-0-97768958-3, $14.95). "The Wackos you manage to avoid the rest of the year seem to be out in full force during the holidays."

Eckert says a Wacko is a wolf in sheep's clothing who shows up in your life and in one way or another makes you miserable. We all know at least one Wacko! He or she may be a nosy coworker, a bullying family member, or a competitive, jealous sorority sister from college. Regardless of how this person first crossed your path, she is here to stay and has a bone to pick with you no matter how pleasant you may be to her.

"Wackos are mentally unstable and will feed off of your vulnerability and passivity if you let them," asserts Eckert. "They often victimize and take advantage of friendly, polite, or timid people because they know that their behavior will be tolerated ... at least for a while."

Eckert is all too familiar with the Wacko agenda. Indeed, her book is packed with personal stories about the unstable individuals she has encountered on her own path. Sprinkled with humor and dry wit, it is a breath of fresh air for anyone seeking refuge from a world of Wackos. And anyone who has suffered the wrath of a Wacko certainly knows the cathartic effect of a good belly-laugh.

Because of the festivities of the season that lasts from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, Eckert says that Wackos practically come out of the woodwork this time of year. The good news, however, is that you are not obliged to stand helplessly in a corner as your crazy coworker, rude relative, or long-lost "friend" barrages you with his problems for hours on end. Eckert says that there are several smart ways to thwart a Wacko's attempts to undermine, manipulate, or victimize you. Read on to learn how you can take a stand and enjoy the holidays this year free from uninvited Wacko-wrath.

Trust your instincts with new acquaintances.

If a person you do not know approaches you at the office Christmas party, listen to your inner voice. It will help you determine whether this is a person you want to talk to. All too often your polite, "Hi, how are you tonight?" can lead to a one-sided chatter marathon from which you can't escape. Friendly and unassuming party-goers become accidental Wacko-hosts, because Wackos thrive from their energy and leave them helpless to get away. If you size up people you don't know before you are approached, you will already have an informed idea of where they fall on the Wacko-meter. Pay attention to people's body language, the decibel at which they speak in the group, and even how they are dressed. (Wackos love to be the center of attention.) You'll be glad you did when you see the same person rambling on to another too-polite-to-fight-it person for the rest of the evening.

Keep your personal life private.

It is okay to have a friendship with a Wacko as long as you maintain boundaries. When you run into your catty sorority sister at your alumni holiday mixer, beware of how much information you divulge. If you look closely, you may see that she is already flexing her claws and waiting to pounce on a disclosure that could become the grapevine's juiciest gossip. Wackos thrive on knowing and spreading dirt, so unless you don't mind one airing your dirty laundry, just keep it to yourself.

Prepare a get-away plan (perhaps up a chimney?).

Whether you have known your Wacko for years or just met him in line to meet Santa, you can get away more easily if you have a previously planned excuse. This provides an escape route should a new acquaintance or a crabby relative start to make you feel uncomfortable. Should this happen, a simple, "Gosh, it's 7:30 already? I'm sorry, but we have to be somewhere at 8:00. Nice to see you. Goodnight!" will get you off the hook and out the door. In fact, if you're attending the event with a spouse, date, or friend, you might want to let him or her in on the "commitment" so no clueless stammering or blank stares will give away your game as you're deploying the plan.

Diffuse ugly scenes with few words.

Unfortunately, the kind of encounters that lead to ugly scenes all too often involve Wackos who are also family members. The holidays breed such encounters simply because we feel obligated to socialize with relatives--sometimes even parents or siblings--we minimize contact with the rest of the year. If you know that Thanksgiving dinner will force you to converse with your hateful mother-in-law, then plan on using as few words as possible if she unleashes a tirade aimed at you. If she says, "Sarah, your ahem ... taste in ... fashion certainly hasn't changed in the ten years you've been married to my son," all you need to say is, "No, it hasn't. Excuse me." Eckert insists that five words or so is all anyone needs to diffuse an attack from a Wacko. Anything more and the Wacko feels like you are trying to justify yourself, which means that he or she has gotten under your skin. Don't give anyone the satisfaction of ruining your holiday. Other great replies to an unexpected attack are, "Too bad you feel that way," "Oh, really? Interesting," and "I need to be going."

Be choosy with your party priorities.

With all the stress and obligation surrounding them, it is difficult to remember that the holidays are about celebration, joy, and relaxation. Nothing can ruin your good time like too many forced social situations where you must interact with all of the crazies in your life. Remember this: You have the right to say NO to some of the invitations you receive during the holidays. For every three invites you receive, beg off at least one of them. You don't have to be at the mercy of those you would rather avoid. If it is too much to be around someone who really gets under your skin, then say, "Thank you very much, but we already have plans." You get to make the decisions about your life. Don't apologize or feel guilty!

If you're worrying that all this Wacko talk seems downright uncharitable during the holiday season, put your mind at ease. Eckert says that most Wackos are mentally unstable and need professional help. You can't save them by being a human punching bag. In fact, by providing an outlet for their bad behavior, you may actually be enabling and perpetuating it.

"If the idea of facing the Wackos in your life this holiday season is overwhelming, it may be time to kindly but firmly cut them out of your life," says Eckert. "The world is full of wonderful people you can share your friendship with. You don't need to associate with toxic friends and family who only make you miserable. True, the holiday season is a time for peace and joy, but you must realize that you deserve to enjoy these gifts as well. It may be very difficult, but de-Wacko-fying your life may be the best present you could give yourself."

The Christmas cartoon

2011-12-19T09:13:00.000-05:00

Christine Rousselle and her welfare articles

2011-12-18T11:15:00.004-05:00

The News Journal had an Associated Press article on Christine Rousselle who wrote a few articles for the College conservative. Rosselle worked at a Walmart in Maine as a teenager and wrote about her experiences with Welfare and Food Stamps being used in the store. One example is here. It is interesting altho I do not totally agree with her experience. I do know there seems to be "professional" welfare recipients who know how the system works and makes the maximum use of it, however there are many and I do mean many who uses food stamps due to the economy and I do not believe they abuse the system.

Random Thoughts on Shopping at Christmas Time

2011-12-18T09:17:00.004-05:00

Have you looked at the faces of the people in the checkout lines? They are not smiling and happy; if anything they just seem disgusted.

Speaking of stores and shopping, the current female dress of tights and striped socks and other apparel reminds me of the fashion the women that would stand outside the People Drugs Store in Washington DC in the 1970’s. By dress you could tell they were hookers so why do today’s women want to dress like them?

I tend to frequent Thrift Stores and Flea markets due to my limited income and they may be the last places you can find American Made Goods (second hand). A number of these stores have outreach programs that provide assistance to people in need. To be at one of these stores on the day the charity is given out tears at your heart as there are so many of them. The number keeps growing regardless what our government says about unemployment. These are the people that our politicians have screwed over in their giving away of America, and still we return them to office so they can enjoy their perks, inflated pensions and police security to prevent them from being killed by the public.

We had a few gifts cards and rebate gift cards that we tried to use this Christmas. What a rip off. We found there were a number of service charges put on them – reducing the amount available to spend, some stores could not get them to work in their Point Of sale machine, other were expired, they are crap. We also have given them in the past but in the future we will give cash. The value of cash may decrease each year with the ineffective actions of our congress and President but at least I have never had it refused.

There are at least three things I see less and less of each year at Christmas time. One is Tinsel, that great clogger of vacuum cleaners. When people had a “real” tree they simply threw the tinsel away with the tree. Now since the majority of people have a “tree in a box” the tinsel has become too much of a problem to pick off when the tree is defrocked and stored, so there is less demand of tinsel.

Another item you don’t hear much of is “The Christmas Bonus”. Growing up in a time when there were many small stores and businesses the owners almost always gave a Christmas bonus. Now with "Big Box" stores and just general crappiness of companies they all plea hard times and give their employees nothing or maybe a cheap ass frozen turkey or a $20 gift card. They then turn around and award their executives with multimillion dollars bonus.

A third thing is liquor. In the 1950’s and up thru the 1970’s I remember businesses gave liquor at Christmas by the case load. I remember working for a small construction company in the 1970’s and the company gave bottles and cases of liquor away to everyone from the local police department, to customers, to town and state officials and to employees. You can view it as bad or good but it certainly kept the Lower Shore Counties’ liquor dispensaries in full time business at Christmas.

I average about three to four cartloads of items a week this time of year that I simply leave standing in the floor of the store and I leave because the checkout line is so long and screwed up (probably people trying to get their gift card to work). Maybe it is a Man thing or maybe because I am retired I know I am not limited in shopping time - only money. Michaels is one of the worst, with Kohl's a close second. I will say I was in Kohl's on Friday and apparently the upper management was down inspecting so everyone was helpful for a change and the checkout lines were working at an acceptable pace. I have been in Kohl's and stood in line while the cashiers talked to one another while a line of four or five people stood there waiting. I was not one of those people of course because I had tossed my Chinese made crap on the floor and left.

Christmas shopping was easier when I was single - just race into a drugstore on Christmas Eve and say "Give me 12 of those Chia Pets and gift wrap them" Now days you can't find a drug store that gift wraps, but chia pets are still around.

Too Far

2011-12-18T07:54:00.003-05:00

You know my outlook on recycling - only recycle if there is money in it for you - not the state. I was reading this on Borderstan blog

From Michelle Lancaster. Follow her and tell her your news on Twitter @MichLancaster or email her at michellel@borderstan.com.

Homemade Cat Litter Earns a Fine
A Dupont Circle woman has been fined a total of $2,000 for throwing away her homemade (shredded paper) cat litter in her trash can, reports DC’s Fox 5. A Department of Public Works (DPW) inspector has dug through her trash — part of the job — and found the paper along with “other paper items” that should be recycled. And the Director of DPW has stood behind the inspector’s actions and fines, despite protests from DC Councilmember Jack Evans. Evans argues DPW has gone too far in rifling through trash of apartment and condominium owners, and as much as I love the earth… I have to say I agree with him.

The Vienna Luminaria Display - 2011

2011-12-18T07:18:00.005-05:00

My daughter and I drove over to see the Luminaria display in Vienna last night. Amazing, really amazing to see that many lumanarias. I read there were 1,500 of them. They were spaced out, with military precision, every fifteen feet or so. They were made up of the usual paper bag, with a lit candle stuck in a 2X4 in the bottom of the bag. Altho it was not overly breezy last night many bags were on fire.

Open House Tours were part of the evening also.

The effort it must take to put on something like this is just beyond me. Vienna must have some real town spirit to take on something like this.

Other Alternatives

2011-12-16T09:19:00.004-05:00

As you may know I try to buy items made in the USA but in many cases you can't find anything because the big box stores insist on buying from China. Another consideration is instead of buying mass produced Chinese items look for handcrafted items from Fair Trade stores. None of these craftsman companies pay into the United States social security fund so they don't do crap for me but if I have to buy foreign I feel a little better dealing with items labeled "fair trade". As with American made goods you have to look for them. Altho over on the western shore here is one store that sells Fair trade.

You know most people when they buy Chinese made goods merely look at the object of their purchase and say what a shame it isn't made in America. The object is only part of the deal however it is the cardboard that used to be made and printed in America, it is the twist ties that used to be made in America, it is the plastic bubbles and wrap that used to be made in America, It is the trucking companies that used to haul theses packaging materials to the American manufacturing plant, it is the state taxes that disappear that used to paid by the companies that manufactured goods, it is the social security funds that goes down hill because American politicians sold out the United States.

December Planning and Zoning Meeting - 2011

2011-12-16T07:31:00.005-05:00

The Delmar Planning and Zoning Commission had it's monthly meeting last night at 7 PM. Mayor Anderton had not appointed a new commissioner to the Planning and Zoning Commission to replace his self, so he was chairperson of the commission. Commission member David Ring was the only member missing.

First order of business was to present Joe Dixon and William Boyan with a certificate of appreciation for volunteering their time to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Next up was sign approval for E Z Loans in Delmar Commons between Nationwide and the Bike shop. A favorable recommendation was approved and it will go to the Joint Council for final approval next Monday.

Next was approval for various signs that will go on the old Bonanza building. Atlantic Financial has several businesses that will go in the building and each wants a sign on the building. It seems to be complicated by the fact it is one large open building without firewalls between the offices so it is more like a mall than a strip mall that has firewalls between the businesses and as such are considered individual buildings. The ordinance calls for one sign per building. The old Bonanza building wants at least four signs. They finally gave favorable approval to four out of six signs, sending another sign request to the Delaware Board of Adjustments and tabled the sign request for the Pylon sign outside the building until next month. The current view is a monument sign should be used and the only way plyon signs remain are to be grandfathered in. The building hopes to be officially open on February first.

The meeting was officially over at 7:55 PM however a group of Woodcreek residents approached the commission as I was leaving so maybe it is true that someone is going to buy the remaining lots in Woodcreek and it is payback time for the Woodcreek support of the newly elected Maryland town officials. Hopefully nothing was discussed that should have been discussed in public.

Diamond Dreams at $1,395,000

2011-12-15T14:24:00.001-05:00

$1,395,000
30174 Foskey Lane,Delmar,MD
Zoned Community Business District- 25,200 sq. ft. Recreational/Warehouse Facility (formerly Diamond Dreams) situated on 4.15+/- acres. There are 2 offices, 1 conference room, 2 locker rooms w/restrooms and 2 additional restrooms, a gym and a large open area that is utilized as an indoor baseball field.

Interesting Ideal

2011-12-15T07:59:00.001-05:00

Picked up from the Lake Minnetonka Patch
Clergy Demonstrate Faithfulness By Sleeping Out

December 8, 2011, was the coldest night of the season to date.

The temperature plunged to just below zero that night. That didn't stop a hardy group of faithful area clergy from braving the elements in an effort to raise awareness of the fate many families are forced to face when they become homeless.

For the 7th consecutive year, clergy from the western suburbs came together to give of themselves to the IOCP Sleep Out campaign, sleeping outside in frigid temperatures and asking friends to donate to IOCP on their behalf.

Seven clergy (men and women) from six area churches along with three friendly supporters slept out December 8.

Never were we more happy to see 6 a.m. arrive so we could drive off in our heated vehicles to a hot shower and a warm bed. If only homeless families had a warm morning awaiting them as well.

Today's Quote

2011-12-14T19:22:00.000-05:00

Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Out upon merry Christmas! What's Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer...? If I could work my will," said Scrooge indignantly, "every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' upon his lips should be boiled with his won pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should!"

Matt Waldman Awarded President's Volunteer Service Award

2011-12-13T08:25:00.002-05:00

In last week's Laurel Star they had a nice article about Matt Waldman being recognized by President Barack Obama for his accomplishments in volunteer work. He was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award. Matt Waldman completed 127 hours of community service, working at St. Frances de Sales in Salisbury and Delmar High School. In addition to this Matt holds a 4.43 GPA and is ranked second in his class. What a go Matt!!

The Special Delmar Maryland Meeting

2011-12-13T06:12:00.014-05:00

The Delmar Maryland Mayor and commissioners has a meeting last night to pass the parking ordinance on their side of town and too swear in a new mayor. They barely had enough for a quorum as Commissioner Luther Hitchens and Commissioner Jim Henderson did not show up. Nevertheless, as to be expected, the parking ordinance was approved. I find it interesting that they did not approve last month's joint council minutes as this month there will only be two members of the commission that participated in the meeting last month and two does not make a quorum to approve them.

Maryland Senator Jim Mathias showed up to give Mayor Doug Niblett a certificate for his years of service as Mayor.

and at 8 PM Mark S. Bowen, Clerk of Circuit Court for Wicomico County showed up and administered the oath of office for Mayor to Carl Anderton Jr. Carl mentioned that 19 years ago Mark married Carl and his wife.

Stephanie Ring and Mike Gibb were than sworn in as Commissioners.

One of the administrative functions of the Circuit Court in Maryland is for those people sworn in as officers of the State to sign an oath in the "Big" book. This is not just for elected officials but for anyone the Clerk administers oaths of office to; such as Notaries Public, County officials, Judges and Governor appointees. In research I have done it is very impressive to sign your name in this book, called the test book records, as you are listed with the who's who of Wicomico County going back a long, long ways.

Doug passing the gavel to Carl

The Delmar Maryland New Mayor - May God have mercy on us. Altho I did not get a picture of her Delmar Maryland also now has a new first Lady.

The first order of business for the "new" commission was to appoint a person to complete the remaining two years of Carl Anderton Commissioner office. They selected Tom Luffman who was than sworn in as Commissioner.

Commissioner Karen Wells was made Vice-Mayor and the above is Delmar Maryland's new team of elected officials.

Horse and Carriage In Christmas Parade

2011-12-12T17:52:00.001-05:00

Mike McClure from the Laurel Star got this shot of the horse and carriage and I am posting it because someone asked for a shot of the horse and carriage.

Smoke Testing Wednesday and Thursday

2011-12-12T06:33:00.002-05:00

Smoke Testing will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, December 14th & 15th in certain areas in Delmar, Maryland. Please read the SMOKE TESTING NOTIFICATION notice in the Public Notices section of this website for more specific information.

The testing will take place on the Maryland side of town, west of Bi-State Blvd and North of Foskey Lane

The Bethel Museum - Victorian Open House

2011-12-11T09:37:00.000-05:00

Victorian Open House - The Bethel Museum has undergone many extensive interior changes in the past year thanks to a partnership with the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and the guidance of director Kevin Phillips. The museum has housed artifacts related to the shipbuilding industry and the division will help with arranging the displays and contributing furniture of the Victorian era. Visit the Victorian Christmas Open House on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Delmar Christmas Parade - 2011

2011-12-10T15:03:00.038-05:00

The Delmar Christmas Parade, put on by the Delmar Chamber of Commerce, was this afternoon. Many, many units were in the parade and the parade lasted about 45 minutes which with that slight breeze that was blowing was long enough. If it had actually been cold it would have been quite uncomfortable watching the parade.

and still few salutes the American Flag In Delmar.

The Delmar Chamber of Commerce's 2011 Citizen of the year - Marion Handy

Yes It is that noted duo of Delmar Mayors - Doug Niblett and Mike Houlihan

Followed by the rest of the crew

and these two found Delmar once again.

Dr Lori Dewald using pedal power to chauffeur her two dogs

Followed by the Delmar Middle School Band

Pack 827

St Francis de sales Band

Over the years I have watched this band grow from about 6 students riding in the back of a pickup truck to what it is today. Still small but growing

Yes it is the Delmar High School Band lead by the flag and color guard

Okay there were multiple fire trucks and equipment but I prefer photos of people.

Town Hall Ribbon Cutting

2011-12-10T13:14:00.011-05:00

I went to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the "new" town hall this morning.

so why are they standing in the middle of State street?

and this is it - it is official - Town Hall is Open

a small crowd gathered to watch, a number of past Mayors, past Town Managers, etc

The Town hall looks good inside

Doug Niblett showed me some of points of interests including a number of safes in the building.

no money was displayed

I know many people think the price paid for the building, and for it renovation, was high but I believe in the long run it was the right decision for the town. There is ample space in this building to expand and there is space outside the building to expand. It should last us for a long time to come.

Long Ago Memories

2011-12-10T06:51:00.000-05:00

As you know odd memories stay stuck in your brain. They are not necessarily significant events in your life they are just flashes that come to you when you see a place or an object. This small house on Washington street in Salisbury is one such place. This neighborhood was where my family lived in the 1940's. The house which appears to be brick is not. I can remember sitting on the sidewalk with a gang of other six year olds watching them place a material like formstone or some stucco material on the house and than laying out a brick design on it. I think even at six we all wondered why you would do that. The material has stood the test of time as that was sixty some years ago. The house as I recall was originally a single family dwelling and over the years seemed to have been made in two or three apartments, as many of the other houses in the neighborhood have. By today standards for houses it appear small but for that generation after World War II it was big enough to raise a family of six in so maybe we are spoiled today with houses over 2,000 sq ft. that we can't afford to heat or make mortgage payments on.

Holiday House Tours

2011-12-09T13:34:00.003-05:00

This time of year frequently historical societies and/or community organizations will feature house tours as a fundraiser. Usually the ticket range from free by donation to maybe $30 per person. I was reading about this one put on by The Greenwich Historical Society
Tickets are $100 per person, Country Club buffet lunch is $45; Grab Go Box Lunch (new) is $20. Premier Parking Passes: Limited number available at $400 above the price of the house tour ticket

Osage Oranges

2011-12-09T11:13:00.006-05:00

I spotted this Osage Orange Tree up west of Laurel today. It is called by a wide range of names; monkey balls, horse apples, mock orange, hedge apples etc. It is not a native plant for this area. I think Texas and Oklahoma is it's native area but it has been planted a number of places on older farms to be used as a hedge row - big thorns on it - or for a decoration. This one just had small fruit on it - about 2 to 3 inches. Usually it has fruit the size of grapefruit or larger and the fruit is quite heavy. As far as I know it is not eatable. It is used sometimes for Christmas decorations.

The main use of the fruit is for a natural insect repellent, but homesteaders also use the fruit to dye clothing and wool. The fruit is known to repel all types of insects including spiders, ants, and crickets. You can place them in your crawl space, in your basement; anywhere you have a bug or insect issue. If placed indoors, place them on a saucer or paper plate as they have a milky sap that can seep out over time. They can also be used for decoration. Place them in a basket for a nice green center piece. Cut them in half and hollow them out to be used as a candle holder.