midshore journal jan 2014

8/13/2019 Midshore Journal Jan 2014

1/32

Serving the Counties of

Kent Queen Annes Caroline Talbot DorchesterFREE

10930

HoltCourt

Denton

,MD21629

PRSR

TSTD

U.S.

POSTAGEPAID

DOV

ER,

DE

PERMIT

NO.

481

Te ARS

In Te NewsSee Pages 17, 21, 27 & 31

Editorial Page 10

Like Us OnFacebook!

Senator Steve Hershey

On Wednesday, January 8, the

434th Session of the MarylandGeneral Assembly will convene.

This will be the last session

before the 2014 elections. It willbe my first session as the State

Senator representing the UpperShore. These are some of the big

issues which will be debated and

decided during the session.

THE BUDGET In April, when the2013 session adjourned, the

Governor and legislators rejoicedover the elimination of a $2

~Continued on page 25~

State Legislature Updates

Delegate Addie Eckardt

The 2014 General Assembly

Session will be dynamic andinteresting. The last year in a

four year term is one in which

legislators want to look good inconstituent eyes and bring results

to their district. Combined with aFebruary filing deadline and June

primary non legislator candidates

will be campaigning duringsession raising funds and other

activities that current legislatorsare prevented from doing by law.

Mix in the fact that the MarylandLegislature has passed numerous


Senator Richard F. Colburn

Senator Richard F. Colburn (R.

Eastern Shore) reported on eventsthat will take place next week.

Senator Colburn commented on

several of his prefiled bills whichwill be heard next week. Senator

Colburn stated, Senate Bill 57(Offi ce of the States Attorney

Dorchester County Authority to

Appoint Criminal Investigators)will be heard in the Senate

Judicial Proceedings Committeeon Tuesday, January 21, at 1:30.

This bill would authorize theStates Attorney for Dorchester


I have listened to Governor MartinOMalley claim over the last few

years that Maryland is number one

in education. I have stood to refutethis false statement each time it was

made, pointing out that while we arefirst in spending on education, we

certainly are not first in outcomes. In

fact, there is no correlation betweenthe amount of money spent and

educational outcomes. Manyjurisdictions that spend less per pupil

have their students achieving athigher academic levels than students

in jurisdictions spending much more

per pupil.

If, in fact, Marylands school systemwere number one in the nation, why

would we want to become part of the

Common Core experiment?


A Curriculum Rotten to the CoreDelegate Michael Smigiel


2/32

MidShore Journal 2014PAGE 2

Business Queen Anne'sinvites you to a book signing by

Governor Robert Ehrlich!

Thursday, January 30th

6 PM at

Annie's Paramount Steak

and Seafood Restaurant(Meeting/Signing to be held on the patio)

NO CHARGE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

There will be a cash barand light hors d'oeuvres!

(You may certainly purchase dinner

while you're there!)

Please contact BQA at administrator@

businessqueenannes.com to RSVP!!

This is a "Bring Your Own Book" event!You must purchase your book ahead of time

and bring it with you!

(We are trying to have a book store rep there with books

but no guarantee!)

America: Hope for Change explores the causes and remedies tothe seven most diffi cult issues confronting (and confounding) our

culture and country. Tackling complex issues, former MarylandGovernor, US Congressman, Bob Ehrlich presents an urgent call to

action on behalf of a conservative, common sense political forcethat will determine the quality of life for generations to come.

Ehrlich tackles the tough issues, including, the role of governmentvis--vis the individual, strengthening American culture, fiscal

practices and debt, healthcare delivery, job creation, socialsecurity, and national security. With his more then 25 years of

experience leading the charge to restore the greatness of America,Ehrlich offers a solid direction on the policy changes needed for

our culture, our government, our health, our jobs, our retirement,our defense, and ourselves. A must read for Americans seeking a

battle plan to defeat the progressive agenda in time for the 2016election year!

EHRLICH BOOK SIGNING EVENT


3/32

Hospice of Queen Annes recentlyannounced the appointment ofseven new members to its Board

of Directors. Edward Allen, FrankDivilio, George Foss, RichardGenato, M.D., Diane Pappas,

Douglas Pierson and Marsha

Wilder have been named as newdirectors to the board for three

year terms.

Edward C. Allen of Easton is

the chief financial offi cer atCNB in Centreville. His bankingcareer spans 24 years primarily

in Northern Virginia where he

served as chief financial offi ceror chief operating offi cer of

three community banks. He hasa masters degree in finance andextensive senior management

experience. Allen has served onthe boards of various nonprofitand civic organizations.

Frank Divilio of Centreville isowner of State Farm Insurance

Agency of Centreville. He hasbeen helping the community withinsurance needs, investments

and business development since2004. Prior to opening StateFarm Insurance, Divilio was with

Maryland Capital Enterprises

where he was involved in newbusiness development and

locating startup capital. He is agraduate of Salisbury University.

George Foss of Queenstown isan accomplished attorney witha successful 30-year career with

the AT&T Corporation, where he

managed the Law Departmentthat supported the real estate

and purchasing organizations ofAT&T. Foss was awarded a JurisDoctorate degree from Seton

Hall University School of Law in

Newark, New Jersey. Foss hasserved on the Board of Directorsof the Bonnie Brae School, a

residential school for at-risk boyswhich offers an alternative toincarceration.

Richard Genato, M.D. of Annapolisis a physician with The Kahan

Centers for Pain Managementlocated in Chester. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine

and Rehabilitation with interestsfocusing on the nonsurgicaltreatment of musculoskeletal

and spinal disorders. He entered

a fellowship in interventionalspine therapeutics and pain

management with Dr. Kahanand upon completion in 2006,formally joined the practice.

Diane Pappas of Centreville isan active community volunteer,

fundraiser and a hospice

volunteer. She has served onthe Hospice Gala Committee

for three years and was recentlyappointed to the HQAsDevelopment Committee. She

has also served as chair of theGunston School barn sale and onthe fundraising committees of

Mental Health of Queen Annes

and the Shore Regional HealthEmergency Center. Pappas is a

certified yoga instructor and hascontributed countless hours ofinstruction in yoga, relaxation

and meditation training. Pappasis a graduate of GeorgetownUniversity.

Douglas Pierson of Federalsburgis president and managing

partner of Pierson ComfortGroup, LLC, a regional companyspecializing in comfort station

rentals and executive restroom

trailers. He has a long-standingcommitment with QueenstownBank of MD having served as vice

chair of the board for more than25 years. Pierson has also servedon the boards of numerous

organizations including

Memorial Hospital of Easton, MDHospital Association, and the

American Cancer Society of theEastern Shore.

Marsha Wilder of Galena is aneducator having instructedmiddle school students in

Reading and Language Arts

since 1982. She is well known forthe creation of the Multicultural

Cookbooks for Hospice project,one of Centreville MiddleSchools longest-running Service

Learning Projects that raisesfunds for HQA while teachingstudents about the importance

of giving. Wilder recently

completed an adjunct professorengagement at Washington

College where she trained

middle and high school teachersin special teaching methods. Shehas a masters degree in English

from Salisbury University.

The knowledge and experience

of these professionals

complements our talented anddiverse board. Their combined

expertise will be extremelyhelpful as we plan our newstrategic initiatives, while

continuing to provide thehighest level of hospice and griefcare to residents of the Eastern

Shore, said Eileen Nonemaker,

chair, Hospice of Queen Annesboard of directors.

MidShore Journal 2014 PAGE 3

Hospice Of Queen Annes

Announces Newly

Appointed

Board Members

The newly appointed Hospice of Queen Annes board members are, from left,

Richard Genato, M.D., George Foss, Diane Pappas, Edward Allen, Douglas Pierson

and Marsha Wilder. Frank Divilio is not pictured.


4/32


A new Electronic Patient Trackingand Communication System wasrecently installed in the SurgicalDepartment at University ofMaryland Shore Medical Center atEaston. Funds for this technology,totaling $78,000, were providedby the University of Maryland

Memorial Hospital Foundationas a result of its 2012 Year EndAppeal.

The unique technology of theElectronic Patient Tracking andCommunication System is usedto facilitate patient tracking,improve communication and

monitor patient ow of theSurgical Department. Monitors,placed throughout thedepartment including the family

waiting area, display where eachpatient is in the surgical process.Each surgical patient is assignedan identification number, whichprotects patient privacy, allowingfamily members, physicians,nurses and other clinical staff totrack his or her status while in the

Surgical Department.

The goal of the new trackingsystem is to facilitate bettercommunication in the OperatingRoom at University of MarylandShore Medical Center at Easton,"comments John Foley, MD,Chief of Surgery at the Medical

Center. "Enhanced real timecommunication among all themoving parts within the OR andbetween the surgical staff will

translate into greater effi cienciesand ultimately positive outcomesfor our patients, in addition toproviding greater peace of mindto families while their lovedones transit through the surgicalevent from pre-op to surgery torecovery."

The University of MarylandMemorial Hospital Foundationis most appreciative of thegenerosity demonstrated bymembers of our local community,remarks F. Graham Lee, vicepresident of philanthropy, UMShore Regional Health. As a

result of that generosity, theFoundation is able to fund thelatest in medical technologyto the Medical Center, whichultimately provides the highestquality of care to our patients andtheir family members.The UM Memorial HospitalFoundation is a private, nonprofitorganization serving thefundraising needs of University of

Maryland Shore Medical Centerat Easton and UM Shore RegionalHealth. Through its philanthropicefforts, the Foundation supportsUM Shore Regional Healths abilityto provide quality healthcareto the local community bycontributing to hospital programs

and services. For additionalinformation contact Pat OShea,director of development, at 410-822-1000, ext. 5915 or [email protected].

New Electronic Patient Tracking

and Communication System

Installed in Surgical Unit

Pictured with the new Electronic Patient Tracking and Communication Systemfunded by the UM Memorial Hospital Foundation are (from left to right) John Snell,MD, vice chief, anesthesiology, UM Shore Medical Center at Easton; James Palumbo,

MD, vice chief, surgery, UM Shore Medical Center at Easton; Myron Szczukowski, Jr.,

MD, chief of staff, UM Shore Medical Center at Easton; Kenneth Kozel, president andCEO, UM Shore Regional Health; and F. Graham Lee, vice president of philanthropy,

UM Shore Regional Health.

February Business Mixer

Thursday, Fenruary 20th

5-7 PM

Hosted By & Located At

721 On Main

Stevensville, MD

RSVP by February 17thqacchamber.com 410-643-8530


5/32


Five Host Sites Selected To Tell Marylands Sports History

For Statewide Smithsonian Exhibition Tour: Hometown Teams

The Maryland Humanities Council(MHC) has chosen five sites to hostHometown Teams, a SmithsonianInstitution exhibition, which willtour throughout Maryland fromFebruary 2015 to November2015 exploring sports, athletes,and artifacts that have been an

indelible part of our nationalcultural heritage.

Hometown Teams is the fourthMuseum on Main Street (MoMS)project brought to Marylandby the Maryland HumanitiesCouncil. The traveling exhibitioncreated by the SmithsonianInstitution explores our nationslove of sports and its connectionto American culture and identity.The interactive exhibit celebratesthe history of sports in ournation, breaking color barriers,fans and fandom, sports in film,literature and more. Each hostwill develop a companion exhibitand educational programs for

their communities for a seven-week period that tells local sportsstories.

Phoebe Stein, MHC ExecutiveDirector, remarks The siteschosen celebrate Marylandsrich sports heritage, fromOlympians to local sports heroes

to groundbreaking athletes whoinuenced sports today. Werelooking forward to the wealth ofprograms and subjects coveredin local exhibitions.

Local host sites will regale visitorswith tales of their hometownsports teams, fans, venues, and

local heroes. While our uniqueoffi cial state sports are joustingand lacrosse, sailing races onthe Chesapeake Bay also figureinto Marylands sporting legacy.But there are more stories to

unearth, including the Hot Soxball field in Galesville, soapboxderby champions hailing fromFederalsburg, CumberlandsPig Tail and Queen City softballleagues, and athletes who roseto fame at the states manyHistorically Black Colleges and

Universities. Howard countyresidents golfer George Bradfordand paralympian athlete, TatyanaMcFadden, who have made alasting international impact ontheir respective sports, are alsopart of the story.Hometown Teams Host SitesHost sites include the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis,partnering with the Universityof Maryland Eastern Shoreand the Anne Arundel CountyCultural Resources Division of theOffi ce of Planning and Zoning,partnering with the GalesvilleCommunity Center to bring theexhibition to Galesville. TheAllegany Museum will partner

with the Allegany CountyHistorical Society, Frostburg StateUniversity, Allegany College, theAllegany County Library System,the C. Gilchrist Museum of theArts, and the Frostburg Museumin Cumberland. The FederalsburgHistorical Society has garneredsupport by Win Transport and

Caroline County Public Schools.The Howard County HistoricalSociety, partnering with HowardCounty Tourism and Promotionand Howard County Recreationand Parks, brings HometownTeams to Ellicott City. The tourschedule will be announced inthe coming weeks.

About Hometown TeamsSports are an indelible part ofour culture and community. Forwell over one hundred yearssports have reected the trials

and triumphs of the Americanexperience and helped shapeour national character. Whetherits professional sports, or thoseplayed on the collegiate orscholastic level, amateur sportsor sports played by kids onthe local playground, the plain

fact is sports are everywherein America. Our love of sportsbegins in our hometowns--onthe sandlot, at the local ball field,in the street, even. Americansplay sports everywhere. We playpick-up games and organizedleague games. And if were notplaying, were watching: in thestands, on the fields with our sonsand daughters, or in our livingrooms with friends in front of atelevision. Football, baseball, and

basketball capture our attentionmost, but more and more, othernon-traditional sports vie for ourtime and support.


6/32

The popular Bay to OceanWriters Conference will beheld on Saturday, February 22,2014, at Chesapeake Collegein Wye Mills, MD. Registrationsare still being accepted at

www.baytoocean.com forthis day-long event whichfeatures twenty-four sessions/

workshops for writers at everylevel.

All aspects of the craft andbusiness of writing will beaddressed by best-sellingauthors, award-winningpoets, essayists, publishers,marketing and digital mediaspecialists, among the manypresenters.

Topics include: the craft ofwritingfiction, poetry,mystery, memoir, magazinefeatures; publishing, including

self-publishing; the businessof writing; digital issues

blogging and using socialmedia; and how books getmade into films. One-to-onemanuscript reviews by

published authors are availableby appointment.

Conference fees are $115 foradults and $55 for studentswith ID. Register soon, as theBTO conference has sold outearly for the last seven years.ESWA, the Eastern ShoreWriters Association, sponsorsthe conference.


The Dorchester Center for the ArtsPhase II, second oor renovationsare near completion and it isscheduled to open at the endof January 2014. Soon DCA willbegin booking performances,concerts, receptions, and othergatherings in the ballroom,which will seat 200 for dinneror 400 theater-style. Although$1.5 million has been raised toacquire the Center and bring itto this point, another $300,000is needed to open the second-

oor without being indebted toextensive loans.

Community members, seekingyear-end tax deductiblecontributions, are encouragedto consider contributing to thisproject. This renovation willhave tremendous impact on the

community, local businesses,artists, and patrons. Gift levelsranging from $2,000 to $500,000are available with namingopportunities to memorialize,

honor, or create a donor legacyfor generations to come. Plus, alldonors who give $250 and aboveto the Capital Campaign willreceive a designated leaf on theGiving Tree, located in the DCAentry hall.

Once the ballroom is open andgenerating income, it will enableDCA to focus efforts upon raisingadditional funds to achieve fullcapacity by expanding the Atriumarea. The Center also intends to

establish an endowment leadingto future sustainability.

DCA cannot accomplish thesegoals without communitysupport. Contributions can besent to: Dorchester Center for theArts, 321 High Street, Cambridge,MD 21613, or donations

can be made at the websitedorchestserarts.org. Gifts shouldbe designated for the CapitalCampaign. For more information,call 410-228-7782.

CONSIDER DORCHESTER CENTER

FOR THE ARTS FOR YEAR-END GIVINGQuality Facilities Available

For Lease At Affordable Prices

Great Rates Convenient Locations Quality BuildingsMultiple Suite Sizes & Congurations Available


7/32


University of Maryland ShoreMedical Center at Dorchesteris home to new patient liftequipment thanks to a generouspersonal donation to theDorchester General HospitalFoundation. Rufus M. andLoraine H. Todd recently donated$100,000 to the Foundation forthe purchase of 12 new LikorallOverhead Lift Systems, whichhave been installed in eightpatient rooms in the MedicalCenters Critical Care Unit andfour patient rooms in the Medical/Surgical Care Unit.

The installation of this innovativelift equipment has made the lifting

of critically ill patients far safer forboth our patients and the nursingstaff, comments Ryan Foster,

MS, RN, CNML, NEA-BC, nursemanager, Multi-Specialty CareUnit and Critical Care, UM ShoreMedical Center at Dorchester.The generosity of the Todds andthe Dorchester General HospitalFoundation is unparalleled, andthe communitys support of theprograms and services providedby the Medical Center here inDorchester County is greatlyappreciated by the nursing andmedical staff.

The Dorchester General HospitalFoundation is very appreciativeof Mr. Todd, who also serveson the Foundations Board ofDirectors, and his wife, Loraine,

for the numerous contributionstheyve made in support of ourlocal hospital and the Dorchester

County community over theyears, remarks Ida Jane Baker,Foundation President. Weare most fortunate to have somany generous donors here inDorchester County who find it ofutmost importance to supportthe high quality patient care thatis being delivered at the MedicalCenter.

For additional information aboutthe Dorchester General HospitalFoundation, which raises fundsto support programs and servicesat UM Shore Medical Center atDorchester, contact Ida JaneBaker at 410-228-8182.

Donation to Dorchester General Hospital Foundation

Provides New Lift Equipment for Medical Center

Eight patient rooms in the Critical Care Unit and four patient rooms in the Medical/Surgical Unit at UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester now contain LikorallOverhead Lift Systems thanks to a generous donation from Rufus M. and Loraine H.

Todd. Pictured in one of the patient rooms containing the new lift equipment are

Ida Jane Baker, President, Dorchester General Hospital Foundation; Rufus M. Todd;and Ryan Foster, MS, RN, CNML, NEA-BC, nurse manager, Multi-Specialty Care Unit

and Critical Care, UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester.


8/32


Although girls in the UnitedStates have made substantialprogress in the classroom andelsewhere, persistent disparitiesand challenges exist that couldkeep many girls from achievingtheir full potential. Black/African

American and Hispanic/Latinagirls are far more likely thantheir white counterparts toface an array of socioeconomichurdles that range from growingup in poverty or a low-incomehousehold to dropping outof school and struggling withobesity, according to a reportreleased today by the Girl ScoutResearch Institute.

The State of Girls: UnfinishedBusiness charts the often-vastdisparities that cleave the girlexperience along racial andethnic lines. For example, thereport finds that poverty ratesamong black/African American,

Hispanic/Latina, and NativeAmerican girls ages 5 to 17 aremore than twice that of white andAsian American girls. In the UnitedStates today, 21 percent of all girls

live in poverty, and the rates arehigher for black/African Americangirls (37 percent), Hispanic/Latinagirls (33 percent), and AmericanIndian/Alaska Native girls (34percent), as compared to whitegirls (12 percent).

These findings should be awakeup call for all of us, said AnnaMaria Chvez, chief executiveoffi cer of Girl Scouts of the USA.We cant afford to have separateexperiences for girls based onrace, ethnicity, and social class.For over one hundred years, GirlScouts has been there for all girls,and we are now more committedthan ever to lifting up any girlthat is falling behind. There is anew emerging majority in thiscountry, and Girl Scouts is set totake the lead in ensuring that allgirls have equal opportunities.

Indeed, The State of Girls

documents the fact that girlsare now more likely than boysto graduate from high schooland that the teen birthrate hasreached its lowest recorded levels.

Yet when researchers looked at

the differences among girls interms of race and ethnicity, itbecame clear that white girls faremuch better than black/AfricanAmerican and Hispanic/Latinagirls.

Many girls have low readingand math proficiency, but when

race is factored in, disparities ineducation are overwhelming.Eight out of 10 black/AfricanAmerican and Hispanic/Latinagirls are considered belowproficient in reading by fourthgrade, whereas 5 out of 10 whitegirls are considered belowproficient in reading by fourthgrade.

Obesity rates are high for girls.Nearly half of black/AfricanAmerican (44 percent) andHispanic/Latina (41 percent) girlsages 5 to 17 are overweight orobese, as compared to 26 percentof white girls. Girls also strugglewith emotional health. Thirty-

four percent of high school girlshad self-reported symptomsof depression during the pastyear. This percentage is highestfor black/African Americangirls. Six out of 10 black/AfricanAmerican girls report symptomsof depression.

The key to keep in mind, though,is that data is not destiny,said Judy Schoenberg, a leadresearcher at the Girl ScoutResearch Institute. As a societywe can do something aboutthis. At Girl Scouts of the USA,we are doing something aboutthis, and will continue to develop

programs that meet the needs ofall todays girls.

In addition to the disparitiesamong racial and ethnic groups,the report also documents the

changing demographics among

American girls. In 2000, 62 percentof all girls ages 5 to 17 werewhite. By 2010, that proportionhad decreased to 54 percent,and it is projected to continueto decrease to 47 percent by2030. Meanwhile, the Hispanic/Latina girl population has grownsteadily. In 2000, 16 percent of

the girl population ages 5 to 17was Hispanic/Latina. In 2010,that proportion had grown to 22percent and is projected to reach31 percent in 2030. The currentwhite majority is expected tobe less than half of all girls (47percent) by 2030.

Girl Scouts offers all girls theopportunity to obtain skills in anenvironment that is supportiveand encouraging," says Anne T.Hogan, CEO of Girl Scouts of theChesapeake Bay. "Our counciloffers strong programs in STEM,financial literacy and healthyliving, including the new Be AFriend First anti-bullying program

for middle school girls.

Written in conjunction with thePopulation Reference Bureau inWashington, D.C., The State ofGirls: Unfinished Business is thefirst report of its kind to focusexclusively on girls, and it paintsa detailed picture of the social

and economic lives that the 26million American girls ages 5 to17 lead today. The report drawsits findings from analyses of largenational data sets, including theU.S. Census.

While Data Is Not Destiny, Many Girls Are Falling Behind in AmericaFirst-of-its-kind report illustrates steep socioeconomic challenges

faced by emerging majority in U.S.


9/32

Even with a television camerarolling in front of her, she didn't

think it was about her. That kindof modesty probably had a lot todo with Gloria Cornish winning aJefferson Award.

Ms. Cornish works in Cambridgeas a financial counselor with theCommunity Action Center, adivision of Delmarva CommunityServices, Inc. She learned shehad won a Jefferson Award onMonday, while she was workinga table at the DorchesterDepartment of Social Services'Resources Day at the Career andTechnology Center.

Sitting with her colleague RosettaBrown, ready to help others with

her expertise on home foreclosureand household finances, Ms.Cornish didn't suspect anythingunusual until people startedapplauding and she spotted herdaughter Talibah Chikwenduand granddaughter Zakiya in thecrowd.

When she learned about theaward - and recovered from thesurprise - Ms. Cornish shared

some of her motivation, saying,"It's everybody's responsibility

to take care of others when theycan't take care of themselves."

Haddie Redmond knowssomething about that. She is theone who nominated Ms. Cornishfor the award more than a yearago.

"Ms. Gloria had done so muchfor me when my husband hada stroke," Ms. Redmond said."She deserves that. She deserveseverything."

Ms. Cornish specializes in advisingand assisting homeowners whenthey learn they are in the processof foreclosure. With her advice,

many are able to negotiate withlenders and remain in their homes.Community Action ProgramManager Michelle Nichols said,"It's nothing for her to be on thephone with mortgage companiesfor two hours." Ms. Redmondremembered times when sheeven went to Ms. Cornish's home

to complete paperwork.

"She helped me stay in my house,"

Ms. Redmond said.

Founded in 1972 by JacquelineKennedy Onassis, Senator RobertTaft Jr. and Sam Beard, theJefferson Awards is Americashighest honor for public service,the organization's website said.

"We are one of the largestmultipliers of volunteerism inthe country with youth incommunities and in workplaces.Over 41 years, we haverecognized a 'Whos Who' ofAmerican change-makers andmore than 50,000 unsung heroesin grassroots communities," thewebsite said. "We accomplish thatthrough a network of more than110 media partners reaching into

30 million households."

The awards are named afterThomas Jefferson, because, the

website said, "Thomas Jeffersonreects a spirit of excellence,entrepreneurship, leadership andgiving back in America."

Cambridge Mayor Victoria Stanleycongratulated Ms. Cornish,saying, "You're so deserving."

Ms. Cornish said, "As long asyou're alive, there are certainthings you're supposed to do."

The feature will be broadcast onWBOC Jan. 5-11, at least onceevery day. It will also be posted onthe station's website. To contactMs. Cornish about foreclosurecounseling, call 410-901-2991 or

visit www.dcsdct.org.


DCS' Cornish Earns Jefferson AwardBy Dave Ryan


10/32


Elsewhere in the paper is an articlefrom Delegate Smeigel regardingCommon Core which is the newcurriculum being forced uponthe education systems in thestate. Many educators are againstimplementing Common Coreinto the schools, yet proponents

are saying this experimentalprogram is necessary to improveour schools so we can compete intodays global economy.

Hasnt America been responsiblefor some of the brightest mindsthe world has ever seen? If oureducational system is so lacking,

what happened? Its not aboutthe teachers, they do their jobswell and the majority of themdevote an enormous amount oftime to their students. Its notabout race or religion anymore.There was a day when thosecertainly could have been a causefor ineffective or second-classeducation, but those days arelong past. So again I ask, whatsthe problem?

If you take a look at the systems inother countries like Japan, China,and India, what are some of thecommon factors you see that areattributable to their educationalsuccess? How about parentalinvolvement parents placeeducation of their children above

everything in these societiesand have high expectationsof their children. What aboutrespect respect is expectedand demanded by the parentsas well as for their teachers andany other in authority. Lets notforget proper behavior again,this is expected and demanded

by parents and educators alike.

I cant imagine in any of thesecultures, a student being allowedto tell a teacher or administratorto f*** off without expecting tobe severely punished at schoolnot to mention what would bewaiting for them when they gothome. I cant imagine any of theparents in these cultures storminginto the schools to defend their

childs inappropriate behavioror accusing the educator ofbeing mean or unfair to theirchild. I cant imagine any ofthe parents in these countriestelling a teacher that its theteachers responsibility, not theparent when it comes to the

child learning and succeeding.Certainly the teacher has arole in this process, but its apartnership with the parent(s).Many American households areshunning their responsibilitiesto their children and then theywonder why theyre havingproblems with their kids. Of

course, its always someone elseto blame. The parents are alwaysdoing the best they can.

If were are REALLY going toimprove our schools and graduatebrighter, more intelligent andvaluable people into our society,lets stop experimenting withwhat and how theyre learning,and lets start focusing on whatneeds to change in order for

them to succeed. Lets returnauthority and enforcement tothe educational system. Letshold parents responsible for theirchilds improper, uncooperative,or offensive behavior. Let ourteachers expect and demandrespect and take appropriate

disciplinary actions whenthe students behavior isunacceptable without fearinglegal retribution. Stop allowingour legislators to force theirpreferences on our educatorsand lets go back to allowing theindividual Boards of Educationto take responsibility for what

happens in their respectivesystems.

Thats the way it was when I wasin school. God help me (andmy behind) if I was anythingbut respectful, cooperative, anddisciplined when I was in school.Im just sayin.

IM JUST SAYIN

WHATS WRONG WITH EDUCATION TODAY?

Faustino Macuha, Jr., MD,a physician at University of

Maryland Center for Diabetesand Endocrinology, recentlyearned board certificationfrom the American Boardof Internal Medicine inendocrinology, diabetes, andmetabolism, making himdually certified in internalmedicine, as well as in those

areas.

Dr. Macuha earned a Bachelorof Science in MedicalTechnology as well as aDoctor of Medicine degree

from the University of SantoTomas in Manila, Philippines.

Dr. Macuha received post-graduate internship trainingat the University of SantoTomas Hospital. He wenton to complete an InternalMedicine Residency at LenoxHill Hospital in New YorkCity and an Endocrinology,Diabetes, and Metabolism

Fellowship at State Universityof New York at Stony Brook.

Dr. Macuha is a member ofthe American Associationof Clinical Endocrinologists;

The Endocrine Society;and the American Medical

Association.

University of MarylandCenter for Diabetes andEndocrinology is the onlyendocrinologist managedcomprehensive diabetescenter in the Mid-Shoreregion. For additional

information about theCenters services or Dr.Macuhas specialties, call 410-822-1000, extension 5757.

UM Shore Regional Health Endocrinologist

Earns Second Board Certication


11/32

Londonderry on the Tred Avon, a

62+ adult community in Easton,Maryland has announced thehiring of two new employees,Rachel Smith and Lori Schmick.Rachel L. Smith of Easton has beenhired as the Marketing Manager.Her previous experience hasincluded working as the SalesManager for Pulte Homes atEaston Club East and as the Salesand Marketing Assistant at CarusoHomes, Inc. in Crofton, MD. Sheholds a bachelors degree fromSalisbury University.

Andy Hollis, Executive Directorstates Rachel is a native ofEaston, and a veteran marketingprofessional. These two qualities

combined will allow Rachel toassist the growing number ofpeople interested in moving tothe Londonderry community.She has already contributed toour significant increase in sales atLondonderry.

Lori Schmick, RN, BSN, has been

hired as the Director of HealthCare Services for Its Good ToBe Home, LLC, in-home health

care company at Londonderry

on the Tred Avon. Schmick,who is certified as an AssistedLiving Registered Nurse, hasbackground in acute care, longterm care and management. Shewas previously the Director ofNursing at Heritage at Milfordwith Genesis Healthcare inMilford, DE and prior to thatworked at Shore Health Systemin Easton. She holds a bachelorsdegree in nursing from WesleyCollege in Dover, DE.

According to Andy Hollis Lorishiring allows Its Good To BeHome to continue to provideexceptional in-home health care.Her dedication to the position

is second to none, and it iscomforting for residents to knowthat Lori and her highly capablestaff are available if needed.

Londonderry on the TredAvon was founded in 1989 asthe Londonderry RetirementCommunity, the first cooperative

independent living retirementcommunity on the Eastern Shoreof Maryland.


Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Announces Two New Hires

Pictured left to right are Lori Schmick, RN, BSN, has been hired as the Director

of Health Care Services for Its Good to Be Home, LLC, in-home health carecompany at Londonderry on the Tred Avon and Rachel L. Smith of Easton

who has been hired as the Marketing Manager at Londonderry.

Senator Steve Hershey, R-36,

visited The Benedictine Schooland adult Open CommunityProgram (OCP) recently. KevinDuckworth, OCP participant,gave the Senator a guidedtour, explaining how his workin the Graphics Departmenthas provided him the trainingand skills necessary to find ajob working in the community.Duckworth offered the Senator aBenedictine insulated tumbler onbehalf of his co-workers. LauraBorradaile, Total Communicationsteacher, welcomed the Senatorto her classroom and discusseduse of assistive technologyallowing students to learn howto communicate needs and make

choices.

Benedictine executivedirector Scott Evans expressedappreciation for the visit. We aregrateful for elected offi cials suchas Senator Hershey who expressinterest in seeing firsthand how

organizations like Benedictine

provide much needed services tochildren and adults.

Providing opportunity to livemeaningful, productive livesin communities of choice,Benedictine helps children andadults with developmentaldisabilities reach their greatestpotential without regard toreligion, race, color, nationalorigin, or age. For moreinformation please call 410-634-2112, visit online at www.benschool.org, or like BenedictineSchool on Facebook.

Pictured below, Kevin Duckworthpresents Senator Hershey with a

Benedictine mug.

Benedictine Welcomes Senator Hershey


12/32


Michigan ManufacturingInternational (MMI), a leadingbroad line supplier of high-quality mechanical assembliesand components, held aGrand Opening at their newheadquarters in Stevensville,Maryland on Thursday, November21. Senator Steve Hershey

congratulated CEO Jacob Prakfor being the first to open in theMatapeake Professional Park.The ribbon cutting ceremonyalso included remarks by CountyCommissioner Phil Dumenil,Delegate Mike Smigiel, CountyAdministrator Gregg Todd,Commissioner Bob Simmons, and

Faith Elliott-Rossing, EconomicDevelopment Council Director.

Founded in 1991, MichiganManufacturing International(MMI) specializes in supplyingmanufactured to print assembliesand components to original

equipment manufacturers (OEM).Products include assemblies,castings, stampings, machinedparts, gears, bearings andmore. Services include productengineering, manufacturing,inventory management andstocking programs all designedto streamline client operations

and increase profitability. MMIdesigns the most effective,highest quality solutions fromanywhere in the world.

For more information about MMI,visit www.michmfg.com or call800-677-0504.

Michigan Manufacturing International

(MMI)

Opens New Headquarters

MMI CEO Jacob Prak cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the Grand Opening of the

companys new headquarters in Stevensville, Maryland, while Senator Steve

Hershey, Delegates Mike Smigiel and Steve Arentz and others look on.


13/32

University of Maryland ChesterRiver Health Foundation willbe hosting Your Will, Your Way:How and Why, a seminar aboutthe importance of creating andmaintaining an effective will, onSaturday, January 25 from 10a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the Kent

County Public Library MeetingRoom, located at 408 High Streetin Chestertown.

Guest presenters at the seminarwill be JoRhea Nagel Wright,Esquire, of Charles T. Capute, LLCand Patrick J. Fitzgerald, Esquire,of Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kehoe,

P.A.

Nagel Wright received herundergraduate degree fromBaylor University in Waco, Texasand her law degree from RegentUniversity School of Law, inVirginia Beach, Virginia. Shebegan her law career in 1998working for the Goldman Sachssubsidiary, The Ayco Company,L.P., headquartered in Albany,New York, where she spent nearlyeight years practicing in thearea of estate, gift and incometax planning and compliance.A native of Preston, she movedback to the Eastern Shore in 2006,accepting a position with Charles

T. Capute, LLC, concentratingin the areas of estate planning,wills and trusts, probate and trustadministration, estate and gift taxlaw, and estate, gift and fiduciaryincome tax compliance.

Fitzgerald is an Associate Attorneyat the Easton law firm of Ewing,

Dietz, Fountain, & Kehoe, P.A.He received his undergraduatedegrees in BusinessAdministration and Economicsfrom the University of Pittsburgh

and his law degree, Master ofLaws in Taxation and Certificatein Estate Planning from theUniversity of Baltimore School ofLaw. Fitzgerald focuses on estateplanning and administration,business formation and planning,commercial and financial

transactions, real estate, land useand local government. He wasborn in Easton and is a life-longEastonian.

In her presentation, Nagel Wrightwill be providing participantswith an overview of thecurrent income, estate, gift and

generation skipping transfer taxrates, which became effective in2013. She will discuss commonestate plans designed to saveestate taxes and will outline thepros and cons of providing foroutright distributions to heirsversus leaving an inheritancein the form of a trust. Estateplanning and wealth transfertechniques will also be discussed.

Fitzgerald will share with seminarparticipants the importance ofhaving a will, Durable Powerof Attorney and an AdvanceMedical Directive. He will alsodiscuss the various optionsavailable to individuals in crafting

an appropriate estate plan andsome common misconceptionsassociated with the estateplanning process.

For more information about YourWill, Your Way: How and Why,or to register for the seminar,please contact Joanna Pierce,

development specialist, at UMChester River Health Foundationat (410) 810-5681 or by emailat [email protected]. This event is free to all

attendees; seating is limited andpre-registration is required. Light

refreshments will be served andfree parking will be available inthe parking lot behind the library.


University of Maryland

Chester River Health Foundation

to Host Wills Seminar

JoRhea Nagel Wright, Esq. and Patrick J. Fitzgerald, Esq. will be the guestpresenters at Your Will, Your Way: How and Why on January 25 at the Kent

County Library. Pictured are (from left to right) Nagel Wright, Fitzgerald

and Maryann Ruehrmund, executive director, UM Chester River Health

Foundation.


14/32


Khalid H. Kurtom, MD, FAANS, a

neurosurgeon with ChesapeakeNeurological Surgery, was recentlyreappointed by University ofMaryland School of Medicine as aclinical assistant professor in theDepartment of Neurosurgery. Hehas held a position on the Schoolof Medicines volunteer facultysince 2012.

Also, an article written by Dr.Kurtom was recently publishedin The Spine Journal, the offi cialjournal of the North AmericanSpine Society. The article waswritten in collaboration with hisbrother, Muhannad H. Kurtom,who is currently finishing hisundergraduate premedicalstudies. The Spine Journal is aninternational, multidisciplinaryjournal that publishes original,peer-reviewed articles featuringresearch and treatment related tothe spine.

Having a strong academicaffi liation with my colleagues at

University of Maryland MedicalSystem and the support of Dr.Howard Eisenberg, chief of theDepartment of Neurosurgery, haselevated the quality of care thatI provide for my patients hereon the Eastern Shore, remarksDr. Kurtom. I consider theneurosurgery faculty at UMMS

more than colleagues, they arefriends. In addition to patientcare, this relationship has alsoprovided me the opportunityto engage in academics --participating in grand roundsand resident education, andpublishing articles in academicjournals.

Kurtom continues, With thesupport of the administrationat University of Maryland ShoreRegional Health, we were able

to publish two articles in two

prominent international journals The Spine Journal and ClinicalNeurology and Neurosurgery.The credit for this work isattributed to my coauthors whoshould all be congratulated. Ilook forward to expanding ShoreRegional Healths academicaffi liation with UMMS across all

areas of medicine and surgery,not just neurosurgery.

Dr. Kurtom earned hisundergraduate degree fromUniversity of Maryland andobtained a masters degreefrom Georgetown University.He graduated from GeorgeWashington University Schoolof Medicine, after which hecompleted a general surgeryinternship and neurosurgeryresidency at George WashingtonUniversity Hospital and aneurosurgery clinical fellowshipat the National Institute ofNeurological Disorders & Strokein Washington, D.C. He is board-

certified through the AmericanBoard of Neurological Surgery.

Shore Medical Group andUniversity of Maryland ShoreRegional Health is mostfortunate to have Dr. Kurtomon its medical staff, commentsJonathan Cook, vice president

for physician services, Universityof Maryland Shore RegionalHealth. Dr. Kurtoms expertisein neurosurgical treatments andprocedures is truly an asset to theMid-Shore and the patients thatwe serve in our local communities.He has brought a level ofknowledge and medical care to

the Shore that is unprecedented.

Chesapeake NeurologicalSurgery, located at 403 PurdyStreet, Suite 204, in Easton, is a

member of Shore Medical Group,

which is an affi liate of Universityof Maryland Shore RegionalHealth. The practice offers afull spectrum of neurosurgicalservices. Dr. Kurtom specializesin the performance of minimallyinvasive and complex spinesurgery, brain and spinal cordtumors, pituitary tumors, carotid

artery surgery as well as shunt

procedures for hydrocephalus.

For additional informationabout the services providedby Dr. Kurtom at ChesapeakeNeurological Surgery, call 410-820-9117 or visit them online atwww.cnseaston.com.

UM Shore Regional Health

Recognizes Accomplishments of Local Neurosurgeon

Janet Bilbrough - BuresAdmissions Coordinator

520 Kerr Avenue Denton, MD 21629410-479-2130 ext. 142


15/32


Choptank Transport is pleasedto announce the promotion ofPam Hutchinson to Director ofHuman Resources.

Hutchinson has played a keyrole in Choptanks aggressivehiring plan over the lastseveral years; an initiative thatwill continue into 2014. Inher new position, Hutchinson

will be responsible for allhuman resource functionsincluding: human resourcemanagement, recruiting andcorporate training.

"Pam has been instrumental inthe growth of Choptank, saysGeoff Turner, President and

CEO of Choptank Transport.With our aggressive growthplan, Pam has been able tosuccessfully seek out toptalent in the marketplace. Inher new role, she will havethe ability to formulate astrong plan for training andrecruitment throughout our

six nationwide offi ces tofurther power our growth."

A graduate of West VirginiaWesleyan College, She earnedher Bachelor of Science degreein Marketing. Hutchinson is

also a Dale Carnegie graduate,a member of the Societyfor Resource Management(SHRM), and a graduate ofShore Leaderships class of2011.

Seeing the developmentof the Choptank Transportstaff over the last six years istremendously gratifying, says

Hutchinson. Its a wonderfulthing, particularly in a tougheconomy, to be able to offerjobs and opportunities topeople who are ready for thechallenges that our industrybrings.

Choptank Transport was

named by Food LogisticsMagazine as a Top 100 3PLprovider for 2013 and is oneof the fastest growing third-party logistics companies inthe United States. Choptankspecializes in transportationmanagement services thatinclude truckload, refrigerated

and frozen, LTL, van, atbed,intermodal and warehousingsolutions. In addition toits Preston, Maryland,headquarters, there are offi cesin Atlanta, Denver, Nashville,Dallas and Tampa.

Hutchinson Promoted at Choptank Transport

to Director of Human Resources

MidSh J l 2014PAGE 16


16/32


January 1, 2014 is the first effectivedate for Obamacare plans. Surelyyou have heard that the initialroll-out for non-group plans didnot go as smoothly as was hoped.In order to determine whetheran applicant is eligible for a taxcredit, the system needed to linkinto the IRS database and verifyinformation. We all learned

the hard way, that all that datasharing was not a simple process.The good news is that the online

system continues to improveand many deserving folks havereceived tax credits to help withtheir premiums.

Please understand that you arenot required to purchase yourhealth insurance online. In fact,only those who are eligible

for a tax credit, aka subsidy,should do so. The same plansand (non-subsidized) premiumsare available on and off theMarketplace. The enrollmentprocess is very simple, too, if youarent eligible for a tax credit. Ifyou would like the assistance ofa licensed insurance broker, thereare many local agents who arecertified to sell the new healthplans and to help clients receivetheir deserved subsidy. We canalso do a quick calculation to helpyou know (without sharing lots ofpersonal data) what amount your

subsidy will be. You dont have tonavigate all this new informationand these systems alone!

The open enrollment forindividuals/families who are notinsured on an employer plan, runsuntil March 31, 2014. You can nolonger be declined coverage dueto pre-existing conditions and theonly question asked is whetheryou smoke. Most of the Maryland

carriers do not currently chargeextra for smokers, but in thefuture they may. Be forewarned- the smoker surcharge can be asmuch as 50% higher than non-smokers.

Under the new Affordable CareAct (ACA) rules, everyone isrequired to have health insurancein 2014, or they will pay a penaltywhen they file their taxes for 2014.The penalty is 1% of income or$95/person/year, whichever isgreater. In 2015, the penaltydoubles.

If you enrolled online withoutthe help of a broker, but wouldlike personal assistance with your

plan including claims and billinghelp, you may still select an agent.Please contact the offi ce of yourchoice and ask how to assign abroker to your plan.

Cindy Whaley has 23 years ofexperience and is President ofAvery Hall Benefit Solutions, with

offi ces in Easton and Salisbury.You may contact her at [email protected]. Avery Hall has 12licensed agents ready to assistwith your healthcare needs whohave been certified to sell all theplans on and off the Marketplace.And, there is no fee for ourservices, either before or after thesale. With more than 200 yearsof combined experience, we willtake good care of you. Call Eastonat 410-822-7300 or Salisbury at410-742-5111.

Obamacare Is Here!

Girl Scouts of the ChesapeakeBay will go door-to-door tobegin taking orders for GirlScout Cookies starting Saturday,January 11, 2014. This year, localGirl Scouts will offer six cookievarieties - Thin Mints, Samoas,Tagalongs, Trefoils, Do-si-dos andSavannah Smiles. All Girl ScoutCookies are $4.00 per box.

Cookie booth sales begin onFriday, February 14, 2014, atlocal businesses throughoutthe Delmarva Peninsula. Girlsalso take donations of Girl Scoutcookies for Operation Taste of

Home and local communitygroups. Operation Taste of Homecookies are donated to our ArmedForces and local agencies, such asfood banks and pantries, blood

banks, cancer centers and youthprograms.

Individuals interested inpurchasing cookies or donatingto Operation Taste of Homecan call the Cookie Hotline at1-800-YUM-YUM2. To locate acookie booth sale in your area goto www.GSCB.org.

The Girl Scouts Cookie Program isabout more than just great tastingcookies. By participating in the GirlScout Cookie Program girls learn5 skills that last into adulthoodsuch as goal setting, decision-

making, money management,people skills and business ethics.Every girl is encouraged to setand work toward achieving botha team and personal goal. It also

raises funds to support troop andcouncil activities. The benefitsof the cookie program havebeen hailed by many of todaysbusinesswomen, who cite sellingGirl Scout Cookies was their firststep toward successful careers.

All of the proceeds from a localcouncil's cookie activities remainin the area where the cookiesare sold. This revenue is used tobenefit girls, some of it directlyby remaining in the Girl Scouttroop treasuries, and some of itindirectly by funding council-ledprograms for Girl Scouts. Each

year, more than 9,000 Girl Scoutsfrom the Delmarva Peninsulaparticipate in the cookie program,selling over one million boxes ofcookies to the community.

A leading advocate for andexpert on girls, the Girl Scoutsof the Chesapeake Bay buildsgirls of courage, confidence andcharacter by providing personalleadership development andprograms that teach skills for thereal world. To learn more aboutGirl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay,visit www.GSCB.org or call 1-800-341-4007 or 1-800-374-9811.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIESGirl Scouts Will Go Door-to-Door to Start Taking Cookie Orders

MidShore Jo rnal 2014 PAGE 17


17/32


No sequins, no tuxes andno excuses! is the refrain for

the Dorchester Center for theArts Working Mans Ball setfor Saturday, January 18 from6:00 10:00 p.m. at the Center.Guests are encouraged to attendwearing their favorite jeansor other comfortable clothes,and will hear Washington, DCmusician Pete Baker in concert atthe Center.

For more than 25 years, Pete Bakerhas being playing professionallyin bands to include The PoorhouseRockers and Pete Baker and theAgitators. The last eleven yearshes gone solo and is a favoritein Washington D.C., Virginia,Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and at

locations all around Maryland,including Ocean City, St. Michaelsand the Baltimore area. Also asong-writer, he specializes in

guitar-oriented early Rock andRoll (NOT ROCK) and has been

strongly inuenced by The StrayCats, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan,Bruce Springsteen, Chuck Berry,The Beatles and much more.

Petes driving, rustic sound cantake attendees down memorylane, or get them to the danceoor, providing a great night outthat wont soon be forgotten.Guests enjoyed last yearsperformance, so he is back for areturn engagement.

Tickets are $15 for DCA members;$20.00 for non-members withappetizers provided by The HighSpot included. A cash bar willbe available and the evening

will include special prizes, awatermans theme and more. Formore information, call 410-228-7782 or visit dorchesterarts.org

DORCHESTER CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS

WORKING MANS BALL ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2014

Washington, DC musician Pete Baker will perform at the Dorchester Centerfor the Arts Working Mans Ball on January 18.

The Dorchester Center for the Artswill present in the galleries Colorin January for an exhibit to runJanuary 6-25. Featured in the showare Martin Owinos Batiks; RichardWeiblingers Photographs; andJeanne Hechmers Fiber Art.There will be an Artists Receptionon Saturday, January 11 from 5:30to 7:30 p.m. For more information,

call 410-228-7782 or visit thewebsite at dorchesterarts.org

DORCHESTER CENTER FOR THE ARTS JANUARY GALLERY SHOW



18/32


Sunday ServicesAdult Sunday School at 9:00am

Service at 10:00am

Church Address: 403 Hollyday Street Easton, MD 21601Tel: 410-822-5023 Email: [email protected]

Baywater Animal Rescue has puta new twist on their Have A Heartevent this year by choosing pets

to run for King & Queen. We thinkthis will be a very exciting part ofour event this year when the dogor cat who has been selectedKing & Queen comes out wearingtheir crown, states Suzette Stitelyexecutive director of the rescue.

One dollar equals one vote

and the pet who raises themost money will be crowned.Baywaters Have A Heart eventwill be held Saturday, February15, 2014 from 6:30-8:30 pm at theHyatt Regency Chesapeake Bayin Cambridge. A VIP receptionfor sponsors will be held from

6:00-6:30 pm. Hors doeuvres andsmall plates will accompany acash bar. Music will be provided

by DJ Erik Higgins and a silent andlive auction will round out theevening.

Tickets for the event are $75.00/person and may be purchasedat www.baywaterhaveaheart.orgor by mailing your check to 4930Bucktown Rd. Cambridge, MD

21613. Baywater Animal Rescueis still seeking sponors and silentauction items. Please call theshelter at 410-228-3090 if youwould like to donate. BaywaterAnimal Rescue is the Mid-ShoresPremiere No Kill shelter andrescues over 300 pets annually.

Baywater Animal Rescue Have A Heart Event

Going to the Dogs & Cats

As part their Holiday serviceproject, sixth grade Maces LaneMiddle School students in Ms.Krista Kolbs enrichment classadopted a soldier from thewebsite www.anysoldier.com .The students brought in itemsfor a soldier currently servingoverseas. The website providesa wish list of items that mostsoldiers need. The items thestudents donated were organizedinto a care package with cards andletters from the children thankingthe soldier for his service.

Currently www.anysoldier.com ishelping 16,815 service members

and is listed as a charity in theCombined Federal Campaign.According to their website, theyhave also offered support towounded Marines recuperatingfrom injuries; assisted in procuringand importing wheelchairs forcrippled Afghani children; helpedbring attention to and arrangeshipments of much-neededmedical supplies and textbooksfor distribution throughout theIraqi medical system; and manyother projects. Our Maces Lanestudents were glad to do their partin showing their appreciation for

the men and women who serveour county on the frontlines.

Maces Lane Middle School Students Adopt a Soldier



19/32


The challenges of the haves and

have-nots have become a familiardiscussion as the U.S. economybegins its recovery from the GreatRecession. Unfortunately forMarylanders this great divide hasbeen in place long before 2008,creating a very different reality forresidents and businesses basedmerely on where they live. One

Maryland organization is poisedto tackle these challenges.

Under the leadership of executivedirector Charlotte Davis, RuralMaryland Council, a statewidenonpartisan organization, isshaping its legislative agenda for2014 based on economic data aswell as input from its stakeholders.Coming on the heels of its fallconference, the 2013 Rural ActionAssembly, Davis is preparing fora January legislative luncheonwhere it will share its priorities forthe coming year and seek inputand support from legislators.The luncheon will take placeon January 24 in the Presidents

Conference Center West in theMiller Senate Building, 11 BladenStreet, Annapolis. For moreinformation, please call (410)841-5772 or email [email protected].

Challenges identified duringthe 2013 Rural Action Assembly,

include: Access to health care inrural areas Workforce development,triggered by an aging workforceand shortages of qualifiedemployees Retaining youth Aging and absence of

infrastructure, such as affordableland, drinking water, andbroadband access.

Despite the fact that rural

Maryland is relied upon for food,fiber, and fuel, we have done verylittle to promote ourselves andelevate our status with our urbanand suburban counterparts, saysDavis. We have quietly triedto focus on the work at handdespite the many major internalstrategic challenges facing us.

Agriculture is the third largestindustry in the state, yet we havedone little to chip at the issuesthat threaten our existence orthe major disconnect that existsbetween urban and suburbanareas and rural areas. We cant siton the sidelines anymore waitingfor others to come to our rescue,she says.

RMC action items, include: Support increasedtargeted funding for ruralareas, especially Rural MarylandProsperity Investment Fund. Educate communitiesbetter on the available programsand resources.

Encourage youths toconsider careers outside oftraditional academic pathways,such as careers inmanufacturing Better align educationaloptions so that all sectors ofeconomic opportunity areencouraged.

Create a future vision forrural communities.We need a statewide investmentin rural Maryland from ourstakeholders and legislators alike,says Davis. In 2006 the GeneralAssembly created the RuralMaryland Prosperity Investment

Fund to address these veryissues. To date, no funding hasbeen appropriated, says Davis.We need to begin to think interms of how interconnected

Maryland is. We know that urban

and suburban areas are strongerand more sustainable whenthe rural areas around them arehealthy. We now need to put thatknowledge into action, she adds.The Rural Maryland Council(RMC) brings together citizens,community-based organizations,

federal, state, county andmunicipal government offi cialsas well as representatives of thefor-profit and nonprofit sectorsto collectively address the needsof Rural Maryland communities.The vision for the RMC is theultimate realization that citizensliving in rural communities areachieving success in educationand employment, have accessto affordable, quality health careand other vital public services,

and live in an environment where

natural and cultural resourcesare being sustained for futuregenerations.

To learn more about theupcoming legislative luncheoncall (410) 841-5774 or email [email protected]. Connectwith the Rural Maryland Council

at facebook.com/RuralMarylandor on Twitter @RuralMaryland.To learn more about theRural Maryland ProsperityInvestment Fund, visit www.ruralmarylandprosperity.org.

Maryland State Agency Prepares To Tackle

The Great Rural Vs. Suburban/Urban Divide:Rural Maryland Council Reviews Stakeholders Views To Create 2014 Agenda

Comptroller Peter Franchot speaking at the Rural Action Assembly held recently.



20/32

A report released in late Novembershows Eastern Shore attorneysleading the state in providingpro bono legal services to theircommunities. The Current Status

of Pro Bono Service AmongMaryland Lawyers was compiledby ANASYS, Inc., for the MarylandAdministrative Offi ce of theCourts, and is based on 2012 data.

Maryland courts established agoal of 50 hours or more of probono service each year for full-time attorneys, with an emphasison assistance to people of limitedmeans. Lawyers certified topractice in the state are requiredto report annually on their probono activities. For reportingpurposes, the state is dividedinto Eastern, Western, Southern,Central and Capital regions.

Sandy Brown, Executive Directorof Mid-Shore Pro Bono, expressedher pride in what the reportreveals about the volunteerefforts of Eastern Shore attorneys.Overall, we have some of thestates most generous lawyershere on the Mid-Shore, in termsof the time they donate to people

who need legal assistance, shesaid.

The Eastern Region leadsMaryland in full-time lawyersproviding at least some pro bonoservices, with 75.1 percent, justahead of the Western Regions75.0 percent. Rural areas show

more pro bono participation thanthe more populated Central andCapital regions. Queen AnnesCounty has the highest attorneypro bono rate at 81.8 percent,

with Talbot County coming inthird statewide at 81.0 percent.

When it comes to meeting the50-hours-a-year goal, Eastern

Region attorneys further outpacetheir counterparts in the rest ofthe state, with almost 37 percentof the regions full-time lawyersoffering at least 50 hours of probono service in 2012, comparedto the runner-up Western Regions32.8 percent and 22.2 percent forthe state as a whole.

Talbot County attorneys leadMaryland with 48.8 percentmeeting the 50-hour goal, anumber that has increased overeach of the past two years. Of thefive counties in Mid-Shore ProBonos service area, three othersjoin Talbot in the states top tenfor meeting the goal, with Queen

Annes County ranked fifth,Caroline sixth and Dorchestertenth. Kent County rankedsixteenth out of the 23 countiesand Baltimore City.

Overall, lawyers certified topractice in the state of Marylandreported slightly lower rates

of pro bono activities from theprevious year. However, theEastern Region posted increasesin 2012, both in percentagesof those providing pro bonoservices and percentages of thosemeeting the 50-hour goal.

With regard to the type of pro

bono services provided, thereport showed almost 58 percentof the Eastern Regions attorneysoffered assistance to individualsof limited means in 2012.

While Mid-Shore Pro Bono alsooffers some specialized serviceswithout regard to the clientsincome, its primary mission is to

provide access to free or reduced-fee civil legal services to low-income individuals, connectingthose in need of assistance withattorneys willing to provide probono time.

The report demonstrated thesuccess of the organizationsefforts. Of the hours EasternRegion lawyers provided toindividuals of limited means,more than 30 percent was oncases that came from a pro bonoor legal services organizationsuch as Mid-Shore Pro Bono, thehighest percentage in the state.

With ongoing economic issues

still affecting homeowners andtheir mortgages, the reportplaced special emphasis onthe Foreclosure Prevention ProBono Project (FPPB), a programcoordinated by the Pro BonoResource Center of Marylandto help homeowners who needlegal counsel in the foreclosure

process.

It showed the Eastern Regionhaving the second highestpercentage of lawyers providingFPPB assistance, at 6.4 percent,and Talbot County rankingthird statewide, at 10.3 percent.Attorneys provide assistance to

homeowners in distress throughMid-Shore Pro Bonos ForeclosureClinic and Foreclosure PreventionWorkshops.

Brown applauds the pro bonoefforts of the lawyers withwhom her organization worksand encourages the rest of thecommunity to add its support.

We always have known thatour Eastern Shore attorneys areamazingly generous with theirtime, both to our clients and toMid-Shore Pro Bono itself, shesaid.

Its exciting to have this validatedand demonstrated in numbersfor everyone to see. However,she added, to ensure our doorsremain open to provide this muchneeded service, we still need ourcommunitys financial support.

The full report offers additionalinformation and refinement ofthe data by size of firm, type oflaw practiced and other criteria.

It may be found online at www.courts.state.md.us/probono/pdfs/probonoreport2012.pdf.

For more information or to makea donation, call Mid-Shore ProBono at 410-690-8128 or visitwww.midshoreprobono.org.

Eastern Shore

Lawyers Lead State

In Pro Bono Service



21/32

Bobbie Seger: Painting with

Nature

January 11 - March 9, 2014

Meet the artist and book signingon First Saturday, February 1,2014, 4:30-6:30pm

Roberta Seger ("Bobbie") livesand paints on Maryland's EasternShore. Her oils, watercolors,and acrylics communicate animmediacy of place and mood,providing the viewer a glimpseof life on the Chesapeake. She isa graduate of Drexel Universitywith a degree in Fine Arts andmember of the Academy ArtMuseum, where she has taught

painting classes for over 16 years.

Bobbie Seger Painting Plein Air atWade's Point

Katja Oxman: Aquatint EtchingsFebruary 1 - April 6, 2014

Munich-born, Maryland artistKatja Oxman (1942) has beencreating richly textured coloretchings in her precise signaturestyle for over twenty years. Shestudied printmaking at thePennsylvania Academy of FineArt, Philadelphia, from 1962 to

1965 and pursued further studyat the Academy of Munich,Germany in 1966. Oxman's multi-plate aquatint etchings of thepast 20 years present complexstill lifes of richly patternedOriental rugs upon which rest anoverwhelming array of the artist'streasured objects: opened letters

and envelopes; picture postcardsfrom museums; birds, feathersand nests; potted plants, orientalboxes, fruits and vegetables.Steven Scott Gallery in Baltimorehas represented the artist sinceits opening in 1988.

Katja Oxman, A Cap of Lead across

the Sky, 1999 Aquatint etchingAAM 2002.003, Gift of StevenScott Gallery, Baltimore, in honorof the artist.

Annual Mid-ShoreStudent ExhibitionFebruary 1 23, 2014

Grades K-8 Opening Reception:Wednesday, February 5, 2014,4:30-6 p.m. Door Prizes at 5 p.m.You must be present to win.

Grades 9-12 Opening Reception:Thursday, February 6, 5:30-7

p.m. Awards presented at 6 p.m.Students are strongly encouragedto be present.

The Museums annual Mid-ShoreStudent Art Exhibitions highlightthe artistic talents of K-12 studentsfrom Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester,and Queen Annes counties.

This year, all student work willbe on view at the same time. Asin past years, visitors will get tosee a variety of media, includingpainting, drawing, sculpture,photography and printmaking.The Mid-Shore Student ArtExhibitions have been a Museumtradition for over 23 years and are

the largest and most prestigiousstudent art exhibitions on theEastern Shore.

Academy Art Museum

February 2014 Events

The Art of Greg Mort:

Selections from The HickmanBequest IIFebruary 1 - April 6, 2014

Greg Mort is an internationallyacclaimed, self-taught artist whohikes the rugged coast of Maineand travels the rural trails ofMaryland with his brushes, paintsand canvases. Drawing andpainting since childhood, Mortsprofessional art career star beganto rise at an early age with hisfirst museum show at eighteen.Recognized today as one ofAmericas leading contemporaryartists, his watercolor, oil andpastel images are in notablecollections around the world,

including the Smithsonian, theCorcoran and the White House.

When David Hickman died frommultiple sclerosis in 2011, hegraciously left over 30 paintingsby Greg Mort to the Academy ArtMuseum making it the largestpublic repository of the artists

work. This exhibition is thesecond part of selections fromthe Hickman gift.

Pictured below Greg Mort in hisstudio in Port Clyde, Maine



22/32

Award-winning artist GeraldineCzajkowski of Grasonville, MD, ismoved by natures abstractions.Interpretations of the universeand natural phenomena arethe underlying thread in herorganic paintings, and texture

is the vehicle. Her artwork wasrecently selected by ChesapeakeChamber Music (CCM) for use asthe poster image and theme forthe 2014 Chesapeake ChamberMusic Festival to be held June 1to 15, 2014.

According to Margaret Welch,CCM Board member whocoordinated the contest to selectthe artwork for this years festivalposter, The lines of Geraldinespainting suggest the beauty ofthe Bay and the rivers in this area the movement of the wind, sailsagainst the sky, and the motionof the water. The image reectsthe unique environment of our

annual Festival.

Czajkowski has been painting herbackyard overlooking ProspectBay for 20 years, inspired by the

beauty of the scenery. Whileher art often interprets theEastern Shore themes of sailingand the outdoors, her abstractroots go back to her childhood.She recalls, In second grade ourteacher played Rachmaninoff

and asked us to paint to themusic to close our eyes and letour emotions guide our temperapaint and to imagine what themusic communicated to us. Myinterpretation was a splatteredmess of perhaps fish in the sea my first abstract.

After studying for five years with alocal Bethesda artist, Czajkowskimajored in fine art at OhioUniversity and was encouraged toexpress emotion on canvas. Sheheld a 26-year career in patentillustration and art direction inWashington, DC and Arlington,VA. Drawn to the AbstractExpressionism of Americas New

York School, her abstract claymonoprints are one-of-a-kindpaintings on fabric. Just as oilpainters use oil paint on canvas,the clay painter uses colored uid,

wet clay, called slip on a at hard,dried clay slab, then transfersthe image onto fabric. The resultis called a hand-pulled print.Her colorful paintings have beenreceived regional and nationalacclaim. Her work is represented

by Cottage Studio and Gallery inEaston.

Czajkowskis artwork will beused on the Festivals publicitymaterials, including the Festivalposter, yers, print and onlineadvertising, event programs andthe CCM website. In addition,

the painting will be auctionedat the CCM Gala on March 8,2014. The Chesapeake ChamberMusic Festival will be held invarious Mid-Shore locations fromJune 1 through June 15, 2014.For further information, visit

ChesapeakeChamberMusic.org,or call the CCM offi ce at 410-819-0380.

Delmarva Community Transit(DCT) leaders were recognizedwith three awards during theTransportation Association ofMaryland, Inc.'s (TAM) annualconference and tradeshowat the Hyatt Resort Dec. 3-6.DCT is a division of DelmarvaCommunity Services, Inc., thehost agency for the conference.

This event marked TAM's 25thyear of offering educational andnetworking opportunities fortransportation professionalsfrom across the state. Amongthe topics discussed were federal

and national updates, eetplanning, crisis management,succession and transitionplanning, legislative strategiesand community transportation.During the awards ceremonyon Dec. 4, from the left, DCSCEO Santo Grande was namedFriend of Transportation, DentonDispatcher Delores Greene

received the Unsung Transit Heroof the Year award, and DriverAnthony Woolford was namedFixed-Route System Driver of theYear.

Delmarva Community Transit

Awarded At TAM ConferenceBy Dave Ryan/DCT

Chesapeake Chamber Music

Selects Artwork For 2014 Festival Poster

Pictured are Margaret Welch, chairman of the CCM Poster Competition; Mike Bracy,

president of CCM; artist Geraldine Gerry Czajkowski of Grasonville; Bernice Michael,chairman of the CCM Festival, and Don Buxton, executive director of Chesapeake

Chamber Music.



23/32

Shore Bancshares, Inc. is pleasedto announce Pamela J (PJ) Dills40 year anniversary with thefinancial holding company

headquartered in Easton, MD.Ms. Dill joined CNB (formerlyCentreville National Bank), amember of the Shore Bancsharescommunity of companies, in1973 as a Bookkeeper. Over theyears she held various positionswith increasing responsibility,eventually becoming a Vice

President of CNB in 1991. Since2005, Ms. Dill has served as VicePresident and Chief HumanResources Offi cer at ShoreBancshares.

Ms. Dill earned an AssociatesDegree in Business Managementfrom Chesapeake College in

1982. She is also a graduate ofthe Maryland Banking School,the School of Bank Marketing,and the Dale Carnegie Coursein Human Relations andCommunications. In 2004, Ms.Dill received certification as aSenior Professional in HumanResources. It has been a pleasureworking with PJ, said ScottBeatty, Shore Bancshares ChiefExecutive Offi cer. Her integrity,work ethic, and interaction withcustomers and fellow employeeshave made her a highly respectedmember of our team as well as ourcommunity. Everyone at ShoreBancshares and its community

of companies are pleased tocelebrate her 40 years of service.Ms. Dill resides in Queen Annewith her husband Michael Dill.

In addition to the many years ofdedicated service that she hasprovided Shore Bancshares, Ms.Dill has also delivered the samelevel of commitment to thebetterment of our community.She previously served as Chairmanof the Maryland Bankers YoungBankers Committee, Chairman of

the Maryland Bankers PersonalEconomics Program, andTreasurer of the Queen AnnesCounty Economic DevelopmentCommission. Ms. Dill was amember of the Board of Trusteesof American Institute of Banking,

President of Queen AnnesCounty Red Cross, and a memberof the Board of Trustees forWildfowl Trust of North America.

She has served as President of theCentreville Rotary Club, Treasurerof Queen Annes County UnitedWay, a Character Counts Coachat the Centreville Middle School,and President of the MemorialHospital Association. Ms. Dillcurrently serves as a memberof the Shore Regional Health

System Patient Quality andSafety Committee, Secretary ofAmerican Legion Post #18 LadiesAuxiliary, and Finance Offi cer ofthe Wounded Veterans WaterfowlWeekend.

Pamela J (PJ) Dill is recognized for 40 years of employment with Shore Bancshares.

Left to right: Donna Stevens, Shore Bancshares Chief Operations Offi cer; Ms. Dill,Shore Bancshares Chief Human Resources Offi cer; Scott Beatty, Shore Bancshares

Chief Executive Offi cer.

Shore Bancshares Celebrates Pamela J Dills 40th Anniversary

Ask the Undertaker Lets MakeA Plan, a two part presentationseries will be offered at GrasonvilleSenior Center Feb 20 and Feb 27,10:45AM

Weve all talked about it. Weve allthought about it. Now lets do it! Ifyou are like most Americans and

want your final arrangementsmade in advance, but may beapprehensive of meeting at afuneral home or not clear aboutwhat exactly you may wantdone in the future, now is yourtime. This seminar is designedto provide guidance in makingadvance arrangements while

uncovering common mythsabout cremation and funeralplanning. Learn what serviceoptions are available today, howyour familys special preferencescan be accommodated and howto develop a sense of directionfor your family.

In this two part series presenter

Ryan Helfenbein will addressquestions about available optionsfor cremation and funeral servicestoday, necessary legal documents,obituary information, preventingoverspending, what one needsvs. what one wants, and planestimated costs. Attendees willreceive a multi chapter Legacy

Planning binder to record futureplans and more, offering theman opportunity to documenttheir plans for future use with anyfuneral service provider in the US.

Adults of all ages are welcome.Light refreshments will be served.Reserve your seat by calling

Grasonville Senior Center (410)827-6010 conveniently located at4802 Main Street, Grasonville.

Ask The

Undertaker

Choptank Elementary School(CES) kindergarten students of Ms.Johnsons class and third gradestudents of Ms. Holbrooks classwere rewarded on December 12,2013, for winning the schoolsmonthly Bird Bill competition.Students in these two classesearned the most Bird Bills for themonth of November. Bird Bills arerewarded to CES students thatexhibit the four Rs; Respectful,

Responsible, Resilient, andReady to Learn within the schoolcommunity. Ms. Johnsons classand Ms. Holbrooks class bothenjoyed lunch with membersfrom the Cambridge SouthDorchester High School (CSDHS)basketball team: (Nevin Ward,KeVonta Cropper, Jequil Harrisand RaykQuon Molock). Thebasketball players ate lunch withthe CES students and discussed

the importance of using CESfour Rs. The players discussedwhat it meant to be respectful,responsible, resilient, and ready tolearn. They talked to the studentsabout their favorite sports andeven did some fun activitieswith them! The students had afantastic time with the basketballplayers and were encouraged tokeep up their great work.

Choptank Elementary Schools Bird Bill Competition



24/32

County to appoint criminal investigators,

subject to the approval of the DorchesterCounty Council. It would also authorize

the States Attorney for Dorchester

County to designate a chief investigatorand assign other ranks and titles to

other criminal investigators. It wouldprovide that a criminal investigator who

is appointed under the Act would serveat the pleasure of the States Attorney for

Dorchester County.

Senate Bill 73 (Talbot County

Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Prosecution or civil Suit forCertain Violations) will be heardon Tuesday, January 21 at 1:00in the Senate Education, Health,and Environmental AffairsCommittee. This bill wouldrequire a criminal prosecutionor a suit for a civil penalty for aviolation of local laws relatingto environmental protection ornatural resource conservationoccurring in the Chesapeake BayCritical Area in Talbot County to bebrought within 3 years after theCritical Area Commission for theChesapeake and Atlantic CoastalBays or the local authorities infact knew or reasonably should

have known of the violation.

Three of my bills will be heard inthe Senate Budget and TaxationCommittee on Wednesday,January 22 at 1:30.

Senate Bill 8 (Corporate IncomeTax Rate Reduction) would

decrease the State corporateincome tax rate by .45% each yearfor 5 years, from 8.25% to 6%.

Senate Bill 31 (ChesapeakeCollege Authorization of Debtfor Capital Projects SimpleMajority Plus One Requirement).This bill would alter the budget

approval process for ChesapeakeCollege to require that capitalitems or programs that are notapproved by a simple majorityplus one are deleted from the

proposed budget. It may reducethe total debt obligations and

maintain the debt interest rates ofCaroline, Dorchester, Kent, QueenAnnes, and Talbot counties dueto fewer capital projects beingapproved.

Senate Bill 76 (DorchesterCounty Sanitary Commission Enforcement of Liens Tax Sale

Authorization). This bill wouldauthorize the Dorchester CountySanitary Commission to requestthe county tax collector toconduct a sale of real propertyto enforce a lien representingany unpaid benefit assessmentor other specified charges,in accordance with the sameprocedures governing the sale ofproperty for delinquent propertytaxes. It would also authorizethe tax collector in DorchesterCounty to conduct a county taxsale for the purpose of enforcingsuch a specified lien.

Senate Bill 38 (ChesapeakeCollege Board of Trustees

Appointment of Members) willbe heard on Wednesday, January22 at 1:00. This bill would requirethe Governor to appoint themembers of the Board of Trusteesof Chesapeake College from alist of at least three qualifiedindividuals submitted to theGovernor by each county that

supports Chesapeake College.

Senate Bill 60 (Dorchester County Class B Beer and Light WineLicenses Sunday Sales) will beheard on Thursday, January 23at 2:45 in the Senate Education,Health, and EnvironmentalAffairs Committee. This bill would

alter in Dorchester County thehours that a Class B beer andlight wine license holder maysell beer and light wine to 10AM on Sundays for on- and off-

premises consumption. It wouldalso repeal a prohibition against

the sale of beer and light wine onSundays, by amending the newtime to 10 AM for off-premisesconsumption.

Senate Bill 83 (Caroline County Annual Financial Report Filing Date) will be heard onThursday, January 23 at 2:45 in

the Senate Education, Health,and Environmental AffairsCommittee. This bill would alter toDecember 31 the date by whichCaroline County is required to filean annual financial report withthe Department of LegislativeServices.

According to the CapitalImprovement Program Guide forFiscal Year 2015, the followingitems have been approved forfunding by the InteragencyCommittee on SchoolConstruction for District 37:

Dorchester County State Funding South Dorchester Elem./Middle

Roof $566,000(Golden Hill) Hurlock Elementary Roof$202,000

Talbot County Easton High Air Conditioning$384,000

Wicomico County Bennett Middle Replacement$30,521,000 (Salisbury) Pittsville Elem./MiddleWindows/Doors $1,262,000 Mardela Middle/High Roof$469,000 East Salisbury Elem. AirConditioning $395,000

Beaver Run Elem. AirConditioning $325,000(Salisbury) Fruitland Primary AirConditioning $302,000

Senator Colburn~continued from page 1~

Hallie Bennett received somevery good news last week. TheWarwick Elementary Schoolfifth grader was selected as theschools Carson Scholar nomineefor the 2013-2014 school year.

Sporting a perfect 4.0 Grade Point

Average, she is very involved in thecommunity. Her dance academyperforms regularly at communityfestivals, parades, and fundraisers.She participates in Relay for Lifeevents as a member of WarwicksHonor Society; she volunteersto help the needy through herchurch and supports Operation

Christmas Child, an initiative toprovide for needy youth aroundthe world.

Her essay was a thoughtfulreection detailing how Warwickteacher Kelsie Bowser helped herin both her academic activitiesand other ventures.

Carson Scholarships areawarded to students in grades4 11 who exemplify academicexcellence and humanitarianqualities. Winners receive a$1,000 scholarship to be investedtowards their college education,a recognition package, andinvitation to attend an awardsbanquet. Carson Scholars becomerole models and leaders at theirschools.

Hallie Bennett Named

Carson Scholar Nominee

At Warwick

Elementary School



25/32

billion budget deficit and predicteda $300 million surplus. Less than six

months later, we were informed that

because of unexpected expenses andlower than anticipated revenue returns,

the $300 million surplus had turned intoa $400 million deficit. Probably aware

that in an election year, he shouldnt taxus any more, Governor OMalley turned

to expanding the states borrowing

capacity.

He needed $375 million in

additional revenue to pay for theState Highway Administrationsmammoth upgrading ofoutmoded highway stormwatersystems and thousands of miles ofhighway impervious surfaces, asmandated by the EPA. Expandedborrowing will increase the statesdebt service, already the fastest

growing budget item.MINIMUM WAGE Legislation toincrease the states $7.25 an hourminimum wage will be on theagenda. One proposal wouldset the minimum wage at $8.25and include a constitutionalamendment to tie the minimum

wage to ination. Those whosupport an increase in the

minimum wage, and I am not oneof them, realize that there cannotbe one state minimum wagebecause some local governmentshave the authority to raisethe rate higher than the stateminimum and they have alreadydone it. Montgomery and PrinceGeorges Counties recently raised

boosted the local minimum wageto $11.50, to be phased in over athree-year period.MARIJUANA Legislation willbe introduced to follow theexample set by Washingtonsand Colorados legalization ofmarijuana. Advocates fall intotwo camps. The first camp wishesto decriminalize marijuana,reducing it to a civil offenserequiring no jail time. The otherwishes to legalize marijuana,similar to the states of Washingtonand Colorado, where the Statesregulate and tax its sale. Aboveand beyond needing to see what

happens in the Washington andColorado

midshore journal jan 2014

Documents