Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Friday, October 01, 2010

Cops on Rooftops fundraiser for Special Olympics a great success


Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding raised a bucket full of donations at the Cops on Rooftops Special Olympics fundraiser September 25, 2010.  Photo by Kevin Dayhoff
Cops on Rooftops fundraiser for Special Olympics a great success

$8,332.00 raised in 30 hours in an event full of good humor for a worthy cause

By Kevin Dayhoff  http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/10/cops-on-rooftops-fundraiser-for-special.html

Labels: , , , , , ,  - See more at: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/10/cops-on-rooftops-fundraiser-for-special.html#sthash.6mPEA8It.dpuf 

 Posted 9/29/2010

A rested Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding gave a report on the recent “Cops on Rooftops” fundraising event at the Westminster mayor and common council meeting last Monday.

He looked none the worse for wear after spending over 30 hours perched on the roof of the Dunkin' Donuts, on Route 140 in Westminster last Saturday and Sunday.

After the obligatory humor about cops and doughnuts, Spaulding confessed that he was proud that he only ate two doughnuts in the 30 hours he spend with his colleague, Lt. Andrew Winner, commander of the Maryland State Police Westminster barrack, raising money for Special Olympics Athletes.

“Well, we endured the heat, the cold, the wind, and the rain, but the fundraiser was a great success.  We raised well in excess of our $5,000 goal for Special Olympics last weekend…” 

The total came to $8,332.00, said Spaulding with some pride and a bit of subdued amazement that they surpassed their goal by so much.

At 9:30 last Saturday night the two intrepid police officers had already raised over $3,500.00 when Explore Carroll visited to check their progress (and their welfare.)

“It’s going well,” said Spaulding over the sounds of the radio playing and the steady stream of well-wishers from below.  Up on the rooftop, Winner and Spaulding had nested quite well, with lawn chairs, food, and an awning overhead set-up to provide all the comforts of home – on a highway store rooftop, that is.

How Spaulding only ate two doughnuts is amazing since their rooftop digs were constantly bombarded with the aromas of doughnuts being made in the store below. 

“Oh, geeze, what’s that?  It’s apple.  I think they are now making something with apples” (in the store below,) lamented Spaulding at one point.  “Oh man, this is torture,” he laughed as he traded words of encouragement with Winner not to eat too many doughnuts throughout the evening.

Of course, both Winner and Spaulding are athletes themselves and do not look like they eat too many doughnuts.  “Look at this guy,” Spaulding said of Winner last Saturday night. 

“Does he look like he eats a lot of doughnuts?”

"Don't answer that," Winner said.

“The citizens of Carroll County have been quite generous,” said Spaulding.  “Frankly, that does not surprise me,” he elaborated as he added how he has always been amazed as to how well Carroll countians support social causes with generosity.

Winner quickly added in agreement, “I have been truly amazed at the generosity of Carroll County.  A lot of people made a special effort to come and make a donation.”

Maryland State Police spokesperson Greg Shipley was also there last Saturday evening to cheer Winner and Spaulding on.

“It’s commendable…,” said Shipley.  When asked for further comment, Shipley explained that all the attention needed to be on the two police officers and the special needs athletes they support.

“Hey, I’m just here to congratulate them on what looks to be a successful event.  It’s nice that two officers give-up their weekend for such a good cause,” said a smiling Shipley as he traded humor with Winner and Spaulding from the parking lot below.

"It's a great cause," Spaulding said of Special Olympics.  “Law enforcement has a long history of supporting Special Olympics.”

So does Spaulding.  He is a central regional coordinator for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and has participated in that event since 1986.

His interest started 23 years ago when he was an officer in the Howard County Police Department and was asked to participate in Maryland's first Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Since then, he has volunteered to raise money for and awareness about Special Olympics.  He attends Special Olympics competitions as far away as Japan to serve as a security guard, awards presenter or volunteer.

As for the doughnut shop rooftop stunt, the idea came from law enforcement officers in Illinois who took to the rooftops of 94 Dunkin' Donuts locations in 2009, and raised more than $182,000.

In Maryland last year, one location in Laurel participated in the promotion and raised $7,000.  This year, Westminster joined three other participating locations in College Park, Ocean City, and Glen Burnie.

Last Monday night at the Westminster council meeting, Spaulding explained that a retired state trooper made a special trip to donate $1,000.00 on Sunday and the owner of the Dunkin’ Donuts also donated $1,000.00 to the cause.

“And folks are still asking if they can still donate,” said Spaulding.  “And the answer is yes, just be in touch with me at the (Westminster Police) station.”

For information about donating to the fund for Special Olympics of Maryland, go to the organization's website at www.somd.org or call 410-789-6677, or call Spaulding at the police station at 410-848-4646.  Contributing doughnuts is optional.

*****

[20100929 sodosm SCEKED pubver Cops Rooftops SpecOlym gr8 succ]

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Bob Ehrlich for Maryland campaign video: “Remember”

The Bob Ehrlich for Maryland campaign video: “Remember”


September 24th, 2010



The Bob Ehrlich for Maryland campaign released the following television advertisement, which will air in the Baltimore market beginning this weekend.  The ad focuses on Martin O’Malley’s legacy of misleading Marylanders, from his 2006 campaign statements regarding electricity rates in Baltimore to his more recent statements about Maryland’s economy. 

EHRLICH ANNOUNCER: “Remember this promise?”

2006 MARTIN O’MALLEY CAMPAIGN AD: “Martin O’Malley – taking on BG&E to stop the rate hikes.”

EHRLICH ANNOUNCER: “Never happened.  Your bill went up 72%.

“And O’Malley gave the bureaucrat who approved the increase a huge raise.

“Now Martin O’Malley promises we’re moving forward.

O’MALLEY VIDEO FOOTAGE: “The fact of the matter is our economy is doing much better now.”

EHRLICH ANNOUNCER: “Really?  Nearly 7,000 Marylanders lost their jobs last month.” 

“Four years ago Martin O’Malley mislead us. Now he’s just making stuff up.”

BACKGROUND
The (Baltimore) Sun’s June 10, 2007 article “Did The Sun go too easy on BGE rates, O’Malley?” states that, “combined with the 15 percent rate increase approved by the General Assembly in 2006, BGE customers would now be paying the 72 percent that produced such an outcry when the prospect surfaced last year.”

The Martin O’Malley campaign for Governor in 2006 aired a television advertisement entitled “Tough,” which specifically states that, as Governor, Martin O’Malley will “lower utility rates.” The ad can be viewed on Martin O’Malley’s Youtube page by clicking here.

The (Baltimore) Sun’s February 24, 2007 article “Beleagered PSC Member resigns” states that Public Service Commission Chairman Steven Larsen would be paid $185,000, even though his predecessor was paid $117,000. That’s a $68,000 raise.

The (Baltimore) Sun’s January 14, 2008 article “O’Malley to offer energy package” states that O’Malley, “campaigned on the unfulfilled promise of undoing a 72 percent electricity rate increase for 1.2 million Baltimore Gas & Electric customers.”

The (Baltimore) Sun’s June 10, 2007 “The Perils of Promises” called O’Malley’s 2006 campaign ad a “TV campaign commercial that included a risky promise – or at least the appearance of a promise: ‘taking on BGE to stop the rate hike.’ There’s not much wiggle room there.”

The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation’s August 2010 Monthly Labor Review states that 216,591 Marylanders were unemployed in August, an increase of 6,674 from the 209,917 in July 2010.

20100924 RLE Video Remember


*****
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O’Malley-Brown Campaign Releases New TV Ad

O’Malley-Brown Campaign Releases New TV Ad to Set the Record Straight

On September 27, 2010, in Bob Ehrlich, Governor O'Malley, by Maureen Higgins

http://www.theonlinestate.com/blog/2010/09/27/omalley-brown-campaign-releases-new-video-to-set-the-record-straight/

In response to Bob Ehrlich’s misleading TV attack ad and desperate attempt to score political points at a press conference this morning, O’Malley-Brown Deputy Campaign Manager Rick Abbruzzese issued the following statement:

“This is embarrassing for the failed former governor: Bob Ehrlich has spent this election season misleading voters about his failed record of increased taxes and spending, and now he’s trying to blame Governor O’Malley for the failures of his own Public Service Commission.

“Everyone knows a fee is a tax, and everyone knows it was Ehrlich’s cronies at the PSC that failed to do anything about the 72% BGE rate hike. When voters fired Ehrlich, Martin O’Malley stepped in to clean up Ehrlich’s mess and won $2 billion in rebates from the electric companies, all while Ehrlich was enriching himself to the tune of $2.5 million working for a lobbying firm representing special interests.

“Now Ehrlich is trying to play the same desperate blame game with economic statistics and betting against Maryland’s future success. Here are the facts: since January, over 33,000 jobs have been created in Maryland. It’s the best job growth in a January to August period in Maryland since 2000.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV_0iWyUwbg&feature=player_embedded


20100927 OMalley Brown Campaign Releases New TV Ad

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Washington Post: First Click Maryland - A review of two records on revenues by John Wagner

First Click: 

A review of two records on revenues

Read much more:  http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2010/09/first_click_marylanda_review_o.html?wprss=annapolisYour daily download of political news and analysis:
36 days until the Maryland elections




Monday, Sept. 27, 2010:
The Agenda
WagnerEven the casual observer of the Maryland governor's race has no doubt heard Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) knock his Republican predecessor for "jacking up taxes and fees by $3 billion." It's a common line on the stump and in campaign ads.
The number is based on an analysis by Maryland's nonpartisan Department of Legislative Services of revenue increases that took place during former governor Robert L. Ehrlich's four-year tenure. The figure -- actually $2.9 million -- requires some explanation, and it is unfair to pin the full total on Ehrlich (R). But more on that in a moment.
Thumbnail image for O'Malley bill signing.jpgA newer DLS analysis is now circulating that provides close to an apples-to-apples comparison of revenue increases during O'Malley's four years. That figure: $3.6 billion (a higher number than the Ehrlich era but lower than some, including the Ehrlich campaign in a recent Web ad, have suggested).
In the final five weeks of the campaign, voters are certain to be treated to cacophony of numerical claims from both sides, some more firmly rooted in reality than others. The DLS numbers are probably as objective as we're going to get, so they seem worth exploring.
First off, the numbers are "cumulative," meaning they are intended to measure the additional revenue that resulted across all four fiscal years that began while Ehrlich and O'Malley were in office.
The state property tax, for example, was raised early in Ehrlich's term, so DLS scores the impact of that tax increase as $170.8 million in fiscal year 2004, $185.1 million in 2005, $205 million in 2006 and $132 million in 2007 -- for a cumulative impact of $692.9 million.
Secondly, it is important to note that the analyses do not take into account how the revenue increases originated.
Ehrlich scoff.jpgThe Democrat-led legislature, for example, approved an HMO tax during a 2004 special session to subsidize doctors' medical malpractice insurance costs and to enhance Medicaid coverage. Ehrlich vetoed the bill that included the tax, but his veto was overridden by the legislature. Still, nearly $190 million in revenue increases attributable to the HMO tax are included in the analysis during Ehrlich's tenure.
Moreover, the definition of "revenue measures" in the analysis is broader than just tax and fee hikes. The Ehrlich-era total includes his better-known fee increases, including those on vehicle registrations, sewer systems and corporate filings. But Ehrlich's tenure also includes several "tax compliance measures," which are hardly the political sin these days that tax and fee increases have come to be.
The O'Malley-era total includes some revenue related to the state's fledgling slot-machine gambling program and speed cameras initiative.
But the $3.6 billion figure is almost entirely attributable to a 2007 special session in which multiple taxes were raised in an effort to fix the budget, and the imposition of a temporary "millionaires' tax" in 2008.
The 2007 tax measures included an increase in the personal income tax on high-end earners, as well as increases in the sales tax, corporate income tax, tobacco tax and vehicle titling tax.
The four-year impact of the special session is scored at $4.2 billion. O'Malley's overall figure is brought down some by backing out the impact of a tax on computer services, however. Lawmakers passed that tax in 2007 but repealed it in 2008 before it took effect. The four-year impact of the "tech tax" alone would have been $661.5 million, according to the analysis.
Got all that? We can promise it won't be the last time you'll hear some of these numbers between now and Nov. 2.
-- John Wagner


Trust First Click for critical news and analysis you need to navigate Maryland politics each weekday. You can also find First Click onFacebook and Twitter.

By John Wagner  | September 27, 2010; 6:45 AM ET Categories:  First Click, John Wagner

Your daily download of political news and analysis:
36 days until the Maryland elections
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Sunday, September 26, 2010

Recent stories in Explore Carroll by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent stories in Explore Carroll by Kevin Dayhoff


    DAYHOFF: All of Westminster got fired up over 'Defense Day' in 1924
    Published September 12, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    ... phone with Chief Spaulding trying to borrow a machine gun, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com.Dayhoff on Twitter"/> Follow Kevin Dayhoff on ... ...
    DAYHOFF: Meritorious, but inglorious, tale of escape and 'burglarious' behavior
    Published September 5, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    ... "burglarious" before, but it certainly illustriously tops-off an inglorious tale of a laborious, but notorious prisoner escape 110 years ago. When he is not meritoriously learning new words, KevinDayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com...
    Man arrested in connection to New Windsor bank heist
    Published September 2, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    A Waynesboro, Pa., man suspected of being involved in a bank robbery in New Windsor last Monday, is being held in the Baltimore County Detention Center  on $500,000 bond for charges related to another bank robbery on Aug. 28 in Cockeysville.Acting on a tip ... ...
    Republican Lt. Gov. candidate, Mary Kane, visits Westminster
    Published September 1, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    The Republican candidate for Maryland lieutenant governor, Mary Kane, 48, came to Westminster on Aug. 31 for a listening tour of downtown merchants, restaurateurs and agriculture leaders.Kane, a Montgomery County resident, is no stranger to Central ... ...
    DAYHOFF: John Dudderar recorded the changing face of Westminster
    Published August 29, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    ... days. And we will certainly miss John Dudderar. May God bless him. When he is not reminiscing about days gone by, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com. For more on the life and service of John Dudderar, go to www.ExploreCarroll.com. ...
    A Tribute to former Westminster City Clerk John D. Dudderar
    Published August 25, 2010 by Carroll Eagle
    ... on my desk contained John's notes from the previous council meeting.  Instead, it was a handwritten note from John."Dear Mayor Dayhoff, I intend to retire from the City of Westminster on Feb. 1, 2002.  It has certainly been a pleasure working for the ... ...
    Former Westminster City Clerk John Dudderar dies
    Published August 24, 2010 by Carroll Eagle
    ... , Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, 601 N. Caroline Street #5064, Baltimore, MD 21287. Arrangements are by the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Westminster.Visit explorecarroll.com to read more from Kevin Dayhoff about the life and times of John Dudderar....
    DAYHOFF: Change is coming, but not as much as we've already seen
    Published August 22, 2010 by Carroll Eagle
    ... districts, along with 36 election precincts and 14 election districts. I wonder how long this latest experiment will last. When he's not busy keeping track of who's on first and what's on second, KevinDayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com. ...
    State trooper shoots, wounds Mount Airy man
    Published August 21, 2010 by Carroll Eagle
    A Maryland state trooper shot and wounded a Mount Airy man Friday night after witnesses said the man refused to drop a gun and pointed it at the trooper, police said.The officer, Trooper First Class Edward J. Witanowski, a five-year veteran, was ... ...
    Freight train injures woman in Westminster
    Published August 17, 2010 by Carroll Eagle
    A westbound freight train passing through Westminster struck and injured a woman standing the in the middle of the tracks Monday evening.After the Maryland Midland train slowly passed the intersection at Main Street in Westminster and passed underneath ... ...


    DAYHOFF: Mike Eaton Room to be dedicated at the Historical Society of Carroll County on Aug. 22
    Published August 16, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    Most folks in Carroll County have “indubitably” heard of William Granville “Mike” Eaton at some point in their life.“Well, I do declare,” if you are not familiar with Eaton or his extensive legacy in our community, “this too shall pass,” as I will, may “God help ... ...
    DAYHOFF: 'Mike' Eaton Room is fitting addition at historical society
    Published August 14, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    ... . For more information, contact Timmi Pierce, the executive director of the Historical Society, at 410-848-6494. When he is not busy sharing Mr. Eaton memories, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com. Photo of Mike Eaton by Kevin Dayhoff. ...
    DAYHOFF: Clock docs make house call to fix historic Westminster clock tower on Main Street
    Published August 8, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    ... of Carroll County, 255 Clifton Boulevard, Westminster, Md. 21158. When he is not fighting the ravages of time himself, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com.
    Birdie's Cafe; has Westminster's Main Street percolating once again
    Published August 8, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    Sherri Hosfeld Joseph sat with a sigh and a big smile. “Hi.  How are ya?  How’s the coffee?”To the delight of many a Westminster caffeine addict, Hosfeld recently opened a coffee shop — Birdie’s Café — in an historic brick building at 233 E. Main St.After a run of ... ...
    Busy night in Westminster area for Carroll County fire companies
    Published August 5, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    Wednesday night and early Thursday morning proved to be a busy time for Carroll County fire companies, as firefighters first responded to a roof fire at a Westminster area shopping center — then were called several hours later to basement fire south of ... ...
    Crash queen's debut among highlights of Carroll County fair demolition derby
    Published August 3, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    Her black, hulking 1971 Cadillac was frightfully banged up as it sat off to the side of the arena at the Carroll County Ag Center in Westminster.And when all the crashing and banging stopped, out from among the burley men in dirty, torn T-shirts and ... ...
    Parade of agriculture and civic pride at Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair
    Published August 2, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    Bunnies, dogs, chickens, horses, ponies, tractors, trucks, proud moms and dads and plenty 4-H children and young adults were on display at the Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair parade Sunday evening.The hour-long parade featured some 31 floats, according to ... ...
    Combine Demolition Derby is smashing good time at the Carroll 4-H and FFA Fair in Westminster
    Published August 1, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
    The afternoon at the annual Carroll County 4-H FFA Fair started out tame enough. Children were giggling. There was ice cream, burgers and french fries to eat; the weather was appropriately hot, and antique tractors were performing the stylized minuet of ... ...
    DAYHOFF: Buell College in Westminster started with 8 acres and $10,000
    Published August 1, 2010 by Carroll Eagle
    ... for clarifying -- I appreciate the feedback. In a future column, I'll go over more of the history of Westminster Theological Seminary. When he is not being told, "Get thee to a nunnery," KevinDayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com. ...
    Carroll County Sheriff's Office: Inmate accidentally released from jail and captured again
    Published July 30, 2010 by Carroll Eagle
    The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office announced that they have an inmate back in custody after he was accidentally released from the county detention center just before noon Friday.Thomas Manley Raver, 42 of the 100-block of Pennsylvania Ave. in Westminster, ... ...

*****
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