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, February 29, 2008

20080229 Westminster Eagle: “A pie in the face for a good cause,” by Kevin Dayhoff


Westminster Eagle Article

“A pie in the face for a good cause”

February 29, 2008 by Kevin Dayhoff

Photo by Kevin Dayhoff

Former Carroll County Commissioner Perry Jones, left, takes bids from Fraternal Order of Eagles’ members for the opportunity to toss a pie in the face of the local Aeries’ president, Ralph Goodwin, right, after last Thursday’s meeting at the non-profit’s facility on Airport Drive.

_____

Westminster - Last Thursday, after the regular board meeting of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Post 4378 in Westminster, Ralph Goodwin got a pie in the face.

However Goodwin, who is the president of the local Aerie (lodge) on Airport Drive, was all smiles.

Former Carroll County Commissioner, Perry Jones, quickly explained that Goodwin was on the receiving end of the pie as a result of a friendly and very successful contest to raise money for the Eagles’ building fund.

Goodwin acknowledged that he got the pie in the face because Jones had raised more money that he did.

Then Jones opportunistically auctioned off the chance to wield the pie to Brandon Dillon, who energetically outbid a cabal of women in the auxiliary, for the pie-tossing opportunity.

The Fraternal Order of the Eagles (FOE) purchased the former location of Bullock’s Airport Inn on May 31, 2006 after quickly outgrowing their first home base on Main Street in Westminster.

Since the move, membership has doubled in size. The FOE Auxiliary – the fundraising wing of the local lodge - was recently lauded for having the number one gain in new membership of all the Aeries in over 1700 cities across the United States and Canada,

The extraordinary membership growth has come in spite of being “the best kept secret in Carroll County,” said Josie Goodwin, Ralph Goodwin’s wife, and the president of the auxiliary.

As Mrs. Goodwin took a break from cheering on lodge member Dillon, an employee of Finch Services, she detailed with a big smile, “We’re people helping people… That’s our philosophy. In 2007, we donated $9,000 to charities. We take care of our own and we take care of the community.”

Jones, who has been a member for several years, said, “I always wanted to join when I was a commissioner and the Eagles were on Main Street, but I just couldn’t find the time to commit … and do it right… I felt it was a great way to keep working for the community. These are some of the nicest people around – and hardworking too.”

Blaine Brown, a Westminster volunteer firefighter and Aerie member said he joined because he likes the family environment of the local organization. “This lodge helps people and does good things for the community.”

Tim Kyle of Kyle Electric nodded in agreement as he munched on some popcorn. He said that he’s a member “because it is a good American diverse club” that comes together for Carroll County.

As he wiped the pie away from his mouth, Mr. Goodwin proudly concurred. “Our lodge here in Westminster – and our whole Eagles’ organization emphasizes diversity in our membership. We are an inclusive club that looks like our community.”

As Kyle looked around the room, he also pointed out that members come from all walks of life; “from white-collar professionals to laborers.”

“And the FOE just put President John F. Kennedy’s membership card in our national archives in Grove City, Ohio,” added Mr. Goodwin. “Seven U.S. presidents have been FOE members.”

Mr. Goodwin elaborated that the philosophy of the Eagles to share its good fortune as much as possible in the community. The local post contributes annually to several charitable funds throughout its national organization.

These include donations to help fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney ailments, and spinal cord injury. Then, locally, the Eagles have donated to Junction Inc., Change Inc., Carroll Hospice, the Westminster Public Library and needy families.

Funds donated by the Eagles come primarily through events at the FOE hall, and through raffles, 50/50 drawings, and members' dues. “You name it, we try it," said Mrs. Goodwin, who approved of the growing agitation that “Perry (Jones) should take a pie too.”

1977 Western Maryland College graduate Bill Treherne looked up from his sandwich and said that the lodge is “bunch of good people who support a lot of charities, while we have fun… Very family oriented and good food too…”

And smoke free too, said Gina Greene excitedly from behind the counter as she served up a BLT sandwich. The transition to a smoke free facility was “absolutely no problem. I think it’s brought out more people. The members switched (effortlessly)…”

Since it was first chartered in Westminster on July 21, 1996, the local Aerie has gathered almost 900 members.

“We have lots of members but… there’s always room for more help, and always a lot to do,” said Mr. Goodwin.

Established in Seattle in 1898, the Fraternal Order of Eagles is recognized nationally and internationally for humanitarian, charitable and community service. Each year, the Eagles raise funds to help combat diseases like cancer and diabetes, and support children and older adults in need.

For more information about the Eagles and the Eagles Auxiliary, call Ralph or Josephine Goodwin at 410-848-0668.

Kevin Dayhoff can be reached at kdayhoff@carr.org. Jim Joyner contributed to this article.

20080229 Carroll County (Maryland) Public Schools has established a Fraud Hotline

20080229 Carroll County (Maryland) Public Schools has established a Fraud Hotline


February 29, 2008


Carroll County Maryland Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Ecker has announced that the school system has established a Fraud Hotline


Citizens wishing to provide information to the Superintendent of Schools about potential fraud, waste, or abuse of resources may do so by calling 410-386-1668.


The call automatically goes to a voice mailbox that is monitored on a daily basis.


The information reported is reviewed by the Superintendent of Schools. Callers may leave contact information or remain anonymous. All information will remain confidential.

20080219 Carroll County Commissioner Mike Zimmer Press Release: Waste to Energy and solid waste management deliberations

Carroll County Commissioner Mike Zimmer Press Release: Waste to Energy and solid waste management deliberations

PRESS RELEASE

February 20th, 2008

I have become concerned with certain advocacy I’ve observed regarding our Commissioner Board research and discussion of solid waste management. I’ve concluded that some members of our Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) have engaged in agenda based advocacy rather than factually based advocacy.

When the EAC presented their recommendations to the Board last November 15th, 2007, I expressed grave concerns about comments shared by an EAC member to our special assistants in a private briefing prior to the formal presentation. It would appear that my concerns about politicization by certain EAC members have become reality.

I have observed advocacy by individual EAC members that is not factually accurate and contributes negatively to a dialogue based decision making path. This is most unfortunate.

On the 13th day of December, we held a panel discussion meeting that included EAC members, staff and outside experts. The discussion at that time was very strong from all parties. I do not understand why some EAC members have chosen to depart from this sort of factually based interaction in favor of what I consider pure spin.

Based on emails I’ve received from those attending a recent meeting of the Carroll County Democrat Club I have concluded that EAC member Sher Horosko provided information that was not contextually accurate when she made a presentation to this group. EAC member Dan Andrews recently wrote in a letter to the editor of a local paper that a waste-to-energy facility would contribute to higher taxes in Carroll County.

I find absolutely no basis to support the claim that waste-to-energy facilities lead to higher taxes. Our current system of long haul transfer is actually one of the most expensive methods of trash disposal available to us. In a climate of rising fuel prices this is likely to get worse over time. I’m also gravely concerned with pollution associated with trucking our trash hundreds of miles away.

Once landfills in Virginia are occupied we may be forced to truck trash even greater distances with yet greater economic and environmental costs. The time is now for this Board of Commissioners to consider more thoughtful options.

I consider burning trash to create electricity to be a viable option. That doesn’t make it the sole option. There are positives and negatives associated with just about any decision that the Board of Commissioners make. I retain an open mind on the set of solution paths we might wish to take.

We have been working on this problem for many months in an open and transparent process. One of the decision points we may have to make is whether to join in a shared waste-to-energy facility with Frederick County. The current proposal is to build 1,500 tons per day facility to be located in Frederick County. Staff from both counties believes this would be a smart solution for our mutual long terms needs.

Staff and outside experts advise that 600 tons would meet current and future needs for Carroll County. They similarly target Frederick’s need at 900 tons per day. The chief advantage of joining together in a partnership of this kind would be to lower the cost per ton of burning the trash.

As a Carroll County Board of Commissioners we can only go so far with our research and deliberation into waste-to-energy as a joint project. My view is that the Frederick County Board of Commissioners must first invite us to join in this project. If no offer is made then we need to consider our other options which might include a stand alone waste-to-energy facility located in Carroll County. If the offer is made then we as a Board would have to consider the full implications of such a partnership and the particular technology being proposed.

There are perfectly legitimate reasons to either accept or reject the regional waste-to-energy offer should it be put on the table. The fear that it might raise our taxes is not one of them. I’ve included a recent letter dated 14th day of February from an official from Montgomery County regarding various costs associated with their waste disposal system. I believe this letter explains very clearly that waste-to-energy has not led to higher taxes or fees for them.

There are some individuals who in my view have an anti-waste-to-energy agenda. They are taking things out of context with Montgomery County’s figures in order to further this agenda.

Folks need to keep in mind that in Carroll County people (outside of municipalities) hire private contractors to pick up their trash and recycling and deliver it to our county transfer station and landfill. In Montgomery County the government picks the trash up in the most densely populated areas. They charge a system user fee to cover all services. In other words instead of having private citizens pay a private hauler to pick up trash and recyclables the government does it directly. This service still costs money and the workers who pick up the trash still have to be paid.

How’s this for irony? Our towns follow the same billing procedure as Montgomery County.

According to Mr. Locke’s letter, the cost associated with trash disposal has remained constant between pre and post use of waste-to-energy. He relates, “When compared to inflation, they have substantially declined.”

This is a very simple concept. For particular EAC members to attempt to make political hay by spinning these facts is completely inappropriate. Volunteer members of an appointed government body need to be held to a higher standard.

I’ll repeat my advice to our EAC members. Those who want to wage political campaigns should do so in the right context. Such opportunities include political clubs, advocacy groups, central committees of either party or running for office. Folks should not take advantage of a government appointed position with efforts to spin public opinion.

I have now lost faith in some of our EAC members to contribute in a helpful way to our deliberative process on waste-to-energy. That is most unfortunate for them, for the public and for the Board of Commissioners.

Michael D. Zimmer

Commissioner

CC: Commissioner Julia W. Gouge

Commissioner Dean L. Minnich

Steve Powell, Chief of Staff

Cindy Parr, Chief of Administrative Services

Vivian Laxton, Public Information Administrator

Mike Evans, Director of Public Works

Daniel Andrews, EAC

Robyn Gilden, EAC

Sher Horosko, EAC

Jim Johnson, EAC

Karen Merkle, EAC

Kimberly Petry, EAC

David Pyatt, EAC
Brian Rhoten, EAC

Christopher Spaur, EAC

Robin Davidov, Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority

Jan Gardner, Frederick County Commissioner

David Gray, Frederick County Commissioner

Kai John Hagen, Frederick County Commissioner

Charles A. Jenkins, Frederick County Commissioner

John (Lennie) Thompson, Jr., Frederick County Commissioner

Douglas Browning, Frederick County Manager

Michael Marschner, Frederick County Director of Utilities and Solid Waste Management

County Executive David Craig, Harford County

David Bliden, Executive Director, MACo

Daniel Locke, Montgomery County, Chief of the Division of Solid Waste Services

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

20080227 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Reality takes The Year Off

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last weekend the nation’s governors met in Washington for the 100th annual National Governors Association 2008 winter meeting. They had lots to talk about; but it was the faltering economy that eventually stole the show.


News from Ocean City….

Tom McLaughlin

The Town of Ocean City has come up with a brilliant idea to lower their taxes by $14 mil or so, and to raise the taxes of the good people of Worcester County by the same amount.


Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Wayne, I Never Knew You

Roy Meachum

We saw each other on North Market Street; sometimes he was walking that obviously sweet dog. We nodded and smiled to each other. He was usually in black jacket and pants: the usual priest's "off-duty" attire.


A Crack in The Door

Farrell Keough

Over the next few articles, we are going to explore the issues and possible solutions to illegal immigration. During this process, we will ensure correctness of documentation as well as making certain we are not allowing a sense of racism to infect our perspectives.


Monday, February 25, 2008

Pondering a Political Future

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

At a Farm Bureau/Pomona Grange legislative luncheon a few weeks ago, audience members were treated to a little surprise along with their roast beef and ham.


Words, Just Words

Steven R. Berryman

A presidential primary campaign is upon us now, much earlier in impact than in years past. The issues that are forced “off the table” are, in some cases, the ones that should be the defining ones. Shame on us for not forcing them back into the light of day for our proper examination.


Friday, February 22, 2008

Disney at Baltimore's Hippodrome

Roy Meachum

There's nothing like Oscars night. The whole world fixes on what was for years America's favorite entertainment form. Arrived at Baltimore's Hippodrome Theatre is the champion of the new favorite. And network television is no longer the movies' chief competition.


Envelope, Please

Roy Meachum

Sunday night the annual Oscars show will be staged. We hope for a "surprise" every year. When it happens, there's no way to know where or who. I suppose that's really what surprises are.


Thursday, February 21, 2008

An All-Too-Infrequent Lesson

Tony Soltero

Last week two of Maryland's congressional officeholders saw their long-running House careers come to an unexpected halt: Republican Wayne Gilchrest, of District 1, mostly on the Eastern Shore, and Democrat Al Wynn, of District 4 in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. They lost in primaries to challengers Andy Harris and Donna Edwards, respectively.


Wednesday, February 20, 2008

A Presidents’ Day View

Kevin E. Dayhoff

In the wake of “Super Tuesday” and the “Potomac Primary,” all signs point to a November presidential contest between United States Senators John McCain, of Arizona, and Barack Obama, of Illinois.


Two Good Men Were Defeated

Tom McLaughlin

Wayne T. Gilchrest, of the 1st Congressional District on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, was just tired. I think George Bush and his cronies wore him down to the point that he didn’t care whether he was re-elected or not.


Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Obama "Tide"

Roy Meachum

A Wisconsin February once cost me a tire chain. Going north of Milwaukee to Green Bay, the links broke and thumped repeatedly against the car until I managed to pull off the road. Forecasters predict the same wintry mess for today's voting.


The Passion of a Lifetime

Nick Diaz

Enough math education for a while, folks. If you’ve been reading my recent contributions to thetentacle.com, you may well conclude that education in general, and mathematics education in particular, is the focus of my existence.


Monday, February 18, 2008

General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 2

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

With all of the presidential sweepstakes hoopla, I’ve let the Journal slip to a back shelf. It’s time to brush the dust off the leather binding.

20080222 “Those crazy Keys” by Blair Lee Gazette

Those crazy Keys by Blair Lee Gazette

I always enjoy Blair Lee’s approach to commentary, however, after having only recently returned from a week in Key West myself, I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Lee’s take on “Those crazy Keys.”

Read on and enjoy:

Those crazy Keys

My Maryland | Blair Lee Friday, Feb. 22, 2008

Life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies. Or, in my case, when my wife and I leave the dog with the kids and spend a few mid-winter weeks in the Florida Keys.

Here’s the best way to describe the Keys to Marylanders: Make the Delmarva barrier islands from Rehoboth to Cape Charles into a single county (Monroe) connected by a single highway (Route 1) with Ocean City (Key West) at the southernmost tip. Then relocate it to the Caribbean with an offshore coral reef making it a fishing paradise. Or as a local sports columnist writes, ‘‘The fish come to the Keys for the same reason the tourists do: food, sex and comfort.” And, of course, drinking.

Fishing, drinking and sun worshiping are the chief local pastimes. There are more marinas than car dealerships and more bait and tackle shops than 7-Elevens. The local paper has a daily ‘‘catch of the day” photo and the Walgreens sells frozen chum (bait) and hard liquor.

During the winter months, the Keys are the warmest spot in continental America. Local high school baseball, softball and tennis are already under way and we needed car and motel a⁄c most days.

[…]

But in most respects the Keys are more casual, friendly, ramshackle and eccentric than ‘‘back home.” Where else can you find a ‘‘Jack Nicklaus-designed putting green?” And crime in the Keys is more likely to be lobster trap-raiding than carjacking.

There’s always something weird going on… […]

But the weirdest things in the Keys are the people. For instance, November’s Monroe County elections include a sheriff’s candidate running on a ‘‘legalize pot” platform and a commissioner candidate who says he gets daily instructions from angels while he sleeps. Then there’s Susan Stanton seeking a city manager job she⁄he formally held as Steve Stanton.

Read his entire column here: Those crazy Keys

For more posts on Soundtrack about Key West go here:

20070214 Greetings (to Mike Schuh) from Key West

20070215 License Plate spotted in Key West

20070810 what does YOUR fridge say about YOU?

Florida Key West

Florida Key West Feb 2007

Florida Key West Feb 2008

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

20080225 Westminster Police Department offers $500 reward for recent wave of malicious destruction of property

Westminster Police Department offers $500 reward for recent wave of malicious destruction of property

$500.00 REWARD

Captain Nancy Yeager

News Release

February 25, 2008

The Westminster Police Department is offering a cash reward of up to $500.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual’s responsible for the malicious destruction of property in the areas of Union Street, Main Street, Pennsylvania Ave., Schoolhouse Ave. and McDaniel College.

Sometime between the late evening hours of Saturday February 23, 2008 and the morning hours of Sunday February 24, 2008 unknown subjects scratched and spray painted vehicles and buildings in these areas.

The Westminster Police Department is asking the public to assist us in identifying those responsible for these acts of malicious destruction of property. Anyone having information about these crimes are asked to call the Westminster Police Department on-duty supervisor at 410- 848-4646 or to remain anonymous call 410- 857-TIPS (8477).

20080225 Delegate Weldon announces he will not seek re election in 2010


The Tentacle: Delegate Richard Weldon (R) Frederick County announces he will not seek re election in 2010

Pondering a Political Future

February 25, 2008

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

At a Farm Bureau/Pomona Grange legislative luncheon a few weeks ago, audience members were treated to a little surprise along with their roast beef and ham.

After several months of quiet contemplation, I had decided that I would use that venue to announce that I would not seek re-election to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2010.

Several questions arise. Why give up the chance for a third term? Why make the decision now? Why choose that venue to make the announcement?

Analyzing the answers to those questions fully explains the reasons for the decision. I’ll try to list the reasons, although the order might be subject to question.

Read the rest of Delegate Weldon’s Tentacle column here: Pondering a Political Future

Monday, February 25, 2008

20080224 Recent Westminster Eagle columns

Kevin E. Dayhoff Sunday, February 24 Looking at Bowling Brook one year later
More than a year has passed since, on a cold Jan. 23, 2007, Isaiah Simmons III, 17, died after being restrained by staff at Bowling Brook Preparatory School in Middleburg.

Mr. Simmons, from Baltimore, had only been at the facility for a couple of weeks -- since Jan. 10, after a court had sent him...
[Read full story]


'Tech Tax' will have crippling impact on Carroll
The frenzied and frenetic Maryland General Assembly special taxing session has been over for several months, yet the more the layers of this onion are peeled-away, the more it just wants to make you cry.

In a recent phone conversation, Ted Zaleski, Carroll County's director of management and budge...
[Read full story]


It's easy to demonstrate for peace; harder to work for it
Watching the movie, "The Singing Revolution," discussed in last week's column, brought back memories from my trip to Estonia back in Sept. 17-23, 2004.

It was a unique opportunity to represent Westminster in an "assessment and support tour" for the Maryland and Estonia Partner City Partners For Pe...
[Read full story]


How culture and song can save a nation
On Jan. 13, I had the opportunity to travel to the Charles Theater in Baltimore and watch "The Singing Revolution," a documentary by James Tusty and Maureen Castle Tusty about Estonia's nonviolent "singing struggle" -- which ended the brutal Soviet occupation of the tiny Baltic nation on Aug. 20, 19...
[Read full story]


Dr. Martin Luther King's enduring words
American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., wrote in a book, "Strength to Love," published in 1963:

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence and toughness multipli...
[Read full story]


More Headlines

Courthouse history seems to match theatrical flair of current case

Something we really must talk about

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org or kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

His columns and articles appear in The Tentacle - www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com, Winchester Report and The Sunday Carroll Eagle – in the Sunday Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun. Get Westminster Eagle RSS Feed

“When I stop working the rest of the day is posthumous. I'm only really alive when I'm writing.” Tennessee Williams

20080222 Carroll County Board of Commissioners set meeting on solid waste for March 5 2008 at 7 PM

Carroll County Board of Commissioners set meeting on solid waste for March 5 2008 at 7 PM

Board of County Commissioners

Julia W. Gouge, President

Dean L. Minnich, Vice President

Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary

Carroll County Government

225 North Center Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157

410-386-2043; 1-888-302-8978

fax 410-386-2485; TT 410-848-9747

News Release

For more information, contact: Vivian D. Laxton, Public Information Administrator, 410-386-2973

For Immediate Release

Public meeting on solid waste set for March 5th

February 22, 2008 – The Board of County Commissioners will hold two public meetings on options for the future of solid waste.

The first is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, in Room 003 of the County Office Building.

The date and time of the second meeting will be announced later. Topics include waste-to-energy, recycling and composting. The public is encouraged to attend.

Anyone seeking information prior to the March 5th meeting on solid waste management can view several in-depth presentations that have been made by the Carroll County Department of Public Works to the Board of County Commissioners and by other experts to the Environmental Advisory Council by visiting http://ccgovernment.carr.org and clicking on Video Library & Agendas.

Relevant Commissioners’ meetings occurred on August 14, 2007, November 19, 2007, February 14, 2008, and February 21, 2008.

# # #

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: The Americans With Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. If you have questions, suggestions, or complaints, please contact Jolene Sullivan, the Carroll County Government Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator, 410-386-3600 or 1-888-302-8978, or TT (410) 848-9747. The mailing address is: 10 Distillery Drive, First Floor, Suite 101, Westminster, MD 21157.

CARROLL COUNTY

a great place to live, a great place to work, a great place to play

20080225 Westminster mayor and Common Council Agenda

20080225 Westminster mayor and Common Council Agenda City Council

City Council Members | Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of February 25, 2008

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

2. PUBLIC HEARING:
Sectional Map Amendment No. SMA 08-1 – Rezoning of Union
Street
Properties to Compatible Neighborhood Overlay Zone – Thomas Beyard

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008

4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
January 2008 Departmental Operating Reports
Water Conservation Community Education Plan – Marge Wolf
Westminster Ridge Deed of Extinguishment of Temporary
Construction Easement – Jeff Glass

5. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

6. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

7. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
Ordinance No. 776 – Sectional Map Amendment No. 08-1 – Rezoning
of Union Street Properties to Compatible Neighborhood Overlay Zone –
Thomas Beyard

Resolution No. R08-4 – Maryland Heritage Area Authority Grant Program –
Thomas Beyard

Resolution No. R08-5 – County Wide Voluntary Water Conservation –
Marge Wolf

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. None as of February 21, 2008

9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. None as of February 21, 2008

10. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS

12. ADJOURN

Saturday, February 23, 2008

20080223 National Governors Association Welcomes Governors to 2008 Winter Meeting

20080223 National Governors Association Welcomes Governors to 2008 Winter Meeting

02/23/2008 News Release NGA Welcomes Governors to 2008 Winter Meeting

Governors to Focus on Clean Energy, State and Federal Issues

Contact: Jodi Omear, 202-345-6564
Contact: Christopher Cashman, 202-345-4271

WASHINGTONThe nation's governors gather here this weekend to address critical issues including the nation's energy future. Governors also will meet with President Bush, members of the Administration, business executives and other experts for discussions on a host of issues and challenges facing states.

Led by NGA Chair Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and NGA Vice Chair Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell, business sessions at the three-day event will include two major plenaries and meetings of the four NGA standing committees. The NGA Winter Meeting will run from February 23-25, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel.

Gov. Pawlenty's Chair's initiative, Securing a Clean Energy Future, is the primary topic of discussion today. This morning's opening plenary session will present the case for taking immediate action on this important public policy challenge. Pulitzer-Prize winning author and New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman and Jeffrey R. Immelt, chairman of the board and chief operating officer of General Electric Company, will speak at the session.

"Our country has become too dependent on foreign sources of energy, and continuing on a business-as-usual path risks our national security, our economic well-being and our quality of life," Gov. Pawlenty said. "My Chair's initiative, Securing a Clean Energy Future, enlists the efforts of all governors to make our nation a global leader in energy efficiency, clean energy technology, energy research and the use of alternative fuels."

The second plenary session on Monday afternoon, "The Role of Technology and Innovation in Securing a Clean Energy Future," will feature addresses by former CIA Director R. James Woolsey and John Doerr, a partner with Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers. The session will highlight new and current energy technologies as well explore state and private sector roles in fostering energy innovation.

In addition, governors will take part in meetings of each of NGA's four standing committees: Economic Development and Commerce; Education, Early Childhood and Workforce; Health and Human Services; and Natural Resources.

Private "governors-only" sessions, including a meeting with President Bush at the White House, provide governors a venue for sharing their thoughts and views on common challenges. "As governors, we face many similar issues and can learn a great deal from candid dialogue with our colleagues," said Gov. Rendell. "The NGA Winter Meeting provides governors with the opportunity to exchange ideas and engage in thoughtful discussions about shared policy challenges and effective solutions."

The Winter Meeting will close Monday evening with a reception kicking off NGA's centennial celebration at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

###

Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.


Printed from the NGA web site.

http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.6c9a8a9ebc6ae07eee28aca9501010a0/?vgnextoid=48edade638148110VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=759b8f2005361010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD

Friday, February 22, 2008

20080225 CCBOC Agenda for the week of February 25, 2008

Carroll County Board of Commissioners Agenda for the Week of February 25, 2008

Board of County Commissioners

Julia W. Gouge, President

Dean L. Minnich, Vice President

Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary

Carroll County Government

225 North Center Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157

410-386-2043; 1-888-302-8978

fax 410-386-2485; TT 410-848-9747

Agenda for the Week of February 25, 2008


Please Note: This weekly agenda is subject to change. Please call 410-386-2043 to confirm a meeting you plan to attend. All meetings will be held at the Carroll County Office Building Room 311. (Unless otherwise noted)

Indicates Outside Activities

Monday ~ February 25, 2008

6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting

County Office Building ~ Room 003

Commissioner Gouge

Tuesday ~ February 26, 2008

10:00 a.m. Joint Meeting

Frederick County Commissioners with the Carroll County Commissioners

Discussion on Solid Waste Management Strategy

Frederick County Offices

12 East Church Street ~ Winchester Hall, Frederick, MD

Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer

7:00 p.m. Carroll County Agriculture Center Annual Dinner

Westminster, MD

Commissioner Zimmer

Wednesday ~ February 27, 2008

10:00 a.m. Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Meeting

Annapolis, MD

Commissioner Gouge

Wednesday ~ February 27, 2008 ~ Continued

1:00 p.m. Joint Meeting

Board of Education with the Carroll County Commissioners

Board of Education Offices

Westminster, MD

Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer

Thursday ~ February 28, 2008

10:00 a.m. Board of County Commissioners Open Roundtable Discussion

Followed by

Board of County Commissioners Open Session

Presentation of Proclamation ~ "On the Same Page"

Carroll County Public Library ~ Ms. Lynn Wheeler

School Enrollment Projections

Department of Management & Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski

Environmental Awareness within the Home

Citizens ~ Rebecca Orenstein, Nancy Frick & Mary Ann Turner

Review of Application ~ Patapsco Road Watershed Stream Restoration

Grant Proposal to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Department of Management & Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski

Department of Planning ~ Mr. Steve Horn

Chief of Staff Time ~ Mr. Steve Powell

Administrative Session ~ Closed

1:30 p.m. Roundtable Discussion with the Westminster Ministerium

Westminster Baptist Church

Westminster, MD

Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer

Friday ~ February 29, 2008

National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference

Washington, DC

Commissioner Gouge

Saturday ~ March 1, 2008

National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference

Washington, DC

Commissioner Gouge

12:00 p.m. Christian Farmers Outreach, Inc. Annual Outreach Luncheon

Pleasant Valley Fire Department ~ Westminster, MD

Commissioner Zimmer

Sunday ~ March 2, 2008

8:05 a.m. “The Commissioners’ Report” – WTTR

Commissioner Minnich

National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference

Washington, DC

Commissioner Gouge

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. If you have questions, suggestions, or complaints, please contact Ms. Jolene Sullivan, the Carroll County Government Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator, at 410-386-3600/1-888-302-8978 or TTY No. 410-848-9747. The mailing address is 225 North Center Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157. Posted: 07/07/06CARROLL COUNTY

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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

20080220 Long Boat Key Marina

Long Boat Key Marina

Long Boat Key Sarasota Florida

February 20, 2008

Kevin Dayhoff

The Long Boat Key Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

http://www.spindrift-yachts.com/

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20080220 Long Boat Key Marina

20080220 This week in The Tentacle


This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

A Presidents’ Day View

Kevin E. Dayhoff

In the wake of “Super Tuesday” and the “Potomac Primary,” all signs point to a November presidential contest between United States Senators John McCain, of Arizona, and Barack Obama, of Illinois.


Two Good Men Were Defeated

Tom McLaughlin

Wayne T. Gilchrest, of the 1st Congressional District on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, was just tired. I think George Bush and his cronies wore him down to the point that he didn’t care whether he was re-elected or not.


Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Obama "Tide"

Roy Meachum

A Wisconsin February once cost me a tire chain. Going north of Milwaukee to Green Bay, the links broke and thumped repeatedly against the car until I managed to pull off the road. Forecasters predict the same wintry mess for today's voting.


The Passion of a Lifetime

Nick Diaz

Enough math education for a while, folks. If you’ve been reading my recent contributions to thetentacle.com, you may well conclude that education in general, and mathematics education in particular, is the focus of my existence.


Monday, February 18, 2008

General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 2

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

With all of the presidential sweepstakes hoopla, I’ve let the Journal slip to a back shelf. It’s time to brush the dust off the leather binding.


Friday, February 15, 2008

“Stronger Than I Thought"

Roy Meachum

The words belong to erstwhile congressional candidate Andrew Duck. He said them as I was leaving the Democratic election night party. He was referring, of course, to rival Jennifer Dougherty's showing in early returns.


A New Chapter

Edward Lulie III

Living here in Frederick County for most of our lives means that I am always running into people who know us, and who openly wonder where Beth is. It is somewhat like being a plague carrier; you are always the bearer of bad news; for those that you tell what has happened can have no good response to make; there is not much to say but that it was a tragedy and that Beth will be sorely missed by all who knew her.


Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Visit of a Lifetime

Chris Cavey

Last Thursday was a very exciting evening for Maryland Republicans. Our validity as a meaningful primary state was made significant by a visit from the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee, John McCain; but this visit didn’t happen entirely by accident.


Some Background for Stepping Up To The Plate

Joan McIntyre

I’m continuing on the subject of the Frederick County Planning Commission for the moment. One, because I’ll be leaving it soon after 10 years; and, two, because I want to spark interest in others joining.


Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The McCain Maalox Paradox

Kevin E. Dayhoff

At this point in the Republican 2008 presidential primary campaign Senator John McCain has over three times as many Republican National Convention delegates as former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Most people have resigned themselves to the fact that Senator McCain is the de-facto Republican nominee.


Tuesday, February 12, 2008

They Are Coming

Roy Meachum

Sheriff Chuck Jenkins shapes up as the least likely Hitler I can imagine: I know the man. His critics are way off the mark when they say he plans to turn his department into a latter-day Gestapo. It's not in him.


Our Most Important Election Isn’t for President

Farrell Keough

On February 5, your plucky columnist put together a forum at the Urbana Volunteer Fire & Rescue Station for the Board of Education candidates seeking to gain a nomination today for a seek on that body. An impressive array of candidates showed up and spent three hours taking on questions and listening to others.


Monday, February 11, 2008

Political Stupidity Masquerading as Conscience

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

So, the GOP has its presumptive nominee. With all due respect to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, it just ain’t Hucka-happenin’!


Activist Frederick County

Steven R. Berryman

Great news! The System works. Activism is alive and well and living in Frederick County, Maryland. Where the system fails to work, it is fixing itself; and isn’t that what the system really is?