News, Views and Random Concerns: Citizen Journalism for the Good of Talbot County

News Center hosts signing event for “Elf on the Shelf”

The News Center at Talbot Town will hosts special signing event with the author of the Best-Selling Children’s Storybook, The Elf on the Shelf, Tuesday November 10th from 10-12pm.
                                      

Selling over 1.5 million copies since 2005, The Elf on the Shelf® was written by mother/daughter team, Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell, Illustrated by Coë Steinwart. The Elf on the Shelf comes in a keepsake box with an illustrated watercolor board book and a special elf from the North Pole tucked inside. The book tells the story of the scout elves sent by Santa with a mission to keep watch over children during the holiday season. When an elf is adopted by a family and given a name, it receives its Christmas magic. The magic is critical, granting the elf the power to observe all the family fun each day during the holiday season and then fly back to Santa’s workshop with a report each night. When children wake up the next morning, they race to see where their elf has decided to sit for the day ahead – creating a hide-and-seek game throughout the holiday season for the whole family to enjoy.
            Inspired by their family’s own pixie elf, Fisbee, who appeared each holiday season, Aebersold and Bell decided to share their family tradition with other in 2005. They joined forces with Christa Pitts, Bell’s twin sister, and the three women started their own publishing company, CCA and B, from scratch. What began with 5,000 copies and 18 retail partners in 2005 is now well over 10,000 and there are no signs of slowing down.

The News Center 410-822-7212

Posted on November 14th, 2011 by hungryfish
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Hurricane Irene Advisory Update – August 27, 2011 7:00 A.M.

Thanks to Clay and everyone at Talbot CountyDES for continuing these important updates.

At 9:29 am we are starting to see some of the first rain bands and a good steady wind out of the north.

Hurricane Irene Advisory Update – August 27, 2011

by Talbot County Emergency Services (DES)
 Threat – Talbot County
remains under a Hurricane Warning and a Flood Watch from this afternoon through

Sunday. Hurricane Irene continues to be a threat to Talbot County and this

region for this afternoon into Sunday morning with winds of 40-50 mph, wind gusts up to

65 mph and up to 6-10 inches of rain with moderate tidal flooding.  *A Hurricane Warningis an announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds over 74 mph) are expected

within the specified area within 36 hours and a Flood Watchmeans

there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts.

Forcast storm Track for Saturday through Monday by NHC.


 
Public Recommendations -

Use the next few hours to complete preparations for a possible Category 1

hurricane moving into our area. Talbot County has initiated an evacuation of

all areas west of the Oak Creek Bridge on Md. Route 33, Oxford, and low lying

areas prone to flooding from the effects of a Category 1 Hurricane. Consider

staying with friends or relatives, and if needed a Shelter is open at the

Easton High School located at 720 Mecklenburg Avenue in Easton.
 
Individuals who decide to remain in their homes should

ensure they have provisions to last 48 to 72 hours without electricity or

assistance. A full range of preparedness recommendations can be found at www.ready.gov the www.talbotdes.org

web sites, by calling 410-770-8160, or by stopping by the Operations Center

located at 605 Port Street in Easton.
 
Forecast Remarks –

Hurricane Irene remains a strong storm and is rapidly approaching the east coast of the

United States.  It is currently located 35 miles south of Cape Look Out

North Carolina and 95 miles southwest of Cape Hatteras North Carolina and is

moving north at 14 MPH.   A Hurricane Warning has been issued from

Little River Inlet North Carolina northward to Sagamore Beach Massachusetts

including the Chesapeake Bay as far north as Drum Point. Further watches and

warning will be issued as needed.  Heavy rain and tropical storm force

winds are forecast for our area later this afternoon through Sunday

morning.  The first bands of rain appear to be moving into the area in the

next few hours according to radar.  Rain totals are expected to reach 6 to

10 inches.
 
Regional Coordination

– Agencies/Organizations should be completing actions at this time to prepare

for the forecasted storm… EOC meetings continue regularly with a current

activation to level 3.  A full activation will take place as the storm

approaches the region later today.
 
Winds and Tides – NWS

Marine Forecast –  TODAY Tropical Storm conditions

expected  NE winds 20-25 knots with gusts to 30 knots…increasing to

25-35 knots in the afternoon. Waves building to 4 feet…TONIGHT…North

winds 40 to 50 knots with gusts up to 70 knots. Waves 6 feet Tropical

Storm conditions expected.  SUNDAY…Northwest wind 25 to 35 knots

with gusts to 50 knots, diminishing to 25 to 30 knots with gusts to 40 in the

afternoon. Waves 3 feet subsiding to 2 feet in the afternoon Tides:  High

Tide at Easton Point, TODAY 2:44 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. SUNDAY 3:30

a.m. and 3:52 p.m. MONDAY 4:15 a.m. and 4:44 p.m. Oxford TODAY

2:38 a.m. and 2:54 p.m. SUNDAY 3:24 a.m. and 3:46 p.m. MONDAY

4:09 a.m. and 4:38 p.m. St. Michaels TODAY 2:44 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. SUNDAY

3:30 a.m. and 3:52 p.m. MONDAY 4:15 a.m. and 4:44 p.m.
 
Local Sheltering Issues

–  A local shelter is now OPEN at Easton High School located

at 720 Mecklenburg Avenue, Easton, MD
 
Local Evacuation Issues

– Talbot County has initiated an evacuation of all areas west of the Oak Creek

Bridge on Md. Route 33, Oxford, and low lying areas prone to flooding from the

effects of a Category 1 Hurricane…  Evacuations should be completed by

noon today if at all possible.  All jurisdictions on Maryland Eastern

Shore have initiated evacuations at this time.

Posted on August 27th, 2011 by hungryfish
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Talbot DES Hurricane Irene Advisory Update

Talbot DES Hurricane Irene Advisory Update – August 25, 2011 2300 hours

Threat – A Tropical Storm Watch and Flood Watch are in place for our area…Hurricane Irene continues to be a serious threat to Talbot County and this region for Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning with winds of 35-50 mph, up to 10-12 inches of rain, and moderate to severe tidal flooding. *A Tropical Storm Watch is an announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours and a Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts.

Public Recommendations – Use the next 36 hours to prepare for a possible Tropical Storm or Category 1 hurricane moving into our area. Persons in known low lying areas prone to flooding should prepare to move out of the area prior to Saturday afternoon, and if possible go to friends or relatives on higher ground. Persons who decide to remain in their homes should ensure they have provisions to last 48 to 72 hours without electricity or assistance. A full range of preparedness recommendations can be found at www.ready.gov the www.talbotdes.org web sites, by calling 410-770-8160, or by stopping by the Operations Center located at 605 Port Street in Easton.

Forecast Remarks – Hurricane Irene remains a dangerous storm and is moving towards the east coast of the United States. It is currently located 490 miles south-southwest of Cape Hatteras North Carolina and is moving north at 14 MPH. Talbot County has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch as well as a Flood Watch for Saturday afternoon into Sunday. A Hurricane Watch has been issued from the North Carolina/Virginia border northward to Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Further watches and warning will be issued as needed. Heavy rain and tropical storm force winds are forecast for our area Saturday night through Sunday morning. Rain totals are expected to reach 6 to 10 inches.

Regional Coordination – Agencies/Organizations should take necessary actions at this time to prepare for the forecasted storm… EOC meetings continue regularly with a current activation to level 3. A full activation is expected to take place as the storm approaches the region Saturday.

Winds and Tides – NWS Marine Forecast – Saturday – Tropical Storm conditions possible E winds 10-15 knots with gusts to 20 knots…increasing to 25-30 knots in the afternoon. Waves building to 1 ft in the afternoon…Saturday Night…Northeast winds 30 to 40 knots increasing to 45-55 knots after midnight. Waves 4 feet heavy rain . Sunday…Tropical Storm conditions possible Tides: High Tide at Easton Point, Saturday 2:44 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Sunday 3:30 a.m. and 3:52 p.m. Monday 4:15 a.m. and 4:44 p.m. Oxford Saturday 2:38 a.m. and 2:54 p.m. Sunday 3:24 a.m. and 3:46 p.m. Monday 4:09 a.m. and 4:38 p.m. St. Michaels Saturday 2:44 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Sunday 3:30 a.m. and 3:52 p.m. Monday 4:15 a.m. and 4:44 p.m.

Local Sheltering Issues – Pending/ August 26-27, 2011

Local Evacuation Issues – Persons in known low lying areas prone to tidal flooding in Talbot County should make preparations to relocate if it becomes necessary (Maps can be viewed on the www.talbotdes.org web site that highlights “Known Low Lying Areas prone to flooding.” (Category 1 Surge) Further information will be provided with any recommendations to relocate

Communications – Current – Primary updates to key personnel by email and by EOC Briefings

Public Communications – Public media outlets directly from the National Weather Service and advisories issued by the Talbot County Department of Emergency Services local and regional media, social media Facebook search – Talbot County Emergency Services and Twitter search – Talbotdes…

The Talbot County Department of Emergency Services will issue the next update at 0800 hours

Posted on August 26th, 2011 by hungryfish
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Irene to Impact the Delmarva this Weekend

by Frank Roylance
http://weblogs.marylandweather.com/

Hurricane Irene is continuing its march toward the East Coast. The Category 3 storm strengthened Wednesday, and its top sustained winds are near 115 miles per hour, and even more power is expected today and tonight, the National Weather Service said in an advisory this morning.

Right now, the storm’s hurricane-force winds extend 70 miles from the center, the NWS said, and the tropical storm-force winds swell out 255 miles.

As the storm moves over the Bahamas, it’s expected to drop 6 to 12 inches of rain in addition to its life-threatening rip currents and waves, the NWS said.

But for Maryland, wind may not be our biggest worry as Irene approaches. Forecast models are predicting a potential for tremendous rain as the storm moves up the coast – as much as 11 or 12 inches of rain is predicted to fall this weekend just off the coast. It would take only a slight shift in the storm track to bring that kind of rain onshore.

And even if the computer’s prediction proves accurate, the rain totals forecast for the Delmarva Peninsula still come in at 8 or 9 inches. And for the Western Shore, totals come to 4 to 5 inches.

 

 

For all of us here in Talbot County, there are resourses to keep us aware of the situation as it becomes more intense. We Will all try to keep the very latest information on this very strong storm.

 Here’s a preparedness guide from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.

Mr.Clay Stamp, Director of Emergency Services for Talbot County has a rather good Facebook page that’s constantly updated.

Delmarva Power Outage Map

Storm Pulse Tracking

National Hurricane Center

 

Posted on August 25th, 2011 by hungryfish
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What Does the Heat Index really tell us?

During the busy hot summer months here in the Mid-Atlantic, we must also be aware of when the weather becomes severe. One of those conditions is extreme heat. Be careful out there.

The National Weather Service devised the “Heat Index” (HI) which is the “apparent temperature” for a hot humid day. It is given in degrees Fahrenheit and is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels. Since HI values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, exposure to full sunshine can increase HI values by up to 15°F. My friend Jono, had many theories about this, so I’m helping him out.

This calculator computes the heat index based on temperature and relative humidity using a formula developed by the National Weather Service.

T = temperature in degrees Fahrenheit [°F]
RH = relative humidity in percent [%]
The effects of high heat index values are given in the following table provided by the NWS: Category  Classification  HI [°F]  General Affect on People at High Risk 
I  Extremely Hot  130°F or Higher  Heat or Sunstroke highly likely with continued exposure 
II  Very Hot  105°F – 130°F  Sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion likely, and heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity 
III  Hot  90°F – 105°F  Sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity 
IV  Very Warm  80°F – 90°F  Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity

More on this: http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/heat.php

Thanks, Noaa, NWS , wikipedia

Posted on July 22nd, 2011 by hungryfish
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Bannon judges Md. 1st District Art Competition

Art Judge

Maureen Bannon, a seasoned artist and judge from Stevensville, chose “A Homeless Patriot in Washington D.C.,” by Haylee Scarborough of Millersville on April 29 to represent Maryland’s First Congressional District in the 2011 Congressional Art Competition.

By SHAUNA THOMPSON Staff Writer The Star Democrat
CHESTER Maureen Bannon of Stevensville received the honor of choosing one piece of student art to represent Maryland’s Congressional 1st District in the national Congressional Art Competition, judged on April 29 at the Kent Island District office of U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md.-1st.

Bannon was the perfect nonbiased judge for Maryland’s 1st as no artwork from her hometown, Kent Island, or the entire Eastern Shore was submitted.

She chose “A Homeless Patriot in Washington D.C.,” a watercolor painting by Haylee Scarborough of Rockbridge Academy in Millersville.

An accomplished painter, photographer and workshop leader in the Baltimore-Washington area, Bannon said she was impressed with the artist’s positioning of the subject, a homeless person wrapped in an American flag, between two different sized cars.

“I look for horizontals and verticals. She connected the horizontals and verticals,” said Bannon. “It’s beautifully executed. The artist draws the viewer into the piece.”

Scarborough will attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony this month before her painting is installed along with artwork from, potentially 434, other congressional districts across the country. The student exhibition will hang in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., for the next year.

Haylee is the daughter of Vince and Virginia Scarborough of Millersville.

The contest is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives and is open to high school students, grades nine through 12 with some exceptions made for students attending schools with non-standard structures. It is intended to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents, say administrators. Since its conception in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

High school art teachers are encouraged to note this program on their calendar for 2012.

For more information, go to www.house.gov/house/ArtGuidelines.shtml.

Posted on May 5th, 2011 by hungryfish
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Eastern Shore of Md. in Need of More Doctors

by Brian Spyros WBOC
EASTON, Md.- Some state lawmakers say there are not enough doctors on the Eastern Shore of Maryland to handle the increasing population. The growth is putting pressure on many of the existing doctors in the area.

“As the community is growing the physicians are expanding beyond their ability,” said Dr. Walter Gianelle of “Your Doc’s In” in Easton.

Gianelle said a shortage in physicians has been an issue since 1993. Many say low compensation and the inability to keep doctors on the Eastern Shore plays a part in the low number of doctors.

Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury is now in talks with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to build a medical school at its campus in Princess Anne. PRMC officials said that right now it is just in the exploratory phase but noted a medical school could attract future doctors to the area.

“I think what has traditionally worked is when you recruit people who live in that area to go to that med school, then they have a reason to stay,” Gianelle said.

http://www.wboc.com/Global/story.asp?S=14298977

Posted on March 24th, 2011 by hungryfish
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Critical Internet Explorer Patch Released from Microsoft

Millions of computers, personal and businesses have been at risk of being exploited by hackers attacking a critical hole in many versions of Internet Explorer.

Don’t panic! Althought the security flaw is a serious one, it has been identified and is about to be resolved. The majority of affected sites are in the Far East, and the Microsoft patch will be automatically downloaded to millions of computers over the next day or so, although we recommend installing it as soon as it’s available – you can get it
Here!

or http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

More..

Posted on December 19th, 2008 by hungryfish
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Talbot Taxpayers Associations Position on Shore Health System (UMMS/SHS) Decision Process

We have studied in great detail the potential tax base impact if the hospital should be re-located outside of Easton. The impact would be devastating not only for Easton as one of our five, Talbot County incorporated municipalities but also on the County as a whole.

by Owen Wormser

The Board of Directors, in concert with our membership, agree with the Talbot County Council that Easton Memorial Hospital should remain “in or near Easton, Maryland”. Though it may seem to some this position statement is overdue, its important in my mind for readers to understand the mission of the Talbot County Taxpayers Association (TCTA) and its relationship to matters affecting Talbot County taxpayers. In this regard, readers are encouraged to visit our newly created web site at http://tctaonline.org and view our mission statement as well as visit other pages to gain first hand knowledge of what the Association does and is doing.

We have studied in great detail the potential tax base impact if the hospital should be re-located outside of Easton. The impact would be devastating not only for Easton as one of our five, Talbot County incorporated municipalities but also on the County as a whole. We assess the impact to the tax base and ultimately to Talbot County taxpayers to be in the range of $85 to $100 million dollars short term (5-10 years) and well into the 100’s of millions over the long term.

We understand the decision process about the eventual re-location of Easton Memorial Hospital is in the hands of the Maryland University Medical System (UMMS) and its merger partner, the Shore Health System (SHS). We further understand that a decision by these parties to re-locate will result in the hospital remaining in Talbot County – at least in consideration of current Maryland legislation, the existing “Certificate of Need” and the commitment of UMMS/SHS executives to retain the hospital location in Talbot County. What we also understand is the decision is being developed on an economic and demographic basis with less than full regard for the local human impact. A move away from Easton would create a loss of timely medical services to those residing in areas such as Windy Hill, Tilghman Island, and Town of Queen Anne as well as a loss of long-recognized, significant contributions over decades by Talbot volunteers and fund contributors that have supported and sustained Easton Memorial. Equally devastating will be the loss of local revenues to such as Easton Utilities and other local service providers and well as the potential for a significant loss of local, hospital and service provider jobs. Physicians’ offices would likely move to be closer to wherever the hospital is if the new location is well outside the Town of Easton for those doctors and practioners with hospital privilages so as to be able to go back and between hospital and outpatient responsibilities

The TCTA Board and its sizeable membership believe the human dynamic should be the first decision consideration and that offers by Talbot County (land and transport access) and Easton (water, sewer, among other things) represent a unique and viable solution to the desire on the part of UMMS and SHS to create a first-class, modern facility capable of meeting the future needs of the Mid-shore region and its ever increasing population.

Many arguments for keeping Easton Memorial Hospital “in or near Easton” have already been put forth by others; we support fully these arguments.

Owen Wormser
President
Talbot County Taxpayers Association

Shore Health System Board Approves Regional Strategic Plan

Posted on November 29th, 2008 by hungryfish
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Maryland Slots and Preparation ” A Headache”

The headache for potential “Slot Machine Operators”, at five Maryland locations seems to be getting worse, acording to a recent article from Gaming Today. I wanted no part of this from the start.

slot

With Maryland’s 33% gaming tax, bidders may be hard to come by
by Ray Poirier
Gaming Today.com

It took several years of lobbying to get the Maryland legislature to finally approve slot machines at five locations and it may take several more years before the licenses become functional.

The state has slated Feb. 1, 2009, as the deadline for submitting bids for the licenses which must be sought for five specified locations. One, in Anne Arundel County is expected to go to Laurel Park, the thoroughbred facility owned by the Maryland Jockey Club, a subsidiary of Magna Entertainment Corp. (MECA).

The other locations are in Cecil and Worcester counties, the City of Baltimore and a state-owned property at Rocky Gab State Park in western Maryland.

Doubters now wonder whether there will be bidders for these licenses. Especially during this bidding period when most operating gaming companies are facing declining revenues because of the economic downtown.

Also, the state will be looking for initial license fees of $3 million for each 500 machines the companies plan to operate. And some companies have already indicated that the 33% share of the gambling revenue that the license holder will be permitted to retain is far below what will be necessary to have a successful operation.

Legislators have already reacted to the complaints by suggesting they might be willing to increase the revenue percentage for the license holders should there be fewer bidders than they expect.

Contrary to what happened in Pennsylvania two years ago when that state approved slots emporiums, their licenses were highly sought after. But so far, only the Maryland Jockey Club has indicated that it will pursue a license as soon as the regulatory body is established.

The current five-member Maryland Lottery Commission will be expanded by four new members to comply with the slots law. The commission will then own and lease the slot machines to the operators.

Reportedly considering applying for a license is Penn National Gaming Inc. (PENN), one of the few major gaming companies looking to expand their operations during the economic hard times. The company filled its coffers with cash when a prospective buyer had to back out of the deal.

Meanwhile the City of Baltimore is paying $4.1 million to acquire the parking lot that is used by fans of the Ravens football games. They hope to lease the site to developers interested in acquiring a slots license.

Posted on November 12th, 2008 by hungryfish
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