October 2, 2010
Maryland's First Slots Casino Opens in Perryville
PERRYVILLE - Maryland's first slots casino informally opened on Monday, and customers have found it rather quickly. Officials with the parent company, Penn National Gaming, said average attendance for the first three days was 7,000 people per day.
Voters in Maryland approved slot casinos nearly two years ago, and the $98 million facility in Perryville is now open with 1,500 machines. Some of those slot machines look suspiciously like table gambling, which is legal and being offered in Delaware and in West Virginia. A roulette slot machine features a spinning electronic wheel and a spinning and bouncing electronic ball. Patrons can sidle-up to what looks like a gaming table for cards and play "three card poker" or blackjack against a virtual dealer on an electronic screen. The cards are displayed on electronic screens on the flat parts of the table.
A smiling Gov. Martin O'Malley told a gathered crowd that the new Maryland casino is there to, "[prevent] dollars that used to fly across the border from leaving. Instead, [those dollars] are staying here." Under the terms of the licensing agreement, 67% of the profit from each slot machine goes to the state, with half that revenue going to an education trust fund.
Voters in Maryland approved slot casinos nearly two years ago, and the $98 million facility in Perryville is now open with 1,500 machines. Some of those slot machines look suspiciously like table gambling, which is legal and being offered in Delaware and in West Virginia. A roulette slot machine features a spinning electronic wheel and a spinning and bouncing electronic ball. Patrons can sidle-up to what looks like a gaming table for cards and play "three card poker" or blackjack against a virtual dealer on an electronic screen. The cards are displayed on electronic screens on the flat parts of the table.
A smiling Gov. Martin O'Malley told a gathered crowd that the new Maryland casino is there to, "[prevent] dollars that used to fly across the border from leaving. Instead, [those dollars] are staying here." Under the terms of the licensing agreement, 67% of the profit from each slot machine goes to the state, with half that revenue going to an education trust fund.
October 1, 2010
Vovak supports Republican Gov. Schwarzenegger's decision to sign Senate bill 1149, decriminalizing marijuana
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND -- Daniel Vovak, a member-elect (at-large) of the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee supports Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision yesterday to decriminalize marijuana when he signed California Senate bill 1449. Schwarzenegger's decision places the Republican Party as the leader in the marijuana movement. Further, it means that elected leaders in America's largest State believe that having less than an ounce of marijuana is no more unethical than driving over the speed limit.
"When I ran for Montgomery County Executive, Montgomery County's Republican leaders chastised me for taking a position on marijuana similar to Governor Schwarzenegger," said Vovak, who has never experimented with marijuana and lost the Republican primary to a lifelong Democrat. "Now Montgomery County will not benefit financially from California's movement, which is sad, since our county badly needs the funding. Maryland will never become competitive for Republicans until Montgomery County Republicans support and unite around leaders capable of making tough decisions, rather than followers."
It should also be noted that Maryland Republican Governor Bob Ehrlich sponsored the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act.
Contact Vovak at 202-367-4835 or DanielVovak@gmail.com.
"When I ran for Montgomery County Executive, Montgomery County's Republican leaders chastised me for taking a position on marijuana similar to Governor Schwarzenegger," said Vovak, who has never experimented with marijuana and lost the Republican primary to a lifelong Democrat. "Now Montgomery County will not benefit financially from California's movement, which is sad, since our county badly needs the funding. Maryland will never become competitive for Republicans until Montgomery County Republicans support and unite around leaders capable of making tough decisions, rather than followers."
It should also be noted that Maryland Republican Governor Bob Ehrlich sponsored the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act.
Contact Vovak at 202-367-4835 or DanielVovak@gmail.com.
A rock n' roll fundraiser for Maria Pena-Faustino for delegate in 39
A “ROCK AND ROLL PARTY” fundraiser for Maria Pena-Faustino Featuring Gus Alzona’s Trademark
Sunday, October 10, 2010. 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Hard Times Café of Bethesda. 4920 Delray Ave. Bethesda MD 20814. 301-951-3300
No cover charge. Free metered parking right across the street in the public garage. Full bar, appetizers and dinner menu items available for purchase. Large screen televisions (muted sound) will display current sports games. Free admission. Attendees are encouraged to make “free will” political contributions of $20 or more directly to the candidates, though we are sure they would appreciate any and all amounts received up to the legal limit of $4,000 per election cycle. Please RSVP to Gus Alzona at 1-202-288-8011 or email AugustusAlzona@gmail.com
Free Potter Violin Company Strings Clinic
What: Violin, viola, cello and double bass players are invited to an interactive Strings Clinic offered by The Potter Violin Company and two other partners at the University of Maryland. Strings professionals will present on the history, physical materials and methods used to make bowed stringed instruments. Other presentation highlights include slow motion videography of how strings vibrate and interact with a bow as well as common instrumental problems solved by strings and helpful tips for improving the performance and durability of stringed instruments. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session and the opportunity to share individual experiences. Attendees will receive a FREE personal string consultation with the experts, as well as a free set of strings to evaluate.
When: Saturday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m.
Where: Leah M. Smith Lecture Hall, Room 2200 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742
Cost: FREE, no registration required
Contact: 1-800-317-9452
Web site: http://www.pottersviolins.com
When: Saturday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m.
Where: Leah M. Smith Lecture Hall, Room 2200 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742
Cost: FREE, no registration required
Contact: 1-800-317-9452
Web site: http://www.pottersviolins.com
Longest-serving member of MOCO Central committee, George Sauer, dies
Today, Montgomery County Daily received a comment from Debbie Hargreaves (of Texas) in a previous entry about George Sauer, stating that he had died. I then called Wilma Sauer and she confirmed that the sad fact was true. Wilma was in good spirits since she had lived a life filled with love with George, though her concerns now were mostly about her family. She told me that there will be a memorial service at Seven Locks Baptist Church in Potomac. However, first there have to be arrangements made with her children, which include long trips from California and England.
Debbie Hargreaves' comment is the following:
"Thank you for giving him a special award. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer last night, Wednesday, September 29, 2010. George Sauer was a fine man. He was also my Uncle. I will miss his wonderful voice and his intelligent wit."
Debbie Hargreaves
I will keep all of you posted as more decisions are made, so we can all give our last respects. Wilma Sauer's phone number is 301-762-7260.
O'Malley, Ehrlich agree to Oct. 11 debate on WJZ
After weeks of wrangling, Maryland's two leading gubernatorial candidates have agreed to at least one televised debate: Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) will square off Oct. 11 on WJZ, the CBS affiliate in Baltimore. The hourlong encounter, to be moderated by WJZ anchor Denise Koch, will be taped that morning before a small studio audience and will air at 7 p.m., according to representatives from both campaigns. The candidates have agreed to cover five to six major topics, with each answering a question and allowing Koch the opportunity for follow-up.
Spokesmen for both Ehrlich and O'Malley said they remain in discussions about other debate proposals from several organizations, including The Washington Post. In their 2006 race, O'Malley and Ehrlich debated twice -- both on the same day. Oct. 11 could have a similar feel. Both candidates are planning to participate in a forum that afternoon hosted by the Maryland Disabilities Forum at a hotel near Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport. Technically, the forum, which will focus on disabilities issues, is not a debate. SOURCE: Washington Post
Spokesmen for both Ehrlich and O'Malley said they remain in discussions about other debate proposals from several organizations, including The Washington Post. In their 2006 race, O'Malley and Ehrlich debated twice -- both on the same day. Oct. 11 could have a similar feel. Both candidates are planning to participate in a forum that afternoon hosted by the Maryland Disabilities Forum at a hotel near Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport. Technically, the forum, which will focus on disabilities issues, is not a debate. SOURCE: Washington Post
September 30, 2010
Franchot Recovers Hundreds of Thousands in Child Support Payments
Annapolis, MD. (September 30, 2010) – Reaffirming his goal to use modern technology for the benefit of Maryland taxpayers, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today his office will be paying more than 1,200 delinquent child support accounts from the agency’s unclaimed property fund. The payments are made possible by using the agency’s computers to cross-reference state files; files provided thanks to House Bill 963, sponsored by Delegate Galen Clagett.
The legislation allows the Comptroller’s office to regularly cross check its Unclaimed Property accounts with the Department of Human Resources file of delinquent child support payers. When matches are found, the Comptroller’s Office directs those funds to DHR, who then makes sure they get to the children and the families who are owed the money.
“I commend Delegate Clagett for his leadership and for his persistence in fighting for this bill,” said Comptroller Franchot. “As we have the technology to run these matches, my agency runs delinquent tax payers through multiple databases on a regular basis and it only makes sense that we do the same with delinquent child support payments. This law helps ensure that the families who are counting on these funds to help make ends meet get what they are owed.”
Comptroller Franchot testified in support of Delegate Clagett’s bill during the 2009 and 2010 Session. During a test run after the bill’s first introduction, the Comptroller’s Office found over 1,600 matching accounts totaling more than $670,000. The Comptroller was very pleased to see the bi-partisan support that led to the bill’s passage this past session.
“We are very happy to have gotten this important bill through after 2 years of hard work,” said Delegate Clagett. “I am delighted that it is working and helping to get money back into the hands of the children and families who so desperately need it.”
In preparing the first remittance for the interception of unclaimed property accounts to offset delinquent Child Support payments, the Comptroller’s office is sending money to 1,281 accounts totaling $458,403.00. The amount being transferred will be significantly lower in future years due to the fact that this is a clean up on all unclaimed property records. Future payments will only match against current owner accounts. Financial institutions, utility and insurance companies and other corporations are required to report to the Comptroller any bank accounts, security deposits, wages, insurances benefits and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been unclaimed after three years. Funds remain the property of the owners or their legitimate heirs and can be claimed anytime. There is no statue of limitations. The agency has records on approximately 800,000 accounts worth more than $900 million.
The legislation allows the Comptroller’s office to regularly cross check its Unclaimed Property accounts with the Department of Human Resources file of delinquent child support payers. When matches are found, the Comptroller’s Office directs those funds to DHR, who then makes sure they get to the children and the families who are owed the money.
“I commend Delegate Clagett for his leadership and for his persistence in fighting for this bill,” said Comptroller Franchot. “As we have the technology to run these matches, my agency runs delinquent tax payers through multiple databases on a regular basis and it only makes sense that we do the same with delinquent child support payments. This law helps ensure that the families who are counting on these funds to help make ends meet get what they are owed.”
Comptroller Franchot testified in support of Delegate Clagett’s bill during the 2009 and 2010 Session. During a test run after the bill’s first introduction, the Comptroller’s Office found over 1,600 matching accounts totaling more than $670,000. The Comptroller was very pleased to see the bi-partisan support that led to the bill’s passage this past session.
“We are very happy to have gotten this important bill through after 2 years of hard work,” said Delegate Clagett. “I am delighted that it is working and helping to get money back into the hands of the children and families who so desperately need it.”
In preparing the first remittance for the interception of unclaimed property accounts to offset delinquent Child Support payments, the Comptroller’s office is sending money to 1,281 accounts totaling $458,403.00. The amount being transferred will be significantly lower in future years due to the fact that this is a clean up on all unclaimed property records. Future payments will only match against current owner accounts. Financial institutions, utility and insurance companies and other corporations are required to report to the Comptroller any bank accounts, security deposits, wages, insurances benefits and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been unclaimed after three years. Funds remain the property of the owners or their legitimate heirs and can be claimed anytime. There is no statue of limitations. The agency has records on approximately 800,000 accounts worth more than $900 million.
Montgomery, Md., man, wounded by officer, gets 18 months for assault
A Montgomery County man who assaulted a police officer during an altercation in which the man was shot five times was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months in jail. Ingham "Andre" DeFreitas, 32, also faces five years of probation as a result of his encounter last year with a police officer in the Darnestown area.
The case proved contentious to the end. Prosecutors said DeFreitas had himself to blame for what occurred. A defense attorney said the officer's conduct underscored the department's failure to provide proper training in the use of force. In handing down the sentence, Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Algeo leaned toward the prosecution. "This is not about police brutality or police conduct," he said. "This is about Mr. DeFreitas, who was convicted by a jury of assault in the second degree."
Algeo also pointed to DeFreitas's criminal history - including auto theft and drug convictions - and recent drug tests indicating that he had repeatedly smoked marijuana. "That speaks volumes to me," Algeo said.
DeFreitas, who was not armed during the encounter 12 months ago, still has one arm in a sling. Before bailiffs led him out of court, they tried to handcuff him, but his hand appeared to go limp when part of the sling was removed. SOURCE: Washington Post
The case proved contentious to the end. Prosecutors said DeFreitas had himself to blame for what occurred. A defense attorney said the officer's conduct underscored the department's failure to provide proper training in the use of force. In handing down the sentence, Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Algeo leaned toward the prosecution. "This is not about police brutality or police conduct," he said. "This is about Mr. DeFreitas, who was convicted by a jury of assault in the second degree."
Algeo also pointed to DeFreitas's criminal history - including auto theft and drug convictions - and recent drug tests indicating that he had repeatedly smoked marijuana. "That speaks volumes to me," Algeo said.
DeFreitas, who was not armed during the encounter 12 months ago, still has one arm in a sling. Before bailiffs led him out of court, they tried to handcuff him, but his hand appeared to go limp when part of the sling was removed. SOURCE: Washington Post
Chipotle coming to Kensington
John Kelly, columnist for the Washington Post, and fellow MoCo resident, reports today that Chipotle will be arriving soon at the Kensington Shopping Center. Kelly contrasts the national chain with family-owned Continental Pizza, located in the same shopping center on Connecticut Avenue. Continental’s owners worry that the pizzeria may face stiff competition from the burrito purveyor.
It seems to us that burritos and pizza are different food that can peacefully coexist in the same small shopping center, particularly given the present dearth of eateries in Kensington. It is not as if Continental was the sole restaurant in the shopping center; there is already a Chinese restaurant (Hong Kong Kensington) too.
What do you think? Is Chipotle good for Kensington or the death knell for Continental?
P.S.: The strangest part of this story appears to be that the impetus for Chipotle’s arrival in Kensington was, in some part, due to a Facebook campaign spearheaded by state Delegate Al Carr. Other than Betty White appearing on SNL, this has to be the only time that sending out a demand to the Facebook universe has led to actual concrete action. SOURCE: What's Up Wheaton
It seems to us that burritos and pizza are different food that can peacefully coexist in the same small shopping center, particularly given the present dearth of eateries in Kensington. It is not as if Continental was the sole restaurant in the shopping center; there is already a Chinese restaurant (Hong Kong Kensington) too.
What do you think? Is Chipotle good for Kensington or the death knell for Continental?
P.S.: The strangest part of this story appears to be that the impetus for Chipotle’s arrival in Kensington was, in some part, due to a Facebook campaign spearheaded by state Delegate Al Carr. Other than Betty White appearing on SNL, this has to be the only time that sending out a demand to the Facebook universe has led to actual concrete action. SOURCE: What's Up Wheaton
Community Events
Blessing of the Animals - Saturday, October 23 at 10 am. Celebrate the companions that bring joy to our lives with a short outdoor service of blessing. Rain or shine at the church entrance. For the safety of all, please leash/contain pets. The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. www.mystandrew.org
Model Train Show & Fair - Saturday November 13, 9am-4pm and Sunday November 14, 12 noon-4pm. Come enjoy an extensive mini-landscape of operating model trains! Crafts & train items for sale; breakfast & lunch available. Activities & gifts for kids! Suggested donation - $4 per person, 12 & under FREE! The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. www.mystandrew.org
Hearts & Holly Craft Bazaar - Saturday, November 20, 9am-2pm. Handmade treats & treasures, artisan crafts, homemade jams, jellies & savories, quilts and textile arts, ornaments and unique wood pieces, Grandma's Attic (vintage items) and Santa's Workshop (gift shopping for kids). BBQ lunch served 11-1. Your holiday spirit starts here! The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring MD. www.mystandrew.org
Model Train Show & Fair - Saturday November 13, 9am-4pm and Sunday November 14, 12 noon-4pm. Come enjoy an extensive mini-landscape of operating model trains! Crafts & train items for sale; breakfast & lunch available. Activities & gifts for kids! Suggested donation - $4 per person, 12 & under FREE! The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. www.mystandrew.org
Hearts & Holly Craft Bazaar - Saturday, November 20, 9am-2pm. Handmade treats & treasures, artisan crafts, homemade jams, jellies & savories, quilts and textile arts, ornaments and unique wood pieces, Grandma's Attic (vintage items) and Santa's Workshop (gift shopping for kids). BBQ lunch served 11-1. Your holiday spirit starts here! The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring MD. www.mystandrew.org
September 29, 2010
Statement from Mike Phillips (Candidate MD-08) about Ehrlich poll
Statement from Mike Phillips (Candidate in Maryland's 8th Congressional District) about Ehrlich poll:
The Washington Post released a poll today that characterized former Governor Bob Ehrlich trailing the incumbent Governor O'Malley by 11 percentage points in the race for the Governor's seat in Annapolis. Given the small number of Republicans polled this would make sense. Given the large number of Democrats polled (relative to Republicans), the results make sense. However, what doesn't make sense is the lack of mental gymnastics going on down at the Post.
This is the best news I have had all week! Since the Post can't do math worth printing, it is no wonder their numbers and their conclusions about the Governor's race don't add up. With so few Republicans in the polling numbers and so many non-registered voters in the mix, we could easily extrapolate a blowout in favor of Ehrlich if the Post would only drop the illegal aliens from the poll and use a realistic distribution of voters from around the state instead of manipulating the voter pool to generate the outcome they needed to print the story. The Post even added this disclaimer to each question, "This is a non-scientific user poll. Results are not statistically valid and cannot be assumed to reflect the views of Washington Post users as a group or the general population." What a waste of good print space. Shame on the Post!
Mike Philips,
Candidate for Congress MD 8th District against Rep. Chris van Hollen
703-856-2811
mike@mikephilipsforcongress.com
www.mike4us.com
Bus Accident on I-270 in Bethesda, Maryland off fly way
BETHESDA, Md. - A commuter bus plunged off a highway Wednesday outside the nation's capital, killing one person and injuring at least a dozen, including children, authorities said. Parents and children were aboard the bus that fell 45 feet off a skyramp of the Capital Beltway and landed below along Interstate 270 in Bethesda, said Maryland State Police Sgt. Michael Brennan. The crash occurred about 4 p.m. as the afternoon rush hour started to build, creating a massive traffic jam northwest of Washington.
Television footage showed crews in yellow jackets and helmets walking up ladders and crawling into the holed-out windows of the bus. Rescuers spread out tarp on the roadway where a woman lay with a brace around her neck and held a compress to her head. Police dogs were searching the area in case people were ejected from the bus. Some children also sat in the triage areas surrounded by backpacks, including a girl with a white bandage wrapped around her head. A firefighter could be seen carrying a child in his arms, while others were taken away on stretchers.
Authorities had to extricate several people from the "limousine-style tour bus," said Montgomery County fire department Assistant Chief Scott Graham. Graham said 12 people were taken to area hospitals. Two had critical, life-threatening injuries, two others were critically hurt but should survive and the rest had minor injuries. SOURCE: FOX
Television footage showed crews in yellow jackets and helmets walking up ladders and crawling into the holed-out windows of the bus. Rescuers spread out tarp on the roadway where a woman lay with a brace around her neck and held a compress to her head. Police dogs were searching the area in case people were ejected from the bus. Some children also sat in the triage areas surrounded by backpacks, including a girl with a white bandage wrapped around her head. A firefighter could be seen carrying a child in his arms, while others were taken away on stretchers.
Authorities had to extricate several people from the "limousine-style tour bus," said Montgomery County fire department Assistant Chief Scott Graham. Graham said 12 people were taken to area hospitals. Two had critical, life-threatening injuries, two others were critically hurt but should survive and the rest had minor injuries. SOURCE: FOX
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