Lost on the Eastern Shore

Helton Challenge Still Alive

2010-09-03T08:52:00.001-04:00

Despite what u may have heard, the challenge to candidate Art Helton's actual residency in his Primary fight with Rovall Washington for the District 34 Senate seat now held by Republican Nancy Jabobs, is still alive. Right now it sits in the Appeals Court, challenging a local judge's decision to quash because of a passed deadline.

Barbara Osborn Kreamer recently filed this appeal challenging the decision of her case being thrown out of lower court due to a late filing based on the Primary date rather than the General Election.

Will it fly? It ain't over till it's over.

BTW, I did not give candidate Helton's website link for a purpose. It's down- bill not paid. Geez- Louise! I mean- really! This is the best the Democratic Party can do here? Talk about a throw-away election. Hang your heads!

HDH Drama Guild

2010-08-25T11:44:00.000-04:00

The best part of the HDH Arts Festival was this performing group. I was attracted to some rock'n'roll music being sung, so I followed my ears.
Bonanza! Karoke being sung by a group of costumed 50's teens. What fun!!!
These kids were good! If u ever get the chance, DO NOT MISS!
BTW, guys should have white t-shirts on with a cigge pack in the rolled-up sleeve. Slicked-back hair would help, too.
They bill themselves as the "Karoke Kids." Hats off to them, their sponsor (the Havre de Grace Recreation Committee), and directors!!
Sorry, no pics!!! They should be up on youtube.

Havre De Grace Arts Show

2010-08-25T11:35:00.000-04:00

**UPDATE** Cross this off the "bucket" list. Mostly a craft fair with a lot of jewelry and photography. Low on the finer arts indeed. A few food offerings, but not much & nothing to brag about. Best deal of the day was "Del's Lemonade"- a R.I. company. No, it's not the official State Beverage (u think that I'm joking, don't you).

It was a close call between Autocrat coffee syrup and the lemonade which you could purchase from a truck on the way to URI and the nearby state beaches. More of a slush with lemon bits in it. Good!

However, Autocrat had been around for generations. I grew up on it as a kid. Every year when we were up North for summer vacations- we'd buy a ton of it. It was a sad day when we ran out. Then it was just adding regular coffee and lots of sugar to your milk for flavoring. Even today, my cup of java is basically milk & sugar, with a touch of coffee. LOL!

But I digress...

The fight was on in the state lege for the official state drink. Unfortunately for Del's, they were promoted by a Republican state legislator who was also a franchise owner in Middletown, RI. (part of Newport County). Every year on the last lege session, he would bring his truck by and supply freebies. BTW, the lege houses are NOT air-conditioned. Better to get them to past that budget- FAST!

So, in very Democratic R.I., no lemonade for the State drink. He may also have been the minority whip at that point. They could have had TWO state drinks, but NO-O-O-O.

So, I've just made a short story VERY long indeed.

It's today & Sunday from 10-5 pm. in Tydings Park and--- it's free! So why not? This week I may purchase show tickets for the Lantern Queen Riverboat. This is on sailboat race night (Thursday) & is their last August cruise. The ship features dinner and a trip down the Susquehanna. Not inexpensive, to be sure, but a nice night for a guest.

On Sunday there is the Steppingstone Museum's old time baseball game- 1880's rules- no gloves! "Dauntless" is the home team & the game begins at noon with a $3.00 admission charge to the park. I have not yet been to this museum or any of its festivals although I've been darn close. Usually bad weather was the deciding factor. Oddly enough, their website makes no mention of this game. But I shall not be deterred!
Then there's the Tues. Aberdeen concert featuring the Bay Country Gentlemen at Festival Park- 7pm, though the latter's website specifies 6:30- 9. And they should know. Ahhh, barbershop, I'm thinking. So much to do, so little time. End of summer- downright bittersweet.

Lousy Lobster

2010-08-25T11:21:00.000-04:00

I had initially asked my son to bring me some R.I. lobster on his visit. Yum! Expensive but- yum! He wasn't able to but I happened to be in Aberdeen's Shop Rite and saw- lobster! On sale! $4.00/lb. Fresh!
So, I bought some thinking all lobster was the same.
Mistake! Don't do it!!

Mushy meat, gelatinous claws, green liquid throughout claws, bland taste- yuck! Not the delicate, sweet taste that I am used to.
Too long on ice, old, warm waters??? Don't know and don't care. Fortunately, most of my guests did not notice, but I sure did. I threw the extra cooked one away.
So don't buy cheap lobster!
Whic begs the question, where can I get some good ones here??? I am definitely still lost. But slightly smarter now. $4.00/lb. indeed!

Fight Continues for Where State Senate Candidate Helton Resides

2010-08-19T09:38:00.003-04:00

I think my alternate title for this posting is "District 34 Side-Stepping." Everyone. Except Barbara.
After Barbara Osborn Kreamer filed her recent complaint about the candidate's actual residence location (this is my voting district), Art Helton was served. Guess where? Not where he claims new residency status, but... where he says he ain't. LOL!

The basis of the complaint seems to rest on the judge who gave the original decision ignoring the requirement of the local Election Board requiring Helton to provide more than the usual required documentation due to bad boy tactics of the past. The Board didn't take well to his many election-based moves to actual non-residences wherein he claimed to reside until they took the time to examine these changes at the behest of Osborn. When you are the owner of a number of properties, this is relatively easy to do. I live where I say I live.
So how did he actually get to register this time without doing what he was required to by the Board? Huh? Enquiring minds like to know this stuff. Screw-up number One. And a biggie at that.
The new judge may throw out the last decision based on this alone. Then that reopens the case with Helton now required to prove not only that he has taken up a new residence, but has actually abandoned the old. Ah, let the good times roll.
Will all this actually remove his name from the ballot with such a short time remaining? Or will it happen post-primary and possibly hand the election to the Republican opponent- Nancy Jacobs? Republicans must be cheering on this one. Heck, they should come up with the legal fees & some donations here.
Here is the Dagger Press article with pics and quotes. Osborn declined to be interviewed, but the two Democratic candidates in the upcoming Primary sure didn't.
Roval Washington did a neat little side-step by claiming total ignorance as to what's been going on regarding all this after his initial loss. Yeah. Right. Whatever. All this translates into I can't raise enough moola to do this right- like hire a lawyer. If he had, likely this would all be history now and Helton's name might well be off the ballot. However, it's a wise political move. Play the game behind the scenes and get someone else to do your dirty work for you. Ahhh, ain't I clean & pretty. I'm not actually faulting him here, just pointing it out. He could have continued his legal fight, but chose not to.
Then there are former State Senator's Helton's comments. These are quite similar to others he made previously regarding candidate Washington. In logic they would be termed "ad hominem" fallacies (hey, I went to Washington College & took logic). This is also referred to as distract, distract, distract- or- side-stepping. Then maybe you'll forget the main point. Blah, blah, blah. Ain't Barbara a bad girl- give her a spanking. He also issues more comments about his opponent- yadda, yadda, yadda.
No one is exactly taking the high road here- except Osborn. Really, what has she to gain? Heck, just the filing cost her $. Not much that I can see, but a continued fight for "truth, justice, and the American way." Would I do the same? Would you? I'd certainly think twice about it- and a lot more times. Especially after my car had been damaged beyond repair shortly after testifying in the first hearing (yeah, right, coincidence). Or maybe that's just it. I've been bullied long enough and "I'm just not going to take it any more!"

From my point of view (and remember, I am "lost"), the Dems consider this particular office a "throwaway." That's why we get mediocre candidates (I'm being generous here). I do believe that a current female delegate (not in my district), explored running here but evidently nixed it based on a phone poll. Too bad. We all lose.
Here is the actual complaint regarding the residency status of A. Helton that was served:

BARBARA OSBORN KREAMER * IN THE

Complainant * CIRCUIT COURT

V. * FOR

ARTHUR HENRY HELTON, Jr. * HARFORD COUNTY

Respondent * MARYLAND

 Case No.



* * * * * * * * * * *

COMPLAINT FOR CHANGE OF VOTER REGISTRATION

AND DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDACY

NOW COMES THE COMPLAINANT, Barbara Osborn Kreamer, of Aberdeen, Maryland, to pray This Honorable Court to declare the voter registration of the Respondent, Arthur Henry Helton, Jr., of Darlington, the Respondent, invalid on the basis of failure of domicile, to restore his registration to his actual domicile and to disqualify the Respondent’s candidacy for the Senate of Maryland from the Thirty-fourth District (34th) for lack of residency based on said failure of domicile and offers as reasons therefor:

1. The Complainant is a former Harford County Councilwoman representing District E and a former Delegate to the Maryland General Assembly representing the Thirty-fourth District, and the Complainant was elected to the Democratic State Central Committee for Harford County in 1998, 2002 and 2006.

2. The Complainant resides, is domiciled in and is a registered voter in the City of Aberdeen in Harford County, Maryland.

3. The City of Aberdeen is in the Thirty-fourth Legislative District for purposes of electing members of the Maryland General Assembly.

4. The boundaries of the Thirty-fourth District do not include Darlington, Maryland, which is in the Thirty-fifth District.

5. The boundaries of the Thirty-fourth District include Joppatowne, Maryland.

6. A candidate for office for the Maryland General Assembly is required to be a registered voter within the legislative district that he or she files to represent for at least six months prior to election.

7. The Respondent is a former Harford County Council Member representing District E and a former Senator to the Maryland General Assembly representing District 34.

8. The Respondent is domiciled at 3069 Harmony Church Road, Darlington, Maryland.

9. The Respondent has been domiciled at 3069 Harmony Church Road, Darlington, Maryland since at least 1992.

10. The Respondent’s wife, Ann C. Helton, from whom he is not separated, has been domiciled at 3069 Harmony Church Road, Darlington since at least 1992.

11. The Respondent’s wife changed her voter registration from 3069 Harmony Church Road, where she had been registered for more than ten years and where she continued to reside and be domiciled, to 247 Fountain Street, Havre de Grace, Maryland in January, 2002, when her husband ran for the Senate of Maryland from the Thirty-fourth District, and then she changed it back again to Harmony Church Road in November, 2003 after he lost the election.

12. The Respondent has changed his voter registration while residing at 3069 Harmony Church Road in order to pursue a succession of political objectives.

13. First, although he continued to reside and be domiciled at 3069 Harmony Church Road, Darlington, he changed his registration in January, 2002 to 247 Fountain Street,

Apartment C, Havre de Grace, Maryland in order to file a candidacy and run for the Senate of Maryland, an election which he lost.

14. Second, while continuing to reside and be domiciled at 3069 Harmony Church Road, Darlington, the Respondent changed his registration to 119 West Bel Air Avenue, Aberdeen in November, 2003. The structure at 119 West Bel Air Avenue contains no living quarters; it is a one story building used as a pharmacy. Senator Helton did not live or work there.

15. Municipal elections in Aberdeen were held in November, 2003.

16. Third, the Respondent, while continuing to reside and be domiciled at 3069 Harmony Church Road, changed his registration in January, 2006 to an address on Parke Street where he maintains an office; the office does not contain living quarters. There was some confusion about whether the property that he owns containing the office and the place that he claims for voter registration is at 8 North Parke Street or 8 South Parke Street, but clarification was later achieved to designate the address as 8 North Parke Street.

17. Respondent’s wife was a candidate for County Executive in 2006; her place of registration remained 3069 Harmony Church Road, Darlington, Maryland.

18. The Respondent wrote an e-mail to Complainant on Sunday, September 30, 2007 saying that he had a variety of properties, any one of which he could claim as his residence.

19. After admonishing the Respondent to reconcile his voter registration with his domicile of 3069 Harmony Church Road and cautioning the Respondent not to vote in the 2007 municipal election in Aberdeen and ascertaining that the Respondent failed to move his registration before the books closed preceding the Aberdeen municipal election, the Complainant filed a complaint with the State Board of Elections.

20. Said complaint was received at the State Board on November 6, 2007 and delegated to Judith A. Armold, who rendered an opinion on December 17, 2007, which opinion was adopted by the State Board of Elections and posted on their website.

21. The opinion required that “any future application for a change in Sen. Helton’s voter registration address should be supported by clear evidence of a permanent intent to reside elsewhere”.

22. The Respondent did not provide additional clear evidence when he applied to change his voter registration yet again on February 27, 2009. Respondent applied to move his voter registration to 110 Ravenswood Court, Joppatowne, Maryland.

23. Respondent continued to reside and be domiciled at 3069 Harmony Church Road, Darlington, Maryland.

24. In April, 2010 the Respondent announced his campaign for the Maryland Senate from District 34. His campaign website at www.arthelton.com features a photograph of him by a doorway marked with the numerals 110.

25. On June 7, 2010 Respondent’s wife changed her voter registration from 3069 Harmony Church Road, Darlington to 110 Ravenswood Court, Joppatowne, Maryland.

26. On June 30, 2010 the Respondent filed his candidacy for the Maryland Senate for District 34.

27. On July 16, 2010 Complainant and Respondent testified in response to a complaint by Maryland State Senate Candidate Rovall M. Washington about the Respondent’s “hope to deceive the Maryland Board of Elections as to his true residency.”

28. On the same day This Honorable Court, having given notice of a hearing of less than twenty-four hours, denied the complaint.

29. The Respondent has never abandoned 3069 Harmony Church Road as his domicile.

30. The Respondent’s registration odyssey shows that he has never established 110 Ravenswood Court, Joppatowne as his domicile.

31. The government of Maryland is a republic. Its power is derived from the people. The people elect representatives from among themselves. The General Assembly adopts the boundaries of a set of legislative districts, which define the communities from which candidates may offer themselves and voters may choose among the candidates.

32. The government of Maryland is not a parliament derived from members of a political party offering themselves as candidates in any district where each candidate may choose to file regardless of the individual candidate’s domicile.

33. Former Senator Helton is not eligible to be a candidate for the Senate of Maryland from the Thirty-fourth District because he is not domiciled in the thirty-fourth District of Maryland.

34. Permitting an illegal candidacy creates mistrust in the minds of the electorate.

35. Permitting an illegal candidacy creates a chilling effect on potential candidacies by citizens whose candidacies would be legitimate.

WHEREFORE, the Complainant prays This Honorable Court to:

A. Find that the Respondent’s domicile is 3069 Harmony Church Road, Darlington, Maryland;

B. Find that the Respondent’s domicile is not 110 Ravenswood Court, Joppatowne, Maryland;

C. Direct the Harford Board of Elections to move Respondent’s voter registration to 3069 Harmony Church Road, Darlington, Maryland;

D. Disqualify Respondent’s candidacy for the Senate of Maryland for District 34.

AFFIDAVIT

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the matters and facts attested to herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.

______________________________

Barbara Osborn Kreamer

As in duty bound, etc.

______________________________

BARBARA OSBORN KREAMER

Pro Se

701 Beards Hill Road

Aberdeen, Maryland 21001-1756

STATE OF MARYLAND

TO WIT:

COUNTY OF HARFORD

I HEREBY CERTIFY that on the ___________ day of ________________, 2010 before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally appeared , who acknowledged to me herself to be the person herein named and that she executed the foregoing document for the purposes therein contained.

My commission expires:

__________________________ _____________________________

Notary Public

Lost at the Havre de Grace Seafood Festival

2010-08-16T09:09:00.001-04:00

Hey, it sounded promising- a seafood festival with a top 10 rating of one of the best seafood festivals around. I LOVE seafood. Forget calamari, though. Hello, quahogs, lobsters, cod, oysters, etc.! What a washout- in more ways than one! BTW, WHO gave them that rating? I couldn't locate it.

Yes, it was pouring on Sunday. Still- it's only water. The outside temp was good, and there was a welcome breeze blowing offshore. However, this did not work for the vendors. I heard complaints of burners being blown out and saw numerous vendors having to remove/cover wares due to rain. And some just closed up shop.

Okay, so I'll admit I likely didn't see it at it's best- like when the sun was shining. I did walk around though looking for good eats. FRY Heaven. Name it, they fry it. Clam strips only. Yuck! You want full bellied clams- the good stuff. Otherwise, walk on by. Had oysters. Double yuck! Fishy. All the seafood was frozen. Coakley's (local) was serving up a bar with freshly shucked oysters. Hearing that local seafood was recently plagued with bacteria, I passed them up. Not crazy over seafood not fully cooked as I have enough problems without adding hepatitis to the list. Do I trust Gulf seafood yet? Pulease! All that oil has disappeared? And the cleaners? Right. And then a miracle happened. Like I trust the FDA or the Dept. of Agriculture or any gov't agency at this point regarding safety issues.

Of course, all the humidity didn't help the fried stuff. Almost immediately it all went limp. Well, the soft day rains didn't exactly help here.

So what good food did I find? Not much, really. Forget the fried frozen seafood gamut- gag me with a spoon. There was "Sweets by Greeks" with yummy desserts- thumbs up! I also noticed, but passed up, homemade soda, homemade ice cream, gelato, nuts, and soup. Coakley's food looked promising, but why would I buy from a local vendor always around? Silly me. That was it, really. A homemade doughnut vendor did attract my attention. Don't ask me why, but we New Englanders have a love affair with 'em (esp., Dunkin Donuts- like a shop on every corner). There are still plenty of homemade ones around, but u have to look or ask locals. Yumm, warm dougnuts. But I digress

The various crafting tables looked interesting, but it got too darn wet & becoming muddy. Yummy, but expensive from "Pecn Yummies." Always a good idea passing out free samples. Got my attention One political candidate was present (God bless him & his family). Don't believe he's in my district though. Various public/private groups were present. The new gambling casino vendor at Perryville attracted a lot of attention- mainly because it was sheltered, I think!

So next year- don't come hungry for seafood or be VERY choosey. And by the way, don't go if it's raining.

Ah, well. At least there were plenty of bathrooms, unlike the Fourth of July parade. Oh- good live music, too. But while I'm still ranting- the city pays a tourism director (full-time). What a crappy website for this event. It's not even completed. I would have listed vendors I like, but no-go. They should have been posted up along with their websites. Buty, hey, whada I know- I am still lost, after all.

Going to the Cecil County Fair

2010-07-30T09:12:00.000-04:00

I've been easily distracted of late with life, but fun is a-coming. It's the last weekend for the fair. All of it sounds like fun- hog racing contest, frisbee chasing dogs, music, rodeo contests, etc. Can't wait!

Crabcakes Rule!

2010-07-24T06:19:00.002-04:00

I've had crab so many ways here in Maryland that I can't believe no one has yet come up with a dessert featuring it as an ingredient.

So I bought some local backfin crabmeat yesterday at the local Mars market. Then I purchased an Old Bay seasoning packet for crabcakes. The recipe was pretty darn simple- 1 lb. crab (yes, I examined it for cartilage first), 1/2 cu. mayo, and that was it. I divded it into 6 patties and broiled 5 min. on each side. Delish! They did fall apart, but I'm told that is a good thing.

Maybe next time I'll try another recipe. Any suggestions?

Helton vs. Washington Redoux?

2010-07-23T18:19:00.001-04:00

Word I am hearing is that their likely will be an appeal and/or other residency complaints filed against former St. Sen. Art Helton (see previous postings) by candidate Rovall Washington (et al?). These candidates have more charges & counter charges against each other than there are crabs in the Chesapeake.

Does character matter? Yeah, I think that it does although defining it is much like definiting pornography- "I know it when I see it."

Health concerns and questions should be asked of the former Senator. In Dec. he pulled out of this race for health concerns and in his recent court appearance was in a wheelchair, supposedly suffering from an infection.

On another note (or maybe the same?), someone who testified against Helton suffered recent, expensive, malicious property damage. Coincidence? Hey, u tell me.

Here is the Aegis' take on the hearing. It seems that "intention" rules here in Harford County. And then there is always the interesting chatter on http://www.daggerpress.org/

What does all this translate to? Money rules (Helton can afford a lawyer & Washington can't), while the Republican Party is cheering in the background. You play political hardball here in Maryland.

Candidate Helton Lives in Joppatowne!

2010-07-17T18:12:00.001-04:00

Rovall Washington lost his challenge to Helton’s residency. Washington believes that was because neighbors who could testify from their personal observations that Helton does not live in the Ravenswood court house declined to come to court. There was some testimony regarding his past problems with his actual residency in Aberdeen with the Board of Elections threw out a few years ago. Washington was not represented by an attorney while Helton (former State Senator) was. Republicans were all over the courtroom audience. Candidate Helton was there sitting in a wheelchair.

Remember, these two are battling it out in a Democratic Primary for State Senate, a position Nancy Jacobs (R) now holds and would like to continue holding.

Washington's levelling of charges & not having a highly skilled lawyer handling this challenge was a real mistake. If you can't get people up there to testify (and they couldn't), you ain't got jake, Jack. Sorry, it makes both sides look rather foolish. On the Helton's side it raises suspicions on where he really does live (or is it just an election residency & playing the system). This was only Act I in what promises to be a very interesting and bloody Primary battle.

And then there's the actual election against a very tough 3x winner. This was a sad day for Republicans & a heckuva lotta fun for Republicans who now can sit out the Primary season and just watch the bloodletting. When the actual election rolls around, much of the hard work will have already been done- by their opponents against themselves! Don't that beat all. That's politics.

More on the interesting race and others later. Here's the Sun's version.

Former St. Sen. Helton in Court today

2010-07-16T10:09:00.000-04:00

Fromer St. Sen. Art Helton will be in Harford County Courthouse today in a criminal hearing regarding his residency in this district as candidate for the State Senate. Testimony is on the agenda. I will have more later as it develops. See previous posting regarding this problem.
Ah, I did say that this candidate and his contender for the Democratic Primary here in Sept. both looked VERY interesting, didn't I? Let the bloodletting begin!

Gone Sailing!

2010-07-15T08:08:00.000-04:00

*UDATE* Thanks for all the comments in various places. The intensive instructions was gueling & the written test daunting, but I survived and had fun!
Physical therapy for the pain in the neck, finally. But completing the steps to it with extensive testing was difficult. Oh, well. Visiting relatives for a few days.
Enjoy your weekends! Comments are always welcome & encouraged!

Gone sailing for a few days and doing physical therapy on my aching neck.

Thanks for all the birthday greetings!

Happy Birthday

2010-07-11T02:53:00.000-04:00

to me!

Still here! Older, wiser, and not as good-looking! What can I say- I've LIVED!

I have a recipe for you bakers & doughnut-lovers. No, it's not a doughnut but a muffin. Not fried. Yum! Easy to make. My friend says it's the nutmeg that does the trick. Every New Englander LOVES doughnuts. Heck, there's a D.D. on every corner. Why? Beats me. It's been like this since I was a kid. When they finally opened a doughnut store near us in Balto. Co. (name?) many years ago, we were frequent visitors. Heavenly and with a zillion choices. No need to wait for the Cape & summer vacation. No, this recipe is not the Dunkin Donuts' dunker, but damn close!

Coffee??? Like, what's the point without a doughnut. Plain works for me. But my secret choice (rarely made) is jelly. Once, when my family was away, I had a contest with myself. Bought a dozen and was able to consume---8. Doubt if I could still do the same- LOL! Ahh, calories then were meaningless. Now--- why go to all the trouble of eating that jelly doughnut? I may as well just slap that sucker on my hips!

My favorite doughnut memory is buying them still warm from the Sandwich, Mass. (Cape Cod) bakery. Happy times many years ago with many family and friends around.

So enjoy and feel free to share any birthday/doughnut stories!

State Senate- District 34- Who lives Where?

2010-07-09T01:25:00.002-04:00

**UPDATED**

Ah, politics. Interesting, lively- love, romance, mystery- all the things needed for a damn good story. And in this election year, the Democrats are already shaping up for a rather lively primary against the popular 3x elected Senator- Republican Nancy Jacobs.

Remember, I'm still "lost" here- newly arrived from R.I. after being "lost" there for quite awhile. But I do know something about politics- witness 3 tries myself- two for state senate.

Primaries are usually not considered to be good things. One would assume after a primary that the party would then unite behind the winner and all bad feeling would be gone with the wine. Yeah, right. And you believe in the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny, right?

What it does usually is produce bad blood all around (esp. with those of us who have to listen/read this stuff). A political group split by dissension usually does not happily reunite and stride on to victory. What often emerges is a party in shreds, lots of bad feeling, with no ability to reunite in defeating the common foe. In fact, an obsteperous primary, and this one already has all the markings of one, while quite entertaining to watch, is not something that any candidate should look forward to (despite the rhetoric). Ahhh, but the Republican opponent must be licking her chops, just waiting for the bloodletting (one the Democratic side) to begin. And it has.

Democratic candidate Rovall Washington accuses the other candidate, Art Helton, of voter fraud- namely not actually residing in is district. Pretty serious charges, right?  Especially since election rules here require you to reside in your district for 6 mos. before an election (and there will be a Sept. Primary). This district covers souther Harford County (not Belair) and western Cecil Co. (where I reside in lovely Perryville). The major towns are: Joppa, Edgewood, Aberdeen, Riverside, Havre De Grace, Pt Deposit, Perryville & Abingdon.

ABC News runs the bones of the story (along with some misspellings); although if you don't mind reading another somewhat slanted Democratic view, the http://www.daggerpress.com/2010/06/08/as-primary-nears-state-senate-candidate-washington-challenges-heltons-joppa-residency/ offers a more lively version (and lots of comments- check them out but always be skeptical of unsigned comments without documentation).

Candidate Helton evidently has switched residences many times depending on which election district candidacy appeals to him. Nice to have $, isn't it? Elections are not run cheaply (and I oughtta know). Mr. Helton was in the Havre de Grace Fourth of July parade. Oddly enough, he chose not to be in the candidate section which perhaps explains why there was not one clearly visible election sign on his float (I spotted a hidden one). He instead seemed to be in the "regular" section of the parade as a businessman, although the whole float and purpose and sponsor seemed somewhat nebulous. His name was definitely present on the float, though.

Former Aberdeen delegate and Democratic Central Committee member (and fellow Washington college graduate), Barbara Osborn Kreamer, filed a complaint with the Board of Elections regarding his actual in 2007. Aberdeen native Kreamer realized that his "home address" was actually a business location. The Harford Board of Elections then forced him to change his residence to his actual home in Darlington.  His wife, Ann, who has been a candidate (Harford Co. Exec.), has done the same. Kreamer then was punished by the Central Committee and kicked out of office (oh, u bad girl, Barbara).

Oddly enough, Helton who was "in" the race earlier, dropped out in Sept. 09 for health reasons. Guess he's feeling better. Helton heled get Aberdeen Mayor Mike Bennett elected in 08 and was in charge of his "transition" team, as was wife Ann.

As part of their decision, the Board stated that Helton would not be allowed to change his residency again without overwhelming proof of such. "Since 2002, the board found, Helton had changed his registration five times among four addresses in Aberdeen, Havre de Grace and Darlington." (source) But since Helton owns a number of properties, this evidently hasn't held him back one iota. At least yet. We'll see what happens. Does Helton actually live in Joppa? Edgwood, Darlington, Aberdeen, Harvre de Grace? Heck, and I think that I'm "lost." Not to mention confused. There's more but I weary for now.

But let's not stop with Art Helton. What about Rovell Washington? Helton says that he owns no home in the district (who cares) but recently lost a home that was foreclosed on elsewhere (not a good thing).  Then there are personal allegations against both candidates.

All of which make current Sen. Nancy Jacobs look damn good. I'm exhausted just writing about the two current Dem. candidates and their lively backgrounds. Whew!  Stay tuned for more- mystery, romance, sex, lies, more yak, yak, yak. Policies will just get buried in our "gotta know" times. Does all this stuff matter? Yeah, it does. It speaks to character.

"Heat Wave"

2010-07-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

108 degrees is what my thermometer said. And no real break in site. High humidity, lousy air quality and, too damn hot!

The dog days of summer have cedrtainly brought forth this heat wave. Thunderstorms are coming this weekend, but expect little in the way of heat release until Sunday when lower temps & humidity are predicted.

Hopefully, the power grid will hold. Keep that a.c. going, but try and cut-down on other uses till after dark: run those dishwashers, driers, and clothes' washers after dark.

I slather myself with sun screen, try and stay inside, and wear a big straw hat when I reluctantly go out. Even my cat eschews the outside deck until later in the day.

And drink. Fluids, that is. Lots of ice and water or juice. What do you do to stay cool?

Memories of the Fourth

2010-07-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Harve de Grace carnival was much larger than I was expecting (sorry, Newport, R.I.). It was huge with a large and well-behaved crowd. No, I passed on the rides (neck woes), but had a funnel cake and purchased a bubble gun (see pic). Yeah, yeah, yeah, I said that I was going to give it later in the month to my grand-neice (and I may), but this thing is so darn much fun!!! It lights up, buzzes, and blows tons of bubbles. What's not to like? Sure, it was $8, but worth every penny. Today I need more batteries & bubble stuff. C'mon, life it short- have fun!

It was long, fun, and warm in Havre de Grace for the parade. Definitely the "in" place to be. I was impressed that not only were many of the current office-holders were in it (now all running), but candidates also. Heck, in Middletown where I lived (next to Newport; part of Newport Co., but most things there are town-centered, not county), I couldn't get into public places like the library, senior center, etc., as a candidate. No, the deck was definitely not stacked against political challenegers. Public discourse and candidate participation is just plain healthy and ultimately good for all of "we, the people." Unless, of course, as a friend says, you end up voting the wrong way! LOL!!!

It's shaping up to be a very interesting political season everywhere this Nov. I'm a political junkie, so more on Md. politics later. I'm still working out the lay of the land, not to mention where the heck I am.

BTW, where were all the bathrooms for the parade and "we, the people"? Sure couldn't go into the local hospital to use theirs. Thanks so much. Too few and far between!!!! With all the seniors (a-hem) and children present, they were MUCH-NEEDED! Keeping yourself well-hydrated means- well, bathrooms needed! HELLO, out there, party organizers.

There was no problem parking (small vehicle) and plenty of room for everyone. The shady side with all the trees was much-appreciated. Yup, I made a parade donation and was happy to be able to do so.

Loved the fireworks!! From my high deck on the Susquehanna, I saw at least 8 displays. Don't know who they all were (Cark Ripken Stadium?, local Veterans?), but THANKS! (BTW, Go, Ironbirds! Go Newport Gulls! Go Boston Red Sox!)

Fourth of July- Sacred?

2010-07-05T12:26:00.000-04:00

My former homestate of R.I. hosts the oldest (1785) Fourth of July parade in the U.S. in Bristol. Ah, pretty, picturesque, old-time New Englandy Bristol. Tiny little waterfront city with basically one narrow main street full of small local shops, old captains' homes/estates, and gingerbready houses. Pretty as all get-out. Alas, Bristol lost its importance centuries ago. Much of the Rhode Island seatrade involved slaves, sugar, rum. You know, the old "triangular trade" route.

I attended once after first relocating there years ago. It was easy getting there, not so easy leaving. L-O-N-G. The night before they do a fund-raising concert with their big-name groups. There are fireworks and a hose contest with all the fire departments in the area participating. It's world class, so check it out! If you actually miss it, it's on their statewide cable and "live" that day on the local t.v. stations- I kid you not! Hey, like I keep telling people, it's a small state.

Then there is the very popular,albeit strange, celebration held every Fourth in the tiny town of Chepatchet- the "Ancients and Horribles" parade. Ah, oh you crazy "swamp Yankees."

The Ancient and Horribles Parade was founded in 1927 and named as a parody of the more somber Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, the oldest military organization in the United States. Calvin Coolidge, U.S. President when the parade was founded in 1927, was a member of the original Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. According to the 2008 chair of the parade, Connie Leathers, "...Rhode Islanders being Rhode Islanders made fun of them."The Parade features both traditional Fourth of July floats and marchers, such as veterans and fire trucks, as well as often irreverent, satirical displays commenting on political and cultural issues. (see previous citation)

Thanks to the Projo for the photo and even more info if you are so inclined.

Stiff-Necked on the Eastern Shore, but Well-Fed

2010-07-02T15:58:00.003-04:00

Today I had two medical tests done: nerve conductivity & an electromyogram. What fun. One test involved sending mild electric charges all over both arms and the other involved sticking a small needle into my arm (electric) and having me- clench my fist, push, pull, etc.

Why, one may ask, am I having such inane tests done akin to being in the Tower during the reign of Henry VIII? Ahhh, good question. This test was brought about by my having an MRI on my back/neck. And this came about after complaining to my nurse-practitioner (love 'em) about pain which has not gone away since the beginning of March when I, uh, hmm, oh, walked into a glass door with my head slightly inclined while I was multi-tasking at high speed. Big mistake.

After going to my chiropractor for awhile, I finally gave up and decided that I needed drugs, tests, and another apporach. So testing, testing, testing. In between I do a series of back/neck/shoulder exercises which always help for the day, but, darn! the pain always returns by the a.m. I'm hoping that some physical therapy will be called for and do the trick, but ... So go ahead and call me "stiff-necked." It's true. Sigh.

The good news is that I have health care. The bad news is that it costs me big $ and that I'm still--- STIFF and sore. But... I do have--- DRUGS! Otherwise referred to as muscle relaxers. My nurse-practitioner is in lovely Havre De Grace and the OPEN MRI is in nearby Principio Furnace. "Open"- that's the only way to go (and with a "happy pill") when you are claustrophobic. No more panic attacks for me!

I have not yet had to use "Patient First" in nearby Aberdeen for 24 hr., 7 day/wk care, but a friend has & I do recommend it. I do NOT recommend the local hospital on a Fri. or Sat. night. I went on a weekday morning & no problem, although I had trouble understanding the Dr. Weekend evenings are full of police, drunks, car accidents, etc., and the regular group of ill people. W---A---I---T.

While in Aberdeen I went to the "Olive Tree" restaurant. Good food, decent prices, fast service. My expert friend on crab cakes assures me that theirs are quite good (needs more "Old Bay"). My pasta carbonarra (cheese sauce, bacon, & mushrooms) was yummy and enough for two. A big salad bowl and plenty of soft breaksticks which also made their way home. Excellent margueritas, too.

July Fourth in Havre de Grace

2010-07-01T10:43:00.001-04:00

The city of Havre de Grace, MD hosts a parade, carnival, & fireworks every year. I hear that it's quite a treat, but no first-hand experience.
Havre de Grace- interesting place. Very pretty, on the water, a beautiful promenade, good restaurants; interesting, but small, shopping, and various activities.
It seems to be a joke among local residents in trying to get u to say the name of the city and then having a good laugh on you when they share the "correct" pronuncation of it; I learned how many years ago from a fellow student & now menswear designer, Daniel "Donald" Dolce, at Washinton College; a resident who was mildly unhappy with his hometown (to put it mildly). Rhyme it with "have a disgrace" and you've got it right.
The truth is, those not from the city, but nearby, have many "correct" pronuncations for it. So- have fun with it!!! It drives the natives (and wannabes) cra-a-a-zy! Proper names have no utilmately "correct" pronunciation, doncha know.
I'll be at all the above but likely will watch the fireworks quite comfortably (here's hoping) at Perry Point- just a hop, skip, and a jump from where I reside. Just me, hundreds of others (likely), the geese (along with their poops), the deer, the vultures, the muskrats, the dropped-offed cats (thank you so much), etc., notwithstanding.
You find your own good spot. So what are you doing on the Fourth? Please share!