COLUMN: Easter Weekend with the Mentzers

The Mentzer family will join millions around the world this weekend in celebrating Easter, with our traditional observance of the Christian holiday.
We’ll gather around Grandma’s kitchen table high atop the hills of Hellam near York, and then hunt eggs in her backyard.
(No, there will not be a wiffleball tournament. My faithful readers will have to wait until Memorial Day for those results.)
The Easter Bunny duped myself, brother Mike, sister Jamie, and cousins Meagan and Davey two years ago.
You see, we were informed that there were large, plastic eggs (containing cash) hidden somewhere in Grandma’s yard, so we searched frantically for an hour, but to no avail.
Turns out, the Easter Bunny (aka Uncle Stan) had our eggs inside the house the entire time.
Uncle Stan defends his actions to this day, calling it a “learning experience” for his nieces and nephews. We sure learned our lesson: always check with Grandma first.
So to all of you out there in the Gettysburg Times readership area, I wish you a splendid Easter with your families.
May you all find your eggs with little difficulty.
~ Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

On Breakfast

Fun and tasty.

On Spring

It looks like a stormy April on the horizon for the Baltimore Orioles. Of the 22 games on the schedule, 16 are in the AL East with 13 of those against the Rays, Red Sox and Yankees against whom the O's were 16-39 last season. Those 16 games are sandwiched around a 6 game west coast road trip where the O's have long been poor performers.

Although not officially announced, the starting rotation appears to be set. Kevin Millwood, Jeremy Guthrie, Brian Matusz, Brad Bergesen and David Hernandez.

Millwood has had the worst spring of the group by far. Given his track record, though, he gets a pass and is reasonably expected to be ready to pitch on Opening Day.

Guthrie has also had a bad spring. He looks just like he did last season, walking batters and then giving up the home run. I expect another long season for him and suspect he may be ruined (mentally) for Baltimore. O's management has always had more patience than I in these situations, and I hope it pays off this time.

Matusz (rookie), Bergesen (sophomore) and Hernandez (sophomore) have had solid springs. While this is a bright spot, it is unreasonable to expect the youngsters to carry the load, but that is what will be needed for the Orioles to weather the month of April with their heads above water.

In the bullpen, Koji Uehara will most likely start the season on the DL with a bad hamstring (the same problem that put him on the shelf in 2009). Nagging hamstring problems at his age may mean he won't pitch again. This is a significant loss because of the flexibility a healthy Uehara could have provided to the bullpen in terms of long relief, short relief, closing and spot starting.

Kam Mickolio impressed last September and was expected to be in the bullpen in 2010. He's hurt and will likely not make the team.

In the field, Brian Roberts missed most of the spring with a herniated disk. He's been in the lineup the last several days and appears to be healthy.

Nolan Reimold (expected to be the starting left fielder) is nursing a sore achilles heel from offseason surgery. He started the spring o for 21 at the plate and limping. His bat has heated up lately with 5 multi-hit games and no noticeable limp. There remains some question as to whether he's strong enough to play every day. Felix Pie will likely be the Opening Day starter in left.

Other than that, the O's are healthy. Adam Jones (CF), Nick Markakis (RF) and Luke Scott (DH) have posted solid springs and appear ready to play. Miguel Tejada (3B), Garrett Atkins (1B) and Cesar Izturis (SS) are veterans, healthy and can reasonably be expected to deliver their standard performances once it counts.

Promoting a welfare state

COLUMN: 03/27/10

It’s no secret — I’ve always turned to my brother Michael for medical advice.
In fact, when I was a junior at Biglerville High School and having trouble with health class, Mom asked me who I’d call if she was choking on food.
“Mike,” I replied, unaware that the correct answer was “9-1-1.”
My brother’s explanations for common, everyday medical symptoms are amazing, because of their relative simplicity.
“I’ve had a stomach ache for two days,” I’ll tell my brother. “Quit eating Doritos, pizza and wings,” he’ll reply.
Runny nose? “You probably just have a cold,” Mike will tell me.
Throbbing headache? “Go to bed at a decent hour,” he’ll reply.
Itchy eyes? “It’s allergy season,” Mike will often say.
So, it’s no surprise to me that after eight years of schooling (including the Penn State-Hershey School of Medicine), Mike is starting a residency program at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
He’s hoping to be a family practitioner someday.
I always knew he was destined for greatness.
After all, I’d call him instead of 9-1-1.
~ Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

On the O's

The bad news is that Brian Roberts ailing back, which he has repeatedly claimed is not a serious problem, but has, nevertheless, kept him out of the lineup all spring, now has him in Baltimore seeing a back specialist.

The good news is, not having Roberts in the lineup in no way hinders the O's chances of winning a pennant.

The Governor Visits Gettysburg

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell talks to Gettysburg Times reporter Scot A. Pitzer about the state budget, an Adams County gaming project, and other topics.

Read the complete transcript at www.gettysburgtimes.com/blogs.

On Public Education

"If you saw Sunday's Free Press that shown Robert Bobb the emergency financial manager for Detroit Public Schools, move Mark Twain to Boynton which have three times the number seats then students and was one of the reason's he gave for closing school to many empty seats."

- Otis Mathis, Detroit Public Schools, Board President

On Desultory Philippics

On the Orioles

!@#$%^^&*

On Professors

What a professor is, to the Left and the Right.

On Blizzards

There is a silver lining.

On Shakespeare

Tibia, or not Tibia.
That is the shinbone.

On the Super Bowl

Free Advice readers predicted New Orleans the winner of the Super Bowl by a 54% to 46% margin.

Result: New Orleans 31 Indianapolis 14

On a Good Gag

This is one.

You Write the Caption

Guess it wasn't a good idea to sit directly behind the Scorer's Table.

On Retirement

Kurt Warner recently retired from the NFL. He is one of two quarterbacks to start in the Super Bowl for two different teams. Can you name the other?

COLUMN: Gettysburg Times - 01/30/10

A little old lady approached me Wednesday afternoon near the hot food aisle at Kennie’s in Gettysburg, and asked me about the “lineup scenarios” for the Biglerville-Bermudian wrestling match tonight.
“I think it’ll be decided by 10 points or less,” she predicted, adding that she purchased her ticket “as soon as they went on sale Tuesday morning.”
The match was reportedly sold-out within 48 hours.
“I tell you what,” the blue-eyed lass continued, “Bermudian has had a pretty good team the past couple of years.”
Well, yeah, they advanced to the state tournament in 2007-09, and even took second place there two years ago.
That’s pretty darn good, in my humble opinion.
“But the Canners - - - they’ve got that tradition up in Biglerville,” she continued. “They like to pin people.”
She paused, before smiling: “I graduated from Biglerville in 1948.”
Momentarily, she unzipped her winter jacket to reveal a camouflage sweatshirt, emblazoned with “C-A-N-N-E-R-S” on the front side.
Seconds later, she asked me who I’m rooting for tonight. I explained to her that I have to remain neutral, since I work at the newspaper.
Next thing I know, she planted a boot upon my derriere.
Lesson learned.
See you all in line four hours before the match starts.
~ Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

On Comedian Terrorists

BLOG: Quotes of the Week in Adams County

http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/articles/2010/01/25/blogs/doc4b5a2793626a8232502681.txt

Published: Friday, January 22, 2010 5:38 PM EST

“They have the right to look at candidates. They have no obligation to appoint the current staff.” — Mount Joy Twp. Solicitor Susan Smith, regarding the board’s decision to dismiss two veteran staffers without warning, in favor of a cheaper, outside employee.

“Not once did the borough ask, ‘Could we put it on school property?” — Gettysburg School Board member Dale Biesecker, after they voted to reject a donated Lincoln statue at Alumni Park.

“I’m looking for a professional manager. Gettysburg is a special town that needs a special manger.” — Gettysburg Borough Interim Manager Peter Marshall, regarding the search to replace the retired John Lawver.

“He doesn’t have the technical experience that (John) Lawver has, but he has the people skills.” — Gettysburg Borough Council President John Butterfield, regarding Interim Manager Peter Marshall.

“We never said that.” — Mount Joy Township Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman John Gormont, responding to a citizen who asked the board to clarify printed comments about “fiscal mismanagement.”

“I don’t like it, but it seems that’s the way you’ve got to do it.” — Huntington Township Supervisor Roger Sowers, who voted against giving developer Robert Mumma and Caco Three Inc. an extension for the controversial “Peakview Trailer Park.”

“It’s something that we are looking into.” — Larry Smar, a spokesman for U.S. Senator Bob Casey, on legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Todd Platts, that would expand the boundaries of Gettysburg National Military Park to include the Gettysburg Railroad Depot.

“For the safety of the residents, they had to be removed.” — Cumberland Township Manager Florence Ford, regarding the closure of the Gettysburg Inn, along the Biglerville Road, because of unsanitary conditions.

“Hope and luck are not options to zoning in the future.” — Arendtsville Mayor Bill Hanne, regarding a proposed Northwest Comprehensive Plan.

“It’s sort of in limbo right now.” — Gettysburg Mayor Wiliam E. Troxell, after the Gettysburg School Board rejected a donated Lincoln statue.

“I think we had an ideal site for it.” — Gettysburg Councilman Michael J. Birkner, regarding Alumni Park along Baltimore Street, the preferred site for a donated Lincoln statue.

“We’re concerned about how they’ve been conducting some of their activities. It seems to be in disarray.” — Lake Heritage resident Fred Krause, regarding the Mount Joy Township Board of Supervisors.

“I thought we had the potential to put 50 on them. The kids did pretty much what I thought they were capable of.” — Bermudian Springs Wrestling Coach Dave McCollum, after the Eagles defeated the Northeastern Bobcats, 50-12.

“There is no leak in the roof of the Cyclorama painting gallery. It’s an isolated problem.” — Gettysburg National Military Park spokeswoman Katie Lawhon, on water damage to the Cyclorama painting.

“There is a leak problem with the Cyclorama roof.” — National Park Service internal report, dated Dec. 22.

“There was no transition. We’d pass each other in the hallway, and they wouldn’t even say hi.” — Mount Joy Township Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman John Gormont, regarding the old five-person board, and the newly elected supervisors.

“It would be a real shame to lose the (Lincoln) statue, so if we’re going to lose it, they can put it in my garden.” — Farnsworth House owner Loring Shultz.

“Let’s give these guys a chance to do their job.” — Mount Joy Township resident Art Honeycutt, regarding the new board of supervisors, which now has four first-year officials.

“It’s a bogus agreement.” — Gettysburg Borough Interim Manager Peter Marshall, regarding the borough’s operational pact with the Gettysburg Municipal Authority.

“We are confident we can resolve it without any major impacts to the painting or the visiting public.” — GNMP Interim Supt. Mel Poole, regarding condensation problems in the Cyclorama gallery. The park is closing the gallery Jan. 25-29 to address the “short term” issue.~

Submitted by: Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter
Reader comments are encouraged. Contact Scot Pitzer directly at 334-1131, ext. 247 or spitzer@gburgtimes.com.

BLOG: Lincoln statue in limbo after School Board rejection

http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/articles/2010/01/25/blogs/doc4b59feaa7e62b677269644.txt

Lincoln statue in limbo after School Board rejection: Statue complete, but no where to place sculpture.

Published: Monday, January 25, 2010 12:12 AM EST

Is it any surprise that the Gettysburg School Board rejected the enigmatic Lincoln statue?

From the very beginning, there was something bizarre about the entire offer from Utah sculptor Stanley Watts.

No one doubts that the statue will be a wonderful “gift” to Gettysburg.But it all comes down to communication, communication, communication.

The Gettysburg School Board said Tuesday during its unanimous rejection of the statue that it was not “kept in the loop” by the borough about the project.

Naturally, the borough disagreed. In fact, Councilman Michael J. Birkner, the liaison between the borough and Watts, claims that he spoke with Supt. Dr. William Hall a dozen times, the school’s attorney at least six times, and even offered to attend previous school board meetings.

Regardless - - - here we are, nearly two years after Watts announced that he was creating the statue as a “gift” to the citizens of Gettysburg. And we still don’t have a statue.

Mayor William E. Troxell admitted: "The statue is in limbo."

What does Mr. Watts think about all of this? We haven’t seen him since August, when he attended a Gettysburg Borough Council meeting to defend his reputation.

At the time, the Associated Press linked another Watts statue - - - at the Emmitsburg Fire Academy - - - to investor fraud. Watts said he was unaware that the company he contracted to build the statue (Coadum Advisors Inc.) defrauded investors in a ponzi scheme.

Still, many members of Borough Council began to rethink the Lincoln “gift,” and questioned what type of “anonymous donor” would finance the statue.

So Watts visited Gettysburg, and gave officials his side of the story.

He was forthright and honest, distancing himself from the accusations.

Now would be a good time to see him again.Where does he want the statue placed?

Is Gettysburg College a suitable alternative? Or is the vacant REDDI project lot along Carlisle Street OK?

Councilman Birkner reported this week that the 7 foot, six inch tall statue is complete, and Watts would like to “temporarily” store it in Gettysburg, until a permanent property is found. Then, a dedication ceremony would be scheduled.

One possible home is the Farnsworth House garden along Baltimore Street. Owner Loring Shultz has offered the garden to Watts, pointing out that it’s along the “historic pathway” that Lincoln traveled en route from the Wills House to the National Cemetery, where he gave the Gettysburg Address in 1863.

The garden is also directly across the street from Alumni Park, the school district property that Watts had been eyeing for his statue.

Shultz said this week that he doesn’t necessarily “want the statue, but if we’re going to lose it, we’ll take it.”

So, what are the other options?

The Lincoln Cemetery in the 3rd Ward? Probably not, because it does not generate enough tourist traffic.

The Gettysburg Railroad Station? Seems ideal, but the site was reportedly shot down by Watts, because there isn’t enough room for the statue in front of the Carlisle Street depot. (So Lincoln would have to be placed in the rear of the building, and that’s apparently not acceptable.)

Steinwehr Avenue? Eric Uberman has a nice piece of property beside the American Civil War Museum. The site seems pretty legit - - - Steinwehr entrepreneurs are in dire need of a “tourist attraction” since the closure of the old Battlefield Visitor Center.The Rec Park? Hey, why not.

The Adams County Library? The Blue Parrot?

Lincoln Square?

The Race Horse Alley Parking Plaza?

The options are aplenty.

The time for Watts to voice his opinion is now.

Otherwise, this will turn into another “communication” fiasco, and Lincoln may never make the 2000 mile trip from Salt Lake City to Gettysburg.

~ Submitted by: Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

Reader comments are encouraged. Contact Scot Pitzer directly at 717-334-1131, ext. 247 or spitzer@gburgtimes.com.

On the NFL Conference Title Games

Results of the Free Advice Poll:

Free Advice picked Minnesota 60%-40% over New Orleans.

New Orleans 31 Minnesota 28

Free Advice picked Indianapolis 80% - 20% over the New York Jets.

Indianapolis 30 New York Jets 17

Tejada Back in Baltimore

The Baltimore Orioles have signed free agent Miguel Tejada to fill their hole at third base. "Miggy" has been signed to a one-year, $6 million contract. He is expected to serve as a "bridge" to prospect Josh Bell, acquired from the LA Dodgers last year in the George Sherrill trade.

Tejada was one of the most prolific hitters in Baltimore baseball history, hitting .330 in one season, and driving in 150 runs in another season (the most in Oriole history).

He played with the Orioles from 2004-07, before he was traded to the Houson Astros (for prospects) in the final two years of his contract.

Report: O's MacPhail woke up, and saw his shadow - went back to sleep for 6 more wks.

Sorry, don't have a link. Peter Angelos could not be reached for comment.

Seriously, no wonder Angelos likes this guy - - - he doesn't done a single, solitary thing to IMPROVE the Last Place Orioles.

Remember last year when MacPhail declared: "We'll grow the arms, and buy the bats?"

Still waiting for him to buy a bat.

Mark Tiexera? Nope.

Matt Holliday. Wrong again.

MacPhail and Angelos sit and fiddle while Camden Yards burns.

He only made one "upgrade" this offseason, by acquiring Kevin Millwood.

Gonzalez (replaces Sherill) and Atkins (replaces Huff/Mora) are a wash.

Still waiting for the upgrades, Andy MacPhail. Don't let us down!

On Aptitude

On Paying Attention

This is encouraging. Can it be true?

On the NFL Playoffs

Free Advice was split 50-50 on Minnesota vs. Dallas.

Minnesota 34 Dallas 3

Free Advice picked New Orleans 67% - 33% over Arizona.

New Orleans 45 Arizona 14

Free Advice picked Indianapolis 67% - 33% over Baltimore.

Indianapolis 20 Baltimore 3

Free Advice picked San Diego 100% - 0% over the New York Jets.

New York Jets 17 San Diego 14

On Prayer

The Minnesota Vikings gained a measure of redemption yesterday with a 34-3 thrashing of the Dallas Cowboys in their NFC Divisional playoff game.

Redemption for signing a 40 year old quarterback days before the start of the season.
Redemption for dismal performances in the month of December.
Redemption for a late-season tiff between quarterback and head coach.
Redemption for said quarterback's 0-3 playoff record against the Cowboys.

It is only a "measure" of redemption. Partial. Insufficient for admittance into Valhalla.

The Vikings have many sins to atone for.

Next week's NFC Title game against New Orleans, the so-called "Saints", is a Vikings opportunity to slay another demon.

And then, Odin willing, Redemption.

Amen.

On the Platypus

Although a mammal, the platypus lays eggs and stores venom in its duck-like bill.

On Trends

Not enough to be declared trendy, but still encouraging.