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February 6, 2014
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Winter Chesapeake Current Cuisine
Heroin: A Growing Local Problem 6 1 e g a P y r o t S r e v o C
Shooting Up
BUY LOCAL - BUY BBG Visit the businesses listed below for the best in local products and services:
County law officers say many people who are hooked on prescription drugs are now turning to heroin because local doctors and pharmacies are making it more difficult to get pills. And it’s not the heroin of the 60’s either. In Calvert County, two people are dead and in Anne Arundel County, four others have died from heroin cut with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Get the scoop on this growing local heroin problem in this issue of the Chesapeake Current... see page 16...
Save On Appliances
Take advantage of Shop Maryland Energy, a tax-free weekend on select ENERGY STAR appliances beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sat., Feb. 15, and ending at 11:59 p.m. Mon., Feb.17. This 5th annual tax-free weekend allows consumers to make qualifying purchases without paying the state’s 6% sales tax. Air conditioners, washers and dryers, furnaces, heat pumps, refrigerators, compact fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers and thermostats that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements qualify. Find a list at energystar.gov.
Local Nominated for “Wammies”
Eric Scott of North Beach says he’s honored to be nominated for four 2013 Wammie Awards by the Washington Area Music Association. Scott is up for Urban Contemporary Vocalist, Urban Contemporary Instrumentalist, Video of the Year (“Victim”), and Song of the Year (“My Heart Belongs To You”). Winners will be announced Feb. 16. You can hear Eric’s music in the movie "The Frozen Ground" starring Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, and 50 Cent. See Eric’s music video by scanning the Current code with your smart phone.
Also Inside 3 9 12 16 18 25 26 30
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Thursday, February 6, 2014 Chesapeake Current
Community Taking Care of Business Letters Cover Story Remembering Family & Friends In the Wild Business Directory Current Events
County Buys Land in St. Leonard A 10,000 square foot parcel of land fronting on MD Route 765 in St. Leonard is being purchased by the county to add to an adjacent park. At the Board of Calvert County Commissioners meeting on Feb. 6, Commissioner Steve Weems (R) announced the purchase of the former Sunoco Gas Station property, which has been vacant and a community eyesore for years. “The Dowell House (which the county owns) that’s used as a Rec Center is right behind it, and that gives the county contiguous property to the fields and fire department,” Weems told us.
County Attorney John Norris says the purchase price is $146,000, which is also the assessed value of the property. The parcel will be purchased with Project Open Space money the county receives from the state of Maryland.
The old Sunoco Station property in the St. Leonard Town Center is being purchased by the county to add to an adjacent park.
BOCC Considers “Nuisance” Crackdown Have a neighbor with a junk-filled or overgrown yard? A new zoning ordinance being considered by the Board of Calvert County Commissioners (BOCC) may provide some relief. Chris Breedlove, Chief, Zoning Enforcement told the BOCC that the section of code as written today only allows enforcement of property maintenance only in Residentially Zoned areas. It also gives the property owner up to 30 days to abate the nuisance. If the nuisance is not abated within the prescribed 30 days, the County may abate such nuisance. Breedlove said the proposed changes are to expand the areas of enforcement to properties zoned Rural Community District, Rural Commercial, Farm and Forest District and any Town Center. The proposed changes to the notice to abate section will mirror the County Zoning Ordinance for enforcement, which consists of a written notice of violation, followed by a citation if not abated in 30 days. If the citation for the violation is unresolved, the case is sent to the County Attorney's office to schedule a date with District Court. This change would make it unlawful for the owner of any developed lot in those sections to permit within 100 feet of any house, mobile home or other residence whether occupied or unoccupied any accumulation of debris, decayed vegetable matter,
filth, dangerous trees, rubbish or trash, abandoned vehicles, refrigerators or other household articles, or any excessive growth of weeds or underbrush, or growth of noxious plants. Failure to comply could result in a fine not to exceed $500. BOCC President Pat Nutter (R) and Commissioner Gerald “Jerry” Clark (R) noted that there are parts of the county to which this would not apply. “We all know that one person’s junk is another person’s treasure… but often what we end up with is varmints and health issues. We’re not taking anyone’s rights away. But it would apply to residential areas, such as the Ranch Club (Chesapeake Ranch Estates in Lusby), White Sands and the Beaches,” Nutter said. Breedlove said this would be enforced “with common sense” and it would not be “an attempt to tell everyone you have to bush hog everything.” Instead, he said it would only apply in nuisance situations above and beyond normal expectations. As Breedlove put it, “This will protect the majority of the people and they will really enjoy this.” The next step is for this measure to go a public hearing.
New Zoning Proposed for Senior Housing Asbury-Solomons, Inc. has filed an application with the Calvert County Community Planning & Building Staff for Zoning Ordinance Amendments to the Calvert County and Town Center Zoning Ordinances that would allow new types of senior housing. The Board of County Commissioners heard a proposal at their Feb. 4 meeting that would allow this type of housing to be permitted in the Solomon's Town Center, and also in Rural Commercial and Marine Commercial Zoning Districts as well as all other Town Centers where Nursing Homes are currently permitted.
This proposed new use, with conditions, would allow for development of what’s being called “Continuing Care Retirement Communities.” It would reduce the number of parking spots required and Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) to allow for senior townhouses and other continuing care facilities. It would also increase the building height allowed from 50 feet to five stories, not to exceed 68 feet. Density allowed would also be increased from seven units per acre to 10 units. The BOCC advised staff to move forward and take it to a public hearing.
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By Susan Shaw Calvert County Commissioner
Making Things Right At Hallowing Park Trailer Park Recent events in Calvert County have been both dismaying and have generated pride. I am talking about the events at the Trailer Park at Hallowing Point in Prince Frederick. I, like most others, suspected that the trailer park was not the best housing in Calvert County, but it was a roof over a head for someone who needed inexpensive and month-to-month housing. I had been told that once the sewer line is run from the Industrial Park to the Prince Frederick Wastewater Treatment Plant, that the owners of the Trailer Park intend to hook into that sewer line, which they are legally entitled to do to for the health of the Patuxent River, and to build luxury apartments on the beautiful waterfront site. However, I had no idea of the appalling conditions that existed there until I saw the photos and heard the stories from a Sunday visit by Commissioner Evan Slaughenhoupt and County Administrator Terry Shannon, who were notified by teachers at Barstow Elementary School. They became concerned when children, who are eligible for free lunches, did not have school because of the weather. Let me paint you a partial picture of what they found: raw sewerage running down the street; no running water, let alone hot water, mold, holes in the floor big enough for a child to fall through, windows that would not shut completely, furnaces that did not work and more all during a time of record low temperatures. The physical conditions, though, were just the tip of the iceberg. When tenants complained, in some instances, shoddy repairs were made and charged back to the tenant, who, in many cases could not afford the extra costs, and in other instances, complainers were evicted. We have been told that threats were commonplace, so tenants lived in fear of eviction, in fear of losing all they had, in fear of having no shelter at all, in fear of losing their children, and in fear of retribution. These conditions constituted a public emergency and they also called for mercy, when mercy is defined as the alleviation of misery. Not all the trailer’s conditions were the same and not all the tenant situations were the same, but many of the residents are the working poor, disabled, elderly or unemployed. With the full blessing of all
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Thursday, February 6, 2014 Chesapeake Current
five County Commissioners, the County government stepped in to provide a warm, safe, sanitary environment. The community stepped up - with restaurant meals provided free to hungry children by Bob Evans Restaurant initially and then by many others in the community, including End Hunger Calvert. We are extremely proud of County staff who acted appropriately, diligently, respectfully, and thoroughly. I thank our amazing community for its caring response. As you can guess, a flood of emotions and questions have followed these revelations. Why didn’t we (the County Commissioners) know sooner? What, exactly, should we do to alleviate the suffering? What is the role of government and what is the role of the community including churches and charities? What is the best way to activate the community support? To whom were complaints made and why were they not acted on appropriately? What are the applicable laws, were they followed, and if not, why not? Do the laws need to change? How do we safeguard the security and privacy of the families? Who is to blame? How do we fix the injustice and try to see that it never happens again? Who must be held accountable and how? How can we assist the families who have little or no resources to find other housing? What assistance can various government programs provide? The Calvert County Department of Social Service and various other service providers have been meeting with the residents to determine eligibility or lack thereof for various programs. The County is working with the owner to make repairs and to resolve the septic problems. It is going to take time to address many of the questions I listed above. Our commitment is to do so. To avoid chaos, all assistance is being coordinated through the Calvert County Department of Community Resources at (410) 535-4370. Money is needed to pay security deposits and other one-time costs to assist some of the families to move into alternative housing. Tax deductible donations can be made to: Calvert Affordable Housing Alliance, c/o Housing Authority of Calvert County, 480 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Please include the note: Hallowing Point on bottom left of your checks.
County Cracks Down On Trailer Park By Evan Slaughenhoupt Calvert County Commissioner
Thanks For Helping Trailer Park Residents Well, what a week. All appropriate state and county agencies are fully engaged addressing the deplorable conditions at that trailer park. Ultimately, the owner and manager are responsible and held accountable for the unacceptable living conditions that we encountered and fellow citizens were resigned to endure. There is plenty of time to address what changes we should implement as the situation is still evolving. Displaced families are still in the process of being relocated. There are several people and organizations deserving recognition for going above and beyond the call of duty. First, our County Administrator, Terry Shannon, who upon setting foot at that location and observing the conditions began to compile and orchestrate an action plan that is comprehensive, flexible, and is still being implemented. Our Community Resources Director, Maureen Hoffman, will hopefully get some sleep soon. She tirelessly welcomed 15 displaced families each with varying sizes and needs. These families are receiving assistance for obtaining appropriate services to relocate. She’s done this with much grace and compassion. Public Safety Director, Jackie Vaughn, must have been cloned as she appears everywhere, all the time, ensur-
ing the families are secure and safe from further retribution; which they had been experiencing. Our County Attorney, John Norris has provided us with the best legal advice and suggestions. His ability to know the pertinent laws are not only helpful, but he also provided us unique suggestions that were very helpful. I won’t name them, but many of Calvert’s finest teachers volunteered their own time and extended such compassion, that these families are beginning to understand and trust that our county officials can be trusted to right a wrong. Our deputies are there every step of the way providing that top-level protection which is very much appreciated. We have a wonderful community of citizens who stepped up and donated needed items of clothing, heaters, blankets, food, health related items, personal time and even haircuts. Thanks to the End Hunger Calvert organization who volunteered to ensure these families were fed while they are being sheltered. More work to do. The deplorable conditions did not occur overnight, and won’t be corrected overnight. And though I’m not speaking for the entire Board of County Commissioners, it is my belief this board will not rest until the wrong is righted, and changes are made to lessen the chance of such of a situation occurring again.
Although Calvert County may be one of the richest in Maryland – and the entire US – something happened last week that proves that there are many in our community who are in great need. The Calvert County Department of Community Planning and Building, in coordination with the Calvert County Health Department, conducted inspections of dwellings in the Hallowing Point Trailer Park in Prince Frederick on Tues. Jan. 28. The action was taken after the county received reports of problems at the site including frozen water supply lines, leaking sewage lines and other potential health and safety violations. Code violations were found at several trailers and those residents were required to vacate their homes until repairs are made. The displaced residents are expected to remain at the short-term shelter through early February. Representatives from several Calvert County Government agencies are working with the families to ensure their immediate needs are met. Government staff is also arranging for representatives from various local and state agencies to visit the families, help them access needed services and plan for relocation to more permanent housing. Those who wish to donate goods for the relocated families can call the Calvert County Department of Community Resources at (410) 535-1600, ext. 8803, or email Community.resources@co.cal.md.us.
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Hundreds Attend Dominion Forum There was a standing room only crowd for the League of Women Voters of Calvert County’s forum on Tues. Jan. 28 to discuss the proposed $3.8 billion expansion of Dominion Cove Point’s facility to export liquefied natural gas. Every seat was taken and many people were standing at the St. John Vianney Family Life Center auditorium that night. Moderator Annette Funn said members of the audience submitted more than 200 questions on index cards and volunteers grouped them into categories to ask the panelists. The six panelists were: Dominion Cove Point’s Vice President of LNG Operations Mike Frederick; Calvert County Commissioner Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark (R); Pace Global Energy Management Solutions and Consulting Services/Siemens Corp. Vice President Kenneth Beans; environmentalist Fred Tutman, who is the Patuxent Riverkeeper; Dr. Thomas Miller, Director of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Biological Laboratory at Solomon's; and Commander Scott Kelly, chief of the Prevention Department at Coast Guard Sector, Baltimore. Frederick reiterated that “Dominion has been a good neighbor,” and cares about the environment. He pointed out the marsh restoration project at Cove Point and other community contributions. New equipment proposed to be installed include two gas-fired turbines, which Frederick said would re-use the exhaust heat to generate additional electricity for the plant. He added, “We believe we’re the only facility of its kind in the U.S., maybe in the world, that’s actually doing that step.” Community leaders have
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expressed concerns about emissions and potential noise from the new operation. Frederick countered that the proposed facility must comply with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) 55-decibel noise limit and that a 60-foot sound barrier wall, hidden by trees, will also protect nearby homes. He added if an incident were to happen, it be contained on the Dominion site. Frederick also said that Dominion to date has paid for about 20 Calvert volunteer firefighters to complete special training in Massachusetts and Texas.
Tutman noted that Dominion will have two off-site areas during the construction phase, and clear nearly 97 acres of treed land in Lusby for a parking and staging area. The other will be a temporary pier into the Patuxent River where equipment and materials will be brought in on barges. Dr. Miller expressed additional environmental concerns about ballast water bringing invasive species into the Chesapeake Bay from India and Japan, where the ships will be carrying the gas. He told the crowd, “These species can have dramatic - and what is important - largely irreversible impacts on the ecosystem in which they are introduced.” Coast Guard spokesman Kelly said any ballast water exchanges must
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happen 200 nautical miles outside the US. He added that the industry and the government are working on new regulations and technology aimed at decreasing the possibility of invasive species entering waterways, the Bay included. He assured residents that the Coast Guard inspects and escorts LNG tankers like the ones that would be going in and out of Cove Point as an additional safety measure. Commissioner Clark defended the Board of County Commissioners, denying claims that Dominion’s promise of millions in additional tax revenue made them turn a blind eye to community demands for an Environmental Impact Statement. “I’ve gotten emails from people saying that we’re allowing them to buy us. ... but that just irks me tremendously bad ’cause that’s not the case,” Clark said, adding, “We have to make this a win-win for everybody.” In the days after the forum, a group called The AMP Creeks Council found through a public information act request that the Calvert County Commissioners and staff entered into a secret nondisclosure agreement with Dominion Cove Point on Aug. 21, 2012. Kelly Cana-
van, the group’s president alleges, “This calls into question the ethics and legality of several pieces of ‘sweetheart legislation’ they have passed for Dominion since then.” On Nov. 5, 2013, legislation was approved giving millions in tax breaks to Dominion. “The property tax deal packed Calvert County and the Chesapeake Bay into a treasure chest and handed Dominion the key, which was confusing to citizens. Now we see why. The Commissioners were working with Dominion’s best interests in mind, not the people’s,” Canavan charges, adding that she feels, “Hiding financial information from the public so that they cannot understand a tax deal that affects them as residents of Calvert County is unethical.”
Incident Investigated At Calvert Cliffs The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission sent a special inspection team on Mon., Jan. 27 to the Constellation Energy Nuclear Group (CENG) LLC's Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in Lusby to inspect an unplanned shutdown of both the reactors. CENG says both units at its Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant were shut down due to an electrical malfunction on the non-nuclear side of the plant. All safety systems responded as designed and the plant came offline as expected, safely and without incident, officials said.
The station’s multiple and redundant backup power systems are designed to ensure safe shutdown of the plant during electrical disturbances and those systems responded as designed. Operators are currently investigating the cause of the shutdown and will then take actions to return both units to service. The plant is communicating with the regional grid operator (PJM), and the temporary shutdown did not impact electrical service to homes and businesses in the region.
Police Blotter Calvert County Sheriff’s Department Reports: CDS Violations Dep. N. Lenharr responded to a call for a suspicious vehicle on Feb. 2 at 9:56 p.m. on Cabin Drive and Grover’s Turn Road in Owings. Dep. Lenharr made contact with the two occupants of the vehicle and found them both to be in possession of suspected drug paraphernalia. Melissa Ann Bowen, age 32 and Jessica Danielle Urbanek, age 32, both of Lothian, were each cited with possession with the intent to use drug paraphernalia; a metal tube used to inhale a controlled dangerous substance of K2/SPICE.
to be in possession of stolen vehicle plates. Senior Trooper Gill stopped a vehicle at He was arrested and charged with theft Rt. 4 and Sweetwater Rd. in Lusby, for traffic violations on Jan. 26 at 7:38 p.m. less than $1,000. A search of the vehicle revealed Someone stole a black tool box from the marijuana. Austin C. Allen, 19, of back of a truck parked outside a home in Solomons, was arrested and transported the 300 block of Kim’s Lane in to the MSP Barrack in Prince Frederick Huntingtown between 4:00 p.m. and for processing. 8:00 p.m. on Jan. 20. The toolbox was empty. DFC J. Livingston is At 10:37 p.m. on Jan. 28, Trooper First Class Costello responded to the 3900 investigating. block of Hallowing Point Rd in Prince Frederick for a report of harassment. Burglaries Sometime between Dec. and Feb. 1, a Upon arriving at the residence, Trooper home in the 5100 block of Breezy Point detected an odor of marijuana inside the Road in Chesapeake Beach was home. Marijuana and drug paraphernalia burglarized. Numerous tools were stolen. were observed inside the home. Jerry M. Boutwell, 21; Thomas A. Farey, 19; Dep. T. Holt is investigating. Joshua J. Kelly, 20; Miranda J. Kilinski, A home in the 11300 block of 20; and Schean D. Pappas, 20, all of Commanche Road in Lusby was Prince Frederick, were issued criminal burglarized during the daytime hours on summons for possession of marijuana and Jan. 28. The homeowner reported to drug paraphernalia. DFC M. Quinn that $970 worth of items were stolen, including money, alcohol On Jan. 25 at 5:25 p.m., Trooper First and two black Wii controllers. The Class Costello stopped to provide assistance to the disabled motorist at Rt. 4 investigation is continuing. and White Sands Dr. in Lusby. During A home in the 1400 block of Solomons contact with the driver, marijuana and Rutter Road in St. Leonard was drug paraphernalia were observed in the burglarized overnight between Jan. 20 vehicle. Ayana R. Wells, 19 of Bowie, was and 21 and two televisions were stolen. arrested. DFC A. Clas is investigating.
On Jan. 20 at 4:15 p.m. DFC J. Denton was conducting a patrol check of the Hallowing Point Trailer Park in Prince Frederick when he noticed a vehicle occupied by two males who were acting suspiciously. He conducted a traffic stop as the vehicle left the area. He made contact with the driver, a 17-year-old male from Huntingtown. The juvenile had suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia. He was charged on a youth report with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; a grinder. He was released to a parent. Someone entered a home in the 3700 block of Solomons Island Road in St. DFC R. Kampf charged a 17-year-old male Leonard on Jan. 25 between the hours of from Lusby with possession of marijuana 1:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. and stole and possession of drug paraphernalia; a jewelry and cash worth $200. Dep. W. smoking device, after he made contact with Durner is continuing the investigation. two juveniles in the driveway of a vacant home on Quiver Court in Lusby on Jan. 20 Destruction of Property at 5:34 p.m. The juvenile was charged on a The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and youth report and released to a parent. the Calvert County Crime Solvers are requesting the public’s assistance in the Thefts identification of unknown suspect(s) who On Jan. 29 at 12:30 p.m. DFC P. Wood may have damaged property at Plum responded to the Prince Frederick Walmart Point Elementary School in for the report of a shoplifter in custody. Huntingtown during two incidents that Surveillance footage showed the suspect occurred between Jan. 18 and 21. The putting items in her cart, not paying for first incident involves the lettering on the them, and then approaching the customer school’s roadside sign being tampered service counter where she returned the with and the words changed. In the items for cash. A loss prevention officer second incident, it appears that someone then detained her. DFC Wood questioned made entry into the school and removed the woman and subsequently placed her food items, which were then thrown under arrest. Patty Jean Spencer, age 40, of around the outside of the door. Prince Frederick, was charged with theft Additionally, a rear exterior wall was spray under $100. painted with graffiti. Anyone with Sometime between Jan. 16 and 22 information regarding either of these unknown suspect(s) stole a box of blank incidents is asked to contact the Calvert checks from the mailbox of a home in the County Crime Solvers anonymous tip 6300 block of 9th Street in Chesapeake line at (410) 535-2880. Information Beach. Cpl. S. Parrish is continuing the leading to the arrest and conviction of a investigation. suspect could result in a $1,000 reward. Citizens can now access the Calvert Unknown suspect(s) stole two red plastic, County Crime Solvers link through the five-gallon gas cans filled with gas, and Sheriff’s Office website and click on the two-30 pound metal propane grill tanks Crime Solvers link to leave an anonymous from behind a home in the 2000 block of tip online. Calvert Street in Port Republic. DFC A. Clas is investigating this theft that occurred Maryland State Police Barrack U sometime between Jan. 25 and 26. Reports: On Jan. 29 at 7:29 p.m. Dep. D. Roberts conducted a traffic stop on MD Rt. 231 and Mason Road in Prince Frederick. The driver, identified as Damion Emanuel Brown, 22 of Washington, D.C. was found
was emitting from inside the vehicle and a search revealed that the driver was in possession of marijuana. Richard C. Frame, 33 of Lusby, was arrested and transported to the MSP Barrack in Prince Frederick for processing.
CDS Violations Trooper Barlow stopped a vehicle on Jan. 20 at 11:37 p.m. on MD Rt. 4 at Saw Mill Rd. in St. Leonard for traffic violations. A strong odor of marijuana
Warrant Service/ Missing Person/ Possession of Marijuana Trooper First Class Lewis stopped a vehicle on Rt. 4 at Dares Beach Rd. in Prince Frederick for traffic violations on Jan. 21 at 12:50 a.m. A check of the occupants revealed that the driver, Patricia K. McSweeney, 18 of Rose Haven, was a reported missing person from Baltimore. A passenger in the vehicle, Joseph L. Wagner, 21 of Owings, had an open warrant for theft. A search revealed that both were in possession of marijuana. They were incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center. Warrant Service and Resisting Arrest On Jan. 20 at 2:21 a.m., Trooper Palumbo stopped a vehicle on MD Rt. 4 at Calvert Beach Rd. in St. Leonard for traffic violations. A passenger in the vehicle, Trondelle L. Brooks, 31 of Waldorf, had an open warrant through the Charles County Sheriff’s Department. While attempting to place Brooks under arrest, he became disorderly and resisted arrest. He was incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center. Theft Trooper Follin responded at 1:19 p.m. on Jan. 21 to Calvert Memorial Hospital for a reported theft. The victim reported that a person visiting a patient in the hospital stole a nurse’s cell phone from a desk in an employee’s area. The phone was later located in a trash can. A suspect has been identified and charges are pending.
Beware of Phone Scam Anne Arundel County Police warn that throughout our region, people are receiving very frightening telephone calls in which the caller purports to be holding a relative for ransom. Several versions of this scam have been observed: • Grandparents receiving a call that their grandchild has been arrested and can avoid charges if a certain amount of money is paid. Failure to pay will result in long term incarceration and major legal expenses. The victim is directed to wire money to a Western Union account or some other money transfer system. • Victim receives a telephone call that their relative (spouse, child, grandchild, sibling) has been kidnapped and being held for ransom. If authorities are alerted, the caller threatens that the relative will be killed. Again victims are directed to wire money. • Victim receives a telephone call that their relative (spouse, child, grandchild, sibling) has been involved in a motor vehicle accident. The caller claims to be a “gang member” and demands immediate repair expenses in exchange for the relative’s safe release. Once again victims are directed to wire money. There are a number of additional variations on these scams. The telephone numbers that call are often “spoofed” What is spoofing? Public telephone networks provide
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Caller ID information, which includes the caller's name and number, with each call. However, some technologies allow callers to forge Caller ID information and present false names and numbers. Gateways between networks that allow such spoofing and other public networks then forward that false information. In some incidents, the main number to a local police department is spoofed to make it appear the police are really calling. Often the caller will know specific information about your family, which is easily obtained from any number of information tracking sites on the Internet. First of all, residents should be aware of these scams and be very cautious of any rash or emotional responses. One simple way to identify whether you are being scammed is to “Google” the telephone number calling you. In some cases, you will see hundreds of scam postings about that particular number. Another is a simple emergency code word set up by your family. It could be as simple as a street or pet name. Demand the caller let you talk with the person being held and make them provide the danger code word. In the event you sincerely believe your family member is being held, contact the nearest law enforcement agency or the FBI immediately.
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Volunteers Needed For Stormwater Fee Committee Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman is accepting applications from citizens to serve on a Stormwater Fee Advisory Committee. The Committee will study, review and gather information to make recommendations regarding all aspects of the Stormwater Remediation Fee and the Watershed Protection and Restoration Program (WPRP). “It is important for citizens to have a seat at the table on issues that affect them,” said County Executive Neuman. “This is an important issue to our community. I encourage any citizen willing and interested in this issue to apply.” The Stormwater Fee Committee members will attend quarterly public meetings to gain an understanding of the extraordinary annual cost to comply with state and federal government stormwater management permit obligations and environmental goals. The Committee will also
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provide near and long-term recommendations to the County Executive regarding the Stormwater Fee and WPRP. Applicants must be residents of Anne Arundel County and possess a strong interest in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Committee members should also be knowledgeable about stormwater issues, experienced with budgets and performance metrics and familiar with environmental regulations. The Stormwater Fee Committee will consist of 15 members with at least one representative from each of the County’s watersheds and Council Districts. Those interested in being considered should submit a resume and brief statement indicating why they would like to serve to Sarah Francisco, Coordinator of Boards and Commissions at sarah.francisco@aacounty.org. Applications should be submitted no later than Feb. 28.
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Anne Arundel Views County Expedites Permits Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman is reinstating the Permit Application Center’s Trade Desk, which expedites the permitting process for electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors. This move results in trade contractors being served in a timelier manner, which benefits both businesses and consumers who need their services. “The new desk saves contractors time and allows them to get back to the worksite where they can be more productive,” said County Executive Neuman. “Since the bulk of the permits we issue are to trade contractors, it makes good business sense to reinstate a service focused to specifically serve their needs. As we work to remove barriers to doing business in Anne Arundel County, this is one solid way to show that we are serious about becoming more businessfriendly.”
An added benefit to the Trade Desk is that it allows the Permit Application Center to more speedily assist residents seeking general permits. They will no longer have to wait in line with trade contractors. Anne Arundel County issues approximately 35,000 permits to trade contractors annually; this represents 75 percent of permits issued. The Trade Desk announcement is one of a number of improvements being made in the Permit Application Center to help improve efficiency. In November, the Department of Inspections and Permits implemented a technology enhancement that allows permit application comment letters to be sent electronically in order to shorten agency response time. The Department also has been undergoing office renovations to make better use of its space to better serve customers.
Billing Company Ousted After Audit Anne Arundel County is severing ties with a billing company following an audit that revealed billing errors, undertrained staff and compliance risks. Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman announced the decision following results of an audit of Xerox State & Local Solutions, Inc., the medical billing company the County has had a contract with since 2009 to collect fees for ambulance transport services. By County regulation, the fee for County citizens is limited to the amount paid by the citizens’ health benefits providers. The audit, conducted by J.R. Henry Consulting, Inc., revealed Xerox errors in submitting claims to health benefits providers, undertrained and ill-equipped Xerox staff, and, in some instances, failure by Xerox to collect money due to the County from health benefits providers because its employees were unaware of coding regulations. “We are entrusted with taxpayer dollars, so we will scrutinize the services of every vendor doing business with our County,” said County Executive Neuman. “This company has provided billing services since 2009, but we’ve put them on notice that their services are no longer needed.” Xerox was paid a percentage based on the sums actually collected from the health benefit providers. The audit of Xerox State & Local Solutions was prompted by an astute fire official who observed the company’s claims processing practices and determined that the company had not been properly submit-
ting claims to patients’ insurance providers, resulting in lost revenue to the County. Summary of Critical Findings Include: - 66 claims reviewed for the audit (67.3%) were not billed or processed properly and were defective for a variety of reasons; - 33 claims reviewed for the audit (33.7%) had incorrect or inappropriate insurance billing codes; - 22 claims reviewed for the audit (22.4%) were “undercoded,” and the County could have been reimbursed at a higher rate; - 9 claims reviewed for the audit (9.1%) indicate that a refund to the health benefits provider was required; Many of the claims apparently did not receive proper follow-up activity by Xerox. It is reported that similar coding problems by Xerox which occurred in 2009-2010 resulted in $71,000 overpayment demand from Medicare. Due to a documented failure of Xerox’s internally developed software billing program, thousands of health benefit claims with dates of service during the last half of 2012 were not processed in a timely fashion and required significant follow-up activity to properly process. The current term of the contract with Xerox State & Local Solutions was set to end March 31, 2014, and the vendor has been advised that it will not be renewed. A new billing company is being identified, and Xerox State & Local Solutions will work with the new company to migrate its data.
Anne Arundel Views Commission Finds Issues In County Government Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman has released the findings of the Commission on Excellence, a citizen group established to conduct a top-to-bottom review of Anne Arundel County government operations. The Commission was established by Neuman shortly after being named County Executive as part of her goal to create an open and transparent government. The Commission’s role was to review the operations, policies, procedures and processes of every county department. “What I learned early on was that we were as much as 20 years behind in some of our processes and technology, and that inefficiency costs taxpayers dollars,” Neuman said. “I wanted this group to have complete, unfettered access to every department, every manager and our employees to determine what we are doing well, identify areas that need improvement and help to determine where we could find cost savings to benefit taxpayers. The group put in long hours and they were very detailed in their findings. The one thing that they all agreed on is that we have a dedicated group of employees in Anne Arundel County who care about their jobs and the citizens they serve.” The Commission on Excellence was made up of more than 45 citizens from neighborhoods throughout Anne Arundel County with a variety of professional backgrounds, skills and experience. The members were organized into six teams with each team assigned to review three to four county departments. The teams conducted a series of thorough interviews with the department heads and staff, collected and analyzed information about programs and processes, and compared the departments with their peers in other Maryland counties, when possisble. Each team submitted a written report of their findings, and presented their recommendations in person to the County Executive, Chief Administrative Officer, and each department head. The reports identified a number of strengths, weaknesses and opportunities to improve efficiency across all areas of county government. They identified best practices and recommended actions to increase productivity and budget savings. While many of the recommendations were specific to an individual department, a number of common themes were reflected in the Commission’s reports. To download the full, to to the county’s web site at aacounty.org. Central themes: - Technology – Whether it’s applying for a building permit, reserving a field for a youth sports league, or reporting a pothole
Office of Personnel - Automate Human Resources Information System processes, replacing all manual paper forms for new/current employees with online versions. - Outsource leadership training and develop a certification process for personnel management and staff.
- Require digital submission of plans, and replace hard copy storage with electronic storage.
Office of Planning & Zoning - Acquire software to enable digital submission of plans and online tracking of a project’s status. - Implement a fast track process for Office of Budget smaller projects such as single family - Require greater involvement of homes, if specific criteria are met. department heads in review of budget vs. actual results. Department of Aging & Disabilities - Create incentives for departments to - Expand countywide marketing come in under budget, or for submitting a efforts through partnerships with local lower budget than in the previous year. businesses. - Upgrade phone and computer Office of Central Services systems to better match workflow - Consolidate the following operations requirements. under Fleet Maintenance: Public Works Landfill Garage, Public Works Utilities Department of Health Garage, Public Works Highway Garage, - Perform a global IT needs Parks and Recreation Garage, and the Fire assessment. Department Garage. - Prioritize the transition to electronic - Develop a long-term strategic plan record-keeping. for space management and vehicle utilization. Department of Recreation and Parks - Acquire updated software for Office of Finance handling scheduling, billing and - Establish a formal feedback registration of county fields. mechanism to ensure the concerns of - Seek accreditation by the customers are heard and addressed. Commission for Accreditation of Park and - Develop standardized ROI Recreation Agencies. projections for future technology investments. Department of Social Services - Enable online donations. Department of Public Works - Update website to reflect - Upgrade current computer hardware information on current programs. to permit the department to use software packages specifically designed for public Department of Detention Facilities works operations, including the ability to - Upgrade the video security recording interface with private sector engineering system throughout the Department. firms. - Undertake a compensation study of - Update the DPW website to allow the Police Department, Department of residents to enter new issues (work requests Corrections, and Sheriff’s Office to ensure or concerns), review the status of previously salary ranges are consistent across submitted issues, and check for work being comparable positions, and to address salary performed in or near their neighborhoods. compression issues between pay grades.
in need of repair, the county’s current processes are often paper-based and time-intensive. Residents need to be able to interact with the county in ways that are more Anne Arundel County convenient and Executive Laura Neuman. require less effort. Technology solutions will enable many of these processes to be brought online. - People – With many long-time employees nearing retirement, the county faces challenges in maintaining the skilled workforce needed to provide services to the community. While the county has traditionally relied heavily on internal training, alternative solutions are needed. The county should better leverage local resources such as Anne Arundel Community College to develop training and certification programs specifically for county government careers. - Processes – Processes which are duplicated between departments create unnecessary costs. Consolidating the county’s maintenance garage operations, centralizing the management of county office space, and partnering with other jurisdictions when purchasing large equipment (county vehicles, police cars, and fire trucks for example) offer opportunities for reducing the costs to AnneArundel County Public Library taxpayers. - Fully integrate the department with Specific Recommendations Countywide the county IT network. - Develop a unified Strategic Plan with - Expand use of marketing long term goals, objectives, and partnerships with local businesses in order performance indicators for all county to cost effectively promote library departments. programs. - Implement cross-training programs and document succession plans for all Office of Information Technology positions. - Increase the department’s training - Expand partnerships with Anne budget from $25K to $50K. Arundel Community College and - Expand flexibility of the department to vocational technical schools to develop use contract employees on a project by training and certification programs for project basis. county government careers. - Update customer service/communi- Anne Arundel Economic Development cation capabilities on all county Corporation department websites. - Institute a measurement system to determine the cost/benefit of existing Office of Administrative Hearings programs, to identify when certain - Create public, searchable Internet programs may no longer be relevant. access to hearing records. - Expand database of existing county - Revise the County Code to authorize businesses. the Director of Planning and Zoning to grant routine, minor variances after notice Department of Inspections & Permits to surrounding property owners, if no - Acquire software for online, objection received. integrated permit application, tracking, and approval.
Chesapeake Current
Fire Department - Combine the emergency dispatch and communications systems for the Fire and Police departments into one joint communications center. - Reassign uniformed firefighters and officers to positions in the field. Staff administrative, non-emergency, and non-hazardous duty positions with civilian personnel. - Fund the position of County Medical Director as a full-time, paid position. - Separate Paramedic and Firefighter functions to better align training requirements with positional needs. Police Department - Combine the emergency dispatch and communications systems for the Fire and Police departments into one joint communications center. - Undertake a compensation study of the Police Department, Department of Corrections and Sheriff’s Office to ensure salary ranges are consistent across comparable positions, and to address salary compression issues between pay grades.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
9
Twin Beach Players: Where The Action Is
TAKING
CARE OF
$$
By Brian McDaniel This week we meet Bay Business Group (BBG) member Sid Curl, a man with a great stage name and the skills to manage our local acting organization, the Twin Beach Players (TBP). Sid studied acting in high school and had regular performances until the Army grabbed him and shipped him off. While stationed in Germany Sid organized a theatre group. As he was being discharged from the military, dinner theatre was exploding in the Baltimore/Washington area. He realized he could make pretty good money in the evenings performing while having a decent paying day job. He worked the circuit, Colony Seven, Lazy Susan, several dinner theatres in Washington and then ended at The Harlequin Dinner Theatre in Rockville. Sid then suffered a crippling injury and withdrew for about six months to recover. Hurting but determined, Sid returned to theatre to become a stage manager and design to produce shows. The things he learned earlier from his drama teacher and mentor allowed him to expand on his craft and continue with his passion. Sid found a lot of work in
(L to R) Playwright Mark Scharf has received widespread recognition for his interpretation of “Frankenstein” presented by the Twin Beach Players. Twin beach Players President Sid Curl holds the Frankenstein playbill.
Baltimore and continued making his living in technical theatre while traveling up and down the east coast. He tells us he has designed and built over 500 shows and has worked with a lot of famous people. Years later, his daughter, Sherri, was cast in a Twin Beach Players Production and introduced the organization to Sid, who at that point in his life had promised
never to return to the stage. Sid remembers that day in 2000 when the production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” was being produced by the TBPs and was in need of technical help. Sid was “grabbed and dragged,” he says, by his daughter to provide assistance and use his experience to make this production, held at 3rd and Bay Avenue on the boardwalk in North Beach, stand out. He did just that. Since then, the TBP has become the place where actors come to express themselves as artists in the many productions held each season. “If you saw our production of “Rumors” and “The Female Odd Couple” to name just a few, you saw how wonderfully entertaining our actors are,” Sid says. “I have worked with many talented actors over the years but never have I worked with people more talented than those involved in the Twin Beach Players.” Sid says he is most impressed with the Youth Troupe as that is the real reason he has continued with Twin Beach Players over the years. It excites Sid to see children realize their talents and then use them over and over again. The Twin Beach Player’s headquarters is the Bayside Boys & Girls Club in North Beach and provides a safe place for kids to be creative. Sid says with so much bullying going on, he’s glad that the Boys & Girls Club gives the kids a place to get a way from that while at the same time providing a home for talented actors to keep building the TBP.
Every year, the Twin Beach Players host the Kids Playwriting Festival, with cash prizes for winning scripts and an opportunity for the kids present their plays on stage.
He says there are some kids who may not excel at sports but may be great at music or acting, and other kids are fantastic creative writers. And for these youngsters and teens, the TBP offers a wonderful outlet for their talents. For the last eight years, The Twin Beach Players has encouraged young playwrights to submit their plays and have them judged in a competition for the Kids Playwriting Festival. Eight plays are written and six chosen with the winners
10 Thursday, February 6, 2013 Chesapeake Current
Want a creative outlet for your talents? The Twin Beach Players invite you to audition for roles in upcoming plays, or help them with other aspects of putting on a production.
receiving a $100 prize. These plays are performed in early August. This year again, Twin Beach Players encourages young playwrights to submit their original scripts by April 15. Having just been named The Best Theatre Company 2013, Twin Beach Players strives to encourage youngsters and adults to find a hobby in the Arts. “Our future hopefully will lead us to a new performance space as planned in North Beach,” Sid adds. These are exciting times for the Twin Beach Players and especially Sid. If you have always wanted to act or want a creative outlet, Sid is someone you’ll want to talk to. There are so many things to do in every production and Sid is happy to point you in the right direction. The BBG is happy to have Sid in our group. His work and dedication to the arts is admirable. To sponsor or participate, please reach out to the TBP. They are a non-profit and relies solely on the community. And they have some great productions planned this year. They encourage you to “like” their Facebook page and watch the Chesapeake Current for upcoming shows. Show your love and support the arts! Twin Beach Players (410) 286-1890 P.O. Box 600 Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732 www.twinbeachplayers.com Performance Venue: Bayside Boys & Girls Club in North Beach 9021 Dayton Avenue North Beach, MD 20714 About the Author: Brian “Crow” McDaniel is the owner of Crow Entertainment, LLC and a resident of North Beach. He is a Ministry Leader at Chesapeake Church in Huntingtown, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Bay Business Group.
Learn About Organics at Conference MOFFA, the Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association, announces its 23rd Annual Winter Meeting, on Sat. Feb. 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Maryland Department of Agriculture Building, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis. Join farmers, consumers, advocates, and National Organic Program members to: * Bring home information you can really use. * Add your voice to discussions about critical issues. * Network with some of the pioneers of the organic food movement MOFFA Chairperson Holly Budd of Sunderland says, "MOFFA's Annual Meeting is one of the best kept secrets around!" There will be Information for farmers and gardeners in search of new ideas, techniques, & inspiration, as well as networking opportunities for consumers and distributors looking for good sources of local, organic food. Presentations, Panels and Workshops will include: Research Talks by Extension and UMD Researchers: * The impact of winter cover crops on yield, insect, weed and disease pest in zucchini squash. * Effects of Tillage Systems on Soil Nitrogen, Weed Dynamics, Greenhouse Gas Emission and Yield in Organic Sweet Corn Systems. Panel Discussions: * Organic Food and Justice * GMO and Food Safety Issues Erroll Mattoxfrom UMES - MD Cooperative Extension will be talking about ethnic vegetable production. Tanya Tolchin: will speak on “Exploring Low Tech Food Dehydration to Increase Profits on Small Farms”.
Maryland Green Registry: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)Update on the Organic/GAP University research and GAP training session Maryland Department of Agriculture will have an Organic Program presentation on “Organic Grain Production” and “Grassfed” Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch, one of the highlights of the meeting. Attendees can also bring seeds to exchange with the other participants in the MOFFA Seed Swap. There will be a silent auction. Members may bring display materials; table space is available in exchange for silent auction item donations. Registration is $20 is for non-members and $5 for members. Membership is $25 for one year or $45 for two years. Registration is at the door. For more information, go to www.marylandorganic.org or contact Holly Heintz Budd at (443) 975-4181. The Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association (MOFFA) was established in 1991 as a non-profit organization. MOFFA strives to build a sustainable network of individuals and organizations that support small farms, family gardens and ecologically sound businesses.
Courses Offered For Farmers, Producers The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Maryland Extension (UME) will be conducting a series of regional food safety training workshops for fruit and vegetable producers. These one-day workshops, offered across Maryland, are important for smalland large- scale producers who want to understand how to meet current and proposed U.S. Food and Drug Administration food safety requirements or are considering Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification. The training will provide assistance in writing and implementing a GAP program for both wholesale growers and direct marketers. Topics to be covered include: highlights of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act; Good Agricultural Practices such as addressing pre-harvest and post-harvest water quality issues; an update on current food safety research; writing a food safety plan; and MDA/University of Maryland programs to assist producers in implementing GAP. A large portion of the training will be spent helping producers write their own food safety plans. Producers are encouraged to bring their own laptops. Laptops will also be provided to those who cannot bring them. Each workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fee for the program is $25 and covers lunch and materials. Attendees will receive a certificate of participation after the program. Register online at: http://ter.ps/MDgaps. Here are the ones within reasonable driving distance of our area: - March 3: Wye Research and Education Center, 124 Wye Narrows Dr., Queenstown, MD 21658. Contact Sudeep Mathew, samathew@umd.edu, (410) 228-8800.
Chesapeake Current
- March 11: St. Mary’s Ag. Services Center. 26737 Radio Station Way, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Contact Ben Beale, bbeale@umd.edu , (301) 475-4481. - March 18: Baltimore County Extension Office, 1114 Shawan Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030. Contact David Martin, dmarti@umd.edu, (410) 771-1761. Note: If you have questions or encounter difficulties registering online, contact the organizer for the specific location. MDA offers two GAP certification programs for fruit and vegetable producers. Nationally recognized USDA GAP/GHP and USDA Harmonized GAP pre-harvest and post-harvest certification is provided through a cooperative agreement with USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service and meets the requirements of many wholesale buyers. USDA specialty crop grant funding is available for cost share of the USDA audit fees. MDA GAP certification is geared toward direct marketers or others that want to start with a basic food safety program, and is available to Maryland fruit and vegetable producers at no cost. For more information on these programs, contact Deanna Baldwin at MDA at Deanna.baldwin@maryland.gov or (410) 841-5769; or Donna Pahl at UME at dpahl@umd.edu or (301) 405-4372.
Thursday, February 6, 2014 11
Girls Need Court Time
The Chesapeake Current P.O. Box 295 North Beach, MD 20714 (410) 231-0140 Owner, Executive Editor and Publisher: Diane Burr editor@ChesapeakeCurrent.com (410) 231-0140 Advertising: email - ads@ChesapeakeCurrent.com or call Barbara Colburn at (410) 867-0103. “Like” the Chesapeake Current on Facebook and visit our breaking news site, ChesapeakeCurrent.com. Graphic Design Guru: Mackie Valdivia Office Administrator: Norma Jean Smith ChesapeakeCurrent.com Webmaster: Hannah Burr
Distribution Team: Tamara Timmermann Katherine Willham Kyndal Christofferson Kory Quinn
Current Contributors: Dave Colburn Brian McDaniel (staff photographer) Lee Ritter Sid Curl Susan Shaw Lisa Bierer Garrett Lynda Striegel Ray Greenstreet Anne Sundermann Elizabeth Lawton
The Chesapeake Current is THE ONLY locally-owned and independently operated media outlet in our area. We serve all of Calvert County and Southern Anne Arundel County. Don’t be confused – we are not associated with anyone else, especially those who try to copy us. None of our content is syndicated – it’s all local and all about our communities. The Chesapeake Current is a “priceless” or free publication that you can pick up in 350+ high-traffic locations. Inside, you will find our sister publication, the Chesapeake Current Cuisine as an authorized insert. The Chesapeake Current is owned by Bayside Partners, LLC, which is solely responsible for its form, content and policies. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No content or images may be used for any reason without express written permission.
Dear Chesapeake Current Readers, Girls in Calvert County do not have the same opportunities as the boys, regarding competitive basketball. The boys have seven competitive basketball clubs, including Dunkirk Warriors, Beach Buccaneers, Owings Outlaws, St. John Vianney Saints, SYB Panthers, PF Eagles, and Huntingtown Hurricanes. The girls have none. Not only do the boys have seven competitive basketball clubs, this season there are four teams for the following age groups; 9-10 yr. olds, 11 yr. olds, 11-12 yr. olds and 13-14 yr. olds. This season there are 28 boys’ teams. The girls have none. In 2013, there were seven competitive boys’ basketball clubs with three age groups, totaling 21 boys’ teams. The girls had none. In 2012, there were seven competitive boys’ basketball clubs, with three age groups, totaling 21 boys’ teams. The girls had none. In 2011, there were seven competitive boys’ basketball clubs, with three age groups, totaling 21 boys’ teams. Again, the girls had none. Over the years, people have stepped up to coach the girl’s competitive teams, including myself, but it’s not been supported by the County. Again, this year there is not a girl’s competitive basketball team in Calvert County. I heard from a mom that Coach Brian Wiseman, who lives in Owings, put together a girl’s competitive basketball team, but have to play in Anne Arundel County. It’s wrong that our girls have to leave
the county to play competitive basketball, while the boys do not. I contacted Coach Wiseman regarding my daughter; she was evaluated and made the team. He asked me why we did not play in Calvert County, and told him, I tried to put a competitive girls’ team together for the past three years and had no support from the county. He laughed, told me he tried 10 years ago, and did not get any support from the county, either. Coach Wiseman’s team is made up of nine girls, who live and go to school in Calvert County. Our team has lost its practice gym at Jesus the Good Shepherd and our team needs a place to practice. In Calvert County, there are 13 elementary schools, six middle schools and four high schools. Every school has a gym with a basketball court. We need access to court time. Commissioners, we really need your help! We need you to correct this inequity. We need court time for our practices and Calvert County needs to support Girls Competitive Basketball now. Very truly yours, Beth M. Bubser Dunkirk
Renowned Dancer Teaches “Master Class” Dear Chesapeake Current readers, While other young people were relaxing during their Winter Break, many students of Abigail Francisco School of Classical Ballet were busy doing what they enjoy most - dancing! Fifteen local dancers chose to take a two-day workshop in contemporary ballet offered at the North Beach studio. Taught by Joanna DeFelice of Peridance Contemporary Dance Company in New York City, the workshop gave the participants additional exposure to the contemporary dance form. "The main focus of our school is the Vaganova (Russian) ballet technique, however, we also offer regular classes in jazz, character dance, tap, yoga, and Pilates," explains Artistic Director Abigail Francisco. "We are fortunate to be able to offer our students excellent instruction by experienced and well-trained teachers on a daily basis, as well as regular master classes and workshops in a wide variety of dance forms taught by outstanding guest professionals!"
Ms. DeFelice, who enjoys teaching when her performance schedule permits, is originally from Calvert County. She began studying ballet under Ms. Francisco at Abigail Francisco School of Classical Ballet in North Beach, and subsequently graduated from the six-year Vaganova program at The Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC. Her professional dance career has taken her across the country and around the world, giving her the opportunity to dance this past year with Peridance Contemporary Dance Company in venues such as Lincoln Center, Jacob's Pillow, Italy, Israel, and Bulgaria. Ms. DeFelice also performs as a guest dancer and serves as a guest teacher in several East Coast studios. "It is delightful to have my former students return to our school as professionals," adds Ms. Francisco. "They serve as excellent examples to my current students of what they can do if they continue to work hard!" Professional dancers from the Washington Ballet, the American Ballet
12 Thursday, February 6, 2014 Chesapeake Current
Theatre, the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, and other dance companies regularly come to the school, teach workshops and master classes, coach individual dancers, and participate as guest dancers in the end-of-year ballet programs. "Joanna DeFelice began training with me as a six-year-old, and now she's a grown-up professional dancer sharing her training with another generation. I am happy to see that both my current and former students want to dance even when they are on vacation!" Workshops and master classes at
Abigail Francisco School of Classical Ballet are open to all local dancers of an age and background appropriate to the particular class. "We welcome all interested students from any dance studio to participate and enjoy the opportunity offered by our professional guest instructors," adds Ms. Francisco. Anne Brinsmade Abigail Francisco School of Classical Ballet North Beach
Stop Dogs From Being Mistreated Dear Chesapeake Current readers, This letter is in response to Sharon Trego’s letter entitled, “More laws needed to protect dogs” printed in the Jan. 22 Recorder. Ms. Trego, I couldn’t agree with you more. I am not sure how long you have lived in Calvert County, but I have been here for 17 years now. When I first moved into this county, I was sickened by the living conditions of a chained black Labrador Retriever on Wilson Road. I had recently joined a national group called Dogs Deserve Better. After numerous citizens asked me to check on this dog’s welfare, I did. I soon found out that Calvert County had absolutely no provisions for the constant chaining of dogs. I grew up in a humane neighborhood in Montgomery County where dogs were family members and inside the home the majority of the time. I could hardly believe the horrors I saw in this county. The owner did not want the dog and signed him over to me. He told me that he would hit the dog, who had no name, in the head with a hammer when he barked too much. This dog was chained outside to a tree for four long years. When I rescued him, he was filthy, had heartworms, and was fearful of pretty much everything. This dog is now living with a wonderful woman in our county, inside her home, and has been relieved from his suffering. Not all dogs are this lucky. In 2005, when we had Delegate Sue Kullen in Annapolis representing us, I went to her with students in my Humane Society Club. Del. Kullen sat with us for hours and listened to our pleas regarding the inhumane treatment of dogs. At the time, the Calvert County Commissioners could not change the animal control ordinances in our county without permission from Annapolis. Former Commissioner Linda Kelley and Del. Sue Kullen accomplished this feat, and the BOCC could now update our animal control ordinances. Del. Sue Kullen is a friend to the animals, and I will be voting for her in this upcoming election to regain her seat in Annapolis. She has proven to me that she is true to her word. I encourage all animal loving citizens of Calvert County to do the same. I will be writing more on this topic as election time grows closer. In 2006, a Citizens Advisory Committee was established to review the animal control laws in Calvert County. The committee listened to all sides of the issue. One of the items that I pushed very hard for was an anti-tethering/penning law. Not only is it inhumane, but we have had cases of children, horses and adults being mauled and killed in this county by penned dogs that escape or chained dogs that are set free. I thought for sure the county commissioners would be reasonable and enact some sort of relief for these dogs at least from a public safety stance. The night of the hearing, when I testified, Commissioner Gerald Clark could not understand why a dog could not be left in a barn at night regardless of the
temperature. The animal control officer present explained that a dog must have an enclosure small enough so that its body heat can provide relief. Commissioner Susan Shaw felt that any law that interfered with an owner’s right to do whatever he/she wanted to do with their own animal was too intrusive. Commissioner Barbara Stinnett had no interest in providing relief to dogs. In fact, after the committee finished their work, she remarked that the commissioners do not take much stock in what Citizen Advisory Committees have to say, anyhow. The four commissioners that did not listen and use the opportunity to pass an ordinance to provide relief to chained and penned dogs were: Barbara Stinnett, Susan Shaw, Gerald Clark and Wilson Parran. Commissioner Linda Kelley was the only commissioner in favor of enacting a provision for the relief of chained and penned dogs. I can tell you that, in my opinion, those commissioners that remain are not likely to ever care about the problems associated with chained and penned dogs. There were good people in this county that wanted to see an anti-tethering law passed, but they did not speak loud enough. I encourage everyone who agrees with Ms. Trego to speak out and not wait on someone else to do all the work. Write a Letter to the Editor supporting more comprehensive laws to better protect dogs. The animal control ordinances were updated, but did not include relief from constant chaining and penning. In 2007, I tried, unsuccessfully to get a statewide law passed (Senate Bill 921) that would have required citizens to bring their dogs inside between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. It also provided specifications for the weight of the chains, the length, adequate shelter, and adequate collars. The bill passed the Senate but failed in the House due to the tactics of Joe Vallario, the current chair of the House Judiciary Committee. We do need a law in this county that prevents people from chaining or penning a dog up its entire life. Research dog bites in Maryland, and you will see that the majority involve dogs that were mistreated, broke off chains, escaped from pens. Until we realize that there is a cause and effect relationship, everyone needs to hope that they are not the victim of irresponsible owners neglect. Dogs are social animals, and their needs must be taken into consideration by owners. Many jurisdictions in the United States have already enacted anti-tethering laws and have strict regulations regarding the penning of dogs. We are behind due to the people we elect to office. I have given up hope. I have moved my energy into other areas, but perhaps, Ms. Trego, you can pick up where I left off. After all, we do have three new commissioners on the board. Lynne Gillis Huntingtown
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Thursday, February 6, 2014 13
What’s Wrong With Our Country? Dear Chesapeake Current readers,
The United States of America is the best system of Government ever! Why then is it failing? I believe that the American system of government is still the best system ever devised, as our forefathers incorporated checks and balances into governance that they believed would insure that individual liberties were safeguarded. Our forefathers realized as wise students of history that many Democracies' failed due to human frailties which allowed leaders to corrupt the government thereby inflicting havoc on those who they were sworn to serve honorably. By devising a system of governing that contained stringent guidelines on civil servants they felt that they would be able to curtail a civil servants own interpretations on how we should be served. Unfortunately, even with these strict constitutional guidelines in place, our Democratic Republic is now in the midst of chaos which is causing our system of government to be somewhat ineffective. Folks, it is not the Supreme Court, Executive or Legislative Branch of government that have let us down, in fact, on paper the basic rules laid out in our Constitution and its amendments, if followed today, would still be the finest governance system devised by man. So what’s going wrong? I believe that you only have to look at the quality of many of our public servants who have played the system in a way that has not been conducive to a righteous system of governance where all Americans have a shot at reaching for the stars. Of course, there are some elected officials who serve us honorably. This letter is not about your own personal beliefs as I have many relatives and friends who have different an honorable values and ideas that are completely polar opposite of mine. The question
14 Thursday, February 6, 2014 Chesapeake Current
should be if in the future whether we as citizens are able to have honest discussions where views can be expressed and ethical outcomes accomplished by the legislators who have been elected to serve us? Of course this will not happen unless money thrown at our public servants becomes increasingly more regulated so that companies, unions and anybody else with deep pockets that help finance political campaigns are not be able to place undue influence on elected public servants. For a very long time many of us believe that these bought and paid for politicians at the national and state levels of government have not come up with many quality outcomes. I believe that many of us wouldn't mind paying more taxes if we in the future would be able to see positive results where the downtrodden as well as all other non-favored taxpaying citizens are being treated fairly by their government. Look at Washington or Annapolis so that you may realize that their management of our tax dollars has not been prudently used. Why is raising taxes on the citizenry their answer to all problems? Finally, what is worse? Taxation Without Representation, or Taxation With Misrepresentation?! Folks, it is the time in our history that we should reel in the big money people/entities who will continue to engineer election outcomes in order to unduly influence public servants ability to serve "We The People". Our individual vote should not be watered down by entities that use money in a way that alters the American experience. We should not be the unwashed! After all, We Are The People! John Petralia Sunderland
Raising Concerns About Cove Point Dear Chesapeake Current readers, Once upon a time, a huge construction project was proposed that would shower the surrounding region with "massive economic benefits" and "thousands of jobs" and an abundance of "affordable clean power." Sound familiar? But this proposed project was not in Maryland and it had nothing to do with Dominion Power's proposed expansion at Cove Point to export liquefied natural gas. The year was 1968 and the project was two hydroelectric dams to be built on the Colorado River. The constructors? The United States government's Bureau of Reclamation. At first, the project had little opposition. Until the Sierra Club started talking, opposing the dam project at any price. The environmental group made a lot of noise, loud enough to get the attention of everyday Americans - and we did not like what we heard. Most historians agree Sierra Club's mobilization of public opinion against the proposed dams was one of the major forces in the projects eventual demise. Today, the residents of Calvert County are hearing the same promises in support of Dominion's Cove Point LNG expansion. And we are being told by Dominion and our local and state government that the proposed facility - to be constructed on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay in a populated county with one road in and one road out - is "completely safe." The Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan was said to be one of the safest ever built, using superior technology and science to prevent a devastating nuclear accident. Furthermore, the plant operated under strict government oversight to further ensure public safety. But the Japanese government could only sit and watch when, in March 2011, Mother Nature, with one big wave of her hand, swamped the nuclear plant, devastating the surrounding community and poisoning land and water so that it
is uninhabitable. The Dominion Cove Point LNG expansion project is safe, we are being told, because it would have to adhere to strict government environmental guidelines set forth by the EPA. Freedom Industries in Charleston, WV was expected to operate under EPA oversight, too. But all of the Fed's rules and all of the Fed's regulations couldn't protect an entire community's water supply from a deadly chemical contamination just this month. If Dominion's proposed plan is so safe, why are our elected government representatives dismissing those voices with legitimate concerns about the safety - both environmental and human? Maryland Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. recently addressed the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce, promising that he would block any effort by environmental groups to halt the project. "Environmental groups will be introducing bills to block it, but we'll find ways to make certain it [Dominion] goes forward….those bills will never leave committee." One of those environmental groups will likely be the Sierra Club. They have already attempted to block Dominion's Cove Point project in court, but their legal objection was overturned by a Calvert County Circuit judge. They are currently appealing to a higher court. Back to 1968. What if nobody listened to the Sierra Club – those crazy, misinformed, misguided environmentalists - and those two hydroelectric dams were built? The dammed Colorado River would have flooded the Grand Canyon, turning it into a lake. Today it is inconceivable that our government would sacrifice one of our greatest natural wonders – for profit. Or is it?
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Chesapeake Current
Thursday, February 6, 2014 15
The Serious Heroin Problem Locally
On The
By Diane Burr
D
uring the past several months local law enforcement agencies say there’s an increasing number of heroin overdoses by Calvert County residents, with several of the victims being found dead in surrounding counties. Sheriff Mike Evans tells the Chesapeake Current that he knows of two people have died this year, and there were at least six heroin-related deaths last year. “I know there are plenty of other heroin overdoses, but the people didn’t die,” Evans says. “Fortunately, they get to the hospital and get help and we never hear about them.” At a recent drug forum, Chris Shannon of Calvert Advanced Life Support said that in 2013, 79 doses of opiate antidote were administered by EMS professionals. Antidote is only given in the most serious cases. Capt. Steve Jones of the Calvert County Sheriff’s dept. says there may even be more overdoses and deaths than they know about, “Due to privacy restrictions of medical records, it is extremely difficult to provide an exact number and the locations of the overdoses.” Jones says the Sheriff’s Office sees a common theme in the majority of these cases when they speak with friends and family members of the deceased. The stories generally start out that the person began using prescription pills, either taking them by mouth or crushing and snorting them. The users often then progress to injecting the pills,
from a lighter, candle or other heat source. “When it’s liquefied, they put it in a syringe and shoot it into a vein. But they can also snort it with a straw, like cocaine, “ he adds. By the time the users get hooked on heroin, they typically can’t hold a job and they get involved in other illegal activities to help support their habits. Eventually the users reach dangerously high levels of impairment from continuous use of the heroin, which leads them to overdose. The users become sick and go through withdrawal if they don’t keep heroin in their system, making it extremely difficult to “clean” themselves up. The more a person uses, the higher their odds are of getting a “hot shot,” Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans shows us which is heroin that has not been cut enough heroin and paraphernalia recently seized or cut with a lethal substance which can ultimately cause death. during arrests. intravenously. In an effort to get the same high they had previously reached, the users search for stronger pills and/or more of them. It then becomes impossible for them to afford their habit and more difficult to get prescription meds, primarily because of tighter controls by local doctors and pharmacies. So, they switch to a cheaper, easier alternative, which is heroin. Sheriff Evans tells us, “Pills can cost $15 $20 - $25 each on the street. Heroin is $40 to $50 a bag and users can get high three to four times from that.” Evans says typically, the The Board of Calvert County Commissioners heroin is “cooked in a spoon” with a flame heard Jan. 28 from a panel of local experts about the growing heroin problem in our area.
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Maryland’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in the past few days is reporting a jump an increase in the number of deaths linked to a potent and deadly batch of heroin that is tainted with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that fentanyl is estimated to be 80 times more powerful than morphine and hundreds of times more potent than heroin, and it dramatically increases the risk of an overdose death. Not only has it been mixed with heroin, but Dr. David Fowler, Chief Medical Examiner for the State says, “We have also seen overdose deaths due to fentanyl mixed with cocaine.”
Mark Your Calendar
Prescription Drug Abuse Community Forum/Workshop Thurs., Apr. 3 at the College of Southern Maryland, Prince Frederick Campus from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The forum will include: - An update on local prescription abuse and increase in heroin use. - The opportunity to talk with other families dealing with substance abuse issues and/or someone in recovery to learn how they have been successful. - Breakout sessions on early diagnosis, how to help an addict, and available rehab programs.
HOW TO GET HELP
There are numerous educational and support group programs available. Call the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) (410) 535-FREE (3733) or visit their website, co.cal.md.us/CAASA. CAASA can provide families and friends with helpful resource information and links to support groups and program. If you are need treatment services, call Calvert Substance Abuse Services at (410) 535-3079. According to OCME, between Sept. 2013 and Jan. 31, 2014 at least 37 deaths in Maryland are attributed to this lethal mix with heroin. Four of the dead linked to heroin cut with fentanyl were in Anne Arundel County, two in Calvert and one in Charles County. Sheriff Evans says all the heroin deputies confiscate during arrests is analyzed and they are awaiting the results of additional autopsies that could prove even more local deaths. I’ll publicize those results if we can prove they are heroin-related, too,” Evans tells us. The heroin problems are mostly centered in southern Calvert County and extreme northern Calvert where there are population concentrations. Most of the reports, Evans says, come from Chesapeake Ranch Estates in Lusby and the towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach. Amye Scrivner, Director of the Calvert County Department of Social Services said at the forum that another sad result is a growing number of young children ending up in the foster care system. Scrivner says currently there are about 100 children in social services and about 70 percent of those cases are because of opiate and drug use. This alarming trend is also overburdening the judicial system. Calvert County State’s Attorney Laura Martin adds that it’s not the people you’d expect to be drug addicts. Martin said at the forum, “What we’re seeing now is our high school football players, our straight-A students.” They start by popping one pill to get through a test or some other stressful event, and before they know it, they’re hooked and in trouble. Dr. Fulton Lukban, an Emergency Room physician at Calvert Memorial Hospital, said everyone in the community should be aware of the warning signs so they may recognize if their loved ones, friends, or co-workers are on drugs. Symptoms, Lukban said, include “unreliability at work, moodiness, not accepting responsibility, frequent doctor visits, insolent behavior, though not one single behavior indicates a drug user.” Meantime, the crackdown continues. Sheriff Evans says deputies very recently seized 37 bags of heroin and arrested a man and a woman. “I don’t want to say anything more about it yet because the case is pending and we’re hoping to make more arrests in connection.” About the Author: Diane Burr of North Beach is the founder and owner of the Chesapeake Current, our area’s only locally-owned and operated newspaper.
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Thursday, February 6, 2014 17
Bob Boyd, 67 Robert Wayne “Bob” Boyd, age 67, of Lusby passed away on Jan. 29, 2014 at his residence. He was born Nov. 11, 1946 in Weirton, WV to the late Walter Boyd and Mary Dunay Boyd. Bob married his beloved wife Ellen on June 20, 1970. Bob is survived by his wife, Ellen L. Boyd of Lusby, MD; his son, Tim Boyd and his wife Cheyenne of California, MD; siblings, Walter Boyd of Crescent City, CA, Richard Boyd and his wife Judy of Nineveh, IN, Mary Ann Thorne of Richmond, OH and Jean Tinstman of Pittsburgh, PA and two grandchildren. A prayer service was held Feb. 2 with Father John Mattingly officiating. A Mass of Christian burial was offered at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Solomons on Feb. 3 with Father Marco Schad officiating. Interment will take place at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD on Tues., Feb. 11, at 2:00 p.m. with military honors by the U.S. Air Force. Should friends desire contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Calvert Hospice, P. O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Donations are encouraged on-line at calverthospice.org. Rausch Funeral Home in Lusby handled arrangements.
Jason Dinges, 36 Jason Michael Dinges, age 36, of Churchton passed away suddenly Jan. 25, 2014. He was born Nov. 20, 1977 in Cheverly, MD to John Donald, Jr. and Linda Lee (Lyon) Dinges. Jason grew up in South County and graduated from Southern High School in 1995. Jason was a talented carpenter and worked with various construction companies.
The joy of his life, his son Jeremy, was born in Sept. 2004 and he cherished fatherhood. Jason was involved in his son’s Cub Scouts, taking him fishing and crabbing and watching professional wrestling. He loved children and animals and was always willing to offer a helping hand to others. Surviving are his father and step mother John D. Jr. and Linda L. Dinges, of Churchton, his mother and step father Linda L. and Charles Beatty of Greenbelt, his son Jeremy Michael Dinges of Churchton and Jeremy’s mother Nicole Dinges of Laurel, sister Carol Dinges of Churchton, step sister Jessica Linkins of Churchton, and several aunts, uncles nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jamie Beatty. A Life Celebration Service was held Fri. Jan. 31 at Saint James' Parish in Lothian. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jeremy M. Dinges Fund c/o M & T Bank, 632 East Bayfront Road, Deale MD 20751 phone (410) 867-6214. Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.
Helen Fullmore, 88 Helen Marie (Simms) Fullmore, age 88, also known as Aunt Sis, was born Dec. 20, 1925 in Sunderland to the late Benjamin and Elizabeth Simms. She departed this life at Med Star Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. on Tues., Jan. 14, 2014. She was educated in the public schools of Calvert County. Helen was married to the late Julius Fullmore, and had a daughter, Suzie, who preceded her in death. She worked as a domestic engineer in Washington, D.C. for several years. Helen was a devoted member of Greater People's Union Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. for over 30 years. She served as the secretary for the Flower Circle and was an active member of the church's choir. She also was a member of the
18 Thursday, February 6, 2014 Chesapeake Current
Heavenly Gospel Singers of Washington, D.C. She leaves behind one brother, William Simms (Cecelia), one grandson Andre Parker (Sadiqa), and three great grandchildren. She also leaves a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, relatives, friends, and church family. Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements.
Rich Gielda, 76 Richard (Rich) Eugene Gielda, age 76, of Prescott, AZ, a former Calvert County resident, was called home to our Father in heaven to continue to praise Him with our saints and to spend eternity with his wife, Jan. Rich was a loving husband, exemplary role model of a father, incredibly humorous grandfather, a proud and loving great grandfather, and an attentive faithful friend. Rich died after complications during a routine knee replacement surgery. He lived his life to the service of his family, friends and his community. He served his country in the USAF for 20 years and then went work for the US Government and retired after finishing his career working for a government contractor. In 2003, Rich and Jan moved to Prescott Valley, AZ where they both became active in their church and community. After Jan’s death, Rich kept the promise of taking his grandkids on special vacations. In 2010, he took his three teenage granddaughters to South America for vacation and then in the summer of 2011 he took three of his grandsons on a cross-country trip that included a trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rich’s infectious smile was something that many will remember. His warm eyes and desire to make you smile gave everyone a peek into his heart. He is survived by a family who loved him, his sons, Scott, (Catherine), Steven (Sherry), Stacy (Liz) and daughter Melissa Barry (Michael) and nine grandchildren, Katie Elmer, Chrissa Dockendorf (Stephen), Andrew Dwarshuis (Amy), Kayla Gielda, Jenna Wiley, Steven Wiley, Chase Gielda, CJ Wiley, and Madison Gielda. He was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren. Beyond his immediate family, he is also survived by a brother Jim, sister Carlene Witucki, and many nieces and nephews, and friends he called family. A memorial mass was held at The Covenant Community of Jesus the Good Shepherd on Jan. 28, 2014. Rich would appreciate memorial donation be made to the Saint Germaine Building Fund, as he was working hard to support the expansion of his church. Mail to: Saint Germaine Catholic Church, 7997 East Dana Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.
Margaret Gilbert, 92 Margaret Ann Gilbert, age 92, of Prince Frederick passed away on Jan. 25, 2014 in Prince Frederick. She was born July 27, 1921 in Baltimore to the late Grover C. and
Margaret B. (Prui) Wise. Margaret is survived by her children, Madeline Hutchins (Donald), Ann Dibble (Jim), W. Rowe Gilbert (Barbara), Leon Gilbert Jr. (Linda), David Gilbert (Jackie), Tim Gilbert (Theresa),and Gary Gilbert. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Pat Gilbert, 25 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Leon E. Gilbert, Sr., son Alan R. Gilbert, Sr., Brother Frank Wise and Sister Ruth Schneider. A funeral was held at Asbury Community Bible Church in Prince Frederick. Interment will be in Central Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Todd Hutchins, Chris Gilbert, David Gilbert, Jr., Jimmy Dibble, Tim Gilbert, and Alan Gilbert, Jr. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvert Hospice. Arrangements were provided by Rausch Funeral Home, Port Republic.
Gloria Gilliam, 82 Gloria May Gilliam, age 82, of Dunkirk passed away peacefully on Jan. 26, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Thomas George and Rose May (Pierce) Ashen. She was born in Washington, DC in May 5, 1931 and was the first generation American citizen. For over 58 years, she was married to Richard Gilliam, who passed away in 2009. They lived in Washington, DC until moving to Prince Georges County in 1959. In 2009, they moved to Indian Head, MD and to Dunkirk in 2013. In Dunkirk, she was one of four generations living and celebrating life together. Gloria was very devoted to her family and love spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also was a member of the Delmarva Ceramic Club and a longtime volunteer at Doctors Hospital. Some of her other many interests were crafts and collecting beautiful porcelain. Gloria was the beloved wife of the late Richard Gilliam and the loving mother of Richard W. Gilliam and Carolyn Tomlinson and her husband, Jim. She was the grandmother of Lyndee Waldbauer and her husband, Rick and Danny Tomlinson and his wife, Taylor. She was the great-grandmother of Richard, Blake, Zachary, Christian, Caleb, Carson and Madison.
She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Buddy Hale, 72 Rose Ashen and brother, Ronald Ashen. Memorial contributions may be made to the Olin Denton, “Buddy” Hale, age 72 of Dunkirk VFD, Dunkirk: dunkirk5.com or Brodnax, VA, formerly of Calvert County, Calvert Hospice: calverthospice.org. passed away Jan. 24, 2014. Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled He was born April 24, 1941 in arrangements. Baltimore to Olin Millard and Irma Annie (Soper) Hale. Buddy was raised in Baltimore and spent summers with his George Greene, 81 grandmother in Chesapeake Beach, until G e o r g e entering high school. As a teenager, he Greene, Sr. was born worked in a grocery store and sold Oct. 12, 1932 in newspapers at Pimlico Race Track. He Plum Point to the graduated from Mergenthaler Vocational late Leroy Greene, Technical High School in June 1960. After Sr. and Bertina graduating, Buddy worked as a Parker Greene. He patternmaker. passed away Jan. 11, He enlisted in the United States Army 2014 at the age on May 23, 1961 and served until April 24, of 81. 1967 when he completed his reserve George was a member of the Plum obligation and was honorably discharged as Point United Methodist Church. He loved a Sergeant. good spirituals and an uplifting church Buddy married Henrietta Engel on Jan. service. George was educated in the Calvert 19, 1970 in La Plata. County, Maryland Public Schools. He He was employed as a Construction graduated from W.S. Brooks High School Inspector for the Maryland State Highway in 1949. Administration, and on July 1, 1968, he George served in the Air Force during joined the Maryland State Police. Buddy the Korean War. He was also a law retired as a Trooper First Class on Mar. 31, enforcement officer with the Park Police and 1987. Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police After retirement, he worked as a safety Departments in addition to his employment consultant for various trucking companies. with the United States Postal Service with a He was a member of the Maryland total of 30 years of government and military Trooper’s Association, Maryland State service. Police Alumni Association, American He was a member of the American Legion, and several antique tool collector Legion Gray Ray Post 220 and was also clubs. Buddy loved to do wood crafting, nominated and appointed as an alternate tinker with old trains, and work on member to the Calvert County Board of rebuilding his old tractor. On Sundays, he License as a Commissioner. In addition, would get together with his friends in George was a licensed realtor with Long and Tanner Town. Foster in Prince Frederick. He loved to He is survived by his wife Henrietta travel. Engel Hale, a brother Talmage Langley George was a loving son, brother, “Lanny” Hale of Chesapeake Beach, and father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He several nieces and nephews. was well liked and will be greatly missed. Buddy was preceded in death by his George was married to Ilean Gray. parents, a sister Irma Adelaide Mitchell, and After this union ended, George was then a brother Thomas Millard Hale. married to Alma May Aldrich (deceased) Funeral services and burial were at and from this union, two children were Emmanuel United Methodist Church, born: Valtina Coleman (Anthony) and Huntingtown. George Greene, Jr. (deceased). George Rausch Funeral Home in Owings married Jean Jones (deceased). George later handled arrangements. married Monica Holland (deceased). He was preceded in death by his son, Grace Hays, 91 George Greene, Jr.; father, Leroy Greene, Sr.; mother, Bertina Greene,; brother, Leroy Grace S. Greene, Jr.; and wife, Monica Greene. Hays, age 91 of George leaves a daughter, Valtina L. Galesville passed Coleman, her husband Anthony, and away Sun. evening, grandchildren Alisha D. Coleman, Anthony Jan. 26, 2014 D. Coleman, Jr., and great grandson Neke following a heart T. Coleman; siblings: Delores D. Howe attack. (Charles), Phyllis E. Reid (Russell), Leonard Born Grace Greene, Sr. (Earlene), and Linda D. Greene; Elwood Siegert to Blanche Greene, sister-in-law; Elizabeth educator, judge and building contractor Willett, aunt; Lemuel Harrod, uncle; and Louis L. Siegert and Sophie Leatherbury friend, Michelle Booth, as well as a host of Siegert on Mar. 7, 1922, she grew up cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. along the shores of West River and lived Sewell Funeral Home in Prince the majority of her life in Galesville. She Frederick handled arrangements. graduated from Southern High School
and was a 1942 war bride, marrying Roy Oscar Hays. Within six weeks of their marriage, Roy was sent with the Army Combat Engineers to the European Theatre providing logistical support to the Big Red One. Grace returned to Galesville and after the war, she and Roy made their home on Benning Road in Galesville. They were married for 68 years, until Roy's death on Jan. 26, 2010. In 2012, she left her long time home in Galesville and went to live in Harwood with her son Richard and his partner James Fitzpatrick. A devoted housewife and mother, at one point, she owned a bakery business called "Just Cakes." During in her life, she also worked at The Red Lion Inn, served as a school crossing guard for Carrie R. Weedon Elementary School, covered a postal delivery route, held secretarial positions for both the State of Maryland and Anne Arundel County, and considered her years with the American Automobile Association in Annapolis as her favorite employment experience. She was a life-long member of Galesville United Methodist Church, serving on various committees and well known for her culinary contributions to fundraising events and fellowship hours. She participated as a greeter at the church, as a member of the quilting group, and as a member of the Livewires. She also enjoyed being a member of the Red Hatters Society, a second quilting group, and the Magnolias, a social group meeting in Galesville. In addition, Grace excelled in arts and crafts, quilting, and cooking. She loved playing all sorts of card games, traveled to every state in the nation, and spent many winters in Florida enjoying the warmth and close friendships there. She held her family as the prize of her life and loved spending time with each and every one of them. Grace is survived by her sons and their families: Mr. and Mrs. Roy Louis
Hays of San Jose, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Todd Carroll Hays of Port Republic; Mr. David Bruce Hays of Arnold, MD; and Mr. Richard Hays of Harwood. She is also survived by two of her sisters, Jean Trott of Galesville, and Nancy MacDonald of Galesville, and their families. She had seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Memorial donations may be made to Galesville United Methodist Church, 4825 Church Lane, Galesville, MD or the American Cancer Society. Hardesty Funeral Home in Galesville handled arrangements.
Richard Holmes, 56 R i c h a r d Edward Holmes, age 56, of Deale, passed away Jan. 21, 2014 at his residence. He was born Sept. 6, 1957 in Prince Frederick to George Barnsby, Sr. and Ida Virginia (Higgs) Holmes. Richard was raised in Calvert County and attended Calvert County Public Schools. He was a carpenter with Colonial Carpentry and later with Luckett Construction, retiring Sept. 6, 2012, due to health issues. Richard enjoyed motorcycles, working with his hands, and in his leisure time, he enjoyed watching television. Surviving are his sister Kathy Deale and her husband Spike of Deale, daughter Brittany Nicole Holmes-Mitchell of Hagerstown, his companion Arlene Robertson of Deale, and seven nephews and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents George B., Sr. and Ida V. Holmes, and brothers George B., Jr. and Harry G. Holmes. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake. Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.
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Diana Hoofring, 66 Diana Lorraine Hoofring, age 66 of Lusby passed away peacefully on Jan. 19, 2014 at the Burnett Calvert Hospice House, Prince Frederick. She was born Mar. 19, 1947 in Washington, DC to the late Maude Esta and Charles F. Wallace. She married the love of her life, Charles Eric Hoofring on Aug. 16, 1964 in Suitland, MD. Diana graduated from Suitland High School and went on to graduate from Temple Business School in 1964. She was a Legal Secretary for Sullivan and Cromwell Law Firm for approx. 20 years. She moved to Calvert Co. in May of 1982. Diana is survived be her beloved husband of 49 years Charles E. Hoofring of Lusby; daughter, Sandra Gilbert and her husband Daniel of Fallon, NV; brother, Charles Wallace and wife Dorothy of Prince Frederick, and one grandchild. Memorial contributions may be made to: Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, 238 Merrimac Court, Prince Frederick MD 20678. Rausch Funeral Home in Lusby handled arrangements.
Merle Howard, 56 Merle Windsor Howard, age 56, of Deale passed away Jan. 21, 2014 at his residence. He was born June 25, 1957 in Annapolis to Merle and Katherine (Windsor) Howard. Merle was raised in Deale and attended Southern High School. He farmed with his father and brother on the family tobacco farm in Deale until 1990. He married Judy Alyce Martino on July 7, 1990. After their marriage Merle and Judy sold produce and also owned and operated a pumpkin farm in Deale. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator with Anne Arundel County for 30 years, retiring in 2006. After his retirement, he worked for West River Gardens as a woodcutter. Merle loved life on the farm. he enjoyed hunting, crabbing, collecting International tractors and guns, watching Western movies, and spending
time with his family, especially his grandsons. Merle is survived by his wife Judy, a son Merle W. Howard, Jr. of La Plata, a daughter Stacy Renee Kepich and husband Gerry of Owings, a sister Cheryl Popejoy of Shady Side, and a brother James Jerry Howard of Glen Burnie. Also surviving are grandsons Dylan W. and Austin “A.J.” Kepich, both of Owings. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Nancy Riddle. Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Chesapeake, 455 Defense Highway, Annapolis MD 21401. Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.
Robert Jeffries, 87 Robert Jeffries of Owings was born in Warrenton, NC, on Oct. 11, 1926, to Cardell Jeffries. Robert departed this life at the age of 87 at The George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC, on Jan. 26, 2014. He was affectionately known as Mutt, Robee, Jeff and Bob. He graduated from John R. Hawkins High School. Jeff served in the US Army after high school, receiving a WWII Victory Medal. He went on to earn a BS degree in French, with a minor in English, from North Carolina A & T State University. He furthered his studies, earning an MA in Education at The George Washington University. He began his teaching career in Warren County, NC. He was baptized at an early age at Warrenton Baptist Church, where he remained a member and became a deacon, until death. He attended Mt. Hope United Methodist Church in Sunderland, where he was an active lay speaker. He married Emma Jerman on Nov. 21, 1948, in Greensboro, N.C. To this union five children were born. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his offspring and especially their quest to continue their education. In the early 1950’s, he moved to Calvert
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County to accept a teaching position at W.S. Brooks High School, eventually becoming the vice-principal. As a new decade arrived, Jeff was asked to open the new black Elementary/ Jr. High School that would be named Mount Harmony, in Owings. He continued in administration becoming the Coordinator of Title I, Supervisor of Instruction and retiring in 1990, after almost 40 years of service as the Director of Secondary Education, at the Board of Education, Calvert County Public Schools. Jeff was a Prince Hall Mason and established membership in North Carolina. He communicated with Victoria Lodge #71 in Maryland. He held membership in Phi Delta Kappa, Maryland Assoc. Administrators and Supervisors, J.R. Hawkins Alumni Assoc, NCA&T State Univ. Alumni Assoc, GWU Alumni Assoc., American Legion Gray Ray Post #220, Omega Psi Phi (Mu Psi, Mu Rho Chapters) and NOMADs of Annapolis. He leaves to cherish his memory five children, LaVerne Rowland (Nathaniel), Robert (Octavia), Cheryl Thompson and Amelia of Maryland; and Michael (April) of New York; brother, Benjene (Nancy), Washington, DC; sister, Cardell Squire, Brooklyn, NY; brotherin-law, Alfred Coleman (Esther) Norlina, NC; sister-in-law, Sadie Jerman; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Jeff was preceded in death by his wife, mother and two brothers; an older brother, who died in childhood and his younger brother, Charles.
Viola Kent, 88 Viola Blanche Russell was born on Jan. 9, 1926 in Prince Frederick to the late William Russell and Helen Stewart Russell. She departed this life on Sat., Jan. 11, 2014 at her family home in Huntingtown at age 88. Viola received her education in Calvert County Public Schools. She was a lifelong member of Mt. Olive United Methodist Church. During her Christian walk at Mt. Olive she served in several positions over the years, but the one she loved most was communion steward. She was determined to serve each first Sunday until she was unable to attend service. In November of 1953 she was united in holy matrimony to Gayhart Kent, which led to 60 years of marriage. Their combined families consisted of six children. Viola worked for many years in domestic service until she began working at Huntingtown Elementary School where she worked until she retired June 30, 1988. After her retirement, she devoted herself to her family and church which both gave her great joy. Viola was a quiet and gentle woman who always greeted you with a smile. She softly touched the lives of many as she traveled her Christian journey.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband; Gayhart Kent, daughter; Gayle Reid (Vaughn), step daughter and friend; Myrtle Harvey, sons; Clifton Russell (Denise), Howard Kent (Cheryl), Michael Kent and Gary Kent, grandchildren; Greg (Kesa), Vaughn, Jr. (Laichelle), Jeanine (Randy), Shadawn (Sean), Kendall and Camden, great-grandchildren; Dashawn, Kaniece, Marsalis, Trinity, Davaughn, Jayden, Lanez, Sydney and Cheyenne, sisters-in-law; Louise Russell, Marian Russell, Bertha Jones (Clyde). She also leaves Myrtle's children and grandchildren who loved her dearly as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relative and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents William Russell and Helen Russell Gross, sisters; Charlotte Gray, Alberta McGruder, brothers; William, Jr., Joseph, Bernard, Milton, Herbert and Richard Russell. Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements.
Billy Leitch, 80 John William “Billy” Leitch III, age 80, of Owings passed away Jan. 29, 2014 at Solomons Nursing Center. He was born May 20, 1933 in Prince Frederick to John William, Jr. and Grace Louise (Ward) Leitch. Billy was raised in Huntingtown and graduated from Calvert High School in 1950. He then attended St. James Preparatory School in Hagerstown, MD in 1951, and attended the University of Maryland in College Park for two years before being drafted into the United States Army in 1953. After two years of service, he was honorably discharged and returned to the University of Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 1955. Billy married Beverly Jane Whittington in Nov. 1955, and they made their home on the family farm in Owings. He was employed by Southern Maryland Oil as a plant manager, retiring in 1997 after 34 years. Billy also managed and worked the family farms in Owings and Huntingtown. He was a member of the Calvert County Farm Bureau, the Stallings-Williams American Legion Post 206 in Chesapeake Beach and All Saints Episcopal Church in Sunderland, where he served on the Vestry and Cemetery Committees and was also an usher. Billy served as Chairman of the Calvert County Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board from 1970-1976. In his leisure time, Billy enjoyed farming, upland and waterfowl hunting and was an avid sports fan. Billy is survived by children Lori Prevost of Huntingtown, Marcia Leitch of Bethesda, Karen Katsiyiannis of Temecula, CA, and John Whittington Leitch of Owings. Also
surviving are a sister Jane Leitch of HuntingLeRoy Seipp, 82 town, grandchildren Mallory Reading, Christina, Thomas and Beverly Katsiyiannis, LeRoy Edward and a great-grandson Brady Reading. Seipp, Jr., age 82, of He was preceded in death by his parents, Tracy’s Landing, and his wife Beverly Whittington Leitch, who passed away suddenly passed away Feb. 9, 1999. at his residence Jan. Memorial donations in Billy’s name may 21, 2014. be made to All Saints Episcopal Church in He was born Sunderland, the Alzheimer’s Association or Aug. 23, 1931 in Solomons Nursing Center, Activities DepartMaryland Park, MD to LeRoy Edward and ment. Rausch Funeral Home in Owings Mary Agnes (Cain) Seipp. He was raised in handled arrangements. Capitol Heights and attended Prince Georges’ County Schools. He later attended Margaret Miller, 87 Parks College of Aeronautical Technology of St. Louis University during the Korean Margaret Ann Miller, age 87, of Lothian was Conflict to become an airplane mechanic. born Sept. 19, 1926 and died at Anne Arundel Upon graduating, he was a B-29 mechanic in Medical Center on Jan. 25, 2014. the Air Resupply & Communication Wing She is survived by two daughters, Rev. Bunny and served at Royal Air Force Station MolesJett and Tish Heyduk; one sister, Jean Newton; worth in England for 16 months. LeRoy and their families. worked at Bolling Field in Washington from Donations in her memory may be made to 1959 until it closed in 1960. He was then St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church, employed at Andrews AFB as a civilian 14908 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. mechanic working on whatever planes were George P. Kalas Funeral Home in Edgewater at the bases. He retired in 1970 due to handled arrangements. disability. After retiring, he worked as a carpenter as he did in his early adulthood. Thomas Mudd, 75 Leroy married Lora Elaine Donnelly Sept. 13, 1952 in St. Mathias Church in Thomas William Capitol Heights. That marriage later ended Mudd, age 75, of Huntingtown passed in divorce. away Jan. 24, 2014 at He then wed Dorothy Lee Vest Johnson in Upper Marlboro, MD on April 24, 1984. his home. LeRoy enjoyed gardening, both flowers and He was born vegetables, and working on anything Jan. 22, 1939 in mechanical such as refurbishing tractors, cars Pomfret, MD to the and mowers. late John F. and Evelyn Hanson Mudd. Surviving are his six children Susan E. Thomas served in the Air Force from 1957 to Owen of Annapolis, LeRoy E. Seipp, III of 1960. He worked as a supervisor in the HVAC Annapolis, Mary K. Kalins and her husband field around the Washington Metropolitan area Daniel S. of Longmont, CO, John M. Seipp until his retirement. of San Diego, CA, Joseph S. Seipp and his He was the beloved husband of Hazel wife Sookil of Stafford, VA and Sally A. Mudd, father of Marcus Mudd, stepfather of Leapley and her husband Charles G. of Charles Bolen (Dallas), Dennis Bolen (Mary), Shady Side. Also surviving are twostep and Kevin Bolen, (Joyce). He was the grandfa- children, Diane M. Powers and her husband, ther of Robyn Rictor, (Chris), Joshua, James, Aubrey F. of Churchton and Daniel C. Allie, and Kelly Bolen, and great-grandfather of Johnson of Ellicott City, nine grandchildren, Cameron Rictor. He is also survived by his two step-grandchildren, five greatsiblings, John H. Mudd (Ann), Mary Potter, Kitty Farrell (Richard), and Betty Kitts grandchildren and three step-greatgrandchildren. (Emery). He was preceded in death by his parents Memorial contributions may be made to The American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsyl- LeRoy E. and Mary A. Seipp, his wife vania Ave., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. Dorothy Seipp, brother Robert H. Seipp, sister Mary E. Noblit, and stepchildren 20004. Rausch Funeral Home in Port Republic Louie A. Johnson and Patricia A. Smith. handled arrangements.Beach, his father John A. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thurs., Plank, Sr. of North Beach, and a sister Krystle Feb. 6, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of A. Hagan and husband Jeffrey of Huntingtown. Sorrows Catholic Church, 101 Owensville Also surviving are three nieces, Rylee, Alivia and Road, West River MD 20778. Interment Shelbie. will be at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery John was preceded in death by a nephew, at Cheltenham. Tyler. Rausch Funeral Home in Owings Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Owings, handled arrangements. handled arrangements.
Roger Swanson, 75 Roger W. Swanson, age 75, of Spring Hill, FL went to be with his Lord and Savior on Jan. 28, 2014. He was born in Hayesville, NC on Mar. 14, 1938 to the late Rev. Luther W. and Lula Mae Swanson. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Ralph Swanson, grandsons Timothy Andrew Swanson and SSG Christopher William Swanson. He graduated from Murphy High School, class of 1956, and attended the University of Virginia. He was employed with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 42 years as an operational manager in Washington, DC and Clarksburg, WV. Roger was a past member of First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro, Calvary Baptist Church, Bellington WV, and currently a member of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, FL. Roger served Christ faithfully throughout the years as a Deacon, Sunday School Director, teacher and Gideon. Roger is survived by his wife of 55 years, Matilda O. Swanson and his three sons, Gary W. and wife Kelly of Rose Haven, Gregory S. and wife Jeana of Bridgeport, WV and Glenn A. and wife Sherri of Chesapeake Beach. He also is survived by six grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a sister, Anna and husband Jerry Hartsock of Atlanta, GA. The family invites friend to call at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, on Thurs., Feb. 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Fri., Feb. 7, at 10:00 a.m. at Bayside Baptist Church, 3900 Chesapeake Beach Road, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732. Interment to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD.
Memorial donations may be made to: SSG Swanson Veterans Support Charity, PO Box 82, Friendship, MD 20758, that was formed to assist veterans and their families after his grandson, Chris Swanson was killed in action while serving in Iraq.
Mary Trainum, 77 Mary Ellen Trainum, age 77, of Owings died in her home on Jan. 26, 2014. She was born in Tazewell County, VA on June 22, 1936 to the late William and Rose Lambert Bailey. She had lived in Owings for the past 40 years. Mary had owned a cleaning service and enjoyed making ceramics and playing slot machines and Bingo. She is survived by her son, Mark Trainum and his wife, Danielle of Owings; grandchildren, Kimberly Martin, Meagan Gorman and Melinda Rogers and great-grandchildren, Nathan Miller, Shane Martin, Gabriella O’Neil, C.J. Hardesty and Khloe Young. Her husband Oscar (whom she wed in 1966), son, Vernon Evans, and infant daughter, Julie Carol Trainum predeceased her. Funeral services were held on Jan. 30, 2014. Rev. Ralph Nevin officiated. Interment followed at Southern Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Donald and Robert Byers, Brian Gillette, David Hord, Thomas Hutchins and Jay Johnston. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvert Hospice, PO Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Arrangements provided by Raymond-Wood Funeral Home, Dunkirk.
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Chesapeake Current
Thursday, February 6, 2014 21
Garden Dirt By Ray Greenstreet
Caring for Houseplants
To many people, a home is not a home without potted plants. But there’s more to it than aesthetics. Keeping potted plants inside the house is a breath of fresh air… literally. Studies done by NASA scientists researching ways to create healthy environments on the space station have shown that plants purify indoor air through photosynthesis when they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. They also remove air-borne toxins – up to 87
Anthurium.
percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every 24 hours, according to NASA research. Plants pull contaminants into soil, where microorganisms convert VOCs into food for the plant. And plants release roughly 97 percent of the water they take in. Place several together and you can increase the humidity of a room – especially helpful during dry winter months. Studies at the Agricultural University of Norway tell us that houseplants help prevent dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs. Science has proved that houseplants take care of you – and they depend on you to take care of them. Here are some tips to keep your houseplants happy! Watering “Improper watering is the most common culprit when it comes to killing houseplants,” says Scott Cronin, our retail greenhouse manager. Soil that is too wet or too dry will lead to poor growth - or death of the plant.
Plants can be watered from either the top or the bottom of the pot. If you water from the top, keep as much water off the foliage as possible. Water until it runs out through the pot’s drainage. Toss any water that remains beneath the pot one hour after watering. To water from the bottom, put the pot in a pan or saucer filled with water. When the top of the soil is moist, remove the pot and allow it to drain. “Never allow plants to wilt, and never let a potted plant sit in water for any length of time,” says Scott. “Wet Peace Lily. feet will cause leaves to yellow or drop, When repotting, handle the plant flowers to collapse, and roots to rot.” gently, and be careful not to damage the roots. Firm the fresh potting Lighting Not enough – or too much - light mixture gently around the root ball and ranks right up there with improper water well. watering as a frequent cause for a Insects and Diseases plant’s demise. The three most common housePlants are generally divided by light needs: low, moderate and bright. plant pests are spider mites, scales and Only a few plants can tolerate dim mealy bugs. If detected early, these light. Most foliage plants do well with problems can usually be fixed before light at a north window, daylight with serious damage is done. “If you’re no direct sun, or sunlight diffused unsure of what’s attacking your plant, through a lightweight curtain. Plants bring us a cutting that shows the sympthat require full sunlight should be put toms,” advises Scott. “We’ll help to diagnose the problem and offer advice in a south window. “If you’re not sure how much light on what you can do to clear it up.” a plant needs, just ask us,” says Scott. “We want you to choose a plant that Summer Care During the summer, many housewill grow in your environment.” plants can grow outside. But don’t rush to put them out too early in the spring; late May is usually soon enough. At first set the plants in a sheltered spot, out of direct sun. After a week or so they may be moved to a more exposed spot for the rest of the summer. Potted plants dry rapidly outdoors; during the hottest periods you should check them daily. Fertilize monthly, and check occasionally for insects or diseases that may attack the plants outdoors. Move plants indoors by mid-September before cool weather returns. Bromeliads. Fertilizing A good monthly feeding is usually enough for most houseplants. Watersoluble fertilizers formulated for houseplants – like Miracle Grow - are applied when you water. Slow-release fertilizers – like Osmocote or feed “stakes”require less frequent application than liquid forms. Whichever you choose, follow directions carefully and don’t exceed amounts suggested by the manufacturer’s directions. Repotting Plants just purchased should not need repotting. And a plant must make adjustments to its new environment; repotting immediately can cause unnecessary strain. A time for repotting is when the plant becomes pot-bound. A rule of thumb is to go just one pot size up. Use a high quality potting mixture formulated for house plants. Garden soil shouldn’t be used; it’s too heavy.
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Pothos Golden. About the Author: Ray Greenstreet began his career when he was just 13, as a “yard boy” at a garden center. In 2000, Ray and his wife Stacy, began Greentstreet Growers, a wholesale growing operation on their 65-acre Lothian farm. In 2005, they opened Greenstreet Gardens, a retail nursery and gift store. Last year Greenstreet Gardens grew to include a second retail store in Alexandria, VA.
Chesapeake Current
Thursday, February 6, 2014 23
Fatal Accident Involving Stolen Car Calvert County Sheriff’s Deputies say the Calvert County Control Center was contacted by the Lusby Fastop located at 11790 HG Trueman Road in reference to a theft at the store shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Wed. Feb. 5. An employee provided deputies with a description of the suspect as well as a vehicle description. The complainant also stated an employee of the Fastop had followed them to an address in Lusby. Dep. L. Wood responded to the address and while responding, the Calvert Control Center was contacted by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office who advised them a similar style vehicle had been stolen in Lexington Park. While receiving the information from St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, The Calvert Control Center recognized the vehicle lookout information provided by St. Mary’s to be the same vehicle that had committed the theft at the Fastop. Updated information was given to Dep. L. Wood who responded to the Lusby address with negative results. Dep. L. Wood then traveled back to the Fastop to finish taking the report of the theft. Dep. L. Wood and Dfc. Wilson went inside the Fastop and upon exiting, they observed the suspect vehicle now at the gas pumps attempting to purchase fuel. Dfc. Wilson and Dep. Wood approached the vehicle on foot and attempted to make contact with the occupants around the vehicle. Deputies then observed a male driver, later identified as David Todd Dennison, 37, of Patuxent River, MD jump into the driver’s seat of the vehicle and flee. Deputies observed the vehicle travel west on Rousby Hall Road heading towards Olivet Road. Deputies returned to their vehicles and subsequently canvassed the area with negative results. Deputies continued to canvass the area at which time a St. Mary’s County Deputy assisting with the canvass, observed a vehicle overturned, off the roadway into a wooded area east of the Rousby Hall Circle, approximately 17 minutes later. Deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office subsequently arrived on scene and summoned assistance from Emergency Medical Services. The Solomons Volunteer Fire Department, St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department and Lexington Park Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene to render medical treatment. The vehicle occupants were identified as Dennison, Amanda Nicole Gott, age 25, of Lusby, and Steven Edward Coontz, 53, of Lusby. All three occupants were transported to the Calvert Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. Steven Coontz was later pronounced deceased by medical staff after succumbing to injuries sustained in the crash. Amanda Gott and David Dennison were later transported to Medstar for further observation with non-life threatening injuries. This crash is being investigated by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Preliminary investigation suggests that alcohol and speed are factors which contributed to the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dfc. C. Childress at (410) 535-2800 or email at childrcj@co.cal.md.us.
24 Thursday, February 6, 2014 Chesapeake Current
In the The Mysterious, Intimidating Virginia Opossum By Katelin Welles
I
admit it, I like so it swells inside the opossums. And as a babies mouth, much Master Wildlife like placing a balloon Rehabilitator, I have had inside a bottle and the privilege to work filling up the balloon with a lot of ‘possums! with water. The bottle I met my first one will not fall off, as the in 2005, when I began baby opossum will not my volunteering at fall off either. As the Opal’s Place, a wildlife babies develop, their rehab run by David and mouth unseals and Donna Quinn. Their they start moving favorite animal and one around in and out of they specialized in was the pouch, and will the only marsupial in ride on mamma’s North America, the Welles holds and feeds Hurricane Harry. back, with a tight grip opossum. My first day on her fur. there, David handed me When the a very tiny creature, and asked me if I wanted mother has produced enough milk, the milk to feed it. I looked at this mouse like baby, duct drips the fluid to her babies, and they decided it was too small and offered a polite lap it up, just like a dog laps water. “no thank you”, upon which I was given a So, when I was given Harry to feed, I larger one. had to allow him to lap formula from a The ‘possum I worked with was called specialized feeding tip. Harry Hurricane, as he had been found by Mamma opossums do not have a den, student from Huntingtown High School they travel around in search of food, and the and turned into Opals Place for rehab and babies learn to eat by following her example. release. As they grow, they will venture off on their Harry became my first love, as I worked own away from their mother when they are with him for the rest of his time at the rehab, about four months old and weigh about a and I learned how wonderful opossums pound. Mom makes a “clicking” sound to really are! call her babies back to her. Donna taught me the “two minute I once had a few escape their cage and possum love” talk. Sometimes it’s not easy to so I began “clicking” and sure enough, as convince people that opossums are not the Donna taught me, the babies came strolling ugly, smelly, rat-like creatures that tears up out of their hiding places and were picked up your yard and trash at night! In reality, they and put in a new cage! may be one of the best wild animals you can Their typical diet includes various have living in your neighborhood! insects, bugs, beetles, left over dog and cat Opossums are in a class of mammals food, and they adore slugs and snails. called marsupium, meaning pouch, the only Over-ripe fruits are also a favorite. They eat a one of its kind in North America. All other lot of the dead things you see on the road, mammals are classified as placental. and have earned the title of “Nature’s Basically, placentals have belly buttons, Nocturnial Sanitation Engineers.” They eat opossums do not. snakes and are immune to snake venom, too! Members of the marsupium family They do not dig up your lawns, that include kangaroos, koala bears and many would be skunks looking for grubs, and other types of warm-blooded wildlife found mostly you can blame the raccoons, foxes or in Australia, where the opossum originated. dogs for getting into your trash can by Their fossil remains from over 70 million knocking off the lids, or tearing into trash years ago have been found! bags. Once food is made available, the As a marsupial, the opossum has a possum will take advantage and sometimes specialized pouch in which the young are falls into a trash can, and stays there until carried, fed and protected. Opossums do not found and let out. I once got a call from a suckle their mothers’ milk as puppies, kittens lady who said there was a dead critter in her and other mammals do, they lap from a trash can. Upon arrival I found a cute specialized milk duct in the pouch. juvenile opossum, sound asleep in a pile of After the baby possums are born compost. He was one fat and happy little (usually between five to eight per pregnancy, guy, as in that compost was the remains of no more than 13), they climb their way from mushrooms, another favorite! the birth canal, into the pouch and latch Opossums are special because they do onto a elongated milk duct, where their not get rabies, as their body temperature is mouth seals up around it. The newborn about 96 degrees and the rabies virus needs a opossum are about the size of a bumblebee. host with a temp of 98.6! There have been a The mother fills this duct with a liquid, case or two of a ‘possum testing positive for
rabies, but it is likely that it was sick to begin with, had a fever and that allowed for the rabies virus to develop and kill the opossum. Physically, these critters are very different from other mammals. They have a “thumb” on their rear feet, their tail is covered in scales and small hairs and are prehensile. They use it like a 5th hand, grabbing branches as it climbs, gathering and caring leaves for bedding, but they do not hang form their tails as one sees in cartoons! Opossums are not too smart, but what they know has allowed them to survive millions of years. Their brain is about the size of your thumb, five times smaller than a raccoon’s brain. They have 50 teeth they are proud to scare you with. Although they do not attack, they do hiss and drool, drain their anal glands and play dead when threatened. Sadly, they do not live long in the wild, three years is the average. They are found all along the East Coast and were brought to
Dave Quinn is holding two possums for release. They weigh about two pounds each.
Chesapeake Current
Two baby ‘possums in a carrier getting ready for release.
California with the early settlers as a food source. They do not hibernate in the winter, and their thin ears often suffer frostbite. But all in all, they are healthy, hearty creatures they deserve our respect and love for being a remarkable marsupial! We are very lucky to have the National Opossum Society here in Maryland to offer help and advice for all thing “Possum.” Check them out for more fascinating facts at opossum.org. About the Author: Katelin Welles of Prince Frederick is a Master W i l d l i f e Rehabilitator who runs Little Wanderers Wildlife Rescue. Her specialties are gray and flying squirrels.
Thursday, February 6, 2014 25
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CLASSIFIEDS The Current, Bay Tripper and Chesapeake Current Cuisine are the only locally-owned and operated newspapers in our area and we’re entering our 5th year serving YOU! We’re not owned by a mega-billionaire in Seattle. The Chesapeake Current supports local businesses and our communities in so many ways. And don’t be confused by counterfeits that “claim” they’re everything Calvert County when all they’re doing is showing you their advertisers in St. Mary’s County to get you across the bridge to spend your money. The Current instead encourages you to patronize our advertisers, all of whom are right here in OUR area. Locally-owned businesses HERE provide jobs and keep our economy going strong! The Current keeps it local. Nothing is syndicated, nothing is canned content, and we have no fillers to take up space. Every issue of the Current is packed with exclusive news and information that matters to you, your family and friends. There’s no other publication like us. Ads in the Current, and our sister publications, Chesapeake Current Cuisine and Chesapeake Bay Tripper, are very affordable and really work to help you grow your business or promote your event. For more info, email ads@ChesapeakeCurrent.com or call our office at (410) 231-0140.
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26 Thursday, February 6, 2014 Chesapeake Current
nity. Counselors at local high schools will receive invitations for students identified in need to look for a prom dress, shoes and accessories. For information, visit aacc.edu/studentlife/onceupon.cfm or contact Kimberly Herrera, coordinator of Student Life at (410) 777-2043 or by email at kfherrera@aacc.edu.
Pets Meet Pocohontas! Pocahontas is pretty shy. We'll be totally honest. She came to us starved and terrified. We are still working to get weight on her as she really is emaciated, but once she gets to know you, she absolutely loves you and is totally devoted to you. When we saw this sweet girl, our hearts just went out to her. We knew that she would be a project, but we also knew that she would be worth taking on. We absolutely love this girl and we are so honored that we will have the opportunity to help her to come out of her shell and heal both physically and mentally. We are comfortable placing her in a home with other dogs and with kids at this time. We are looking for a patient home and owner or family to give her the love that she deserves. For more info on all the lovable animals available for adoption, visit them online at HumaneSocietyOfCalvertCounty.org or come see all the animals at the Humane Society of Calvert County, 2210 Dalrymple Road in Sunderland. Phone: (410) 257-4908. Be sure to say you read about this pet in the Chesapeake Current!
Work at the Water Park! The Chesapeake Beach Water Park is now taking Applications for the 2014 Summer Season! We are looking for Lifeguards/Pool Operators, Grillers, Kitchen Assistants, Cashiers, and Grounds Keepers. To sign up for an interview, please visit our website at chesapeakebeachwaterpark.com and click on “Job Opportunities.”
Anne Arundel County Pets
Join the Chesapeake Current! The Chesapeake Current, our area’s only locally- owned and operated newspaper, is searching for professional sales executives to sell ads. Must have reliable transportation and prior sales experience. Great money for an exciting, fun job. Email resume along with cover letter explaining why you would like to join our team: ads@chesapeakecurrent.com. Donations Needed Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) Student Engagement Office and Campus Activities Board once again are collecting prom-style dresses and accessories for the spring prom season to help local girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to dress up. Drop off all donations by March 1 in the Student Union Room 202 on AACC's Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway. Dresses should be gently used, clean, free of stains or tears and preferably on a hanger. Shoes and accessories must be in “like new” condition. The donations will be given out during an event in the spring that will allow AACC students the opportunity to connect with high school girls in the local commu-
Suzie Meet Suzie – she’s a Mastiff mixed breed dog, estimated to be about a year old. She’s an altered female, brindle and white in color.
Betty Brandy is a beautiful short hair, mixed breed cat. She was brought in as a stray, and is an adult altered female estimated to be about three years old. She’s a black and brown striped tiger.
Anne Arundel County Animal Control is located at 411 Maxwell Frye Road Millersville, MD 21108. Pet viewing and adoption hours are: - Mon. – CLOSED - Tues – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Wed. – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Thurs. – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Fri. – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sat. – 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sun. – CLOSED Anne Arundel County offers a low cost rabies shot clinic for county residents every Thurs. from noon to 3:00 p.m. except on major holidays or in inclement. The cost is $5.00 per animal vaccinated. Cash or checks only are accepted. Call Anne Arundel Animal Control at (410) 222-8900 with any questions.
Bring your “sweethearts” to a special “Valentines” Spirit Night of food, friends and a hilarious mix of comedy and magic at the Ruddy Duck. ! When: ! Where: ! ! ! Time:! ! Featuring: ! ! !
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014! Ruddy Duck Restaurant & Brewery! Dowell Rd., Solomons ! Between 5"8 p.m.! Reggie Rice, ! The SuperMagicMan!
Local magician, Reggie Rice aka “SuperMagicMan” will entertain dinner guests at the Ruddy Duck Restaurant between 5"8 p.m. and a percentage of food and drink purchases by friends of OLSS (eat in and carry out) will support Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Just don’t forget to mention OLSS when you order!). !
Let’s show everyone our love for OLSS and be a part of the magic!!
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Thursday, February 6, 2014 27
28 Thursday, February 6, 2014 Chesapeake Current
By Lyn Striegel
A Clean Slate: Review, Rebalance Your Portfolio
Your Money Matter$ There is no better time to take a fresh look at your investment strategies than the beginning of the new year. And while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to investing for the future, reviewing your goals annually can help you stay on track from month to month - and year to year. My colleague, John Day of Day Wealth Management in Columbia, MD, has three tips to help you manage your investments:
• Has the time frame for any of your financial goals - such as your retirement date - changed in the past year? • Have you been contributing as much as possible to your tax-deferred retirement accounts? The 2013 and 2014 contribution limits are $17,500 for employer-sponsored retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, plus another $5,500 in catch-up contributions if you are over the age of 50. For traditional and 1. Take a Progress Check Roth IRAs, the limits are $5,500 with The goal of an investment review is to another $1,000 in catch-up contributions. make sure you’re in position to pursue important short- and long-term goals 2. Correct for Asset Allocation “Drift” during the coming year. However, it is You should be aware that your asset difficult to get a clear vision of the future mix, or asset allocation, is always subject to without first reviewing whether you have change. That’s because investment performanaged to stay on track during the past mance could cause the value of some of year. your assets to rise (or fall) more than For example, ask yourself the follow- others. When an asset allocation shifts due ing questions: to market performance, it is said to have • Are your savings and investing goals “drifted” or become unbalanced. still realistic, or might you now need to To better appreciate how perforaccumulate more (or less) money than mance differences can affect a portfolio originally planned? over time, consider what might have
happened to a hypothetical portfolio of 70% U.S. stocks, 10% bonds, 10% foreign stocks and 10% cash equivalents if left untouched for the 20-year period ended December 31, 2012. In this example, the original 70% allocation to domestic stocks would have grown to 79.4%, while all the other allocations would have shrunk, reducing their intended risk reduction role in the portfolio. As always, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Bonds haven’t been as volatile as stocks over long periods of time, but recent history shows that they too can experience performance patterns that may alter asset allocation over time. Consider the divergence of the stock and bond markets in 2008 and how that affected asset allocations. While the S&P 500 lost 37% during this period, long-term U.S. government bonds gained 23%. A portfolio composed of 50% of each at the start of the year would have shifted to an allocation of 34% stocks and 66% bonds at year’s end. 3. Make Sure You See the Whole Picture If you have multiple investment accounts, determining whether to rebalance may involve several steps, beginning with a check of your overall allocation. This entails figuring how your money is divided among asset classes in each account and then across all accounts, whether in taxable brokerage, mutual fund or tax-deferred accounts. How often should you rebalance, and what are some general guidelines? The usual answer is anytime your goals change; otherwise, at least once a
year. However, to keep close tabs on your investment plan and make sure it doesn’t drift far from your objectives, you may prefer to set a percentage limit of variance, say 5% on either side of your intended target that would trigger a review and possible rebalancing. How you go about rebalancing will depend on your particular circumstances. If you are making regular contributions to a retirement plan, the easiest way to adjust the makeup of your contributions is to build up underweighted assets. This avoids transaction costs and does not require liquidating and reinvesting assets, which can have tax consequences. In general, it’s a good idea to avoid liquidating existing assets unless the tax consequences work in your favor. If you must rebalance assets outside of your retirement plan, try to do it in another tax-deferred account such as an IRA, again to avoid immediate tax consequences. And if you’re looking for new money to help rebalance your portfolio, consider using a lump-sum payment such as a bonus or tax refund. From time to time I will bring you words of advice from other top-rated professional asset managers. The more you know about investing, the better your chances of success. About the Author: Lyn Striegel is an attorney in private practice in Chesapeake Beach and Annapolis. Lyn has over thirty years experience in the fields of estate and financial planning and is the author of “Live Secure: Estate and Financial Planning for Women and the Men Who Love Them” (2013 ebook download available at LegalStriegel.com.). Day Wealth Management offers securities through LPL Financial, Member FINRA and SIPC. Nothing in this article constitutes specific legal or financial advice and readers are advised to consult their own counsel.
On Valentine's Day, Financial Gifts Can Be Sweet Valentine’s Day is almost here. This year, instead of sticking with flowers or chocolates for your valentine, why not give a gift with a future? Specifically, consider making a meaningful financial gift. However, a “meaningful” gift doesn’t gain its meaning from its size, but rather its impact. What types of financial gifts can have the greatest effect on the life of your loved one? Here are a few possibilities: Charitable gifts — Your valentine may well support the work of a variety of charitable organizations. Why not give to one of them, in the name of your loved one? Not only will you be helping a group that does good work, but you may also be able to receive a tax deduction for your contribution, assuming the organization qualifies for tax-exempt status. And if you give financial assets, such as appreciated stocks, you may also be able to avoid paying capital gains taxes on the donated shares. IRA contributions — Many people don’t contribute the maximum annual amount to their IRA (which, in 2014, is $5,500, or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older). While you can’t directly contribute to
your valentine’s IRA, you can certainly write him or her a check for that purpose. Gifts of stock — Like everyone else, your sweetheart uses a variety of products — and he or she might enjoy being an “owner” of the companies that produce these goods. You can help make that happen through gifts of stock in these businesses. A financial advisor can help you through the straightforward process of buying stock and transferring it to another person. Debt payment — Consider volunteering to pay your valentine’s car payment, or credit card payment, for a month, and then encouraging him or her to put the savings to work in an investment. The fewer debts we have, the more we have to invest for our future. Life and disability insurance — Quite frankly, life insurance and disability insurance do not sound like the most romantic of Valentine’s Day presents. And yet, if your valentine is also your spouse, your purchase of life and disability insurance may actually be one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Of course, your employer may offer some life and disability insurance as employee benefits, but this coverage
may be insufficient for your needs. After all, if something were to happen to you, your insurance may need to provide enough income to pay off your mortgage, send your children to college and perhaps even help pay for your spouse’s retirement. As for disability insurance, many employers’ plans are quite limited in what they provide, so you may need to supplement this coverage with a separate policy. And the possibility of incurring a disability, even for a short time, may be greater than you think. In fact, a 20-year-old worker has a three-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age, according to the Social Security Administration. As you can see, you can choose from a range of financial gifts to brighten Valentine’s Day for your loved one. So, consider the ones that make the most sense for your valentine and start “wrapping them up,” so to speak.
Edward Jones Investments Lee Ritter, Financial Advisor 410-257-6827 lee.ritter@edwardjones.com
Chesapeake Current
Thursday, February 6, 2014 29
CURRENT EVENTS The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces the following office and facility closures for the Presidents Day holiday Monday, Feb. 17: · All Calvert County government offices will be closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day. · The Calvert Pines, Southern Pines and North Beach senior centers will be closed. Meals on Wheels will be delivered to clients. · All Calvert Library locations will be closed. · There will be no public transportation services; the regular schedule will resume Tues., Feb. 18. · All Solid Waste facilities will be open and operating on normal business hours. · Battle Creek Cypress Swamp will be closed. · However, Flag Ponds and Kings Landing parks will be open regular hours. · The Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center will be open regular hours. · Mount Hope and Southern Community Centers and the North Beach Recreational Center will be closed. · The Northeast Community Center will be open. “Gallery Swap” CalvART Gallery hosts artists from ArtWorks @ 7th in North Beach to introduce patrons and friends to another group of incredible Southern Maryland artists. CalvART Gallery is located in the Prince Frederick Center at Rt. 231 and MD Rt. 4, between Sakura and Dreamweaver Cafe. The gallery hours are Wed. through Sun. from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (410) 535-9252or their web site at calvartgallery.org. “Gallery Swap” runs through March 2 with artists’ opening Reception on Feb. 8 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Scholarship Deadline The South County Concert Association is offering two $1,000 scholarships to students at Southern High School interested in perusing a higher education in the performing arts and music in college. Application forms are available from Mrs. Sullivan, Dance Department Chair, Southern High
Thursday, February 6 Lifelong Learning: African American History and Culture Commissioner and genealogy expert Michael Kent will discuss research options and offer tips for discovering family histories. Several websites, including Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest Online will be showcased. This event starts at 7:00 p.m. and will run for 90 minutes at the Calvert Library Prince Frederick. For more information visit us at calvert.lib.md.us or call (410) 535-0291 or (301) 855-1862.
Friday, February 7 Zip Meets Date Postmark: The zip code for the Town of North Beach is 20714 and on Feb. 7 (2/07/14) you can get a special collector's postmark to commemorate this Zip Meets Date Day that only happens once every 100 years! Simply mail items or bring your envelopes to the post office that day. There will be a small ceremony marking the
School, 4400 Solomons Island Rd. (Rt. #2) Harwood, MD 20776 or at southcountyconcerts.org. All completed forms and supporting documents must be delivered to Mrs. Sullivan by Mar. 3. Women of the World Register now for the 12th Annual WOW Awards to be held at the College of Southern Maryland, Prince Frederick, on Sat., Mar. 15. The theme is: Women Involved: Women Making a Difference! To celebrate the future, bring a guest at least 10 years younger! Luncheon is $27.00 per person, $15 per person for age 21 and younger. To reserve your seat, mail checks by noon on Feb. 25 payable to: League of Women Voters, PO Box 1510, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Co-Chaired by the Calvert County League of Women Voters & Calvert County Commission for Women. Contact: Margaret Dunkle: MDunkle@gwu.edu or (443) 968-2500: or Debora Harris: DHarris1685@comcast.net or (410) 535-1498. Variety Show 2014 The Southern Anne Arundel County Senior Center’s "Springtime Revue" is Fri., Apr. 25 and Sat., Apr. 26. If you’re a senior age 55 or older, share your talents. Please call the South County Senior Center in Edgewater at (410) 222-1927. "The Year of The Horse" In conjunction with the Chinese New Year “Year of the Horse” that began Jan. 31, artists at Artworks @ 7th in North Beach present their interpretations of all things equine. Art displayed will include equine and pastoral themes and colorful interpretations of the Chinese celebration of the "Year of the Horse" rendered in paint, pen and ink, scratchboard, ceramic, fiber, jewelry, sculpture and mixed media. Come in from the cold and enjoy fresh, original art. Show runs through Feb. 27. Artworks@7th, 9100 Bay Ave., North Beach. Hours: Thurs. Mon. 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit artworks@7th.com or call (410) 286-5278.
Baked Chicken Dinner: informal dinner from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. hosted by the American Legion Stallings Williams Post 206, on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach, in the lower-level dining room. You think you’ve had good chicken? Commander Jack will prove you wrong. He will be whipping up his world-famous chicken with all the trimmings and salad. The cost is $10, including beverage. (301) 855-6466 or visit ALpost206.org.
Saturday, February 8 Loss of Child Conference for Parents: “Shattered Hearts,” a free conference for parents who are dealing with the aftermath of the loss of an infant, youth or adult child. The program is specifically for parents and is not for siblings or others. Sponsored by the Hospice Bereavement Center, the conference will be held at the Patuxent Presbyterian Church, 23421 Kingston Creek Rd. in California, Md. from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information and to register, please call the Hospice Bereavement Center at (301) 994-3078. Valentines Pet Pictures: Second Hope Rescue will offer Valentines Pet Pictures from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Pepper's Pet Pantry, 13372 HG Trueman Rd. in Solomons (behind CVS Pharmacy). No appointments. All animals must be leashed or in a carrier. Proceeds benefit Second Hope Rescue. $10 one picture. $13 includes a CD with all poses. There will also be three pet themed gift baskets for raffle to benefit Second Hope Rescue. Call (410) 326-4006 with questions.
Zentangle Foundation Skills: It’s a meditative drawing style using structured patterns in a mindful and relaxing way to rekindle creativity, build self-confidence, and create beautiful artwork. Members: $20 (Nonmembers: $30) Materials Fee: $15 due to instructor at class. Annmarine Garden,13480 Dowell Road, Dowell/Solomons. 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Call (410) 326 - 4640 or visit annmariegarden.org. Stories of Everyday People in the War of 1812: When war came to the shores of the Chesapeake, what was it like for everyday citizens and local militiamen, as well as slaves, freed men and women? Mike Dixon reveals unpublished stories of the people unrepresented in local history books. 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at Calvert Library Prince Frederick. Post-Victorian Valentine Postcard Workshop: View the museum’s vintage postcard collection, then make your own take-home postcard Valentines with reproduction vintage postcards, stickers, ribbons, gems and all sorts of crafting materials! $5.00 per participant. Registration required. Recommended for age 5+; children must be accompanied by an adult. Bayside History Museum, 4025 4th Street, North Beach at 2:00 p.m. Email baysidehistorymuseum@hotmail.com or call (301) 855-4028 to register. Country Dance: Time to boogie, come to the Country Dance at the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206 on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach. If you can't dance, teachers will be available to give instruction. One-hour lessons begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by dancing from 8:00 p.m. until midnight. $15.00 per person includes soft drinks or draft beer and light munchies. Hosted by the American Legion 206 in the upper level Ballroom in Chesapeake Beach on Route 260. For information call (301) 855-6466. or visit ALpost206.org.
Intro To Fused Glass: Valentine Hearts: Learn cutting, shaping, and glass compatibility. Then stack the shaped piece of glass and fuse them together in a kiln. For ages 16+. Members $20 (Nonmembers: $25). Materials Fee: $8 due to instructor at class. Annmaevent with Mayor Mark Frazer and refresh- rie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 ments at 11:00 a.m. at the North Beach Post Dowell Road, Dowell/Solomons from 10:00 Speakeasy Soiree: A Prohibition-era extravaa.m. – 12:00 p.m. For info call (410) ganza to benefit Freedom Hill Horse Rescue. Office at 7th and Bay Avenue. Free! 326-4640 or visit: annmariegarden.org. Come dressed as your favorite 1920’s characFirst Friday Tour: Free behind the scenes ter. Tickets $40 each or two for $75. 6:00 – tour of the Maryland Archaeological Conser- Preparing For Bluebirds: Birder David 9:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.) vation Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility, Gillum will show the many plants that Friday’s Creek Winery, 3485 Chaneyville that houses over 8 million artifacts, including Bluebirds can use as food to get through the Road, Owings. Get tickets at collections from every county in Maryland. winter. He will also discuss nest boxes and freedomhillhorserescue.com or call Terry Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 monitoring, and lead a short walk to look for (240) 535-4009. Bluebirds. For adults and children ages 8 and Mackall Road, St. Leonard at1:00 p.m. For up. Free. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, 10:00 more information, please contact Ed Chaney a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Meet at the Plummer Sunday, February 9 at (410) 586-8554 or email House at 5702 Plummer Lane, Lothian, MD ed.chaney@maryland.gov. 20711. For more info, call (410) 741-9330 All U Can Eat Sweetheart Breakfast: Bring or visit jugbay.org your Sweetheart to start off the day with a Annmarie After Hours: Enjoy a casual adult evening of great art, wine & beer, light hors Zentangle for Kids: More than just hearty breakfast including Chef Charlotte’s d'oeuvres, and live music. Stop by Annmarie doodling, come learn the relaxing art form of Belgian Waffles with strawberries and cream, before or after dinner and make it a night on zentangle! A perfect approach to handmade sausage, scrapple, bacon, scrambled eggs, the town. No reservations required! Free for Valentines! Recommended for ages 8 to 12. home fries, biscuits, pastries, fruit, chipped members; $5 for non-members. Adults only Membes: $12 (Nonmembers: $15) Materials beef and assorted beverages. Hosted by the evening; must be 21. Annmarie Sculpture Fee: $15 due to instructor at class. Annma- American Legion 206 Auxiliary from 8:00 Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, rine Garden, 13480 Dowell Road, a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the upper level Dining Dowell/Solomons from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. For Dowell/Solomons. 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Hall in Chesapeake Beach on Route 260. more info call (410) 326-4640 or visit (410) 326 - 4640 or visit: Adults $12; kids 6-12 $6; kids under 6 free. Bloody Marys will be available for extra annmariegarden.org. annmariegarden.org.
30 Thursday, February 6, 2014 Chesapeake Current
CURRENT EVENTS charge. (301) ALpost206.org.
855-6466
or
visit
College Goal Sunday and Tax Preparation Assistance: Free program to help high school seniors and their parents/guardians complete and file the universally required Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form on-line. A $500 scholarship opportunity is available to students who complete their FAFSA during College Goal Sunday. Southern Maryland College Access Network and the Calvert County Public Library are co-sponsors of this event where families will be assisted by Financial Aid professionals in completing the FAFSA on the web. End Hunger in Calvert County will also assist high school seniors and their families with free tax preparation assistance. Family income must be less than $57,000 to receive assistance. Space is limited; registration highly recommended. Visit Calvert Library at calvert.lib.md.us/events.html or contact Shelby Potts at (410) 474-0742 or somdcan@comcast.net to reserve a one-hour time appointment. Please bring your student and parent 2013 tax documents to the event to ensure accuracy. Calvert Library, 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick. 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Inclement weather date: Feb. 23) Chesapeake Community Chorus: All-volunteer group that performs concerts to benefit local charities. They will perform a concert at the Huntingtown United Methodist Church, 4020 Hunting Creek Road, Huntingtown, at 5:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend; free but free-will offering accepted. Contact Larry Brown, Director, at (301) 855-7477, or email lbrown9601@verizon.net for info. Intro to Glass Bead-Making, Winter Session: Learn basic lampwork techniques to create your own stunning glass beads. Using a hothead torch, learn to pull a variety of "stringers," forming basic round beads with various surface decorations. Each person will come away with several glass beads to make a unique piece of jewelry. Members: $125 (Nonmembers $140) includes materials. Annmarine Garden, 13480 Dowell Road, Dowell/Solomons. 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. (410) 326-4640 or annmariegarden.org.
Monday, February 10 Enjoy an Evening of Jazz: Jesse Lynch, pianist extraordinaire, accompanied by a bass and drums will lead you on a journey through the evolution and history of jazz. With music and a multi-media presentation, you will relive the sounds of jazz greats such as Scott Joplin, Charlie Parker and Louis Armstrong. Admission is free to South County Concert Association and Anne Arundel Community Concert subscribers. $20 public admission per person. Southern High School, 4400 Solomons Island Rd. (Rt. 2), Harwood. 7:30 p.m. For additional information contact F. R. Gouin at (301) 789-3295, Betty at (401) 956-4881 or visit southcountyconcerts.org.
Tuesday, February 11
Saturday, February 15
Peace and Justice: is the topic of the Calvert Interfaith Council meeting at All Saints Church, Sunderland. Our special guest represents the Maryland Interfaith Legislative Council, which leads congregational/denominational support for the HOME Act and for the bill calling for an increase in the minimum wage. Representatives of all local congregations are welcome. Hospitality begins 9:30 a.m., meeting 10:00 a.m. Call (410) 535 2938 for more info.
Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) Training: Become a citizen scientist! People of all ages can join the fun of the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Learn about common backyard birds, how the GBBC collects data, then take a stroll with us to see some live wild birds. Afterward, make a feeder to attract birds to your own backyard. For school-aged children through adults. No registration required. Meets at South County Library, 5940 Deale-Churchton Rd., Deale, 10:00 – Tex-Mex Casual Tuesday Dinner: Join us 11:30 a.m. For more info contact Jug Bay for an informal dinner from 5:30 to 7:00 Wetlands Sanctuary at (410) 741-9330 or p.m. hosted by the American Legion visit jugbay.org. Stallings Williams Auxiliary Post 206, on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach, in the lower-level dining room. The cost is $10, HOOT … Is In Your Backyard? The including beverage. Call for more informa- Friends of Jug Bay again partner with tion call (301) 855-6466 or visit Greenstreet Gardens for a winter day of lively educational entertainment. Liz ALpost206.org Smith, of Raptor’s Eye, and Ranger Billy will present live birds, including owls, a Thursday, February 13 hawk, a kestrel, a merlin, as well as a few Butterfly Phenology Training: The Jug surprise visitors. Kid Make-N-Take Crafts. Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is seeking volun- Lunch available. $5/ per person; no teers for the butterfly phenology research reservations necessary. Bring the family and project. Must be available for weekday enjoy the festivities! Greenstreet Gardens field work during the 2014 season. Meet Nursery, 391 West Bay Front Road, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Plummer Lothian, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. All House, 5702 Plummer Lane. For details proceeds benefit the Friends of Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. For more info, email call (410) 741-9330 or visit jugbay.org. noratee1@verizon.net, or (301) 385-7141. Research: Winter Waterbird Survey: Enjoy the beauty of an early winter mornSunday, February 16 ing on the Patuxent while counting waterbirds: Canada geese, harriers, eagles, Chemo-Cap Knit-In: Knitters are invited herons, and many different kinds of ducks. to knit caps which will be donated to Dress for the weather and wear comfortable people undergoing chemotherapy at walking shoes. Bring binoculars, a field Calvert Memorial Hospital. Bring yarn, guide, and a spotting scope if you have needles and a bag lunch. Free. Cox Art them, also available to borrow. For adults. Center, 32 Cox Road, Huntingtown. 10:00 No experience necessary. Jug Bay a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Call (410) 535-0014. Wetlands Sanctuary,Lothian from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Call (410) 742-9330 or visit Everything Beethoven Concert: Annapojugbay.org lis Chamber Players Annual BayWoods of Annapolis free Concert. Featuring an all Beethoven program for winds, strings, and Friday, February 14 piano. BayWoods of Annapolis, 7101 Bay Valentine’s Dinner/Dance: Bring your Front Drive, Annapolis, at 2:00 p.m. For information visit Sweetheart to celebrate this annual special more AnnapolisChamberPlayers.org or call (410) occasion with Surf and Turf. Hosted jointly by the Auxiliary and the Sons of the 349-1856. American Legion, doors will open at 5:30 and dinner will be served at the Post on The Chesapeake Community Chorus: Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach, from 6:00 All-volunteer chorus that performs to 8:00 p.m., accompanied by music. concerts to benefit charities in Calvert Dancing will commence at 8:00 p.m. until County is looking to add new singers to the midnight. $20 includes all sides and a soft beverage, $2.00 for dessert, and $10 for chorus. No auditions required. North only dancing. Advance sale of tickets Beach Union Church, 8912 Chesapeake through Feb. 13 only; no sales at the door. Avenue, North Beach, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Larry Brown, Director, They may be obtained from the post Contact (301) 855-7477, or email bartender. For more info, call (301) at 855-6466 or visit ALpost206.org. lbrown9601@verizon.net.
Chesapeake Current
Tuesday, February 18 Steak Night: Order your steak direct from the grill master and get what you ordered. The $15.00 price tag includes all the trimmings and a beverage. From 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. hosted by the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206, on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach, in the lower-Level dining room. Public welcome. (301) 855-6466 or visit ALpost206.org
Wednesday, February 19 Davidsonville Dance Club: Foxtrot Basic I starts at 7:00 p.m. and Hustle Basic II at 8:00 p.m. each Wednesday for eight weeks. No partner required. Professional instructor. $65 plus $10 membership fee for the year 2014. For location, directions or more infocall (301) 809-0288.
Thursday, February 20 Aladdin Jr.: Presented by Stageworkz. Tickets are $5.00 and includes a dessert buffet. At the Southern Anne Arundel County Senior Center, 27 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater at 6:00 p.m. (410) 222-1927 or (410) 798-4802 or visit aacounty.org/aging
Be more successful! Let the Chesapeake Current help you promote your non-profit group’s event! Email complete details along with contact info at least three weeks in advance to editor@Chesapeake Current.com. We also give non-profits deep discounts on sharp, colorful display ads to attract even more attention! Call for details! (410) 231-0140. Thursday, February 6, 2014 31
7 Facts About the Cove Point LNG Project Dominion’s proposal to add export capability to its Cove Point Liquefied Natural Gas facility in Calvert County will be Southern Maryland’s largest private investment in at least a generation. So it’s no surprise the project has received broad and strong support. Still, we believe we have a responsibility to make sure everyone knows the facts about this project.
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The project will deliver substantial and far-reaching economic benefits.
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The project’s economic benefits include strong job growth.
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By using clean-burning natural gas, the project will protect the environment.
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Dominion is continuing a 40-year record as a trusted neighbor.
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We’ve done our homework, and made it public.
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We’re designing to have the smallest local impact possible.
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The facility will be built somewhere. Calvert County should be able to enjoy its benefits.
Calvert County will initially receive more than $40 million in new revenue each year from the project. That’s in addition to the $15 million being paid now. To put it in perspective, that’s almost 15% of the county’s current $274 million operating budget. This new revenue could be used for tax relief; sewer, water, recreation or road improvements; support for schools; aid to senior citizens; or any combination of worthy projects. Thousands of construction jobs will be created over the course of the project. Most of those are expected to go to local residents. Another 75 high-paying permanent positions will also be created. And that’s not to mention the opportunities for local businesses to participate in the project, as well as the spending increases other local businesses will enjoy. The facility’s new equipment will use natural gas, the cleanest-burning fossil fuel. It meets the most stringent environmental limits to protect air quality. It has been carefully designed to optimize efficiency while minimizing impacts. And it will also be zero-discharge—no water used will disturb the bay. In all, Dominion has provided more than $2.3 million in charitable grants and donations in Maryland since 2002. One example is the Dominion Reef at the Gooses—one of the largest efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population. Beyond that, Dominion led an initiative to save the largest freshwater marsh on the bay’s western shore when it was damaged by a storm. And for nearly four decades, the facility’s daily operations have gone largely—and pleasantly—unnoticed. Over the past 20 months, Dominion has filed more than 20,000 pages of documents as part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s review of the project. And that’s just one of about 50 federal, state and local government permits and approvals needed. As a result, the project is being given a thorough review to minimize potential impacts on the bay and other water resources, residential areas, wildlife, vegetation, air, soil, noise, public safety, traffic and visual quality. The LNG facility will be built entirely within the existing fenced industrial area. The surrounding 800 acres Dominion owns will remain a woodlands and wetlands preserve. The heat generated by the natural gas-fired turbines used in the liquefaction process will be reclaimed to generate clean electricity for the facility. A sound wall to shield neighbors from noise will be concealed by 350 feet of tall trees. And road improvements and other initiatives will minimize traffic disruptions. If this project does not go forward, our customers may choose to either export gas from other competing projects in the United States, or import gas from the Middle East, Russia or other parts of the world. In the end, global demand will be met. But without this project, Southern Maryland will get none of the benefits.
Despite these facts, we know some people will still have questions. And we’re committed to answering each and every one. So far we’ve held 39 meetings with local residents, and have many more planned. The government approval process is open, and we encourage our neighbors to participate. Our website, dom.com (keyword: Cove Point), offers even more background about this project, a regularly updated list of FAQs and a place to ask questions and sign up for our e-newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We’ve been neighbors for four decades. And we believe we’ve been good neighbors. Our goal is to continue working together to improve Calvert County and all of Southern Maryland. We firmly believe the plans we have for Cove Point will do just that.
Thank you.
@Dom_CovePoint
To learn more visit dom.com/covepoint