Chesapeake Current 030515

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Chesapeake

March 5, 2015

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“We Made Our Principal Kiss a Pig!� ory page 12 St

Kids Hold Record Fundraiser

The Bay Business Group (BBG) will hold its next monthly meeting on Wed. Mar. 18 at North Beach Town Hall. If you’re a local business owner who would like to learn more or attend, email President@BayBusinessGroup.org

Fourth grade boys at Mt. Harmony Elementary School race around the Boosterthon track in the gym, raising money with each lap they complete. By the time it’s tallied, they will have raised more than any other fundraiser in the school’s history so they can pay for lots of things, including iPads!

Oh, and the kids also beat their principal in a challenge, so she had to kiss a pig! The story on page 12….

Major Road Project Being Planned

Anyone driving through Prince Frederick knows our main highways are outdated, difficult to navigate, and in some cases, downright dangerous. The Maryland State Highway Administration has these major thoroughfares on their radar screen, and officials are planning major improvements over the next couple of years. These improvements include three lanes in each direction, sidewalks for pedestrians, and much, much more. The story on page 4...

It’s a Rough Winter

Bitter cold temperatures, snow and ice that cover food and water have made this one of the worst winters ever for our local wildlife. This Great Blue Heron (photo by Allen Sklar) is one of the many casualties. Until spring finally arrives, there are many things you can do to help these poor animals and birds survive. Lisa Garrett has details in this issue’s “In the Wild” column exclusively in the Chesapeake Current. See page 5...

Also Inside

3 Community 10 Taking Care of Business 12 Cover Story 14 Letters 16 Remembering Family & Friends 20 Business Directory 22 Current Events

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BOCC Seeks to Change Govt. Operations Responding to citizen complaints, the Board of Calvert County Commissioners (BOCC) is looking at ways to make the county government more like a “business.”  At the BOCC meeting Mar. 3, members asked staff to look at 10 areas in which they could make substantial operational changes.

Under  Guidance #1, the Commissioners would like to view the farm and forestry community more like a business; which they are. For example, they believe consideration should be given to determine how owners of farmland can use their property to their own benefit (i.e., permit some housing on their land without such activity becoming a subdivision – pass off portions to descendants).

The goals of this include being able to evaluate family conveyance requirements (including property within agriculture preservation) to see how they could be revamped to be more flexible but address long term concerns should the property convert to non- family.

This evaluation is to include reviewing a sampling of some of the recent problematic conveyances in an effort to avoid a recurrence.

They also hope to establish a list of business opportunities for the farm and forestry communities.

Guidance #2 addresses potential term limits for all commissions and volunteer boards, to include limits on the number of consecutive terms the Board of County Commissioners may serve. Currently five of the 24 jurisdictions in Maryland have term limits for their elected Commissioners/ Council members including Anne Arundel, Cecil, Howard, Prince Georges, and St. Mary’s Counties. Goals of this initiative include initiating a legislative item setting forth term limits for the Board of County Commissioners.

They will also look into establishing staggered term limits for members of Boards and Commissions appointed by the Board of County Commissioners no later than June 1st.

Item #3 would determine how to best use the Chesapeake Hills Golf Course and the Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center in a more business-like approach over the current Parks and Recreation’s purview.

Guidance #4 would bring forth the proposed changes to the Sign Regulations throughout the County that begin during the previous board. The goal is to have the new sign ordinance to the Board of County Commissioners for review by June 1.

Guidance #5 would determine if additional meetings (over the typical once per week) are needed to better satisfy the needs of the

citizens and County staff. The goal is to have staff to analyze and monitor meetings over the next six months to get a sense of how many work sessions or contract awards were deferred had there been additional meetings.

Guidance #6 would determine if alternative sources of revenue can be found that are more creative than current taxes and fees, such as advertising for the various businesses on County-owned resources. A goal would be to have staff analyze and report to the Board, the pros and cons of various alternatives for revenue sources other than taxes and fees.

For example, advertising on buses and the potential for corporate sponsors on County facilities.

Guidance #7 would evaluate the various Use Tables that currently restrict the types of businesses that are permitted in areas outside of the Town Centers. One example would be recreational uses in the Industrial Park.

Another would be to analyze the need for Architectural Review Committees for possible restructure and/or dissolution.

Guidance #8 would deal with enhancing government offices being more citizen and business friendly/cooperative and find a ways to assist, not hinder. The time lines on businesses are detrimental not only to the business, but also to the government.

An example of this is continually sending back plans that restart the 90-day clock, thus pushing planned communities back and hindering the County from collecting fees in a timely manner. This has a definite impact on our budgeting process. A goal is to have staff determine what changes need to be implemented to enable staff to adhere to the 90-day process and if the plans require changes, the additional review time should be kept to a minimum and not have to be recirculated, except in substantive cases.

Guidance #9 would develop incentives for housing and commercial development that spur economic development while maintaining the rural character outside of the town centers. The board hopes to have implementation plans by March 31.

The 10th Guidance would determine alternative approaches to “the way government is run.” This would seek ways where some features of the government run more like a business (i.e., staff incentives, contract-vsmerit, and relook organizational structure).

The goal is to evaluate incentive-based performance evaluations where employees receive an increase in compensation based upon actual performance.

County Considers Speed Cameras One new source of revenue for the county could potentially be the installation of speed cameras on roadways near local schools. The Board of Calvert County Commissioners (BOCC) at its meeting on Mar. 3 considered a report by Major Dave McDowell, Assistant Sheriff, Lieutenant David Payne, and Sheriff Evans on the topic.

Photographic speed enforcement in school zones is governed by State Transportation Article 21-809. The first requirement is local ordinance allowing for the cameras to be utilized. Monitoring may begin on County Roads as soon as ordinance is passed. State Roads require a study that takes approximately six months to complete.

That the cameras do is snap a photo and send a ticket to vehicles traveling 12 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Cameras may be placed within a one-mile radius of a school and may operate only Mon. – Fri. between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. year-round.

The Civil Penalty issued is similar to a parking ticket, with the fine not to exceed $40.00.

The fines collected are sent to the Treasurer.

The money collected through the fines must be utilized for Public Safety. Prior to any court case, the person issued the citation may make in writing a defense to a designated person (by

police) as to why they should not be issued a ticket. If denied, the ticket must be paid, or sent to District Court 30-day period with warnings prior to any citations.

The purpose is to reduce the number of speeding offenses and accidents in school zones. Statistics from other jurisdictions show an average of 42% reduction in accidents, a 90% reduction in fatalities, and a 41% reduction in injuries.

The Town of Chesapeake Beach has one of these camera set-ups in front of Beach Elementary School. In 2012, which was not a full year, the town brought in $12,761 in fines. In 2013, the amount was $86,034 and in 2014, $64,599. The projected amount for 2015 is about $25,000, which would be a 71% decrease from first full year, primarily because residents finally remember where the cameras are located and have slowed down.

Calvert County has a total of 23 schools, and traffic volume varies greatly from location to location. Thirteen schools are on County or State roads. A conservative estimate of $20,000 per school is $220,000 in fines a year.

Optotraffic is a company operating these cameras, and there is no initial start up cost, except signage. The current revenue split is 38% to the company and 62% for the county.

What do you think? We want to know! Tell us in a Letter to the Editor! Email: editor@ChesapeakeCurrent.com

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Thursday, March 5, 2015

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SMECO Files to Reduce Energy Charges Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has filed an application with the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to reduce its energy charges by more than 12 percent for residential customers.

SMECO is filing to reduce the residential winter energy charge from 9.25 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 8.13 cents per kWh. Winter energy charges appear on bills rendered October through April. Residential energy charges for summer will decrease from 8.61 cents per kWh to 7.53 cents per kWh, a reduction of 12.5 percent. The filing was submitted February 27, and, if approved by the PSC, the reduced charge will appear on customer-members’ May 2015 bills.

Austin J. Slater, Jr., SMECO president and CEO, explained, “The cost of energy makes up the largest portion of the monthly bill.

So this energy rate decrease - which affects residential customers, commercial customers, schools, government and sports facilities, and even street lights - will deliver substantial savings to customers. And this rate reduction is significant. The average residential customer with monthly usage of 1,300 kWh this summer will save about $17 each month as compared to last summer.

SMECO uses a portfolio approach to purchasing power, aggregating power supply

agreements with a variety of suppliers to purchase energy for its base load and peak load. SMECO’s residential energy rates peaked in the summer of 2009 at 12.53 cents per kWh. Prices for energy peaked again in March 2014 throughout the northeast because of the dramatic drop in temperatures that resulted in an increased use of electricity.

“The co-op’s power portfolio produces stable energy rates and helps to save money for customer-members overall,” Slater said.

“Natural gas prices are down about 34% from last year, which helps to lower the cost of power supply for SMECO. We project our cost for the energy portion of wholesale power to be more than 17% lower than last year, and these savings are passed on to our customer-members.”

SMECO’s Standard Offer Service (SOS) rate is made up of the energy charge and the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA). On SMECO’s monthly electric bills, lower power supply costs have been reflected in the PCA, which has been a credit every month since September 2014. With the PCA credit, the SOS rate for February was, in effect, reduced from 9.25 cents per kWh to 8.60 cents per kWh. The total SOS rate in May will be the combination of the new reduced energy charge and the PCA, which changes monthly.

Improvements Planned for Rt. 2/4 thru Prince Frederick State Highway Administration officials are looking at a wide-reaching project that would improve traffic operations and safety along the MD 2/4 corridor in Prince Frederick.

Roadway capacity to accommodate existing and projected traffic demand would be its goal.

Roadway improvements include: - Widening MD 2/4 with a raised median to provide three through lanes, a bicycle lane, and a continuous auxiliary lane in each direction - Widening MD 402 (West Dares Beach Road) to provide a second receiving lane for left turns from southbound MD 2/4 - Constructing new sidewalks and ensure ADA compliance - Removing the U-turn movement at Steeple Chase Drive (northbound to southbound MD 2/4) - Eliminating the skewed intersection of MD 2/4 with MD 765A just north of Commerce Lane - Reconfiguring Commerce Lane to a fullmovement intersection - Providing access control on southbound MD 2/4 south of the MD 402 intersection - Providing aesthetic improvements that create a boulevard-like roadway and enhance community character.

Officials told the Board of Calvert County Commissioners at its meeting Feb. 24 that design is approximately 35% complete. Design completion is anticipated in November of 2016. Currently, the project is only funded for design and right-of-way. It would require a twoyear construction period. The entire project depends on the availability of construction funding.

Learn more: For additional information, you are invited to attend a public meeting on Wed., Mar. 11 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Calvert Middle School (Cafeteria), 655 Chesapeake Boulevard Prince Frederick, MD 20678. The meeting will acquaint the public with the project and provide attendees an opportunity to inform SHA of their project-related concerns.

Maps and exhibits depicting current designs and plans for improvements will be on display, and SHA representatives will be available to answer questions concerning the planned design work. No formal presentation will be given. You may arrive at any time during meeting hours and walk through at your own pace. *Snow Date – Tuesday, March 17, 2015 Meeting will be held on snow date if county public schools are closed or if the county’s snow emergency plan is in effect.

Septic Upgrade Program Continues The Board of Calvert County Commissioners (BOCC) is again applying for grant money to help Calvert residents with old, failing septic systems to upgrade.

Since 2006 the Bay Restoration Fund, a program managed by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), has awarded grants to Calvert County to assist property owners in upgrading their septic tanks with “Best Available Technology.” This helps reduce the amount of nitrogen exiting the septic tank that ultimately enters waterways through groundwater. Nitrogen has been proven to negatively affect the quality of waterways by over nutrification, causing algal blooms and ultimately reducing the oxygen in the water, creating “dead zones.”

During the past eight years, the County has received annual state funds amounting to over $7 million. Working with the Calvert County Health Department, the County has awarded septic tank replacement grants to

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homeowners, non-profit organizations and business owners. Over 400 septic tanks have been replaced since the inception of the grant program.

Last year (FY15) the BOCC approved and accepted an MDE grant award of $1.268 million. In January 2015 the county received an additional $75,000 in BRF funds.

The FY2016 grant proposal requests $1,399,269 which will fund the installation of up to 95 pre-treatment, Best Available Technology, de-nitrification septic systems, with five years of maintenance. The BRF award will also partially pay for salary and benefits for an Environmental Health Sanitarian and up to 90% of the watershed planner position.

Grant awards will be distributed to residents based on a ranking priority established by the State.

For more information on this program, contact Steve Kullen, Watershed Planner, at (410) 535-1600 ext. 2336.

In the The Harsh Realities of Winter

By Lisa Bierer Garrett

By Lisa Lisa Bierer Garrett

Winter takes a toll on this Ruddy Duck. Photo by Hugh Vandervoort.

“Harsh” is defined in the dictionary as “hostile to survival.” If you’ve complained about how harsh this winter has been, imagine the toll it has taken on local wildlife.

Bitter temperatures, strong winds and wind chills, snow and ice storms – this is the 5th coldest winter season on record! How have our wildlife been able to withstand the cold?

Most wildlife either migrates to warmer climates, hibernates or sticks it out. No doubt you’ve seen gaggles of Canada geese fly south.

Hummingbirds and other brilliant colored songbirds such as the Orioles and Tanagers all seek a more tropical locale for the season for this reason.

Other animals find a den to curl up in and sleep away the winter. True hibernators such as brown bats, chipmunks, groundhogs, and black bears all go deep in a burrow or cave. Other mammals such as opossums and skunks sleep for long periods of extremely cold weather in hollow trees or in a den. Many times skunks have a slumber party, piling in together helping to keep each other warm. Even reptiles hibernate for the winter. Garter snakes will gather together in a rocky den. These hiberniculum have been discovered containing many hundreds of snakes together for protection from the cold. Box turtles burrow under the leaves to sleep through the winter and even fish, frogs and toads can sleep in the mud until spring.

An opossom visits a Dunkirk backyard this winter.

Photo by Sue Estes.

Hibernating Chipmunk.

But over the generations, animals such as Cardinals, Blue Jays, Red Foxes, squirrels, and Great Horned Owls have adapted to stay through the winter. Feathers and fur usually give good insulation from howling winds. White tail deer and rabbits grow thick winter coats to survive. Evergreen shrubs and pine thickets are a haven for these animals, offering shelter.

Usually in our area, there is enough food and water to get wildlife through the hardest parts of the cold season.

If you want to help them survive, know that Goldfinches eat dry seeds and they will come readily to thistle/Nyger seed feeders. Blue Jays will come for peanuts. Nuthatches sneak a seed and then cache it or hide it under tree bark or moss to create a seed stash for hard winter times.

Squirrels will eat everything including the sides off of bird feeders! Foxes and hawks will hunt for meadow mice, voles and some songbirds.

It is the cycle of life with predators and prey interacting in deadly consequences. In the spring, new young life will appear with nests and eggs and litters of fox pups. Well, that is how it usually goes.

Turkey Vulture scavanging for food. Photo by Lisa Garrett.

This winter has been unusually harsh. Long periods of very cold temperatures can be too much for our winter creatures to survive. The hardest part is the lack of water. We don’t think about all the water sources being frozen as we can get water from our tap, the coffee shop and restaurants. However, lack of open water kills many animals in the winter. They die from dehydration. The ice and snow also cover up food sources. Seed heads covered in ice cannot be found and eaten by tiny goldfinches and chickadees. Vultures cannot feed on road kill as it is covered by the snowplows.

This winter is the first time since 1996 that the Chesapeake Bay has such a large amount of ice coverage. Before that, the Bay had not totally frozen over since the Big Freeze of 1976 – 1977 Aerial photos this year show almost complete ice coverage spanning large parts of the Bay. Open water is vital to water birds such as ducks, loons, swans and geese, many who have suffered die offs from starvation as they walk across large sheets of ice looking for food and shelter.

One of the hardest hit species is the tiny

Ruddy Duck, nicknamed the “butterball” for its small size. It might also be delicious as it is a favorite food of Bald Eagles in the winter.

Without water to dive into and hide, they are literally “sitting ducks” waiting for predators from the sky to pick them off. Bird watching friends have also seen large gulls attacking the small ducks due to extreme hunger.

Most winters there are large swaths of open water, particularly by the Bay Bridge, where large rafts of mixed species of ducks swim and forage together. There is safety in numbers and the rafts can be of thousands of ducks. Many times ducks are seen standing on the ice or tucking one foot up to warm it. Ducks circulatory system allows blood to flow to their feet through a cross current system that keeps the feet relatively cool but not frozen and avoids chilled blood traveling through the ducks on the return. Ducks lose only about 5% of their body heat from their feet.

Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, in Newark DE, has seen more starvation and dehydration cases this year with folks bringing in ducks, hawks, owls and songbirds that have died or been injured due to the severe weather. ”Perhaps the owl might have already been malnourished or weak when it got hit by a car, that makes it harder for the bird to recuperate” explained a staff member by phone.

Speaking with Liz Smith, Executive Director of Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc. in Newark, DE, she told us, “I don’t know how many birds die each winter, but cold weather does cause some mortality each year, especially for birds - or any wild animal - that has an injury or isn’t 100% healthy going into the winter. We do get some birds in each year that are thin and not doing well that could be weather-related. We also occasionally see birds with frostbite injuries.”

Flocks of waterfowl generally follow the open water, but that doesn’t always happen, especially when there is a sudden cold snap. Last year, in New York State, there was a large die-off of waterfowl after an exceptionally long and cold winter. Climate change may be affecting the intensity and unpredictability of our winter weather. There have also been reports of Robins dying in large numbers in Anne Arundel County.

winter, but none appeared to be injured. Perhaps they are used to the biting cold temperatures as it reminded them of their tundra home.

How can people help?

In your yard, wildlife and songbirds need three things to survive- food, water and shelter.

Water: Can you set up a heated birdbath? Or a heated dog/pet bowl? If not, put out a sturdy, low bowl and add some warm water to it. Even a little access to water is helpful to winter songbirds that are having a hard time finding water to drink.

Food: Put out bird feeders. Stick to black oil sunflower seeds, safflower, and fruit and nut mixes. Avoid low cost “sale” birdseed with lots of waste seeds like millet, corn and red tiny wheat seeds. These attract flocks of black birds and mice and even rats.

Suet is an easy to feed food that attracts beautiful birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and tufted titmice. It provides high energy for birds struggling to stay warm and fed.

A fellow birdwatcher has a red-shouldered hawk that has been taking the suet blocks off her deck!

I guess it’s easier to catch than a wily squirrel these days!

Other foods that birds will relish include dried fruits, cut up apple, and peanut butter.

Shelter: Some folks use an old Christmas tree a shelter spot. I turned a few patio chairs upside down on the deck and created little shelter pockets for the birds. A piece of plywood or a pallet against the back fence or creating a brush pile in the backyard wall can help wildlife survive.

Recycling evergreen wreaths and pine swags by hanging them out on your bird feeder poles can provide some much needed shelter for birds.

Roost boxes help wildlife and come in a variety of sizes.

Squirrel roosting. Photo by Lisa Garrett.

A Dovekie, photo courtesy of Carolina Bird Club.

“If anyone finds an injured bird, they should bring it to us immediately for treatment. Due to safety concerns for our staff and volunteers, we do not send people out to retrieve birds frozen on the ice – these animals should be retrieved by qualified emergency responders if they are able to do so,” Smith adds.

There are also cases of rare animals to Maryland shores including cold water stunned sea turtles that washed up onto a beach, a few malnourished seals and a rare Arctic bird, the Dovekie or Little Auk, appeared at the Ocean City Inlet. The injured bird was taken to be rehabilitated. Other Dovekie were spotted at the Inlet. This is very far south and out of their normal winter range.

Several Snowy Owls have been spotted this

Chesapeake Current

It is sad that many creatures won’t make it through this winter. But harsh winters don’t happen like this every year. Populations will rebound in the warmer seasons. You can give a helping hand by being good stewards and creating some wildlife habitat in their yards. Plant a few extra sunflowers or coneflower plants in your garden, have the kids gather up acorns or sweet gum balls in a bucket in the fall to toss out onto the thick snow. A hungry creature will be thankful next winter.

If you find an injured animal call DNR at Wildlife Services toll-free at 1-877-463-6497 If it is a marine mammal or sea turtle contact Tri-State for instructions tristatebird.org.

Ron Wexler of Orphaned Wildlife Rescue in Lusby, who also writes for the Chesapeake Current, is also a good resource (410) 326-0937.

About the Author: Lisa Bierer Garrett is a local naturalist who has most recently worked at the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary in Upper Marlboro.

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Sincerely, Susan

by Susan Shaw

The Fire Hydrant Controversy The previous Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted to ask the legislature to impose a fire hydrant fee on the users of fire hydrants that do not currently pay to purchase, maintain, and upgrade those fire hydrants. Are you surprised to learn that while ALL Calvert Countians benefit from the fire hydrants, not all of us pay for them? Does this seem fair or right to you?

Currently, only those property owners who pay for public water and sewer are paying to purchase, maintain, and upgrade the fire hydrants. If there is a fire, however, guess where the fire engines, trucks, and pumpers get their water? That’s right. From a fire hydrant for which those of us not on public water and sewer did not pay. I am as cheap as the next guy, but I want the County to be able to install as many fire hydrants as needed to put out my fire and my neighbor’s fire. I want to know that those fire hydrants have been maintained and that they work at the time of the fire. I want to know that they have been upgraded to produce the most water as fast as possible in the event of a fire. I am willing to pay an annual $25 user fee on my taxes dedicated to fire hydrants. Why $25? That is what it costs.

Why did the majority of the current BOCC vote to rescind the legislative request for the fire hydrant user fee? Apparently, they did so because it was politically incorrect to “raise taxes” at this point in time. Yes, a user fee can be perceived as a tax because the property owner against which it is levied MUST pay it whether he/she wants to or not. Evidently, some elected folks think that the public is so full of low-information voters that those voters will not bother to understand that raising taxes for frivolous spending is different from a dedicated user fee for a public safety purpose. Are they correct? Are you, the public, going from one extreme to the other: from tolerating politicians that raised 40 taxes in less than 4 years on the State level to not agreeing to ANY fee increases for ANY reason on the County level?

I live in a house built in 1925. It is only 10 years away from being 100 years old. In the 1950’s, the house was “modernized.” One of the modernizations was to remove the back steps from the kitchen to the second floor.

Why? The owners were able to remove the back steps because a volunteer fire department had been formed in Huntingtown so they were less afraid of not being able to get out of the frame house in a fire. I am terrified of fire, but I have a swimming pool and a nearby neighborhood pond that could be

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water sources in a fire. Still, more hydrants where public water exists would be even more reassuring and would most likely reduce my insurance more than the $25 user fee.

As a BOCC member, I was subject to lobbying about requiring sprinkler systems in all new homes in the County. Two facts swayed me to vote for the sprinkler requirement. The first was when I saw a demonstration of a live fire in a trailer equipped with sprinklers and one not equipped with sprinklers. The demonstration was extremely convincing. The second reason was that I learned how new building construction methods can cause a building, especially a house, to collapse inward in a fire, injuring the firefighters trying to fight the fire. Why? A lot of glue and adhesives are used in new construction. The glue makes the joists and walls very strong - until a fire melts the glue.

The Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad had a video on their website of a Huntingtown fire in a large mansion home where the viewer can witness the house collapsing in on itself as the glue melts. Ten volunteer firefighters were burned in that fire, including some who had to take drastic measures to save their lives. One’s hands were badly burned. Another’s helmet mask melted to his face. Thankfully, they are all fully recovered and still volunteering. The home has been rebuilt with a sprinkler system. While the home was on the Patuxent River, firefighters could not access the river for water due to the terrain and the direction of the fire. Adequate water was hard to come by. (In the interest of full disclosure, my son is a Washington, D. C. professional firefighter/EMT.) The sprinkler system requirement was quite controversial when the previous BOCC passed it. The State Legislature has since passed the sprinkler requirement for all new construction statewide. It raises the cost of new home construction. It is doubly or more expensive to retrofit an older home with sprinklers, as I learned when investigating one for my old house, than adding it at the time of new construction. Why did the previous BOCC pass it when it added to the cost of new construction? It was the right thing to do.

Do I think that a fire hydrant user fee for those not on public water is fair and should be passed? Yes, I do. It is the right thing to do.

Stay tuned for more by SincerelySusan.info About the Author: Susan Shaw, of thw SincerelySusan.info opinion column is a former Calvert County Commissioner, an LCSW-C (Licensed, Certified, Social Worker-Clinical). More info will be available shortly at www.SincerelySusan.info.

Chesapeake Current

Bill Would Honor Harriet Brown The Calvert County Delegation has introduced House Bill 354 that seeks to memorialize the accomplishments of local civil rights hero, Harriet Elizabeth Brown.

Ms. Brown was a teacher at Mt. Hope Elementary School in Sunderland. She discovered that as an African American teacher she was paid $600.00 a year compared to the $1,100.00 earned by her white counterparts.

In 1937, she sued the Calvert County School Board, with the help of her attorney Thurgood Marshall, to equalize the salaries of all teachers regardless of race. Ms. Brown won her case that paved the way for other civil rights cases across the State of Maryland and the Country.

Delegate Mark N. Fisher (District 27C - Calvert), the Chair of the Calvert County Delegation, said “It took enormous courage for Harriet Brown to take on the issue of pay inequality. Her strength of character opened doors for thousands of people across our State and led to the Maryland Teachers Pay Equalization Law.” House Bill 354 would create a task force to study the commemoration of Ms. Brown.

She is recognized in Calvert County by a small historical marker on Pushaw Station Road in Sunderland. However, if you did not know it was there already, you probably would not have known it existed.

“We are trying to find a way to appropriately memorialize and commemorate a Calvert Educator who was a leader and visionary”, said Delegate Tony O’Donnell (District 29C Calvert/St. Mary’s). “Ms. Brown was a true Civil Rights trailblazer before the Civil Rights movement had even begun. This bill would ensure that Ms. Brown receives the statewide recognition she deserves. “That is great and I

Harriet Elizabeth Brown (1907-2009). Photo courtesy of the Calvert County Board of Education.

am pleased to have a small role in it.”

According to the Archives of Maryland, Brown was a Calvert County schoolteacher in the 1930s. In 1937, she became aware that white teachers were making almost twice the salary of black teachers who had the same level of education and experience. She contacted NAACP attorney Thurgood Marshall who worked with her to sue the county based on a violation of the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. On Dec. 27, 1937, the case was settled. The result was that the Calvert County Board of Education agreed to equalize the salaries of white and black teachers. The case helped pave the way for the Maryland Teachers Pay Equalization Law. Ms. Brown died on Jan. 1, 2009, at the age of 101.

Miss MD Agriculture Recognized by House Jordan Mister, Miss Maryland Agriculture, was recognized on the House floor of the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis and received a resolution for her active work in school and the community on Wed., Feb. 18.

Mister is a junior at Huntington High School where she participates in field hockey, lacrosse, Student Government Association, 4-H, and All-County and All-State Chorus. She also works on her family farm and the Mulberry Hill Farm Produce Stand. With those experiences and her family history of agriculture that spans back five generations, she succeeded in the competition to be crowned Miss Agriculture.

Being crowned Miss Agriculture comes with a great amount of responsibility. Some of her duties include, speaking to local schools about agriculture, attending events around the community to promote agriculture and to

attend the Maryland Farm Bureau Convention.

The two-day competition was held on Aug. 22, 2014 and is sponsored by the Maryland Farm Bureau and Maryland State Fair. Mister represented the Calvert County Farm Bureau in the Miss Maryland Agriculture Competition.

In addition to being Miss Agriculture, Mister also holds the title of Miss Tranquility of Calvert County.

Now Easier to Check Out eBooks Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) is making it easier for residents to find and check out digital materials.

Overdrive eBooks and eAudiobooks, as well as 3M Cloud Library eBooks, are now fully integrated with the library’s catalog. This means customers can find real-time availability information, place holds on eBooks/ eAudiobooks and check out these materials without having to navigate to another website.

Additionally, customers’ digital holds and digital checkouts for Overdrive and 3M Cloud Library are now visible in the ‘My Accounts’ section of the library system’s website, www. aacpl.net. While this integration is not yet available for OneClickDigital eAudiobooks, the library system plans to add it soon.

“We’re very excited to introduce this feature – our customers have been asking for it for some time,” said Skip Auld, AACPL chief executive officer. “We hope it makes borrowing digital materials from AACPL as seamless as possible.”

The library system has more than 127,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks in its digital collection. Last year, AACPL customers checked out digital materials more than 350,000 times.

For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to search for eBooks and eAudiobooks in the library’s online catalog, please visit the library’s latest online blog entry, titled “New Feature Makes eBook Checkouts Even Easier!” at aacpl.net.

House Passes O’Donnell Bill Hour Bill-5 establishing the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene – Newborn Program Screening Fund, sponsored by Delegate Tony O’Donnell (R-Calvert/St. Mary’s) was unanimously approved by the Maryland House of Delegates unanimously by a vote of 134 to 0 on Fri., Feb. 27. The final hurtle having been cleared, the bill is currently on its way to the Senate for passage.

“This is not a new fee. It was already being collected and spent on other budget items,” Del. O’Donnell noted. “This bill will insure that these funds are only spent for their intended purpose.”

Presently, newborns are screened for 53 otherwise undetectable metabolic hereditary disorders. If approved, the new law would designate a separate revenue stream from the state’s general funds - thereby preventing money from being spent on unrelated programs to that of newborn screening.

Finances would then be available to spend on both known and unknown genetic diseases.

Last year, a bill of the same name (also sponsored by Delegate O’Donnell) made it through all of the requisite committee hearings and floor readings in both chambers.

It failed to become law, however, due to its having been stalled in the Senate before the end of session.

On a related note, Feb. 23-27 was recognized as ‘Rare Disease Awareness Week’ by the House of Delegates. The resolution was presented on Thurs., Feb. 26,

Chesapeake Current

Speaker of the House, Michael Busch (30A Anne Arundel); Kym Kilbourne, Global Genes; Delegate Anthony “Tony” O’Donnell (29C Calvert/St. Mary’s).

to Vice President of Patient Advocacy Kym Kilbourne, who accepted it on behalf of the Global Genes Foundation.

A world-leading organization, the Global Genes Foundation strives to eliminate the 7,000 known rare diseases through research and raising awareness.

This day was very special to Delegate O’Donnell as it marks another milestone toward enactment of a bill called “Lilly’s Law.” This bill would add to the current list of genetic disorders screening for below lysosomal storage disorders: Krabbe Leukodystrophy, Pompe disease, Gaucher disease, Neimann-Pick disease, Fabry disease, and Hurler syndrome. The bill is named after Lilly Smith, daughter of Leonardtown residents Ben and Kathleen Smith. Afflicted

by Krabbe leukodystrophy, the disorder went undetected until she began showing symptoms at six months of age.

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Police Blotter Calvert County Sheriff’s Dept. Reports: Disorderly Conduct On Feb. 18 at 6:00 p.m. Dep. W. Beisel was traveling south on Chesapeake Ave. in North Beach in the area of the Twin Beach Community Health Center when he observed a white van stopped in the roadway and two individuals on the sidewalk wrestling in the snow. The two subjects, both male, were advised to stop. One of the males, later identified as Kevin Michael Turner, 25, of Harwood, refused to stop attempting to fight with the other male. Turner was detained in handcuffs. While Beisel was speaking with the other male and two other occupants of the van to determine what had happened, Turner kept yelling profanities and was spitting. He was advised to stop or he would be arrested for disorderly conduct. Turner advised he did not care and continued to yell at the occupants of the van. Beisel detected the strong odor of alcohol emitting from Turner’s breath. He was placed under arrest and seated in Beisel’s patrol vehicle. A spit shield was placed over his head. He was found to have suspected marijuana on him. Turner periodically yelled and used profanity while en route to the detention center. Turner was charged with disorderly conduct and issued a civil citation for possession of marijuana less than 10 grams.

CDS Violation On Feb. 24 at 8:47 p.m. DFC C. Fox conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near Paris Estates Court on MD Rt. 260 in Owings. He found the driver, later identified as Daniel Paul Miller, Jr., 31, of Greenbelt, to be in possession of suspected drugs and under the influence of alcohol. Miller was arrested and charged with three counts of possession of CDS (Alprazolam, Lorazepam, and Methadone Hydrochloride), DUI/Alcohol, driving on a suspended license, negligent driving, and several other traffic violations.

Burglaries Dep. W. Rector is investigating the burglary of a shed behind a home in the 3000 block of Carroll Rd. in Huntingtown. The suspect(s) stole $600 worth of electrical wiring sometime between 10:00 a.m. on Feb. 12 and 10:00 a.m. on Feb. 16.

Sometime between Feb. 10 and 16, unknown suspect(s) broke into a home in the 10900

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block of Webster Dr. in Lusby. Although $145 in damage was done to the front door of the home, nothing appears to be missing. DFC J. Denton is investigating.

A home on Penkert Lane in Broomes Island was burglarized and almost $3,000 in damage was done. Nothing was stolen. The burglary occurred sometime between Jan. 2 and Feb. 17. Dep. D. Naughton is investigating.

Someone burglarized a home in the 1600 block of Paris Oaks Drive in Owings overnight between Feb. 18 and 19 and stole money. Dep. B. Pounsberry is continuing the investigation.

Someone broke into the garage of a home in the 2300 block of Plum Point Rd. in Huntingtown sometime between Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. and Feb. 23 at 12:30 a.m. Nothing was taken but $150 in damage was done. Dep. B. Pounsberry is investigating.

Theft A purple Roadmaster MT Sport SX bicycle was stolen from outside the Prince Frederick McDonald’s on Feb. 14 between 2:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. while the owner was inside at work.

Dep. N. Gilmore is investigating.

Destruction of Property A resident in the 5600 block of Douglas St. in St. Leonard advised Dep. N. Gilmore that her telephone line had been cut by unknown suspect(s) sometime between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 26. Dep. Gilmore saw that the telephone wire inside the Verizon phone box on the side of the residence had been cut.

The investigation continues.

Maryland State Police Reports CDS Violations On Feb. 18 at 7:05 p.m., Trooper Summers responded to St. Andrews Dr. at Londonderry Lane in Chesapeake Beach for a single vehicle accident. A probable cause search revealed suspected heroin under the driver’s seat. Taj M. Cissel, age 41, of Chesapeake Beach, was arrested for possession of heroin. He was incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

Trooper Megelick stopped a vehicle on MD Rt. 4 at Broomes Island Rd. in Port Republic for traffic violations on Feb. 19 at 1:00 a.m.

The driver gave the Trooper a false name and it was later determined that the driver was Christina M. Wedding, 30, of Lusby and was driving on a suspended license. A search

Chesapeake Current

incident to the arrest revealed Oxycodone for which she did not have a prescription.

Wedding was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

On Feb. 25, Trooper Kaitz responded at 3:07 p.m.to the Day Market on Dares Beach Rd. in response to a subject wanted for two criminal warrants. Brian P. Parran, 30 of Prince Frederick was arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. During a search, marijuana was found in his possession.

He was incarcerated on the warrant charges and additionally issued a civil citation for possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana.

A vehicle was stopped at 8:37 p.m. by Troopper Jones on Brickhouse Rd. in Dunkirk for traffic violations on Feb. 26. The driver, Maxwell J. Curting, 18 of Rose Haven, and a passenger, David C. Gettmann, 21 of Shady Side, were arrested for possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana. They were both issued the appropriate civil citations.

Trooper First Class Newcomer stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on Mar. 1 at 1:43 a.m. on MD Rt. 4 near Huntingtown. The odor of burnt marijuana was emitting from inside the vehicle. Justin A. Marr Wilson, 29, of Davidsonville, was arrested for possession of marijuana less than 10 grams and was issued the appropriate civil citation and was released.

At 12:10 p.m., Trooper Kaitz responded to the Marriott Springhill Suites in Prince Frederick for a reported disorderly subject on Feb. 28. Kathleen S. Bauman, 51, of Chesapeake Beach, was found to be smoking in a non-smoking room. Bauman was also in possession of Oxycodone hydrochloride that she did not have a prescription for. She was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

DUI / Destruction of Property Trooper Warrick was flagged down at 4:59 p.m. by a citizen on Feb. 24. She advised she was just involved in a hit and run accident in Charles County. She provided a description of the involved vehicle and a MD registration number. The vehicle was a work van and the owner was contacted who advised Marvin N. Duckett was operating the vehicle. Cpl. Gibson and TPR. Warrick responded to Duckett’s residence in Brandywine. They made contact with Duckett, who was intoxicated.

He admitted to being involved in the incident.

Duckett became very combative while the officers were placing him under arrest. He was taken to the Maryland State Police Barrack in La Plata for processing.

DUI/Possession of Marijuana A vehicle was stopped near the Thomas Johnson Bridge in Solomons by Trooper First Class Barlow for traffic violations at 1:25 a.m. on Feb. 24. The driver, Jonathan R. Lord, 20, of Lexington Park, was arrested for DUI. Lord also received a civil citation for possessing marijuana less than 10 grams. He was transported to the Maryland State Police Barrack in Prince Frederick for processing.

Destruction of Property On Feb. 25 at 3:55 p.m., Trooper Jones responded to 250 Shore Acres Way for a reported malicious destruction of property.

The victim reported that Nzinga S. T. Austin, 21 of Prince Frederick, threw her printer off a balcony during a dispute. Austin was not at the scene upon troopers arrival. Criminal charges are pending.

Theft / Shoplifting A theft/shoplifting complaint at the Walmart in Dunkirk on Feb. 21 was responded to by Trooper First Class Newcomer a t 11:28 a.m.

Shelby R. McDonald, 35 of Lothian, was observed on the surveillance video placing several miscellaneous items in a cart and then attempting to leave the store without paying for the items. She was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

Theft of Mail Trooper First Class Smith responded at 4:45 a.m. on Feb. 28 to a report of a male observed carrying a large amount of mail under his coat on Catalina Dr. in Lusby. Jameh A. K. Freeman, 36 of Lusby, was found to be in possession of mail from four different residences. He was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

False Statement to Police A vehicle was stopped for traffic violations on Church St. in Prince Frederick on Feb. 28 at 3:27 p.m. by Trooper First Class Costello. The driver provided a name that TFC Costello was able to determine was false. Trayvon A. Berry, 29 of Lusby, was arrested for False Statement to Peace Officer and person driving motor vehicle on a suspended license and privilege.

He was incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

Telephone Misuse/Harassment At 6:48 p.m. on Feb. 22, Trooper First Class Smith responded to the 1500 block of Ash Rd. in St. Leonard for a reported telephone misuse.

The victim reported that Gary S. Mason, 35 of Port Republic was sending harassing text messages and calling and threatening her. An application for charges has been submitted.

Police Blotter (Con’t)

Youngster Praised for Heroics

Can You Help Solve this Crime?

Calvert County Crime Solvers and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person or persons responsible for the burglary of a home in the 8100 block of Woodland Lane in Chesapeake Beach on Feb. 19 between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. More than $16,000 in property was stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. W. Wells in the Criminal Investigations Bureau at (410) 535-1600 ext. 2595.

Citizens with information on these crimes or any criminal activity in Calvert County

who wish to report it anonymously can now access the Calvert County Crime Solvers link through the Sheriff’s Office website.

Go to co.cal.md.us >Sheriff and click on the Crime Solvers link to leave an anonymous tip on-line. Information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect could result in a $1,000 reward. You can also contact the Sheriff’s Office at (410) 535-2800 to leave information.

Local Boy Shot with Arrow On Thurs., Feb. 26, at approximately 11:45 a.m., units from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to an address on Valley Lee Court in Prince Frederick, Maryland in reference to an accidental injury involving a juvenile. Upon arriving, units discovered a 12-year-old boy suffering from a single arrow impaled in his leg.

The juvenile victim was alert and talking to police and medical personnel on the scene.

An investigation revealed the juvenile victim and his friend were playing, when his friend pulled a bow back and accidentally released the arrow in the direction of the victim. The juvenile victim was transported via MSP helicopter to Children’s Hospital to have the impaled object removed. The juvenile victim is said to be listed in stable condition.

Calvert County Sheriff’s Office personnel have ruled this incident accidental.

Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County (BOCC) has praised 10-year-old, James Joseph “Jack” Aloysious Cranston V for his heroic efforts in a family house fire.

On Jan. 17, Jack called his mother, Rebecca, from his father’s home to say goodnight, which he always did - he was spending the night with his grandmother, Bonnie Powell at her home in Huntingtown. Less than ten minutes after hanging up, Bonnie called crying, as she stood in the driveway, watching the house burn, while waiting for the fire department.

In the time period between these calls, after hearing a loud popping sound, Jack discovered the back room of the house was on fire, he quickly alerted his grandmother. The main entrance/exit in the rear of the home was engulfed in flames, so Jack led his grandmother to the front of the house to a sliding glass

Chesapeake Current

door. Jack quickly removed a block from the base of the door, slid the glass door open only to discover the screen door would not slide; with all his might he began kicking the screen, but to his frustration it would not break. He pulled a jackknife out of his pocket and cut the screen open, freeing himself, his grandmother, and one dog outside to safety.

A proclamation issued by the BOCC said, “Jack showed incredible bravery, quick thinking, and a fearlessness most adults are not capable of, facing such a dangerous situation; his family is extremely proud of their amazing hero, as are all of his friends and neighbors.

We hope this story is shared, not only to give other children courage when facing fear, but to remind parents to teach fire safety in the home, have working smoke detectors, and have more than one exit strategy.”

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Learn About Export Markets The Maryland and West Virginia Departments of Agriculture and the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) are offering a free seminar for small and mid-size food and agriculture companies to learn the basics of exporting food and ag products. The seminar will be held Tues., Mar. 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hancock Town Hall, 126 West High Street, Hancock (Washington County).

Although the session is free, registration is required by March 24.

The seminar will help participants learn

how their small businesses can develop an international marketing plan, take advantage of export resources like SUSTA’s Market Access Programs and get paid for international sales.

It is customized for companies selling fruits and nuts, value-added foods, snack foods, specialty and gourmet products, horticulture products, beverages and wine, supplements, condiments/sauces, pet foods and the like.

For additional information and to register, contact Missie Lindsey at SUSTA at (504) 5685986 or Melissa@susta.org.

YOUR

Money Matters

By Lyn Striegel

Best Retirement Vehicles

We’ve discussed the importance of asset allocation to your success as an investor. Harry Moscowitz won a Nobel prize for inventing modern portfolio theory in 1954 based on the concept that if you allocate your assets across a broad enough spectrum of equity, fixedincome and other types of investments, and one of your investments declines in value, the others are likely to take up the slack and keep your investment returns on an even keel.

Pundits refer to asset allocation as the “Rule of 92” meaning 92% of your success as an investor is directly attributable to whether you allocate your assets or not.

Ok, now we know that allocation is the way to go. But, one big problem with asset allocation is, how does an ordinary investor select the proper allocation of stocks versus bonds? The big mutual fund companies like T. Rowe Price, Vanguard, BlackRock and others think they have it all figured out. They do the allocation for you.

TARGET DATE FUNDS Target date funds contain a mixture of stocks, bonds and cash. They have a future date in the title you can select to correspond to your retirement date. As you get older, the asset allocation within the fund changes and gets more conservative over time. The fund manager will put fewer assets into stocks which are inherently risky as you get closer to retirement. You do not have to take any action. The fund manager does that for you.

You simply pick the date when you think you will retire. For example, suppose you will turn sixty-five in 2020. You pick the 2020 Retirement Fund. You can buy the fund at any age and with a minimum investment, but the target date is what matters.

The big boost for target date funds came in 2006 when pension laws changed so that employers could choose investments for employees who had not designated investments for their 401(k) plans. Target date mutual funds became the most popular investments for employers to offer and to use as a default if employees failed to designate anything else. Fidelity launched its target date funds in 1996; Vanguard in 2003 and T. Rowe Price in 2002 - together, those three fund companies control about 75% of the market.

Fees for the allocation are included the cost of the funds themselves.

LIFECYCLE MUTUAL FUNDS Lifecycle funds include cash, stock and bonds and may include both U.S. and foreign

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securities. The percentage of funds in each asset class is determined by the fund manager who attempts to earn the highest return possible by switching portfolio weightings in each type of asset class by market conditions.

Lifecycle funds generally include three or four “portfolios” with varying percentages of funds in each asset class. The portfolios are designed by fit investors of various ages or risk tolerance levels. For example, Vanguard has a LifeStrategy fund with four asset choices: income (lowest percentage of stock in the portfolio), conservative growth, moderate growth and growth (highest percent of stock in the portfolio). As with target date funds, fees for allocation are included in the cost of the funds.

ACTIVE MANAGEMENT Active management involves the use of a portfolio manager who works directly with you on your investments. This clearly is the most custom tailored to your wishes. Your portfolio may include everything from securities to real estate. The manager in this case reviews all of your assets and your personal goals with you and selects those types of investments that will give you the most return for a risk that meets your expectations. The upside of professional management is that your strategy is tailored for you. No one except the portfolio manager is going to ask about the strategy you have to exit your small business, for example. That question, along with many others, should be asked by the portfolio manager in order to provide the best retirement approach for you. The fees involved will be a percentage of the assets and, as your assets grow, the fees will grow. This means at the very least that the portfolio manager has a vested interest in seeing your portfolios grow.

Whether you choose target date, lifecycle or active management, the principal is the same.

Your success as an investor and an investor preparing for retirement will be directly attributable to whether you allocate your assets or not. As usual, I advise you to investigate before you invest. Take a look at all of the options available to you first, then decide. No one will protect you like yourself.

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 (2011 ed.).” Nothing in this article constitutes specific legal or financial advice and readers are advised to consult their own counsel.

Chambers to Lead Chamber The Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced on Monday the appointment of William R. Chambers as President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, effective Mar. 16.

Mr. Chambers has 35 years of experience as a professional manager, a proven track record of working collegially with business leaders, elected officials and officials of association and governing bodies. He has served as Executive Director of the Arts Council of Calvert County since 2012 and General Manger of The Show Place Arena and Prince George’s Equestrian Center from 1979 to 2011.

Chambers said, “In accepting this position I see the challenges as membership retention, finding the balance for small, medium and large businesses in meeting our mission to educate, advocate and connect business. We also need to create opportunities for our young vibrant members.”

The Calvert County Chamber of Commerce is committed to serving the business community of Calvert County by providing non-partisan, and focused leadership on both the county

and state level. Key to providing this leadership is having exceptional staff who can carry out the Chamber’s mission of being the trusted voice for the Calvert County Chamber.

Bill Chambers in a “We are excited photo from the CalvArt and pleased that after web site. careful and extended deliberation, our Board voted unanimously to appoint a Calvert County Business Leader as the new President/CEO of the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce,” said Lillie Mattingly, chair of the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce.

Mattingly expressed appreciation to Joan Hatfield, Interim President/CEO for providing professional leadership for the last four months.

Hatfield said “I am proud to pass the baton to Bill Chambers knowing the Chamber is financially sound, membership driven, and led by an outstanding Board of Directors.”

Farmers and land owners in Southern Maryland will have an opportunity to learn more about agricultural land-leasing issues at an upcoming Leasing Workshop to be held on March 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) Auditorium, 15035 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville.

The Leasing Workshop will help landlords and tenants better understand the agricultural farmland leasing process, the communication and dispute resolution process and how to find and market available farmland.

“Agricultural leasing has become more complex over the past few years, landlords and tenants have seen increasing rent prices, rising number of disputes between landlord and tenants, and other issues that can strain the landlord-tenant relationship” said Paul Goeringer, an Extension Legal Specialist with the University of Maryland. “This workshop will provide important tools for tenants and

landlords to have successful leasing relationships that last for years”, commented Goeringer.

Workshop topics will focus on legal issues related to developing a lease, tools that exist to aid in writing a lease and setting up a rental range, agricultural conflict resolution services available in Maryland, communicating with the other party, and an introduction to Maryland’s FarmLink Program.

Pre-registration is required on or before March 10. An $11 fee includes all materials and a locally sourced light dinner. To register and for information call SMADC staff on (301) 2741922, Ex. 1. To register online visit the ‘News and Announcements’ page at SMADC.com.

The workshop is sponsored by Agriculture Law Education Initiative, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland Department of Agriculture, and Maryland FarmLink and funding is provided by USDA-NIFA and the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center.

Eric Franklin Entrepreneurial Accelerator Small Business Development Center administrators, participants and guests attending the graduation ceremony for the first cohort of the Eric Franklin Entrepreneurial Accelerator . Those attending included SBDC Southern Region Director Ellen Flowers-Fields; Carolyn Nitching of Charles County Office Furniture; SBDC College Park Director Russell Teter, Mike Davis of Hilltop Signs; John Paul of Environmental Solution’s Service; Michael Steele of Motobriiz LLC; Maryland SBDC State Director Renee Sprow;

David Scott of Trinity Fitness; Founder of Eric Franklin Entrepreneurial Accelerator Eric Franklin; Katherine Scott of Trinity Fitness; Catherine Cox of Spider Hall Farm and Karen Adams of Monkey Kate & Daves.

Beach Welcomes Ledo’s

Want to Lease Your Farmland?

Ledo’s Pizza in Chesapeake Beach is now serving at its new location at 8416 Bayside Rd.! Pictured are Town Administrator Richard Rose, Councilman Stewart Cumbo, Mayor Bruce Wahl, “First Lady” Becky Wahl, Owner/ Manager Bill Welch and Councilwoman Valerie Beaudin. Photo by Nancy Feuerle, Town Photographer.

Prince Frederick Market Square 916 Costley Way 410.535.4334 Dunkirk Market Place 10286 So. Maryland Blvd.

301.855.8770

www.dickinsonjewelers.com

State Starts New Manure Campaign With spring planting just around the corner, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has initiated a public outreach campaign to help educate citizens on how farmers recycle and manage manure resources. The campaign features a series of educational advertisements in March to help the general public better understand farming practices and Maryland’s rules governing manure and other nutrient sources.

Citizens who see the ads will be directed to MDA’s centralized “Manure Resources” website at mda.maryland.gov/manure. In addition to providing citizens with information on how farmers recycle manure resources, the website offers resources for farmers who currently use

chemical fertilizers and may want to consider switching to manure and farmers who are currently recycling manure as part of their crop production. The page provides links to additional resources available for farmers including grants, tax credits, and technical guidance; scientific research on the benefits of manure as a crop fertilizer and soil amendment, and Governor Larry Hogan’s new phosphorus initiative introduced earlier this week.

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Thursday, March 5, 2015

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On The

The kids at Mt. Harmony Elementary School take fundraising very seriously. In fact, if it’s not the most this year, it’s very close to being the most ever raised by a Calvert School during a fund-raising effort.

For their fundraiser through a company out of Georgia called Boosterthon, the kids at the local Owings school managed to raise at least $25,000 for their school. They did it by getting pledges then running laps in the gym. At the end of each lap, teachers and parent volunteers marked the back of their t-shirts.

And they manage to meet a very tough challenge from their principal.

3rd Grade Boys Run.

“We Made Our Principal Kiss a Pig!” “I told them if they managed to get a pledge from every state – all 50 of them – I would kiss a pig,” says Principal Liz Gebelein. In this age of social media, the kids managed to do it. So she lived up to her word and gave Harry Porker (who has the same lightning bolt scar/ marking on his forehead as Harry Potter) a big wet kiss on the snoot to the delight of each class.

“When they got a pledge from every state, then I had to find a pig,” Principal Gebelein said. Someone contacted the Humane Society of Calvert County (HSCC) in Sunderland and yes, they had just gotten Harry Porker in. They were happy to have him involved.

Marie Bauman, an HSCC volunteer, brought him to the school for the Boosterthon. “He was a little scared at the beginning because it was so loud. But he’s been great. The kids just love him, and he loves them,” she told us. “By the way, Harry is available for adoption, and we’re hoping because of this, he will find a forever home. He’s about a year old, and weighs about 50 – 75 pounds. He’s house trained, calm and very affectionate and obedient. Did you know that pigs are among the most intelligent of all

4th Grade Girls Run

animals? He’d be a wonderful pet!”

If you’re interested in learning more about Harry, please contact HSCC immediately.

So what will the school do with all that money?

Principal Gebelein says some of it will be used to buy iPads for use by grades 3 and 5. “We were previously able to get them for grades 2 and 4, so we’re really excited about getting them for the other grades.” She says the devices are on a cart so they can be used anywhere and by any class. And she says she’s

still amazed at how well the children did this year. “We’ve had some silent auctions that came close, but $25,000 is the most we’ve ever raised for Mt. Harmony Elementary School.”

The children now have three weeks to collect their pledges, so the final tally may be even higher.

Volunteer mom Michele Manley Miller says some of it will also be used to fund the 5th grade trip to Williamsburg and a “graduation” picnic. It will also go toward finishing a new sign out front, and building a new school web site.

The “fun run” organized by Boosterthon focuses on character education through leadership and fitness. They require the youngsters to act like a rock star – that is, amplify others, plug in to serve, play hard, listen for feedback and thank your fans. To pump up enthusiasm for the event, they had a number of special events, including “pajama day” and curly hair day.”

Smiling Harry Porker is now available for adoption through the Humane Society of Calvert County.

Harry Porker is very popular among the girls at Mt. Harmony Elementary School.

12 Thursday, March 5, 2015 Chesapeake Current

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.

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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 450+ high-traffic locations.

for exhibitor details, bridal registration, & tickets, visit www.theinkedbride.com

tickets online $8 at the door &10

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Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No content or images may be used for any reason without express written permission.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 5, 2015

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Gillikin-Bowling Engagement

Tim and Bonnie Gillikin of Chesapeake Beach are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kasey, to Mitchell Bowling, son of Rex and Donna Bowling of Dunkirk.

Kasey and Mitch are graduates of Northern High School (07) and (04). Kasey is a 2011 graduate of Salisbury University with a degree in Elementary Education. She is currently a fifth grade teacher on the Eastern Shore and will complete her Masters work in technology in May. Mitch is an HVAC technician and is employed with a company in Ocean City.

The wedding will take place on Sept. 12, 2015 at Olde Breton Inn in Leonardtown. The couple will reside in Sunderland.

Contract Negotiations Begin Dear Chesapeake Current readers, The Calvert Education Association (CEA) and the Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) have begun contract negotiations for the 20152016 school year.

For the first time in several years, the negotiation sessions are closed to the public and stakeholders by the mutual agreement of the parties. The parties may release joint informational updates as appropriate, provided both parties mutually agree to do so.

On Mon., Feb. 23,the parties exchanged initial proposals. The parties met again on Feb. 25 and worked cooperatively to reach tentative agreement on two contract articles that had been opened for negotiation.

The parties will be meeting again on Mar. 9, and hope to continue the partnership process to reach tentative agreement on the

remaining open articles for the 2015-2016 school year.

A separate joint negotiation session, involving the Calvert Association of Educational Support Staff (CAESS), CEA, and CCPS will be scheduled soon to discuss the CCPS health insurance benefits.

Dr. Daniel D. Curry, Superintendent Calvert County Public Schools Debbie Russ, President Calvert Education Association

ACLT to Donate Food

"Warm Up in our Hot Tubs!"

Private Beach, Restaurant, Market & Deli, Free WiFi, Guestrooms with Outdoor Hot Tubs!

Rose Haven | 800-213-9438 | www.herringtonharbour.com

14 Thursday, March 5, 2015 Chesapeake Current

Dear Chesapeake Current readers, The Board and staff of the American Chestnut Land Trust is very pleased to announce that beginning this season its Double Oak Farm will be donating the vast majority of its produce to local food pantries.

“This new effort is a powerful opportunity for all those involved to touch the lives of their neighbors in very concrete ways,” says Pat Griffin, ACLT’s Board President.

On March 14 at 9:00 a.m., ACLT will hold its Annual Membership Meeting at St. John Vianney’s Family Life Center in Prince Frederick where leadership will announce the inspiring changes to the purpose of the Double Oak Farm located on ACLT protected land. Both members and non-members are invited to attend to find out more about this and other ACLT activities and to hear Bernie Fowler Jr., founder of “Farming 4 Hunger”, offer the keynote address. (register at http:// acltweb.org ) For the past five years, the American Chestnut Land Trust, a leading voice for land conservation in Calvert County, has produced crops on its preserved land off of Double Oak Rd in Prince Frederick, Maryland. The property which was acquired by the land trust in 1994 has been managed as a “CSA” - a Community Supported Agriculture facility – and, with the help of volunteer farm managers and workshares, has offered community members the opportunity to purchase weekly portions of organically farmed fruits, vegetables and herbs.

The no-till, organic farming method not only produces considerable volumes of food, but also provides health benefits for the soil and the watershed ACLT so ardently cares for.

This year, however, ACLT staff and leadership have decided to change the purpose of the farm. Rather than offering “Community Supported Agriculture,” ACLT’s Double Oak Farm will offer “Agriculture Supporting the Community.” This new direction will mean that enough fresh fruits and vegetables will be donated to feed approximately 40 families per week. In addition, a special section of the farm has been dedicated to creating a large educational garden that will introduce home gardening, the benefits of native gardening and what we can learn from natural historic farming techniques. Once a month during June, July and August, ACLT will also host a farmers market where the public is invited to explore the farm, take part in workshops and purchase produce. All profits will go back into the farming program. With this new direction, ACLT is excited to further its mission of “connecting people with the land.”

The American Chestnut Land Trust is a member supported not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to protect the Parkers Creek watershed and its surrounding natural lands, waterways, and wildlife habitats. Established in 1986 as Maryland’s first grassroots, community based land trust, over 3,000 acres have been protected. ACLT maintains 19 miles of trails that are open and free to the public and offers regular opportunities to canoe on and study the pristine ecosystems of Parkers Creek.

Please visit acltweb.org for more information on events and opportunities and to register to attend the meeting on March 14.

Pam Shilling American Chestnut Land Trust

Garden Dirt

By Ray Greenstreet

Have a question about your garden for Ray? Email Editor@ChesapeakeCurrent.com and he’ll give you answers!

It’s Time to Get Dirty–Finally!

Below zero wind chills, ice, snow, more snow – and now mud.

Cabin Fever is epidemic. But March is the month to dust off the gardening gear and venture back into the yard. It may be a bit chilly so grab a rake and work up some sweat. Come summer you’ll be happy you braved the weather.

And your garden will be happy, too.

Clean up starts with raking away leaves and old, compacted mulch. Once the garden is cleared, you’ll probably find weeds – especially chickweed – that have started growing. Use a hand tool to dig them out, roots and all. Anything left behind will just regrow.

they begin to show new spring growth. Pruning now encourages lots of new spring growth that will result in more flowers.

Most asked question in our nursery: When to prune hydrangeas. These popular shrubs have their own set of rules. Some hydrangeas bloom on old wood while others bloom on new wood.

You’ll need to identify what kind of hydrangea you have and prune accordingly.

Hydrangea macrophylla, the ones with big oldfashioned blue or pink flowers, and Hydrangea quercifolia, oakleaf hydrangeas, both bloom on old wood. The little pruning they need should be done immediately after they’re done flowering.

But Hydrangea paniculata, which have white, conical flowers, including ‘Limelight’ and ‘Quickfire’ bloom on new wood. They should be pruned now. The new varieties of ever-bloomers like ‘Endless Summer’ bloom on both old and new wood, so prune them judiciously to remove winter die-back.

and air into the center of trees and shrubs.

• Don’t leave stubs behind— that’s inviting insects and disease to move in and attack healthy tissue.

• Call in a pro if you cannot reach overhead branches safely; any work in a tree near power lines; or to remove damaged limbs still attached or hung up in the crown of a tree.

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 Greenstreet Growers, a wholesale growing operation on their 65acre 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 on Braddock Road in Alexandria, VA. In 2014, they’ve added a third location in the Del Ray section of Alexandria.

Nutrient rich soil.

Spring is the time to fertilize. If you’re using commercial bagged fertilizer, take care to follow directions on the bag. Here more is not better.

Some of our customers like to top dress planting beds with compost, either homemade or a bagged product like Bumper Crop. Spring rains will allow all the good stuff to leach down into the soil, like compost tea.

Don’t commit ‘Myrtle-murder!’.

Winter pruning.

Pruning now while plants are still dormant invigorates many trees and shrubs.

Because the plants are naked - without leaves in the way – it is easier to see the funky growth and dead or unhealthy branches you want to remove. Regular pruning of flowering shrubs will encourage large, healthy flowers and help keep vigorous growers to a manageable size. Plus sensible pruning wards off pests and diseases.

But timing is important, especially when pruning spring blooming shrubs.

Early blooming shrubs – like azaleas and forsythia - develop flower buds during the summer and fall of the previous year. We call this “blooming on old wood.” So as a general rule, shrubs that flower before mid-June should be pruned soon after flowering. If you prune them before they flower, you will be cutting off the branches that will be growing the flower buds.

If you must prune these varieties because they’ve grown into monsters, doing so won’t harm the plant, you’ll just miss this spring’s flowers.

While spring bloomers need to be left alone for now, March is the month to tame those floppy and overgrown summer flowering shrubs like potentilla, butterfly bush, and roses – before

March is also time to prune Crape Myrtles. But don’t “scalp” them – you’ll be left with a short stubby tree that is unnatural (we call it Myrtle Murder) and detrimental to the tree’s health. It will grow weak new sprouts in place of healthy branches. Simply prune to remove dead wood and lower branches as desired. If your tree has retained last year’s flowers, they can be snipped off now. Then let the tree grow naturally.

Before you start cutting give the plant a good long look. If you are new to pruning, tie a ribbon or spray paint the branches to be removed to help visualize what will be remaining. Use a good set of sharp pruning shears or loppers - not hedge shears. Hedge shears should only be used on formal hedges, which must be pruned in the correct shape or the shrubs will lose their leaves at the base.

Making the Cut • Cut at an angle that mirrors the branch collar—the furrow of bark where branch and trunk meet. Cut the branch next to the branch collar. If you did it right, a circle of healthy callus will swell around the spot.

• Remove dead or dying branches.

• Prune out diseased limbs right away. Be sure to cut well below the diseased areas, and don’t prune when the plants are wet (water can spread disease).

• Cut back branches that have grown over where you walk or mow so they don’t break off.

• Where you see two branches crossing, prune off the smaller one.

• Thin branches judiciously to allow sunlight

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 5, 2015

15

Ethel Burroughs, 91 Ethel Louise Burroughs, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep Feb. 17, 2015. Affectionately known as “Kitty,” Ethel was born Nov. 25, 1923, in Huntingtown to the late Howard and Ethel Long.

Ethel was a member of Patuxent United Methodist Church when she resided in Huntingtown.

She later moved to Baltimore, where she united in Holy Matrimony to the late James Williams Burroughs. From this union, there were two sons, James and Jeffrey.

She was educated in the Calvert County public school systems. She then proceeded on to the Central Regional School of Practical Nursing, where she obtained her Nursing license from the State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

She was employed by Montebello Hospital from 1972, until her retirement in 1992.

Ethel was best known for her exceptional baking skills. If you ever had her banana nut bread or her raisin cake, then you know what I’m talking about.

She enjoyed watching baseball, football, basketball, tennis, and golf. She loved to laugh, play card games, and visit with her family. Seeing her grandchildren always put a smile not only on her face, but in her heart. She always gave the best advice, no matter the situation. One of her famous sayings was “Never say Never.”

She leaves to cherish her memory; two sons, James Howard Burroughs and Jeffrey William Burroughs; four grandchildren, Bryan Burroughs, Shanell Burroughs, Kellie Burroughs, and Christopher Burroughs; three great-grandchildren; Jamaal Burroughs, Bryan Burroughs Jr., and Braylan Burroughs; two sisters, Rose Holland and Carolyn Chew; One brother, Gene (Brother) Long; one daughter-in-law; Denise Burroughs, and one sister-in-law; Catherine Long. Devoted friends Roland Meads and the Egan family.

Preceding her in death: sisters, Lillie M. Mackall, Ollye Wallace, Dorthy Smith, Viola Gibson, Lee Smith, and Ann Venable; brothers: Robert Jacks and Carlton Jacks.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements.

Estelle Bowman, 97 On Sat., Feb. 14, 2015, Estelle Candis Bowman (Mimi), age 97, passed away at her home in Saint Leonard.

She was born Feb 2, 1918 and was originally from Taylorsville, NC and Washington, DC. She was the wife of the previously deceased Walter B. Bowman.

Estelle worked for the General Services Administration until she retired and moved permanently with her husband to their home in Saint Leonard where family and friends would visit to share in the beauty of Saint Leonard’s Creek.

16 Thursday, March 5, 2015 Chesapeake Current

She is survived by her daughter, Emma Jean Crupi, son-in-law, Manny Crupi, four grandchildren, Ron Crupi (Marisa), Rick Crupi (Shelvy), Rob Crupi (Suzanne), and Rosana Crupi (Gene). She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Nick Crupi, Adam Crupi (Tiffany), Brian Crupi, Eric Crupi, Alex Crupi, Stowe Sibley, and Silvio Sibley, and three great-great-grandchildren, Jayde, Jaxon, and Eli. The family wishes that donations be made to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Rausch Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Damon Croskey, 74 Robert “Damon” Croskey of Lothian, was born June 27, 1940 and passed away on Sat., Feb. 28, 2015, at the age of 74.

He was the beloved husband of the late Julia Ann (Jenter) Croskey and the loving father of Darryl Croskey and Lisa Willis. He was the devoted grandfather of three grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous other family members and friends.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Jack D’Ambrosio, 71 Jack Anthony D’Ambrosio, age 71, a resident of Lothian, died Feb. 21, 2015, at Anne Arundel Medical Center of lung cancer following a one-year illness. Born July 14, 1943, in Washington, D.C., to the late Anthony D’Ambrosio and Mary Katherine Heflin, he graduated from Suitland High School.

Jack grew up in District Heights, and had strong ties to the people that lived in that community. Jack was known as a great storyteller because his escapades and experiences. He could entertain people for hours with his tales about District Heights, the Apollo Gang, and his police work in Florida. He is a published author of four books: “Family Sins,” a story loosely based on his family history and his father’s experiences;“The Apollos,” which chronicles the adventures of his famous gang in District Heights; “Angels with Dirty Faces,” which tells the personal story of his involvement in the Apollos; and his most recent publication, “Ain’t Life Been Grand,” an autobiography.

Jack was a decorated police officer with the Oakland Park Police Department in Oakland Park, Florida and an investigator for the State of Florida in West Palm Beach, Florida. He received a Presidential Commendation for

the Federal D.A.L.E. Drug Enforcement Program and had the highest arrest record for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Office in the U.S. He was a member of Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis.

Jack is survived by his wife, Deborah AbdoD’Ambrosio, who he married on June 28, 2008; two children, Jack D’Ambrosio, Jr., of Bowie, and Christine D’Ambrosio, of Lusby; two brothers, Albert D’Ambrosio, of Tracys Landing, and Philip (Susan) D’Ambrosio, of Mechanicsville; two sisters, Jeanette (Steve) Pedone and Judy (Dave) Calloway, both of Prince Frederick; five grandchildren, Jeanette, Tony, Vincent and Nicolas D’Ambrosio and Jacklyn Donges; 13 nieces and nephews; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his first wife, Myna Hamilton, in 1998 and his siblings, Michael D’Ambrosio and June Fernen.

Kalas Funeral Home in Edgewater handled arrangements.

Ellis Everett, 78 Ellis Edward Everett, age 78, nicknamed “Triple E,” loving husband of Stella Bobbi Henke Everett, passed away among family and friends Feb. 15, 2015, at Thomson Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, KY. He was born Feb. 7, 1937,

at Bath, NC. Ellis served his country in the U.S. military for 20 years, retiring in 1975 at NAS Patuxent River, as an E-6 aviation machinist mate. Upon returning to civilian life, he was employed by DynCorp and worked as an airplane mechanic at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School from 1976 to 2000.

He was a lifetime member of National Rifle Association and was a champion marksman. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, skeet and rifle competitions and particularly enjoyed his small horse farm in Princeton, KY. He is survived by siblings Jean Bowen (Rodney); Robert Everett III (Julia) of Stokes, NC; Donald Everett (Marion); Helen Everett; and John Everett (Terry) all of Bath, North Carolina. In addition, he is survived by his wife Bobbi and devoted children Laura Andrews; Lois Richardson (Harry); Lisa Hormel (Thomas); Lori Hillegass (Brian); Linda Everett; Gregory Henke, Houston TX; Kristen Staugas (John) Canton, GA; Julia Henke Hadley (Jim), Indianapolis, IN; 23 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Ellis leaves behind a

legacy of love and family.

Ellis was preceded in death by his first wife Linda Gray Woolard, and his parents Blanche Isabelle Jordan and Robert Thomas Everett Jr of North Carolina.

The family wishes to express thanks on his behalf for the services of dedicated staff and residents of Thomson Hood Veterans Center, Hospice of the Bluegrass, and all who have supported him along his incredible life journey. In lieu of flowers the family requests consideration of donations in his memory to Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org for online donations or by mail to Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Kay Eisler, 76 Katherine Helen Eisler, age 76, also lovingly known as Kay, Aunt Kay, and Ms. Kay, passed away peacefully Feb. 26, 2015. Kay was born in Fairfax, VA, June 8, 1938 to Vernal and Frederick “Fred” Eisler.

Kay was the eldest sister to Carl Eisler of Owings and the late Kenneth Eisler of Edgewater. Kay did not marry or have any children of her own, but that did not stop her from treating her nephews and nieces as her own.

Before the age of three, the family moved to Foley, AL, for a short period before moving back to Virginia. After a few more moves, the family settled in Washington, D.C. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1956, Kay worked in the customer service field for Peoples Drug Store, Garfinkles, Ginns, and CTL. Kay moved to Dunkirk after she retired and became involved at the North Beach Senior Center. She made many friends and enjoyed some great times.

In her younger years, Kay enjoyed traveling, cake decorating, making flower arrangements and boating with friends. She really enjoyed being with her family, especially during holidays and birthdays. Many special and happy memories were made during these special occasions.

In April 2013, Kay had a nasty fall that required skilled nursing care. She was welcomed with open arms at Asbury Solomons and enjoyed her last few years making more friends and being involved in the day-to-day activities. She will be remembered by many for her laughter and bright smile. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend and will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Danny Eiler, 67 Daniel “Danny” J. Eiler, Sr., age 67, of St. Leonard, passed away Feb. 15, 2015, in Washington, D.C. He was born Aug. 28, 1947, in Butler, PA, to Gisile and the late John Eiler.

Danny retired in 2013 from the J. W. Graner Co. where he worked running heavy equipment. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved to vacation in Florida.

Danny is survived by his wife of 44 years Joyce A. Eiler; they were married on September 30, 1970. He was the father of Daniel J. Eiler, Jr., the late Eric Christopher Eiler, and Thomas A. Barrett. He was the grandfather

of Christopher Eiler, Danielle Eiler, Kevin Barrett and Anastasia Barrett, he is also survived by his mother, Gisile Eiler, and his siblings, JoAnne Shay (Don), Dixie Eiler, Michael Eiler (Linda), Christine Eiler, Laurie Thompson (Tim), and Jeffrey Eiler (Sherry).

Rausch Funeral Home in Port Republic handled arrangements.

David Grace, 63 DavidMauriceGrace, age 63, died from prostate cancer at his home in Prince Frederick on Feb. 18, 2015. David was born to Mark E. Grace and Mary Russick Grace of Lower Marlboro, May 25, 1951.

David was the owner and broker of Preferred Homes, a real estate company in Prince Frederick and Brain Freeze Shaved Ice, a small snowball stand at the end of his driveway. David loved to make people laugh; and enjoyed selling snowballs on a hot summer afternoon. He was taken too soon and will be missed.

David is survived by his beloved wife Janet E. Horton; son Jonathan D. Grace; sister Patricia Grace Dickerson, mother in law Jacqueline A. Horton; and brothers-in-law James “Jimmy” Dickerson, John E. Horton, Jr. (Helen), James E. Horton (Pamela), Jeffrey E. Horton (Ana), and Joseph E. Horton (Rachel); nieces, Kimberly, Jennifer, Bonnie, Aubrey, and nephew Patrick. He is also survived by niece Emily Grace and nephew Logan Grace.

David was a graduate of Berry Academy, Mt. Berry, GA and attended Berry College in Georgia.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Charles Holson, 33 Charles Edward Holson, age 33, of Dunkirk, was born Aug. 15, 1981 and passed away on Mon. Mar. 2, 2015 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick.

Born in Washington, DC he was a son of Cynthia L. (Ellis) and Edward G. Holson Jr., he was a 1981 graduate of Parkdale High School, Riverdale, MD. He worked in the construction industry and was also a chef.

Charles enjoyed playing the drums, cooking and was a regional sports fan following the Redskins, Terps, Nationals, and Orioles.

Along with his parents he is survived by his maternal grandmother Barbara McQuown, paternal grandparents Carlee and Edward G. Holson Sr., a sister Kelly M. Taylor (Troy), a nephew Ryan Taylor, an aunt Kathy Joyner along with several more aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 MD Route 3 North Bldg. A, Gambrills, MD 21054 (cancer.org).

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

in Indian Head. She loved classical music and was a violinist with COSMIC. She was also an animal lover and advocate who volunteered for many years with the Humane Society of Calvert County. Recently, she was a co-founder of Southern Maryland Spay & Neuter Inc. and the SPOT Thrift Store in St. Leonard where she worked as a fulltime volunteer for ten years.

Mary is survived by her former husband and father of her children, William McCormack, mother of Fabienne Ament, Marla Londraville, Sarah Dolinar and Ellen McCormack. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nicole and Alex Londraville, Johnny and Susannah Dolinar, and Evan and Choloe Ament.

Rausch Funeral Home in Port Republic handled arrangements.

Anna Kennedy, 77 Anna Kate Kennedy, age 77, of Chesapeake Beach, was born Oct. 8, 1937 and passed away on Wed. Feb. 18, 2015 surrounded by her family.

Born in Harlan County, KY she was a daughter of the late Carl and Luce Kate (Walker) McGhee. She was married to John B. Kennedy for 45 years.

She was a homemaker. She loved raising children.

She raised four generations of children and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Along with her husband she is survived by a daughter Karla Ann Kennedy, two sons, Edwin Kennedy and John Kennedy (Cyndi), four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Florence Lister, 77 Florence Joy Lister, age 77, of Huntingtown passed away Feb. 22, 2015, at Calvert Memorial Hospital. She was born July 4, 1937, in Washington, D.C., to Sherman Wilson and Norma Verne (Todd) Joy. Florence was raised in Hollywood, MD, and graduated from Great Mills High School. She married Richard Paul Lister in June 1962, and they lived in New Carrollton, until moving to Dunkirk in 1979.

She was a former member of Riverdale Baptist Church and was a founding member of Dunkirk Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and also volunteered at Anne Arundel General Hospital Auxiliary at their Clothes Box. Florence enjoyed crafts, gardening, cooking, baking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by a daughter Renee S. Wilson and

husband Thomas of Huntingtown and a son Paul Richard Lister and wife Dawn of St. Leonard; five grandchildren, Tessa and Faith Wilson, and Kyle, Karleigh and Kayleigh Lister; and a sister Myrna J. Beal and husband Bob of Exeter, NH. Florence was preceded in death by her husband Richard and by a brother Sherman Joy, Jr. Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Shirley Mason, 89 D. Shirley Mason, age 89, of Solomons, passed away Feb. 5, 2015, at Solomons Nursing Center.

Born Jan. 1, 1926, in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Walter Lee Mason, Sr. and Rosa Dahlia Butler Mason.

Shirley graduated from McKinley High School in 1945. She served in the United States Navy from 1951 until 1956. She was an insurance agent and also worked for the Department of Energy. Shirley enjoyed crafts, boating, and bingo and was a member of the American Legion Post #274, Lusby.

Shirley is survived by her nieces, Diane Mason of SC, Sandra Hachem of WV, and Rosa Rivera of VA, nephew, Owen Mason, Jr. of FL, and her devoted friend Caroline C. Clarke of California, MD. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Walter L. Mason, Jr., Owen Deshield Mason and Phyllis Mae Mason.

Rausch Funeral Home in Lusby handled arrangements.

Anna Marie Matula, 82 Anna Marie Matula, age 82, passed away at home in Dunkirk, Feb. 12, 2015. She was born June 15, 1932, in Windber, PA. She attended college as an adult, earning her Associate of Applied Science degree and accounting professional certification. Prior to retirement, she enjoyed working for the U.S. Census Bureau.

She had a life-long love of hummingbirds, Rummy, polkas, concerts, word games, math, pirogues, nickel slots, the beach, and traveling. Most importantly, Anna

Mary Keeler, 86 Mary Elizabeth Keeler, age 86, of Port Republic, passed away Feb. 19, 2015, in Prince Frederick. She was born April 14, 1928, in Sydney, NY to the late Irving and Beulah Fisher Keeler.

Mary was an elementary and middle school teacher from 1963 through the late 1980s who last taught at General Smallwood Middle School

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 5, 2015

17

Continued from Anna Marie Matula

Marie loved to be surrounded by family and friends, laugh, and tell stories.

She believed honesty is one of the most important virtues; family is the most important thing in the world, and friends, no matter how old, are your family too. She instilled that support and faith are the best foundations you can have, and being happy and having love fill your being is what truly matters.

She is survived by her sister, Catherine Leason, of Edgewater; four children, Susan of Clearville, PA; and Stephen, Sandra, and Margaret of Dunkirk; three grandchildren, Jessica Smith, Ray Matula, and Bethany Matula; five great grandchildren, and cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Anna Marie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray Rudolph Matula; her father, Stephen Hrebik and mother Helen (Petrilla) Hrebik; stepmother, Mary (Homick) Hrebik; sister, Margaret Hegedus; brothers John Hrebik, Robert Hrebik, Eugene Homick, and Joseph Homick.

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

William O’Mara, 95 William Thomas O’Mara of Chesapeake Beach, passed away on Sun., Mar. 1, 2015, at the age of 95. He was born in Baltimore on Oct. 12, 1919 to Annie (Codd) and Joseph O’Mara.

He was one of seven children.

In 1946, William moved to Chesapeake Beach. He worked for Union Vending before he married Josephine Cox and they opened the Octagon Inn. In 1956, they built and opened the Sea Breeze Restaurant. Josephine’s sister, Mildred Cox worked with them at both locations. In 1992, he sold the Sea Breeze.

Chesapeake Beach was home for over 69 years. In 1998, the love of his life, his Josephine passed away.

William is survived by his loving son, William O’Mara, II, his sister Ann and sister-in-law Ann Burke.

He is also survived by nephews Jack, Joseph, Gerald, James and Robert O’Mara, Joe Gordon and Richard Cox and nieces Mary Beth Seals, Elizabeth Vitah, Pat Driggers, JoAnn Meehins; grand-nieces Michele Gordon and Misaline Cherry; great-grandniece Taylor Cherry and great-grandnephew Ty Cherry.

He was predeceased by his parents, Annie and Joseph, his beloved wife, Josephine, brothers, John, Joe and Ed, his sisters, Margaret and Elizabeth and sister-inlaw, Millie Cox. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvert Hospice, P O Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Sonny McDaniel, 75 Robert “Sonny” B. McDaniel, age 75, of St. Leonard, passed away Feb. 18, 2015.

Sonny was born in Fredericksburg, VA, Sept. 30, 1939, to Edith Mae (Perkins) and Robert B. McDaniel.

Sonny was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army and received his license as a private pilot years later.

In 1970, he met Norma Sisk Vaught and they were married in 1971. Along with his love of flying, Sonny also enjoyed listening to Bluegrass music and gardening in his yard.

Sonny is survived by his beloved wife, Norma McDaniel, his mother, Edith Mae McDaniel and other family members.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Renee McDaniel and his father, Robert McDaniel.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Edward Richardson, 83 Edward Elliott Richardson, age 83, of Lothian was born Jul. 29, 1931 ad died in Glen Burnie on Feb. 26, 2015.

He was born in Washington, D C to the late Edward and Thelma Elliott Richardson. He served in the United Sates Air Force during the Korean War and then became a pilot for Capital Airways, now known as United Airlines. He was a pilot for over 30 years.

Edward is survived by his wife of 59 years, Maricela; son, Edward Elliott Richardson, III of Lothian and one sister Joan Hearn and her husband, Richard of North Carolina. His daughter-in-law, Elena Richardson, predeceased him.

In addition to his family, Edward will be mourned by the many domestic and feral cats that he lovingly cared for for many years.

Raymond-Wood Funeral Home in Dunkirk handled arrangements.

Craig Webber, 29 Craig Thomas Webber, age 29, of Lusby, was born on Nov. 27, 1985, in Jacksonville, NC. He passed away Feb. 20, 2015.

He lived his life with many adventures, though at times there were some misadventures. He was a protector and jokester to his older sister, Andrea Katherine and younger brother, Aaron Matthew Webber. He was the captain of his “Papa” Rotella’s boat at an early age, learning everything he could about being a fisherman. This love of the water brought Craig to

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pursue a career in the Navy in July 2004.

What Craig learned of the water in the Navy was not compared to the riches he acquired in meeting the love of his life, Rose Mendoza. Craig married his “Rose” on Mar. 16, 2007. They learned and played golf and traveled to many places such as Hawaii and Japan among family and created a beautiful, lighted path in their happy life, formulating many friends across the globe along the way. Craig left the Navy in July 2008 after serving honorably for four years. His love of the water and having learned all its secrets, Craig continued this pursuit and enrolled in underwater welding school in Seattle, WA. He graduated, and with tenacity that Craig could only do when he set his mind to it, worked as an off-shore worker in New Iberia, LA. Craig’s plans to happily retire with a family in Myrtle Beach fishing and golfing with Rose was not meant to be because he was taken from this world and set on a different chart on the ocean on Feb. 20, 2015.

Craig will be missed as a protector and big brother to Aaron Webber, an obnoxious brother and jokester to his sister Andrea Webber, a smiling and happy son to his proud parents Paula and Thomas Webber, a fisherman and captain to his “Papa” and Grandma Colleen, a grandson and boxer to his Grandma Webber, a Uncle to his little Sarah Anne, and most of all to his beautiful wife Rose Webber. This short sermon is but a miniscule reminder of the wealth of light and love and beautiful memories he graced with his brief presence on this earth.

Rausch Funeral Home in Lusby handled arrangements.

Margaret Smith, 98 Margaret Clark Smith, age 98, a resident of Asbury Solomons Nursing Center and longtime resident of Chesapeake Beach, passed away Feb. 23, 2015. She was born May 4, 1916, in Laurens, SC, to James and Minnie (Davis) Clark.

Margaret graduated from Towson High School in 1934 and Towson State College in 1938. She obtained her master’s degree in 1970 after attending Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Temple Universities, and Loyola College.

She was a first and second grade teacher at Arbutus Elementary, and a reading specialist at Lansdowne, Relay, Maiden Choice, Catonsville and Hillcrest Elementary Schools in Baltimore County, retiring in June of 1974.

Upon retirement, she moved to Calvert County and taught adult education for 10 years, and also taught at the Calvert Pines Senior Center in Prince Frederick.

Margaret was active with the Girl Scouts for 20 years as a Troop Leader, and counselor and camp secretary at Camp Whippoorwill in Pasadena during the summer months. She also volunteered at Calvert Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Emmanuel U.M. Church and the Calvert Retired Teachers and Maryland State Teachers Associations.

She is survived by nephews William M. Clark, Jr. and wife Patty of Asheboro, NC; Richard B. Clark and wife Christine of St. Louis, MO; Fred A. Clark of Greenville, SC; and Clark Thompson and wife Betsy of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Jackson Smith, whom she married in Oct. of 1977; a sister Polly Thompson, her twin brother William M. Clark, Sr. and a brother Jay F. Clark; and a niece Charlotte T. Hatcher.

Rausch Funeral Home in Lusby handled arrangements.

Linda Spicknall, 73 Linda Lou Spicknall, age 73, of Tracy’s Landing passed away Feb. 18, 2015, at her residence, surrounded by family. She was born April 29, 1941, in Wilbur, WV, to Carl and Wilma (Davis) Bleigh.

Linda was raised in Pennsylvania and attended public schools, and also nursing school. She moved to Anne Arundel County in the early 1960’s. Linda married Charles Gordon Spicknall, Jr., who passed away in 2000. She was employed as a private nurse until retiring in 2009 to devote more time to her great-granddaughter, Adaline.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, knitting, and cooking. She also volunteered at the local food bank.

She is survived by daughters Linda L. Callahan of Tracy’s Landing, and Pamela L. Cheek of Texas, and sons Lawrence P. Spicknall of Churchton, Edward C. Spicknall of Rockville and Charles G. Spicknall IV of Raleigh, NC. Also surviving are four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and sisters Phyllis Venneri of Baden, PA and Lenora B. Phipps of Fairfield, CA. Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Charles.

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

John Stemski, III, 26 John Conrad Stemski, III, age 26, of Lusby, passed away Feb. 21, 2015, at his residence. John was born March 16, 1988, in LaPlata.

John graduated from Patuxent High School in 2006. He was the owner/operator of Accurate Garage Doors. He enjoyed sports and fishing and loved listening to music. He was a very loving person who enjoyed being with his family and friends.

He always had a wonderful sense of humor and could bring a smile to your face and make you laugh. But most of all, he loved being a dad. His children were his motivation in life.

John is survived by his parents, Carol and Paul Castro of Lusby, and John and Jane Stemski of Rosedale,; his children, Summer and Dakota Stemski of Lusby; his siblings, Sharon Reynolds (Dave) of Bryantown, Victoria Hoffman of Myrtle Beach, SC, William Hoffman of Port Republic, Daniel Castro of Lusby, Gabriel Castro of Lusby, Erica Stemski of Rosedale, and Monica Stemski of Rosedale; and five nieces and nephews.

Rausch Funeral Home in Lusby handled arrangements.

Bill Weaver, Jr., 74 William C. Weaver, Jr., age 74, passed away at his home in Lusby Feb. 19, 2015. Bill was born March 9, 1940, in Washington, D.C., to William C. and Alma Weaver.

Bill’s childhood was spent in Arlington, VA. Later he relocated to

the California wine country and then back to Maryland.

He was the valedictorian of William & Lee High School, Class of 1958. Bill attended Roanoke College and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mathematics.

After college, he worked in the emerging data management field before refocusing his career to match his love of wine. As a wine expert, Bill wrote a wine newsletter, adjudicated wine events and promoted wine tasting through educational seminars. In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed fishing, reading and playing bridge in addition to watching sports, especially basketball.

Surviving are his sister, Pamela Jackson Hinkle of Mathias, WV; three children, Sandy (Beth) Konerth and her husband Tom of Huntingtown; Brad Weaver and his wife Jennifer of Savage; and Paige Mangrum and her husband Mike of Franklin, TN and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Maysel Feaganes, and son Jeff Weaver.

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Myrtle Freeland-Williams, 82 Myrtle Helen Freeland-Williams, age 82, passed away Feb. 10, 2015. She was born to the late Oliver Freeland and Lillian (Plater) Freeland, on Aug. 7, 1932, as the sixth of their seven children.

Born in Calvert County, she attended public schools, graduating from Brooks High School and furthered her education at Morgan State University for two years.

Myrtle was raised in the church and became a member of Plum Point United Methodist Church where her father, Oliver Freeland, was a pianist.

Myrtle was a smart, knowledgeable, and intelligent woman. She reminds us all of having the characteristics of “Cleopatra” with her surpassing beauty, wit, charm, and “sweetness in the tone of her voice.”

Myrtle has always resided in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area. She worked as a family counselor for 22 years for various cemetery companies and as an independent insurance agent. She always had the mindset and ambitious to be a business owner therefore she became the president/CEO of the ACE Marker Business.

Myrtle assisted families throughout the community with grave markers.

Myrtle leaves to cherish many wonderful memories, her daughters Alicia Williams-Johnson and Caprice

Williams; devoted granddaughter, Kaziem Jack (Duane); grandsons, Carlos Johnson, Ill and Otto Mason, Ill; granddaughters, Carlicia Johnson, Mya, Mariah, and Kaylynn Williams; great- grandchildren; Nick Brown, Kayla Burley, Taylor, Duane Jr., and Nylah Jack; greatgreat grandchildren; Ami’ira and Noah Brown, and Nevaeh Johnson; one brother, Alvin (Mud) Freeland and one sister-in-law Thelma Freeland.

Myrtle is preceded in death by her loyal and devoted daughter, Nyleve Kim Brown; brothers, Russell John and Donald Freeland; sisters, Bernice Brooks and Alice Phelps; sisters-in-law, Odella and Julia Freeland and sonin-law, Carlos Johnson, Jr. Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements.

Diana Wolfe, 49 Diana T. Wolfe, age 49, of Dunkirk was born Mar. 7, 1965 and passed away on Sat. Feb. 21, 2015 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Diana was born in Tacoma Park, MD and was a daughter of Richard M. Taylor (Betty) and Joyce G. Taylor. She was the beloved wife of Ronald G. Wolfe.

They celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary last November. She was also a loving mother to Zachary J. Wolfe. She was a graduate of the University of Maryland. She worked as a loan officer for 1st Mariner Bank in Waldorf for the past seven years.

Diana enjoyed entertaining and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoyed sports, especially being involved in coaching her son. She also followed the Redskins, Nationals, and the Terps.

Along with her parents, husband, and son she is survived by her brother David C. Taylor (Ellen).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 (calverthospice.org).

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Gene Zwahlen, 74 Eugene “Gene” Francis Zwahlen, age 74, of Lusby, passed away Feb. 12, 2015. He was born in Kenosha, WI, on June 29, 1940, to Angoline Marie (Koos) and Silas Zwahlen.

Gene was the beloved husband of the late Flora “Sissy”

Coming Soon...

(410) 257-0544

(Gray) Zwahlen and the loving brother of Donald, Bob, Terry, and the late Jerry and Dennis Zwahlen. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Eva (Gray) DeSarno and Susan Gray, brothers-in-law Robert and Ronald Gray, aunt Mary Ann Jillson and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. Gene also left behind his three faithful and loving companions - Rocky, Cisco, and Buddy.

Gene was one of the Green Bay Packer’s biggest fans and he never missed a game. In his younger days, he was one of the best pinball and pool players and seldom lost. He really enjoyed playing the lottery, bingo, and cards. He loved to go to the movies, out to dinner, and collected model cars and trucks. Christmas was a big deal to Gene and Sissy, he loved to dress up and play Santa. No matter what was happening around the world or the weather, they were always there on Christmas Eve. Family was the center and the most important part of their lives.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Calvert Hospice, P O Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Share your Family News in the Chesapeake Current!

Simply email your obituaries (especially of those who have moved away), anniversary, engagement and birth announcements to: editor@ChesapeakeCurrent.com.

Please include a high-quality color photo and watch for it in the next edition of the Current, our area’s only locally-owned and operated newspaper!

IN SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE Margaret Anne Moore, age 86

Margaret Anne Moore, age 86, of Owings, passed away Oct. 15, 2014.

Margaret, known as “Peggy” and “Peg,” is survived by her sisters, Hazel J. Parks (Donald) of Deale, and Nancy F. MacDonald of Owings. Peg is also survived by her daughter, Mary Katherine Marshall (Donald) in New Mexico. Also surviving are grandchildren, great-grandchildren, six nieces and seven nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Carleton Z. and hazel E. Pettit and by her loving husband, William A. Moore, also brother Robert L. Pettit.

Peggy was raised in Seat Pleasant, MD and graduated from Maryland Park High School, class of ’45. She spent her childhood and teen summers at the family cottage along with her sisters and brother in Cedarhurst On the Bay. Peggy was a valued employee of PEPCO in Washington DC for 32 years. She was also a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary at American Legion Post 206 in Chesapeake Beach.

Her interment was at Maryland Veterans Cemetery at Cheltenham, MD.

The extraordinary new Cremation Garden at Chesapeake Highlands The future of cremation Memorial Gardens will offer premier memorialization niche options in custom designed fountains, private estates, granite walls, benches, and more, all set among a tranquil stream running through meticulous landscaping.

3270 Broomes Island Rd. Port Republic, MD

www.chesapeakehighlands.com

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 5, 2015

19

BusinessesServices AND

Don’t be confused by those who try to copy us – but obviously can’t!

The Chesapeake Current, Bay Tripper and Cuisine are the only locally-owned and operated newspapers in our area. We’re not owned by a mega-billionaire investor in Seattle.

And don’t be confused by counterfeit publications that change their name and only exist to lure you across the bridge to spend your money in St. Mary’s County with their advertisers.

The Current instead encourages you to patronize our advertisers, all of whom are right here in OUR area that provide jobs and keep our economy going strong!

The Chesapeake Current supports local businesses and our communities in so many ways.

And now we’re bigger and better than ever before to better serve YOU! Nothing in the Current is syndicated, nothing is canned or boring junk content, and we have no fillers or massive headlines just 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.

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent

Nest on the Bay! 1 bd/1 ba apartment located in North Beach. Overlooks the Bay, walk to restaurants, shopping, boardwalk, public transportation and beach.

Lovely, clean, quiet location. Nice deck, washer and dryer. $1400 per month includes basic cable, wi-fi and water. Call (301) 980-5201.

Help Wanted

Account Executives: work for your favorite newspaper, the Chesapeake Current! We need mature sales executives to join our growing team! Work for a professional, highly respected, smart and locally-owned operation. Perfect for retirees, stay-at home parents, others who want flexible schedules. Must have reliable transportation and the ability to interact well with local business owners. Great $$$ and lots of fun! Email: ads@ChesapeakeCurrent.com or call (410) 231-0140.

Volunteers

Historic London Town and Gardens: This Edgewater historic site seeks persons interested in history and/or horticulture to become docents, historic interpreters and gardeners at this 17th-18th century tobacco port.

20 Thursday, March 5, 2015 Chesapeake Current

Volunteers give site tours, house tours or demonstrate colonial crafts and daily life. They may work in historic or ornamental gardens. For more information contact volunteer@historiclondontown.org or (410) 222-1919 x204 or download volunteer application from the web site: historiclondontown.org. Special events for which extra volunteers may be needed: Maryland Day on Mar. 22; Privateer Party 2015on Fri., Apr. 24; and Colonial Adventures Summer Camps from Jun. 29-Jul. 3 & Jul. 20-24.

Pets

Calvert County Humane Society Meet Jim! Check out Jim! This oneyear-old Rottie mix is AWESOME! He’s great with other dogs and with kids. He is basic obedience trained and an all-around nice dog. Jim is just a sweet, wiggly, eager to please dog who would be a fantastic addition to any family!

For more information, please visit HumaneSocietyOfCalvertCounty.org or come in and see all the animals available at the Humane Society of Calvert County, 2210 Dalrymple Road in Sunderland.

Phone: (410) 257-4908.

Be sure to mention that you read about this pet in the Chesapeake Current!

Anne Arundel County Animal Control Looking for a mouse or two or three? Whether you’d like a brown, tan, gray, black or white Albino mouse, Anne Arundel County Animal Control has plenty to choose from right now. Come and take a look!

Dog Gallery is Temporarily Closed: Anne Arundel County Animal Control had a dog test positive for Parvovirus in Feb. in the dog gallery. In effort to reduce the chances that this highly contagious, life-threatening canine virus will spread, the dog gallery is temporarily closed. Owners of missing dogs should come to the shelter to look for their missing pet, however other visitors will not be permitted in the dog gallery.

Anne Arundel County Animal Control would like to remind pet owners that while Rabies Vaccination is the only vaccination required by law vaccinating against other viruses, such as Parvovirus, is strongly encouraged and may potentially save the life of your pet and other pets around you.

By Annette Jones Funn I’m sure you’ve heard about how important it is to practice transparency in government.

What is transparency?

Many citizens have been asking me lately what exactly it means. Well, I thought I would do some research and share the results with our readers. So what is transparency from a government perspective? Transparency implies openness, communication, and accountability. Transparency is operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed. For example, counting out the customer’s change on the counter in front of them demonstrates transparency.

Got it? Sure you have.

“In politics, transparency is used as a means of holding public officials accountable and fighting corruption. When a government’s meetings are open to the press and the public, its budgets may be reviewed by anyone, and its laws and decisions are open to discussion, it is seen as transparent, and there is less opportunity for the authorities to abuse the system for their own interests.” Resource Wikipedia.

It means that politicians need to be more open and honest. Make private documents and information public, releasing proposed budgets, making private meeting minutes available, etc., to the public in a reasonable timeframe for review before finale decisions are made by the politicians. Elected officials must not keep information secretive. That way the public can get a clear understanding of who a politician is and if they see that they are legit and capable of doing their job in the best interest of the public.

Transparency in government is a good

Transparency: A Good Thing? thing - the public has an opportunity to participate more fully in governmental deliberations and from an informative basis.

The politicians receive valuable input that enhances their decision-making process. This is a win-win situation and everyone should be happier!

How can you contribute to transparency in government? After all, isn’t the government to be “of the people, by the people and for the people?”

Let’s all participate fully and get involved in our local county governments. Call your local government today and find out how you can get involved to keep it one that is transparent in every way! Your elected officials need and appreciate input from the citizens. Elected politicians do not have and are not expected to have all the expertise and answers in house at their fingertips. Let your elected officials know how you can help them out and provide additional valuable information. Do not wait for your officials to call on you; YOU call their offices. Be involved.

Calvert County Government: (410) 5351600 and 301-855-1243. Arundel County Government: (410) 222-1821.

About the Author: Annette Jones Funn: Ever since she was a little girl, she’s asked a lot of questions so that’s why we call this: The Question Column. Annette is Co-President of the League of Women Voters, Vice Chair of the Calvert County Commission for Women, Co-Founder of Concerned Black Women, a Friend of the Calvert Library, Calvert Historical Society, Calvert Marine Museum, supporter of Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation, local church Clerk and Trustees chair. She is a retired scientist from the US Food and Drug Administration. Annette and her husband Malcolm live in Chesapeake Beach.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 5, 2015

21

CURRENT EVENTS Calling All Chili Chefs!

Annmarie Garden is seeking chili cooks to compete in their upcoming chili cook-off fundraiser scheduled for June 14. Anyone interested in putting their chili recipe up against other teams, should email info@annmariegarden.org or call (410) 3264640. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive a beautiful 12” x 9” plaque hand-made by local artist Parran Collery. A smaller tile will go to the runner-ups. What a beautiful work of art to hang in your business to proclaim to all that you have the BEST CHILI RECIPE in Southern Maryland!

Call for Vendors: The 7th Annual Calvert Green Expo will take place Sat., May 2, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center. Green businesses, green crafts, environmental education groups, and others are welcome to apply. annmariegarden.org

comcast.net. projectecho.net.

JobSource Mobile Career Center Stop by to get job counseling, resume help, search for jobs and get connected with Southern Maryland JobSource. This 38’ mobile center features 11 computer workstations, smart board instructional technology, satellite internet access, exterior audio visual and broadcasting capabilities; state of the art workforce applications and connectivity for wireless mobile device access. At these Calvert Library locations: Fri., Mar. 6 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Twin Beaches Branch, Chesapeake Beach; Wed., Mar. 11 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Calvert Library Prince Frederick; and, Thu., Mar. 26 from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Southern Branch, Solomons.

Empty Bowl Supper Save the Date! Project Echo presents the Empty Bowl Supper and Silent Auction on Mar. 21, 4;30 - 7:00 p.m. St. Vianney Family Life Center, Prince Frederick. $20 advance tickets are on sale now! $25/door. 500 or so of will be celebrating 15 Years of Empty Bowls! For more info, contact Trisha Gipson: (410) 535-0044 ext. 4 or trishgipson@

State of Maryland Boating Safety Class Includes introduction to Marlinspike (knots), charts and VHF radio use. Mar. 21 and 28. Must attend both classes for certification. $25/1st family member $10/add’l member. Presented by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 23-07. Meets at Tri State Marine Showroom in Deale. 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. For course signup or additional details contact: (410) 867-8849, Christopher@jensen.org; (301) 261-9704, cbgitts@aol.com; or Tri State Marine, (410) 867-2398.

Friday, March 6

For more info visit calvertmarinemuseum.com or call (410) 326-2042.

Baked Chicken Dinner: Informal dinner from 5:307:00 p.m. hosted by the American Legion Stallings Williams Post 206, Rt. 260, Chesapeake Beach, in the lower-level dining room. You think you’ve had good chicken? Former 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. ALpost206. org.

Saturday, March 7 Garden Smarter – Propagation: Expand your garden without the expense of buying new plants.

Learn how to start new plants from seed, by division, and cuttings. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way. 10:00-11:30 a.m. (410) 535-0291 or visit calvertlib.md.us.

Praise-N-Thunder: Dunkirk Baptist Church’s DC Homeless Outreach will meet at 11:00 a.m.in the DBC Connect Center (11275 S. MD Blvd. Dunkirk) to make lunches and travel to DC. We will leave the church at noon and return by 3:00 p.m. Donations needed: men/women’s clothes, socks and shoes, travel size toiletries, coats and hats. For more info call (301) 855-3555 or (410) 286-8500 or visit dunkirkbaptistchurch.org.

Bay Side Buddies: Guest artist, award winning painter, Mary Lou Troutman of St. Mary’s County, will team up with Ellen Robinson for an exhibit of acrylic paintings and hand-crafted clay and driftwood works of art. The show runs from Mar. 5–29. Opening Reception with complimentary refreshments on Sat., Mar. 7, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Artworks@7th, 9100 Bay Ave., North Beach. Gallery Hours are Thu. thru Sun., 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Call (410) 286-5278 or visit artworksat7th.com.

Fossil Club Public Lectures: CMM Fossil Club President, Mike Ellwood, will outline his fossil exploits in the U.S. Southwest and John Nance, Assistant Curator of Paleontology, will speak on “Exquisite preservation in fossils and what we can learn from it; insights from Ecphora and the Snaggletooth Shark.”

The lectures are free and open to the public. In the Harms Gallery at the Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons. 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

event non-profit group’s mplete Want to see your co ail Em ? nt Curre in the Chesapeake ntact information at least co details along with eks in advance to three we keCurrent.com. editor@Chesapea

Lothian Ruritan Spaghetti Dinner: All you can eat spaghetti with homemade meat and vegetable sauces, salad, gingerbread w/lemon sauce. $10/adults; $5/612 yrs.; kids under 6/free. Baked goods and bluebird houses for sale! Mt. Zion Methodist Church, 122 Bayard Rd., Lothian. 3:00-6:00 p.m. For more info call (410) 867-7853 or (410) 741-9236.

Sunday, March 8 Soup and Science: Enjoy hearty homemade soup and fresh bread with fellow nature lovers at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Lothian. Sit back with a cup of coffee or tea and dessert and listen to the guest speaker discuss conservation initiatives for effective fish and wildlife conservation. Ages: 16 and up.

12:00–3:00 p.m. Free with $6 vehicle admission fee.

Register online at friendsofjugbay.org. Or call (410) 741-9330.

More Than Skin Deep - The History and Practice of Tattoos: Presented by Dr. Lars Krutak, Tattoo Anthropologist at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. He began research on this ancient art form 19 years ago and in 2002 embarked on a world tour devoted to recording the lives, stories, and experiences of tattooed people around the globe.

3:00 p.m. Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons calvertmarinemuseum.com or call (410) 326-2042.

Baked Chicken Dinner: Informal dinner from 5:307:00 p.m. hosted by the American Legion Stallings Williams Post 206, Rt. 260, Chesapeake Beach, in the lower-level dining room. Former Commander Jack will whipping up his World-Famous Chicken with all the trimmings and salad. The cost is $10, including beverage. Call for more information (301) 855-6466.

ALpost206.org.

Monday, March 9 Summer Camp Fair 2015: Need to keep the kids busy this summer? Check out a bunch of options all in one evening! 6:30-8:00 p.m. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way. For more info call (410) 535-0291 or visit calvertlib.md.us.

22 Thursday, March 5, 2015 Chesapeake Current

March 10 & 12

Thursday, March 12

Sea Squirts: Be a Tree! Learn about different kinds of trees through movement, story and song. Go exploring outside and meet some of the trees around the museum. Free drop-in program for children 18-mos.-3 yrs. and their caregivers. Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons.

10:30-11:00 a.m. calvertmarinemuseum.com or call (410) 326-2042.

Calvert Conversations: Meet new friends, hear old stories; or meet old friends, hear new stories on local history in a relaxed, fun atmosphere! 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch, Chesapeake Beach. (410) 257-2411.

Tuesday, March 10 Italian Night Dinner: Informal dinner from 5:307:00 p.m. hosted by the American Legion Stallings Williams Auxiliary Post 206, Rt. 260, Chesapeake Beach, in the lower-level dining room. The menu for this meal is Italian with all the trimmings. The cost is $10, including beverage. Call for more information call (301) 855-6466. Public welcome. ALpost206.org.

Let’s Talk Enabling: 10 Toughest Questions Families and Friends Ask About Addiction and Recovery. Discussion led by Catherine Letteney, Ed.D, LCPC, LCADC, Clinical Supervisor, Calvert Substance Abuse Services. Sponsored by Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc., Calvert Substance Abuse Services & Prescription Drug Abuse Abatement Council. Registration is required - seating limited to 25. Pre-register please at (410) 535-FREE or (410) 535-3079, ext. 26. Refreshments provided. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Calvert Library, Rm. 2, Prince Frederick.

Wednesday, March 11 Widening of Rt. 2/4 through Prince Frederick: The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is developing plans to improve travel conditions along Solomons Island Rd. between Fox Run Blvd. and Commerce Lane in Prince Frederick. The project will improve traffic operations and enhance the safety and mobility of vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians by adding a third through lane, continuous auxiliary lanes, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks along the corridor.

A public meeting will acquaint the public with the project and provide attendees an opportunity to inform SHA of their project-related concerns. Maps and exhibits depicting current designs and plans for improvements will be on display. SHA representatives will be available to answer questions concerning the planned design work. Arrive at any time during meeting hours and walk through at your own pace.

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Calvert Middle School (Cafeteria), 655 Chesapeake Boulevard Prince Frederick, MD 20678. *Snow Date – Tuesday, March 17. Meeting will be held on snow date if county public schools are closed or if the county’s snow emergency plan is in effect.

Memoirs & Creative Writing Workshop; Join author and editor Elisavietta Ritchie as she encourages the art of creative memoir writing. Bring 12 doublespaced copies of your piece of memoir, 500-800 words, to work on and share with the group. 2:00-3:30 p.m. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way. (410) 535-0291 or visit calvertlib.md.us.

US Navy Band Country Current Quintet: The United States Navy Band Country Current is the Navy’s premiere country-bluegrass ensemble. The band is nationally renowned for its versatility and “eye-popping” musicianship, performing a blend of modern country music and cutting-edge bluegrass.

Don’t miss it! 7:00-8:30 p.m. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way. (410) 535-0291 or visit calvertlib.md.us.

17th Annual Goldstein Dinner: 6:00 p.m. at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant in Chesapeake Beach. Honors “The Working Men and Women of the Labor Movement.” Department of Labor Secretary Tom Perez is the guest speaker. Everyone is invited! $75/ person available now. To purchase tickets or obtain information about how you can sponsor a table, or place an advertisement in our program call the Calvert County Democratic Central Committee Headquarters at (410) 414-3660 or email calvertdems@gmail.com.

Friday, March 13 Praise & Play: Dunkirk Baptist Church Youth Ministry invites All Middle-High School students to come for fun times with friends, food, games, live band & more! DBC Connect Center. 11275 S. MD Blvd. Dunkirk. 6:00-9:00 p.m. More info: dunkirkbaptistchurch.org or rsanchez@ dunkirkbaptistchurch.org, (301) 855-3555.

Saturday, March 14 It’s the Pi Day of the Century! 3.14.15 9:26:53.

Are you seeking some fun Pi Day events? Calvert Library Prince Frederick is the place for you! A day full of Pi/Math related activities. The festivities start at 9:26 a.m and end at 3:14 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - Pi Day Family Storytime for little ones birth to 5 yrs. 11:00 a.m. - Einstein Costume Contest! Celebrate Einstein’s birthday by entering this fun contest. A prize will be awarded for each age range: Babies (0-5), Kids (6-17), and Adults (17+). 11:30 a.m.-3:14 p.m. - Pi Activity Stations-make Pi bracelets, model Pi in Minecraft, test Pi on a round craft, play games and more! 1:59 p.m.

- Memorization Contest! Test your memory and see how many Pi digits you can write down. The most digits past the decimal will win a prize! Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way. Call (410) 5350291 or visit calvertlib.md.us.

Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum Volunteer Workshop: Opportunities include docent positions, special events, outreach and more! Flexible days and hours. Always in need of new faces! Volunteer at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, 9:00 a.m.-12;00 p.m., 4155 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach. Optional Field Trip after Workshop.For more information, please contact the Railway Museum: (410) 257-3892 or cbrailway@co.cal.md.us Garden Smarter: Gardening for Your Community: Plant a row for the hungry, start a community garden, help a farmer harvest or beautify your street. Use your gardening skills to bring Calvert closer to Eden. 10:00-11:30 a.m. Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch, Chesapeake Beach. (410) 257-2411.

Chess Saturday: Chess enthusiasts or wannabe enthusiasts-please join us (with or without your own chess set). All ages and levels welcome! Register for Chess Saturdays for a reminder. Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch, Chesapeake Beach, 10:00 a.m.– Noon. For more information or to register call (410) 257-2411.

CURRENT EVENTS WOW 2015: Reaching for Your Dreams! Women of the World Celebration & Awards Ceremony.

Co-Chaired by the Commission for Women & the League of Women Voters in cooperation with other nonprofit and women’s organizations. 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. College of Southern Maryland, 115 J.W. Williams Rd., Prince Frederick.

Time Banking: Learn about “time banking” from Calvert Resource Exchange, a southern county community time bank. Time Banks have been established in 34 countries, with at least 300 Time Banks in 40 US states and in numerous other countries since the 1980’s. The “time” one spends providing community services earns “time” that one can spend to receive services. As well as gaining credits, people can gain confidence, increase social contact and skills through giving to others. Communities use time banking as a tool to forge stronger intra-community ties.1:00-2:00 p.m. Calvert Library Southern Branch, 13920 H.G. Trueman Rd., Solomons. (410) 326-5289.

Country Dance: Time to Boogie at the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206, MD Rt. 260 in Chesapeake Beach. If you can’t dance, teachers will be available to give instruction. One hour lessons commence at 7:00 p.m. followed by dancing from 8:00 p.m. until midnight. The modest price of $15/person includes soft drinks or draft beer and light munchies.

Hosted by the American Legion 206 in the upper level Ballroom. Public welcome. (301) 855-6466.

ALpost206.org.

Tuesday, March 17 Steak Night: Picky about your steak? Order your steak preference direct from the grill-master and get what you like. The $15 price tag includes all the trimmings and a beverage. From 5:30-7:00 p.m. hosted by the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206, Rt. 260, Chesapeake Beach, in the lower-Level dining room. Public welcome.

(301)855-6466. ALpost206.org.

American Legion Auxiliary 206 Membership Meeting: Begins at 7:00 p.m. in Upper Level Hall of the Chesapeake Beach Post on Route 260. All members are encouraged to attend and bring their ideas to share, and participate in decisions. For information, call President Granados at (301) 775-9195.

Men’s Grief Support Group: Open to all Calvert County men grieving the loss of a loved one; no registration required. Held the third Tue./mo. 7:008:00 p.m. at the Burnett Calvert Hospice House, 4559 Sixes Rd., Prince Frederick. Contact Melinda Ruppert at (410) 535-0892 or email mruppert@calverthospice. org.

Wednesday, March 18 Sea Squirts - Be a Tree! Learn about different kinds of trees through movement, story and song. Go

exploring outside and meet some of the trees around the museum. Free drop-in program for children 18-mos.-3 yrs. and their caregivers. Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons.

10:30-11:00 a.m. For more information visit calvertmarinemuseum.com or call (410) 326-2042.

Book Discussion-Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: In 1865, Charles Lutwidge Dodson (under the penname of Lewis Carroll) composed a fantasy tale for a trio of young sisters. 2:00-3:30 p.m. Calvert Library Fairview Branch, Owings. For more information call (410) 257-2101.

Thursday, March 19 NARFE Meeting: The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), Calvert County Chapter 1466, will meet at 1:00 p.m. at the Southern Pines Community Center, Appeal Lane, Lusby. A presentation on “Hot Issues” by a Calvert County Commissioner will be followed by a short business session. Join us for an early lunch at 11: 30 a.m., this month at LEDO’s in Lusby. Active and Retired Federal employees, current and prospective members, non-members and guests are welcome. For NARFE membership information and application, call (410) 586-1441 or email NARFE1466@gmail. com.

Sunday, March 15 More Than Skin Deep: Jay F. Coleman, Special Educator, Artist, Tattoo Artist/Lecturer, will make connection between modern tattoo art and the maritime tradition. Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons. 3:00 p.m. calvertmarinemuseum.com or call (410) 326-2042.

Free.

Chesapeake Community Chorus: This allvolunteer chorus performs concerts to benefit charities in Calvert County. We are looking to add new singers to the chorus. No auditions are required. Practice 4:00-6:00 p.m. North Beach Union Church, 8912 Chesapeake Ave., North Beach. Contact Larry Brown, Director, (301) 855-7477, or email lbrown9601@ verizon.net.

Monday, March 16 Leasing Workshop for Farmland Owners and Farmers: Learn about agricultural land-leasing issues to better understand the agricultural farmland leasing process, the communication and dispute resolution process and how to find and market available farmland. Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) Auditorium, 15035 Burnt Store Rd., Hughesville. 5:00-9:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required

by Mar. 10. $11 fee includes materials and light dinner.

Call SMADC staff on (301) 274-1922, Ex. 1. To register online visit the ‘News and Announcements’ page at SMADC.COM. Calvert Eats Local: Albert Howard’s “An Agricultural Testament,” the book that started organic farming will be discussed. Encourage local agriculture, discover ways to eat locally, and share resources, energy, good ideas and great food! 7:00-8:30 p.m. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way. (410) 535-0291 or visit calvertlib.md.us.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 5, 2015

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