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Current Chesapeake

March 21, 2013

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Community, Sheriff Shaken By Murder-Suicide 4 1 e g a P ‘Project Prom Dress’ Gives Gowns To Girls

Last Black Tobacco Farmer Passes

Story Page 5 4

Story Page 18 15

Shaken By Murder-Suicide

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The two most recent instances of murder in Calvert County have also involved a suicide. In the latest case, on Hallowing Point Road/Rt. 231, the victims were two brothers-in-law who had apparently been fighting for days leading up to the shooting. The story on page 14…

‘Project Prom Dress’

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No it’s not a new reality show! This is an effort by a group of friends at a local church to collect previously worn prom dresses and ‘recycle’ them for other girls who might not get to go otherwise because their parents can’t afford it this year. The Chesapeake Current has their touching story on page 5…

Local Women Honored

The Pat Giardina Carpenter Women in Business Fund Dedicated to helping women achieve their dreams.

Providing funding for vocational training, college courses, and projects for women-owned businesses.

Now accepting tax-deductible donations.

Bay Business Group P.O. Box 858 North Beach, MD 20714

The Commission on Women has honored a number of local women – and women of tomorrow – for their accomplishments. And they were given proclamations by the Calvert Board of County Commissioners at their meeting on Tues. Mar 19. More about these incredible women and the impact they make on page 23…

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Thursday, March 21, 2013 Chesapeake Current

Also Inside

Community Taking Care of Business On the Water Cover Story Letters Remembering Family & Friends Pride and Joy Business Directory Current Events

Armory Road Project Set To Begin Want to learn more about the revamp of Armory Road in Prince Frederick? Then come to an open house and get the scoop.

The Calvert County Department of Public Works is planning a major road improvement project for Armory Road and Dares Beach Road with construction set to start in late spring.

Details of the project will be shared during a public open house scheduled for Monday, March 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the lower level of Courthouse Square, 205 Main Street in Prince Frederick.

As part of the project, the Armory Road name will be changed to Chesapeake Boulevard and a number of improvements will be made. Property owners on the road have been notified that their addresses will change.

Road enhancements include new sidewalks, wider shoulders, pedestrian lights and a traffic circle at the intersection of Chesapeake Boulevard and Dares Beach Road. The project is part of the larger Prince Frederick loop road and is expected to take about 18 months to complete.

Construction plans split the project into four phases. There will be partial road closures during different phases and Fairground Road will serve as a detour route during a portion of the construction.

The project will start at the intersection of Armory Road and Dares Beach Road. A traffic circle will be built in two phases, with a different detour route for each phase.

Armory Road north of Dares Beach Road will be temporarily closed to traffic for a portion of this phase.

In the second phase, the second half of the traffic circle, the new portion of Chesapeake Boulevard and Monnett Court will be built. Monnett Court is a new road that will intersect with Chesapeake Boulevard and serve the cluster of businesses just to the south of the Dares Beach Road traffic light.

During this phase a detour route will be provided for traffic south of Dares Beach Road.

In phase three, Monnett Court, the Fairground Road entrance and the southern portion of Chesapeake Boulevard will be finished. The traffic circle and portions of Chesapeake Boulevard will be open to traffic, except for the portion just north of Fairground Road.

In the final phase, the center of the traffic circle will be finished; splitter islands for the circle will be completed on Dares Beach Road; curbs will be constructed; and final pavement and markings will be finished at the project site. Traffic will be using normal patterns for this phase.

During the open house on March 25, participants will be able to see maps of the project and ask any questions they have for project engineers.

The maps and information are also available co.cal.md.us/roadproject.

Galesville Gets New Sidewalks The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is now beginning tork to upgrade sidewalks along MD 255 (Galesville Road) in Galesville, a small town on the West River in Anne Arundel County.

Work includes installing new sidewalks, replacing existing sidewalks and upgrades to concrete and asphalt driveway entrances.

These improvements will provide a continuous, ADA-compliant walkway from Anchors Way/West Benning Road to Riverside Drive, a distance of about three-quarters of a mile.

Work will take place Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

During these hours a single lane closure and flagging operation may be needed to guide motorists through the work zone.

Because this work includes upgrades to SHA-maintained driveway entrances, some homeowners may not be able to access their driveways for 24-48 hours during construction. SHA will provide advance notice to individual property owners and residents

Calvert Tax Rates Stay Steady Across the board, property taxes in Calvert County will stay the same for fiscal year 2014.

Following action at the Calvert County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) meeting Tues. March 12, the rate for county residents will remain at 0.892 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

However, many property owners will see lower tax bills because of lower property values.

The mayors of both incorporated beach towns in Calvert County appeared before the Calvert County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) at that same meeting to ask that tax rates remain the same for their residents stay the same as well.

Although tax rates did not go down this year, Chesapeake Beach Mayor Bruce Wahl tells the Chesapeake Current that since he’s been in office during the past 25 years, tax rates for residents in his town were reduced ten times.

However, the overall tax rate for North Beach residents continue to be significantly higher than those paid by residents in neighboring Chesapeake Beach because the town’s tax rate is already higher.

Chesapeake Beach Mayor Bruce Wahl and North Beach Mayor Mark Frazer update the Calvert County Commissioners and ask that tax rates remain the same for FY 2014.

Residents of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach receive services from both their respective town governments and the county government, so they pay taxes to both jurisdictions, but not as much as people who live in areas that are served only by the county. Data provided to the BOCC shows that property owners in both towns pay the county a rate of $0.556 per $100 of assessed value compared to a rate of $0.892 per $100 of assessed value in Calvert’s unincorporated areas. The tax differential is $0.336 for county residents, for a total of $0.892.

Incorporated Towns Town Tax Rate County Tax Rate Total Tax Rate

Chesapeake Beach 0.360 0.556 0.916

The above tax rates will be charged for fiscal year 2014 with the tax billing that will occur in July 2013.

Commissioner Susan Shaw noted that although tax rates stayed the same, most prior to commencing driveway entrance work, and will work with residents and residents will be getting lower tax bills business owners to minimize any disrup- because of reduced property values.

However, Commissioner Evan Slaughtions.

Weather permitting, the new sidewalks should be completed this summer.

This work is being performed under a $2.5 million multiple-project “areawide” contract awarded to Romano Concrete of Laurel. The contract provides for sidewalk upgrades at several locations in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.

Committed to providing safe access and mobility for all, SHA is surpassing its business goal to enhance its inventory of sidewalk to ADA compliance by two percent each year. In 2011, the ADA Sidewalk program invested $19.8 million to address ADA issues.

SHA urges motorists to exercise caution while driving through work zones.

Slow down, cooperate with other motorists during merges, and always be alert for changing conditions.

Chesapeake Current

North Beach 0.630 0.556 1.186

Outside of Towns County N/A 0.892 0.892

enhoupt called for an actual tax cut.

“When the economy is bad there should be an effort to reduce rates,” he said. “People who suffer the most are the citizens paying taxes.”

The BOCC, however, approved them by a vote of 4 to 1, with Slaughenhoupt casting the only “no” vote.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

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Deputies Armed With New Tool School Overcrowding To Be Addressed A committee is now being established by the Calvert County Board of Education (BOE) to figure out how to approach redistricting of Beach Elementary School in Chesapeake Beach, according to Board Vice President Kelly McConkey.

It’s expected that representatives of Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS), PTA members and members of the local community will be appointed to the committee.

Chesapeake Beach Mayor Bruce Wahl says Council Members Bob Carpenter and Valerie Beaudin have expressed interest in serving on the committee.

The group is supposed to meet five times over the next two-to three-months and come up with recommendations for how to approach redistricting which will likely concern which children in which areas could move to other schools. The committee recommendations will then be presented to the BOE for consideration. It is hoped that a plan can be approved by May so the redistricting can happen before school begins in again in August.

If the board approves the plan, there will

be two public meetings to explain the process to parents. It’s likely that at least one or more nearby schools that are under-populated will take the students who will be in the redistricted area. Beach elementary classes are over-crowded, four portable classrooms are in use, some early learning programs have no space, since capacity is at 125%. At many other schools county-wide, including Windy Hill and Plum Point, enrollment is far below capacity.

However, many parents are expressing concerns because they like Beach Elementary and don’t want their children to go elsewhere.

Following their December meeting, the Town of Chesapeake Beach sent a letter to the Board of Education, requesting that the BOE take up redistricting. The following month, the BOE voted to have Superintendent Dr. Jack Smith investigate the situation and report back.

In February, enrollment at Beach was at 695 students, which is the level not expected until 2018. The capacity at the elementary school is rated at just 514 students.

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Thursday, March 21, 2013 Chesapeake Current

Safe Harbor Inc., a shelter for abused women and children in Calvert County, has purchased a $15,000 high-tech Krimesite Imager device for the sheriff’s office to help them more effectively gather stronger evidence in criminal cases, especially in strangulations.

While there are only about three cases in recent memory of people have died of strangulation in the county, there have been many cases of victims who survived, especially women, being strangled in domestic disputes.

State’s Attorney Laura Martin tells the Chesapeake Current that there’s a big Crime Scene Technician Greg Crump explains how difference between strangulation and choking. the Krimesite Imager works as Sheriff Mike Evans Strangulation is when someone uses listens. hands or an object on a person’s neck to cut off blood flow to the head or restrict the airway. In murder, especially in these domestic abuse seven to eight seconds, a person can die. cases.

Choking is when food becomes lodged in your Safe Harbor Inc. Board of Directors throat.

Member Ed Apple put it this way, “It takes She tells us, “In 2011, we had 24 cases away the ‘he said, she said’ and shows the judge involving strangulation. In 2012 we had 34. a real good photograph.”

In 2013, I only had stats available for Jan and And this tool can also be used on other Feb. In those two months, we had seven cases.” crime scenes to detect evidence using an What this device can do is look for ultraviolet light that might otherwise be bruising inside a person’s neck and also show if overlooked. the victim clawed to try to get free from an Sheriff Mike Evans (R) says many groups help assailant. In many cases, it can also record buy the Sheriff’s Department equipment and fingerprints that could not be detected through technology, and they’re happy to get these gifts. other means.

“Any tool that helps us serves the citizens we’ll “Now it’s going to be clear crisp photo- take,” he adds. graphs of finger prints,” said Martin. Along Online profiles say that Safe Harbor, Inc. with an MRI after an attack, prosecutors can and the Calvert County Health Dept. provide build a stronger case for prosecution. food, shelter, safety, counseling, medical And together these take away the question services and compassion for abused women and of doubt and can result in more convictions on children. Since Safe Harbor, Inc. has to provide more serious charges such as 1st degree assault, $30,000 yearly to the Calvert Health Dept. to assault, and 1st and 2nd degree attempted support the shelter.

More Time To Apply For Scholarships Interested in a health care career? The Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation is extending its deadline for scholarship applications until April 30.

Qualified students in Calvert, Anne Arundel, Charles and St. Mary’s counties can apply online at calverthospital.org or download the form and submit by mail. An application can also be requested by calling the foundation office at (410) 535-8178.

Applicants must have resided in Maryland for at least one year in order to qualify. Preference is given to residents of Calvert and Anne Arundel County. In order to be eligible, the applicant must be a full-time student at an accredited school of nursing or enrolled in an allied healthcare curriculum offering a course of study leading to licensure as a practical or registered nurse or another allied health-related classification.

They must also have a letter accepting them into their major.

Since the scholarship program began in 1991, the CMH Foundation has given 288 scholarships totaling $342,250 to area students. The scholarship fund was created by an endowment from the Calvert-Arundel Medical Center. Recipients are not required to repay the foundation or accept employ-

ment.

Applications can be submitted online or mailed to: CMH Foundation, PO Box 2127, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application. However, students are responsible for making sure that all of their material has been received.

Healthcare jobs offer many advantages including competitive salaries, generous benefits, flexibility and continued growth. To learn more about a career in health care, consider job shadowing or volunteering at Calvert Memorial Hospital.

Job shadowing allows students 16 and older to spend a few hours with an experienced healthcare professional in their chosen field of interest. For more information or to apply, call the CMH human resources department at (410) 535-8122.

Volunteering provides students the opportunity to explore a particular area of study over an extended period. To participate, students must be 16 and older, complete an orientation program and commit to four hours per week. For information, call the volunteer coordinator at (410) 414-4523.

Bring Out Your Bling for “Project Prom”

By Jenny Kellner What teenage girl doesn’t dream of looking like a fairy princess for a night? Some local girls are opening their hearts to make sure that it happens for more girls this year.

Six young women are setting out on a project to collect and distribute prom dresses for their fellow students in Anne Arundel and Calvert Counties who need them. All of the girls are juniors at Southern High School in Harwood and all are members of Young Adults in Church, a Sunday School class at St. James’ Parish in Lothian.

The dress drive was the idea of 16-year-old Caroline Pickart who read about a similar project in Teen Vogue magazine. She’s being joined by the other five girls as they work as a team of “fairy godmothers” to collect “previously loved” gowns through their church as a community service project.

The girls have collected over 100 dresses and $200 in donations so far. The cash donations will be used to clean, repair or alter the dresses as necessary. They are enthusiastic about expanding the project to serve even more high school seniors in the future.

So bring out the sequins! They ask that we all take a look in our closets for a dress or two now collecting dust that we’d be willing to contribute to their effort. They have and are looking for dresses in all shapes and sizes, short and long. Bling jewelry, accessories, shoes and handbags are also needed to make the girls who get them sparkle.

Donations can be given in many convenient ways. Dresses can be dropped off at the Parish Hall at St. James’ Parish any weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at 5757 Solomons Island Road, or at Southern High School to art/fashion teacher Mrs. Hagerman.

Also, the girls will have a collection table set up at the Nordstrom store at Annapolis Mall during the annual 2013 Spring Formal Fashion Show on Saturday, March 23 so you can bring dresses there to donate as well.

Here are just a few of the gorgeous gowns collected by Project Prom Dress to share with girls who need them.

The team is also willing to come to you to pick up donations. To make arrangements, they can be contacted on the project’s Facebook page; search for St. James Prom Dress Drive.

As the cost of prom has ballooned to a near-wedding budget, and as many families find themselves struggling in this economy, many local girls, and their parents, will undoubtedly be so grateful to be able to choose a dream dress without spending a dime. The young women spearheading this effort have contacted guidance counselors at local high schools in both counties to help spread the word about the availability of the free dresses. Recipients must be high school seniors and should be in need of assistance.

Dresses will be accepted right up until the big giveaway, which is scheduled for April 13.

The girls ask that the dresses be in good condition and dry-cleaned in advance, if possible. Other fun at the giveaway will include door prizes from local businesses for hair and make-up services. If you want to help, contact the girls through their Facebook page as well.

On the other hand, if you know someone or have a daughter who would not get to go to prom otherwise and would like to receive one of the dresses, please have her contact her school’s guidance counselor to find out more info about attending the give-away event.

Already looking ahead to next year, these six friends who are working feverishly to serve their community. Next year, they hope to begin the dress drive earlier in the year so they can collect even more dresses.

“This year’s selection is already a beautiful mix of styles and colors in all sizes,” said Claire Pickart, Caroline’s mother.

So let’s all work together to double the choices by finding a dress or two, accessories or money to donate to this lovely cause!

About the Author: Jenny Kellner is a mother, teacher and Girl Scout leader. She lives in North Beach with her husband, Joe, and their four children.

Six friends from southern Anne Arundel County are the organizers of the ‘Project Prom Dress’ drive to share with other girls who might not otherwise afford to go the big dance this year. From left to right, Emily Rudasill, Katie Mather, Katharine Milbradt, Caroline Pickart, and Meghan Segreti, all age 16, plus 17-year-old Karen Furr.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 21, 2013

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South County Views

By Bea Poulin Our neighborhoods are like little democracies at work.

Anne Arundel County elects its county executive and seven county council members every four years, and they represent most of the county except for the two incorporated municipalities of Annapolis and Highland Beach where each has its own elected Mayor and council of aldermen and women. This is very different from our neighboring county of Prince George’s that has 27 municipalities as well as a county government that provide core services.

In Anne Arundel County, there is a governing structure in place in many communities called the “association,” and its role varies as much as the communities do. In Southern Anne Arundel County, there are older beach communities represented by a citizens, civic, property owners, or community associations. There are also new subdivisions represented by a home owners association – the HOA. Their boards of directors are elected every year or so depending on the commitment of concerned and caring neighbors.

If you live in a very rural area of South County, you may not have an organization representing you and your neighbors, but you could form one if you had a common interest in doing something.

Then there are the special community benefit districts (SCBD) that some neighborhood associations have created in addition to or to replace the original community association because they need a better way to raise funds to pay for upkeep and protection of community assets. Assets like a beach, a playground, pathways, tennis courts, a meeting hall whatever the community owns that needs maintenance, insurance and security coverage. Waterway and Shore Erosion districts have also been created to raise funds for dredging and preserving beaches and shorelines in waterfront communities.

The communities that have formed SCBD’s or Waterway or Shore Erosion Districts find it’s a fair and equitable way to take care of the community assets that benefit and add value to the entire neighborhood.

The important fact about these three districts is that a majority of citizens in the community must agree to form it through a petition process that is overseen by the County. It can take several months to a couple years to form because it is a lengthy process that requires the community to be incorporated with by-laws, have a written purpose for which the district is being created, and to have achieved a written agreement with at least 51% of the property owners to the formation. A dedicated community board of directors has to facilitate this process. The County’s

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Thursday, March 21, 2013 Chesapeake Current

Offices of Budget, Law, Community and Constituent Services and the County Council also have a role in the legal process of creating the district.

Ultimately, the Board of Directors of the new “District” creates a budget each year and submits it to their residents for approval. The budget lays out the plan for the community’s use of the local funds collected from every resident once a year.

The collection is done by the County’s Finance office on its annual property tax bill. A line item on the bill indicates the District’s annual fee. Once collected by the County, it is returned to the District’s Treasury minus a small administrative fee of 5% of the District’s budget not less than $100 and nor more than $1,000.00.

The great thing about establishing a “District” is that all property owners pay the agreed upon fee, and the community’s Board of Directors knows exactly how much money it has to work with each year.

Gone are the days in which Board members walked door to door to collect the annual membership fee. Gone are the bake sales for playground improvements, pleas to neighbors to help cut the grass or clean up the community’s recreation area.

The funds can be used to pay for the costs of hiring a company to cut the grass, to pay for playground equipment or a private police officer to patrol the neighborhood – and more. It just has to be defined in the ‘District” purpose as approved.

Our little democracies in South County are doing some amazing things: in Selby on the Bay, its SCBD is building a new waterfront community hall; Columbia Beach in Shady Side is restoring its waterfront property; Holland Point in North Beach Park just completed a two year shoreline revetment project and spruced-up its community hall; and Shady Side’s Cedarhurst and Snug Harbor neighborhoods maintain their own marinas and waterfront parks.

My community – Avalon Shores - is keeping up its ball field, its beach and boat ramp, and crabbing pier with the funds it raises each year.

Being in charge comes with a lot of expectations and demands, but by having the financial support of the community, neighborhood leaders can do so much more to protect and improve the community assets that sold them on the neighborhood in the first place.

About the Author: Bea Poulin has resided in Shady Side, MD for 29 years with her husband. For the past 12 years she has served as a community specialist for South County in the County Executive’s Office of Community & Constituent Services. Bea is the founding President of the Muddy Creek Artists Guild that represents over 120 local artists. She also serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Anne Arundel Community Action Agency, Inc.

By Susan Shaw Calvert County Commissioner On Stormwater and ERU’s Be thankful if you live in Calvert County as, at least so far, we are exempted from the onerous impervious surface fees that Anne Arundel Countians will have to pay come July 1st.

It’s because Anne Arundel and Charles Counties along with eight other jurisdictions in the State of Maryland hold a Phase One Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Clean Water Permit issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment.

So, what is an impervious surface?

It is generally defined as a surface that does not allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground, which includes buildings, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, patios, and even swimming pools.

The fee is based on the amount of impervious surface on a residential lot, on a commercial lot, and even on a church or non-profit’s lot, like a private school.

This coming emphasis on impervious surface was the background for an invitation for elected folks and staff to a Stormwater Roundtable sponsored jointly by Governor O’Malley and the Maryland Environmental Service (MES). I went to get educated.

I learned that Chesapeake Bay-wide, nitrogen and phosphorus loads are down 50% and that 54 riversheds in Maryland are improving. The mantra for the day was that agriculture and point sources (like wastewater treatment plants) are making good progress, so the new focus is on stormwater, especially in already developed areas. The Clean Water Act can result in penalties from the federal Environmental Protection Agency if sufficient progress is not made.

Accordingly, the MES has hired 150 employees that are stormwater professionals whose jobs are to help the rest of the state reduce stormwater.

Mobile apps are being developed that will be free and will generate data and required reports. There is a free app for the Green Highways Partnership. Apps were used to track stormwater following

Hurricane Lee in St. Mary’s County.

There are lots of partnerships among various public and private entities with lots of grant money to help. The goal, according to Dominique Lueckenhoff, Acting Deputy Director, Water Protection Division, USEPA, Region 3, is for stormwater to “be better, cheaper, and greener.”

I learned about green infrastructure vs. gray infrastructure.

Gray infrastructure includes all the pipes, tunnels, devices to move stormwater dating from the Roman aqueducts and tunnels. The gray infrastructure in our country is deteriorating as when we have burst sewer mains. In contrast, green infrastructure uses stormwater as a resource. Examples include green roofs that absorb the stormwater to make plants grow and rain gardens. It is predicted that China will be out of water in 2025 and will be importing water from us.

There is an effort to tie together the regulatory side of government with the conservation side to preserve and renovate stormwater through utilization of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology and private capital.

An example is the Ditch Restoration Partnership in Talbot County, which has 700 miles of ditches paralleling roads. GIS was used to identify farm pollution flowing into the County roadside ditches using a GIS tool called Advanced Mitigation Planning.

Mitigation practices were then instituted targeted to only the problem areas using private capital through state bonds.

Getting back to Anne Arundel County, there are 187,469 total billable properties (billed for the impervious surface stormwater fee). The County needs $26 million in revenue to meet its stormwater goals. Officials say 311,000 Equivalent Run-off Units or ERUs were identified. The fee is $85 per ERU, except in the rural areas, where it is $170 per ERU. A home might be one ERU while a private school with a lot of impervious surface could equal many ERUs. Like I said at the beginning of this column, we can be grateful that we are spared from ERUs – at least for the time being.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 21, 2013

7

Recognize This Bank Robber?

Anne Arundel County Police are searching for this man who held up a South County bank.

On Thursday, March 14 at approximately 10:37 a.m., this man entered the Bank of America located at 5554 Muddy Creek Road in Churchton. According to police, the suspect entered the bank branch and handed the bank teller a note announcing a bank robbery. The note implied that he had a gun, however, no weapon was displayed during

Police Charge Man In Crimes

the ordeal. The suspect fled the bank after receiving money.

Witnesses and police describe the suspect as a white man in his 30’s, approximately 5’ 8” with a stocky build, wearing dark sunglasses, a black knit hat and a black coat.

Anyone who thinks they recognize this man or has information on this hold-up is urged to contact Detective Clifford Van Hoesen of the Robbery Unit at (410) 222-3469 (x3566).

Calvert Sheriff’s Deputies say they believe that several crimes from last year are now solved with the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect.

On Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at approximately 10:00 p.m. an armed robbery was reported to the Calvert Control Center.

Three males had just closed the Chinese Dynasty Restaurant located at 13322 H. G. Trueman Road in Dowell and had exited the restaurant through the back door. As they started to leave in their SUV, a black male appeared from the alley, opened up the back right door, displayed a small silver handgun and yelled commands while pointing the gun at the three victims in the SUV. The driver took off trying to get away from the suspect.

The suspect jumped into the SUV. The suspect wrestled with the two back seat passengers. The suspect dropped the gun but bit the right arm of one of the passengers.

The driver stopped the SUV in a lighted area near the KFC Restaurant and the suspect escaped on foot. Efforts to locate the suspect yielded negative results. The suspect was not successful in stealing cash, other valuables or the SUV. The bite victim sustained a single bite wound to the arm that did not require Surveillance video photos from Anne Arundel County Police of the man who robbed the any medical treatment. Det. H. Rich and Churchton Bank of America.

Det. R. Hawkins processed the crime scene and took steps to secure evidence. The suspect, whose face was obscured by clothing or a mask, was described as a young black male approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, approximately 150 pounds with a thin build.

Very few leads were initially developed.

Authorities say two men are under arrest and Melvin Lee Mackall, Jr., age 35, both of Based on the suspect’s general descripin connection with a Lusby home invasion in Lusby. tion, a very large group of nearly 200 possible which a resident was severely beaten. They say A white Ford Crown Victoria involved culprits was initially identified. The list was these suspects may also be connected to other in the robbery, registered to Deon Jones’ eventually reduced to less than 12 suspects similar crimes. girlfriend, Katherine Massaro, age 18, of On the morning of February 12, Lusby, was located and seized. deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff’s On February 28 a search and seizure Office responded to a home on Roundup warrant was executed at a home on Daryl Road in Lusby for the report of a home Drive in Lusby in the neighborhood of White Anne Arundel County Police say a invasion robbery. The victim stated he was Sands. During the search, Melvin Mackall, Jr. sleeping in bed with his girlfriend and baby was located inside the residence and arrested. Chesapeake Beach man died and second man when he was attacked by an unidentified On March 10, Deon Jones was located was seriously hurt on Saturday, March 9 in a black male who had broken into his and arrested in Lusby by the Calvert County head-on collision on MD Route 260 near Rd. residence.

Sheriff’s Office Warrant/ Fugitive Unit. Sansbury Calvert County Sheriff’s deputies and The victim stated he awoke when he was Jones was actively attempting to avoid Anne Arundel County Police Department struck in the head with a blunt object. The capture, according to police. officers responded to the accident at 5:44 a.m. suspect demanded the victims’ prescription It is believed that similar incidents have A press release from Anne Arundel medication and beat the victim severely about occurred in the Lusby area but involve County Police says officers found a Ford the body and face with a blunt object. The victims who may be reluctant to come Taurus and a Ford Expedition each with suspect implied he was armed and threatened forward. Anyone with information pertain- “heavy front end damage,” in the westbound to kill his girlfriend and toddler. ing to similar events involving Deon Lamont lanes. The Expedition was on fire and on its The resulting investigation conducted Jones and Melvin Lee Mackall, Jr. are urged side. Members of the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire also responded. by members of the Calvert Investigative to contact Det. Mudd of the Calvert County Department Police report that the Taurus, driven by Team led to probable cause to apply for arrest Sheriff’s Office at (410)-535-1600, ext. 2469 warrants for two suspects involved in the or the Maryland State Police at (410)-535above robbery, Deon Lamont Jones, age 22 1400.

Arrests In Home Invasions

Michael J. Coates, Jr.

but one suspect in particular, Michael James Coates, Jr., age 25, of no fixed address, remained a possibility as most of the others were discounted or eliminated. An overall crime analysis of Southern Calvert County revealed that Michael James Coates, Jr. was listed as a possible suspect in an unsolved burglary that occurred in May 2012 at a private residence off Newtown Road in Dowell.

In September 2012 Coates agreed to meet with Det. H. Rich and evidence obtained from him was sent to be analyzed and compared to evidence recovered during the processing of the initial crime scene.

In October 2012 forensic analysis positively linked Michael J. Coates, Jr. to the July 31 armed robbery.

Warrants were issued in November 2012 for Michael J. Coates, Jr. Coates turned himself in to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office on March 14 of this year.

He is now charged with three counts of armed robbery, three counts of robbery, three counts of first-degree assault and one count of second-degree assault. The suspect remains in the Calvert County Detention Center on a no-bond status.

Man Dies In Fiery Head-On Crash 61-year-old Ronald Lignelli of Chesapeake Beach, was traveling east on Route 260 when it crossed the double yellow lines into the path of the Expedition, driven by an Owings man, 33-year-old Andrew Mackall. The vehicles collided head on and authorities say Lignelli was dead at the scene. Police say witnesses managed to pull Mackall from his vehicle before it went up in flames. He was transported to Prince George’s Trauma Center where he was admitted with serious injuries.

Anne Arundel police say it is unknown if excessive speed, drugs or alcohol were factors, but the investigation is continuing.

Siren Test Upcoming

Deon Lamont Jones.

8

Melvin Lee Mackall, Jr.

Thursday, March 21, 2013 Chesapeake Current

If you hear sirens on April Fools Day, it’s not a joke.

The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division, will conduct a full-cycle test of the alert and notification sirens throughout southern Calvert and St. Mary's counties on Monday, April 1 at noon.

The full-cycle test includes a threeminute activation of all sirens within the 10-mile area around Calvert Cliffs Nuclear

Power Plant. All citizens are asked to remember the scheduled testing and relay the information to friends, family and neighbors.

The testing is conducted to enhance siren operation and increase public awareness of the alert and notification siren system. If the sirens sound at any other time, residents should tune to a local radio station for information and instructions.

Police Blotter Calvert County Sheriff’s Department Reports: Disorderly On March 17 at 12:58 a.m. Dep. T. Buckler responded to the American Legion on Sixes Road in Prince Frederick to assist DFC V. Evans in clearing out a large party. Buckler was informed that there was fighting going on inside the building. Approximately 50 people were involved in several small scuffles that were broken up by police. One subject, later identified as Terry Alexander Tucker, age 36 of Prince Frederick, was attempting to fight another individual. He was advised to stop or be arrested. Tucker ignored commands and was arrested but continued to be confrontational and attempt to push away from officers while yelling obscenities. Tucker was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

age 22 of Lusby, and detected a strong odor of alcohol. Kuntz advised she drove off the road because she was sick, and then stated it was because she had been texting on her cell phone.

Sgt. V. Bortchevsky responded to assist and was kicked by Kuntz when Dep. Wood was attempting to handcuff her. Kuntz was arrested and charged with second- degree assault, resisting arrest, negligent driving, reckless driving, DWI, sending an electronic message while operating a vehicle and other traffic violations.

On March 2 at 1:42 a.m. Cpl. A. Moschetto responded to the area of MD Rt. 4 northbound and Cox Road in Huntingtown for the report of an intoxicated driver. He observed the vehicle swerve into the left lane from the right lane and almost hit another vehicle then make a right turn onto Cox Road. The vehicle turned into a business parking lot and attempted to make a U-turn and head back onto Cox Road toward MD Rt. 4. Cpl. Moschetto blocked the vehicle and made contact with driver, later identified as Dennis Lee Stiner, age 58 of Lothian, who On March 9 at 10:30 p.m. DFC P. Aurich appeared intoxicated. Stiner was subsequently observed a vehicle operating in an erratic manner arrested and charged with resisting arrest, shortly before the driver stopped the car and negligent driving and DUI. jumped out on MD Rt. 260 near Wards Chapel Road in Owings. The driver and a female Attempted Arson passenger were in a verbal argument. Aurich A resident of a home in the 11600 block of Big calmed them down and sent them on their way. Bear Lane in Lusby advised DFC R. Weems that Three subsequent calls were received by Calvert overnight between March 2 and 3, someone Control Center at three separate locations attempted to set fire to the aluminum front door reporting the same vehicle being driven to the home as well as the front porch mat but dangerously and the driver getting out and were unsuccessful. A flammable liquid had been jumping in front of traffic while a female inside the poured on both items. The State Fire Marshal vehicle screamed and hollered. DFC Aurich found was made aware of the incident. the same vehicle in the parking lot of the Dash In on Md. Rt. 260 and Md. Rt. 778 in Owings. The CDS Violations driver was standing outside the vehicle and the On March 10 at 8:43 a.m. DFC A. Woodford female passenger was inside but they were arguing. arrested Richard Lee Foster, Jr., age 27 of Once again they were calmed and sent on their Owings, after he observed Foster driving way. Finally, a fourth call was received that the erratically on 5th Street in North Beach. Foster same vehicle with disorderly people was at R&J was charged with driving under the influence of Liquors on W. Chesapeake Beach Road in drugs and possession of marijuana.

Dunkirk. DFC Aurich responded and arrested the On March 9 at 5:41 p.m. after conducting a driver, Malek Rashad Hackett, age 18 and traffic stop on a vehicle on Rousby Hall Road at passenger Ladaishah Monet Gillum, age 19, both Miriam Lane in Lusby, Dep. R. Kampf found the of Alexandria, VA and charged each with disorderly driver to be in possession of suspected drugs. conduct and being intoxicated and endangering the Navee Chotikul, 30 of Lusby, was arrested and safety of another. charged with possession of a schedule II drug; Oxycodone Hydrochloride, possession of a DFC C. Johnson responded to the area of Trader’s schedule II drug; Amphetamine Restaurant in Chesapeake Beach on March 13 at Dextroamphetamine and possession of 5:30 p.m. for the report of a person in need of marijuana. assistance. Johnson made contact with the subject, identified as Mike Arthur Hearn, age 57 of North Destruction of Property Beach, who appeared to be intoxicated, sitting on a A 17-year-old male from Sunderland was charged bench outside the restaurant. Hearn was asked if on a youth report with destruction of property he needed medical assistance and he advised he did. after he became angry at employees at Art’s An ambulance was called but prior to its arrival Automotive in Sunderland and spun his tires Hearn started to yell profanities. He was advised across the entire parking lot of the business, two times to stop but failed to do so. Hearn was resulting in $1,800 worth of damage, on March 5 arrested for disorderly conduct. Hearn refused at 11:56 a.m. The juvenile was released to a medical treatment. A preliminary breath test parent. resulted in a concentration level of 0.24.

On March 1 at 1:57 p.m. DFC M. Velasquez A victim in the 5600 block of Arbor Circle in St. responded to the area of Catalina Drive and Leonard advised DFC S. Esposito that on March Comstock Drive in Lusby for the report of an 8 at 8:55 p.m. his surveillance camera recorded a intoxicated subject walking around and requesting white male puncturing three tires on two vehicles money or a ride to the liquor store. Velasquez parked in his driveway. The damage is estimated made contact with Edward Theodore Fitzgerald, at $750. The investigation continues. age 48 of Lusby, who appeared to be heavily intoxicated. Fitzgerald was arrested and charged Three vehicles parked outside homes on Pioneer with disorderly conduct and failure to obey a lawful Trail in Lusby each had one tire punctured order. sometime between March 9 and 11. DFC R. Weems is investigating.

Resisting Arrest On March 15 at 1:55 a.m. Dep. L. Wood observed A John Deere all-terrain construction vehicle was a vehicle traveling southbound on H.G. Trueman spray painted with graffiti on Stock Drive in Road in Lusby cross the center double yellow line Lusby overnight between March 8 and 9. The and drive up onto a curb near the Lusby damage is estimated at $500. DFC S. Esposito is Compactor site. Sparks flew up from the vehicle’s investigating. right tire. The vehicle swerved to the left and off the curb then swerved onto the curb again before Five mailboxes on Pop Trott Road in Dunkirk coming to rest in the old Guido’s Restaurant were damaged overnight between March 2 and 3. parking lot. Dep. Wood made contact with the DFC A. Locke is investigating. vehicle driver, later identified as Lisa Marie Kuntz,

Burglaries Outdoor furniture worth $4,500 was stolen from the garage of a home in the 3900 block of Oyster House Road in Solomons between February 26 and 27. Six deck chairs, a tabletop and two benches were taken. DFC S. Esposito is investigating.

hours of March 4. Cash, an iPod Nano and a Droid smart phone were taken. Dep. A. Mohler is investigating.

A woman had her wallet stolen from her cart while she shopped at the Prince Frederick Safeway on February 27 between 11:45 a.m. and 1:05 p.m. Her credit cards were reported used in A home in the 9900 block of Howes Road in Bowie in less than an hour of the theft. Dep. J. Dunkirk was burglarized during the daytime Brown is continuing the investigation. hours on March 11 and two TV’s were stolen. A Samsung 55-inch and a 32-inch Sony, together valued at $1,800, were taken. Dep. J. Migliaccio State Police Barrack U Reports: is investigating.

DUI & Assault on a Trooper A home in the 5700 block of Highland Lane in On March 13 at about 10:00 p.m., Trooper First Sunderland was burglarized during the daytime Class Logsdon responded to a five-car traffic hours on February 27. Over $2,700 in property collision on MD Rt. 4 at Rt. 2 in Sunderland. was stolen; a Samsung 32-inch TV, a Wyle One of the drivers, Ronald E. Moy Jr., age 28 of 20-inch TV, an 18-inch Japanese brass bell and Lusby, was arrested for DUI. During his processtwo iPods. Anyone with information is asked to ing at the Barrack, Moy became belligerent and contact Dep. A. Mohler at (410) 535-2800. struck a Trooper. He was additionally charged criminally with assault and incarcerated at the Someone burglarized a shed behind a home in Calvert County Detention Center. the 5000 block of Timber View Lane in St. Leonard on March 11 during the daytime and Drug-Related Arrests stole a Poulan chainsaw. Dep. B. Schaefer is Trooper Matthews responded to the Prince investigating.

Frederick Post Office for a reported suspicious vehicle and possible drug activity on March 15 at Unknown suspect(s) stole $1,000 worth of 11:26 a.m. Michael P. Hering, age 29, and copper pipe from a home in the 2700 block of Andrew R. Brady, age 28, both of Prince FrederSpout Lane in Lusby. The theft occurred ick, were both found to have numerous quantisometime between February 22 and March 9. ties of prescription drugs for which they did not DFC W. Wells is handling the investigation. have prescriptions for. They were arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention A home in the 1200 block of Alta Drive in Center.

Sunderland was burglarized sometime between February 1 and March 5 and copper piping was On March 17 at 1:38 a.m. Trooper Oles stopped stolen. DFC P. Aurich is investigating. a vehicle at the Fastop in St. Leonard. The driver, William L. Barnes, Jr., age 34 of St. Leonard, was Someone stole a case containing $1,500 worth of observed drinking alcohol while driving into the tattoo supplies from an unlocked vehicle parked parking lot. After failing sobriety testing, he was outside a home in the 400 block of W. Dares arrested for driving under the influence. A search Beach Road in Prince Frederick during the early revealed that Barnes was also in possession of morning hours on March 8. DFC P. Wood is Oxycodone. He was incarcerated at the Calvert investigating.

County Detention Center.

A shed on the grounds of Calvert High School in Prince Frederick was broken into overnight between March 16 and 17 and some candy was stolen. Dep. P. Mosely is investigating.

On March 3 at 9:12 p.m., Trooper First Class Smith stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on MD Rt. 4 south of Rt. 2 in Huntingtown. A passenger, Jamie L. Maguire, age 28 of St. Leonard, was found in possession of drug Attempted Burglaries paraphernalia and suspected cocaine. Maguire Someone attempted to gain access to a home in was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert the 2500 block of Whippoorwill Way in County Detention Center.

Huntingtown by damaging a screen on March 15 at 3:12 a.m. but appeared to have fled after the Trooper Oles responded to the 7000 block of home’s alarm sounded. Dep. A. Mohler is Saw Mill Rd. for a report of a violation of an investigating. ex-parte order on March 4. Michael S. Huskey, age 25, of no fixed address, was arrested for A basement door was damaged when it appears violating the protective order. A search revealed someone tried to break into a home in the 4000 that Huskey was in possession of synthetic block of Buck Board Lane in Dunkirk. It is marijuana. He was incarcerated at the Calvert unknown when the attempt was made but it was County Detention Center. discovered on March 15. Dep. J. Migliaccio is investigating.

On March 12 at 10:57 p.m., Senior Trooper Gill responded to the 5300 block of Mackall Rd. in Thefts St. Leonard to assist with an overdose incident.

On March 9 at 6:24 p.m. DFC W. Wells Evan T. Jenkins, age 24 of St. Leonard, was responded to the Prince Frederick Walmart for found to have overdosed on heroin and was in the report of a shoplifter in custody. Andrew possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. He James Gallagher, age 24 of St. Leonard, was was taken to the hospital for treatment. Charges arrested and charged with theft under $1,000 and for possession of heroin and paraphernalia are destruction of property. Gallagher was stopped pending. while trying to exit the store with a 50-inch television he did not pay for.

Trooper Rowe stopped a vehicle on MD Rt. 4 at Armiger Rd. in Huntingtown for traffic Cpl. S. Parrish charged Christopher Charles violations on March 13 at 7:50 p.m. An odor of Browning, 24 of Dunkirk, with theft under burnt marijuana was detected emitting from the $1,000 after a Prince Frederick Walmart theft vehicle. Suzanne M. Maguire, age 49 of prevention officer detained Browning for Hollywood, MD was found to be in possession of allegedly stealing two headphones valued at marijuana. She was incarcerated at the Calvert $260.

County Detention Center.

Between 7:00 p.m. on March 11 and 7:00 a.m. on March 12, someone entered an unlocked vehicle outside a home in the 12800 block of Marine Drive in Lusby and stole one Escort radar detector valued at $350. A second victim on the same street advised that about $3 worth of change was taken from her unlocked vehicle.

Cpl. A. Moschetto is investigating.

Unattended Child Trooper First Class Wiersma responded to the Fox Run Shopping Center parking lot in Prince Frederick in reference to a young child left alone in a vehicle on March 4 at 12:16 p.m. Troopers arrived and found a one-year-old asleep in a parked car. The father was eventually located at a nearby store and charged. Richard T. Bazemore, age 35 of Chesapeake Beach, was arrested for Someone broke into a locked vehicle and stole leaving the child unattended in a motor vehicle. $330 worth of property while the car was parked He was incarcerated at the Calvert County outside a home in the 200 block of South Branch Detention Center.

Court in Huntingtown in the early morning

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 21, 2013

9

Like It Never Even Happened

TAKING

By Brian McDaniel BBG member Victoria Barroso Ronan of SERVPRO wears many hats. However, none of her roles has been more unique than her current job with SERVPRO, a locally owned and operated franchise company with over 25 years of leadership in cleanup and restoration.

Victoria is known as a very talented make up artist and a professional health and beauty aid consultant. She’s spent many years focusing

The local Servpro team.

on helping others look and feel their best.

As a certified make-up artist she educates her customers on the application of make-up, but also helps you understand the health factors of using the right products. “What goes on your body is just as important as what goes in your body,” says Victoria.

So how does this relate to what she does with SERVPRO? As an artist and consultant, she uses the same approach when teaching about what SERVPRO does. She sees things the way they could be and perhaps the way they should be and knows the value of a job well done. As the Marketing director, this approach helps Victoria tremendously.

She often says, “I hope you don’t need us.” It’s because some sort of disaster has to occur before SERVPRO can jump in and save the day. Her team at SERVPRO is sharp,

10 Thursday, March 21, 2013 Chesapeake Current

precise and extremely professional.

Along with being highly trained and experienced, all employees complete an annual criminal background investigation, including the owner.

SERVPRO was started in 1984

by Vince Whittles. Its mission is to provide solutions for fire and water damage restoration, mold remediation, crime scene and biohazard clean up, along with commercial and residential carpet, upholstery and air duct cleaning. They take pride in having a highly trained staff with much experience in the industry.

They have five experienced production managers who have over 13 years of experience each with just SERVPRO. Often times it’s a sad situation that SERVPRO is walking into. They know they sometimes meet people during a rough time but make sure they give their clients their undivided attention. They are courteous, knowledgeable and focused on getting life back to normal for their clients when disaster strikes.

They emphasize that they make a bad situation look like it never happened.

Another of their very detailed services is Biohazard Crime Scene clean up, which also covers vandalism.

Though SERVPRO is a local business covering St. Mary’s and Calvert, they handle large loss events.

During Hurricane Irene, they were able use their relationship with other SERVPRO owners in the area to add 15 additional crews and equipment to help homeowners and businesses in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties get cleaned up.

SERVPRO also provides professional cleaning services in addition to their very efficient restoration services. They can deodorize your home or business. They also take care of upholstery, drapes, carpet and your air ducts. SERVPRO is often used for preventative maintenance.

For the most part, it doesn’t have to be an emergency before you get to know who these folks are. In fact,

CARE OF

$$

Victoria Barroso Ronan of Prince Frederick and her husband.

you’re encouraged to keep their contact information in your phone’s contact list.

Involvement in the community is an essential part of this organization’s approach to making SERVPRO a leader in its field. They are active in the Chamber of Commerce for both counties. They’re involved in the board at St. Mary’s Hospital, annual contributions to the United Way and the Lion’s Club. Vince also finds time to coach youth lacrosse and wrestling. Victoria says that Vince often uses the line that “if he wouldn’t be happy having someone over to his mother’s house for Sunday dinner, they wouldn’t work for his company.”

Vince Whittles was awarded Maryland Gross Volume Leader (2011), Franchise of the Year (out of 1500 franchises in 2001), St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year (2006), Chamber of Commerce Beacon Award (2006), along with numerous additional awards for performance in the Industry.

SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day seven days a week. We appreciate Victoria bringing a company like this to the Bay Business Group.

Contact them at: servpro5008@greenvans.com. Tel: (301) 862-9500. See their web site at greenvans.com.

About the Author: Brian McDaniel is the owner of Crow Entertainment, LLC and a resident of North Beach.

He serves as one of three Ethics Commissioners for the Town of North Beach and is part of the communications team for the Bay Business Group.

Want To Host a Foreign Visitor?

Thousands of dignitaries, future leaders and high-achieving students visit the Washington DC area every year. Hundreds of them are brought here each year by the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) in Baltimore, which is always looking for host families to give these visitors the chance to see how people really live in America.

At a seminar hosted by the Southern Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce at the College of Southern Maryland, Nina Bankova of WTCI told a group of business owners and non-profit leaders that many people have no idea what it’s like in the US. “One visitor we had from Kazakstan was discouraged by his neighbors and friends from coming to the US. They told him he had ‘nothing to learn from the ignorant Americans.’ But he was curious and came anyway.”

During his visit, he was surprised to find that the people he met were nothing like what he had been led to believe. Bankpova says, “Afterwards, he commented that the ‘strength of America lies in the American people.’ ” She adds, “It’s our responsibility to break these stereotypes.”

“We foster ‘Citizen Diplomacy.’

We are asking you to open your homes, offices and schools to foreign visitors… to foster international understanding, economic growth, and peaceful interaction. It's your right, even your responsibility as an American to help shape us relations one handshake at a time.”

Bankova says the WTCI is a non-profit established in 1989 by then-governor William Donald Schafer. Today is has over 120 corporate

members, and hosts over 700 international visitors per year. In 2012, only about 50 were placed with home stay families, and they’re looking for more to give them priceless exposure to American culture.

It’s a short-term program lasting from one to four weeks. Most of the visitors are high school age or college students or young professionals and adults who are emerging leaders.

Some of the recent visitors they hosted were from Russia, Pakistan, and Mexico. From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the visitors attend professional meetings, so they do not stay at your house while you’re at work. Transportation for them is provided. In the evenings, the visitors experience American lifestyles with their families, especially simple things like meals.

You don’t have to be a “traditional” American. Hosts from all backgrounds are accepted into the program. Some of the hosts are singles, some are families of all sizes and some are senior citizens. All you have to have is a spare bedroom. You fill out a background info sheet with the “rules of your house” which are explained to the visitor before they arrive. And when they do come, all you have to do is expose them to our culture.

“There was one host family that took a Russian who didn't speak English with them to the theatre,” Bankova said. “Afterwards, the visitor told us he really enjoyed it, and that ‘you don't have to speak English to understand art.’”

“Businesses are also asked to host these visitors in your office, and if you don’t have space in your home,

Doris Cammack Spencer of Chesapeake Beach, founder of the Southern Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, encourages local professionals and businesses to host a foreign visitor.

maybe you can help with other things. You can be a volunteer interpreter for cultural outings, be a volunteer driver, or invite a visitor for dinner in your home,” Bankova says.

While here, the visitors spend money, helping local economies. And most times, she adds, the bonds forged with the visitors are so strong that many hosts later go visit them in their home countries.

One of the next groups WTCI is hosting is 27 TESOL teachers from Pakistan who will come to America

on a one-month training program to learn techniques for teaching English to Pakistani teens back in their homeland. The exact dates are June 14 16. Visitors will have an allowance for cultural activities and will spend Friday evening, all day Saturday and parts of Sunday with their hosts.

If you or your business would be interested in finding out more about this professional exchange program or others upcoming, call (410) 5760022 x 103 or email nina@wtci.org.

Honey’s Harvest 410-257-7757 7150 Lake Shore Drive Rose Haven, MD HoneysHarvest.com Herrington Harbour South Market Hours

Sunday-Thursday, 8am-7pm Friday & Saturday, 8am-8pm

Deli Hours

Mon - Thur, 10am-3pm Friday, 10am-8pm Saturday, 8am-8pm Sunday, 8am-3pm

Pizza Fridays!

Features

Pizza Fridays, 11am-8pm Slider Saturdays, 4pm-8pm

Half $4.99

w/fountain soda $5.99 w/beer $6.99 w/craft beer $7.49 w/glass of wine $7.99

11am - 8pm

Homemade Italian Bread Pizza

Whole $9.49

Slider Saturdays!

4pm - 8pm

Honey’s will now be serving Dinner on Saturdays!

Nina Bankova, Director, Professional Exchanges Program at the World Trade Center Institute explains to business owners what hosting a visitor means.

Featuring Delicious Sliders and Handmade Milkshakes

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 21, 2013 11

one dies without a will, the property will not go automatically to the other but instead the state will decide where 50% of the property will go. By the way, please check the title to your property so you know how it is held.

Many people I talk to think that putting

By Lyn Striegel their child on the deed to their property solves their problem about not having a will or a trust.

But, there are tax and other consequences of doing this. Let’s say you bought a house for $50,000 and market value is now $100,000 – or much more. If you put your child on the deed now, that child “takes” their interest in the property at the value you paid for the property, Here are the top reasons NOT to have a in protecting them. Without a will or a trust, not at market value. That means, if the child sells your children could very well end up in foster the property when you die, the child will have to will or trust: care when you die. Having children means pay tax on the difference between $50,000 and 1. I’m never going to die. taking steps to protect them. What good is $100,000. If the child takes the property when 2. I have no estate. funding their college education if you have not you die, however, the child takes the property at 3. Everything is in joint name with my created a mechanism to distribute your property market value and when they sell it for $100,000, spouse or child. to them upon your death? How are you helping? no tax is owed. And, there are other reasons not 4. It’s too expensive.

5. My family will take care of everything. How about the excuse that you have no estate to to put your child on your deed. Once you do so, protect? Do you have a home? A car, a boat? A you expose yourself to the child’s creditors.

Clearly, the first reason not to have a will or bank account? Personal property like furniture, Those creditors may have claims on all the child’s a trust is unrealistic. The saying is “nobody is jewelry? All of that becomes part of your estate. property, including property formerly owned If you don’t make plans to distribute your solely by you. getting out of this alive” is so true.

Have you ever purchased a big screen TV? In spite of this, it is amazing how many property in a will or a trust, the state will decide The average cost of a will is about the same as a people put off creating a will or a trust because for you.

I have heard the excuse that everything is in big screen TV. I know some people are using will they are afraid. They think planning for a will or a trust will cause them anxiety about their own joint name so there is no reason to have a will or forms provided online and a word of caution death. However, the easy solution to this a trust. And, it is the case that if property is titled about those. First, the online services do not problem is to think about creating a will or a trust in joint name with right of survivorship, upon provide legal advice. It is one form fits all and if the death of one person, the joint owner takes all you do not fit into the form, too bad for you. to protect the people you love.

You do not have to face your own death to the property. The excuse is common with After hundreds of years, certain common create a will or a trust, just focus on how you want spouses. The problem is, of course, spouses often language has developed that is used in a will or a to protect those you care about. Without a will or travel together. There are no assurances that both trust and expertise is required to use that a trust, they are defenseless. And, young or old, spouses will not die together - if they do, then language. For example, suppose you want to almost all of us have loved ones we want to what? You’re back in the same position without leave everything you have to your spouse and, if a will or a trust- letting the state decide where she or he is also deceased, to your three children protect.

Even if we are elderly and alone and do not your property will go. And, what if your in equal shares. Sounds pretty simple. But, I have any loved ones, many of us want to create a property is titled as “tenants in common” not as have had clients with that intention who end up legacy for the charities we care about. If we are joint tenants with right of survivorship? In that leaving twenty-five percent of their estate to their young and have children, we are already involved case, each of you owns 50% of the property so if spouse and each of their three children instead.

Wills and Trusts Your Money Matter$

Or, most common, if you have two children and one is deceased when you die, it is easy to cut out any children they have, your grandchildren, through the language you use in the will or trust.

This is a time when expertise is needed to make sure your intentions are clearly stated.

Whoa. The excuse that “my family will take care of everything” is simply not true. It is amazing how many families fight during the probate process, with or without a will. And, I am not talking about fights over huge estates.

Otherwise normal families allow themselves to be torn apart arguing over property—without a will or a trust, the arguments can take on epic proportions. “Dad loved me best” and wanted me to have the gun collection, “Mom told me she wanted me to have the diamond ring”. Old wounds re-open, childhood memories come flooding back and family nightmares are common during the probate process. Some people think that the best approach is to leave everything to one child, counting on that child to distribute everything to his or her siblings. Keep in mind that if you leave all your property to one child, that child is under no obligation to share it with siblings unless you specifically put your intention in writing. Even if that child is attentive to your wishes, what if that child has a spouse who wants all the property for themselves?

The only way to resolve the situation is to speak through a will or a trust and make known your wishes while you are alive.

The bottom line is: protect your loved ones.

Make a will or a trust and do it now!

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.

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Opening Day One Month Away...

By Bob Munro

T

his year the third Saturday in April falls on the 20th, almost a week later than last year's Spring Trophy Rockfish season opener. So many factors interact to determine the abundance of Rockfish in our area when the season opens.

Some, such as water temperature, are obvious and measurable. In the last month, surface water temperature at the Gooses Reef Weather Station (east of the main shipping channel and above James Island) reached a wintertime low of 37.5 degrees F and has since begun to climb into the lower 40s. You may remember last Spring's disappointing Trophy Season when many of the big fish had already moved south of the mid-Bay area by Opening Day. That followed one of the warmest winters on record, leading to warmer water temperatures earlier than expected.

While we may all be anxiously awaiting the arrival of warmer spring days, the cooler it stays the better for the fishing.

During the Trophy Season, virtually everyone will be trolling for big Rockfish (over 28 inches from nose to pinched tail). Many of the biggest fish (over 35 inches), such as the one shown in the photo from last spring, will follow the edges of the main shipping channel as they make their way down the Bay. Keep in mind that the fish generally remain near the surface where the sunshine of spring has warmed the water. So concentrate your trolling efforts near the main channel edges at about 3 knots and keep your lures relatively close to the surface (by using monofilament line with not much weight).

One of the most widely used reels here in the Bay is the Penn 330, a level wind reel.

Paired with a 6 or 6 1/2 foot rod rated for 20-50 pound line, this rod and reel combination will catch any game fish that swims in the Bay. Although some prefer to use lighter line, I prefer 50 pound for a variety of reasons. The level wind feature of the reel is important, because repeatability is essential to consistently catching fish. When the level wind moves from one side of the reel to the other, assume that ten feet of line has just been let out for one bar of level wind travel. It really doesn't

matter if the factor is 12 feet or whatever it will help you to set your lines at d i ff e r e n t distances behind the boat.

Every boat should be able to run a minimum of four trolling rods, two forward and two off the stern corners. Get in the habit of setting lines shorter on one side and longer on the other. Keep the front lines shorter (and heavier) than the back lines and at least 20 feet apart in distance let out. For example, set the front rods at 50 and 70 feet back, and the corners at 150 and 200 feet back. If you can run a couple rods off the roof when it's not too crowded, set one back 250 and the other 300 feet.

Although elephants eat peanuts, most big Rockfish are caught on big lures. The most commonly used trolling lure for big Rockfish in the Chesapeake is the parachute (see photo).

Whether run as a single bait or in tandem or behind an umbrella, parachutes should be rigged with a 9 inch (minimum) shad and a trailer hook. You need to have a good supply of 1/0 "interlock" or "coastlock" swivels, some 60-pound monofilament for leader material, a variety of trolling weights from three to 20 oz., and plenty of nine-inch white and chartreuse shad.

Next time we'll describe tandem parachute rigs in detail, and the full-size umbrella rig. We'll also cover the basics of trolling with planer boards. While not for everyone, planer boards can increase your catching success dramatically and often produce when your deck rods go untouched.

The MSSA Southern Maryland Chapter's 20th Annual Fishing Fair will be held March 23-24 at the Solomons Firehouse directly adjacent to Route 4. Admission is only $3 and doors are open 8am - 3pm both days. This is the last of the "winter" shows in our area and it's one of my favorites.

Have a question about Chesapeake Bay fishing?

Send your questions to "onthewater@chesapeakecurrent.com" and we'll do our best to get you an answer.

Don't catch 'em all, Bob Munro About the Author: Bob Munro of Chesapeake Beach has been a career research biologist for the US Fish & Wildlife Service. At one time or another, he has visited every river entering the Chesapeake Bay from the Susquehanna Flats to Hampton Roads. An avid fisherman, he's fished the mid-Chesapeake since the mid-1980s.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 21, 2013 13

Community, Sheriff Shaken

By Double Tragedy

On The

G

unshots rang out in a rural area at 4500 Hallowing Park Road, across from Hallowing Point Park about 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19.

Sheriff Mike Evans (R) told reporters at a news conference later that afternoon that members of the Calvert Investigative Team were in the area assisting animal control with an unrelated matter, serving a search warrant just “a couple hundred yards away, and they heard three shots.

A witness at the scene of the shooting called 911 so the nearby officers were able

to immediately respond.

Outside the blue house, officers found two bodies – one in the backyard and one at the driveway. They said both men were dead when officers arrived.

Sheriff Evans says a .44 calibre revolver was recovered at the scene.

The men were identified as 45-year-old Raymond William Willard and his 42-year-old brother-in-law, Carl Ray Nerem Sr. There were four family members living at the home: Willard’s mother, her son (Raymond Willard, the gunman), her daughter (the gunman’s sister) and Nerem, who was married to Willard’s sister (he was the gunman’s brotherin-law).

Sheriff Evans was shaken personally because he says he has been acquainted with Willard’s mother for many years.

Two days earlier, on Sunday, March 17, sheriff’s deputies had

14 Thursday, March 21, 2013 Chesapeake Current

Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans at a news conference. Behind him are Capt. and Deputy Chief McDowell; Maryland State Police Criminal Division Lt. David Ruel; and State Police Assistant Commander 1st Sgt. Shane Bolger, all of whom assisted in the murder-suicide investigation.

been called to the home to break up an argument between the same brothers-in-law.

Evans says that officers calmed the men down, and at that time, no one wanted to press charges. There was no physical evidence of any assault or injury, he adds. So after investigating and feeling things were under control, authorities left.

“No one ever dreamed it would escalate, that this would happen,” he said.

“We have to look at it as it was - a personal matter. Neither Neman nor Willard wanted us to pursue the matter.”

Evans adds that they do not know the entire history and the investigation continues.

“There’s not a lot we can do if they all say it’s all OK,” Evans adds. “In domestic disputes, where we suspect abuse, we can separate the man and wife and interview them and tell them their options and that they can have protection, and we can get a peace order if they want it. This was not that kind of situation. I don’t think anybody saw this coming,” “Some things happen so quick. If they say they’re OK, there’s nothing we in law enforcement can do,” Evans added.

Last July 31, a quiet neighborhood in Owings was shaken when Frank Hayward shot and killed his wife, 31-year-old Cynthia Hayward and their two-year-old daughter, Natalee, then set their home on fire. Their son, Frank Hayward III, known as “Frankie,” was seriously hurt in the rampage but survived and recovered.

He’s now living with an uncle and his family in another state. The Haywards had a history of domestic abuse.

Evans told reporters, “This is a sad day for both the Willard and Nerem families, as well as our community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to these families.”

“I know that Francis Miller – I know her as “Cookie” – has lived at the house quite a while – probably at least ten or 15 years,” Evans adds.

This has been a difficult winter for many deputies, who have had to investigate a rash of suicides already in 2013. And now this murder-suicide has shaken the force again.

“I think this is the 5th death this year. We’ve had four suicides and this one murder so far this year,” Evans tells the Chesapeake Current.

The latest self-inflicted gunshot incident, just six days before, on March 13, happened in the parking lot at Brownie’s Beach in Chesapeake Beach where a man parked his vehicle, got out, and put a gun to his own head.

The Maryland House is now considering a sweeping gun control bill which would ban the sale of assault-type rifles and require a license to purchase a handgun, which polls have indicated that the majority of state residents support.

In fact, a recent poll by Goucher University found that 61% of Maryland residents are in favor of an assault weapons ban, and 59% support a ten-round limit.

The Maryland Senate approved the bill last month on a vote of 28-19. House changes could change the number of rounds allowed and whether gun ownership restrictions should be eased for some with a history of mental illness.

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Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 21, 2013 15

The Chesapeake Current P.O. Box 295 North Beach, MD 20714 (410) 231-0140

Poetry Out Loud

Owner, Executive Editor and Publisher: Diane Burr - editor@ChesapeakeCurrent.com Advertising: email - ads@ChesapeakeCurrent.com or call Clare O’Shea (301) 873-5885, Barbara Colburn at (410) 867-0103 or Ray Wenderlich at (410) 741-5291.

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Current Contributors: Regan Cashman Dave Colburn (staff photographer) Sid Curl Nick Garrett Jenny Kellner

Brian McDaniel Bob Munro Bea Poulin Susan Shaw Norma Jean Smith Lynda Striegel

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.

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Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No content or images may be used for any reason without express written permission.

Dear Editor, On Saturday, March 9, my husband and I had the pleasure of attending Maryland’s Poetry Out Loud (POL) State Competition in Baltimore.

This competition invites high school students from across the country to compete in the recitation of poems at the high school, county, regional and state levels. Saturday’s competition was the final step as the MD winner will move on to the last POL event in Washington in April. We were in attendance as our granddaughter represented Talbot County in the competition. We were doubly blessed to be there to hear her speak, but also to hear and meet another presenter, Malaysia Johnson.

Malaysia was the Southern MD regional winner and a State Semi-Finalist.

A senior at Calvert High School, she recited two poems -- Solitude and Thoughtless Cruelty. Her graceful and beautifully spoken words echoed in the Meyerhoff Auditorium in the Baltimore Museum of Art. She gave the other contestants quite a run for their money.

Although Malaysia was not a finalist in our eyes she is a winner. We would like to congratulate her on this wonderful achievement. It is not easy to stand in

Malaysia Johnson.

front of your peers at this tender age and recite poetry. Calvert County should be proud of a wonderful representative of our County at the State level. I know her proud family were beaming as we were in her achievement.

Congratulations, Malaysia.

Judy and Richard MacWilliams Owings (Arts Council of Calvert County)

Sparks Fly Over BOE Budget After local unions asked members to put pressure on Calvert Commissioners to approve full budgets for Calvert Schools for the next year, two of the Commissioners shot back.

Here is the text of the email sent to Calvert County employees by Debbie Russ, Calvert Education Association (CEA) President and Marvin Stewart, Calvert Association of Educational Support Staff (CAESS) President.

Following this are responses by Commissioners Susan Shaw and Evan Slaughenhoupt on the next page.

- Mail and email each Commissioner.

- Wear RED on Tuesdays.

- Talk to friends, neighbors, and parents about what will happen if the CCPS budget is not fully funded.

Although the budget process is a lengthy one, CCPS Staff needs to constantly let the Commissioners and the community know that we as educators are dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of schools for the community we serve. In order to do this, we deserve the proper pay, and we need the tools to do the job.

As educators, we must say clearly: “Fully fund the Board of Education Budget because the quality education our school system offers is in trouble.”

A letter sent to Calvert County employees by the president of the union representing teachers is stirring up controversy in local political circles. In a recent missive addressed to “the CCPS [Calvert County Public Schools] employee community,” Calvert Education Association (CEA) President Debbie Russ indicated requested additional funds from county government for the fiscal year (FY) 2014 budget may be denied.

Dear Member of the CCPS Employee Community, I hope by now you realize the SERIOUSNESS of the Calvert County Public Schools budget not being fully funded by the Calvert County Board of Commissioners. In the event the CCPS budget is not fully funded, you may not receive your negotiated salary increase.

Also program cuts and staff layoffs may occur.

Don’t complain about the budget situation – GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! You can do this by attending the County Commissioners’ Public Budget Hearing at the Calvert Pines in Prince Debbie Russ, CEA President and Frederick on Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00 Marvin Stewart, CAESS President p.m (at Calvert Pines Senior Center).

16 Thursday, March 21, 2013 Chesapeake Current

Commissioners Weigh In On School Budget Calvert County Commissioner Susan is their prerogative. If not, that is also their Shaw shot back this response, saying members prerogative. The BOCC has no control over should instead put pressure on state how the funds are allocated. lawmakers.

Yes, the state of Maryland is providing less funding to CCPS. Why don’t you exhort Dear Debbie, your membership to harass the state The following comments are mine as an legislature? Not only does the BOCC not have individual Commissioner and have not been any control over what the State Legislature provided to the other Board of County does, but we were dismayed to be forced to Commissioners (BOCC) members in advance. fund the teacher pensions. So, we have less I am extremely disappointed in the tactics money with which to work and more expenses your email below to all school staff in the form of teacher’s pensions, as well as demonstrates, which is nothing more than fear increasing costs in virtually every other area, mongering. I expect better from a professional especially public safety. organization!

Your email serves the purpose of You lead your members to believe that diverting attention from your allies in the budget process is final, when it is not, as Annapolis who are letting your constituents you well know. down, instead falsely directing blame to the The term “full funding” is misleading in BOCC for actions that have not yet been itself. The Board of County Commissioners taken on the local level. Additionally, if the (BOCC) has provided extremely generous BOCC had the over $10 Million annually funding from the taxpayers of Calvert County siphoned from our budget over the last several (which includes those to whom you addressed years by the State Legislature in Annapolis, this email) to the Board of Education (BOE) additional funding for public safety and every year since I became a Commissioner in education would be no problem whatsoever 2002. We have gone way above Maintenance despite the recession. of Effort or MOE, which is flat per pupil I welcome your members to the Budget funding over those years. We are in extremely Hearing on March 26th. They will come away trying fiscal times for governments because our with a better understanding of how their local property tax revenues have dropped due to tax dollars are obtained and spent. decreasing property tax assessments. For the They may learn that by holding property upcoming fiscal year (FY14), which begins tax rates steady, which decreases their local July 1, 2013, if we maintain the same property taxes, they are getting to keep more of their tax rate that we have had since 1987, the pay as opposed to raising taxes, which would taxpayers of Calvert County will realize a 5% wipe out any negotiated pay raise. decrease in their taxes over last year. The The bottom line is that there has to be BOCC has hoped to INCREASE funding to close coordination between the BOE and the the BOE over last year despite less revenues.

BOCC and both have to be realistic about You, more than most people, know that what resources are available without your the BOE decides how to allocate the funds hysteria getting in the way of that cooperation. provided by the taxpayers of Calvert County to the Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS). If Yours in service, the BOE decides to allocate the additional Susan Shaw funding to pay raises that they negotiated, that Calvert County Commissioner Response from County Commissioner Evan the budget will fund extra, or restore funding K. Slaughenhoupt, Jr. in cases of funding cuts.

The reason the “gold watch” occurs is to I support the county teachers, support ensure greater than truly needed funding so staff, and citizens. It is possible to support all that budget staffs have wider flexibility since three simultaneously. My 2010, campaign the “gold watch” is used as cover to fund less literature said, “I support improving the priority items. education funding formula.”

Locally, the “gold watch” trick is seen as a The formula between the Board of proposed education budget request greater Education (BOE) and Board of County than the projected available funding. Here, the Commissioners (BOCC) elapsed and sadly teachers and support staff become the “gold was not replaced. I favored an improved watches.” Common sense concludes that formula that took into account the reality of teachers and support staff are of such a high the depressed economy, and permitted priority, they will be fully funded; especially increases as the housing market improved. when administrative expenses are about 20% When there was a formula, funding was (dollars not used in the classroom). more predictable; and I dare say reduced True to form, the organizations who oversight needs by the BOCC. The BOE voice for the teachers and support staff allocates funding for pay raises of which they organize these employees to “take a stand” or negotiate. The BOCC does not control how “demand full funding” or other catch phrases. education funds are allocated. However, with They gain that type of employee action by no formula, should the citizens now expect misleading them as to the full breadth of the their county commissioners to be more keenly budget (also known as budget fluff – aware of the proposed school budget details, or flexibility) and its lack of detailed priority merely accept what the BOE submits? listings.

Since 2006, when student enrollment The State of Maryland continues cutting was at 17,015 we have continued to see funds to our school system; and continues reduced student enrollment with some walking away from its obligation to fund the projections for that reduction to continue into retirement pensions (passing that off to the 2017, at which time it is predicted we will have county). Citizens of the county, unfortunately a student enrollment of 15,113. Yet, as all the continue to take on those financial burdens as numbers for enrollment decrease the costs well as having less income as the state passes continue to rise. along tax increases to these very citizens.

That campaign literature also said I As we move towards finalizing county would work hard to reduce taxes and wasteful budget work, the teachers, support staff, and spending. citizens can be assured I will seek to find the We now see our teachers and school appropriate balance; and will keep a lookout support staff get used as unwitting pawns; and for those “gold watches.”

I find that very offensive. What occurs is similar to the U.S. defense budget battles. The Thank you, Pentagon budgeters use a tactic known as a Evan K. Slaughenhoupt, Jr. “gold watch.” They place at risk an item so Calvert County Commissioner important and valuable, that those who fund

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Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 21, 2013 17

Well-Known Tobacco Farmer Passes

By William Poe On a recent Monday morning I was notified by the staff at the Prince Frederick Library that one of my exhibit photographs had fallen off the partition over the weekend.

Of the 41 photographs that hung there, Russell Mackall's was the one that fell.

That same weekend, Mr. Mackall passed away.

Russell Mackall was most likely the last black tobacco farmer in Calvert County.

Although he had not grown tobacco the last few years, when he and I sat talking in his tobacco barn in 2007, we were fairly confident that he was the only black tobacco farmer left. Mr. Mackall had taken sick but up until then, he still raised tobacco, as his

Author William “Billy” Poe with Mr. Mackall (seated) and Michael Kent, Commissioner with the Maryland Commission for AfricanAmerican History and Culture. Photo taken in November 2012 at the Banneker Douglass Museum exhibit in Annapolis which included a video Poe had done on Mr. Mackall entitled, "The Last Black Tobacco Farmer."

father and grandfather had done before him.

On that warm spring afternoon, Russell Mackall and I sat talking in his 12-room tobacco barn that he estimated to be a couple hundred years old. The musty barn smell coupled with the scent of drying tobacco evoked a feeling of nostalgia about a way of life that I knew nothing about firsthand. Mr. Mackall was a proud man who delighted in sharing his knowledge.

"See your different grades... it's only about two grades on that," he says, holding up a crisp brown stalk of burly tobacco.

"There's supposed to be five but it cured pretty good, so I don't have but two, that's good, that's good," he says with a smile.

"You just start at the top, strip it off, like that, put it in there (a box), ... it hangs right like that so you can pull it all off," he tells me, demonstrating.

His thick fingers quickly pulled dried leaves from the stalk of tobacco from last season's harvest. Mr. Mackall is thorough in explaining the stripping and grading process of his tobacco. He says he has worked tobacco, "All my life."

This particular year, he had planted and harvested four acres of the large leafy plant that was once the cash crop of Southern Maryland.

"Like this, we can do about a 150 a day by hand. By that machine, we can do about 400 a day, there's a big difference. You save a lot of time, being help is scarce. It's hard to get help to work in tobacco now." His barn could house approximately 3,500 pounds of tobacco, the equivalent of seven acres of land.

I was curious why he had held out and not taken the buyout offered by the state in 2000 like so many other farmers had done.

"Cause I want something to do. And 10 years is a long time that your land lays without putting anything on it," he said referring to one of the buyout requirements.

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As the son of a tobacco farmer, Mr. Mackall stripped for two weeks or more." recalled his days of growing up on the farm.

The typical time of year that farmers "Well, my family, it was special, it was stripped tobacco, "Around September, sort of fun because, I had four other October, November because by that time brothers... and we work in tobacco during tobacco done cured down from cutting. You the day, all of us had chores to do, you work can strip right up until the market opens." in your tobacco and after you finish working The stripping rooms were used to in tobacco during the day, like cutting the process the tobacco and keep the workers grass out or cultivating it, you come out the out of the weather. Three to four workers field about 7:30, 8:00, then you had your would sit with heaters in this small space. animals to feed, horses, hogs, chickens, "In 1937 I was born," Mr. Mackall anything you raise on the farm. We had to said, as he sat on a wooden crate looking out do that, but any other time we had nothing the window of the stripping room. “I came to do but play." here right from the hospital on this farm, the At age 21, Mackall began raising fields of farmhouse on the southern exposure. " At tobacco for himself. that time, the Mackall farm He smiles fondly The last of his breed, consisted of when asked about he sits alone in the cool air approximately 180 his early experiences of an early November morn acres. Currently it is at the tobacco 80-90 acres. market.

Beneath the tin roof "And from "Oh, it was of a two century old tobacco there I grew up, went nice. That was the to school, and uh, nicest time to go, barn that sheltered his father grandfather used to when you know down you're gonna get And his father's father and perhaps come sometime, early in money for it! We another generation the morning we get use to leave about 9, of black tobacco farmers up, go to breakfast.

10:00 in the Waiting to be born.

But funny thing, you morning. You go had to say a prayer up to the market warehouse, sales start around 11:00, so we every morning before you ate your breakfast. were there for sales and all. Then they had He was strict on that. We always put the the refreshment stands like big Cokes, Lord first and on the farm you need him, " cookies, hot dogs. That was the best time of he says laughing. "You really do."

I asked if he continued to attend the year."

We moved our conversation into the church. "Go to church on Sunday morning, that was a must thing. You had to go to barn’s stripping room.

"This room here is used for putting church."

"Mostly when we didn't have to work your tobacco in after a good rain. Tobacco gets soft and you come over and take around we could go play like on weekends on 300, 400, 500 sticks and pack it in this Saturday and Sunday with my neighbors room, that way you could have tobacco next door and the majority of them was white."

When asked what it was like during segregation to grow up with white children as friends, Mr. Mackall explained, "Yeah, it was segregation but we didn't know it, we just went to school, that's it. People were more together back then than it is now. We got along like, in fact, I don't think it makes any difference until they get grown. And that's when it starts to change. When you're children going to school everybody's the same."

The passing of Russell Mackall not only marked the passing of Calvert County's last black tobacco farmer, but also a tradition and way of life for generations of African-American families.

About the Author: William “Billy” Poe of Dunkirk is the author of the book, “African-Americans of Calvert County.” He enjoys documenting the stories from the local African-American community.

Claire Barbano, 97 Claire Frances Barbano, age 97, of The Hermitage, Solomons, was born May 19, 1915 in Beacon, NY and passed away March 13, 2013.

She was the daughter of Luigi and Grazia Maria Barbano, and was preceded in death by sixteen brothers and sisters.

She is survived by six nieces and nephews, including David Morehead and his family of Dunkirk, and many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

A resident of Beacon and a lover of the Hudson River Valley for 81 years before her move to Maryland. She was a resident of St Mary’s and Calvert Counties since 2001.

She will be buried in her family cemetery, St. Joachim’s Cemetery, in Beacon, NY at a future date.

She will be remembered by family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made in Claire’s Memory to Calvert Burnett Hospice House: P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 2067.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Enid Blake, 92 Enid E. Mason Blake, age 92, of Sunderland, passed away March 2, 2013 at Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, KY. She was born April 11, 1920 in Denton, MT to David Oscar and Nellie Mae (Clayton) Mason. Enid lived an interesting life in her youth in Montana where she and her brothers, Max and Wesley, rode horses to the country school and lived in the town of Denton during the winter, due to the harsh weather. Camping in Yellowstone National Park was a routine trip for Enid, her brothers and friends.

After graduating from Denton High School, she enjoyed jobs such as working in a creamery and serving as a nanny for a family in Illinois. In October of 1943, she joined the Womens' Army Corps during WWII, and was stationed at Eglin Field, FL as an auto equipment operator in the motor pool.

That is where she met her future husband, Thomas “Bill” W. Blake. Soon after their marriage in 1945, they moved to his home in Sunderland, MD. In her earlier years, Enid enjoyed the activities of the Sunderland Homemakers Club. She was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Throughout her life she enjoyed painting classes at Calvert Pines Senior Center, sewing and quilting.

Enid was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and husband.

She is survived by her children, Libby Phillips and her husband Jim of Sunderland, Jane Snow and her husband Steve of Simpsonville, KY, and David Blake and his wife Kathy of Sunderland. She is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Blake were Paul Phillips, Steve Paradis, Josh Blake, Chad Accipiter, Donald Dowell and Andy Graham.

Funeral services were held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Sunderland. Her final resting place is the church cemetery.

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick, which handled arrangeIn the afternoon ments. Her final resting place is Holland Cemetery on Sat., March 2, 2013, in Huntingtown.

God called His faithful servant, Henrietta Dot Brown, 88 Virginia Jackson Bourne to eternal rest.

Dorothy H. Henrietta was Brown, known as “Dot,” born January 21, 1918, of Chesapeake Beach was to the late Horace and born April 9, 1924 to Mae Jackson in Calvert Roy and Gertrude County. She was the Hunter of Calvert seventh of ten children who all preceded her in County.

She passed death. away on March 6, 2013 Henrietta, affectionately called Hennie, at the age of 88.

Hunnie and grand-ma-ma was well known in the She was the beloved wife community for her love of people, cooking, singing of the late Isaac Brown, and her humming. She was an avid reader of the word of God and spent her life living according to Sr.; loving mother of Gary L. Brown, Vera Brown, Theophia E. (Trevor) Kentish, Helen M. Brown, his word.

She attended school at the Old Saint Leonard School Eugene S. (Lorraine) Brown, Sr., the late Lemuel N. known as the one-room school. After attending Brown, Gloria P. Jones and Isaac (Brenda) Brown, school she did domestic work in the Saint Leonard Jr.; devoted sister to Grace Green and Ella Jacks. She is survived by 18 grandchildren and numerous great and Island Creek area.

On November 9, 1940, Henrietta was united and great-great grandchildren. in holy matrimony to the late William Leroy Dot was a long-time member of St. Edmond’s Bourne, known as Buncie. From this union seven United Methodist Church. She was known for consistently reading the local papers and cracking children were born.

Henrietta became a member of Brooks United jokes.

Methodist Church. She spent many years singing in Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled the Senior Choir and the Utopians Choral Singers. arrangements. Interment was at St. Edmunds While singing with the Utopians, she traveled to United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Annapolis where the group ministered God’s words on the WANN Radio Station.

Thelma Campbell, 92 Henrietta really loved her family. You would find her doing any and everything she could do for Thelma Rose her family. Her children, grandchildren and “Miss C” Campbell, age great-grandchildren could be found sitting at the 92, a resident of Shady table enjoying her homemade meals, cakes and root Side, died peacefully on beer; her stories of her childhood days along with March 17, 2013 at plenty of wisdom to help each of them through their Country Home in journeys.

Harwood.

She was preceded in death by her loving She was born husband of 72 years, Buncie; her daughter, Marilyn; October 22, 1920 in grandson, Michael; great-grandson, Rodney; Washington, D.C. to great-granddaughter, Angel and great-great Arthur B. and Thelma grandson, Anthony.

She leaves to continue to celebrate her life two (Sullivan) Sweeny.

Thelma graduated from McKinley Tech High sons, Clinton (Maude) and Gary; four daughters, Gertrude, Mae, Olive and Marrietta; 17 grandchil- School in Washington, D.C. and then went to work dren; 31 great-grandchildren; seven great-great for the Federal Government. She retired in 1980 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, from David Taylor Research Center in Annapolis.

She enjoyed reading, traveling, cooking, listening to cousins and friends.

Visitation and services were held at Brooks books on tape and spending time with her family and UM Church in St. Leonard; her final resting place is many wonderful friends.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband in the church cemetery.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick Robert “Bob” Campbell who died in 1980 and a son-in-law George Samel. She is survived by four handled arrangements. daughters, Thelma A. Cullember and husband Donald of Shady Side, Roberta J. Samel of Odenton, Shirley C. Joyce and husband Glen of Shady Side and Katherine Brooke, 69 Kathy J. Boyle and husband Bob of Carolina Shores, Katherine Elizabeth Brooks was born May 29, 1943 to the late Claude Brooks, Sr. and Elsie E. Brooks in Prince Frederick.

Katherine went to Mt. Hope School for a short time because of her illness. She passed away February 28, 2013.

She loved attending church services and listening to gospel music. Playing card games, attending family dinners, picnics and having her family around her were also some of her most treasured times.

Her favorite foods were kale, ham, pigtails and sauerkraut and homemade biscuits.

Katherine leaves to mourn three sisters: Ernestine Walker, Maxine Brooks and Darlene Brooks; one brother, Claude Brooks, Jr.; five aunts: Delores Coates, Edith Jessup, Josephine Harris, Leslie Glover and Celestine Sewell; two uncles: Roosevelt Brooks and Joseph Mackall. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great nephews,

Henrietta Bourne, 95

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NC and two sons Robert A. “Buster” Campbell, Jr. and wife Kathy of Lothian and Larry Campbell and wife Kathy of Crofton. Also surviving are six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 6248 Shady Side Road, Shady Side MD 20764.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to: Anne Arundel Co. Public Library Foundation, 5 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis MD 21401.

Rausch Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Fran Damerell, 88 Frances Jeanne Damerell, known as “Fran,” age 88, of Solomons and formerly of Elma, NY passed away on March 13, 2013 in Solomons.

She was born in Muncie, IN on July 9, 1924 to the late Perry Williams and Emma Gilbert Williams. She was the beloved wife to Marshall Damerell for 67 years whom she married on February 24, 1946 in Muncie, IN. Fran graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1942 and Purdue University in 1945, where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority.

She was the office manager of her husband’s business, Eastern Shaft Manufacturing Company, Lancaster, NY until her retirement after fifteen years of service in 1989.

Fran is survived by her husband, Marshall H. Damerell; children, Susan Giesy of Saskatoon, SK, Canada, Kay Hawk of Reading, PA, Paul Damerell of Fairfax, VA and Ralph Damerell of Rochester, NY; eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Ruth Urschel and Velma Williams.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, March 22, 2013, 2:00 PM at Solomons United Methodist Church, 14454 Solomons Island Road South, Solomons with Rev. Meredith Wilkins-Arnold and Rev. Meredith Syler officiating. Interment will be private.

Should friends desire, contributions may be made in Fran’s memory to the Solomons United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 403, Solomons, MD 20688 or to Asbury-Solomons Benevolent Fund, Attn. Melissa Carnes, 11100 Asbury Circle, Solomons. Maryland 20688.

Arrangements were handled by Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., Lusby.

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Ida Mae Chase, 68 Ida Mae Chase was born May 4, 1944 to the late John Harrison Garner and Hilda Howard in Calvert County. She transitioned to her new life on February 23, 2013 at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton.

Ida Mae received her education in the public school system of Calvert County.

On September 18, 1970 she was united in holy matrimony to Howard Lee Chase. They were perfect in their love for each other and Howard loved her in his words, “the best that he could.” During their 42 years of marriage they raised five children together; Michael, Timothy, Paul, Stanton, and Katina. They also played a big part in raising two of her older grandchildren, Michael and Kortinai.

Ida Mae worked for Roland Cleaners, and then became head chef at the Frying Pan restaurant. She then went on to perform housekeeping work for several clients until she became ill in November of 2012. Because of her integrity, and sweet spirit Ida Mae was more than just a housekeeper to all her clients, she became family to them.

In the church Ida Mae was known for her huge singing voice and the heart of God that every song she sang flowed from. She was a devout member of the Eastern Jubilees and the Mason Jubilees, a youth choir she founded with her mother. When you visited her home she would most often be heard humming or singing a song of praise.

She loved children. Ida Mae left a smile in the heart of everyone she came in contact with.

She loved God and her church family dearly. If she ever got on your case it would always be because she loved you and she believed God’s word.

Ida Mae is survived by her loving husband Howard Chase, five sons, Michael Gross (Myrtle), Howard Moore, Timothy Harrod (Natonja), Paul, and Stanton Chase (Julie); two daughters Katina Black (Dameon), and Sharon Moore; 21 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Owen and Herbert (Emmaline); and adopted brother George Johnson and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation and services were held at Dunkirk Baptist Church. Her final resting place is Eastern UM Church in Lusby.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements.

Bill Dawson, 86 Charles Milton Dawson, known as “Bill,” age 86, of Churchton passed away March 13, 2013 at South River Health and Rehabilitation Center in Edgewater.

He was born February 21, 1927 in Mayo to Samuel C. and Agnes V. (Belhke) Dawson. Bill was raised in Mayo and later moved with his family to Washington, D.C. and attended Coolidge High School, where he played football and graduated in 1944.

He enlisted in the United States Navy on December 15, 1944, earning the Pacific and American Theatre Ribbons and WWII Victory Medal. After Bill was discharged on July 24, 1946, he moved back to Mayo. He was then employed at Firestone Tire, and later worked as a manager at Colonial Bowling Lanes in

Annapolis.

Bill married Linda Ann Herbert on February 13, 1971 and they lived in Annapolis.

They moved to Chestertown, where they purchased a bowling alley that they operated for eleven years. He and Linda then moved back to Annapolis and he worked for Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks. They moved to Deale in the early 1980’s and had lived in Churchton since 2007.

He was a life member of the Deale Elks Lodge 2528. Bill loved being outdoors whether he was hunting, crabbing, cutting the grass or tending to his flower garden. He also loved to spend time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a brother William Greeley “Stretch” Dawson.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda A. Dawson and children Billie Lynn Orr and husband Dusty of Churchton, Blair Leigh Archambeault and husband Lenny of Edgewater, Charles Blake “Bubba” Dawson of Churchton, Charles Joseph Dawson and wife Jenny and Debra Kim Oliver, all of Annapolis.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters Amelia Marquetti of Baltimore, Gladys Rosatti of Crownsville and Linda Lou Cook of Tracy’s Landing and brothers Samuel C. “Mike” Dawson of Annapolis, W. Thomas Dawson of California and James R. Dawson of Friendship.

Interment will be at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, MD. Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to: Heartland Hospice Services, 4 E. Rolling Crossroads, Suite 307, Baltimore MD 21228.

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

also survived by ex wives; Bessie Gentry and Carol Gentry, 17 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by a son, Mitchell (Lori) Gentry and a grandson, Jamie Gentry.

Lee Funeral Home Calvert in Owings handled arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004.

Mary Gross, 92

Mary E. Gross, 92, of Lusby passed away on March 4, 2013 at Solomons Nursing Center, Solomons.

She was born to the late Joseph and Eliza Dent on March 30, 1920. Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother. For over 50 years Mary worked as a cook at Vera's Restaurant in White Sands. She was known for her famous homemade apple pies and soups. Mary worked up until her health started to fail and she was forced to retire.

The loved ones left to mourn and cherish fond memories: her husband, Parran Gross, three daughters, Eliza (Glenn) Foote, Mary Ellen (Samuel) Weems, Doris (Johnny) Payne; one step-daughter, two step-sons, one adopted son Apostle Aniachi Belu-John; 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, eight great-great grand children; three sisters, Rachel Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Elizabeth Graham, one brother, Wilbur (Ann) Dent; one aunt, Eliza Dent; two sisters-in-law, Sarah and Katherine Dent and a host of nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Healing and Jim Gentry, 76 Deliverance Church in Prince Frederick.

Her final resting place is the cemetery at St. James Henry John UM Church in Lusby.

Gentry, known as Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick “Jim,” was born to the handled arrangements. late James and Nina Gentry in 1936 in Theodore Gross, 71 Detroit, MI. As an infant, Jim was sent to Th e o d o r e live with his Aunt, Sarah McCormack, in Franklin Gross, born Lonaconing, MD. Jim August 19, 1941 to the lovingly referred to late Thomas Edward Sarah as "ma" and thought of her as his mother.

Gross and late Mary "Ma" raised Jim in Western Maryland where he Elizabeth Jones Gross graduated high school and then moved onto Cleveland in Anne Frostburg State College where he graduated with Arundel County, a Masters of Education. transferred his residence Jim and his first wife, Bessie, met at Valley to the Kingdom of High School. Shortly after graduating in 1954, they started their family. Jim and Bessie had six Heaven on Wed., February 20, 2013.

During his precious time on earth Theodore children; Mike, Amanda, Mark, Marlon, Melissa and Mitchell whom they raised in Lonaconing, adopted the name "hat" given to him by his mom, Maryland. because when males would visit the home and Jim's career led him to Prince George's take off their hats he would put it on his head, and county where he worked as a special education Theodore's outfit would never be complete teacher before leaving that position to work for without a hat. the board of education as a Special Education Theodore received his education in Anne Vocational Developmental Specialist. During this Arundel County Public school system, and time he met and married his second wife, Carol graduated from Waley Bates High School in Gentry.

When that relationship came to an end, Jim 1958. God blessed his hands and upon graduation wed Ruth Ann Moore-Gentry. They were married he found his niche in construction.

Theodore joined the United States Army in in 2005 and called Lothian, MD their home.

Jim was an avid trapper. He specialized in 1964 and was stationed in Vietnam. During that trapping muskrat and fox. He also enjoyed deer time he was joined in Holy matrimony to Jessie hunting and fishing. Jim enjoyed the outdoors Ilean Brown. Theodore loved his country and was especially his sunsets on the patuxent. Jim had a proud of his service, and he had the highest regard special place in his heart for his dogs as well. for our American Flag.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Ann After being honorably discharged from the Moore-Gentry. He is the father to Mike (Kathy) army in 1966, he resided in Calvert County, and Gentry, of Lusby; Amanda (Ed) Smith of returned to his calling in the field of construction Cumberland, MD; Mark (Connie) Gentry of where he found his passion in concrete, became Mechanicsville, MD; Marlon Gentry and his ex-wife, Deborah Gentry of Barton, MD and the expert, and started his own business, Gross & Sons. Theodore was extremely particular about his Melissa (Eric) Patterson of Barton, MD. He is

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work, and was always willing to lend a helping hand and share his advice. Upon his retirement, he sold Gross & Son's to Gross and Brown Enterprises LLC. Theodore was very pleasant and had a lively personality. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. He had a great love for baseball and could often be found attending ball games. He was also a big Redskins’ fan. He spent most of his spare time shooting pool, playing cards, watching sports and cooking his favorite foods. He was very selective about where and what he ate.

Theodore joined the American Legions Gray-Ray Post 220 in 1987, where he remained a faithful and active member until his illness.

Theodore loved the Lord and gave his life to Christ in June of 2011. At the time of his transformation, Theodore was a member of Patuxent United Methodist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his passion, his steps, and his legacy: devoted and lifelong friend Clarice “Birdeye” (or Birdie) Brooks; his children, Renee “Bootsie” Smith, Leslie D Gross, (daughter-in-law Terry) Jermaine Gross, and Theodore “Daryl” Gross; Brother, John Cleveland; sister, Alice ; brother, Folger (Jimmy) Gross, (Marie); sister-in-law, Ruth Coates; and grandchildren, Terrell Banister, Tia Gross, Tara Hall, Jermaine Gross Jr., and Minixia Gross Dailey and Woodrow Parker Jr. and Clairice Hall; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Theodore was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Edward Gross and Mary Elizabeth Jones Gross Cleveland; brothers Robert “Bobbie” Gross, Leroy Gross, and Lemuel Coates; and sister Mary Francis Gross Parran.

Visitation and services were held at Mt. Olive UM Church in Prince Frederick. His final resting place us Ernestine Jones Cemetery in Chesapeake Beach.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements.

Judy Harrod, 46 Judy Michelle Harrod was the daughter of the late George W. Harrod, Sr. and Helen Mae Wallace Harrod. She was born on June 16, 1966 in Calvert County. She attended and graduated from Calvert High School in 1985. She answered the call waiting on Sat., March 2, 2013 and peacefully transitioned from this life to one that the Master planned.

Judy was a member of The Greater Bible Way Church in Prince Frederick where she was baptized. Judy took pleasure in attending Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study. She enjoyed Sunday School and Morning Worship Service.

Judy had a humble heart, a compassionate spirit and a unique personality. She was hilarious.

She could make you laugh on your worse day.

Judy was phenomenal in providing special care to her brother, Leonard and the late Blanche Parker.

She was very devoted and supportive to her mother, super nanny to the neighborhood children, neighborhood watch and a trusted confidant. With God's help Judy fought a good fight and kept the faith, never complained and persevered with dignity. Many loved her and many will miss her, as she gave a thumbs up and waved good-bye. In the sweet by and by we shall meet on that beautiful shore.

She was preceded in death by her father, George W. Harrod, Sr., brother, Clayton Harrod and sisters, Mary H. Harrod and Sandra R. Long.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Her mother, Helen M. Harrod; six sisters, Annie M. Gross, Delois Johnson, Phyllis Dawkins (George), Joyce Weems (Samuel), Carolyn Gantt and Patricia Harrod; four brothers, George, Jr., Leonard, Levi and Tyrone Harrod; four uncles, Calvin "Sonny" (Elsie), Obbie (Carolyn), Herman (Hilda) and Thomas (Ruth); three aunts, Thelma (Walter), Bertha and Mertina, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation and services were held at Greater Bible Way Church in Prince Frederick. The church cemetery is her final resting place.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handles arrangements.

Helen Hudson, 80 Helen C. Hudson, known as “Nannie,” was born in Fort Benjamin, IN on May 28, 1932 to Donald and Mildred Chapman. She passed away on March 4, 2013 at the age of 80.

She was the beloved wife of the late George Hudson; loving mother of Mildred “Millie” Sullivan, Leonard Buck, Jr. and Helen D. Buck; devoted grandmother of James “Kevin” Sullivan, Robert Buck, Kristy Buck, Lisa Buchanan, Jamie Williams, Laura Hennessy and Eva Prettyman and great grandmother of eight.

Helen worked as a bridal consultant and women’s fashion buyer at Belk-Leggett. Her interests included working in her flower gardens, music, and going to the area beaches in the summer. She especially loved the Christmas season, because it meant being together with her whole family. Family was the most important thing in her world. Helen was a most loving and supportive mother and grandmother.

Lee Funeral Home Calvert in Owings handled arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association, the American Lung Association or Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Rhatta Johnson, 89

Rhatta lived a long and blessed life and will be truly missed by everyone who knew her.

Elmer Mackall and Rhatta were the parents of 11 children of which two are deceased.

She leaves to cherish her memories nine children: Eilene (Irvin) Beverly of Lusby; Ollie (Claude) Williams of Suitland, MD; Madora (Henry) Jones of Lusby; Elmer, Jr. (Patrice) of Waldorf, MD; Mary Rose (Steven) Long of Prince Frederick; Margaret Copeland (Barry deceased) of Temple Hills, MD; Thelma (Lorenzo) Keyes of Prince Frederick; Jerome (JoAnne) Mackall of Suitland, MD; Velma (Waverlyn) Mack of Killeen, TX, and One adopted daughter Mary Chase-Thomas of Suitland, MD; 23 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation and services were held at St. John UM Church in Lusby. The church cemetery is her final resting place.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements.

Mary Koslofsky, 85 Mary Cecelia Koslofsky, age 85, of Solomons, died on Monday, March 18, 2013 at Solomons Nursing Center, Solomons. She was born on September 6, 1927.

Mary is survived by her beloved son Les and his wife Diane Koslofsky of Hollywood, MD; grandmother of Brad Koslofsky, Michael and his wife Mandie Koslofsky and Jeff Koslofsky; great grandmother of Evan and Hailie Koslofsky; sister of Elizabeth and her husband John Gott of Lusby, Barbara Ann and her husband Gordon Thomas and Edward and his wife Tee Langley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband Albert Michael Koslofsky, two sisters and a brother.

Mrs. Koslofsky was employed as a telephone operator and also worked as a waitress at Chesapeake Ranch Estates. Her hobbies included cooking, playing cards and bingo. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends.

The family received friends at Our Lady Star of the Sea Historic Catholic Church in Solomons where a Mass of Christian Burial was offered with Monsignor Michael Wilson officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Jeff Koslofsky, Michael Koslofsky, Johnny Gott, Patrick Langley and Michael Phifer.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, P. O. Box 566, Solomons, MD 20688.

Arrangements were by the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby.

Naomi Smith Jones of Prince Frederick.

Jean loved everyone and never complained about a thing. She was educated in Calvert County Public Schools. She graduated from William Sampson Brooks High School in 1949.

On September 18, 1953, she married Mr. Hilton Penroe Mackall of Huntingtown, who preceded her in death in 1978. Of that union, they had one child, Marion Olivia Mackall. The family lived in Queens, NY for many years. Jean and Marion returned home in 1978. In New York, Jean worked for years as a sale supervisor for AT&T. She transferred to the Washington D.C. office in 1978. Jean retired from AT&T after many years of faithful service.

In 1978, Jean started studying with Jehovah's witnesses. This was familiar to her because her father (who was one of Jehovah's Witnesses) talked to her about the truth. In 1980, she dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized.

She is survived by her daughter, Marion Gross, three grandsons, Clayton Gantt Jr., Solomon Thornton, and Hilton Mackall, and one granddaughter Loveta Robinson Gantt, two great grandchildren, Jaylen Maurice Brown Gantt, and Amelia Robinson, two uncles Napoleon Gross, Irving Gross and two aunts Daisy Gross and Florence Gross, eight sisters-in-law, Dorothy Wheatley, Minnie Stepney, Shirley Harris, Mattie Mackall, Viola Mackall, Alice Mackall, Juanita Mackall, Tammy Mackall and seven brothers-in-law, Floyd Jones, Charles, Kenneth, Wilson, Odell, Fredrick and Sherman Mackall, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will miss her dearly.

Visitation and services were held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness in Huntingtown.

Her final resting place is Young's Cemetery in Huntingtown.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements.

Russell Mackall, 75 Russell Leroy Mackall, son of the late Calvert and Pauline Gross Mackall was born on May 30, 1937, in Washington, D.C. He was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2013, after enduring a

Rhatta Virginia Johnson was born on August 5, 1923 to the lengthy illness. late Moses and Annie He received his education in the public Johnson of Lusby. She schools of Calvert County, starting in a one-room passed away March 4, school. Later he attended William Sampson High 2013 at the age of 89.

School in Prince Frederick.

She attended the After high school, until his retirement, Calvert County Public Russell was actively employed at various School System. She was construction companies Turner Construction, second of five children (Matilda, James, Hattie Clark Construction, Levi and Son Construction and Moses) all which have preceded her in death. and George Hyman Construction. Russell was She worked numerous years at the Warren also a member of the Local Union 657. However, Denton Oyster House and then for various his love for the community drew him to families as a housekeeper.

Jean Mackall, 80 contracting for the Calvert County Public School At a young age she accepted Jesus Christ as System. Until his passing, Russell served the Lord and Savior. For the last 15 years she was the Jean Gloria County for over 40 years doing what brought a Mother of "Ministry of Love Church" in Upper Mackall, age 80, of smile to his face. Russell’s buses parked near his Marlboro. She loved the Lord and loved to praise Lusby, passed away on home serves as a landmark for passersby.

Him. When the music started playing you could March 3, 2013 at On July 22, 1961, he was united in holy see her shrugging her shoulders in praise. She Calvert Memorial matrimony to his childhood sweetheart, Martha believed in prayer, when she could no longer Hospital, Prince Mae Foote. Their blessed union of 51 years kneel she would lay in bed and pray. Her favorite Frederick. produced five children, five grandchildren and Scripture was Psalm 23.

Jean was born three great-grandchildren.

She loved flowers and watching birds from July 20, 1932 to Russell had a strong love for farming and the window. Mom always loved to be around her Johnson Gross and gardening as he was recognized as the last African grands, greatgrands and great great-grandchildren. She would always ask "Whey Marion Smith Gross who preceded her in death. American tobacco farmer in Calvert County. He Also preceding her in death was one sister, Marion also had a love for music as you would often hear Da Girls?"

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his bass-filled voice singing and humming throughout the day. Russell also enjoyed listening to his favorite gospel groups; Jay Caldwell and The Gospel Ambassadors and Reverend Flowers.

His two favorite days of the year were Christmas and his birthday. He also enjoyed sharing countless hours of laughter and gossip with his special friends Don Hall, Mark Queen, Jody Thompson, Harry Harrod, George Jones, Vernon Jones and Sidney Brooks, Sr. He is survived by his devoted wife Martha; five beautiful daughters, Starlette (Warren), Carlisha Thompson (Jody), Stacey, Kimberly Watts (Mark), Danielle, and honorary daughters, Mallery Johnson and Tyese Heigh; five grandchildren, Christina Jenkins (Will), Quante, Monet, Tony, and Breia; three great-grandchildren, TaiShan, Dylan, and Shavarye; two brothers, Turner (Juanita) and James (Ann); six sisters, Bernice Mauldin (James), Phyllis Warren, Delores Mackall, Doris McNeil (Parham), Regina Grimes (Benjamin), and Shirley Mackall; eight sisters-in-law, Ann Mackall (James), Mildred Ward (Eugene), Goldie Harrod (Harry), Jacqueline Foote, Marilyn Jones (George), Susan Spriggs (Michael), Betty and Gloria Mackall; five brothers-in-law, James Foote Sr., Eugene Foote (Dorinda), William Foote (Janice), Stevenson Foote (Shirley), and John Foote (Erna); five godchildren, Joyce Sherbert, Gwendolyn Brooks, James Mackall, Jr., Tamela Jones and Chloe Jones. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews, David, Lisa, Marc, Van Brooks, Tremayne and Selena Spriggs, to whom he always watched over as his own and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives; including special friends.

Russell was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and Bernard; one sister, Thelma; two sisters-in-law, Wanda Foote and Agatha Brooks; and a brother-in-law Vanderbilt Brooks.

In all, Russell touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. More than a farmer and contractor, Russell also had a generous soul.

Russell was extremely family-oriented and enjoyed helping friends as well. His sense of humor brought joy, excitement and love to all the lives he touched. Russell’s warmth and smile will be remembered by all.

Visitation and services were held at Dunkirk Baptist Church. His final resting place is Patuxent UM Church in Huntingtown.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements.

Kathleen Rodgers, 57 Kathleen Margaret Rodgers, age 57, of Rose Haven, passed away March 9, 2013 at her residence.

Surviving are her beloved husband Larry J. Rodgers of Rose Haven; mother Peggy McDade of Springfield, VA; son David J. Arenz of Rose Haven; daughter Elizabeth A. Dodson and her husband Ed of Huntingtown; step son Andrew J. Rodgers of Ft. Walton, Fl; granddaughter Abigail Dodson; and brothers Jay McDade and his wife Lynne of Lakewood, CO and Kevin McDade and his wife Pam of Clifton, VA. A Life Celebration Service was held in her honor at Friendship Community Baptist Church in Dunkirk.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Chesapeake, 455 Defense Highway, Annapolis MD 21401 (hospicechesapeake.org).

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Thursday, March 21, 2013 21

Al McNeal, 59 Elvert "Albert” “Al" McNeal, son of the late James and Gloria McNeal, Sr., was born in Norfolk, Virginia, March 27, 1953. He passed away Feb. 25, 2013.

Al attended Mt. Hope United Methodist Church under the leadership of Pastor Roosevelt Oliver where he was baptized and turned his life completely over to God. Upon his graduation from Deep Creek High School in Norfolk, VA, he moved to Upper Marlboro. While working for Andrews AFSC cafeteria he met, dated, fell in love with, and married Diane (Holland) McNeal, the love of his life, on April 16, 1983.

Al was someone everyone who knew enjoyed being around. Al was loved and respected by all of his neighbors, who will miss him. The Mt. Hope church family was made aware of the fact he was diehard Dallas Cowboys fan one Sunday morning during one of Pastor Roosevelt's sermons. All of the Mt. Hope family will miss Al also.

Al was a man of many talents and wasn't afraid of a hard day of work. He worked for Andrews Officer’s Club as Supervisor of the main kitchen. He then drove the shuttle bus for Suggs Transportation in Clinton, MD. When he left there, Al worked for Kay Management in Suitland for two years as the porter/maintenance man.

From Kay Management Al was employed by Neil

Investments in Washington, D.C. as a maintenance man. Ricky Holland then asked Al to work with him at Laurel Pines Apartments. Al was later offered employment at Red Coat, Inc., as a supervisor of the cleaning crew. He was employed with them until an auto accident in 2004 and could no longer work.

On December 11, 2012, Al entered Prince Georges Hospital Center with pneumonia and stayed there for 42 days before being transferred to Pineview Future Care Nursing Home for rehabilitation on January 23, 2013. After a short stay there he had a reoccurrence of pneumonia and he was moved to Southern Maryland Hospital for an overnight stay. He was later transported to MEDSTAR Washington Hospital Center to the intensive care unit on Feb. 18, 2013. His condition continued to decline, and on Feb. 25, 2013, at 7:11 PM, Al went home to be with the Lord.

He was preceded in death by: his father, James David McNeal, Sr.; mother, Gloria McNeal; Charles McNeal, Melvin McNeal, Otis McNeal, James Riddick, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Diane McNeal, (3) brothers; Frederick McNeal, James D. McNeal, Jr., Eugene McNeal-Moultrie, (2) sisters; Marlene Haufler, Alberta McNeal, loving and caring in-laws, John and Cozzette Gray, other sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, Chaney Choice family, and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation and services were held at Mt. Hope UM Church in Sunderland.

Sewell Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Jay Porter, 56

Larry Riley, 66

Jay Edward Porter, age 56, of Chesapeake Beach passed away March 13, 2013.

He was born November 12, 1956 in Washington, D.C. to John Edward and Betty Jean (Arrington) Porter. He was raised in West Lanham Hills and Landover Hills, MD, and graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1975.

Jay married Debra Marie Carter on October 27, 1979 and they lived in Riverdale and Lothian, and have lived in Chesapeake Beach since 1984.

He was employed as an elevator inspector for the State of Maryland. Jay was a member of Mt. Harmony United Methodist Church in Owings. In his leisure time, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, swimming and attending his daughter’s softball games. He was a people person who enjoyed talking to everyone. He was fond of animals, especially his dogs.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his devoted wife Debra M. “Debi” Porter and their children Nicholas E.R. Porter (Sean) of Baltimore, Macey J.M. and Rebecca L.E.K. Porter both of Chesapeake Beach. He is also survived by a sister Elizabeth Brunner Lee and a brother Danny Porter, both of Newport Richey, FL. A Memorial Service was held at Mt. Harmony United Methodist Church in Owings.

Contributions may be made to: Jay Edward Porter Memorial Fund, Care/ Of Community Bank of Tri County, P.O. Box 373, Dunkirk MD 20754.

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Larry Vincent Riley, age 66, went home to be with the Lord on Wed., Mar. 13, 2013.

He was son of the late Merle Vincent and Josephine Cole Riley. He was the beloved husband of 43 years to Bonnie Boettcher Riley, loving and devoted father to Lori Lynn Lusby and the late Sean Vincent Riley, father-in-law to James Lusby; treasured grandfather to Brian Vincent Lusby and Rachel Michelle Lusby. He was the eldest brother to Sue (Jim) Riley, Karen (Zack) Bettis, Frank (Deb) Riley, Diane (Ken) Lester and Judy (Dwight) Stone.

Larry was born on July 30, 1946 in Gettysburg, PA. He was a graduate of Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, PA, and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Prince George’s Community College.

He served in the United States Army from June 1966 to June 1968 and spent 13 months in Viet Nam during that time. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 36 years. Larry thoroughly enjoyed and took great pride in serving as a basketball, volleyball, softball and baseball official for the state of Maryland.

Larry’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He especially treasured his relationship and time spent with his grandchildren Brian and Rachel.

Lee Funeral Home Calvert in Owings handled arrangements.

Interment was be at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD. Larry requested donations in his name be made to Child Fund International, 2821 Emerywood Parkway, P.O. Box 26484, Richmond, VA 23261.

Also includes tears and pain as much as joy and happiness, And that Natacha, to you Lord Was just a tiny part of your immense creation, This large wheel that turns and sometimes crushes some of us.

We know that the fruit falls from the tree When the wind blows in this earthly orchard, And that the perfume from the flower in time fades away.

But while the fruit that falls is ripe, And the odorless flower has withered, Natacha, Oh Lord, was at the prime of her existence.

Why did you not take me, My Lord instead of my daughter Why didn’t You allow her to live a full and happy life Enjoy the pleasures of your creation on this earth.

You gave me the opportunity to get attached, To weave an indelible bond of both flesh and soul, And then You took her... Unfair God of man...

I won’t get to watch her grow and mature, I won’t walk the aisle on her wedding day, Nor will I hold or kiss my very own grandchildren.

Who will take care of me when I’m old and weary, Who will bring flowers on my own grave My Lord, Why, but why do You make me suffer so much.

I know you are too busy, Oh Lord, to worry about my problems, The peaceful coexistence of all human kind, And that a child who dies, so painful to his parents We take it all for granted until it’s gone, And then, we do not understand, we ask why, and we call it unjust. Makes little difference to you in this large universe; It’s been almost one year since you went away, But to me Lord, to me who watched for more than thirty years Left me in distress and torment that March day; Evolve this gentle grace and pure innocent heart, Forgive us Lord for being so shallow; I have not forgotten you, and I never shall; My Lord, you took the only joys of my stale existence.

Forgive us for taking it all for granted; You are here with me, winter, spring, summer, and fall, We know now that it is too late and we beg forgiveness, In spirit, your love is anchored in my heart Many years ago we visited Washington to see the sights; Forgiveness for not having appreciated every second, And it will never leave, until the day I die.

I remember this occasion, walking along with her brother; Every minute spent together, not having loved a little more, As I held her by the hand walking thru the Mall Not having hugged or kissed just one more time.

It is so hard Lord, when your very own child dies, Down Pennsylvania Avenue, or maybe it was Constitution The attachment, the love and pride of her father Both of them were jumping up and down, smiling and laughing; Lord, we know it is sinful to blame, And tougher yet, when an adult child, struggling to survive, We were all so happy, blessed with such joy.

But allow me to shed my pain through tears Is whisked away in the prime of a difficult and tortuous life, Since that is all you left me with; Taken abruptly, through a foolish and reckless act And in this cloud of bliss, I would meander in their folly.

Let me kneel down in memory, Of inane, nonsensical and mindless absurdity.

She was the beautiful princesses of my life.

And ask her: “Do you hear me Natacha?”

She picked flowers and made little bouquets, “I am here, I love you, I miss you, daughter” We take life for granted, Oh Lord, And gave them to me, she was so sweet We take the sun that shine so bright day after day, Dressed in her pink and light blue summer dress.

Let me talk to her in the empty void of space, The stars that sparkle in the night, the Chesapeake Bay that glitters, A beautiful and wonderful, happy little girl.

At night when all is quiet, in answer to her pleas The green plants that grow, the pretty flowers that marvel the senses, So that she may know that I am here.

The birds that sing, all of the animals in the forest, We walked into the National Gallery of Art Let me not say things that will sadden her further We take it all for granted, My Lord.

And admired the paintings of Monet, Gauguin, Cezanne Because I know that she does hear me, I’m sure, She would watch in silence, absorb the beauty of the artwork Thru a veiled dream, she hears and welcome my somber voice.

We take our own lives for granted, Oh Lord And read aloud in the pamphlet about the life of the artist.

The lives of our children, the lives of our friends and families, And then we went to the Hirshorn, at her insistence, We know that sometimes the world is a dreadful place, The prosperity of our nation, the security of our jobs To look at the statues, the sculptures of Rodin and others.

And that harmony on this earth surely

Pain

22 Thursday, March 21, 2013 Chesapeake Current

And when she saw a homeless person, and I tried to move away She approached the sad and somber figure And searched her little purse to give him all she had Even though she knew I did not approve.

But her action was the will of God, Your will, Oh Lord.

Truly, she was a little angel even then.

I remember a winter that we spent together long ago When the region was blanketed with a foot or more of snow And she came to fetch, and grabbed me by the hand And took me by the fireplace where the logs were burning, Helped me to sit on the recliner, and Asked me to tell her a story, a very special story.

And I sat there and gathered my thoughts As I watched her angel face full of anticipation And concocted a fabulous story with elves and leprechauns And large and evil beasts overwhelmed by witty tiny creatures Running, through forests and streams, climbing mountains Entering dark shadowy castles, in dungeons full of eerie ghosts.

And she laughed so heartedly My God, and so would I, As their brother joined us and partake in our joy; And as the evening fell, we sat there close together, And watched the reflections of the fire unto the ceiling Dancing shadows of carabolesque hieroglyphics Trying to sort and identify the strange formations.

But it’s all gone now, gone forever, never to return; The birds and squirrels still come though and wait for her But while I give them tid bits, they also know that she is gone.

We are left only with those bittersweet memories, The memories of my beautiful daughter Frolicking in the garden, adding to the cacophony of nature.

God My Lord, You give me so much pain and anguish; This cross on my shoulders is too heavy to bear.

I toiled and struggled on this earth all of my life Sure, I am human, and I made a few mistakes along the way I praised your name, and prayed faithfully all these years So, why My Lord, did you choose me for this burden.

While my sorrow is still present, I attempt to vanquish my pain And I seek to feel in my heart the peace and understanding, The acceptance of Your Work, Lord, the purpose of this senseless act Give me a sign Lord, explain the unexplainable so I may understand.

But the cloud of shame still lingers Lord, for the scourge that befell Natacha Is alive and well among us, waiting to emasculate a new young prey.

Pride & Joy

By Jenny Kellner

Women Honored At Luncheon Nearly 200 hundred people attended Calvert County’s Women of the World Annual Awards Luncheon on Saturday, March 16 in Prince Frederick. The gathering of several of the area’s local women’s groups was co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Commission for Women of Calvert County. Twentyone women and girls were honored by various groups for their outstanding leadership, accomplishment, and service to the community.

Now known as the WOW Luncheon and at historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Prince Frederick, this is the 11th year such a celebration has been held in the county during March, Women’s History Month. League President, Anne Mychalus attended a celebration of International Women’s Day in Zambia in 2002 and vowed to replicate such an event back home in Calvert County.

Guest Speaker Zaida Arguedas with Kathy Sears, Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital 2013 Honoree.

The first event was attended by only League members, but by the second year the Commission for Women had joined as a partner. Over the subsequent years, many other groups have joined in the celebration to honor and showcase the best of Calvert County’s accomplishments by its women and young women.

Event Co-Chair Margaret Dunkle of the Commission for Women of Calvert County remarked that, “Not too many places other than a religious institution could host the event with all of this energy in one room.” She further echoed this year’s theme, “Looking to the Future: 2013 and Beyond” by saying, “We are proud that three of the honorees are under age 25. They are the future and the future is bright.”

Guest Speaker Zaida Arguedas, the Deputy Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of the United States spoke of her recent experiences in North Africa. She has seen the revolutionary change as it happened in both Tunisia and Egypt. Working at the request of the US Department of State, she helped women in both countries to establish their voice as new, fledgling governments were emerging. She concluded with, “Women are fighting hard.

They sometimes lose hard, but over time they will succeed.” Though the focus was on North Africa and the Middle East, this statement has global and local implications.

One of this year’s honorees, Veronica Alston, helps women who are fighting hard to

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Guest Speaker Zaida Arguedas stand with memebers of Calvert County's League of Women Voters who traveled to Zambia as part of the League of Women Voters United States Women Power in Politics: Empowering Grassroots Democracy in Africa initiative. succeed in Calvert County with Ruth’s Miracle Group Home. Ms. Alston was presented the Outstanding Achievement Award for Service to Community by the Calvert County Commission for Women.

Other Commission awardees included: Emma Dodsworth, an 8th grader, and Imani Watson, also a middle school student, with the Woman of Tomorrow Award.

Additional honorees were Deborah Horn Daniel (The American Association of University Women), Heather Maertens (Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer), Jessica Austin (Calvert Collaborative for Children and Youth, Inc.), Michelle Brooks (Community Mediation Center), Alberta Contee (Concerned Black Women of Calvert County, Inc.), Kathy Sears and Shannon Irby (Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital), Marian Matthews-Clark (Nu Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) and Jan Lomax (United Way of Calvert County).

Eight women from the League of Women Voters Calvert County were honored for their work with the Zambia partnership. They are Glinda Anderson, Jane Hardy, Debora Harris, Cheryl Johnson, Pam Lucas, Anne Mychalus, Tammy Vitale, and Jenny Plummer-Welker.

The event’s opening and closing flag ceremony was respectfully provided by members of Girl Scout Cadette Troop 2443 of Calvert County. These young women then joined multiple tables for lunch where they led discussions about women who had been inspiring role models to the adults at the table.

The Rev. Betsy VanAucker of the Episcopal Church Community Ministry of Calvert County led the meal’s invocation.

Attendees were asked to take away from the celebration a driving question: “What’s next?

How can we work together to bring out the best in women?”

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About the Author: Jenny Kellner is a mother, teacher and Girl Scout leader. She lives in North Beach with her husband, Joe, and their four children, and serves on the town’s Historic Preservation Commission.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, March 21, 2013 23

AND

CLASSIFIEDS Often copied but never duplicated, there’s only one Chesapeake Current.

Don’t be confused by counterfeits that “claim” they’re everything Calvert County when they’re anything but – and their goal is to lure you over the bridge to spend your money in St. Mary’s County. Stay right here and support local businesses that provide jobs and keep our economy going in tough times.

The Current, Bay Tripper and Chesapeake Current Cuisine are the only locally-owned and operated newspapers in our area. The Chesapeake Current supports local businesses and our communities in so many ways. We encourage you to patronize our advertisers, all of whom are right here in our area.

The Current keeps it local. Nothing is syndicated, nothing is canned, and we have no fillers to take up space. Every issue of the Current is packed with exclusive news and information that matters to you, your family and friends.

Ads in the Chesapeake Current, and our sister publications, Chesapeake Current Cuisine and Chesapeake Bay Tripper, are very affordable and really work.

For more info, email ads@ChesapeakeCurrent.com or call our office at (410) 231-0140.

Help Wanted Boards & Commissions Every day, decisions are made by Calvert County Government officials that affect you. Now is a great time for you to get involved! The Board of County Commissioners is soliciting applicants for a number of committees. County residents who are registered voters in Calvert County may apply. Applications may be obtained from the Commissioners' Office (175 Main Street, Room 205, Prince Frederick, MD), any Calvert County Public Library branch, or on the county’s web site at co.cal.md.us. You may mail (Board of County Commissioners, Courthouse, 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678), fax (410-535-5594), or hand deliver your application to Maureen Frederick. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the telephone number listed in the advertisement or Mrs. Frederick at (410) 535-1600, extension 2214 or (301) 855-1243, extension 2214.

Here are some of the Boards and Commissions along with the number of vacancies: Commission for Women (5); Common Ownership Infrastructure Advisory Committee (5); Calvert Housing Opportunities Committee (4); Adult Guardianship Review Board (3); Commission on Aging (2); Town Center Committees for Dunkirk (1), Prince Frederick (1), St. Leonard (1) and Lusby (2), just to name a few. For a complete list and more info, go to the county web site co.cal.md.us and under Government, choose Volunteer Boards & Commissions.

Planning Advisory Board Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman is seeking new members for the Planning Advisory Board.

The seven-member board is responsible for reviewing projects in the capital budget and making recommendations to the county executive. Members are responsible to attend at least ten meetings annually, and must be residents of Anne Arundel County. Most meetings occur during daytime hours. To apply for a vacancy on the board, call Arlene Berlin at (410) 222-1090 or e-mail your resume to aberlin@aacounty.org. Applicants with a background in finance or planning are preferred.

24 Thursday, March 21, 2013 Chesapeake Current

Pets Meet Delia!

Hi! I'm Delia and I really am having a great time at the Humane Society of Calvert County. I love all the volunteers who come in and play with me, I love all of the awesome treats that I get and I love to play ball. But, I think that I would love all of these things even more if I got to do them in a forever home! Could you be my forever home?

For more information, please visit: HumaneSocietyOfCalvertCounty.org or visit all the animals available in person at the Humane Society of Calvert County, 2210 Dalrymple Road in Sunderland. Phone: (410) 257-4908. Be sure to say you read about this pet in the Chesapeake Current!

Here are a few of the pets available for adoption from Anne Arundel Animal Control this week: Tyson Tyson is a mixed-breed mostly Catahoula Leopard (Cur) dog, blue merle in color, given up for adoption. He’s estimated to be about a year old.

Abbey Abbey was brought in as a stray, found by a citizen in the Fort Meade area. She’s a female torti tiger, domestic short hair cat, estimated to be about two years old.

Bubba Bubba is a beautiful white and gray, domestic short hair altered male cat, given up for adoption. He is believed to be about eight years old (estimate).

Huey Huey is a very unusual orange and white domestic short hair cat.

He’s an altered male and is believed to be about nine years old (estimate).

For more information about these or any of the many other lovable animals currently needing homes, contact Anne Arundel County Animal Control at (410) 222-8900. Be sure to say you saw them in the Chesapeake Current! (Note: Animal Control is closed on Mondays).

Do your part and vaccinate your pet! Anne Arundel County Animal Control will offer low cost rabies vaccination clinics on Thursdays from noon to 3:00 p.m. All dogs must be on leashes and all cats must be in carriers. Be sure to bring a bowl and water for your animal to drink while you wait in line. This clinic is for Anne Arundel County residents only and proof of residence will be required. Call (410) 222-8900 for more info.

CURRENT EVENTS Catch World-Class Concert

By Jenny Kellner Northern High School will host the United States Navy Concert Band, the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, on Friday, March 22. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary Harrison Cultural Arts Center. This wonderful opportunity is a family-friendly event that is free to the public.

The Concert Band is the original ensemble of the Navy and has been in

existence for over 85 years. They perform a variety of marches, patriotic selections, and other orchestral and wind ensemble selections. They are recognized as one of the finest wind ensembles in the world.

Free tickets will be given out at the door – no reason to call in advance to reserve them!

Northern High School is located at 2950 Chaneyville Road in Owings. For more info, call (410) 257-1519.

Meet Some of the Performers Chief Musician Yolanda Pelzer, vocalist and a native of Columbia, S.C., joined the Navy Band Commodores in 1995. She served overseas as a member of the United States Army-Europe Soldier’s Chorus from 19911993 and was a featured soloist for over 300 concerts in Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium and Turkey. In 1993 she transferred to the Military Academy Band at West Point where she served as the vocalist for the Jazz Knights. Pelzer is a former faculty member of the Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. A highly requested national anthem singer, Pelzer was the first to perform it at the opening game in the Washington National’s new stadium in 2008. She has also shared the stage with first lady Michelle Obama, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton while performing for the unveiling of the bust of Sojourner Truth at the U.S. Capitol.

Senior Chief Musician Juan Vazquez, a native of Baltimore, joined the Navy Band in 1988. He is the principal percussionist in the Concert Band. He earned a Bachelor of Music from Towson State University and an Associate of Arts from Essex Community College.

He also holds a Masters of Music in Percussion Performance from the Boston Conservatory where he was the winner of the annual Concerto Competition.

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Chief Musician Emily Dickson, a native of Denton, TX, joined the Navy Band in 1998 and plays harp. She is a 1998 graduate of the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Music in education.

59

Noted Pianist To Perform The South County Concert Association presents "Legacy of Floyd Cramer," staring the grandson of Floyd Cramer on April 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern High School Auditorium, 4400 Solomon's Island Rd. (MD Rt. 2) in Harwood.

Floyd Cramer was one of the most admired instrumentalists of all times with a distinctive sound. Jason Coleman, his grandson who has been playing piano since he could reach the keys, will highlight the songs that featured Floyd Cramer original recordings. Jason is ensuring that the legacy of Floyd Cramer continues.

Admission is free to subscribers of the South County Concert Association and the Anne Arundel Community Concert Association. Admission is $20 per person at the door.

For additional information contact F. R. Gouin at (301) 789-3295 or visit Pianist Jason Coleman, grandson of Floyd Cramer. southcountyconcerts.org .

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CURRENT EVENTS Income Tax Help A free service offered at Anne Arundel County Library branches for Senior citizens and low-income residents. AARP volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue Service and the Maryland Comptroller’s Office will assist taxpayers over age 60 and those in low-income tax brackets prepare their Federal and State tax returns. AARP membership is not required.

South County Library Branch, Deale Mon. through Fri., through Apr. 12 Please call Jeanine Smith at (410) 867-4970 to ask questions or to schedule an appointment.

Self- service electronic filing is available using the library computers.

The Arts Thru Sunday, Mar. 24 Color & Light Society Spring Show & Sale: At Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Dowell/Solomons. Members of the Color & Light Society will host a spring show and sale featuring paintings, sculpture, watercolors and more. (410) 326-4640 or online at annmariegarden.org.

Living Gallery at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Dowell/Solomons. Annmarie’s Main Gallery will be transformed into artist studio space during The Living Gallery. More than 20 artists, including painters, sculptors, ceramicists and others will set up their studios and work in the gallery. Guests are invited to observe the artistic process and talk with the artists about their work. Questions about any aspect of the artistic process – techniques, tools, materials, subject and inspiration – are highly encouraged.

EVENTS Thursday, Mar. 21 What Are My Old Books Worth? Have a box of old books in the corner and don't know what to do with them? Join Calvert Library and Second Looks Books for a workshop that teaches you how to value your old or rare books! Participants are encouraged to bring one or two old books to the workshop. No registration required. From 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Fairview Library Branch in Owings.

PEM Talks: Sustainable Chesapeake presents Greg Bowen talking about Buy Local: The Sustainable Food Movement, at 7:00 in the auditorium at the Calvert Marine Museum at Solomons. Free. Thursday, March 21 (7:00 p.m.) Bowen, who grew up on a tobacco farm in Calvert County, will share the surprising progress and challenges in the local food movement in Southern Maryland. This will be a great opportunity to learn where to find local food sources and get the latest news about the local food movement. Bowen helped create the Calvert County Sustainable Agriculture Awards, helped sponsor numerous agricultural workshops and helped form a local foods group called Calvert Eats Local. Retiring after 32 years with the Calvert County Department of Planning and Zoning, Bowen formed and directs Land Stewardship Solutions LLC.

Fri. Mar. 22 – Sun. Mar. 24

Maryland Day Celebration: Sponsored by the Four Rivers Heritage Area at Annapolis and Southern Anne Arundel County Heritage Sites to commemorate the formal founding of the Colony of Maryland. In 1916, the Maryland General Assembly authorized Maryland Day as a legal holiday devoted to Maryland history. For the sixth year in a row, Four Rivers Heritage Area is partnering with regional heritage organizations and businesses to showcase the area’s historical, cultural and natural heritage. Events and activities will take place throughout the Maryland Day Celebration weekend of March 22, 23, and 24 Thru Sunday, Mar. 31 for one dollar or less; many of the activities are FREE! For a complete listing of the Clay Variations: Four Southern Maryland family-oriented events, visit their web sites at potters interpreting traditional forms. At fourriversheritage.org or marylandday.org.

Calvert Gallery; artists’ reception is March 9 at Calvert Gallery from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

This intriguing show brings together 4 Sat. & Sun. Mar. 23 & Mar. 24 Southern Maryland potters: Amanda Willis, The Story of Stores: Lecture, exhibits, living Denise Breitburg, Randy Estabrook and Ray history performers at the Galesville Heritage Bogle. Each is unique in their approach to Museum from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. both shape, texture, color, form and firing Sat. and Sun. An engaging, interactive exhibit, techniques. Each brings their own meaning to The Story of Stores tells how small stores traditional form while pushing the boundaries served both as social and economic anchors in of tradition to express their own passion. The the history of the village of Galesville. Using existing artifacts from a few of the stores and a CalvART Gallery is located in the Prince video of local residents giving their personal Frederick Center at Rt. 231 and Rt. 4. The recollections, the stores can be viewed through gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday a new touch screen computer and monitor. It’s from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. If you would a wonderful exhibit that will celebrate like more information on the event please Galesville’s unique history and heritage. These contact Abbey Griffin 202-744-6490, small businesses helped build and sustain community in Galesville and provide valuable abbeygrif@gmail.com or online insight on how rural communities grew and calvartgallery.com or on Facebook CalvART prospered. The museum is located at 988 GalleryPotters’ Show.

Main Street, Galesville, MD.

26 Thursday, March 21, 2013 Chesapeake Current

CURRENT EVENTS Saturday, Mar. 23

Saturday, Mar. 23 (con’t)

Monday, Mar. 25

Friday, Mar. 29

Hazardous Waste Collection Day: The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Division of Solid Waste, will host a household hazardous waste collection day from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Mt. Hope Community Center at 104 Pushaw Station Road in Sunderland. Dispose of dangerous household chemicals for free!

third-generation slave from Calvert County.

After being sold to a trader in the deep South, Ball escaped back to his home state and fought as a free man in the War of 1812 on behalf of the United States in Commodore Joshua Barney's Chesapeake Flotilla. Funded by Maryland Humanities Council and co-sponsored with Concerned Black Women of Calvert County. At Calvert Library Prince Frederick from 2:30-4:00 p.m. Free!

Creepy, Crawly, & Muddy Spring Camp: For children in grades 1 through 4. Feel like you've been stuck inside all winter? Believe it or not, spring is well underway. And this camp will be full of adventures! Wade into the swamp, use nets to look for amphibians, and, of course, play in the mud. Go outside every day to explore and play in the woods, streams, swamps, and more. Songs, games, crafts, and live animal observations will also be part of the learning experience. Bring a snack, a lunch and dress for the weather. Registration deadline March 25. Space is limited to ten campers.

Camp runs Apr 1 - Apr. 3 from 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Held at local state parks. Fee per child: $50.00; members: $35.00. email cypressswamp@co.cal.md.us for registration info.

Calvert Libraries Closed: In observance of Good Friday.

Keep Your Colon Rollin’ Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard hosts this 5K walk/run beginning at 9:00 a.m. with registration starting at 8:00 a.m. Trophies to winners in many categories. Entry fee is $35 on race day.

Proceeds benefit Calvert Healthcare Solutions, a non-profit organization helping people without insurance receive healthcare. More info online at active.com and search for this event.

Composting and Raised Bed Gardening: Why compost? How do you compost? What do you need to compost? How do you compost in a raised bed? Find these answers and more! Calvert County Maryland Master Gardener, RT West, will teach this workshop on composting at the Community Resources Building, 30 Duke Street, Prince Frederick at 10:00 a.m. The building is located directly across the street from the Prince Frederick Post Office and ample parking is located at the rear of the building. The University of Maryland Extension is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Equal Access Programs.

A Taste of Solomons: A one-day food festival showcasing the many wonderful places to eat in this lovely waterfront community. Food and drink tickets are only $4 each and are available at each participating restaurant. As an added feature this year, most restaurants will participate in a gift certificate prize program.

Some of the tickets at each location will be designated as prize winners and the lucky purchaser will be awarded a gift certificate for future use at the respective restaurant. From 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (410) 326-9900 or online at solomonsmaryland.com.

Easter Festival: at Kellams Field, Bayside Road, Behind Town Hall, in Chesapeake Beach. See the Easter Bunny! Play free games for prizes, ride the train, slide down the giant slide and jump in the moon bounce. Treats are provided by local businesses. Noon – 1:30 p.m. (410) 257-2230 or online at chesapeake-beach.md.us.

Oyster Roast: Fundraiser for the Deale Volunteer Fire Department. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.. $35 per person includes raw, steamed and fried oysters, puffs and stew, ham, baked beans, homemade potato salad, cole slaw, iced tea, lemonade and beer. Carry out dinner: $20. Music by DJ Col. Barnes. At the fire department, 6007 Drum Point Rd., Deale.

(410) 867-1350.

Painting Workshop: Artist Pamela Callen presents a class for beginner acrylic painters discussing the basics of color, value and color mixing. From 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Cost: $25 per person. Each participant will receive a small canvas and paint brushes to use and will take home a finished landscape. Paints provided, bring your own apron to protect clothing. Register at the CalvART Gallery or call (410) 353-9252.

Charles Ball: A Living History Presentation: Vincent Leggett portrays Charles Ball, a

Sunday, Mar. 24 Deale Area Historical Society Open House: In conjunction with Maryland Day. Reenactments, genealogy, and activities for all ages. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Herrington Harbour North Marina, 389 Deale Rd. (Rt. 256), Tracy’s Landing. Help our farmers, watermen, housewives, and students with their daily chores at our 19th Century Historic Village. Churn butter and crank the ice cream freezer. Sample Depression Cake and take home a recipe.

Help our housewives do their “fancy work.”

Students, learn to read and recite at the one room school. Connect with your War of 1812 ancestors. Chat with a tobacco farmer and a waterman. When the chores are finished, attend church or a Beneficial Society meeting. Refreshments will be available.

“Catch of the Bay - a Waterman’s Journey” at the Maryland Day observance at the Captain Avery Museum. Harvesting the fruits of the Bay is the challenge of the watermen, and guests will hear first hand from three Shady Side commercial watermen and their wives who work the water for their livelihood. Starting at 1:30 p.m., representing clamming, crabbing, oystering and fishing, the three couples will describe how they get their “catch of the Bay.” At 3:00 p.m. presenters give talks and demonstrations. Some live “water critters” will also be on display. From 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., children’s activities include trying on some watermen’s gear, naming a boat, painting shells, identifying different “catches,” a treasure hunt, and tasting gummy fish. Free. The Museum is located at 1418 EW Shady Side Road in Shady Side.

Summer Camp Fair 2013: Looking for something fun and rewarding for your children this summer? Come explore the variety of summer camps offered in our area.

From 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Calvert Library Prince Frederick. Free!

Armory Road Project: Want to find out about the major construction project planned for Armory Road in Prince Frederick? Plan to attend an open house tonight beginning at 6:30 p.m. Details on page 3 of this issue of the Chesapeake Current…

Wednesday, Mar. 27 Winter Interludes Concert: Singer/ songwriter Matthew Baron (MHB) brings his talent to the Calvert stage. MHB blends healthy doses of blues, reggae, hip-hop, funk and rock to create a feel-good toasty fire to warm your winter night. At Calvert Library Prince Frederick at 7;00 p.m. Free!

Thursday, Mar. 28

Little Minnows: Outrageous Otters! Some otters like to spend all their lives at sea while others roam along the riverbanks and like to slide in the snow. Can you tell the difference between a river otter and a sea otter? Come watch these playful animals and get to know them better. Includes a story, games, crafts.

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Calvert Marine Jr. Girl Scout Badge Program “In the Museum at Solomons. Fee is $4 for members, Wind”: This program is offered from 1:00 $5 for non-members. p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Calvert Marine Museum at Solomons.

Fee $11; Women's History Film: Iron Jawed Angels: pre-registration is required. Call (410) Defiant young activists take the women's 326-2042 x41 for more information and to suffrage movement by storm, putting their register. lives at risk to help American women win the right to vote. Commemorate the 100th Chesapeake Beach Amusement Park Chat: Anniversary of the DC Women's Suffrage At North Beach Town Hall, 8916 Parade. Co-sponsored by the League of Chesapeake Ave., North Beach at 2:00 p.m. Women Voters and Calvert Commission for Several locals who grew up in between 1946 Women. 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Calvert Library to 1972 will be leading an informal Prince Frederick. Free! discussion about their memories of the park.

Please plan to attend and share your memories and photos as well. If you never Fri. Mar. 29 – Sat. Mar. 30 experienced the park, this will be an opportunity to learn about the family fun Bunny Run Railroad: Cute Easter-oriented that has always been a tradition in the Twin model train display at Tans Cycles Parts in Beaches. Sponsored by the Friends of the North Beach, 5th & Chesapeake Ave. Fri: Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum and the 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sat. 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free; families with kids invited.

Bayside History Museum. Free admission.

Chesapeake Current

Jellyfish: Join an interpreter by the jellyfish exhibit at the Calvert Marine Museum at Solomons to get a look at these fascinating creatures. Free with museum admission, fifteen-minute programs starting on the top of every hour from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Poetry Open Mic Happy Hour: at the CalvArt Gallery in Prince Frederick from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. featuring Michael S. Glaser, Poet Laureate of Maryland from August 2004 to 2009. A Professor Emeritus at St. Mary’s College of Maryland where he served as both a professor and an administrator for nearly 40 years, Glaser will read his original works after social time with hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

Calvert High School sophomore Andrea Kelson will open for Glaser. All local poets are welcome to share their poems or prose in the open mic session afterward.

Saturday, Mar. 30 Easter Eggstravaganza: At Dunkirk Baptist Church. 10:00 a.m. – noon. Pictures with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, crafts, story time, and snacks for all children birth through 5th grade.

Dunkirk Baptist Church, 11275 S. MD Blvd.

Dunkirk.

Email: office@dunkirkbaptist church.org for more info.

Annual Fossil Egg Hunt: At the Calvert Marine Museum at Solomons beginning at 10:30 a.m. Look for eggs with real fossils inside hidden. For children age 3 to 8, divided into two age groups. Please bring your own basket for collecting eggs. Participants may keep the fossils! FREE with museum admission.

Be more successful! Let the Chesapeake Current help you promote your non-profit group’s event!

Email complete details along with contact info at least three weeks in advance to editor@ChesapeakeCurrent.com.

We also give non-profits deep discounts on sharp, colorful display ads to attract even more attention! Call for details! (410) 867-0103.

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