Chesapeake Current 121511

Current Chesapeake

December 15, 2011

Priceless

Proudly Serving Calvert and Anne Arundel Counties

O’Donnell WILL Challenge Hoyer See Page 2

Area Students Honor Military See Page 14

How To Give The Gift of Music See Page 21

Merry Christmas!

Inside: Our Annual Buy Local Gift Guide!

Photo by Cheryl Emery

Page 12

BUY LOCAL - BUY BBG Visit the businesses listed below for the best in local products and services:

Late Breaking News!

The Chesapeake Current has learned that Maryland House Minority Leader Anthony “Tony” O’Donnell has decided to challenge U.S. 5th Congressional District Representative Steny Hoyer in 2012. Scan the Current Code to see O’Donnell’s announcement.

O’Donnell has been a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing areas of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties since 1995, and has served as Minority Leader since 2007. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer has represented Maryland’s fifth congressional district, which includes our area, since 1981.

On the Cover

Buying Local is so much more than a catch phrase. In this economy, locally-owned businesses need your support.

Instead of going to the malls, Big Box stores, or out of our area to shop, we sincerely hope you will consider buying more of your gifts locally this Christmas. This issue of the Chesapeake Current is packed with great ideas! Cover Story Page 12. Cover photo by Cheryl Emery.

The Gift Of Music

How long have you wanted to play an instrument?

Make it your New Year’s resolution to finally do it! For plenty of good reasons why giving the gift of music is a great idea, see this issue’s Music Notes column by Nick Garrett on page 21.

Also Inside

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Thursday, December 15, 2011 Chesapeake Current

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Community On The Water Taking Care of Business Community Cover Story Education Letters In Remembrance Business Directory Music Notes Out & About

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Giving Back Did you know that right now, over ten thousand families in Calvert County rely on local food pantries to provide their next meal?

That’s one in nine of us. End Hunger In Calvert County is a nonprofit organization whose name and mission are one in the same: end hunger in Calvert County. 100% of all public donations stay right here in Calvert County helping the most needy residents. Visit their web site at www.endhungercalvert.org and make a donation, or give through one of the many local churches involved in the project.

The North Beach Loop Businesses are hosting a Food & Coats Drive through December 20. Please bring non-perishable items and gently used warm clothing to participating business members of the North Beach Loop. Everything collected will be donated to the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Ladies of Charity Food Pantry.

The local Marine Corps Toys For Tots program is seeing increased demand this year because of the difficult economy. Look on their web site at www.toysfortots.org for locations where you can drop off new toys in their original packaging, or make an online donation. Contact Navy Reservist Jerry Kepich of Chesapeake Beach at (301) 379-1557 for more information.

that’s the history of where our Christmas lights came from!”

In nearby North Beach, several years ago, Abigail Francisco went to parents of her dance students to get money for lights along the boardwalk. That first year, she raised $1,200 to put strands of lights on some of the Crape Myrtles.

This year, the Town of North Beach purchased $64,485 of lights and displays designed by Abigail with economic development funds collected from beach fees from out of town guests. ¬The display includes arches along the boardwalk and pier, penguins and swans, bears, snowmen, and Christmas trees.

But already Grinches have struck.

Abigail says over 200 bulbs have been replaced, stolen from their sockets! Two of the oversized candy canes were thrown into the bay (fortunately, they could be repaired and put back in place), and at least one of the new, lighted animals has disappeared.

If anyone sees vandals messing around with the new North Beach displays, they’re asked to report them to authorities immediately.

The North Beach House & Garden Club’s Christmas Lights Contest will be judged on December 18 after 7:00 p.m., so get out and decorate! There are three categories: homes, townhomes and businesses. The winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the January Town Council meeting.

Chesapeake Village glows with luminarias Saturday, December 17 (rain date Sunday, December 18).

your message displayed. Advertise your business, display your family name, send a greeting, or honor the memory of a loved one.

For more info, call Jim Parent at Chesapeake Beach Town Hall at (410) 257-2230.

Holiday Trains On December 22, the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum in Chesapeake Beach will once again share the classic children's story "The Polar Express" with two readings: one at 6:00 p.m. and the other at 6:45 p.m. at the Museum on Mears Avenue, next to the Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa. Following the reading of the story, children and parents will board the Beach Trolley for a ride around town to see the winners of the Brightest Beacon on the Bay Contest!

Tans Cycles and Parts puts together incredible Lionel model train displays for the holidays, thru January 14. They’re open weekdays 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.; December 24 Ho ho ho! During the annual North Beach House & and 31, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.; December 27 Garden Club’s Santa on the Beach event, elf (Jean thru 30, 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. Free. Tans is located at 9032 Chesapeake Avenue in North Rupard), Santa (Guy Stone), Mrs. Claus (Norma Beach.

Jean Smith), and elf Jena McNeill delight the kids.

Luminarias Brighten The Night A new tradition in Chesapeake Beach is the Chesapeake Village Luminarias! Visit on the evening of Saturday, December 17 (rain date is December 18) for the dazzling spectacle. It’s located off Route 261/Plum Point Road and the entrance to the neighborhood is opposite the entrance to Brownie’s Beach/Bayfront Park.

Last year, there were over 1,250 luminarias throughout the community and this year they are planning for nearly 2,000!

This is definitely something to take in during the holiday season!

The stunning photo of the luminarias in Chesapeake Village is courtesy of resident Karen Cooper. It’s a beautiful neighborhood effort that your entire family is sure to enjoy!

Abigail Francisco on the boardwalk with the new Buy A Local Tree The North Beach Christmas light display she planned for the town.

Old and New Traditions The Town of Chesapeake Beach is once again holding its Annual Brightest Beacon on the Bay Contest for decorated homes, townhomes, businesses or boats. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded by "Mother Christmas" (former Town Councilwoman Jo Finch) prior to the Town Council Meeting on Thursday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. Adding to the magic of the evening will be a performance by Abigail Francisco's School of Classical Ballet.

Finch truly is Chesapeake Beach’s “Mother Christmas.”

She tells the Chesapeake Current that 22 years ago, she went to then-Mayor Gerald Donovan and told him she wanted to, “brighten up the town. He told me that whatever I could come up with, the town would match. That first year, I raised $22,000 – and the town gave another $22,000 - so

Volunteer Fire Department is selling Christmas trees as a fundraiser. Take your pick: all trees are $40.

A Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Directory is available from the Maryland Christmas Tree Association, listing all of the dozens of farms around the state where families can harvest their own Christmas trees. View the directory by visiting www.marylandchristmastrees.org.

Also, you may have noticed the new Christmas trees lining Route 260 coming into Chesapeake Beach. The Town is sponsoring a Festival of Trees for the first time this year, and they hope it will become an annual event.

Chesapeake Beach is launching a Festival of Trees, which it hopes will be an annual event.

To participate, you can secure your lit and decorated eight-foot Norway Spruce exhibited within Chesapeake Beach Town limits during the holiday season for $300, which includes one 18" x 24" full color, holiday sign installed beside your tree with

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, December 15, 2011

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By Lyn Striegel

Your Money Matter$

other investment choices you have. Avoid the temptation to take this “easy” way out.

Putting all your investment eggs into one stock is simply silly and can lead to disastrous results if the company goes bankrupt or suffers a loss in its stock price. The way to handle risk appropriately is to use the adage “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” This is otherwise known as asset allocation and we’ll discuss this again later, but clearly if you diversify and choose different investments, one investment may go bankrupt while another may outperform your expectations.

More Investing 101 People use the phrase” expected rate of return.” The U.S. government securities are the most stable in the world—when the government says it’s going to pay you 5% interest Last issue, we told you about debt securities, specifically bonds. If you missed it, look for and give you your principal back in five years, you can rely on this as a virtual certainty. the article online at www.ChesapeakeCurrent.com along with others in our Live Secure series. Since government securities are virtually risk free, they pay a low rate of interest. In other This issue, let’s go over some other types of investments and additional important words, your investment return decreases as the risk of loss decreases—a low risk of loss means lower returns on your investment. Expected rate of return has little meaning applied need-to-know lingo.

Annuities: These are contracts with an insurance company. The insurance company to other investments. Mutual funds, by law, can only state past performance and cannot invests your money and promises to pay you interest and principal after a period of time, predict future performance—you can find out what the rate of return of a particular mutual usually in fixed installments, for your lifetime. When you buy an annuity, you are investing fund has been on the web sites of most popular mutual funds or brokerage firms over the after-tax dollars. The growth that occurs in your investments inside the annuity is not taxed past ten years, but no one can predict what the rate of return will be in the future.

Cash and Cash Equivalent Investments. Cash includes the crinkly stuff and until you start making withdrawals of the money. Most people hope to be retired and in a lower tax bracket at that time. You can purchase fixed-rate or variable-rate annuities. cash-equivalent investments. These are investments that combine high quality with Investing through an annuity means relying on the insurance company to do what is required liquidity (the ability to sell off quickly) such as short-term interest bearing securities and deposit accounts. These investments provide safety of principal and current interest. and to be there for you when you retire.

Dollar Cost Averaging: Many people invest a fixed amount of money into particular Certificates of deposit, money market deposit accounts, and Series EE government bonds investments at regular intervals. For example, each time she gets paid, Joan invests a are cash-equivalent instruments that may be purchased at a bank. The Federal Deposit percentage of her paycheck in IBM stock. Sometimes, her fixed amount buys her more shares, Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures bank passbook savings accounts, money market sometimes less, depending on the price of IBM shares at the time. Her strategy is called dollar deposit accounts and certificates of deposit up to a maximum of $250,000 per account. For credit unions, there is similar government sponsored insurance. If you want to obtain cost averaging.

Capital Gains. When you buy a security at a low price and sell it at a high price, you FDIC deposit insurance for more than $250,000, you must open another account titled in must pay tax on the difference. If you buy and sell within one year, the money you make a different way since the insurance follows the title on each account.

Series EE bonds or savings bonds are purchased at 50% of the face amount of the bond becomes ordinary income to you and is taxed at ordinary income tax rates. If you buy in one (from $50 to $10,000), limited to $30,000 face value per year for any one person. The year and sell in the next, the money you make is taxed at a lower capital gains level of 20%.

Investment Returns. Investments involve risk. To evaluate investment returns, you bonds increase in value based on a floating rate of interest equal to 85% of the average need to know something about risk. Most people mistakenly avoid risk by sticking with return on 5-year U.S. Treasury securities. These securities can’t be redeemed before six something they know, which is not always good advice. For example, if you have a choice in months, meaning you have to leave your money in for at least that length of time. No your employer-sponsored 401(k) plan of picking your employer’s stock as an investment, you Federal tax is required to be paid on the interest until you sell the bond. And, if you use the may be tempted to choose only that stock as your investment and avoid learning about the proceeds to pay college tuition, you may not have to pay any tax on the interest income.

Money market mutual funds are not FDIC insured. Because of this, they pay a higher rate of interest than the bank insured cash-equivalent investments. However, due to the regulations governing the makeup and disclosure required of money market mutual funds, investments in these funds are considered to be secure and therefore cash equivalent.

Securities that are held in a money market mutual fund portfolio generally have a “term to maturity” of 30-90 days. This means the securities are of short “duration” and the ratings on the securities are high. These investments are obtained from mutual funds companies.

Your bank also may have such funds available for investment.

Have a question about Money Matters? Email legalstriegel123@yahoo.com.

Next issue: Mutual Funds About the Author: Lyn Striegel is an attorney in private practice in North 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.

Showstoppers Got Talent Two acts from The Showstoppers, the South Anne Arundel County Senior Center's performing troupe, recently submitted a videotaped audition to the NBC series "America's Got Talent."

The group's director, Joanne DeWilde, was contacted in November by a representative of the show, inviting the group to audition in the recently held Washington, D.C., auditions. Unable to make that date, the performers were encouraged to submit a videotape. The audition results are not yet available.

The performing group began in 2007 under the direction of tap dance instructor Vicki Smith.

The seniors range in age from 60 to 86 and offer a variety show with dancing, singing, comedy and fun entertainment. Among the costumed performers are guitar players, belly dancers, singers, joke tellers, and tap dancers. They have presenting a minimum of two free shows and as many as five shows a month for four years at a variety of venues. They regularly appear at local nursing homes, other senior residences, and community events.

For booking information, contact Joanne DeWilde at (410) 798-8171.

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Thursday, December 15, 2011 Chesapeake Current

Clark Gets State Appointment

By Susan Shaw President, Calvert County Board of Commissioners

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has appointed Calvert County Commissioner Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark to an interim position on the state Critical Area Commission. Clark’s membership becomes official upon confirmation by the Maryland Senate during the upcoming General Assembly session.

Clark represents Calvert County on the commission and fills a position that had been vacant since June 30. Clark’s four-year term begins retroactively to July 1 and he may serve up to two terms.

“It is an honor to be nominated as one of Southern Maryland’s representatives on the Critical Area Commission,” said Clark. “As a peninsula, Calvert County is deeply invested in the health of Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The work of the Critical Area Commission directly impacts our residents living and working on our waterways. I hope to make a positive contribution to this important body.”

The Critical Area Commission, comprised of 29 voting members, was created by the 1984 Critical Area Act. The commission reviews and approves all changes to the Critical Area programs of local jurisdictions. It also reviews and approves all development projects in the Critical Area on state land.

The Critical Area Act identified the "Critical Area" as all land within 1,000 feet of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The goals of the law include minimizing the adverse impacts on water quality that result from runoff pollutants; conserving wildlife and plant habitat in the Critical Area; and establishing Critical Area land use policies that accommodate growth while protecting natural resources.

Ethical and Above Board Recently, the criminal cases of former Prince Georges County Executive Jack Johnson and his wife, Councilmember Leslie Johnson, have been in the news. How did the so-called “pay to play” culture of corruption develop in Prince George’s County and then continue for so long?

At the very beginning of the problem someone should have filed an ethics complaint before the behavior escalated to the criminal level. Is this what would have happened in Calvert County? I hope so.

Calvert County has an Ethics Commission comprised of citizen members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

There is also a state Ethics Commission, from whom the local Ethics Commission can seek advice. The role of the Calvert County Ethics Commission (CCEC) is first to provide advice, training, and counsel to County employees and County elected officials to try to prevent any ethics issues. When asked for advice, the CCEC may issue an advisory opinion that is available to other employees who may have the same or similar questions.

Employees, elected officials, and many Board and Commission members are required to fill out a financial disclosure statement at the beginning of each calendar year. The CCEC reviews these forms and follows up to clarify any apparent conflict of interest.

In the last Maryland Legislature, an updated state ethics bill was passed with new, strengthened requirements that counties pass similar local legislation. Our local CCEC had already been working on a re-write of our local ethics code. Using the guidance of the new state ethics law, the CCEC has presented some draft ethics ordinances to the BOCC. I have been disappointed to learn that the updated state code still sets the gift limit for reporting at $20, which I see as being too low. If someone bakes a fellow employee a birthday cake, that cake could be worth more than $20.

The employee must report all gifts that have a value of more than $20.

I see the first role of the CCEC as being to address conflicts of interest and perceived conflicts of interest. What is the difference between an actual and a perceived conflict of interest? Very little. If it looks like self-dealing, it probably is self-dealing. The second role is to address undue influence.

Judging undue influence can be tricky, because perhaps the individual just made an error in judgment or a mistake that benefits a particular party without any undue influence from anyone or any benefit to self.

If the CCEC suspects a bigger problem that might rise to the level of criminal behavior, they refer their suspicions to the State’s Attorney’s Office for further investigation.

As part of the current update of the Calvert County Ethics Code, the CCEC requested subpoena power. Later, they modified the request to one for summons power. This request is controversial. An appointed Ethics Commission is not a court. It turns out that, so far, no one has ever failed to appear at a CCEC inquiry when requested to do so. However, in some instances, individuals have failed to bring requested documents and have declined to answer some questions. That happens even in court. Should this type of judicial power be extended to the appointed citizens of the CCEC? What about due process and privacy rights? Stay tuned as the BOCC continues to weigh the pros and cons on the way to a new Ethics Code.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, December 15, 2011

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Huntingtown Club Raises Thousands for Kids

The Red Knights Motorcycle Club Maryland 4 met at K-Mart in Prince Frederick on Saturday, December 10 to spend over $4,000 buying gifts for children involved with the social services system of Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.

The money was raised by the club by holding “boot drives” over two Saturdays in November along Route 4 in Prince Frederick.

“We would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to all the people who stopped and gave what they could,” said Chapter president Al Billings “Without their generosity this would not be possible.”

During the collections, the group was accompanied by Santa Claus, riding his Red Harley Davidson motorcycle with a bag full

of goodies on the back, and took time to take pictures with kids that came by to visit. The “elves” and Santa handed out candy canes to motorists.

Stacey Welling, the club Quartermaster has been working for months on the planning of this years’ event with Social Services departments.

“The departments gave us a list with the age and gender of over 87 children ranging in age from six months to 17 years who are involved with their agencies this year,” he said. Stacey took it a step further by even negotiating additional discounts from K-Mart and scheduled the shopping for a day that a sale that would maximize the amount of gifts that could be purchased.

Along with the store manager and several employees, they spent over five hours filling the lists.

“K-Mart helped a huge amount and kicked in a $400 gift card,” said Stacey.

Thirteen carts were overflowing when it came time to load up the sleigh and take it to the ‘wrapping shop,’ where the members stayed on duty until almost 9:00 p.m., sorting and bagging the gifts. Each child will also receive a stocking that is filled with goodies and a card,

as well as a nice winter hat and gloves.

“One gentleman with a very big heart even stopped us in the store and handed us a fifty dollar bill to add to the shopping,” said Treasurer Kim Welling. “After all the discounts and donations are added together, we will be getting over $5,400 in gifts.”

On Friday, December 16 the club will deliver the ribbon wrapped bags to the agencies for them to ensure Christmas delivery to the kids.

Treasurer Kim Welling says, “We are a 501C-3 non-profit, for anyone wanting to make donations please feel free to visit our website (www.rkmcmd4.com).”

Red Knights Maryland Chapter 4 was founded in 2003 and is comprised of local firefighters (present and past) and their families from 15 to 75 years old.

Police Blotter Calvert County Sheriff’s Department Reports: Thefts Someone stole a 12’ by 20’ white canopy tent worth $1,200 from a worksite on 17th Street near the bay in Chesapeake Beach. The theft occurred sometime between December 4 and 5.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DFC R. Kreps at (410) 535-2800.

A victim advised DFC J. Windsor that someone had stolen her wallet out of her purse while she shopped at the Prince Frederick Giant on December 9 at 3:33 p.m. The suspect(s) then used the victim’s credit card at a nearby store to charge $1,800 in merchandise. Anyone with information is asked to contact DFC Windsor at (410) 535-2800.

Unknown suspect(s) stole stainless steel and metal objects from the yard of a home on Buckler Road in Huntingtown on December 10 between 11:00 a.m. and noon. Metal car ramps, a Summit tree stand, and metal trellises were among the items taken. DFC D. Deakins is investigating.

Burglary Someone burglarized a home on Chavez Lane in Chesapeake Beach sometime between December 5 and 11 and stole about 80 feet of copper piping that was currently in use in the house. An unknown tool was used to cut the pipe. Dep. J. Parsons is investigating.

CDS Violation Dep. C. Fox contacted the driver of a vehicle that had been called in to the Calvert Control Center on November 28 at 8:34 a.m. It appeared the driver was slumped over the wheel of the vehicle while it was in the turn lane near Town Center Blvd. in Dunkirk. Cpl. M. McCarroll tried to open the door but it was locked. He knocked numerous times on the windows of the vehicle and the driver woke up and drove into the BP gas station near the car wash. He initially would not open the door or window but finally did. Ryan Daniel Mullen, 27, of Dunkirk, was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and possession of marijuana.

Theft from Vehicle Over $1,400 in property was stolen from an unlocked vehicle outside a home on Stella Drive in Huntingtown between midnight and 2:00 p.m. on December 4. Some of the items are a Tom Tom GPS, i-Pod touch, Oakley sunglasses, i-Pod Nano, Bose headphones, and a Slime air compressor. Dep. R. Kampf is continuing the investigation.

State Police Barrack U Reports: Burglaries Sr. Trooper Gill responded to the Running Hare Vineyard in Prince Frederick for a reported burglary on December 3 at 2:00 p.m. The business was entered after hours and money was stolen from the cash register. Investigation continues.

Trooper First Class Sorenson responded to the 11800 block of Crown Dr. in Dunkirk for a reported burglary on November 30 at 3:03 p.m. A home was broken into and four electric guitars were stolen. Investigation continues.

Destruction of Property Sr. Trooper Gill responded to the EZ Thai Restaurant in Prince Frederick for a destruction of property complaint on December 3 at 1:28 a.m. Unknown suspect(s) cracked the plate glass front window of the business. Investigation continues.

Possession of Marijuana Trooper Costello stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on Main St. near Armory Rd. in Prince Frederick on November 27 at 4:09 p.m. Lesley R. Campbell, 30, of Prince Frederick, was found to be in possession of marijuana. He was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

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Thursday, December 15, 2011 Chesapeake Current

Maryland Rockfish Season Comes To A Close

By Bob Munro By the time you read this, the 2011 Rockfish Season in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay will have run its course, ending December 15.

It's been an interesting season for recreational anglers everywhere in the Bay, with Mother Nature dealing out record amounts of rainfall even before two tropical storms paid us a visit. Salinity levels remained low throughout the season, often reaching less than half of "normal" levels. More fresh water seems to retard the movement of species like Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish up the Bay. And more fresh water is not good for oysters growing farther up the Bay from the Twin Beaches.

Fishing for Norfolk Spot was inconsistent at best. Spot normally become common visitors to our area by early June and remain throughout the summer, but one day there were catchable numbers in the Choptank River mouth, and hardly any in the same place the next day. Croaker fishing, primarily an evening activity, was also inconsistent. White Perch fishing, however, was good, especially in the Holland Point area. And Spanish Mackerel, normally with us from late July through September, became very scarce following Tropical Storm Irene at the end of August, just when their numbers normally peak.

Livelining Spot for Rockfish was difficult this year, primarily because it was often a challenge to catch the Spot.

Consequently, some fishermen went back to chumming for Rockfish with Razor Clams, which worked well if you could find a source for clams. October skies over the Choptank River, normally filled with huge flocks of gulls and terns over schools of bait (and fish), were relatively clear when compared to the last few years. Some speculated that most of the "summertime" Rockfish stayed farther upriver for whatever reason.

The fall run of big Rockfish was delayed no doubt by warm ocean water temperatures. When the big fish showed up later in November (weeks later than "normal"), their numbers were relatively unimpressive.

However, you couldn't convince the young boy in the photo with his dad holding a big Rockfish that fishing was tough! Look at the smile of pride on his face. Do you think he'll ever forget that fish?

Running out of holiday gift ideas for that special fisherman in your life? Consider a gift certificate from a local tackle shop!

Speaking of tackle, lubricate your reels and back off the drags before you store them for the winter. A little preventive maintenance now will be worth it next spring.

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.

Outboard Racing Info Sought The Calvert Marine Museum is compiling information on the history of outboard racing in Southern Maryland for a future exhibit.

The sport of outboard racing was very popular in this area for years following World War II, but faded away in the 1980s. In order to record this history, the museum is interested in talking to Charles County residents who raced, particularly members of the Southern Maryland Boat Club, or to anyone familiar with the races.

In 1966, the Aqua-Land Marathon, sponsored by the Prop Riders of the Potomac, attracted top-notch drivers from throughout the mid-Atlantic region, and drew thousands of spectators. The same year, on Labor Day weekend, Cobb Island held its first American Power Boat Association (APBA) sanctioned race. APBA races were subsequently held at Cobb Island from 1967 to 1969. In 1974, two APBA sanctioned races were held at Sweden Point Marina, now part of Smallwood State Park.

In addition to further information on these and any other Charles County races, the museum is interested in copying any programs, race photos or film footage. If you can help in any way please contact Richard Dodds at (410) 326-2042 ext. 31 or email at doddsrj@co.cal.md.us. All assistance will be gratefully acknowledged.

Happy Holidays from the

Thank you for your support in 2010 and 2011... we look forward to even greater things in 2012.

Look for our next issue on Thursday, January 5, 2012.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, December 15, 2011

7

New Restaurant With A High Tech Background

By Brian McDaniel

Olde Bay Tavern

Doug & Colleen McClair.

How do you go from network engineer to food enthusiast?

The story of the Olde Bay Tavern Restaurant & Trading Company, located at 4114 7th Street in North Beach, is one of patience. When Doug McClair, co-owner of the restaurant, met his future wife when she interviewed him for a network engineer position 23 years ago, the two had no idea that one day they would open a landmark for local dining. How could they imagine it with all of their computer work at the White House, Pentagon and other Federal responsibilities? This high-tech couple was busy and didn’t have anytime to focus on a restaurant. What they did have were great personalities, excellent computer skills, and a strong grasp on customer service. These ingredients, mixed with their knowledge and love of food preparation, were their foundation.

Before they became engineers, Doug and Colleen grew up in the restaurant business.

Doug worked as a dessert chef for a dinner theater and Colleen worked in the Marriott system. Knowing their background, now it all makes sense.

While at the North Beach Friday Night Farmers’ Market, they noticed that the Bilvil Restaurant building was for sale, and they jumped on it. Doug and Colleen worked around the clock to get it open for business.

At a glance, the Olde Bay Tavern is a quaint little get-away where you can relax and enjoy a fantastic meal. Of course, since the owners are “techies” you can bring your laptop because they have free WiFi. On nice days, you can sit out on the porch area and enjoy the bay breeze while you snack on their incredible crab cakes.

On a side note, they make their own honey mustard. That may not seem important to some but it’s definitely a plus in my book! Having eaten there myself, it’s important to point out that upon entering the restaurant, my family and I were greeted with that familiar local friendliness that you can only find in small towns like ours.

These new Bay Business Group members saw a need in our community for fresh homemade cooking at a price that is comparable to dining at other local restaurants. They use fresh ingredients, and the fries are Doug’s own recipe from long ago.

You will want to check out their website and of course, the menu on your own.

Whether it’s Italian or surf & turf, you will find it at the Olde Bay Tavern. After you dine with them you can leave your car where it is and take a walk on the boardwalk. Doug and Colleen have provided a local solution for tourists and residents to simply get away without going far at all.

Starting this Saturday, Olde Bay Tavern will open for breakfast from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Doug and Colleen work hard, along with their friendly staff, to make everyone’s visit memorable. To them, it’s not work at all because they love what they do and enjoy serving the local community.

Hey, breakfast this Saturday anyone?

About the Author: Brian “Crow” McDaniel is the owner of Crow Entertainment, LLC. 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 (BBG).

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Thursday, December 15, 2011 Chesapeake Current

Golf Goats: Not A Baaad Thing!

A Unique Business Partnership

Green Contractor Honored

M

ark “Doc” Grace, owner of Mellomar Golf Park in Lower Marlboro is teaming up with Mary Bowen of Prosperity Acres, a beef and goat farmer in Sunderland, to create a true win-win business arrangement pairing golf – and goats!

In the world of golf course maintenance, two of the biggest expenses on the balance sheet are labor and chemicals. In the world of goat raising and breeding, there’s always need for more grazing land and larger herds. So these two local businesses are pairing up to make this come together at Mellomar Golf Park.

“What we have here is basically a free lease agreement,” explains Grace. “My situation is the need to control unwanted vegetation in certain areas of the golf course. But the times being what they are, and budget restrictions hindering my ability to adequately address this problem, Mary’s goats are the answer. They willingly work evenings and weekends and aren’t aware of any scheduled holidays!”

Tee one up on any given day at Mellomar an you’ll come across the herd,

dutifully munching, gnawing, and trimming back the underbrush that restricts much needed air circulation around the turf.

“My farm needed room to expand,” explains Bowen, so when Doc came looking to purchase a couple of goats, we discovered our mutual needs and the arrangement was made. It all came together perfectly!”

It turns out this has become a win-win-win-win situation. Mellomar Golf Park has saved money in manpower and chemicals, and Prosperity Acres has found new grazing land to expand their herd. It really is a sight to see (just don’t touch the fence!)

Prosperity Acres is a family-owned beef and goat farm producing naturally-fed meats for their family and the community. Learn more at www.prosperityacres.com.

Mellomar Golf Park consists of a driving range, a nine-hole par three course, and a regulation length nine-hole course. Visit their web site at www.mellomar.com.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, on behalf of the Calvert County Citizens Green Team, presented Absolute Quality Contractors of Prince Frederick with the Sustainable Business of the Year Award at a recent meeting in appreciation of its contributions toward a more sustainable community.

Absolute Quality Contractors (AQC) is a general contractor, custom builder and remodeling company that has served Southern Maryland for more than 15 years.

Owner and President Wayne Tabor personally oversees each AQC project and ensures the highest quality materials are used.

AQC earned the sustainability award by specializing in many “green” services including photovoltaic solar and thermal solar installations, radiant heat, metal roofs and even rain barrel installation. AQC is also building Calvert County’s first straw bale home in Port Republic. This earth-friendly type of construction traces its roots back to 1890s Nebraska. Straw bales are a natural and renewable building material with very high insulation values. A typical straw bale wall is approximately three times as efficient as conventional framing. Building with bales

Calvert County Commissioner Steve Weems, left, presents the 2011 Sustainable Business of the Year Award to Wayne and Karen Tabor of AQC Inc.

also reduces the amount of lumber used and therefore the number of trees consumed in typical construction.

The Calvert County Citizens Green Team, sponsor of the Sustainable Business of the Year Award, is a group of county residents and business owners working to promote sustainable practices in the community. The team coordinates the annual Calvert County Green Expo.

Another Beach Business Says Goodbye The 6th business since last November is leaving North Beach.

Cathreen Benny, owner of Chez Elle, a trendy, upscale fashion boutique on Bay Avenue next to the North Beach post office, says she has decided not to renew her lease. She tells the Chesapeake Current, “I will be relocating my store, in March at the earliest and in June at the latest. I’m looking at space in several locations now, and will announce where I’m moving to once my plans are finalized.”

Benny adds, “I want to thank my customers who have been so loyal, who are really like my family. I hate to give up my eight-minute commute, and I will continue to live here – this is my community. I’m just moving my business, looking for new opportunity.”

Benny is a resident of nearby Chesapeake Beach. Chez Elle has been in North Beach for three years.

Other businesses that have left North Beach since last November include Bilvil, then Coffee, Tea & Whimsy, SeaScapes, Richard’s Bayside Florist Cathreen Benny, owner of Chez Elle. and Beach Combers hair salon.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, December 15, 2011

9

How To Fix Christmas

A

celebration of both Pagan and Catholic rites came to be combined to be a Christmas celebration.

This idea was projected in Victorian England but was losing its heart as a major celebration, if at the time it had really been considered as one.

Enter Charles Dickens a known literary great of the early Victorian period. Already famous for his writings of Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby, Dickens was at a point in his life known as writing block. He had no ideas and time was running out to satisfy his literary agents.

Dickens had created serial writing or as we know it today, the cliffhanger. His novels had been printed in monthly chapters in English magazines before being in printed book form. Mr. Dickens had been responsible for development of copyright laws to keep other printers from stealing and printing his works, and now he needed to fulfill his advance salary for his next book.

Because of the pain he felt from lack of ideas, he took to walking the streets of London in the late night hours searching for that idea that would satisfy his publishers.

London’s dark streets were very familiar to him, having grown up in poverty with his family and his father being in Debtors Prison. The family had become dependent on Charles, working as a boot black, in a run-down crumbling building near the river and filled with rats. Now not only the father but the entire family had taken residence in the prison and Dickens was the only one to buy their way out. The work of a boot black was an exhausting 12-hour day of labor, but later lent itself

By Sid Curl

to several of the plots that developed his early novels.

His walking amongst the darkened buildings in 1843, now married and with children of his own, gave him ideas for bringing to light the different forms of celebrations the lower class, and conjured up thoughts of holiday of ghosts and spirits just departing.

The old man of Christmas, but reversed, to be a miserly sort. Instead of providing good cheer, this man only showed distress and anger towards his fellow man. The invention of the spirits returning to incite revenge and lack of meaning showed what a waste this fellow Scrooge had allowed his life to become. The singing of carolers traveling from house to house to bring the joy, the cheerfulness of the seasonal celebration and the decorations of windows to view what enjoyment the lower-middle class still struggled to provide their families.

Dickens brought to light how many people experienced the holiday. His writing of the novel, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ became the best seller through the serial magazines and eventually in printed book form throughout England and revised the celebration to be more in form for all. The book traveled to America and helped a new nation add another holiday to its beginning list that allowed for a joined celebration.

‘Merry Christmas’ was the catch phrase that was first uttered in ‘A Christmas Carol’ as well as ‘Bah Humbug.’ Many good characters have been installed into our lives through plot of this Christmas story. And then there are the many films and theatrical productions that have been mounted to bring the tale to life.

10 Thursday, December 15, 2011 Chesapeake Current

Thanks to everyone who enjoyed the Twin Beach Players production of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ which just closed. More than 80 local child actors brought the story to life on our temporary stage at the North Beach Fire Station. We hope this production gave you and your family new inspiration for the season, and hope for 2012.

“God bless us, every one!”

About the Author: Sid Curl of Prince Frederick is President of the Twin Beach Players theatre group.

Locals In Scottish Christmas Walk Members of the Celtic Society of Southern Maryland march in the 41st annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, in Old Town Alexandria, VA on December 3. The Scottish Government, the Campagna Center and the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington DC sponsor this event featuring hundreds of burly men in kilts, the fresh scent of heather and the festive melody of bagpipes. More than 100 clans and pipe and drum bands from far and near with their faithful companions, the terriers and hounds participate in the spectacle.

Gift The Gift Of Fine Art At Medart Galleries

Paul McGehee Renowned artist Paul McGehee unveiled his newest work, Arlington House at the annual Holiday Open House at Medart Galleries in Dunkirk.

“It’s my job to record the once commonplace, least recorded events in history,” McGehee says. “This depicts the Custis-Lee Mansion and Robert E. Lee in 1861 in his final moments before leaving to go to Richmond to become a General in the Forces of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Lee never returned home again.”

As the Civil War raged on, the Custis-Lee Mansion fell into the hands of the Union Army. And with the number of dead mounting from the battlefields, and not enough space for proper burial, Union General Montgomery Meigs took 200 acres of the estate grounds for a cemetery.

Later, it became known as Arlington National Cemetery, and has become the final resting place for veterans of all services, and leaders such as John F. Kennedy and his brother, Bobby. To this day, Arlington House overlooks the hallowed grounds and Washington DC from high atop a hill above the Potomac River.

“Paul is not only our favorite artist, but a close friend of our family’s; a

friendship that has only deepened over the years”, says Teresa Schrodel, Gallery Director and Framing Designer. McGehee has been Medart’s featured artist at their annual Holiday Open House for over 15 years.

“This year we invited the art teacher, Carol Mangold, from Cardinal Hickey Academy, to exhibit art of her students. Mrs. Mangold selected two or three students from grades 1-8 from Cardinal Hickey’s student body. The kids have loved coming in to see their work and the work of their school mates,” Teresa adds.

Founded in the fall of 1997, Cardinal Hickey Academy, in Owings, MD, is a regional Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. Also on hand was the school’s music teacher Kathy Bone playing the piano and singing Christmas Carols with current and alumni students.

For more information contact Teresa Schrodel at (301) 855-4515, (410) 257-6616 or Teresa@medart galleries.com or Jenny Poudrier, Developement Director at Cardinal Hickey Academy (410) 286-0404 or chadevelopment@comcast.net.

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THE CLEAR CHOICE FOR YOUR VISION

Cardinal Hickey Academy’s music teacher Kathy Bone of North Beach plays piano as her students sing Christmas carols at Medart Galleries’ annual open house. Singers include Madeline Radosevic of Sunderland, Julianne Lynskey and her sister Nicole of Churchton, and 7th graders Marissa Laidley of Chesapeake Beach and Carmen Schrodel.

Visit Medart Galleries in Dunkirk Market Place Shopping Center (between Safeway and the new Petsmart) to view their extensive selection of artwork by Paul McGehee and other artists. Extended hours for Medart Galleries during the holidays is Monday – Friday 10-6:30; Saturday 10-4:30 and Sunday 12-3.

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Chesapeake Current

Thursday, December 15, 2011 11

Chesapeake Current Buy Local Gift Guide

On The

W

hat do you get that someone on your list who already has absolutely everything? Here are some very different – and local – ideas that could delight your special someone!

outdoor hot tubs! Call (800) 213-9438 for a gift certificate for that special loved one or to book your reservation and visit www.herringtonharbour.com for more information.

Beach Getaways Here on the Chesapeake Bay, we are blessed to have two of the most beautiful – and different – hotels to experience: Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa and the Inn at Herrington Harbour.

The Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa (CBRS) is a premier destination for travelers of all tastes, with luxury hotel accommodations and balconies directly overlooking the Chesapeake Bay and the Calvert Cliffs. On-site are a full-service spa, marinas with slip rentals and charter fishing, and two restaurants. Create memories for a day, weekend or lifetime for someone special during the holidays. Call (866) 312-5596 or visit their web site at www.chesapeakebeachresortspa.com.

On New Year’s Day, CBRS even plans to bring in an ice skating rink for one day only for a day of fun for the entire family. Even if you don’t skate, stop by between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. just to see it!

Located at Herrington Harbour (an Eco-Lifestyle Marina Resort) in Rose Haven, the Inn just this year opened two new, luxurious Beachfront Suites embracing the Arts and Crafts decor from the early 1900's with all of the modern conveniences of the 21st century. They feature spectacular Chesapeake Bay views beside a cozy fireplace, aromatherapy steam shower, Jacuzzi, full kitchen, patio/deck and much more. Also featured are guestrooms with rejuvenating

Original Art A great place to find fine art to enhance the home of anyone on your list is Medart Galleries in Dunkirk. They also stock a wide range of designer photo frames, jersey frames, and they do expert custom framing on-site. See the article on the previous page for more about the gallery. During December, for your convenience, Medart Galleries has extended hours.

They are open until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday so you can stop in on your way home from work and do some secret Santa shopping. They’re also open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and on Sundays from noon till 3:00 p.m. You can also visit them online at www.medartgalleries.com.

Give the gift of one-of-a-kind art at this year’s “Gifts for a Lifetime” show at the CalvArt Gallery at 110 S. Solomons Island Road (Between Sakura & Dream Weaver) in Prince Frederick. Stop by the Gallery anytime to view this wonderful show, which is a perfect Holiday shopping experience! They’re open 7-days-a-week in December!

A Few Of Her Favorite Things Dickinson Jewelers next to Safeway in Dunkirk and next to Nick’s in Prince Frederick has been making life sparkle since 1957. This year, they offer so many thoughtful ways to say, “I love you!” Whether you need a gift that will take her breath away or a little

something to tuck under the tree or in a stocking, you’ll find a beautiful selection and helpful staff at Dickinson Jewelers. This year’s hottest gifts include Pandora jewelry, inside-out diamond hoops and religious jewelry for men, women and children.

And… this year, Dickinson Jewelers’ “Let It Snow” event means that if it snows 3” more on New Year’s Eve, your holiday purchases will be free, really! Ask store for details. Dickinson Jewelers is open during the week from 10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m., Saturdays, 10:00 a. m. – 5:00 p.m. and the Sunday before Christmas, 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. You can find them on Facebook or www.dickinsonjewelers.com.

Golfer's Beam!! Call Doc and Peggy Grace at (410) 286 8212 or (410) 532-5030.

If you’re looking for something else completely different, Deale Umai Sushi House is another locallyowned business that offers gift certificates that the hard-to-buy-for on your list will love. The food is exceptional. Customers feel so much warmth and graciousness there. Deale Umai Sushi House is located at 657 Deale Rd., Deale, MD 20751. Phone: (410) 867-4433.

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Ask Dr. Maria Scott at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center if LASIK could be right for you – or a loved one! Their nationally known vision specialists offer an exceptional eye care experience, and top reviews from the thousands they’ve helped in over 20 years in practice. Call today to schedule your free LASIK consultation and receive $500 off bi-lateral LASIK. Offer expires January 31, 2012. Their phone number is (877) DR4-2020.

Holiday Spirits Need a gift for someone who’s into craft beers?

Stop by Roland’s of Chesapeake Station for an amazing selection of specialty beers, including those from Stone Brewing Company, New Belgian, and Firestone, which is the hottest new craft beer in Maryland! Roland’s also carries a nice selection of liquor gift sets and wines along with Christmas candies and homemade stuffed ham. Roland’s is located at 7875 Bayside Road in Chesapeake Beach.

A nice bottle of wine is always a thoughtful gift to bring to hosts and hostesses throughout the season – and beyond. Bay Wine & Spirits at 9100 Bay Avenue, A103 in North Beach is a charming and friendly local wine shop with a great selection, and also gift items as well, including festive designer wine sacks. Proprietor Sharon Hall is so knowledgeable and helpful. You’ll be glad you stopped in for some unique gift ideas. Also, pick up a bottle or bubbly (or two) for New Year’s Eve! Call Bay Wine & Spirits at (410) 257-0067.

Send Flowers A gift that’s always appropriate is a holiday floral arrangement. Karen’s of Calvert, located at 10680 Southern Md. Blvd. in Dunkirk is a local florist that can send beautiful arrangements for you anywhere your family or friends may be. Check out their web site www.karensflorist.net for the gorgeous Thomas Kinkade Christmas Caroler arrangement (which plays music and lights up), the Faith Hill Colors of Christmas Centerpiece, an adorable Deck The Halls Christmas tree, the Snow Flurries flower box, fruit baskets, holiday candles, wreaths, and so much more.

Or simply stop by and they will help you to decide!

Call Karen’s of Calvert at (301) 627-8303 or (410) 257-1411.

Support The Troops Sweet Dreams Candy Shoppe located at 4902 Saint Leonard Road, St. Leonard continues its Buy-ABag for the Troops program for the 6th year in a row.

Here’s how it works, according to owner Bonnie Blackwell, “Come to Sweet Dreams to purchase any candy or gift item for the troops. Nothing is too little.

It could be just one candy cane or lollipop. We put the item in Santa's bag and we ship it to two local soldiers, one from St. Leonard, one from Lusby. Names are available at the store. We write a letter to the soldiers and make a list of names of those who contributed, unless you want to remain anonymous. We have received some very heart warming letters back from soldiers in previous years. Please join us in this endeavor. It's a nice way for all of us to give back!”

For The Guys What better place than Sneade’s Ace Home Center in Owings and Lusby to find unique gifts – especially for the men on your list. Beyond Craftsman and DeWalt power tools, they offer some handy and sturdy Craftsman toolboxes and useful gadgets (like hands-free soap dispensers, and automatic coin sorters) that everyone will love. But not all for the guys, for the women on your list, look at Sneade’s for soy fragrance candles and Tervis tumblers. They even have Melissa and Doug crafts, plus art and learning puzzles and games. For bird lovers on your list, check out their aisle of very nice feeders and houses for all types of Holiday Shipping birds. See their ad on page 23 of this issue of the We encourage you to trust your holiday Chesapeake Current for additional gift ideas. shipping needs to two local experts.

Leanne and Rodney Githens of Dunkirk Pack Gift Certificates They’ll Love!

N Ship can help you not only get your packages to This year, buy the gift of golf! Gift Certificates at loved ones on time, they have all the packing supplies Mellomar Golf Park! Just four minutes off Route 4. you need to get it there in perfect condition. They’re For all who are pining to put on their spikes and set off located at 10302 Southern Maryland Blvd. (Safeway on that trek around the woodsy course one more Shopping Center) in Dunkirk. Phone: (410) time...or just hit a few golf balls off a driving range, 257-7008. when the weather holds off for a minute or so this The other is the UPS Store in Dunkirk, across winter, offer your athletic loved ones Mellomar Golf the street in the Giant/Walmart shopping center. They Park Gift Certificates. Mellomar has been "exceeding now do laminating, and wide formatting printing as all expectations of golfers for over ten years!" Give the well. They’re located at 10816 Town Center gift of an "unhurried, uncrowded golf experience" and Boulevard, Dunkirk. Call (410) 286-3940. see the happy look on your loved ones faces. That

12 Thursday, December 15, 2011 Chesapeake Current

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, December 15, 2011 13

Spotlight On

Pride & Joy

NOW FEATURING

Students Cater to Military Families

By Jenny Kellner

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Call (301) 737-6273 and we’ll pick up your items!

OPEN SATURDAYS FROM 9 AM – 4 PM WEDNESDAYS THROUGH FRIDAYS 10 AM – 5 PM 14 Thursday, December 15, 2011 Chesapeake Current

Having placed in the top ten of all schools nationally for their service to the community, Northern High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is now set on helping local military families. The school’s active FBLA chapter is under the direction of Advisor Nancy Cohen.

FBLA Vice-President Lauren Griffin, a NHS Senior, says, “We raise money every year and this year we decided to look for a way to help military members and their families.”

This year’s money was raised by offering a spaghetti dinner to the public that put over $3,000 into the pot.

These funds will be used to host several events for local military families.

The first event was a pizza dinner on December 2 at the Northeast Community Center. The families that attended seemed to enjoy the attention and recognition in addition to the pizza.

“It’s wonderful that they do this,” said Gary Jasper upon realizing that a student had planned the event. Mr. Jasper is in the Air Force and serves the nation at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling.

His wife, Erica, is stationed at Andrew’s Air Force Base as part of the 779th Medical Operations Squadron. This dual military family heard about the event through their son’s school newsletter. Dominic Jasper is in 2nd grade at Beach Elementary.

“Getting the word out to the families that might attend is our biggest challenge,” Lauren Griffin shared. “We have a connection at Andrew’s to share information and we send a notice to all of the local schools to go home with the students.”

The group is currently working to get the word out about one of their biggest planned events, a Christmas party for the military families. The event will be held on December 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Northeast Community Center in Chesapeake Beach. The evening will include dinner, a secret Santa, Bingo, story time, and crafts for the children. Their flyer reminds families

The Jasper family enjoys a pizza dinner planned

by Lauren Griffin (second from right) of Northern High School.

that the event is free of charge in order to “thank you for your involvement in the military.”

Lauren Griffin is hoping for a big turnout at the Christmas Party. She will then begin working on the spring events the club is hosting, which include a Valentine’s Dinner and a Mom’s Day Out with babysitting services. Lauren’s efforts are assisted by many members of the FBLA, including President Katie Cano and Historian Chelsea Accipiter.

On a personal note, when I spoke with retiring Northern principal George Miller last spring, he specifically mentioned the school’s FBLA group as being something special that he was proud of. Now I understand why this group deserves such special recognition.

Northern’s FBLA hopes that anyone becoming aware of these events spreads the word to service members and their families. Responses and more information can be obtained by emailing katie.cano@mdfbla.org or cohenn@calvertnet.k12.md.us or by calling (410) 257-1519.

If you’re in the military, or know someone who is, please encourage them to join the Christmas Party. These students will surely be happy to see you there!

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.

L

We received an interesting tip from a local man who was recently pulled over by Anne Arundel County Police in the Wayson’s Corner area for violating a Maryland law I had never heard of, and maybe you haven’t either.

Fortunately, he just received a warning. But if you violate this law, you might not be so lucky.

AACP set up a deliberate “trap” on Route 4 northbound one day and two officers were pulling people over right and left for violating the “Move Over” law, he says. One police car had a driver pulled over, and as our reader moved over the center line to go around, the other officer along the side of the road, ahead of the first officer, flipped on lights and siren and came after him.

When our reader was quite shocked, immediately pulled over, and asked what he had done wrong, because he knew he was not speeding. The officer then informed him about the “Move Over” law and said he had not moved over far enough, not all the way into the left lane.

He said he was pulling him over - and others - to educate them because it’s really dangerous for police officers out there these days.

This law, which took effect last year, requires drivers to move over one or more lanes when an emergency vehicle with visual emergency lights flashing is stopped on the shoulder of the road.

According to the warning, which our reader provided to us, if it is not practical to move over, or such movement is otherwise prohibited, drivers are required to then slow their vehicle to a reasonable and prudent speed while passing the emergency vehicle.

His warning goes on to state that traffic stops are the most dangerous daily routine performed by police officers.

Many officers are killed while conducting traffic stops and struck by passing motorists.

The penalty for this violation is a fine of $110 and one point on your driver’s license. If you cause an accident, the fine is increased to $150 and three points. If someone is killed or seriously hurt in an accident in which you didn’t move over, expect a fine on this violation alone

ET

T ER to th Editoer

S

How To Avoid Some Traffic Tickets

of $750 and three points.

Apparently most states in the US and Canada have enacted variations of this law as well, so be mindful of this if you’re taking road trips over the holidays. In fact, the District of Columbia and Hawaii are the only jurisdictions that don’t. Maryland’s “Move Over” law took effect in October 2010.

Just be aware that you could be cited for this because officers are watching for drivers who don’t “Move Over.”

Here’s another bit of advice for holiday travelers from the Maryland State Police: their ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign is also in full force.

Lt. Randy Stephens of the Maryland State Police Barrack in Prince Frederick is warning citizens to make sure they buckle their seat belts over the holiday season or run the risk of getting a ticket.

“Whether you’re going across town or across the state, make sure you and everyone riding with you are wearing their seat belts,” said Lt. Stephens. “You may be enjoying the holidays, but rest assured that Maryland State Police will be out looking for seat belt violations as part of this year’s Click It or Ticket campaign, making sure your road trip is as safe as it can be. A special effort will be directed to nighttime violators.”

Lt. Stephens noted that Calvert County’s seat belt usage rate is now at 94%, and that fatalities are significantly decreased from several years ago. He says that there are typically a number of high crashes through the holidays, averaging several fatal crashes each year. And he adds, “Motorists should drive sober, aware of what others are doing around them on the roadway, and have all occupants in appropriate seat belt or child safety seat restraints.”

About the Author: Diane Burr is the owner and executive editor of the Chesapeake Current, serving all of Calvert County and much of Southern Anne Arundel Counties

The Chesapeake Current P.O. Box 295 North Beach, MD 20714 (410) 231-0140 Owner, Executive Editor and Publisher: Diane Burr News: Send news and calendar items to: editor@ChesapeakeCurrent.com Advertising Sales: email: ads@ChesapeakeCurrent.com or call Clare O’Shea (301) 873-5885.

Friend the Chesapeake Current on Facebook and visit our breaking news site, www.ChesapeakeCurrent.com.

For regional events and ideas for stay-cations, friend our sister publication, the Chesapeake Bay Tripper on Facebook or visit us online at www.ChesapeakeBayTripper.com.

Current Contributors: Anna Chaney Sid Curl Cheryl Emery Nick Garrett Jenny Kellner Jay Lounsbury

Brian McDaniel Bob Munro William "Billy" Poe Clare O'Shea Susan Shaw Lynda Striegel

The Chesapeake Current is a locally-owned and operated, bi-weekly news magazine covering Calvert and Southern Anne Arundel Counties.

None of our content is syndicated – it’s all local and all about our communities.

The Chesapeake Current is available in 175+ high-traffic locations throughout our readership area, and is completely supported by ad revenue. We are a “priceless” or free publication.

Want a subscription so you always stay Current? Call (410) 231-0140 for information.

In this issue, there are NO authorized inserts. If you find any, please contact us immediately and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law for theft of services.

The Chesapeake Current is owned by Bayside Partners, LLC, which is solely responsible for the form, content and policies of the newspaper.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. No content or images may be used for any reason without express written permission.

Chesapeake Current

Thursday, December 15, 2011 15

Shelly Aley, 44

Chapman. He was raised in Upper Marlboro and attended public schools there, and graduated from Northern High School in Owings, MD 1986 after moving to Calvert County. He was a self employed H.V.A.C. contractor, and a member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES). In his leisure time David enjoyed listening to country music, fishing, and shooting pool.

He was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy, and by brothers Robert Chapman, Sr. and Kenneth E. Chapman. He is survived by his long time companion Lynn, his father Spike Chapman of Upper Marlboro, a sister Laurie Fox of Riva, MD, a step-sister Debbie Chapman of Upper Marlboro, nephews Robert Chapman, Jr. of Sunderland, and Joe Fox of Chesapeake Beach, a niece Jenni Hamilton of Lothian, and his step-mother Dorothy Chapman of Upper Marlboro.

Rauch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements along with a celebration of David’s life.

Interment was at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church Cemetery, 14111 Oak Grove Road, Upper Marlboro, MD. Expressions of sympathy in David’s name may be made to a S.P.C.A. of one’s choice.

Shelly Lynn Aley, age 44, of Huntingtown, MD passed away December 2, 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Shelly was born July 30, 1967 in Annapolis, MD to Barbara I. (Boteler) and W. Wayne Morris, and was raised in Calvert County. She attended the former Fairview Elementary, Mt. Harmony Elementary, and Northern Middle School, and graduated from Northern High School, class of 1985. She was employed as a secretary with the Prince George’s County Office of the States Attorney, and since 1994 has been a full time homemaker.

She married David B. Aley on September 26, 1987, and they made their home and raised their family in Huntingtown. Shelly was a lifelong Anthony Emerson, 49 member of First Lutheran Church of Calvert County in Huntingtown where she was also a Anthony Sunday school teacher. She was devoted to her Ferlando Emerson, family and loved spending time with her children at 49, of Owings school events, shopping, family outings, reunions, passed away on and vacations. She was also was fond of reading.

November 23, Shelly is survived by her husband David and 2011 at his their eight children, Brittany, Courtney, Linsey, brother's residence.

Holly, Cassidy, Ashley, Cody, and Carley Aley. She He was born July is also survived by her parents Barbara and Wayne Morris of Owings, her brother Todd Morris of 17, 1962 to Edythe Arlington, VA, and her mother-in-law and Chew and the late father-law Judy and Wallace Aley, Jr. of Owings.

Charles Emerson, Rausch Funeral in Owings handled in Prince arrangements. A funeral service and celebration of Frederick.

Shelly’s life was held at the First Lutheran Church Anthony was educated in Anne Arundel of Calvert County in Huntingtown, MD. Interment followed at Chesapeake Highlands County Public schools. While attending high school, Anthony enjoyed playing on the basketball Memorial Gardens, Port Republic, MD. team. He graduated from Southern Senior High School located in Harwood.

David Chapman, 44 Anthony had various skills and certificates David Oliver ranging from plumbing to electrical. He enjoyed Chapman, age 44, fixing things and working with his hands. He was of Upper employed as a Master apprentice and worked with, Marlboro, passed Heather Ridge Apartments, Pasuco Mgt. and away December 5, Marrick Builders. Anthony was often called on by 2011 at his his family and friends to make repairs and residence.

He was born improvements to their homes or to put things April 18, 1967 at together.

Anthony attended Ward's Memorial United Prince George’s Hospital in Methodist Church under the leadership of Rev. Cheverly, MD to Lucious Ross, Jr. On October 14, 2006 he was united in holy Spike Mannie and Dorothy L. (Ward) matrimony to Juanita Booth.

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Anthony was affectionately known by his loved ones as "Abby". Abby enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Often you would find Abby and Juanita in the malls, at ballgames, visiting family and friends and let us not forget BINGO! They shared a special bond, often calling each other "Best Friend."

Anthony enjoyed collecting and assembling model cars and he loved racecars. On Sundays, you could find him at the racetrack with his brothers, Colvin and Michael and his nephews. If he wasn't there, he would be home watching football or basketball, while having his weekly conversation with his daughter, Danisha. He also enjoyed listening to WHUR for his favorite song, "I May Not Always Be There."

Abby enjoyed his nieces and nephews. They could count on seeing "Uncle Abby" at their football, basketball & soccer games and visiting them at their homes. The holidays were very special to him; He enjoyed family gatherings, looking forward to Memorial Day at Terri's, bringing the fireworks for the Fourth of July, and the Family Labor Day Celebration at Colvin and Sherry's. At Christmastime you could find him hanging the Christmas lights for his nieces and sister. Every Christmas Eve, you could find him at his sister Rachel's house decorating and assisting with the Christmas festivities.

If you ever wanted to locate Abby you knew where to look: at the 7-Eleven enjoying his morning coffee and conversation with friends, in Friendship with his brother Tenny; visiting his mother Edythe; Chesapeake Beach with his sister Regina; or, providing chauffeuring service for his sister Elizabeth.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife of five years, Juanita; two daughters, Danisha (Keith) Good and Chanita Harris; one son, Mathew Jones, Jr.; two grandchildren, Zealand Good and TraSiya Rendon; a loving mother, Edythe Chew; seven brothers, Tenny Chew, John (Jackie) and Robert Coates, Colvin (Sherry) and Michael (Dorothy) Emerson, Jerome (Barbara) and Charles Brown; six sisters, Elizabeth Tasker, Regina Emerson, Faye (Raymond) Logan, Rachel (Charles) Tyler, Cassaundra (Calvin) Watkins, Terri (Charles) Lee; one aunt, Nina Reid; one uncle, Webster Reid; mother-in-law, Mollie Brooks; five sisters-in-law, Edith (Ronald Sr.) Jones, Christine (Clifton, Sr.) Gross, Candie Booth, Cheryl Harris, LueRue (James, Jr.) Wills; six brothers-in-law Michael (Sue), Tyrone, Anthony (Rita), Ricardo (Shelvy), Rodney (Brenda) and Lafayette (Dawne) Booth; one Godchild, Jasmine Downs; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by, his father Charles Emerson; sister, Audrey Chew; two brothers, George Chew and Gregory Ellis.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements. Visitation and funeral services were held at Ward's Memorial United Methodist Church in Owings. His final resting place is the cemetery at Mt. Hope United Methodist Church in Sunderland.

John Firebaugh, 89 John Clifton Firebaugh, age 89, of Lothian, MD died December 5, 2011 at his home.

Surviving are his beloved wife Ruby L. Firebaugh; sons Barry L. Firebaugh and his wife Linda of Sykesville, MD and John C. Firebaugh, Jr. and his wife Juanita of Severn, MD and seven grandchildren.

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

William Jacks, 71 William Asbury Jacks, Jr., was born to the late Thelma Jacks and the late Rudolf Costello Jones, Sr. on April 30, 1940 at the Calvert C o u n t y Hospital.

He passed away

November 19, 2011.

William, also known by many as “Billy,” attended the Calvert County School System where he was a star athlete in many sports.

After his schooling, William held jobs at the Denton Oyster House, doing construction for Associated Builders, where he was a part of the team that installed the swinging pendulum at the Smithsonian Institution, of which he was very proud. William was a Union Labor Foreman with Local 832 as well as a member of the Carroll Victoria Lodge 71 and even helped his late father-in-law in the tobacco fields. He worked for several different companies at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant from 1968 until his retirement in 2002.

On November 22, 1958, William married Betty Lou Willett. From this marriage came seven children. William and Betty enjoyed their loving relationship for 52 years and 362 days before his passing.

William and Betty joined the Greater Mount Zion Church the spring of 2003.

William enjoyed many activities to include fishing, hunting, playing cards, especially spades, watching his children and grandchildren playing sports and watching sports on TV. He also coached the Prince Frederick Babe Ruth Baseball Team in which some of his sons played.

William was a proud member of the Adelina Foxes Softball Team, the 35 and over League with the Frying Pan Restaurant, the Calvert Cliffs Softball Team. His proudest accomplishment (other than his children) was playing for the C.C. Tigers Baseball Team. Yes, William really enjoyed his ball games! He enjoyed the many bonds that he made with the gentlemen on these teams as well as his many co-workers throughout his years and these friendships remained strong his entire life.

He was preceded in death by his stepmom, Theo Marie Jacks Jones; brothers, Paul Elliot Hicks and Rudolph Costello Jones, Jr. William leaves to cherish to his memory his loving and caring wife, Betty, his children, Darlene (Gregory), William Jr. “Billy” (Carla), Michael (Sharon), Timothy, Gerald, Tyrone, and Carlene; sisters, Lena Mae Jones, Gloria Ann Wallace, Barbara Eleanor Jones, and Paulette Regina Parker; brothers, Steven Maurice Hicks, Joseph Rayfield Jones, William Edward Jones, and Lorenzo Thomas Jones; Aunt Carolyn Chew, who was like a mother to him; Brothers-in-law, Milton, Sylvester, James Richard, Clarence, Caulton, Paige, and Arnold; Sisters-in-law, Shirley, Elver, Jane, Bessie, Vanessa, Alberta, Vonda, and Susan; ten grandchildren, nine great grand children and a multitude of friends and church family.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements. Visitation and funeral services were held at Greater Mt. Zion Church in Prince Frederick. His final resting place is Southern Memorial Gardens in Dunkirk.

Milton Kalb, 88 Milton "Pete" Franklin Kalb was born on December 13, 1922 in Woodlawn, MD to Clarence and Anita Kalb. He passed away on December 4, 2011 at his residence in Dunkirk.

Pete served on the USS Walke in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a carpenter and loved his work. He was always doing some type of construction and had a passion for masonry.

He was the father of Michael (Venus) Kalb and the late Betty Lou Ramsey; grandfather of William Kalb, Angela Payon, Honey Williams and Katie Ramsey; great grandfather of one. He was the loving uncle of Bernie (Jo Ann) Kalb and is also survived by several great nieces and nephews.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Jean Kline, 83 Jean Ruth Kline, age 83, of Lothian died December 3, 2011 at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

She was born September 8, 1928 in Orefield, PA to Mark A and Pauline (Bittner) Hamm. Jean was a 1947 graduate of Slatington High School and was married to Wilson J. “Bill” Kline in Slatington, PA on January 15, 1949. Bill was a member of the United States Air Force and he and Jean traveled extensively. They resided in Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, Washington as well as in Japan four years. They settled in Lothian in 1978 after Bill’s retirement.

Jean was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church and the Chesapeake Rambler senior travel group. Jean enjoyed reading her Bible and did so faithfully every day.

She was preceded in death by her parents a Sister Betty Williams in 1996 and a daughter Debra Lynn Overby in 2010. Surviving are her husband Wilson J. “Bill” Kline, USAF Ret, daughters Susan J. Noll and her husband Henry of Manassas, Va., and Chris Pamela Bailey of Sophia, WV, six

grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, a brother Sherwood P. Hamm and his wife Catherine of Liberty, NC and a sister Anna Mae Knight of Coplay, PA. Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Homeless Ministry or Food Ministry of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, 753 Masons Beach Road, Deale, MD 20752.

Philip Koppers, 90 Philip J. Koppers, age 90, of Huntingtown, was born June 25, 1921 and passed away on December 4, 2011 at Calvert M e m o r i a l Hospital, Prince Frederick.

He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Agnes Koppers and loving father of Joseph, Anthony, Stephen, Vincent Koppers, Rosemary Keech and the late Michael Koppers. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and six great-grandsons.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements. A Mass of Christian was held at Mt. Calvary Catholic Church in Forestville. Interment was at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton.

Sylvia Laurie, 69 Sylvia Pastora Ojeda Laurie, 69, of Owings, passed away at Calvert M e m o r i a l Hospital.

December 1, 2011.

She was born in the Bronx, March 6, 1942 to Bernard Pastore and Mildred (Battle) Ojeda. Sylvia spent her early life in NY and FL before settling in the Bronx and Brooklyn, NY for late elementary school and beyond. She commuted from Brooklyn to The City College in Manhattan, part of the City University of NY, where she received a BA in Sociology, met her future husband, Dennis, also a student there, and many of her long-time friends. After graduation, she worked for the City of New York as a social worker, and later a social work supervisor out of the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn.

She and Dennis Laurie, a teacher in the NYC School System, were married in the spring of 1969.

Both continued working until the birth of their first

child, Alison, in February of 1970. Sylvia then became a full-time mother and homemaker, though she worked as a craft director at a YMCA camp along with her husband in the summers. Their second child, Kim, was born in June of 1972.

Never one to be idle, Sylvia was continuously involved in volunteer activities. As her children entered school, she took leadership in the parents’ associations of her children’s schools, and was a Sunday School teacher at the Riverside Church. Always deeply religious, she, with some local friends, founded a Sunday School in a local struggling Lutheran Church in northern Manhattan. She was instrumental in the revival of that church and its return to influence in the upper Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights/Inwood.

The family moved to Yonkers, NY, in 1977, and Sylvia immediately became involved with the 300-year-old St. John’s Episcopal Church, Getty Square, in the Home-School association of the children’s new elementary school, and was instrumental in founding a new Girl Scout troop. She also founded a 4-H Sewing Club, and helped develop a Community Garden for youth along with Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Sylvia often took leadership roles – becoming Director of Girl Scout Summer Day Camps in Yonkers and Eastchester, and, along with Dennis as business manager, Director of Camp Ludington, one of the resident camps of the Girl Scouts of Westchester Putnam, for several years. She participated in a national panel of Girl Scout leaders that established the original criteria for the Girl Scout’s Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. At the same time, she also became President of the Home–School Association of Yonkers’ Gorton High School (of “Grease” fame,) which both of her daughters attended.

As Alison headed off to college, Sylvia decided to go back to school herself. On the basis of her long-time love of sewing and related textile crafts, she decided to commute to the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. There she earned an Associates Degree in Textile Development and Marketing, along the way discovering a new interest: product market development. This culminated in her leadership of a group of advertising majors to a first-ever school victory in an annual national marketing competition.

To help with college expenses, Sylvia worked the next decade in New York’s Fashion District. After the family moved into their first house in Peekskill, NY, and Dennis retired from teaching to join the staff of The New York Times, she continued to apply her expertise in retail. Still deeply interested in volunteer activities, Sylvia was instrumental in developing the Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Sewing Guild for which she served as President and as Editor of its newsletter.

Dennis retired from the NY Times in 2004, and Sylvia from Jo-Ann’s in 2006. Daughter Alison, now with a career in DC, asked her mom and dad to join her, her husband Jason and their four girls in Calvert County. A move was planned for early 2007, but was interrupted when an infection in a sore in Sylvia’s ankle proved intransigent, and Sylvia lost her right leg in a below the knee amputation. The move, which also included youngest daughter Kim, was made in June, 2007, but again interrupted because of the persistence of that same infection - luckily handled in Maryland, but resulting in an above the knee amputation of that same leg.

In October 2009, her family was able to move into their own home in Owings. In the interim, Sylvia had made certain to find a church in which she and the

family could become involved – All Saints’ Episcopal in Sunderland. There she volunteered with the Episcopal Church Women, for a while publishing a newsletter for the ECW. She also worked in the Vacation Bible School, sewed for the Relay for Life and for some needed altar vestments and helped with the annual Christmas Market. She always volunteered for the annual Wine & Arts Fest, running activities for children attending, and participated in the Thursday knitting/sewing group.

Outside of the church community, she was active with the Calvert County Quilt Guild. She was firmly committed to the importance of passing along hand skills to a younger generation and to honoring and valuing the work of all hand crafters.

Sylvia passed away December 1, 2011 while at the Rehabilitation Center of Calvert Memorial Hospital.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Laurie; daughters, Kim Laurie and Alison K (Laurie) Fields and Alison’s family - husband Jason and four daughters, Hannah, Maya, Sara, and Teya – all of Owings; brothers, Bernard P. Ojeda, Jr. and Manuel Lee Ojeda of Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis, MN respectively.

At her request, she was cremated. A celebration of her life was held at Rausch Funeral Home in Owings, and a Memorial Service of Thanksgiving was held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to any of Sylvia’s favorite charities: Episcopal Church Women, c/o All Saints’ Episcopal, PO Box 40, Sunderland, MD 20689 or United Thank Offering (at the same address above) or Turnabout, Inc., PO Box 40, Owings, MD 20736.

Lillie Morsell, 97 Lillie Gardner Morsell, 97, of Huntingtown passed away on November 21, 2011 at Calvert County Nursing Center, Prince Frederick.

She was born on April 9, 1914 in Chesapeake Beach to John and Mary Earle Gardner, the second of four siblings. Her father died in 1917 and her mother later married Howard Ray. The family remained in Chesapeake Beach for several years. After completing Chesapeake Elementary School, Lillie and her sister, Louise moved to Washington, DC to attend Shaw Junior High and Armstrong High Schools.

After school, Lillie became a free spirit traveling North, East and West but never South.

She married Dunbar Morsell and moved to Sacramento, CA for his tour of Army duty. Their marriage ended in divorce.

She lived in Indiana and returned to Washington, DC but illness brought her back Huntingtown.

She was a member of St. Edmonds Methodist Church for many years, but changed to Gethsemane Holiness Church because it was closer to home.

Lillie lived a full life with love for her friends and family and lasting faith in God. Lillie is survived by ten nieces/nephews, ten grandnieces/nephews, one great-grandniece and a host of cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters, Pearl Eaton and Louise Moore, and brother, John Gardner.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements. Visitation and funeral services were held at Mt. Gethsemane Holiness Church in Huntingtown.

The church’s cemetery is also her final resting place.

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Chesapeake Current

Thursday, December 15, 2011 17

Wesley Mandell, 84

John Nutwell, 91

Wesley Corbin Mandell, USN Retired, of Upper Marlboro, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on December 8, 2011, at age 84.

Wes was born on July 9, 1927, in El Paso, Texas, to the late Darwin and Louise Mandell. He grew up on a farm with his three younger brothers in the Mesilla Valley area of eastern New Mexico and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 7, 1944.

He served his country for 30 years, retiring as an E9 Master Chief Petty Officer. Most of his Navy career was spent in the engine room of nuclear propulsion submarines.

Following his naval retirement, he worked another 20 years at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant.

Never one to sit still and always someone who needed a purpose, his second retirement was followed by numerous part time jobs including serving as a bailiff in the Prince George’s County Court House in Upper Marlboro for many years until he “officially” retired last year. As a resident of Upper Marlboro for 56 years, he enjoyed serving his community and his church, Trinity Episcopal.

He was proud to be a member of the Fleet Reserve in Annapolis; the American Legion; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Deale; the Moose Lodge in Upper Marlboro; the FOP Lodge 89; and the Masonic Centennial Lodge in Upper Marlboro. He was truly one of a kind and he will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Buck Sherbert Mandell, and by his brothers Darwin “Junior” and Paul Mandell. He is survived by his brother Harold Mandell of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters Donna Hyatt of Richmond, VA, and Ann Marie Smith and her husband Pierre Laprade Smith of Chesapeake Beach; and his son Melvin D. Sherbert and his wife Janet Distad Sherbert of Dunkirk. He is also survived by his grandchildren Marleigh and Jared Smith and Doug, Greg, and Russell Sherbert; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rausch Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church; P.O. Box 187; Upper Marlboro, MD 20773 or a charity of one's choice.

John Bunyan “Bunny” Nutwell, 91, passed away November 26, 2011 at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, MD. Bunny was born December 25, 1919 in Deale to Marion Fennimore and Edna (Sherbert) Nutwell, and resided his entire life on the historic Nutwell Farm “Loch Eden” in Deale until moving with his wife Mary in 2009 to Pasadena, MD to live with their son John and his wife Debbie.

Bunny attended Tracey’s School in Tracy’s Landing, and was a lifelong farmer. Over the years Bunny was employed at the Maryland Tobacco Growers Association, worked as a carpenter for his cousin, Bill Nutwell and for his brother Ray in his appliance business.

For over 25 years, Bunny was a funeral assistant with Rausch Funeral Home in Owings, MD, retiring in 2000.

Bunny was a lifelong member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church in Deale where he served in numerous positions including Sunday School Superintendent for fifteen years. Bunny enjoyed gardening and sharing the bounty with his friends and neighbors, and loved visiting and spending time with family, friends and people in his community.

Bunny was preceded in death by his parents and by siblings George, Reginald, Carl, Ray, Emma and Edna Nutwell. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Mary Louise (Randall) Nutwell, a son John B. Nutwell, Jr. and wife Deborah, and grandson J. Ross Nutwell, all of Pasadena, and by a great-grandson Mason Ross Nutwell of Ft. Lauderdale FL. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements. A celebration of Bunny’s life was held at Cedar Grove U.M. Church in Deale. Interment followed at St. James Parish Cemetery in Lothian.

Memorial contributions and expressions of sympathy in Bunny’s name may be made to Cedar Grove U.M. Church, 753 Masons Beach Rd, Deale, MD 20751.

Vincent Rawlings, 73 Vincent Eugene Rawlings, Sr., known to all as “Big Ben”, was born on October 1, 1938 to the late Stanley, Sr. and Zelma Rawlings. He was the fourth of fourteen children.

He departed this

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www.LeeFuneralHomes.com 18 Thursday, December 15, 2011 Chesapeake Current

life on Friday, Novem- ber 25, 2011 at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

He resided and attended school in Calvert County. Vincent was a retired amputee who had worked as a farmer and later in construction.

On January 16, 1974 he was married to Annie Rawlings. From this union they were blessed with five children.

He will be remembered for his laughter and the way he made others laugh, especially his grandchildren. Ben loved the game of baseball and enjoyed going to the Owings Eagles baseball game and watching his western television movies.

He is preceded in death by his son, Vincent Rawlings, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Annie Rawlings; five daughters and three sons-in-law, Hope Rawlings, Consernetta Rawlings-Guy (Kristofer), Angela Smith (Lynn), Lori, and Faith Harris (Jesse); four sons and three daughters-in-law, Alston Rawlings (Felicia), Keith Rawlings (Terry), Gary Rawlings, Sr. (LaShawn), and Issac Rawlings; thirty-seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Stanley Rawlings, Jr., Vernon Rawlings (Darlene), George (Elsie), Sylvester Rawlings (Rose), Edward (deceased), MacDaniel Rawlings, Sr. (deceased); six sisters and two brothers-in-law, Landous Creek (Arthur), Mary Jane Hawkins, Zelma Holland (Jesse), Patsy Rawlings, Mildred Rawlings, Lorraine Reid (deceased); three brothers-in-law, Sherman Franklin, Jesse Franklin Sr., and Morris Moore; four sisters-in-law, Barbara Moore, Louise Franklin, Bertina Franklin, and Linda Franklin’ three honorary daughters, Charity Watkins, Zoe Rawlings and Melissa Smith; two god-daughters, Nichelle Sandy and Annie Franklie, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Additionally, a special cousin/buddy Steve Smith.

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements. A funeral service was held in his honor at Dunkirk Baptist Church.

His final resting place is Moses Cemetery, 5445 Sands Road, Lothian.

Andrea Sexton, 35 Andrea E. Sexton of Chesapeake Beach was born in Silver Spring, MD on November 6, 1976 to Rick and Jean Sexton.

She entered into eternal rest on Dec. 1, 2011 in P r i n c e Frederick. She was the beloved daughter of Rick and Jean Sexton, devoted mother of Giovanni and Ava, and beloved sister of Lisa (Jamie) Dabbs and MaryEllen (Marc) Vogts; Beloved “Inga” of Alexandria, Carson, Caroline, Ethan and Osker. She is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Lee Funeral Home in Owings handled arranagements. A funeral service was held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Huntingtown.

Interment followed in Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Andrea Sexton Charity, C/O Karen Pugh, Bank of America Acct # 446017609579.

Stacey Smith, 41 Stacey Robert Smith, 41, of Owings, MD passed away on November 22, 2011 at Civista Medical Center, LaPlata, MD. He was the son of Brenda and Robert Louis Smith and was born on April 13, 1970 in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.

Stacey received his education through the Prince Georges and Calvert County Public School systems.

Through his life he held various positions that included construction and sawmill worker.

Stacey was a loving, caring and helpful son, father and brother. Stacey always put others and their needs before his own. He loved his family and they meant everything to him. You could always catch him with a smile on his face. He would offer to take you to dinner in a heartbeat because he loved to eat. He enjoyed seafood, foreign cars, tattoos and music. He was the definition of a Momma’s Boy. He leaves to cherish his loving memories his parents Brenda and Robert Smith; two daughters: Jerniecia and NaShayla; three sisters: Tennill, Tolonda, and Tiffany; one grandmother; Bertha Fields; two nephews; DayeShawn and TayeShawn; two nieces; Destiny and Taylor; a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a very special friend, James “Lamont” Savoy.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Mary Washington; maternal grandfather George Harris; paternal grandfather Edward Smith; and a brother-like cousin Joseph Smith Jr. (Jo-Jo).

Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick handled arrangements. Visitation and funeral services in his memory were held at Calvary United Church in Sunderland. His final resting place is Young's Cemetery in Huntingtown.

Jack Vickery, 66 Jack Pulliam Vickery, 66, a resident of Owings since 1979, passed away November 27, 2011 at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Jack was born September 28, 1945 in Washington, D.C. to Ottie Inez (Pulliam) and Roger Burton Vickery. He was raised in Suitland, MD and graduated from Suitland High School, class of 1963. Jack was employed as a chief engineer managing HVAC systems in office buildings in the District of Columbia. He had been retired since 2009. In his leisure time Jack enjoyed NASCAR, fishing and hunting, and for many years owned racehorses that ran at local racetracks.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lorraine L. Martin. He is survived by daughters Deborah L. Martin of Owings, Tammy J. Heinrich and husband Dewey of Prince Frederick, and Kristine Martin. He is also survived by grandchildren Jaimie, Marissa, Nick, Justin, Jessica, Nicole and Mike, and by a brother George T. “Tommy” Vickery and wife Maria of University Park, Sarasota, FL, and their children Brian, Michelle and Christopher.

Rausch Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy in Jack's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, Calvert County Unit, P.O. Box 752, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216 or to the charity of one's choice.

Shirley Wesner, 55 Shirley Lynn Wesner, 55, of North Beach, passed away December 6, 2011 at her residence after a one-year illness.

Shirley was born November 30, 1956 to Etta P a t r i c i a (Whelan) and William Harrison Wesner at the Bolling Field Air Base Hospital in S.E. Washington, D.C. She was raised in Seat Pleasant, MD where she attended Carmody Elementary School until moving with her family to North Beach in 1967. She attended Mt. Harmony Elementary, graduated from Calvert High School, class of 1974, and attended Prince George’s Community College and graduated from Bowie State College with a Bachelors Degree in Education in 1978. She was a dedicated fourth grade teacher at Beach Elementary and later at Plum Point Elementary, retiring due to her illness October 1, 2011 after 32 years of dedicated teaching.

Since the age of twelve, Shirley was a member of Union Church in North Beach where she sang in the church choir and served as treasurer for many years. In her leisure time, Shirley enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, especially her many nieces and nephews. She enjoyed watching television, and was especially fond of “I Love Lucy.”

Shirley was preceded in death by her father William H. Wesner, Sr., her stepfather Charley Miller, and by a brother William H. “Billy” Wesner, Sr. She is survived by her mother Etta Patricia “Pat” Miller with whom she lived, sisters Debbie Gingell and husband Bill of Wachaprague, VA, Mary E. Willis and husband “JR” of Chesapeake Beach, and Ellen Larrimore and husband Steve of Prince Frederick, a step-brother George Miller of North Beach, numerous nieces and nephews, and by her best friend since childhood, Nadine Garrett.

Rausch Funeral Home in Owings handled arrangements. Interment followed at Southern Memorial Gardens in Dunkirk.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Calvert Hospice, P.O, Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 or online at www.calverthospice.org.

Happy Holidays!

Look for the next Chesapeake Current on January 5, 2012.

Celebrating A Life Well-Lived James “Jimmy” Neam, 87, also known as “Captain Neamo,” was a resident of Long Beach in Calvert County for nearly six decades. He passed away in November at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. He was wounded at the Battle of Normandy during World War II, saw action in the Korean War, met President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on several occasions and once had dinner with Clint Eastwood.

Here’s how he came to live here: he came to dinner with a friend who worked with him at the Bureau of Engraving in Washington, DC, fell in love with Southern Maryland and lived here ever since. He was on the board of directors for the Long Beach Community Association and will be missed as Santa this year, which he enjoyed playing for local kids at Christmas.

Neam, or “Neamo” as his friends called him, ended up living in Calvert County for 60 years.

“Around here at Long Beach, it’s a wonderful place to live,” Neam said.

A native of Washington, DC, Neam grew up before stringent security measures were placed around the nation’s capital. As a kid, he used to play in underground tunnels from Limereth Place, which ran under the Capitol, the Washington Monument and all over downtown.

“When I was a kid we used to play in the Capitol, in the rotunda,” he recalled. “You could actually go up in the dome over on one side and say hello very faintly and I could hear you very clearly on the other side of the dome. There was no security, nothing like that when I was growing up. You could walk right in.”

While employed at the Bureau of Engraving, where he first went to work in 1941, Neam found himself in the path of the man considered at that time to be the most powerful man in the nation—the President of the United States.

"President Roosevelt came through the Bureau of Engraving to board his train, which was stationed in the basement,” he recalled. “I saw and met him many times. The train was backed into the Bureau of Engraving near the central heating plant. He came through the basement door in his limousine and they boarded the train. It was very private, he came down through the basement, through the tunnel to board his train.”

“It was quite interesting how we printed the invasion money in Europe, which was military currency,” he explained. “We also printed Hawaiian money. The actual bill was overprinted with the word ‘Hawaii.’ In the event that the Japanese took over Hawaii, that money would have been cancelled.”

Neam enlisted in the United States Coast Guard when he was 17, endured the “corkscrew needles” used by the military to inoculate soldiers, and more than once questioned his decision.

“I was a kid, 17-years-old,” he replied. “I shed a few tears, asking myself questions like ‘what in the hell have I got myself into?’"

While in the North Atlantic, his squadron was credited with sinking a German submarine off of the coast of Greenland. The North Atlantic was a hotbed of enemy activity in the early days of the war, with German submarines wrecking havoc on the shipping lanes. After receiving a commendation for taking part in that action, Neam found himself smack dab in the middle of the Invasion of Normandy.

“It was a mess,” he recalled. “We were supposed to go on June 5 and then the weather turned bad so we went on June 6. And I ended up being a disabled vet.”

“I was a boat's mate on a landing barge,” Neam remembers. “A lot of landing barges let the men out when the flap went down where the water was too deep and men drowned. I beached mine [landing barge]. I ran it up right on that beach and a shell hit that.”

Neam ended up in England and then Long Island after getting shrapnel in his leg from the blast.

“It was rough,” he said. “I was a little bitter during the time. I thought I was going to lose my leg.”

“When I got out of the Coast Guard, they asked if I wanted to join the Navy—the V-6 Program— I said, hell no,” he recalled. “They said, ‘you don’t want to?’ I said, no. Then when I got home I found I had signed on the wrong line. To make a long story short, the crewmen extended my four-year enlistment to five years.”

Following the war, Neam worked for the US Treasury for more than 30 years.

“When I returned from overseas I went back to the Bureau of Engraving,” he recalled. “I did the electrical work, installing the money presses.”

It was while he worked in Washington following the war that a friend of his in the Bureau of Engraving invited him to Calvert County for dinner.

He fell in love with the area immediately. “I bought a house for $5,000 and later sold it for about $105,000,” he noted. “And right now, $100,000 for a house in Calvert is nothing.”

When Clint Eastwood came to Calvert County to film parts of ”In the Line of Fire,” Neam got to have dinner with the Hollywood legend.

Neam loved to spend time aboard his 43-foot yacht in Flag Harbor and found living at Long Beach very rewarding.

“The people here are terrific,” he once said.

He said the true meaning of community came through loud and clear when Hurricane Isabel roared through, decimating houses and flooding the area.

“When Isabel came through, I walked

downstairs,” he recalled. “I’m on ground level and I had water up to my knees, which was quite a mess.

We hadn’t anything like that in 50 years. But everybody pitched in and helped. It was great to see the community come together like that. You have to give them credit,” he concluded.

A memorial service to celebrate and remember Neam’s life will be held in Long Beach in the spring of 2012.

Covenant Funeral Service in Fredericksburg handled arrangements.

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Chesapeake Current

Thursday, December 15, 2011 19

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For more information, please visit www.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 saw them in the Chesapeake Current!

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Chesapeake Current Music Calendar Give Yourself The Gift Of Music

By Nick Garrett

you want to play rock ‘n roll on the guitar and only want to play songs by your favorite artists, guitar tablature is more than adequate.

It’s popularly believed that tablature was invented with the advent of the Internet and is the “devil come to destroy traditional written music.” Not true! Tablature for string instruments evolved in the Italian Renaissance. This having been said, once you find yourself succeeding, you may end up wanting to Nick Garrett teaches guitar. read traditional notation, anyway. There is a time and place for everything.

“I played when I was a kid but…” hristmas is almost here and before you know it, you’ll be making a New Year’s resolution and The days of boring lessons at your neighbor’s house kicking off 2012 with the best of intentions to and being hit on the knuckles with a ruler are over. lose weight, save money, or wipe the dust off of There are resources and approaches for every learning your clarinet, drum set, or guitar and get into lessons. style. Professionals will take the time to learn how you To help you prepare, I met with my colleagues at learn.

Secondly, it’s all still in there. Often an adult The Garrett Music Academy and made a list of all of the common misconceptions that may prevent you who has not played in decades believes they will have to from getting back into music or learning an instrument start from scratch but are surprised when within weeks, their foundation is more intact then ever. for the first time.

“I have a bunch of books already, and watched, Music has yielded decades of deep thought, analysis, excitement, and has sustained my colleagues “On Demand…”

Nothing will ever replace two people sitting in a and me for years, as well as allowing us to make an room: one a teacher, and one a student. This is the way impact on our community.

It is unique, to say the least, to work at a private it’s done. Even though the book claims you can “Learn music school. It is not a stretch to say that we have Trumpet in Just Two Hours,” you have a stack of collectively seen it all; from the use of a melodic minor books and cannot improvise like Louie, right?

YouTube, method books, On Demand, and scale in Hawaiian music to the way melody is phrased in post-romantic impressionism and from Metallica’s other resources may offer some fine ideas but music has guitar techniques to the way Bach stretches sixteenth been maligned by an uncensored lack of guidelines. A good music lesson yields instant results that keep you notes endlessly in his Cello Suites.

Music teachers strive to give you the inspiration engaged and on track.

“I don’t know how to read music…” you need to go for it, or inspire a self-proclaimed You can learn how to read notes over time. Begin virtuoso to build some foundations and leave the simply developing the physical aspects of your basement.

People have always been attracted to learning instrument. The reading will come and should not how to play an instrument. Whether you sing at the hold you up.

“I don’t have time…” top of your lungs in the shower or in the car on the way If you have time to play Guitar Hero, Call of back and forth from work, no doubt you’ve thought about how you’d like to sign up for music lessons. Duty, or devote hours a week to daydreaming in the Some turn the volume all the way up in the truck and car about playing an instrument, you can find the time picture themselves on a big stage rocking out and oh to do it. Even a minimal commitment will yield look… all your colleagues from work are in the results.

“I’m too old…” audience cheering you on after learning the big secret: It’s a misconception that adults do not learn you’re a closet rock star!

Other reasons to learn music include: Personal something like music as well as children or as quickly. enrichment, connecting with children and others in The reality is the opposite. Adults excel in critical your family, exploring interests and skills, preparing for thinking, problem solving, and creating correlations. college, signing up for competitions and playing at In short, life experience does translate to learning festivals, networking and making new friends, starting music.

“Isn’t it really hard?” bands, or being involved in worship services at church.

It depends on the instrument. Some are more Music is a great hobby for retirees, and it’s therapeutic rehabilitation for cognitive, emotional, and difficult than, others but a generalization can be made developmental disabilities. Perhaps the most important between instruments and different personality types reason is fulfilling the dream you’ve always had to play. being good fits.

“I am tone deaf... No one in my family is So why aren’t you taking music lessons? Here are some musical” of the excuses we hear: It really does not matter and is probably not true.

“Oh I don’t read music, I just play by ear…”

Excellent! Don’t change a thing. Musicians who Music is not one subject or skill that you are either good only read music envy you just like you envy them, and at or not. Music is comprised of many skills, subjects, the fact is, over time, you will develop the ability to do perspectives, and concepts. Even professional musicians both. If you can listen and recreate music on an often have strengths and weaknesses. Certain aspects instrument, you are in a great position to support that require a lot of work while others are natural. It just depends on the person. If you had lessons and they did ability with technical skill.

There are so many ways to “read” music. Often not go anywhere, it was likely a mismatch with the people avoid lessons because they fear the teacher will teacher or an instrument and not you.

In closing, dust it off, pull it out, or get a new make them play “Twinkle Little Star.” This is not the case. Music education has changed dramatically and instrument for Christmas, but give it a try. Be open like most other professions, the last decade alone has minded a select a good teacher, believe in yourself, and go for it. A good teacher is not interested in impressing been spectacular. you. They should be passionate about making you “I’ll have to learn how to read notes won’t I?” Your approach to reading music should be based impressive! on your particular goals. If you’re interested in classical music or singing, you should learn how to read About the Author: Nick Garrett is the owner of The Garrett Music traditional lead sheet notation. If you are interested in Academy in Owings, a published author, and has served and playing at church, developing a basic chord vocabulary continues to serve on various boards and commissions in Calvert and working with a piano player will often suffice. If County. He is also a State Senate legislative aide for District 29.

Have an upcoming music event you’d like listed here? Email details to MusicNotes@ChesapeakeCurrent.com.

Saturday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Party: Dance to the sounds of the 2-4-U Band at this celebration hosted by the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206 in the Upper Level Main Ballroom, on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach. Cost is $55 each or $100/couple. Tickets may be purchased online at ALpost206.org. For more information, call Jack Dohony at (301) 855-6466. Festivities commence at 6:00 p.m. with hot appetizers, then a luscious dinner, followed by dancing to the tunes of the 2-4-U Band, a champagne toast bring the New Year in, and finally, a continental breakfast.

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Thursday, December 15, 2011 21

Out&About Friday, December 16

Wednesday, December 21

American Legion 206 Meeting: The regular monthly meeting of the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206 members will be held at 7:00 p.m. Got something to say? This is your chance. All members are encouraged to attend.

(301) 855-6466.

Wet Nurse’s Tale: Book Discussion at Calvert Library Fairview Branch, Owings from 2:00 p.m.

- 3:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18

Polar Express: At the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum. Enjoy readings of this Christmas classic with your family at this very special event.

Registration is required. Times are 6:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Contact the CBRM at (410) 257-3892 for more information.

Holiday Horses: Have your family’s photo taken with beautifully “decorated” live holiday horses; $5 donation suggested, which will be donated to Freedom Hill Horse Rescue (a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in Owings). Your generous contributions help rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abused and neglected horses! Event at Hampton Plantation, 7940 N. Flint Hill Road, Owings (next to Northern Middle School) both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Come for a unique holiday experience! Visit with Freedom Hill’s Mustang foals! Enjoy hot cocoa and the holiday spirit! For more info, call (301) 233-3225

Saturday, December 17

Thursday, December 22

Saturday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: At Deale Elks Lodge 2528, starting at 6:00 p.m. Steak and seafood dinner, two bottles of wine per table, champagne toast, hats and noise makers, with DJ music to follow. $40 per person in advance/ $45 at the door. Only 78 tickets to be sold so make your reservations ASAP. Call (410) 867- 2528.

Flapjack Fundraiser: for Deale Elementary School from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Come out to Applebee's in Annapolis and enjoy an all-youcan-eat pancake breakfast while helping supporting the school. Tickets are just $7 and include all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and coffee, tea, juice and soft drinks. Be on the lookout for a special guest who will be appearing at this event!

(Three guesses who!) For tickets, call (301) 502-2972 or e-mail smurfy00@comcast.net.

New Year’s Eve Party: Hosted by the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206 in the Upper Level Main Ballroom on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach. Cost is $55 each or $100/couple. Tickets may be purchased online at ALpost206.org. For more information, call Jack Dohony at (301) 855-6466. Festivities commence at 6:00 p.m. with hot appetizers, then a luscious dinner, followed by dancing to the tunes of the 2-4-U Band, a champagne toast bring the New Year in, and finally, a continental breakfast.

Sunday, December 18

New Year’s Day - Sun., January 1

Children’s Christmas Party: The American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206 Auxiliary will host a Christmas Party featuring Santa and many, many goodies. For kids of all ages! From 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Upper Level Main Hall of the Post on Rt. 260 in Chesapeake Beach. Adults must be accompanied by a child. Call (301) 855-6466 for more information. Free.

Ice Skating: At Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa, one day only from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Fun for the entire family!

Polar Bear Swim: At the North Beach Welcome Center; 1:00 p.m.

Learn To Dance in 2012 Is your New Year’s Resolution to look good on the dance floor? The non-profit Davidsonville Dane Club has a series of new sessions beginning in January that you may want to consider: Beginning Friday, January 6, 2012, for eight weeks Friday Night Ballroom Dance Classes Davidsonville Dance Club 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Viennese Waltz, Basic I 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Cha Cha, Basic II International Style For students at all dance levels No partner required Professional Instructor Information: (410) 257-0631 Beginning Tuesday, January 10, 2012 for eight weeks Tuesday Night Ballroom Dance Classes Davidsonville Dance Club 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Tango and Quickstep Recommended for experienced couples Professional Instructor Information: (301) 262-0347

22 Thursday, December 15, 2011 Chesapeake Current

Beginning Wednesday, January 11, 2012 for eight weeks Wednesday Night Ballroom Dance Classes Davidsonville Dance Club 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Basic I Foxtrot 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Basic II West Coast Swing No partner required Professional Instructor For students at all dance levels Information: (301) 809-0288 All classes are $60 per person (plus $10 membership fee in the Davidsonville Dance Club for the year). Visit their web site at http://davidsonvilledanceclub.org for more info about the group.

Want to see your non-profit group’s event in the Chesapeake Current? Email complete details along with contact information at least three weeks in advance to editor@ChesapeakeCurrent.com.

Out&About Gifts of a Lifetime: Through January 1, the CalvART Gallery presents its annual show where you can shop for unique one-of-a-kind affordable gifts for the holidays created by 21 outstanding local artists. A holiday reception will be held on Dec. 3rd from 5:00-8:00. Also join us during the annual "Art Walk" in Prince Frederick on Dec. 10th from 11:00-5:00. Shop for holiday gifts, get inspired by the holiday sounds of the one and only "Tuba Guy," enjoy holiday treats, and support our local businesses.

CalvART will be open from 11:00-5:00 Monday through Sunday during the holiday season. All events are free. In the Prince Frederick Shopping Center on the corner of Rt. 231 and Rt. 4. For more information call (410) 535-9252 or visit calvartgallery.org.

Holiday Farmers’ Market: The Anne Arundel County Holiday Farmers Market is now open and will be held every Saturday through December 24 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. The market is located at the corner of Harry S. Truman Parkway and Riva Road in Annapolis. A variety of vendors from Anne Arundel County will be selling homegrown and handcrafted locally produced items. Items available include wreaths, fresh greens, baked goods, coffee, herbs, candy, and seasonal produce. You can expect to find many unique gifts at the market, so go and enjoy!

Christmas Services: Friendship United Methodist Church invites everyone to one of their five Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Worship Celebrations. Come celebrate the joy of Christmas in prayer, message, sharing, and traditional carols.

Christmas Eve (* candlelight services) 4:00 p.m. - Featuring the Children’s Choir 6:00 p.m.* - With Carter’s UMC and both Sanctuary Choirs 8:00 p.m.*- With music by the Voices in Praise (VIP) Youth Choir 11:00 p.m.*- Featuring the VIP Chamber Choir Alumni Christmas Day 11:00 a.m. - Regular Sunday Worship Nursery provided (no 8:30 a.m. service) Friendship Methodist is 1 block east of the roundabout on Route 2, 1.3 miles north of the light at Routes 2 & 260 in Owings. Information: (410) 257-7133, bsuedean@comcast.net or www.friendshipmethodistchurch.org.

Calvert County Visitor Information Centers are on a seasonal schedule through December 31. The two centers located in Owings and Solomons will open only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Knowledgeable staff are available at each location to provide information about local attractions, hotels, restaurants and other travel information.

Debt-Free Holidays: The Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) offers Strategies for a Debt-Free Holiday Season for more information on ways to celebrate the coming season without going into serious debt. CCCS has been a trusted member of the local community since 1966. They advocate the wise use of credit through: 1) confidential budget, credit counseling, and HUD-approved housing counseling, 2) debt repayment programs, and 3) EOUST-approved bankruptcy counseling and education. CCCS also presents free personal finance and housing education workshops at local businesses, agencies, schools, and churches.

To schedule an educational seminar for your group, please contact CCCS Director of Education Jim Harris at jharris@cccs-inc.org or (410) 747-2050.

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