The County Times 2007-01.18 A Section

PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No. 145 Waldorf, MD

Thursday, January 18, 2007 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland

Established 2006 • Volume 2 • Issue 3 • FREE

New Governor Full of Promise, Promises in So. Md.

Illegal Hearing?

Board of Appeals Holds Hearing Despite Lack of Notice to Residents

By Adam Ross Staff Writer

Photo by Bryan Jaffe

New Governor Martin O’Malley pumps his fist in excitement as he steps up to the podium to address the 200 person crowd packed into Solomons Pier Jan. 11. O’Malley was upbeat and promised to keep Southern Maryland in mind as he governs for the next four years. Sen. Roy Dyson (D - St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles) introduced the new governor.

By Bryan Jaffe Managing Editor Less than one week before his Inaguration yesterday, Jan. 17, Governor Martin O’Malley (D) paid a visit to Southern Maryland as part of his “One Maryland” tour of the state last Thursday.

Keeping true to the theme, O’Malley reached out a hand to the region, promising that Southern Maryland will not fall off his radar.

“Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties are a great part of why we are celebrating today,” O’Malley

said before nearly 200 supporters packed into the second floor room at Solomons Pier. “We are all part of one Maryland, and with your help, we won the battle. Now we have to secure the peace.”

O’Malley described the “peace” process as involving hard work and accountability. It also includes working across the aisle in the legislature.

He said it is important to respect the Republicans in government and to work with them because “different policy choices do not make them bad people… Keep in mind, more unites us than divides us.”

One of the key tasks O’Malley

said is before him is this year’s budget. As the General Assembly is underway, he said he has about two weeks to review it and work it out with them.

“It’s funny how during the campaign the newspapers kept talking about budget surpluses,” O’Malley said. “Now that the election is over, they are talking about structural deficits.”

O’Malley was quick to reassure his supporters that they would not shoulder the burden of these projected deficits, however.

“We will not raid open space dollars,” he said firmly, pounding his

fist on the lectern. “Open space will be fully funded. We will not raid the transportation trust fund,” he added emphatically.

When discussing his plan to head off these structural deficits, O’Malley did not discuss taxes or slots, two of the major issues that opponents have focused on. House of Delegates Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell (R – 29C) has expressed public concerns in recent weeks about “tax reform,” a codeword he says for tax hikes. O’Donnell could not be reached for further comment See Promises page A-

“Golden” Opportunity Index Community Service Officer Protects Golden Beach

Time Flies A-8

Sports B-1 Op.-Ed........Page A - 4 Police ..........Page A- 6 Obits...........Page A - 7

For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Local Weather Friday

Few Showers

By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer The Saint Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department is implementing a crime prevention program in Golden Beach that blends old-fashioned tactics with new-age community policing.

The program is called “Community Service Officer,” and was kicked off Jan. 11th with a meeting between Golden Beach citizens and Sheriff Cameron.

“I think police work, at least in my time, is a lot more than just arresting people and solving problems,” explained Sher “Golden” Opportunity “Community Service Officer” Protects Golden Beach iff Timothy K. Cameron.

The purpose of the program is for designated officers to focus on certain communities and help them solve problems they face.

“The officers that would serve [in the program] would be the con-

duit for passing information to Patrol, to Narcotics, to Criminal Investigations, to whatever the appropriate

resource would be toward the needs of that community,” he explained.

See Golden page A-

Photo by Andrew Knowlton

St. Mary’s County Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron has a lot of ideas he is working to implement in the near future. The Community Service officer is his first step.

The way county government conducts business changed forever at the Jan. 11 Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting.

Chairman George Allen Hayden and the rest of board voted unanimously to continue a hearing on a proposed elementary school at the end of Wildwood Parkway in California, despite the failure of Jacquelyn V. Meiser, a lawyer representing the Board of Education, to comply with a county ordinance requiring a written 15-day public hearing notification for the surrounding properties, delivered via certified mail.

According to Ms. Meiser’s sworn testimony at the Board of Appeals meeting Thursday, six homes were “inadvertently overlooked.”

The purpose of the letter was to notify the public of the hearing and to provide adequate time to gather more information, according to St. Mary’s County Public Schools Chief Executive Officer, J. Bradley Clements.

Meiser said she visited each home on Jan. 6, to hand deliver that notification, giving property owners just six days advance notice. Meiser said she was also available to answer any questions those property owners might have had for as long as they wanted her to stay, and asked the board to consider this “unique circumstance” on its own merits.

“The six [property owners] got more than what was required,” Meiser said of the hand delivered notification because they could sit down and question the proposal with her.

“The rest got just the requirements.”

County Attorney Christy Chesser said there was evidence in the case log to suggest “actual notice” is a sufficient substitute for written notification.

All twelve people residing on those six properties signed affidavits saying they understood the substance of what was going on, reviewed the plans with Meiser and had enough time to get to the hearing.

All except for one member, Rufus Boswell, who signed the affidavit, but did not have an opportunity himself to sit down with Meiser to review the concept plan.

Boswell said although he signed the affidavit, he did not have time to properly prepare for the meeting and was unaware that the site plans were public record.

“We don’t have any information,” Boswell said to the board. “We have no information whatsoever, it’s all hearsay and that’s not good enough. I want to know measurements from my house and the road.”

Hayden told Boswell that the purpose for public hearings was to obtain more information, and there was no way he could have gotten more information on the project outside of the notification of the hearing.

Hayden even went as far as proposing a hypothetical situation to Boswell, asking him to assume he was unable to get any information outside of the hearing. “Did you have enough time to physically get to the meeting?”

51°

Saturday Partly Cloudy 42° Sunday Partly Cloudy 47°

this forum to set the budget for the next school year.

A sign-up sheet will be available at 5:30 p.m., with individual public comment limited to three minutes.

Speakers are encouraged to provide comments in writing, even if presented at the forum, so the school board can consider all input. For more information, call 301-475-5511, ext. 177.

St. Mary’s Schools to Hold Budget Hearing

T h e St. Mary’s C o u n t y Board of Education will hold a budget hearing for the 2007-2008 operating budget Jan. 24 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Board of Education Meeting Room in the Central Administration Building on Moakley street. Community members, including staff and school improvement teams, are invited to participate in

See Appeals page A-

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, January 18, 2007 gmpexpress.net or 301-5360214 for more information.

In Your Community Stability Ball Exercise Stability Ball Exercise is offered at the Garvey Senior Center in Leonardtown on Thursdays from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. People of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from the use of a stability ball. This

class is designed to help seniors improve in the areas of strength, flexibility, and balance. Try your first class for free. Purchase a fitness card for $30 and attend 10 classes.

For more information, call Brandy at 301-475-4200 ext.

1062.

Little League St. Mary’s American Little League, a non-profit organization serving our youth atheltics in the community for more than 25 years, is looking for six volunteers for the 2007 season. Positions needing to be filled include Safety Offi-

Fastpitch Softball

cer, Player Agent, Vice President Minor League, Publicity Coordinator (web-site), Fund Raising Chairman, and Sponsorship Chairman. Most positions require four-six hours a month for this worthwhile effort in shaping the future of our children. Please contact John Kolb, President at kolb@

The 2007 fastpitch softball season is just around the corner. Are you in search of better competition? Would you like high quality instruction to prepare for high school and college softball? If you are 11 or 12, come to the Bayside Blues, now celebrating their 15th anniversary. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Tryouts are

still underway. Contact Barry at 443-763-0064 for more information.

Book Discussion There will be a discussion of Shakespeare’s King Lear today at 7 p.m. in the Leonardtown Library. The discussion will be led by Dr. Robin Bates, an English professor at St. Mary’s College.

For more information, call 301-475-2846 or e-mail stmaps@stmalib.org.

Avenue Boy Scouts Troop 7 meets at the 7th District ball field every Thursday at 7pm. We are looking for boys ages 11 to 18 to join as well as adult leaders. If you enjoy camping, hiking and other outdoor activities please call for more information or join us Thursdays.

Contact Mike Hearth, Scoutmaster 301-769-4890 in the evening, or Bob Bowles, Committee President 301-7692269 in the evening.

League of Women Voters The League of Women Voters of Saint Mary’s County will have a luncheon meeting today, Jan. 18. The speaker will be Devon Snider of the Maryland citizens’ health initiative Health Care for All coalition. The meeting will start at 11:45 a. m. and will be held in Saint Andrews Church on Route 4 in California. It is open to the public. For reservations, call 301-373-5691 by Monday.

Legal Appointments The Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. provides free legal counsel to persons age 60 and over.

Appointments are available Jan. 19 and Feb. 16 at the Garvey Center in Leonardtown.

Legal issues are limited to denial of public benefits, Living Wills, consumer problems, Social Security overpayments, and credit problems.

To schedule an appointment call 301-475-4200, ext. 1064.

Yard Sale The White Oak Secondary Center will host a community yard sale Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the school site at 20833 Great Mills Road.

Along with the yard sale, baked goods will be sold. Donated items will be accepted.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the school’s Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) team.

For more details, contact the main office of White Oak Secondary Center at 301-863-4092.

Friends of St. Mary’s County Library Annual Brunch

Route 245 Hollywood, MD 20636

301-475-2531

Route 246 & Great Mills Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653

301-862-7702

Route 5 & Mohawk Drive Charlotte Hall, MD 20622

301-884-5636

Wildewood Shopping Center California, MD 20619

301-866-5702

Janice Walthour, professional educator and lifelong St. Mary’s County resident will discuss the creation of the recently published book “In Relentless Pursuit of an Education: African American Stories from a Century of Segragation (1865-1967) in St. Mary’s County Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. George’s Episcopal Church in Valley Lee. The buffet style brunch will include Sausage Casserole, Eggs Florentine Casserole, Potato Bacon Frittata, Swiss Alpine Quiche, Macadamia Nut French Toast, asSee Community page A-4

Thursday, January 18, 2007

The County Times

cerned about setting “a new precedent” on the matter and expressed concern with continuing the meeting.

Continued from page A- “Since we have better than 90 percent [of the six Boswell told Hayden property owners] here I don’t “no,” he did not have enough have a problem with taking time to prepare, or to physithe signed affidavits,” Hayden cally get himself said in reto the meeting. sponse to Under the Delahay’s Maryland Public concer n.

Information Act, “We are documents in trying to do the development the best we and land use can with files, with some what we’ve exceptions, are got. I sugaccessible to gest to the the public, said board we Chesser.

St. continue Mary’s Commisthis case sioner Thomas t on ig ht…

A. Mattingly Sr. As long as confirmed and we do it in said although Photo by Adam Ross he did not wit- Planning Commission Chairman George Allen Hayden expressed a view the spirit of the county, ness the hearing, that the public can only get public information during a hearing. and in acHayden’s mescordance sage was “not can, so at the public hearing with our legal council, I think accurate,” and the public “cer- they have enough information we are okay.” tainly has the opportunity to to ask very basic questions.”

Hayden could not be review any documents.”

Raley added that if the reached for further comment.

Boswell told The County decision were left to him he Delahay stopped his quesTimes he “was not aware of would have “erred on the side that,” and at no point in time of caution,” and “[the appeals tioning and voted to continue did Hayden express that to him board] probably should have the meeting. Raley said he didn’t understand why Deladuring the hearing Thursday. waited on it.”

The ZBA moved forward During the meeting, ap- hay changed his position.

In a later interview with with the hearing anyway. peals board member Ronald Boswell, he admitted he was “Schools have a large im- C. Delahay said he was con-

Appeals

pact on people’s properties,” St. Mary’s Commissioner Daniel H. Raley said after viewing the testimony on television. “The 15 days are there for a reason, so people can know about the meeting, adjust their schedules and if they desire to investigate, they

Clements said if two or flustered and caught off guard surgeries they had expressed by the meeting and the board’s concern to her about being three of the property owners had voiced similar concerns to questions, but he could have able to make it.

Hayden called the rest of Boswell, the Board of Educareally used the extra nine days the property owners up to the tion would have rescheduled legally afforded to him.

Boswell’s wife, Janet podium and asked if they had the hearing.

“When the problem came Boswell, said her and her an adequate amount of time to husband’s decision to sign show up for the meeting, and up we didn’t want to delay a month because of the workthe affidavit was “just being they all said yes. load of the [apdumb.” peals] boards,” O n e Clements added. other prop“We’ve already erty owner been waiting sixand his to-eight weeks wife were and we have to unable get finished up to attend so we can put Thursday’s the project to hearing. bid. We are not Meisser happy with what told the happened but we board betried to make cause the sure they were couple was aware.” elderly and had Photo by Adam Ross recently Planning Commission Member Ronald C. Delahay questioned the decision undergone to hold the hearing, but voted to go forward despite his questions. separate

Time Running Out to Charter New Course

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The clock is ticking for the Chesapeake Public Charter School (CPCS) project in Lexington Park, and a recent snag with the lease agreement is just the latest in a series of holdups as the school races against a tight deadline.

According to CPCS project manager Stacy Maffei, the state requires a signed lease agreement before the charter school occupies the premises June 1.

“We did not expect [that],” Maffei said to the St. Mary’s County Board of Education members. “It sped up the process and changed the way we wanted to see the wording in there.”

Meanwhile, Superintendent of St. Mary’s Schools Dr. Michael J. Martirano request-

Photo by Adam Ross

Volunteers and teams signed up to be part of this year’s Relay For Life at the kick-off event held at the College of Southern Maryland’s Leonardtown Campus Jan. 11.

Relaying the Message Cancer Society Kicks Off Annual Fundraiser

By Adam Ross Staff Writer Cancer has no face; it pursues sick and healthy, old and young and men and women alike. That is why the St. Mary’s County American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life works (RFL) yearly to put a face to its cause.

Forty-three teams walked last year from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m., a symbolic rendition of surviving cancer: A setting sun that descends into the depression of darkness, a long night that can only be survived with hard work and support, and a new day’s arrival; a chance for a new hope and maybe a new cure.

Sue Lyddon-Hayes, RFL event chair, said the county raised $153,507 last year. This is Hayes’ fifth time participating, and fourth year running the event for the county.

“I’m sort of the leader of the band,” she said. “I lost my father-in-law to lung cancer and an employee to ovarian cancer.

I felt I had to do something.”

On Jan. 11, Hayes and approximately 35 volunteers, survivors and committee heads kicked off the start of the 2007 Relay For Life at the College of Southern Maryland’s Leonardtown campus.

This year’s goal is for 66 teams, and so far nine have signed up, Hayes said. Leonardtown High School will host the relay on its track June 9.

The turnout was not quite

what Hayes hoped for, but she remained upbeat, fitting to her quirky outfit: a purple sport coat, and white shirt with purple flowers.

For those who were there, they watched two relay movies, listened to the history of the event and applauded the recipients of the 2006 awards for spirit and top fundraising.

Denise Mortensen, of Leonardtown, was there.

Mortensen said she has been in remission for almost eight years from breast cancer.

Mortensen is the committee chair for the luminaria cer-

emony, an event where nearly 500 candles, sheltered by paper bags, are lit in remembrance of people, each with a story to tell.

Mortensen said she’s been involved with Relay since 1999 and it was the least she could do for an organization that “does a lot for individuals.”

Susie Womble, of Hollywood, is another survivor, fighting off Hodgkin’s disease and breast cancer for the last 13 years.

“It feels nice to be healthy enough to participate,” Womble added. “My husband and co-workers are on the team and they wanted to help me celebrate my success.”

According to Hayes, more than three million people relay throughout 4,400 American Cancer Society events each year.

See Relay page A-

Section A -

ed the Board of Education see the lease before it is sent to the state, because of what he deemed a responsibility to “see the process through every step of the way.

While the lease presentation was originally scheduled for the Jan. 10 school board meeting, it was delayed due to the illness of a lawyer working on the case.

Chief Executive Officer J. Bradley Clements asked the board for an extension to February, but said the document should be ready by the next board meeting Jan. 31 and approved by the state Feb. 23.

“As soon as he feels better we can execute the lease,” Maffei said.

According to the timeline provided by CPCS, final clean up, use and occupancy are all to be accomplished by June 1.

While Martirano said he

was not overly concerned with the lease’s delay, and that it is “something technical that just needs to be done,” he recognized the problems that arise in opening a new school, and said he felt “uncomfortable and always on edge with this compressed timeline.”

It was the same reasons last year that Martirano delayed the opening of the charter until the 2007-2008 school year. According to Martirano, it takes 18-24 months to get everything up and running for a novice group such as CPCS. “I’ve opened two new schools on my own and recognize the work that needs to be done,” Maritrano added.

“The renovations schedule is ambitious.”

During Maffei’s presentaSee Charter page A-

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Editorial & Opinion A New Vision for Fighting Crime Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron has been in office less than six weeks, but already, the changes in the Sheriff’s Department are clear.

As we find ourselves amid a local spike in crime, our new Sheriff has ideas not just to catch the criminals after the fact, but to take a proactive approach and nip crime in the bud.

The first step is underway in Golden Beach, where the Sheriff has instituted a true community policing program and offered the full support of his staff to that community officer, Deputy Steve Simmons.

Cameron has expressed high hopes that this program will succeed and pave the way for similar ones around the county.

And, in theory, the program should work. Simmons must become more than a detached protector of his community. He must become a part of the community himself. He must become one of the people that residents will talk to and trust. And he must be someone people will feel comfortable sharing information with that may lead to crime prevention. As Cameron is fond of saying, the best way to fight crime is to stop it from happening in the first place.

One of the biggest difficulties facing the police in recent years has been the reactive nature of the force. Instead of taking action to head off crime, the focus has been on responding to calls once

crimes occur. At that point, it is already too late. Someone has been robbed, burglarized, stabbed or killed. And bringing the culprit to justice does not undo the damage. This prevention is certainly the preferred method. But prevention comes at a cost, and Cameron is well aware that for this program to work, he will need the support of the County Commissioners and the community.

The Commissioners can help by providing funds, perhaps on a long term basis similarly to what they do with the Board of Education. This would give the Sheriff the ability to plan ahead and set out a long term course of action, knowing that his outlook will be like for the next sev-

Big City Boy, Small Town Heart One, the Loneliest Number

By Adam Ross Staff Writer Last week’s board of appeals debacle clearly illustrates the county government’s disconnect with the very citizens it represents.

George Allen Hayden, volunteer chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, was front and center, and not by his position at the board’s U-shaped desk, but his grave misjudgment and naive point of view.

Community Continued from page A- sorted fruits, muffins and juices along with coffee and tea. Cost is $13 per person and reservations due by January 12. Contact the library.

Commission for Disabilities The Commission for People with Disabilities announces that the regularly scheduled meeting for Jan. 25, is rescheduled for Jan. 24.

The Meeting will be held at 4 p.m. in the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center located at. 44219 Airport Road, California, MD 20619 If you need any additional information please contact Christina Bishop at 301-4754200, ext. 1802.

LHS Band Booster Bingo Join the Leonardtown High School Band Boosters for their Longaberger Basket

A viewpoint that for some odd reason failed to address one of the most fundamental, yet at times, most undervalued principles of our basic rights: freedom of information.

One of the property owners affected by the proposed Wildwood elementary school repeatedly explained he had no information, and not enough time to properly prepare himself for the meeting.

A county ordinance requires the government to provide affected property owners

with written notification of a public hearing 15 days in advance. Six property owners were accidentally left off the mailing due to a mix up

by Jackie Meiser, an attorney working on the project. Mesier attempted to correct the mistake by visiting each of the six property owners with information about the proposal, but she did so just six days before the hearing, nine days short of the 15 required by law.

Each property owner

Bingo fundraiser Jan. 25 at 7 p.m., in the Leonardtown Fire House. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Admission is $20, with each additional game pack costing $5. Special cards will be available for $1 each. The evening will also include a raffle for a Medium Wash Day basket filled with cozy comforts.

Raffle tickets are $2 each, or three tickets for $5. Food and drinks will be available throughout the evening. For more details or to make reservations for a table of six or more people, contact Diane Vanderwest at 301-884-8621.

Department Auxiliary will sponsor a Creative Memories ScrapBooking Crop Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Fire House in Ridge. Cost is $30 per person and includes Lunch, Snacks and Drinks.

Tickets are being sold in advance and seating is limited.

Tickets available at the door if seating available. Payment must be received by Jan. 31 to guarantee seating. To reserve your spot or for more information contact Jacqie Cooper at 301-872-5047. Please bring your scrapbooking materials with you. Vendors will be on site as well.

Driver Safety for Older Adults A two-day AARP Driver Safety class will be held Jan. 29 and 30 at Garvey Senior Center from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fee for class is $10.00. Contact Kathy Mather 301-475-4200 ext.1072 to register.

RVFD Scrapbooking The Ridge Volunteer Fire

Dinner Theater There will be a Dinner Theater at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Solomons. The Alumni Players community theater group will perform “Who Poisoned His Meatball” Feb. 9, 10, 16, and 17. This year’s production is a Murder Mystery/Comedy, written by Craig Sodaro and produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado. Tick-

eral years instead of just one.

But on a smaller scale, the Sheriff and the Commissioners will need to work out a dollar amount that is acceptable to both sides. For the past four years, the budgeting process between the Sheriff and Commissioner Board has been a contentious affair, with neither side walking away happy.

This new administration must come together and figure out a system that will work for all, because ultimately, it is the citizens of St. Mary’s who will either reap the rewards or pay the price.

But this must be a two way street also. Cameron must first convince the Board that his initiatives are worth funding and demonstrate that the money will be well spent

drugs to alcohol, smoking, drinking, peer pressure and conflict resolution. The core idea behind the program is to catch children when they are and will accomplish a goal. at their most vulnerable, and The Commissioners must give them the tools to steer then weigh his proposal care- clear of the wrong path. fully and evaluate the benIn tandem with the Comefits of allocating whatever munity Officer Program, amount the Sheriff requests. D.A.R.E. is another tool to Whatever the result of the de- help stop crime before it takes liberations, the Sheriff must root. then be able to go before the This approach to preCommissioners next year and vention has high potential to clearly show that the money make St. Mary’s County a was well spent and that prog- safer place going forward, and ress has been made. with the recent spike in armed With programs like the robberies, it could not come Community Service Officer, at a better time. As many in there is a good chance this the County feel less safe than will come to pass. ever, it is certainly reassuring In addition, Camer- to know that our police are on seeks to reinstitute the on top of things and willing D.A.R.E. program in schools. to try new ideas to serve and This program is often mistak- protect us. en as an anti-drug program, but in reality, D.A.R.E. covers a wide array of topics from

signed an affidavit, and all but one conceded they had enough time to prepare. All but one.

One can be a lonely number, and today, Rufus Boswell, the one and only resident on Southwood Lane to express objection to a public hearing because he “had absolutely no information” on the project was shunned by Hayden, Meiser and the rest of the board.

Boswell was not present for Meiser’s home visit, and he signed his affidavit, one can only assume, because he was confused by its meaning. And maybe that is a bold assumption, but after listening to Mr. Boswell speak in front of the board, and then speaking with him just one day later, he and his wife were clearly confused by the whole process. A common sentiment that is prevalent in western civilization, and apparently even among those in government connecting the dots, shown clearly by Hayden’s misconception.

According to Hayden’s comments to Boswell that night, the only place to get information was the public hearing. On several occa-

sions, Hayden told Boswell the public hearing would be his only opportunity to hear the particulars of the project.

Apparently, Hayden was unaware that Boswell and all United States citizens are privy to most of the information submitted to the Department of Land Use and Growth Management, and all governmental entities, including the design of the proposed elementary school.

To make matters worse, Boswell was not afforded his 15 days to figure that out for himself. Boswell walked into the public hearing unequipped to challenge the particulars of the proposed development. Instead he sat silent, as the project received unanimous approval and took a step forward.

The troubling reality was Hayden’s misconception of a public hearing. More often than not, decisions are made at these hearings. If the public simply showed up with no knowledge and no questions, the fundamental premise of freedom of speech would be lost to apathy.

ets are $30 per person which includes the show and a full buffet dinner provided by Thompsons Catering of Mechanicsville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and show start at 7 p.m.. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 410-326-3008 for information and tickets.

Hyperspace Thanks Local Businesses

Income Tax Prep. Services St. Mary’s County residents age 60 and over may have simple income tax returns prepared free of charge.

Appointments will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Garvey Center beginning Feb. 13 from 1 - 4 p.m. Individuals who have business, farm, or rental income to report are not eligible for this service. For an appointment call 301-475-4200, ext. 1064.

Northern ‘Big Time’ Bowlers A fun loving group of bowlers meets at the North-

And maybe it already has been. I believe everybody in that meeting room knew it was wrong to continue the presentation. Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano knew it was wrong, chief executive officer J. Bradley Clements knew it was wrong, capital planner Kimberly Howe knew it was wrong, and the board knew it was wrong, yet they sat quietly in their chairs while the lawyers performed their magic to justify it all.

Clements said in a later interview if more residents shared Boswell’s complaints, the board of education would have conceded to postpone the meeting. Apparently, one injustice wasn’t enough to sideline a project that should have excellent impact for the community, but is still accountable to the same rules and procedures as all other developments.

Member Ronald C. Delahay said it would set a new precedent. It did. One might be the loneliest number, and now Boswell is the one who has to live with that.

To the Editor: On New Year’s Eve, HyperSpace Fun Center held a celebration and fundraiser in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

HyperSpace would like to express our sincerest thanks to several local businesses who helped make this event possible.

Tami K. Joy – Mary K; Bonnie O’Connell – Mary Kay; Rick’s Jewelers and W.R. Blair all donated items for raffles.

Their generosity in support of this worthy cause is greatly appreciated.

Lynne Howard Manager, Hyperspace Hollywood ern Senior Center in Charlotte Hall every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. to practice their individual skills and keep score of how well they are doing. The top bowlers for the month of December were Dallis Hill and Luke Johnson, who were neck and neck in the race for first place. Dallis’s top score was 169 and Luke’s top score was 167. Not far behind were Eileen White with 141, Nellie Burch with 139 and Mike Bessler with 127. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to come have some fun and

meet new people. Just drop on by.

Bible Study Group Back by popular demand!

A Bible study group will meet at the Loffler Senior Center in Great Mills on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. to discuss common interests about the Bible. The group is looking for new participants and all are welcome!

For more information call 301737-5670 ext. 1655.

James Manning McKay - Publisher Bryan Jaffe - Managing Editor................................bryanjaffe@countytimes.net Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Adam Ross - Government Correspondent...............adamross@countytimes.net

P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636

Andrew Knowlton - Sports Correspondent....... andrewknowlton@countytimes.net

News, advertising, circulation, classifieds: 301-373-4125

Jimmy Hayden - Advertising Representative....jimmyhayden@countytimes.net

The County Times

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Section A -

Sheriff Shares Goals, Challenges

By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer

building has about twice as much space as Tudor Hall.

Now, we’re challenged again with space, and one of the biggest challenges we have, believe it or not, is property, evidence and seized weapons.

Recently, the County Times had the opportunity to sit down with St. Mary’s County Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron to discuss some of his hopes, goals, and challenges for the future.

CT: When did you start in the Sheriff’s Department?

Sheriff: I started in 1980, and retired October 21st of 2005, so 25 years. I was 27 years old when I started. I retired in 2005 and took the job as the county’s Public Safety Director and I was there for over a year, and of course, I decided to run for sheriff and the rest is history, as they would say.

I’m still a full-time student at Johns Hopkins. I got my Bachelor’s in 2006. I’ll be getting my master’s in May in File Photo by Bryan Jaffe Management. My plan was to St. Mary’s Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron, left, discusses some of his plans at a League of Women Voters forum held get myself an option if I wanted late October as then Sheriff David D. Zylak looks on. Cameron is working to make his ideas of the campaign a to be a police chief somewhere reality now. in a small town – I’ve got two ple, a major operation, I might small children – that would CT: How has the Departnot believe you. People in St. CT: Did you foresee all of be good to raise my family. I Mary’s, I don’t think they re- ment changed since you first had a lot of people in the gov- this when you started?

Sheriff: Not to this ex- alize the extent of the opera- started? ernment say ‘you should run Sheriff: I was the 27th for sheriff, you should run tent, no. When I got to the tion and the responsibility that the Sheriff’s Department has. twilight of my career, this was officer when I started. Since for sheriff! And remember, We’re authorized for 122 ponot on the radar screen.

If you then, we’ve increased four or where is there a better place to lice officers and that’s the face told me in 1980 that we’d be five officers each year. And raise your kids than St. Mary’s of the Sheriff’s office, that’s in a building and we’d have a the county has changed. We County?’ Well, they’re right, what people see, but what crime lab, and evidence, and moved from the two-story quite frankly, there is no betcivilian crime lab techs and they don’t see is what’s in the building in Tudor Hall to this ter place. that we’d have this many peo- background. facility, and, of course, this

Golden Continued from page A- In the past, law enforcement often used crime prevention officers who would attend public events, speak to civic groups, and do neighborhood watch, Cameron added.

Officers in the new program will do all those things, while also drawing help from other officer’s specialties to solve problems.

“So if [the officer] goes in there and they’re talking about some drug activity on certain streets… if he, the of-

ficer, needs to do that, he will go in plainclothes and maybe he can get Narcotics to go down there with him and help him out. Or, he’ll come to his division commander and say ‘hey, I need a couple people’, ” Cameron said.

The officer will be able to solve problems in the community without having to respond to calls holding.

“Our patrol force is faced with going in service in the beginning of a shift and responding from call to call to call,” Cameron said. “And it’s hard to solve problems when you’re told you have a call holding.”

The program started in Golden Beach primarily because of its location. Typically, there are three officers that work the north-end of the county, which spans from Rt. 245 all the way to the county line, Cameron said. So citizens in Golden Beach often have to wait longer periods of time when they call for help. While the response has improved over the last month, Cameron believes that Golden Beach needs more attention, and the program will be a good way to provide it.

“The citizens of Golden Beach will tell me if it works or not,” Cameron said. “I’m

excited about the potential of this… I believe it will work very well. We’re very fortunate that this officer is perfect for this role.”

That officer will be Deputy Steve Simons, Cameron said.

If the program generates success in Golden Beach, it will expand to other parts of the county such as Leonardtown and Lexington Park.

Cameron will meet with citizens of Golden Beach again on Feb. 1 to get feedback on how effective the program has been so far.

CT: Why is this a problem?

Sheriff: Because we’re out of space again. We’re out of room. In fact, we had to turn an interview room into a storage room to put weapons just seized or taken from domestic violence, where it’s ordered that weapons are surrendered.

CT: Will you be expanding?

Sheriff: Eventually we’ll ask perhaps to either expand or maybe, in the future, build a new building. Obviously, what we’re looking at now is how can we move things around and move people around to distribute the space and use what we have a little more effectively.

CT: What are some other challenges that you have?

Sheriff: The challenge… there’s a lot of people here, there are a lot of activities, a lot of responsibilities… there’s expectation of the community.

I care very much about what happens in the community and how our people respond to

Charter Continued from page A- tion to the board, she said the site crew was working like “gangbusters,” and that the building looked like “a completely different place.”

However, according to John Morris, a managing partner of Essex South Builders Inc., the company overseeing the school’s construction, the building and demolition permits were only recently received, some as late as Jan. 2, and “they “have made very little progress.”

While there are a number of different timelines floating around between CPCS, the Board of Education and Essex South Builders, there was

Living the Dream Volunteers Make MLK a “Day On, Not a Day Off”

By Adam Ross Staff Writer While some people used Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day for rest, others strapped on a pair of boots, gathered their children and got down to work. Such was the case at the Spring Valley Apartments in Lexington Park, where an array of dedicated citizens showed up to lend a hand Monday.

They painted, cleaned and visited with some of the elderly residents living on the premises. One of those elderly residents, Marian Shaifer, was so excited she made three special trips down to the leasing office, where a buffet of food was offered, and groups of children swarmed like bees.

Some might call such a scene volunteering, but most people there called it hanging with the community. There was no order, no one in charge, no list of things that had to get done, no black and white, just people talking, smiling and helping each other make the most of a special day earmarked in history.

“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve,” King said.

When Congress established the King Holiday Aug. 2, 1983, they intended it to be what Dr. King would have wanted: a day of service.

J.C. Skaggs, 12, a county Boy Scout, used his day of service to run an arts and

crafts and reading room for area children. They painted on the back of paper plates, proudly leaving their masterpieces behind to toss around the pigskin in the front yard.

Others, like Dominique Buck of Lexington Park, painted a 50-foot curb yellow and smiled to passers by as they watched and snapped photographs.

Dominique’s father, Keith Buck, an employee of Spring Valley Apartments, sat outside on the porch and used part of the cozy January day to reconnect with two old friends from high school. He discussed King’s determination, and his own commitment to Jesus Christ with his two “chaps.”

One of those chaps, Kevin Perry of Lexington Park, credited Buck for getting him off the streets and a bevy of others that moved him past his defiant youth.

“For me, this day is completely different than it is for anyone else,” Perry said seated in his black wheel chair.

“I’ve been in prison half of my life and a lot of people helped me along the way. This is my opportunity to give back to them.”

Then there was Mark R. Drummond of California, Md., secretary of the Kiwanis International Club of St. Mary’s County, a group serving the children of the world.

Drummond manned the front desk and watched with un-

equivocal joy as the children ran on by.

GySgt. Forrest B. Sibley, from Naval Air Station Patuxent River came to help and called his service “ a good feeling for the soul.”

“It’s good to not just take,” Sibley added, “but to give too.”

And although the military is held in high regard for the work it does defending the Constitution and the people across the nation, Sibley said he still owed his time to the

community for “the small things that add up.”

And as everyone took time to socialize and eat, their small contributions added up.

The Spring Valley complex, an affordable housing unit for low-to-moderate income families, benefited greatly, according to community manger Melvin Sprague.

In conjunction with Kelsey Bush, youth coordinator for county recreation parks and services and project supervisor for AmeriCorps

Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and the St. Mary’s County Government Department of Aging (DOA), all three entities confirmed their desires to hold additional events in the future.

“This is a first time event,” said Sherrie Wooldridge, community programs manager for DOA. “It’s something we hope to have annually and expand upon. It’s a real important asset to our community.”

Photo Courtesy of the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

Keasha helps with resident children during the Day of Service, held on Martin Luther King Day.

the needs of the community.

As a county, I think we have some challenges. Growth is one of them. Affordable housing is one of them. That’s one of the greatest challenges, affordable housing. People talk about crime rates all the time, and the police and crime rates. Crime rates are affected by so much more than the police. Jobs, employment rates, affordable housing, educational incentives, educational availability, and program availability - so many things affect those crime rates. We’re just one small part of it. But what we’ve learned, what the police profession has learned, is that we can’t compete with other agencies. We have to cooperate with them, hence the Hotspot C-Safe program.

That’s why it was so effective.

It brought Criminal Probation, Juvenile Justice, Department of Social Services, States Attorney, State Police, and the Sheriff all together. We collaborated and it’s successful.

CT: What are some of you goals as Sheriff?

Sheriff: I want to increase the number of narcotics officers. I’d love to do that every year until we’re really putting a great deal of emphasis on narcotic enforcement. I think drugs are significant in parts of all crime. That’s typically the common thread in crime.

So I’d like to put together emphasis from this office on drug investigation, enforcement and intervention. There’s absolutely a need for it. little indication from either Maffei or Morris of a delayed opening.

But Morris did refer to the complexity of a project that utilizes a number of different governmental bodies and businesses to “put together the pieces of the puzzle.”

“We’re receiving permits, architectural drawings, and mechanical engineering drawings,” Morris added. “[They] are all a part of putting things together and we can only proceed so far until the others have accomplished their piece.”

To date, a small amount of exterior work and the removal and mounting of wall studs has been completed at the site, Morris said.

Martirano said he recognized the variables that went into the process and “if anything goes awry you don’t have a cushion put in,” potentially foreshadowing a delayed ribbon cutting.

Martirano said he would not hesitate in the slightest to push back the school’s opening.

“I’ve said it time and time again,” Martirano added, “I am responsible to make sure this school is going to be successful from day one.”

For Martirano, there is also the consideration of the school losing its charter, in which case all of the students are herded back into the St. Mary’s County Public School system.

“The clock is ticking and I’m watching it everyday,” he said.

Meanwhile, Morris and Maffei remain upbeat. Morris said while there are certain items pending, the project is “progressing along and nothing is critically behind at this point.”

The charter, located on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, is currently configured to have 25,007 square feet; enough for thirteen classrooms and 160 students covering kindergarten through fifth grades.

CPCS plans to add a grade each year until it reaches Kindergarten through eighth grades.

The building is an old tennis facility that, as of late November, 2006, was still being used despite its broken down walls and gutted offices.

Renovations will take place on all 25,007 square feet, and the plans include a media center, computer lab, warming kitchen, art room, music room and science room.

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, January 18, 2007

D.A.R.E. to Come Back to Schools?

By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer There are combined efforts underway to reinstitute the highly acclaimed program known as D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) in county schools.

Superintendent of Saint Mary’s County Public Schools Dr. Michael J. Martirano and Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron are working together to bring this program back. When the county erased D.A.R.E. from schools, it became one of three counties in Maryland

without it. Now, Cameron and Martirano are working to bring it back.

D.A.R.E., which was established in 1983, is aimed at preventing youth from becoming involved in drugs, gangs, and violence. It was used in Saint Mary’s County, but former Sheriff David D. Zylak eliminated it because of a lack of funds and staffing shortages. “I’m not going to criticize that decision,” Cameron said. “It was based on perceived needs of manpower at the time.”

“The sheriff and I have been talking about this,”

Police Briefs Petty Theft Suspect Graham David Hockaday, 20, of no fixed address, was charged on a Criminal Summons for Theft less than $100. He was captured on video stealing from a California Store. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Robert Gill and the Criminal Summons was served by Deputy Martin Mumper.

Protective Order Violation Sheriff’s Office Deputy David Cowan responded to a Mechanicsville residence for a reported Violation of a Protective Order. Suspect Shawn Kelly Pate, 38, of Mechanicsville, had fled the scene, but was apprehended on a traffic stop a short time later.

He was arrested and charged with one count of Violation of a Protective Order. Further investigation revealed there was an open warrant for his arrest issued by the Circuit Court of St. Mary’s County.

The warrant was for Failure to Appear.

Burglary Deputy David M. Yingling responded to the area of Wanda Lane in Mechanicsville for a reported suspicious vehicle. Through his investigation of the vehicle, he discovered that it belonged to a person he was familiar with.

He remained in the area and waited for the vehicle to go in motion, at which time he conducted a vehicle stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, Yingling noted a two piece tool set inside the vehicle that was not there upon his initial check. The Officer also noted burglary tools in plain view and asked the suspect, Larry E. Sams Jr., 35, of Mechanicsville, to exit the vehicle.

When the suspect exited the vehicle Deputy Yingling noted something in his waistband. The item was a flashlight. Other Deputies responded and located muddy footprints in the location the vehicle was first seen. The footprints led to a shed to the rear of a residence. The home-

owner was woken up and confirmed that the two-piece tool box was in fact stolen from the shed. Sams Jr. was arrested and charged with Burglary Second Degree, Possession of Burglary Tools and Theft under $500.

Tresspassing Deputy Robert A. Russell arrested Dontae Jerome Cooke, 22, of Lusby, Md., for trespassing. Police report that Cooke was involved in a disturbance at a Lexington Park Bar and was told to leave and remain off the property.

Cooke was still in the parking lot of the establishment nearly one hour later, refusing to leave.

Failure to Appear Steven Preston Yates, 56, of Loveville, Md., was arrested on an open warrant by Deputy J. Kirkner for Failure to Appear.

Failure to Appear Aboul Rauf El-AminTariq, 25, of Washington, D.C., was arrested on an open warrant for Failure to Appear.

The arresting Officer was Deputy Martin Mumper.

Failure to Appear Thiesher Van Lamotte, 40, of Hollywood, was arrested on two open warrants for Failure to Appear by Deputy Shaun Carberry.

Trespassing Deborah Ann Shepherd, 48, of Hollywood, was charged on a Criminal Summons by Deputy Shaun Carberry for Trespassing.

Theft Cynthia Ann Knott, 27, of Park Hall, was charged on a Criminal Summons for Theft under $500. Knott was inside a Leonardtown grocery store in line behind the undisclosed victim, who gathered her groceries and exited the store, leaving behind her wallet. Knott reportedly placed the victim’s wallet inside her purse and left the store as

Martirano said. “I’m very supportive of a D.A.R.E. program, or a D.A.R.E.-like program which educates our young people about drug prevention, crime prevention, and safety – anything that’s going to assist in our children being safe.”

Cameron believes D.A.R.E. is an important program because it focuses on stopping crime before it happens.

“D.A.R.E.’s a prevention piece,” he said. “I talked to somebody last night at a community meeting and a lady was telling me that her house

was burglarized months ago and the police responded and they did a great job and they arrested the people that did it and recovered the property, and that was great police work. And I thanked her profusely and I appreciated her comments. But in my mind, great police work would be a prevention piece where that never happened to begin with.”

Former Saint Mary’s County officer Mickey Bailey, who taught D.A.R.E. for ten years, feels the program was very effective. To this day, students whom he taught in

fifth grade will approach him to talk about how D.A.R.E. has impacted their lives.

“I’ve had kids come up to me all over the place as adults that are in their midtwenties, saying that they’ve never touched drugs because of D.A.R.E.,” Bailey said.

“Now I don’t think that’s true, I don’t think it’s just because of that but when they say that, it proves that it had to make some kind of impression on them. A 24 year old is not going to come up to you and tell you ‘I didn’t do drugs because you taught me in D.A.R.E. class’ unless it made some

well. Knott was captured on video tape and Deputy Mark A. Porter was able to locate her due to the fact she paid for her items with a credit card.

Once she was located, Porter was able to positively identify her with still photos obtained from the video. Knott removed the valuables from the wallet and discarded all of the other items. She was charged with one count of Theft Under $500.

from her person and returned to the store.

arrested for his part in the assault when it was determined he had assaulted Butler. He was observed by Cpl. John R. Shoemaker throwing an item into the bushes. Shoemaker recovered the item and found it to be a large size “rock” of Crack Cocaine. The following were the charges filed against the Suspects.

Drew Thompson-Assault First and Second Degree Darwin Banks-Assault First Degree, Second Degree and Possession of Cocaine.

Charles Butler-Assault First Degree (2 counts), Assault Second Degree, Deadly weapon with intent to injure and Concealed Deadly Weapon.

Marijuana Smoking Device Falls out of Pocket Off duty Deputy Joseph Somerville was working a security assignment, when Joel Freeman Reimers, 25, of California, was attempting to pay for food. He pulled money from his pocket and in doing so, dropped his marijuana smoking device on the floor.

He fled the store and was apprehended. He was charged with possession of the smoking device.

Assault Second Degree Suspect James Roger Nuwer, 30, of Great Mills, was charged on a Criminal Summons for Assault Second Degree. No other details are available and Deputy Kevin Meyer was the charging Deputy.

Theft and Disorderly Conduct in California Store Shayla Ann Harris, 35, of Park Hall, was paying for items in a California Store when she advised the clerk she did not have enough money. As the clerk voided the sale, Harris placed more than $40 worth of Compact Music Discs inside of her bag and attempted to leave the store. She was stopped by security and began acting disorderly. Offduty Deputy Eric Walker was inside the store on his personal time and heard the commotion. The suspect began yelling and screaming that she “did nothing wrong”. Deputy Eric Walker assisted security until Deputy Margaret Smolarsky arrived. The Deputies attempted to place her under arrest and she resisted. She was charged with Failure to Obey a Lawful Order, Theft under $100, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct. The stolen CDs were removed

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Assault Second Degree Deputy Timothy Reese arrested Robert Shaun McElhinny Jr., 26, of Lexington Park, on an open warrant for Second Degree Assault.

Multiple Charges John Francis Stewart, 50, of California, was arrested on three open warrants. The first warrant charged that the suspect entered the residence of his former girlfriend by picking a lock. Once inside, the victim awoke to the suspect crawling across her bedroom floor. The suspect left the residence when police were called. The other warrants were related to Failure to Appear in an Assault First Degree case and an Assault Second Degree case. The arresting Deputy was Deputy Joseph Somerville.

Failure to Appear John Franklin Powers Jr., 24, of Brandywine, Md., was arrested through an open Charles County warrant for Failure to Appear. Deputy Anthony Whipkey was the arresting Deputy.

Assault Second Degree Deputy James Stone served a Criminal Summons on Robert Edward Blake, 24, of Waldorf, Md., for Second Degree Assault. Suspect Blake struck the victim in the face causing a two inch laceration.

Assault Second Degree Kerbi Lindsay Ray, 23, of Great Mills, was charged on a Criminal Summons for Assault Second Degree bby Deputy J. Kirkner.

Bad Check Patricia Leigh Richardson, 34, of Mechanicsville, was charged by Deputy Keith Moritz on a Criminal Summons for passing a worthless check. The check was valued at $100.

Disorderly Conduct Tracie Sharijeana Smith, 28, of Lexington Park, was arrested by Deputy Todd Fleenor. Reportedly, Smith was one of approximately 100 people gathered outside a Lexington Park Bar, was acting disorderly and was told several times to cease and leave the area. She failed to do so and was arrested and charged with Failure to Obey a Lawful Order and Disorderly Conduct.

Armed Fighters Arrested Deputy Kevin Meyer responded with several other Deputies to a 911 call for a fight in progress. There was a large active fight when the Deputies arrived. Suspect Charles Cornelius Butler, 32, of Lexington Park, was identified by witnesses as having a folding knife he displayed and using it to threaten members of the crowd. Deputy Meyer located a folding knife, still extended in his pocket.

Suspect Drew MacDonald Thompson, 20, of Lexington Park, was arrested when witnesses advised he had chased and thrown a claw style hammer at Butler, striking him and causing a visible sign of injury. Darwin Terrell Banks, 34, of Lexington Park, was

Probation Violation Charles Glenwood Johnson, 33, of Lusby, Md., was arrested on an open warrant for Violation of Probation.

The arrest was made by Deputy William Watters.

Failure to Pay Child Support Matthew Lucas Smith, 29, of Scotland, was arrested

by Deputy Ronald Maloy on an open warrant for Failure to Pay Child Support.

Fraud Mary Lee Little, 42, of Lexington Park, was arrested through an open warrant from Calvert County for Fraud, Theft Scheme over $500 and Credit Card Fraud. Deputy Ronald Maloy.

Probation Violation Dale Lee Buckler, 39, of Mechanicsville, was arrested

by Deputy Chad Hartzell for Violation of Probation.

Order of Body Attachment Montreal Arnaz Wade, 32, of Springfield, Va., was arrested by Deputy Angela Muller for an Order of Body Attachment through the Circuit Court of St. Mary’s County.

Cocaine Charges Bruce Allan Curtis, 22, of Prince Frederick, Md., was arrested by Deputy Elizabeth Trossbach on a Grand Jury Indictment for Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Cocaine with the intent to Distribute. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation Narcotics Division.

Failure to Appear Vera Lea Garner, 27, of La Plata, Md., was arrested for Failure to Appear in the District Court. The arresting Officer was Deputy Christopher Byrd.

Drug and Guns Arrest Felix Gregory Reed, 47, of Mechanicsville, was arrested by Deputy Jason Graves on a Grand Jury Indictment for Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with the intent to Distribute and possession of a firearm while trafficking narcotics. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigations Narcotics Division.

Marijuana Arrest Lawrence Alan Chase, 22, of Mechanicsville, was arrested by Deputy Mark A. Smith for an open warrant related to two counts of Second

kind of impression on them.”

In D.A.R.E., police officers teach 10 classes each week about the dangers of drug use.

The county already has school resource officers who do similar work to officers in the D.A.R.E. program, according to Martirano. These school resource officers work at the high school level as well as in two middle schools in the county. The plan, according to Martirano, is to add these officers in two more middle schools.

“And then we need to have a program at the elementary school level, like See DARE page A-

Degree Assault. A search incident to arrest revealed Suspect Chase was in possession of a marijuana “baggy.”

Suspect Arrested for Theft and Bouncing $900 Check Lashonda Nicole Clyburn, 26, of California, was charged

by Deputy Joseph LaBrack on a Criminal Summons for Theft Over $500 and passing worthless check. The value of the check is more than $900.

Assault Second Degree Michael Cameron Brown, 33, of Mechanicsville, was charged on a Criminal Summons for Assault Second Degree. Deputy Kevin Somerville was the charging Deputy.

Bad Check Carol Tyler Walker, 58, of Lexington Park, was charged on a Criminal Summons with passing a worthless check by Deputy Earl Young. The value of the check was more than $115.

Phony Calls Deputy Elizabeth Trossbach served a Criminal Summons on Michael Andrew Dorsey, 37, of Mechanicsville, for the offense of Telephone Misuse.

Assault Second Degree Deputy Michael George responded to a reported domestic dispute. Upon his arrival he found that Juana Cecilia Rodriguez, 26, had struck the male victim in the face and leg with a set of keys.

One Count of Assault Second Degree was charged.

Theft, Burglary and Property Damage Raymond Anthony McDowell, 28, of Lexington Park, was arrested by Deputy Marci Faulkner for Burglary, Theft and Property Destruction. Suspect McDowell reportedly destroyed a sliding glass door and entered a Lexington Park residence, stealing more than $1,000 worth of property. Some of the property was recovered.

Marijuana Arrest Richard Glenn Smith, 41, of Leonardtown, was charged on a Criminal Summons by Deputy Joseph LaBrack for possession of marijuana.

Prostitution Kimberly Ann Welch, 32, of Mechanicsville, was charged on a Criminal Summons by Deputy Anthony Whipkey for Prostitution.

Protective Order Violation John Robert Garner, 25, of Leonardtown, was charged on a Criminal Summons for Violation of a Protective Order. Deputy Kevin Somerville was the arresting Deputy.

Cocaine Charges James Anthony Tippett Jr., 19, of Hollywood, was charged on a Criminal Summons by Deputy J. Kirkner for possession of Cocaine.

Cocaine Arrest Vernon Edward Eldridge, 54, of Lexington Park was charged on a Criminal Summons for possession of cocaine and a related smoking device.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

The County Times

Obituaries Earlene Freeman Burleson, 82 Earlene Freeman Burleson, 82, Leonardtown, Md.

died Jan. 10 in the St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. Born March 8, 1924, in Glen Ayre, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Earl Freeman and Jessie Conley Freeman.

She is survived by a sibling, Romaine Gouge, of Bakersville, N.C., four grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Albert Burleson and daughter Alberta Sterman.

Interment was held Jan. 13 at Holly Hills Cemetery in Middle River, Md. Arrangements made by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.

Joseph Demko, 70 Joseph Demko, 70, of St. Inigoes, Md. died Jan. 15 in Bayside Nursing Center. For arrangement details please visit www.mattingleygardiner.com. A full obituary will appear at a later date.

John Humbert Dixon, 54 John

Humbert

Dixon,

54, of Lexington Park, Md.,

formerly of Manchester, Ga., died Jan. 4. He had been missing since Dec. 1, 2006, after checking on his sailboat at the West Basin Marina on the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

John was born Feb. 27, 1952, son of Virginia Doughty Dixon and the late George Matthew Dixon. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1972-1993 and the Fleet Reserve from 19932002. After retiring from the Navy, John was employed by St. Mary’s Public Schools, working at Carver Elementary,

DARE Continued from page A- the D.A.R.E. program, that would be a continuation,” Martirano said. “I want to see all of those connected, but I don’t want to see the resource officers taken away per se. I want to see those continue as well.”

Zylak cited a lack of manpower as a main reason for pulling D.A.R.E. from schools and Cameron feels that a shortage of staff could possibly continue to be an issue.

“I’d love to say that I’ve got some extra people that I can start D.A.R.E. right away, but I’m going to have to maneuver, and that will be one

Ridge Elementary and Spring Ridge Middle School. He was later employed by Tracor, where he assisted the Chilean Navy with the development of their P3 anti-submarine aircraft program. He was recently employed by Verizon, providing technical support for their DSL program.

John loved living in St. Mary’s County; he loved the area, the bay and the people.

Consequently, he was active in many community organizations during the last 16 years.

He was chairman of the St. Mary’s Public Schools Budget Advisory Committee from 1998-1999 and was active in the PTA at Lexington Park Elementary School, Spring Ridge Middle School and Great Mills High School. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 413 and several Girl Scout troops. He had attended the United Methodist Church and later the Protestant side of St. Nicholas Chapel. John was an avid sailor and a member of the Navy Patuxent Sailing Club. His plans were to help restore one of the boats and teach sailing.

John is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Dianne; his son, John H. Dixon, Jr.; his daughter Dianne Elizabeth “Beth” Dixon; his daughter Jennifer Lee Dixon; his daughter Laura Danielle Dixon; his mother Harriett Virginia “Virginia” Dixon of Griffin, Ga., formerly of Manchester, Ga.; his brother George Matthew Dixon, Jr. of Carrollton, Ga.; and his sister Harriett Virginia Dixon Cook of Griffin, Ga. He was preceded in death by his father, George Matthew Dixon and his infant brother, Phillip Eugene Dixon.

John was a loving husband, father, and friend to many, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

A Celebration of Life was Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Nicholas Chapel at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

Friends wishing to attend the memorial are asked to show a photo ID at Gate 2 on NAS Patuxent River.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Navy Patuxent Sailing Club (John Dixon), PO Box 2202, Patuxent River, MD 20670-0802.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

of my requests to the commissioners. They know that I want to reinstitute D.A.R.E. and I’m going to need some support from them to be able to do that.”

An official date for the reinstitution of the program has yet not been set, but Martirano is dedicated to getting it up and running as soon as possible.

“My philosophy is that the safety of our children is of dire urgency always,” he said. “So the sooner we can get these programs implemented, the better. I will defer to the sheriff to define the timeline for it. But he knows that I support it and I’m willing to work with him to implement is as early as the next school year if we need to.”

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William Dominic Holt, Sr., 71 Dollie Bright Edwards, 85 Dollie Bright Edwards, 85, of Avenue, Md. formerly

of Riverdale, Md. died Jan. 12, in St. Mary’s Nursing Center. Born Aug. 22, 1921, in Roseboro, N.C., she was the daughter of the late John W. and Helen M. Hobbs. She was the beloved wife of the late William Bernard Edwards, whom she married Aug. 10, 1946 in Washington, DC and who preceded her in death on Oct. 13, 1979. She was the devoted mother of Helen A. Hayden and Patricia C. Edwards and the loving grandmother of Michael W. Hayden and Owens Franklin Hayden, Jr. all of Avenue, Md. She was also preceded in death by her sister Hildred Burke Gleason and her brother John Gilbert Hobbs. Mrs. Edwards moved to St. Mary’s County in 1974 from Riverdale, Md. She belonged to the American Legion Post 221 and her hobbies were playing cards, Bingo and cooking.

William Dominic Holt, Sr., 71, of Loveville, Md. died

Jan. 15, in his residence.

Born Feb. 8, 1935 in Morganza, Md., he was the son of the late James Foley Holt and Helen Marie Rustin Holt. He enjoyed hunting, remodeling, watching television with his wife, and being with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine Holt of Loveville, Md., his five children, Linda M. Whitaker of Charlotte, N.C., Cynthia A. Scriber, Angelita M. Woodland, William D. Holt, Jr. and Sonya L. Holt, all of Loveville, Md., six siblings, Joseph N. Holt of Washington, DC, Charles L. Holt, Robert Holt, Harry Holt, Georgianna Gray, and George Holt, all of Oakville, Md., 7 grandchildren and 1 great – grandchild.

A full obituary will appear at a later date.

For funeral arrangements please call the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. at 301-4755588 or condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Bernice Martin McClane, 78 Bernice Martin McClane, 78, of Ridge, Md. died Jan. 11

The family received friends Jan. 15 from 4 – 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home where prayers were said at 7 p.m. and American Legion prayers at 7:15 p.m. A Funeral Service was held Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. in All Saints Episcopal Church, Avenue, Md. with Rev. Kathleen Price officiating.

Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael W. Hayden, Owens Franklin Hayden, Jr., James Patrick Taylor, George William Taylor, George Walter Taylor and Robert Hodges.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Nursing Center, P.O. Box 518, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and/or American Legion Post 221, P.O. Box 98, Avenue, MD 20609. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Relay Continued from page A- Relay For Life started in Tacoma, Wash., as one doctor’s mission to raise money for cancer research turned into a 24-hour marathon around a local track. He raised $27,000 that night, all by himself.

Now, the Relay is the largest cancer fund-raising effort in the world, helping to fund new research, prevention and services.

Of course, Hayes does not expect all relayers to have an all night running contest, she just asks that one member from each team be walking around the track throughout the evening.

Teams are responsible for their own fundraising efforts, and with the help of online fundraising, a phenomenon implemented last year, teams can reach a broader support group with an instantaneous transfer and collection procedure.

According to a spokesperson for the county’s Relay For Life, Curtis Cook, it is up

in St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. Born Aug. 12, 1928, in Martinsville, Va., she was the daughter of the late Sam Buddy Martin and Rose Harriston Martin.

She was a housekeeper at Clayton Marina and Lexington Park Hotel for 30 years.

After retiring from many years of work she enjoyed picking crabs for others. She was known for spending joyous times with her family and friends. Bernice loved to take care of her many grandchildren and enjoyed having visitors at her home to cook for and share her many stories with.

She is survived by two daughters, Nola (Carl “Cash”) Carroll of Ridge, Md. and Queenie (George) Fenwick of St. James, Md. and three sons, Samuel M. McClane, Jr. of Lexington Park, Md., Horace B. (Linda) McClane of Great Mills, Md., and Larry (Audrey) Brown of Columbia, Md., very close friend, Cynthia (Raphael) Campbell Thompson of Ridge, Md., godmother, Annette Mc-

to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and “whatever congressional funding there is” to advance cancer research.

Section A - Intosh of Washington, DC, three siblings, Virginia Harriston and Charles (Rose) Martin, both of Martinsville, Va., and Lucy Casey of Eaton, N.C., 12 grandchildren, 23 great- grandchildren, 1 greatgreat grandchild and a host of

great – grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Thomas Sparks, Sr. and her brother, Harry Emanuel Douglas, Jr. All services are private.

Arrangements made by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.

Robert Clifford Wathen, 58 Robert Clifford Wathen, 58, of Mechanicsville, Md.

nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Augustus McClane, grandson, Charles Carter, sister, Alberta Martin, and brother, James PateMartin, whom she loved and spoke of dearly.

Family will receive friends tomorrow, Jan. 19 from 9- 11 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, St. Inigoes, Md. with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 a.m. The Reverend Raymond Moore will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Arron Chase, Horace McClane, Jr., Carl Carroll, Jr., Joseph Maddox, Jr., Ty’keen Maddox, and William Samuel Carroll. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Lamar Herndon, Dewayne Wilkins, Noah Young, and Kalieb Young.

Arrangements made by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.

Marian Harriett Sparks, 83 Marian Harriett Sparks, 83, of Hollywood, Md. died

Jan. 11 in St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. Born Aug. 22, 1923, in Savannah, Ga., she was the daughter of the late Harry Emanuel Douglas and Annie Mae McKelven Douglas. She married Roy Thomas Sparks on Oct. 21, 1939, in St. Peter’s Rectory in Washington, DC. She enjoyed oil painting.

She is survived by four children, Roy Thomas Sparks, Jr. of Port Republic, Md., Sandra Ann Brooke of Hollywood, Md., Robert David Sparks of Centerville, Mass., and Tami Marie Stickell of Owings Mills, Md., her brother, Alton Douglas of Jacksonville, Fla., nine grandchildren and ten Without the over $20 billion ACS has raised in the last 20 years, there is no telling where cancer treatment might

died Jan. 9 in St. Mary’s Hospital. Born May 10, 1948 in St. Mary’s County he was the son of Addie Lee Wathen of Mechanicsville, Md. and the late John Briscoe Wathen.

He is survived by his sons: Robert C. Wathen, Jr. of Leonardtown, Md. and Richard B. Wathen of Bushwood, Md.; siblings: Madeline Morgan of Mechanicsville, Md., Cecelia Howe of Barstow, Md., Joseph Wathen of Leonardtown, Md., Doris Harding of Newburg, Md. and Joyce Wheller of Hollywood, Md. and 5 grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Elwood Wathen, Thomas Wathen, Roy Wathen, Betsy Tippett, John A. Wathen, Elizabeth Wathen, Johnson Wathen, Leonard

Wathen, Waynard Wathen and Delores Callanan.

Mr. Wathen worked as a carpenter for many years and had been battling cancer for a long time. He enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing and going to bingo.

The family received friends Jan. 11 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 7 p.m.. A Funeral Service was held in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel Jan. 12, at 10 a.m., with Fr. Keith Woods officiating. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Morganza, Md. Pallbearers were David Wathen, Alvin Tippett, Maurice Wathen, Gene Wathen, Jr., Leonard Wathen, Jr. and Wayne Wathen. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. be, Cook said.

For more information visit www.stmarysrelay.org.

(Formerly Tavern at the Village in Wildewood Retirement Center)

Open to the public Enjoy elegant meals We host private parties

301-863-3219

Hours of operation: Lunch Seating from Thursday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Dinner Seating from Tuesday-Thursday 4:30 - 9:00pm Friday and Saturday 4:30 -10:00pm Sunday Mimosa Brunch: 10:00 - 2:00pm

www.woodlandsgrill.com • jeff@woodlandsgrill.com

The County Times

Section A -

Promises Continued from page A- before the County Times went to press.

O’Malley’s only offering regarding the budget deficits was to run a cost effective government. He added that reducing the structural deficit will be a process that begins Day one of his administration, and that there is no one thing that can solve the issue.

When asked about his support for slot machines, O’Malley said he is for them in small doses.

“Personally, I’ve never subscribed to it as a great source of revenue,” he said. “I am willing to accept a limited number of slots at the tracks for the limited purpose of keeping 18,000 racing jobs in Maryland. I don’t believe that we should look upon it as some sort of gold at the end of the rainbow.”

Even this limited support will meet opposition in his own party, as many Democratic legislators fought hard against slots legislation during the Ehrlich administration.

Two of those legislators are local, as Sen. Roy Dyson (D – St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles) and Del. John Bohanan (D – 29B) are both strongly against slots.

When asked if that would cause tension for his administration and the Southern Maryland Region, O’Malley

dismissed the idea.

“I don’t blame them.

There are a lot of good people in our state that are totally op-

vert, O’Malley continued his whirlwind tour of the state, hitting up the Eastern Shore Jan. 12, Western Maryland

Photo by Bryan Jaffe

Horace (played by P.J. Baker) rubs May’s (Sarah Raley-Dale) antennae while David Attenborough (Greg Rumpf) watches all through his magnifier during the brief play “Time Flies.”

Newly inaugurated Governor Martin O’Malley.

posed to any slot machines anywhere,” O’Malley said.

“I personally believe that on balance, we should be willing to accept a limited number of slots at the track to keep racing jobs in Maryland. We’ll try to find common ground on that.

Likely, the discussion on that will begin after this session.”

Following his stop in Cal-

Photo by Bryan Jaffe

Jan. 13 and Baltimore City Jan. 15. The tour concluded Tuesday with the Governor and his Lt. Governor, Anthony Brown (D), participating in the Maryland Youth Inagural 2007.

Yesterday, O’Malley was officially inaugurated as the 61st governor in Maryland.

Redistricting The Future

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The redistricting of county schools often causes a public outcry. But that was not the case Tuesday at a public hearing with the St. Mary’s County Board of Education, where a series of proposals that could shift 118 children in Colton’s Point and Budds Creek from Leonardtown Middle School to Margaret Brent Middle School appeared to be the popular move.

The plan presented would send all 118 children from Dynard Elementary School to Margaret Brent Middle School to Chopticon High School as they grow older, and will alleviate overcrowding at Leonardtown.

The proposed realignment encompasses eight redistricting plans, but four are just “clearing up the language and making sure students can stay” where they have been placed, according to Board of Education member Cathy Allen.

Allen said the board has heard positive feedback from the community, and unless there is an outcry in the weeks to come, her decision in February will likely be to approve the recommended plans as presented.

The other three significant redistricting proposals would not immediately move students to different schools.

Those plans focus on the Naval Air Station and the relocation of 70 elementary students, 24 middle school students and 19 high school students from Conrad Heights to Columbia Colony and Challenger Estates because of a plan by the base to rebuild and relocate housing.

Lincoln Military Housing was awarded management of residences at Pax River in August of 2005, and is building 217 new homes on two off site locations behind First Colony and in Wildewood.

Students affected by the Naval Air Station changes will remain in their schools for the next two years.

Supervisor of Capital Planning Kimberly Howe said it should take 18 months to rebuild the base housing and the bulk of students moving into them would be new to the county.

Come 2009, if the proposed plans are approved, future redistricting will occur because of the new elementary school slated for Wildewood, according to the plan.

Howe said an important goal of the plan was to maintain consistency, but they would

“watch as students come in and make adjustments.”

Martirano addressed the importance of having a lasting relationship between the elementary, middle and high schools.

“We are blessed with a teaching force that remains in each school,” Martirano said.

“When we have that continuity in schools a relationship develops. And kids identify with these high schools as early as elementary school, so we strive for vertical articulation.”

Although the hearing was an opportunity for the public to come and express their concerns, only Kim Scruggs of Leonardtown took the opportunity to speak.

She said she was concerned with the long hours her daughter, a sixth grader at Leonardtown Middle School, had to endure with an hour bus ride, followed by seven hours at school.

“I thought I would have to put this child on pills because she was so hyper,” Scruggs said to the board. “Now seven o’ clock roles around and she is passed out.”

However, after the meeting Scruggs told The County Times she was “very much in favor of the redistricting,” because the school day at Mar-

Sibshops Coming to St. Mary’s Sibshops, a gathering for those with special needs brothers or sisters, will hold a program Feb. 3 from 10 a.m.

– 2 p.m. in the Lexington Park Library, meeting room A. The program, hosted by the St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ Partners for Success Resource Center, is targeted to children ages 8 – 13.

The purpose of Sibshops is to: • Meet other brothers and sisters of children with special needs in a comfortable and fun environment.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

• Share the positives and negatives of having a sibling with special needs with other brothers and sisters.

• Learn ways to better cope and manage common situations experienced by brothers and sisters.

• Learn more about their siblings’ special needs.

• Further develop the awareness of parents and other professionals about the particular feelings and concerns that brothers and sisters of siblings with disabilities experience.

• Have fun!

The program is free, but pre-registration is required.

To register, contact Hope Breckenridge by phone at 301-884-5356 or by e-mail at hopebreckenridge@gmpexpress.net.

Sibshops is funded through a grant received by St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ Partners for Success Resource Center for Families and Schools, and the St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Infants and Toddlers Program.

Local Theater Troupe Takes State Award The Newtowne players entered the Maryland Community Theatre Festival Association’s 22nd Annual Short Play Competition for the second time this year, and walked away as first runner up.

This means that if the winning team is unable to attend the regional competition in New York, St. Mary’s own community theater group will have the chance to compete in their

place.

The Newtowne players worked hard on their presentation of “Time Flies,” a short, one act play about two mayflies who learn they only have until the next morning to live.

“This is fantastic, this is only our second year in the competition,” Wendy Heidrich, artistic director for the Newtowne players said. “They were thrilled.”

In addition to being

named first runner up, Sarah Raley-Dale won an actress award and Annie Whitmore won a costume award.

“We couldn’t be prouder of [Director] Morriah Cell, her cast and her crew for this wonderful acknowledgement” Heidrich said. “This is only our second year competing and this group worked very hard and did a great job!”

Photo by Adam Ross

Supervisor of Capital Planning Kimberly Howe illustrates the impact of the proposed redistricting plan the Board of Education will vote on in February.

garet Brent Middle School starts forty minutes later than Leonardtown.

A development team for the School Boundary Advisory Committee, which included a group of school officials, came up with the proposals after carefully considering a

number of alternatives, according to Chief Operating Officer J. Bradley Clements.

The development team then shared the recommended proposals with a review team, represented by PTA members, parents and other community members.

Final approval will be made by the board of education in February and the redistricting of the 118 students will occur at the start of the 2007-2008 school year.

(Formerly Tavern at the Village in Wildewood Retirement Center)

Open to the public Enjoy elegant meals We host private parties

301-863-3219

Hours of operation: Lunch Seating from Thursday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Dinner Seating from Tuesday-Thursday 4:30 - 9:00pm Friday and Saturday 4:30 -10:00pm Sunday Mimosa Brunch: 10:00 - 2:00pm

www.woodlandsgrill.com • jeff@woodlandsgrill.com