PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No. 145 Waldorf, MD
Thursday, January 25, 2007 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Established 2006 • Volume 2 • Issue 4 • FREE
Forrest Forced Out Behind Closed Doors, Commissioners Vote 4-1 Against Keeping County Administrator By Adam Ross Staff Writer
Photo by Adam Ross
Top: George Forrest, county administrator, leaves the St. Mary’s County Commissioner business meeting mere days after the Commissioners voted in executive session not to retain his services for the coming term. Bottom left: John Savich, currently serving as director of Economic and Community Development, will take over as acting county administrator while the Commissioners search for a replacement for Forrest. Bottom right: Forrest, the first African-American to hold the highest non-elected office in St. Mary’s History, shakes hands with former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, the first African-American Elected to statewide office in Maryland history.
Bottom photos by Bryan Jaffe
St. Mary’s County Administrator George G. Forrest announced his retirement Monday, despite claims from Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R- Golden Beach) that he was ousted by a 4-to1 vote from the commissioners during an executive session. “I felt personally, it was important to offer [Forrest] a contract,” Jarboe said Tuesday during a break in the weekly commissioners meeting. “I was prepared, and still am prepared, to offer him a two-year contract, but I’m alone on this one.” Forrest has served in county government for eight years, the last four as county administrator, but said Tuesday he was ”not at liberty to comment” on Jarboe’s statement and his priority was not to keep his job, but to retire. “I have accomplished all of he goals I set out to when I came into county government eight years ago,” Forrest said in his office Tuesday, with his fingers locked and a smile across his face. “My vision was to make government more efficient, open and citizen friendly, and I think
Schools Ask County for $10 M More Index Golf Club A-8
By Adam Ross Staff Writer It is often said that “Money makes the world go round.” Just ask Superintendent Michael J. Martirano, who is vying an additional $8 million more from the county to throw into projects, programs and upgrades throughout the school system. Overall, Martirano has requested an additional $20.5 million from
state and local governments to chart his course to excellence, but just over half of that increse, nearly $10.5 million, has already been allocated by the state. According to Martirano, St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) now finds itself locked into an inadequate Bridge to Excellence agreement with the county, which comes up nearly $7.8 million short of the schools system’s request
for fiscal year 2008. If the Board of County Commissioners repeats its performance from fiscal 2007, and fully funds the Board of Education’s (BOE) request, nearly $78 million of the county’s budget would go into the schools, a $4.5 million increase over last year’s allocation. According to Martirano, the extra money would fund its highpriority initiatives including the
we are in that position today.” Commission President Francis Jack Russell (D- Point Lookout) thanked Forrest for his work in St. Mary’s County, but when asked about the vote during executive session to remove him, Russell dodged the question, repeating the mantra “he has done very well for the county.” A more direct denial came from Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly, who said the decision for Forrest to retire was left completely up to him, and “the board had no influence that I’m aware of” over it. Former Commission President Thomas F. McKay commended Forrest for his communication skills and leadership. “He served the county at a time when morale for county employees was very low,” McKay said. “Many directors were considering leaving county government and George provided the inspirational leadership that really turned the organization around.” Of the five previous county administrators Jarboe has worked with, he said Forrest was “the best” and he was distraught that he was being See Forrest page A- Chesapeake Public Charter School; science; technology; engineering and math academies; technology upgrades; cost of living adjustments; health care increases and safe schools initiatives. Martirano said, “the lions share” of the request was a direct result of growth in the county. “We have fallen behind in funding education,” he added during a meeting in his office last week. “It’s plain and simple, the county funding history has been in decline in a time when our county wealth is increasSee Resolution page A-
Not All Fun and Games To Be Young Anymore By Adam Ross Staff Writer
Sports B-1 Op.-Ed........Page A - 4 Police..........Page A - 6 Obits . .........Page A- 7 Navy News...Page B- 4
For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Local Weather Friday
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A little more than halfway through the school year, St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) are starting to see the benefits of full-day kindergarten, the newest countywide initiative to get five and six-year-olds reading and writing before they enter grade school. “We are sending out children who are reading, emerging readers and they are exposed to 90 additional days of instruction,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael J. Martirano. “I want all children by grade three reading at grade level.” Referred to as “Full day K,” by administrators, the approach is to revert from the old two hours of class time to a full day, just like any other age group faces. Jennifer Gilman, principal of Hollywood Elementary School, said for the first five weeks the kids would fall asleep during rest period, but now “nobody is actually taking a nap.” Throughout class, the students are shuffling through small groups called “learning centers,” or “stations” to practice different subject
areas, Gilman said. They also get to participate in physical education classes, general music, art, media and computer lab throughout the week, she added.
It’s an exciting time for SMCPS, as the students are subjected to more literature and are picking up the alphabet and fundamentals of reading at an accelerated rate, Martirano
said. “The feedback [from parents] has been absolutely positive,” Martirano added. “Kids are exposed to technolSee Fun and Games page A-
Photo by Adam Ross
Therese Milcetich, an art teacher who spends one day a week at Hollywood Elementary School, helps a well behaved full-day kindergarten class work through its coloring project. The regular teachers of the class are Tammy Adams and Beth Franzen.
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, January 25, 2007
In Your Community LHS Band Booster Bingo Join the Leonardtown High School Band Boosters for their Longaberger Basket Bingo fundraiser today, 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.
HVFD No Limit Texas Hold’em The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department will hold a no-limit Texas Hold’em Poker
Tournament Saturday starting at 4 p.m. Fee is $100 (80+20) and there are no rebuys. Each player will receive 1500 chips for their buy in, and players are eliminated when they lose all their chips. The tournament will continue until one player hold all the chips, and that player is declared the first place finisher. The last player
eliminated will be the second place finisher, and so on. Doors open at 3 p.m., tournament starts at 4. Payment is cash only, checks and credit cards are not accepted. Smoking is not permitted in the hall. Seating is on a first come, first served basis, up to 160 seats max. Food and beverages will be sold during the event. For more informa-
Kick Off Your Party With One Of Our Platters!
tion, contact Sean at sbean@ hvfd7.com (preferred) or call 240-298-7939.
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 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.
Tax Preparation 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.
Legal Appointments The Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. provides free legal counsel to persons age 60 and over. Appointments are available 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.
Loans for Home Accessibility The Accessible Homes for Seniors program is a zero percent interest, 30 year deferred loan program available to persons age 55 and older who wish to make accessibility improvements to their homes. Types of improvements include installation of handrails, bathroom modifications, wheelchair ramps, etc. For more information call 301-475-4200, ext. 1064 or 301-475-4002, ext. 1004.
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
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.
The County Times
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Section A -
Green Ideas for New County Elementary Water Use Reduced by 90%, Energy by 30% By Adam Ross Staff Writer Described as an environmental ambassador for teaching energy conservation to the students and residents of Wildewood, a new elementary school, slated for construction starting in August, is not your average facility. It is a hard working building. The cost will total $26.6 million, but the design is elaborate and modern. According to project architect, Michael Lahowin of TCA architects, a firm based in Annapolis, the focus of the school is to “limit our impact on the ecosystem.” The proposed “green school” is square and compact, designed with two north and south wings that will run on an east-west axis to maximize daylight exposure, Lahowin said. The building will be 74,227 square feet and house 646 students. However, the hallmark of its design is a rainwater harvesting system that stores rain run-off from the roof into two 15,000-gallon tanks, and filters it to toilets throughout the building. Any excess water is siphoned off to a storm water management pond on site. “We will reduce water usage by 90 percent,” Lahowin said of the system, “by only using approximately 64,000 gallons of water a year.” Lahowin used information on this geographic area’s rain index provided from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s to determine how much rain
falls in St. Mary’s County each year. A roof made up of a highly reflective surface will deflect sun rays and act as a natural cooler in the summer season, and Lawhowin said the roof could reduce energy consumption by 25 or 30 percent a year. Additionally, there will be a strong commitment to recycling at the school The design and “use of all of the green features is to become an educational too,” he added. Kimberly Howe, supervisor of capital planning for St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS), said the building is planned for occupancy at the start of the 2009-2010 school year. The site is 54.99 acres of fairly flat land, Lahowin said. According to the design, there will be a full-size soccer field, a 250-foot softball field, two basketball courts, a playground area, a concrete path and a divided bus pickup loop. The project was brought before the Zoning Board of Appeals Jan. 11 to update the board on the site plans and design elements after the variance to build on Rural Preservation District land was given by the board in November of 2005. And although a variance was not needed because of the site’s proximity to the Airport Environs overlay zone of the Walter F. Duke regional airport, it has been a sticking point to some throughout the community.
Ken Studt, of Great Mills, a pilot who frequently flies into the airport said the school is “underlying an aircraft pattern and the runway could be expanding in the next five years to welcome larger size aircraft.” The flight pattern over the school would have aerial vehicles just 700 feet away, and the noise of some aircraft could be rather unwelcome, Studt said. A number of property owners living directly behind the site showed up to the public hearing and said they were in favor of the school, but had concerns over the placement of the cross county connector road, and a buffer for their properties to protect against the future use of the site. The St. Mary’s County Board of Education (BOE) has already made public its plan to include an early child center on the site sometime in the future. “If you set the school in a certain place it’s going to drive the county connector between the school and public road,” said Mark Fondren, one of the property owners of Southwood Lane in Wildewood. “[Walking students] are going to have to play frogger to get there.” Jacquelyn V. Meiser, a lawyer representing the BOE, said a previous statement from Howe in November of 2005 may have led people to believe there would be students walking to school, however due to “site restrictions” there will be no walkers. Howe added that “safety
Grades Are Out: County Gets Two A’s By Adam Ross Staff Writer Through the diligent work of past and present commissioners, St. Mary’s County had its bond rating increased last month from AA- to AA, potentially saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in the coming years. According to a Standard and Poor’s statement to the county Dec. 21, 2006, the change was “based on the ongoing expansions at the Patuxent River Naval Air Base, which was positively affected by the outcome of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission findings, coupled with a strong financial position and established fiscal policies.” Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) attested the good news to consolidations made within departments and the forward funding of various projects around the county. Jarboe said forward funding things like the waste management transfer station slated for St. Andrews landfill was “ironically helpful to the bond rating because we don’t have to go and borrow funds.” While the overall finan-
cial gains are unknown at this point, the rating ensures competitive bidding wars for county bonds that inherently lead to better interest rates, said county Chief Financial Officer Elaine Kramer. “The most immediate advantage might not be to the county,” Kramer added. “It might be to others, like the hospital and the nursing center, to the extent they can refinance their bonds.” Newly elected Commission President, Francis Jack Russell (D- Point Lookout), is reaping the benefits from fiscal policy and decision-making made before his time with the board. “It’s a great time to be at the helm of county government,” said Russell. “This rating upgrade recognizes our solid economy and the fiscally prudent policy and actions of county government.” Kramer attested the improvement to consistency, prioritization and commitment during the last six years. She said by setting aside $7.5 million in funds, the county showed “fiscal awareness and conservatism.” The other key element was the previous board’s ef-
fectiveness in dealing with Lexington Manner, encroachment, post retirement benefits and capital planning. The upgrade is two classifications below the maximum bond rating of AAA, with the lowest being D, meaning payment is in default. Before the increase, the county had an AA- with a “positive outlook” qualifier, a good rating in itself, according to Kramer. Although, Kramer added, a double rating without a qualifier “makes it easier for others to think about bidding on our bonds.” The county’s rating suggests it is high-grade and high quality because of its purchasing power, ability to repay debt and to withstand various types of financial and economic stress. Further, one of the main things Standard and Poor’s is looking for is consistency because the investments are often over the course of 15 or 20 years, Kramer said. Standard and Poor’s is the world’s foremost provider of independent credit ratings, indices, risk evaluation, investment research and data, according to its website.
Image Courtesy of St. Mary’s County Public Schools
Site Plan for the New “Green School” at Wildewood.
of the students is first and foremost,” and while walking was something the board looked at, it would only be discussed for the future. “We would have to work with the developer to come up with appropriate access to the site,” Howe added. John French, an elected member of the Pepper Ridge
Association, said the board was in unanimous support of the school being built, but only if a buffer for the Northeast corner of the site was included in plan. The Board of Appeals voted to include the 100foot buffer in response to the residents’ concerns, but only for existing properties, and
Fun and Games Continued from page A- ogy, letters and sound all day and are ready to learn.” And, according to Martirano, there has been a surge in enrollment numbers, “upwards of 118.” According to Gilman, “some of the kids aren’t quite there yet,” when assessing their ability to learn at such an early age, and other educators have expressed their dissatisfaction with the concept. Lindsey J. Peach, a nursery school teacher in Washington, D.C. and a staunch opponent of full day K said children at age 5 are too young to be in school for a full day. “Some of the kids at my school can easily put in a 12 or 13 hour day with early arrival and after-school care,” Peach said. “I put in a eight hour work day and I’m exhausted, these kids just want their mom and dad. It’s too much focus and time at that age.” But more working families are enrolling their children into a full-day program because one of the more attractive advantages is the alleviation of daycare expenses. In
most cases the children are in school from 8:45 a.m., to 3:15, and according to Martirano there are after school programs available to families throughout the county. Principal Kim Summers, of Dynard Elementary School, said she is in her third year with full day K, and is seeing the benefits from students now in first, second and third grades. “Having these kids all day has really helped them prepare for the first grade,” Summers added. “We are finding that these kids are reading at their level by Christmas, so the academic gains they are making in comparison to the kids in the half-day program in years past is substantial.” But Patricia L. Trehern, in her first year of teaching full-day kindergarten after five years with the half-day sessions, said in an e-mail while students are “performing heads and shoulders above previous year students’ scores” on assessment exams, she worries about performance expectations.
against the request of Meiser and the BOE for what they characterized as a possible limitation on the site. Chief Executive Officer of St. Mary’s Schools J. Bradley Clements said the project should be going to bid in May.
“I worry that we expect too much of such young students,” Trehern added. “I want them to be able to enjoy the innocence of childhood and not to be stressed to perform more and more each year.” Another disadvantage to full-day kindergarten is the price tag associated with it. SMCPS are receiving in excess of $10 million more this year in Thornton funding from the State, and are asking the county for an additional $10.1 million, a number far higher than their original funding agreement, which allocated a $2.3 million increase for FY2008. The cost of the program is approximately $100,000 per classroom, according to chief financial officer for SMCPS, Daniel L. Carney. Carney wrote in an e-mail that $100,000 covers the salary for a teacher and paraeducator, furniture for the room, equipment for the room, and textbooks and instructional materials. Martirano added that he will have to hire seven new teachers to keep up with the enrollment for the 2007-2008 school year.
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The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Editorial & Opinion School Funding Woes When the St. Mary’s County Bridge to Excellence was first signed in 2004, it harkened a golden age for St. Mary’s Schools. It represented the end of the annual beg-a-thon, and granted, for the first time, the ability for long term planning based on a relatively fixed budgetary allocation from the County. The amount was done on a per-pupil basis, with the exact dollar figure coming from neither the school board nor
the commissioner board. Instead, it was decided that rather than battle it out over whose numbers to use, both parties would stick to a third party – the Thornton plan. Thus the county portion of per-pupil spending was set at the dollar amount recommended by the statewide plan. That could have been the end of the story, but in a surprise to no one, it was not. Now the forces on both sides are picking up their arms again and preparing to
do battle over school funding once again. The school system shouts their battle cry of “we need more money,” and the commissioners respond with their call of “we can’t afford what you want!” St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) has data to show that they are in dire need of the money they have requested, roughly 10 million additional dollars from the county. They have figures that show St. Mary’s as hav-
ing the lowest per-pupil funding rate in Maryland. They have programs they want to launch and those they want to continue, but can not without these additional funds. However, the County Government could easily point out that the per-pupil funding figures SMCPS uses to justify this increase is not current, and that the actual number is greater than what is being shown. Another idea they bring up is that per-pupil spending does not necessarily equal results. Ultimately, the strongest argument, that the money is just not there, is usually the deciding one as well. While
the county has been wiser in its spending over the past few years, if it just goes throwing money to every group that requests it, deficits would not be far behind. So while county government has a responsibility to educate our children, it also has a fiscal responsibility. And speaking of responsibility, when the Bridge to Excellence was signed, the funding agreement was only part of the package. There was also an accountability portion, stating that the schools must provide the county a report card each year to detail areas of progress and areas of deficiency. We are all wondering what this report card will look
like since we have yet to see one. Ultimately, this battle will play out in the weeks to come as the County Commissioners set the budget for Fiscal Year 2008 in budget work sessions held after the official business meetings end each Tuesday. The Commissioners will discuss and evaluate, and decide on each request before them, and tough decisions will be made. But as in all walks of life, those tough decisions will lead to winner and losers, and hopefully, the losers will not carry a grudge if it means imperiling the education of our children.
all SMCPS budget from last year of $150 million, and an extra $20 million doesn’t really seem that overwhelming. Regardless of your take on it, the true story gets lost in the numbers. Sometimes the media does a bad job of making known the particulars, or highlighting the facts. It’s important the readers pay close attention to a story, but it’s our job to distill the truth, and we often fail at that task. It certainly makes for a better story if we write that the public schools are requesting a $20 million dollar increase than if we outline the truth of that request, which in this case is only a $4.5 million increase to the county over last year’s budget. But we also have to hold our officials accountable to include all of the numbers. I
recently sat down with Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano, and discussed the school’s budget request. He provided me with an easy-toread graph and a booklet that had more visuals and a break down on the numbers. I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything less from a lifelong educator. Unfortunately, for most of you in the county, there is no opportunity to take 30 minutes out of a Dr. Martirano’s extremely hectic schedule. Not only is he dealing with running a school system, he has a family to tend to. So instead we rely on places like the Internet for information. As of last week, SMCPS had only last year’s proposed budget posted to the web. I found this disconcerting. Not only should the proposed FY2008 budget be listed as soon as it available, but also the actual budget for FY2007
should have been posted long ago. It’s important that people have an opportunity to compare and contrast both, to see where their tax dollars are going. I asked Dr. Martirano why this had happened, and he didn’t have an answer. He, too, seemed very concerned and enthusiastic about getting the website updated. Martirano characterized his office to me once as “brutally honest with no room for secrets,” and while that has appeared to be a fair assessment from my short time in the county, this particular instance was a bit of a shocker to me. I’m hoping the situation is fixed sooner rather than later. And when it is, I hope the county will take a look and see some of the great, expensive strides the school system is making to ensure a positive education for our youth.
tax dollars and of our trust in putting them in this leadership position. Even if embryonic stem cell research techniques were producing results that other stem cell lines have produced, which isn’t the case, it is still unethical. All this talk about ethics in the new 110th Congress, yet they are going down the slippery slope of unethical research that harms life rather than doing good. I would once again urge you to contact your representative, Steny Hoyer, and respectfully encourage him to support ethical research.
this year, may have raised the bar on acceptable budgetary allocations. Although, Mattingly quickly dismissed the idea that the state’s increase posed any sort of threat or expectations to the board. “We have to develop our budget based on revenue projections,” Mattingly added. “I don’t know they should be concerned about how we fund the local side of that, we fund on what we have available.” At a legislative breakfast held in December with the County Commissioners, the
Big City Boy, Small Town Heart School Budgets Should be Available to All By Adam Ross Staff Writer Understanding a multimillion dollar budget is an exhausting and complicated task. We in the media are the lucky ones that try to figure out the numbers and make sense of it all. It’s not something I have very much experience with, but I sit in on the
budget sessions, question the key players and break down the numbers. Calling it an enjoyable task would be an overstatement, but it’s an integral part of our county and the public ought to be filled in on the particulars. What upsets me about the process is that it’s very easy to get caught up in the numbers. Take public schools for
example. You may have read in recent weeks, that the St. Mary’s County Public School (SMCPS) system is asking for a $20,574,129 increase in their budget for FY2008. To those of us who will never see, let alone make that type of money, in our lifetime that can be a rather overwhelming number. It makes a story in itself. If you look at it from the flip side, you see an over-
So far, scientists involved in this research have been unable to prevent the embryonic cells from mutating into tumors. There has been no cure thus far using embryonic stem cells, however there have been many cures using adult stem cells, which do not pose the ethical concerns held by many Americans with regards to embryonic stem cells. To state the facts in this debate, there is no law against the research of embryonic stem cells. The concern is who will foot the
bill for this research. With embryonic stem cell research being funded privately for many years, and despite the millions of dollars already spent, still no human treatments have come from this research. On the other hand, Adult Stem Cells have already cured scores of people suffering from a variety of illnesses. But now, after seven years, scientist at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Harvard School of Medicine report they have isolated stem cells from yet a
new source: amniotic fluid. The researchers were able to separate these cells from the other cells present in the placenta surrounding an embryo and were also able to coax these cells to differentiate into brain, muscle, bone, fat, blood vessel, liver and nerve cells to fight and treat disease. And these amniotic fluid stem cells pose no ethical concerns, yet possess greater potential than embryonic stem cells, without generating tumors that have so often been the result of embryonic experimentation. Why then, are our representatives still chasing unethical research and funding it with our tax dollars? This again is a blatant misuse of our
town) said he has not seen the full budget request, but only what has been in the newspapers. “It’s certainly more funding than what is available in this year’s budget,” Mattingly said after clarification was given to him over the true request from the BOE. “So we have to sit down with the Board of Education to see what items are absolutely necessary.” While both sides appear poised to work together, the coming weeks could offer up
a sharp contrast of opinions. Martirano has been quick to highlight inadequacies in per-pupil-spending, where he says St. Mary’s ranks dead last in comparison to counties across the state. Elaine Kramer, St. Mary’s County’s chief financial officer, could not be reached by press time to confirm these numbers. Mattingly, however, continued his charge away from the per-pupil-spending rationale. “They continue to put per-pupil-spending in our
faces but nobody has shown us any direct relationship to its results,” Mattingly said. “It’s evidenced by other jurisdictions that spend more than we do and don’t get the results that we do.” Martirano points out that Calvert County Public Schools were funded at $24 million more than St. Mary’s last year, with about 500 students more than St. Mary’s. Meanwhile, pressure levied from the state, which increased its Thornton funding to St. Mary’s by 15 percent
Contact Your Congressman to Stop Unethical Research To the Editor: On Friday, Jan. 12, the House of Representatives, led by Steny Hoyer, passed a Bill that will fund embryonic stem cell research using your tax dollars. Why the fuss over something that so many people claim will bring cures to so many? The problem is that while some will tell you this research is close to a cure, the TRUTH of the matter is that embryonic stem cells are at best years away from any such cure if ever.
Resolution Continued from page A- ing, and [county government] is carrying a $14.5 million fund balance right from its 2006 audit.” Ten years of data highlighted in the superintendent’s budget request shows a sharp decline of nearly 10 percent of the county’s total budget to the public school system. Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (D- Leonard-
Capitol Office 1705 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone – (202) 225-4131 Fax – (202) 225-4300
Waldorf Office 401 Post Office Road, Ste. 202 Waldorf, MD 20602 Phone - (301) 843-1577 Fax - (301) 843-1331 Or on the web at: http://hoyer.house.gov/ contact/email.asp Your call could be the one phone call needed to change the mind of your representative. He needs to hear from all of us on the Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill (H.R. 3). Please call and let him know your thoughts on this. Joe DiMarco Mechanicsville
Southern Maryland delegation and the Board of Education, Delegate John L. Bohanan (D- 29B) expressed his dissatisfaction with the county’s budgetary increases in recent years. If it were up to Bohanan, he said he would bring in line state and local funding to public education. And as of late, the state is allocating three times the increase of the county, Bohanan said.
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
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The County Times
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Forrest Continued from page A-1 removed. “Things were smooth,” Jarboe added of Forrest’s work. “He is a former war hero and a very fine individual.” Forrest’s retirement is effective Jan. 31, and John Savich, director of the Department of Economic and Community Development, will serve in his stead until a replacement is found. “George is the best boss I’ve ever had and it’s been great working with him,” Savich said in a telephone interview following Tuesday’s meeting. “I was sorry to see someone who’s been so great to work with go.” Savich served as the backup to Forrest over his tenure, and while he did not deny interest in replacing Forrest as county administrator, “that’s a decision I will make at the point a job is advertised,” he said.
According to Savich, the process in finding a replacement should take a few months, but he feels comfortable balancing both positions over that time frame. “It’s not the first time in my career where I have moved into an acting position,” he added. “I have a great staff and we can easily carry on for a few months.” Forrest, a saxophonist for over 30 years, joked about joining his brother’s rock band, but said improving his golf game and taking care of his mother and father “who need more attention every day” would be his new challenges. Forrest was the first African American to hold the position of county administrator in St. Mary’s County; the highest paid, non-elected post in county government. He served on the board
of directors for St. Mary’s Hospital, Tomorrow’s Child, the Sotterly Historical Foundation, and the Governor’s Southern Maryland Higher Education Center during his 30 years experience in organizational management. Before serving the county, Forrest retired from 21 years of active service in the United States Army where he received two Bronze Stars for valor, three Republic of Vietnam Crosses for gallantry, a Combat Infantry Badge and a Parachute Badge. Additionally, Forrest has served in St. Mary’s County Public Schools as Director of Students at St. Mary’s Ryken High School and Principal of the St. Mary’s County Technical Center.
Eye on the Market To Sell or Not to Sell?
How do I qualify for a V.A. home loan? Patrick Dugan O’Brien Realty
days) for which you were ordered or called to active duty and been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or • Completed at least 181 days of active duty and been discharged under the specific authority of 10 USC 1173 (Hardship), or 10 USC 1171 (Early Out), or have been Recently I was asked determined to have a comabout V.A. loans. My client pensable service-connected wanted to know how to go disability; about applying for one. So I • Been discharged with thought, why not talk to the less than 181 days of service people at V.A. and see what for a service-connected diswas new? Below I have put to- ability. Individuals may also gether some notes that should be eligible if they were recome in useful to the many leased from active duty due families in our area who qual- to an involuntary reduction in ify for this type of loan. force, certain medical condiIf you left the military tions, or, in some instances with something other than an for the convenience of the honorable discharge, more in- Government. vestigation will have to take Gulf War - Service during place, but generally you can period 8/2/1990 to date yet to follow these guidelines. be determined If your war time service If you served on active occurred during the follow- duty during the Gulf War, you ing times WWII, 9/16/1940 must have: to 7/25/1947, Korean war, • Completed 24 6/27/1950 to 1/31/1955, or in months of continuous active Vietnam from 8/5/1964 to duty or the full period (at least 5/7/1975, than you must have 90 days) for which you were at least 90 days on active duty called or ordered to active and been discharged under duty, and been discharged unother than dishonorable condi- der conditions other than distions. If you served less than honorable, or 90 days, you may be eligible if • Completed at least 90 discharged for a service-con- days of active duty and been nected disability. discharged under the specific If your peace time service authority of 10 USC 1173 falls in the following time (Hardship), or 10 USC 1173 line7/26/1947 to 6/26/1950, (Early Out), or have been de2/1/1955 to 8/4/1964, 5/8/1975 termined to have a compento 9/7/1980 (enlisted), or sable service-connected dis5/8/1975 to 10/16/1981 (of- ability, or ficer) than you must have • Been discharged with served at least 181 days of less than 90 days of service for continuous active duty and a service-connected disabilbeen discharged under other ity. Individuals may also be than dishonorable conditions. eligible if they were released If you served less than 181 from active duty due to an indays, you may be eligible if voluntary reduction in force, discharged for a service-con- certain medical conditions, or, nected disability. in some instances, for the conNow for some other venience of the Government. random dates that may apActive Duty Service ply to you and your Service Personnel after 9/7/1980 (enlisted) or If you are now on regular 10/16/1981 (officer) duty (not active duty for trainIf you were separated ing), you are eligible after havfrom service, which began ing served 181 days (90 days after these dates, you must during the Gulf War) unless have: discharged or separated from • Completed 24 months a previous qualifying period of continuous active duty or of active duty service. the full period (at least 181 Selected Reserves or Na-
tional Guard If you are not otherwise eligible and you have completed a total of 6 years in the Selected Reserves or National Guard (member of an active unit, attended required weekend drills and 2-week active duty for training) and • Were discharged with an honorable discharge, or • Were placed on the retired list, or • Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable service, or • Continue to serve in the Selected Reserves Individuals who completed less than 6 years may be eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability. You May also be determined eligible if you: • Are an unremarried spouse of a veteran who died while in service or from a service connected disability, or • Are a spouse of a serviceperson missing in action or a prisoner of war Eligibility may also be established for: • Certain United States citizens who served in the armed forces of a government allied with the United States in WW II. • Individuals with service as members in certain organizations, such as Public Health Service officers, cadets at the United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy, midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, officers of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, merchant seaman with WW II service, and others. As with everything, this article comes with the usual disclaimer. There are certain circumstances and situations that may arise which will differ from these rules. You can contact me at patrick.dugan@ obrienrealty.com for more information regarding V.A. loans or any real estate question. Please remember when you send an e-mail have “The County Times” in the subject line.
Section A -
Commissioners squander more than just money on Lacer
“Your honor, I believe the award in this case should be more than a million dollars. After all, my client should get something.” A comic observation maybe, but all too often the attitude when it’s not your money. Two unfortunate injustices were done to the people of St. Mary’s County when the current Board of Commissioners decided to recklessly throw away taxpayer dollars by giving the former County Administrator 20 times the amount of money he rightly deserved. Not only were the citizens forced to pay monies not owed, but secondly, a unique opportunity to correct a serious problem in the State of Maryland that exists due to over one hundred years of one party rule was squandered. Let me explain: The former County Administrator was asked to resign due to issues surrounding operations at county government. County government was spending beyond its means when we took office in 2002; reserves were depleted, including the rainy day fund. We had to place a freeze on hiring just to have money for snow removal on county roads that winter. Employee moral was low, key county employees were considering resignation, communications seemed broken and the organization lacked leadership and was operating at a low efficiency level. The citizens were being sued by a former senior-level county employee charging the County Administrator with discrimination, a case that would ultimately cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars. The County Administrator refused to resign and was ultimately removed. Approximately a year and a half remained on his employment contract. Under contract labor law, the removed employee has an obligation to seek employment elsewhere, potentially offsetting the re-
maining obligation of the former employer under the terms of the canceled contract. The County Administrator did not have the right to simply sit at home and automatically collect pay for doing nothing. Under the worst case, the former County Administrator may have been due the balance of his contract, less money earned at another job during the balance of time on the contract. Certainly nothing close to the $450,000 the current Board agreed to “gift” away. In reality, due to the political nature of the position the administrator held, there was no further obligation, which gets me to the second injustice to the citizens. With Maryland being a state that has been ruled by one party for over one hundred years, a common practice has been for elected officials to fill the bureaucracy with cronies who will survive long after they are gone from elected office, in effect allowing them to maintain control of government even if the citizens vote them out. In fact, even after losing the election in 2002, the outgoing commissioners, in their final lame duck meeting, awarded over $500,000 in employment contracts, further tying the new Board’s hands. While many states have taken action to prevent this abuse of both taxpayer dollars and citizen’s rights to elect the government they choose, the Maryland Legislature has allowed it to continue due to one party’s monopoly status. Fortunately, we still enjoy three branches of government, and when one branch fails to protect our rights we depend on another branch to correct the wrong. This case provided the opportunity for the Courts to decide a very important question, not only in St. Mary’s but also in the State of Maryland. When our Board of Commissioners took action to cancel Lacer’s contract, we were supported by three separate legal opinions. The visiting judge from Prince George’s County who first heard the case understood right away the ramifications, and believed this to be a case better suited for a higher court. With limited experience as a trial judge, she quickly ruled in favor of the complaintent without even hearing the case. The judge believed this would be the quickest way to get this case to the Court of Special Appeals. Unfortunately, the judge
erred by not completing the case at the Circuit Court level. The Court of Special Appeals did not rule against the County, they found instead that the case was not yet “ripe” for them to hear and remanded it back to the Circuit Court judge to finish the case at her level. While the County did not have the benefit of existing case law in Maryland to support its case, it was armed with case law from neighboring states where courts have regularly found that elected officials cannot bind future governments with employment contract for senior-level staff. The County’s case was rock solid on principle and precedent. This was a case that would have given the citizens of the State of Maryland the same protections citizens in other states enjoy. It shouldn’t be too surprising, however, that the one party that rules this State and this County didn’t want anything to do with this case and quickly sold the citizens out. Last week, Commissioners Raley, Mattingly, and Russell told the current County Administrator, George Forrest, which my Board appointed, that he would be replaced. Mr. Forrest, the first AfricanAmerican to hold the highest non-elected position in County government, has performed outstandingly. He provided strong leadership, yet it is, and should be, the new Board’s right to choose the County Administrator they want. While I very much would have liked to reward Mr. Forrest for his outstanding service to the County by giving him a long-term contract before leaving office, my Board fully understood why the new Board should have the flexibility to choose. Unfortunately, the new Board has chosen to take advantage of this flexibility without standing firm to assure this injustice doesn’t occur in the future. All is not lost however, even though the new Board agreed to give away almost half a million dollars. When we took office in 2002, the County was broke, and when I left office in 2006, the County enjoyed over 40 million in reserves. We are at least $39,500,000 better off, unless the new Board continues to squander it.
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The County Times
Section A -
“Community Service Officer” Earns Positive Feedback By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer Interest is growing since the announcement of the new “Community Service Officer” program in Golden Beach. According to Sgt. Ted Belleavoine, who is in charge of Neighborhood Watch in that area, “there’s been a very positive feedback, a very positive outlook for what’s going to happen…. I think their biggest thing is that [the citizens
of Golden Beach] are looking forward to having an officer who will focus specifically on their community and what their needs are.” The aim of the program, which started Jan. 11, is for designated officers to focus on specific neighborhoods and the problems faced by those residents. The Sheriff’s Department will aid that officer in solving their problems by providing any necessary resources. While the Sheriff’s
Department currently has community police officers in certain sectors, such as Lexington Park and Leonardtown, the new program will narrow the focus on smaller areas. “That’s the difference,” Belleavoine said. “Some of our officers that were assigned to different sectors like Lexington Park, it was a much larger base,” Belleavoine said. “Instead of having several different neighborhoods and several core groups to deal with, [the
Police Briefs Police Operation Nets Multiple Arrests Police report that during a Sheriff’s Office Special Operation Assignment, Noberto Gallegos Tovar, 23, of Lusby, Md., was located in the parking lot of a Lexington Park establishment consuming alcohol and urinating in public. He was arrested and found to be in the Country illegally. As the Assignment continued, Timothy Wayne Brooks, 27, of Lexington Park, was arrested for Driving While Suspended. A search incident to that arrested revealed Brooks was in unlawfully in possession of prescription medications. Team members continued the enforcement and encountered Thomas Donnell Evans, 26, of La Plata, Md. It was found that Evans was in possession of Cocaine and marijuana. The cocaine was packaged to indicate intent for sale. Mary Theresa Dorsey, 44, of Lexington Park, was located by a team member at a local bar and found to be wanted. The warrant was a Grand Jury Indictment for Possession of Cocaine and Posses-
Police Seize Major Drug Cache Members of the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations Narcotics Section, with assistance from the St. Mary’s County K-9, executed a search and seizure warrant in Lexington Park resulting in nearly $4,000 worth of drugs being seized. The operation, was carried out Jan. 12 at 5:45 p.m., and the warrants were executed in conjunction with information received about a wanted person.
Drug Dealer Arrested A Mechanicsville Man was arrested on an indictment warrant for Possession with Intent to Distribute Jan. 13 at approximately 3 p.m. Felix Gregory Reed, 48, of Mechanicsville, was located in the Mechanicsville area by members of the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations along with Maryland State Police and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Officers.
sion of Cocaine with intent to Distribute. Team members, along with Patrol Deputies, responded to the area of Three Notch Road and St. Andrew’s Church Road for a reported vehicle refusing to stop, coming from Calvert County. The vehicle attempted to strike a Calvert County Deputy in the area of Kingston Creek Road. The suspect, Walter Michael Keene, 57, of Mechanicsville, entered St. Mary’s County with only two operational tires. Additional deflation devices were deployed at the intersection of Three Notch Road and St. Andrew’s Church Road. The remaining tires were flattened and the vehicle stopped. Keene, who was intoxicated, refused to exit the vehicle and a short struggle ensued before he was removed from the vehicle and placed into custody. Calvert County Deputies transported him back to their jurisdiction. Additional charges in St. Mary’s County are pending a State’s Attorney’s Office review.
Police seized 33.1 grams of Cocaine valued at $3,310, Cocaine paraphernalia and $415 in U.S. Currency. Louis Darnell Parker, 34, of California was arrested on open warrants for Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Paraphernalia. Marlon Dewayne Stewart, 29, of Leonardtown was arrested for Possession of Cocaine. Both suspects were transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center pending a hearing with the District Court Commissioner. All Indictments are pending the review of the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Police Report that Reed was in possession of .7 grams of Cocaine, valued at $140; .5 grams of Crack Cocaine, valued at $50 and $122 in U.S. currency at the time of his arrest. Reed was taken to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center pending a hearing with the District Court Commissioner. The State’s Attorney’s Office will review the pending indictments.
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officer has] got one specific neighborhood and basically he will move into that neighborhood and address their issues – whatever their problems are.” In a meeting with Belleavoine, Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron and Deputy Steve Simons, who will head the program, approximately 30 Golden Beach residents discussed issues that they hope to see tackled. “One of the biggest problems they have down there are,
Thursday, January 25, 2007 and not to pick on any particular group, but the kids speeding up and down the road or hanging out throughout the night at some of the parks that are closed creating disturbance or noise issues,” Belleavoine said. “The key thing for Deputy Simons is he’s going to have the time to focus on specific needs for them, and if they say that they’re having a problem on a particular culde-sac, or a particular street, or a particular park, he’s going to have the time and opportunity to take selective enforcement.” At the meeting, Golden Beach residents received personal cell phone numbers and email addresses so they can reach Simons whenever
Three Arrested in Connection with Armed Robbery Three men were arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, and one arrest warrant was issued for Robbery as the result of an investigation carried on by the St. Mary’s County
Assault Second Degree Sheriff’s Office Deputy Timothy White responded to a call for a domestic disturbance at a Lexington Park residence. Once on the scene, he observed the victim suffering from a lacerated lip and swelling on the back of her head. Suspect Charles Cornelius Butler, 32, of Lexington Park, was arrested for the Second Degree Assault. Assault Second Degree Martell Deonta Dickerson, 20, of Great Mills, was charged by Deputy Michael George on a Criminal Summons for Second Degree Assault. Dickerson allegedly struck a female victim, in the face, with a closed fist. Multiple Charges Deputy Ronald Maloy arrested Edwina Denise Fenwick, 44, of Park Hall, for an open warrant through Calvert County. Fenwick was charged with Motor Vehicle Theft, Theft over $500 and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Theft Talmadge Jay Jones, 34, of no fixed address, was charged by Deputy Joseph LaBrack for theft under $100. Jones reportedly entered a Lexington Park grocery store and stole more than $55 worth of meat. Hidden Cocaine Deputies Patrick Handy and Shawn Moses were on patrol in a Lexington Park neighborhood and conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle. While conducting the suspicious activity investigation, it was determined that Anthony Leon Brooks, 25, of Lexington Park, had placed a baggy of suspected cocaine under the windshield wiper of the vehicle. Additional Crack Cocaine was located secreted on the suspect’s person. Crack Cocaine Device Found Charles Ray McElhaney, 22, of Tall Timbers, was located in a vehicle with a female by Deputy William Rishel, who was dispatched to the area to “Check the Welfare” of the vehicle. As he interviewed the two parties he was advised of a Crack Cocaine smoking device on the person of McElhaney.
they need help, according to Belleavoine. This will allow Simons to get to know the citizens of Golden Beach on a first name basis. “If they can’t contact Simons, I want them to contact me,” Belleavoine said. On Feb. 1, another meeting will be held at the Golden Beach Firehouse to discuss the effectiveness of the program thus far. “I’m really excited,” Belleavoine said. “I’m interested to see what the community is going to say on February 1. I really hope with this thing kicking off on the right foot, we’ll get some positive results.”
Bureau of Criminal Investigations Jan. 15. A female victim on Hilton Dr. in Lexington Park was the victim of an armed robbery shortly before midnight Jan. 15, according to police, and the Arrest Warrant was issued for Jarrell Rahiem Johnson, B/M, 19, of Lexington Park. John Benedict Banks, Jr., B/M, 19, from Hollywood; Phillip Curtis Gough, B/M. 19, from Great Mills; and Elvis Tyrell Frederick, B/M, 21, from Loveville, were the arrestees for the Conspiracy to Commit Robbery charge.
Domestic Dispute Deputy David Goff responded to a reported domestic dispute at a Lexington Park residence. Once on the scene, Goff called in an ambulance for the victim, who suffered a head injury. It was determined that the victim was struck in the back of the head with a porcelain figurine. The suspect, Amos Samuel Milburn Jr., 27, of Lexington Park, had fled the scene. Goff applied for and received charges through a Criminal Summons for Second Degree Assault and served them to Milburn.
and shoved him backwards into his vehicle. The Criminal Summons was served by Deputy Harold D. Young.
Protective Order Violation Deputy Timothy Reese responded to a Lexington Park residence for a reported Violation of a Protective Order. He determined that Michael Wade Blackistone, 24, of Lexington Park, failed to honor the orders of the District Court Judge. Blackistone was arrested and charged accordingly.
Musical Theft Deputy Patrick Handy arrested a 15-year-old Lexington Park female apprehended at a California business for theft. The juvenile suspect stole nearly $150 worth of music compact discs. All the property was located and returned to the store. The juvenile was arrested, processed and released to a guardian to await a hearing in the Juvenile Court.
Theft Deputy Jaime Reithmeyer served a Criminal Summons on Sherry Lynn King, 31, of California, for Theft under $500. King reportedly stole a jar of coins from a residence. A Co-Defendant in this case, Shannyn Elizabeth Dulemba, 23, of California, was also charged. Theft Rodney Delray Taylor, 40, of Hollywood, was charged by Deputy Christopher Byrd on a Criminal Summons for Theft over $500 and Acting as a Contractor without a License. The investigation was conducted by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Taylor agreed to conduct home improvements at the total cost of $4,500 and received $1,500 in advance. He failed to provide any services. Assault James Travis Moore, 18, of Lexington Park, was charged on a Criminal Summons for Assault Second Degree. Suspect Moore was delivered a pizza and stated that the toppings were incorrect. The driver responded out to his home with an additional pizza; however the first order was correct. The driver advised the suspect he would have to go to the establishment and see the manager. It was at that time Moore reportedly assaulted the victim
Escapee Caught Police report that Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sarah Lacey located Lerrell Eric Carey, 19, of Lexington Park, and arrested him for escape. Carey was ordered by the Judge of the District Court to turn himself in to serve his sentence and failed to do so. His sentence was five weekends in the St. Mary’s County Detention Center.
Fraud and Drugs Crystal Dawn Faulstich, 22, of Hollywood, was arrested by Deputy Keith Mortiz for theft. Faulstich reportedly stole the victim’s Independence Card and made an estimated $1,500 worth of purchases. Upon her arrest, Faulstich was found to be in possession of marijuana and a related smoking device. Crack Cocaine Arrest Sheriff’s Office Deputies were informed by citizens, who reside in the area of Loveville Road, of an ongoing problem with strangers arriving at their residences asking for money and transportation. Deputies increased patrols in this area and encountered one of the two subjects described. Deputy Eric Walker located James Johnson Morgan, 41, of Mechanicsville, on Loveville Road, going door to door. Morgan stated he was “looking for a ride home”. A glass Crack Cocaine smoking device was located on his person and he was arrested. Grocery Theft Deputy Christopher Byrd responded to a Lexington Park grocery store for a reported theft. It was determined that Patricia Ann Holt, 30, of Loveville, had stolen five cans of Crab Meat and two bottles of oysters. The value of the theft was $95.
The County Times
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Obituaries Rose Leona Redman Bradburn, 78
Rose Leona Redman Bradburn, 78, of Dameron,
Md. died Jan. 17 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born May 21, 1928 in Valley Lee, Md., she was the daughter of the late Jesse and Lucy Bean Redman. Mrs. Bradburn was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County and a 1946 graduate of Great Mills High School, Great Mills, Md. She worked as the Post Mistress of Tall Timbers Post Office and at the library of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She married Joseph Thomas “Tommy” Bradburn, Sr. Oct. 9, 1948 in St. George Catholic Church in Valley Lee, Md. She was a homemaker, who loved her family and spending time with them. She enjoyed sewing, reading, working in the yard, and playing cards. She was a member of St. Michael’s Ladies of Charity and Ridge Lady Lions. She is survived by three daughters; Judy BradburnDeVault and her husband, Kenny of Leonardtown, Md., Kathy Woodford and her husband, G.E. of Hollywood, Md., and Joyce Robl and her husband, Tom of Sadieville, Ky., two sons; David Bradburn and his wife, Ramona, and Charlie Bradburn and his wife, Cindy, all of Dameron, Md., three sisters; Sister Francis Inez Redman of Hartford, Conn., Marie Redman of Valley Lee, Md., and Ethel Pilkerton of Hollywood, Md., five grandchildren; Stephen Bradburn, Jessica Bradburn, Ben Bradburn, Ryan Woodford, and Melanie Bradburn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, sisters, Viola Saunders and Madeleine Poe, brothers, Paul Redman, Joseph Redman, and Philip Redman. The family received friends Jan. 19 from 5- 8: p.m. in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ridge, Md., with prayers recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was be celebrated Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. in the church. Monsignor Maurice O’Connell was the celebrant. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680 and/or the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 520, Ridge, MD 20680.
Clara Edith Braxton, 84 Clara Edith Braxton, 84, of Mechanicsville, Md. died Jan. 18 in her residence. Born March 23, 1922 in Hughesville, Md., she was the daughter of the late John Domernick Woodland and Olevia Johnson Woodland. She was an active member of Ebenezer A.M.E. Methodist Church in Mechanicville, Md. She was a Church mother and a member of both, the Stewart Board and Missionary Board. She enjoyed
gardening. She is survived by her nine children; Louis Milton Braxton of Washington, DC, Bernard Leo Braxton of District Heights, Md., Edith Marie Braxton of Mechanicsville, Md., Barbara Ann Holton of Mechanicsville, Md., Mary Ellen Holton of Leonardtown, Md., William Marvin Braxton of Waldorf, Md., Shirley Mae Dorsey of Mechanicsville, Md., Faye Elizabeth Braxton of Mechanicsville, Md., and Francis DeSales Braxton, Sr. of Lusby, Md., four daughters-in-law; Audrey Braxton, Delores Braxton, Mona Braxton, and Lisa Braxton, sonin-law, Joseph Dorsey, Sr., 32 grandchildren, 20 greatgrandchildren, and one greatgreat grandchild. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, William Louis Braxton, Sr. and one son, James C. Braxton. The family received friends Tuesday from 9- 11 a.m. in the Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home Chapel, Charlotte Hall, Md., with the Funeral Service conducted at 11 a.m. The Reverend Richard McNair officiated. Interment followed in Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Mechanicsville, Md. Serving as pallbearers were her grandchildren. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., in Leonardtown, Md. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.
married Jack Gaines June 3, 1940 in Borger, Texas, and he preceded her in death Aug. 7, 1987. Mrs. Gaines graduated from Phillips High School in Phillips, Texas. She was a breeder of Yorkshire Terriers for thirty-five years, and enjoyed aerobic dance. Due to declining health she moved to Antigo to be near her son. She is survived by her son, Dennis (Barbara) Gaines of Lakewood, Wis., one daughter, Joveta (Joseph) Nicewarner of Leonardtown, Md., three grandchildren, Kim Gaines, Craig Gaines, and Jacky Landsman, and three great- grandchildren, Michael Gaines, Zachery and Jordan Landsman. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Dexter, and one sister. Family received friends Jan. 20 from 9- 11 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md., with the Funeral Service conducted at 11 a.m. Reverend Stephen Updegrave officiated. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Margaret E. Gemmill, 94
Joseph Demko, Jr., 70 Joseph Demko, Jr., 70, of St. Inigoes, Md. died Jan. 15 in Bayside Care Center. Born July 11, 1936 in Dameron, Md. he was the son of the late Joseph and Veronica Dvorchak Demko, Sr. He was the husband of Vivien Demko of Ridge, Md. He is survived by his son: Michael Demko of Altoona, Pa.; step children: William Houle of Fort Ben, Ga., Mary, Sarah, Warren and Bernard Adams all of Lexington Park, Md., Robert and David Long of Altoona, Pa.; brother: John Demko and his wife June of Dameron, Md.; sister: Ann Stancil of Fort Myers, Fla., and many sister and brother in-laws, nieces, nephews and step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his nephew: Bobby Demko; niece: Janet Thome and brother in-law: Carl Stancil. Joe was a life long St. Mary’s County resident where he was a maintenance worker in various places. He enjoyed being around the water; fishing and crabbing. He also enjoyed hunting and a few other extra curricular activities. He had many friends he enjoyed visiting and lending a helping hand when he could. A Memorial Service was held Jan. 20, at 1 p.m. in St. Michael Church, Ridge, Md. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Margaret E. Gemmill, 94, of Tall Timbers, Md., died
Jan. 21 in St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. Born Feb. 25, 1912 in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late James C. Bailey and Mary C. Howley Bailey. She is survived by two sons, Raymond E. Gemmill of Colesville, Md. and James N. Gemmill of Huntington, N.Y., a sister, Olivia Pyles of LaPlata, Md., and six grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Mervyn Gemmill. The family received friends Wednesday from 5- 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md., with prayers recited at 7 p.m. A Graveside Service will be conducted today, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. in Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, Md. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009.
William Dominic Holt, Sr., 71
Ruth Catherine Gaines, 85 Ruth Catherine Gaines, 85, Antigo, WI, died Saturday January 13, 2007 at Rosalia Gardens under the loving care of their staff and LeRoyer Hospice. She was born Aug. 7, 1921 in Watongo, Okla. She
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. Dominic, as his family and friends called him, was a life long resident of St. Mary’s County. He attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School in Morganza, Md. He was a life long parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, Md. Dominic started working at an early age of 15. In 1955, he joined the Unites States Army and was honorably discharged in 1958. After leaving the service, he worked for a construction company. In 1962, Dominic started working for the Department of Navy, Patuxent River Naval Air Station as a sheet metal mechanic. He retired after 30 years of service in 1993. After retirement, he worked part-time at Mattingly’s IGA and later at True Value until his illness prevented him from working. Dominic was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Neal Holt June 18, 1960 at St. Joseph’s Church, Morganza, Md. They had five children whom he cherished and loved. Dominic had many hidden talents and could work magic with his hands. His wife and children will miss the way he could build things from scratch and whenever something needed repairing or replacing, he would take on the challenge. He enjoyed hunting, carpentry, dancing, watching television with his wife, riding his big red tractor, and hanging out with his brothers. He leaves to mourn his wife of 46 years, Mary Catherine Neal Holt, 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, M.d., three sons-in-law; Morris “Rocky” Whitaker, Gregory Scriber, and Andrew Woodland, daughter-in-law, Teena Holt, seven grandchildren; Morris “Clint” Whitaker II, Eric Scriber, Manya Whitaker, Taaron Washington, Dominique Holt, Nicole Woodland, and Anwar Woodland, one greatgrandchild, Leric Scriber, six siblings; Joseph N. Holt of Washington, DC, Charles L. Holt, Robert Holt, Harry Holt, Georgianna Gray, and George Holt, all of Oakville, Md., five brothers-in-law; Paul Neal, Gerald Neal, Earl Neal, John Gray, and Walter Mason, twelve sisters-in-law; Margaret Taylor, Rose Neal, Shelisa Miles, Madeline Neal, Karen Neal, Yung Neal, Margaret Holt, Sarah Holt, Laverne Holt, Blanche Holt, Agnes Holt, Thelma Strickland and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Dominic was preceded in death by his three older siblings, James Lawrence Holt, Marie A. Mason, and Francis Aloysius Holt. Family received friends Monday from 8:30- 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, Md. with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. Reverend Keith Woods was the celebrant. Interment followed in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, Md. Serving as pallbearers were John Gray, Wayne Gray, Allan Mason, Walter Mason, Jr., James N. Holt, and Earl Neal. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Leroy Holly, Sam Nelson, Bill Scott, Francis Nelson, and Wallace Ashton.
Section A - Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE House c/o HOSPICE of St. Mary’s, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements made by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Helen Stine Lindsay, 93 Helen Stine Lindsay, 93,
of California, Md. died Jan. 19 in St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. Born March 20, 1913 in Middletown, Md., she was the daughter of the late Eyster and Laura Gladhill Stine. She is survived by her step-son, Melvin L. Lindsay, seven step-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren, and two step-great-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Melvin L. Lindsay, Sr., a brother, Floyd Stine, and a niece, Gloria Waters. A Graveside Service was held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Evangelical Lutheran Church Zion Cemetery, Middletown, Md. Pastor Carroll Boyer officiated. Arrangements made by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., in Leonardtown, Md. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.
William “Billy” Oliver Lyman, 86 William “Billy” Oliver Lyman, 86, of La Plata, Md.,
died Jan. 20 in Civista Medical Center, La Plata, Md. Born July 3, 1920 in Castleton, VT he was the son of the late William and Bertha Fish Lyman. He was preceded in death by his wife Gladys Marie Lyman. The family received friends Tuesday in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where a Funeral Service was held with Rev. Phillip Ayers officiating. Interment was private. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Norma Jean Miller, 80
death by her husband, Richard Charles Miller and one grandchild. The family received friends Jan. 18 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. with prayers recited at 7 p.m. The Reverend Eamon Dignan officiated. Interment will be Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be William B. Cameron, Joseph Cameron, Pete Cameron, Doyle Benton, George Carr, and Lionel Blackwell. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE of St. Mary’s Co., Inc, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and/or St. John’s Church Building Fund, 43950 St. John’s Road, Hollywood, MD 20636.
Margaret Virginia Perciasepe, 80
Margaret Virginia Perciasepe, 80, of Solomons,
Md., died Jan. 18 in Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick, Md. Born April 30, 1926, in Oklahoma City, Okla., she was the daughter of the late Elmer Sumpter and Gladys M. Church Sumpter. She is survived by her two daughters, Carla Abrams of Hewitt, N.J. and Susan Perciasepe of California, Md., and six grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Perciasepe. The family received friends Jan. 21 from 2- 4 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md., with a Service of Remembrance at 3 p.m. Interment was private. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE House c/o HOSPICE of St. Mary’s, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.
William “Billy” Bernard Reintzell, Sr., 61 William “Billy” Bernard Reintzell, Sr., 61, of LeonarNorma Jean Miller, 80, of Hollywood, Md., died Jan. 14 in her residence surrounded by loved ones and HOSPICE caregivers. Born Jan. 24, 1926 in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Alfred Wise Dye and Bessie Abell Dye. Norma Jean will always be remembered by her love of music, dance and laughter. She had a loving heart to anyone who was in need. She is survived by her three daughters, Deborah Elizabeth Empting of Smyrna, Ga., Carol Lynn Cogar and Donna Lee Cameron, both of Hollywood, Md., two sons-in-law, Larry Duane Empting and William B. Cameron, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in
dtown, Md. died Jan. 18 in Washington Hospital Center. Born Nov. 12, 1945 in Mechanicsville, Md. He was the son of the late James C. and Mary M. Bridgett Reintzell, Sr. He is survived by his friend: Barbara J. Lacey; children: William B. Reintzell, Jr. and Stacey Reintzell Lynch; siblings: Louise Rollins of Tenn., Virginia Z Haris of N.M., Francis Armbrester of Willis Wharf, Va., Rose Anne Cox of White Plains and Margaret Brady of Ga. and 3 grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: James C. Reintzell, Joseph Reintzell and Henry G. Reintzell, Sr. Mr. Reintzell was a life long St. Mary’s County resident where he worked as a carpenter. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era for two years from June 21, 1967 – June 20, 1969. See Obituaries page A-
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The Newest “Club� in St. Mary’s By Adam Ross Staff Writer Following unanimous approval from the Board of County Commissioners last week, the renovations to the Wicomico Shores Golf Course clubhouse moved forward after six years of planning. Renovations will begin no later than early March, and a temporary operations trailer should be delivered by the end of the week, according to Phil Rollins, director of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Community Services (DRPCS). The $2.4 million project will expand the facility to 16,000 square feet, and offer a bar, kitchen, pro shop, banquet facility, outside sitting area and men’s and women’s restrooms. Renovations will also address the failing heat and air-conditioning systems, and the site’s lack of handicap accessibility, said Kathy Bailey, executive coordinator for DRPCS, who added that they will use $700,000 from their golf enterprise fund, receive $500,000 from the State’s Program Open Space fund, and borrow $1.2 million from the county. Rollins said the loan should be paid back within ten to fifteen years, depending on the best inter-
est rate. “I speculate it would be ten years,� he added, although he is awaiting feedback from the financial officer.
with their rates.� The amount of money the county receives from the State’s open space fund varies from year-to-year, Rollins
Imagae courtesy of St. Mary’s County County Government
Top and Right: These renditions show what the new Golf Club at Wicomico will look like upon completion. The project, which has been discussed for more than half a decade, is finally set to move off the drawing board and into the real world.
Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (D- Leonardtown) cautioned Rollins to not raise fees to pay back the county faster. “Most of what goes on,
children, Ashleigh Ridgell, John Ridgell, Christy Ridgell, Matthew Ridgell, Lauren Ridgell and Emily Ridgell, Continued from page A- and her very special friend, John Trossbach. Services will be Private. In addition to her parents Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner and husband she is preceded in death by a sister Catherine Funeral Home, P.A. “Kitty� Daulton and a brother Philbert “Jimmy� Langley. Anna Mae “Hoppy� The family received Ridgell, 69 friends Tuesday from 5 – 8 p.m. at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Ridge, Md., with prayers recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Msgr. Maurice O’Connell, pastor of the church, Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Mike Langley, Tommy Langley, Charles Langley, Danny Langley, Phil Langley, Jimmy Anna Mae “Hoppy“ Ridgell, 69, of Great Daulton, Sonny Trossbach, Jr. Mills, Md., died Jan. and Mark Buckner. Memorial contributions 19, in Dameron, Md. Born July 22, 1937 in Great may be made to The HosMills, Md., she was the daugh- pice House c/o Hospice of ter of the late Philip Neal and St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Sarah Alberta Dement Lang- Leonardtown, Md 20650 ley. On July 28, 1956, she or OPIS Unit c/o St. Mary’s married John Allen Ridgell in Hospital, P.O. Box 527, St. Michaels Church. He died Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements were made by in 1974. the Brinsfield Funeral Home, She was a lifelong resiP.A. in Leonardtown, MD. dent of St. Mary’s County where she was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Eugene LeMerle Riggs, Church the Ladies of Char71 ity and the K. of C. Bells. She had worked at St. Mary’s Eugene LeMerle Riggs, College in St. Mary’s City, Md., in the food service de- 71, of California, Md. died partment until her retirement. Jan. 16 in his residence. Born July 24, 1935 in She enjoyed family gatherings, playing cards – es- Washington, DC, he was the pecially Pitch – being with son of the late George Henry friends, and helping others by Riggs, Jr. and Eugenie Leher friendly smile and caring Merle Riggs. He is survived by his ways. wife, Mary Jane Riggs, three Mrs. Ridgell is survived children, Challen Riggs by three children, Timothy Allen Ridgell and his wife of Frederick, Md., Landen Bonnie, Philip “Heavy� Riggs of Lusby, Md., and Ridgell and his wife Brenda Brinton Riggs of Portland, all of St. Inigoes, Md., and Ore., and two siblings, Barry Sarah Lynne Ridgell of Lex- Riggs of Baton Rouge, La., ington Park, Md., sister; Ag- and Ravenel Riggs of Metaines Tippett , four brothers; rie, La. All services are private. Charles Langley, Sr., Ronnie Arrangements made by Langley, David “Toby� Langthe Brinsfield Funeral Home, ley and Jake Langley all of Great Mills, Md., six grand- P.A., Leonardtown, Md.
Obituaries
in fact everything at the golf course, is dictated by fees,� Mattingly added. “We charge fees that are very, very reasonable so we can maintain
tion is tight at the state level they reallocate the Program Open Space funds for other things,� he added. “Things like balancing the budget, but last year the grant was fully funded.� Former Commissioner President Thomas F. McKay
Imagae courtesy of St. Mary’s County County Government
and allow people to go out and enjoy golf. If you want to get an uproar, start messing
said. “From my perspective when the fiscal situa-
expressed reservations about using funds from Program Open Space, although he
Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Burial will be celebrated today, January 25 at 10 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Compton, Md., with Fr. John Dakes officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be: James
“Bubby� Spalding, Charles H. “Billy� Guy, Sr., Charles H. “Buddy� Guy, Jr., William Jenkins, F. Elliott “Sonny� Burch and Charles “Charlie� Guy. Contributions may be made to: Hospice of St.
Joseph Howard Spalding, Jr., 83
was in support of the renovations, according to the minutes from The Golf Advisory Board Committee’s meeting Sept.13, 2006. The building is nearly forty years old, and according to Rollins the project “has been around the mulberry bush. “We actually designed a new building,� Rollins said. “The original thinking was to tear it down, but we went to bid and the bid came too high. We didn’t have the funding in place and the former commissioners appointed a golf advisory board to take a fresh look at what we were doing.� The decision was to try and salvage the structure of the building. The commissioners said they were pleased with the design, but Mattingly questioned Rollins on the lack of a side door entrance for catering trucks. Mattingly said it would be better “from an appearance standpoint� if catering trucks did not have to park in front of the building. Rollins said he would continue to work with the advisory board on dealing with that and “it was a point well taken.� Weather permitting, the golf course is open year around and according to Rollins has had “quite a bit of play� throughout the current winter season.
Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and/or Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 299, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
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Joseph Howard Spalding, Jr., 83, of Leonardtown, Md., died Jan 22 in Leonardtown, Md. Born March 30, 1923 in Leonardtown, Md. He was the son of the late Joseph Howard and Mary Hermania Spalding, Sr. He was the beloved husband of Catherine “Kitty� Alvey Spalding whom he married Oct. 11, 1947 in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Compton, Md. He is survived by his children: Kay Christman and her husband John of Breton Bay and Howard Francis “Frankie� Spalding and his wife Paula of Ft. Pierce, Fla.; 1 grandson: Shawn Francis Spalding; two great grandchildren and his beloved little dog “Smokie�. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter: Kathryn Leigh Christman. Mr. Spalding was a life long St. Mary’s County resident where he graduated from Great Mills High School Class of 1942. He worked as a driver/ salesman for ITT Continental Baking Co. and after 28 years of service he retired in February 1984. He was a member of the 3rd District Optimist Club. He enjoyed traveling, showing classic cars, horse racing, dancing, playing cards and observing nature. The family received friends Wednesday from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian
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