Thursday, July 31, 2008 • St. Mary’s County

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Thursday, July 31, 2008 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland

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Commissioners Give Preliminary Nod To Hospital Expansion Projects

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Swim Meet A TriCounty Success

“

The leadership at St. Mary’s Hospital wants the help of the commissioners in borrowing money for two expansion projects; one will add a three-floor annex to the site of about 22,740 square feet and the other, a three-story tower like addition that will include an expansion of 117,830 square feet.

Anything you can do to foster and encourage these swimmers, it’s great.”

-SMSL President Dave Gilman

See Hospital Expansion page A-

Photo by Guy Leonard

Christine Wray, St. Mary’s Hospital CEO, left, Holly Meyer, hospital spokeswoman and James Delligatti, chairman of the board of the hospital present their plans to expand the hospital to the county commissioners.

Death Of 2Year-Old By Drowning Under Investigation

Local Soldier Has Building Named After Him

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

fering instructions and the hum of the printer from the school office.

Many rooms are vacant, but the ones occupied buzz with enthusiastic activity, from kindergarteners building block structures to fifth graders studying earthworms.

This is part of the 11 Month Program, oper-

Detectives with the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations and officials with State’s Attorney Richard Fritz’s office are continuing their investigation of the case of a 2-year-old boy who drowned in a backyard swimming pool at a babysitter’s residence in Golden Beach.

Fritz said that so far the investigation did not reveal any fault on the part of the babysitter.

“It doesn’t appear that charges are warranted,” Fritz told The County Times, but added that the investigation had yet to be concluded.

According to information from investigators police responded to Dockser Drive in Golden Beach at about 5:30 p.m. July 24 because the child was not breathing. Information from the criminal investigation division stated that the child was left unattended at the babysitter’s home.

Emergency responders administered CPR (cardiopulmonary resus-

See 11 Month page A-

See Drowning page A-

Photo by Andrea Shiell

Students at Lexington Park Elementary School participate in writing exercises as part of the 11 Month Program, which provides summer classes in St. Mary’s County.

11 Month Program Keeping Students On Track Andrea Shiell Staff Writer The halls of Lexington Park Elementary School are quiet during the summer months, but certainly not dead quiet.

The voices of children working in classrooms in the distance can be heard, as can teachers of-

Story page A-6

St. Mary’s County Public Libraries Keep Up With Demand For Technology • Library Awarded Two Grants Totaling $60,000 • W.M. Davis Inc. Donation Kicks Off Phase Two Of Gates Foundation Grant

Confederate Memorial Gets It’s Centerpiece

IT’S CARNIVAL TIME!

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The private memorial to Confederate soldiers who died in captivity at the Point Lookout prisoner of war camp during the war between the states now puts a face to the rebel veterans who suffered there almost a century-and-a-half ago — a face cast in bronze.

The statue, which is at the center of the monument built by private donations to the Point Lookout Prisoners of War organization, stands some 17 feet high from its platform; the male figure sports a floppy hat, tattered clothes, a bearded countenance with long hair and is barefoot.

See Confederate Monument page A-

Photo by Andrea Shiell

This weekend, hundreds of residents gathered for games, rides, and food at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Carnival. This was the 50th year for the event.

Commissioners Take Up New Residence

Stories page B-7

Inside Op.-Ed ...........Page A - 4 Obituaries.......Page A - 7 Community.....Page B - 4 Police ...............Page B - 7 Classifieds.......Page B - 9 Thursday T-Storms 87°

For Continual News Updates Visit:

Friday Partly Cloudy 89°

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

somd.com Saturday Sunny 90° Photo by Guy Leonard

The St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners meets in their new meeting room at the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown Tuesday.

The St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners had their first meeting in the new Chesapeake Building Tuesday, leaving the old county administration building behind.

Their new home is a two-story building that cost just about $3.2 million to construct according to George Erichsen, director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation.

See New Residence page A-

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, July 31, 2008

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The County Times

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Section A -

Suspects In Bank Local Texting Champ Robbery, Attempted Takes on New York City High School Student Murder Cases Get More Leonardtown Reaches Finals in National Competition Mental Evaluation Time Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Two suspects, one charged with bank robbery and first-degree assault and one charged in an attempted murder case last year have both been ordered by the courts to have more evaluations on their mental condition to stand trial.

Cornelius Chase, suspected of committing a 2004 bank robbery in Leonardtown, appeared Monday in Circuit Court before Judge C. Clarke Raley for a competency hearing, but was remanded back to the custody of the Department of Corrections.

A letter from the state Office of Forensic Services, T. Jeffrey Neal, a psychologist, stated Chase should receive further evaluation.

Chase’s attorney, Public Defender John Getz, said his client has been evaluated “several times” by the state in relation to the 2004 bank robbery.

While Chase has been serving a prison term for other robberies for which he was previously convicted, he has also filed a civil suit against two St. Mary’s sheriff’s detectives and the prosecutor involved in his case.

In his civil case, he claims the detectives and Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel White illegally took money and other property from his room at a Charles County motel while investigating him for the robbery of the Cedar Point Federal Credit Union back in 2004.

The detectives and White suspected that the money, more than $47,000, was some of the cash Chase allegedly stole during the robbery.

Chase claimed that the government is holding his property against the law.

The status of the civil case apparently was one of the main focuses of Chase’s testimony at his competency hearing July 28.

“He said the criminal case should be dismissed because he has a civil case against the state,” Getz said. “I cannot communicate with him at this time.”

In a declaration in county Circuit Court filed in opposition to Chase’s civil case, White called Chase’s action a “cockamamie civil complaint.”

The case may be dismissed, according to Circuit Court papers.

The suspect in the attempted murder case, which took place last year, William J. Trainor, was also ordered to have further psychological tests done by the state.

Getz, who also represents Trainor, filed for a continuance of his client’s competency hearing last week because, although his client was competent to stand trial, a professional opinion might state that there is “a likelihood he may not be criminally responsible.”

Deputy State’s Attorney Ted Weiner did not oppose the motion.

“The motion is well founded,” Weiner said.

“This is a legitimate avenue for the defense.”

Trainor was arrested Aug. 13 of last year for allegedly trying to kill his wife.

According to police reports that day, Trainor, 70, called emergency operations personnel and told them he had strangled his wife.

Emergency responders found his wife, who was also 70, incapacitated but alive at Trainor’s home and had her taken to a trauma center for treatment.

Detectives stated they believed Trainor’s plan was to first kill his wife and then himself.

Martirano Kicks Off New Young Driver Safety Initiative Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

First, students requesting a permit for school parking will be required to view a school based audio/visual presentation addressing high-risk Parents, students, teachers, principals, and driving behaviors. “In our high schools, one dignitaries crowded into the James A. Forrest of the most important tickets a student can posCareer and Technology Center on Tuesday for sess, the golden ticket, is their parking permit,” the official start of Superintendent Michael Mar- said Martirano, adding that students will also tirano’s Young Drivers Safety Initiative. The be required to sign a safe driving contract with their parents and school administrators.

In addition, students requesting a permit for school parking will be encouraged to register their vehicle with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office “S.T.O.P.P.E.D. Program,” Sheriff’s Telling Our Parents & Promoting Educated Drivers. “The Sheriff and I have a very positive working relationship,” said Martirano, adding that any time a student Photo by Andrea Shiell enrolled in the program is Elizabeth Klug and her son Peter sign the Young Driver Safety Contract with Su- pulled over or involved in perintendent Michael Martirano and GMHS Principal Tracy Heibel at Tuesday’s an accident, not only will press conference. that student’s parents be press conference boasted Maryland’s Secretary informed of the incident, but Martirano will. of Transportation, John Porcari, local state delAll secondary students, including middle egates, County Commissioners, Board of Edu- school students, will also attend a one-hour cation members, law enforcement officials, and student assembly on young drivers involved in a host of community leaders and residents. traffic fatalities. Martirano said that the pro“In this day and age we realize that in order gram will be supported by a vigorous media to teach a child well we have to do everything campaign. we can to make sure they are safe,” said MartiIn addition to graduated licensing and parrano, who went on to name off familiar statistics ticipation in the S.T.O.P.P.E.D. Program, Dr. Elizrevealing that Maryland’s teenagers are among abeth Baker from the National Highway Traffic the worst on the road. According to 2006 sta- Safety Administration stressed the importance tistics, motor vehicle crashes are the number of fair enforcement. She praised Martirano’s one cause of teenage deaths, and from 1996 to plan as it related to student parking permits.

2007, one tenth of Maryland teen drivers were “Education and awareness programs without an in a collision. Teenagers account for 14 percent enforcement component do not work,” she said, of St. Mary’s County drivers who are involved adding that parental involvement would also be in fatal crashes, and 15 percent of personal in- a key component in the program’s success. jury collisions. “We have lost young lives due Sen. Roy Dyson encouraged parents to to traffic accidents and we never want that to “yank the keys away” if their teens exhibited happen again,” he said. unsafe driving habits.

The program started in the late fall of Meanwhile, there were several students in 2007, when Commissioner Thomas Mattingly the audience who kept cheerful as the dignitarand Martirano initiated discussions regard- ies spoke, even as Dyson exclaimed that they ing their increasing concerns over the number were “the worst drivers on the road.” After of young drivers having accidents on the road. Martirano and others signed the official pledge “This is another step, another level in the at- to kick off the program, several students went tempt to prevent tragedy,” said Mattingly, who to the stage with their parents to sign the first added that he has witnessed the heartbreak of of what the administration hopes will by many these accidents every year at graduations where safe driving contracts. he says they are always honoring one student Board of Education member William Matwho was lost of the road. tingly addressed the students directly in his

By December of 2007, several small remarks. “It is not your constitutional right to focus groups convened to discuss the issue, and drive in the state of Maryland…it is a privithe result was Martirano’s five-point plan, which lege,” he said. “You may call this tough love, will be implemented by St. Mary’s County Pub- and that’s what it is.” lic Schools at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year.

Tonya Glass bounced excitedly across her living room and beamed proudly at her son, 14 year-old William, as she spoke.

“His dad and I were the last couple in America to get cell phones,” she said, laughing, adding that her son had come to her repeatedly asking for one, but they had not given in to his request until this past Christmas.

For William, who has only been sending text messages since December, this was an opportunity to not only keep in touch with his friends, whom he had envied for their phones for some time, but to win some notoriety, and a rather large chunk of change, in LG’s second annual texting championship, which was held this year at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

series of elimination rounds.

“There was a closed round between all the online winners,” William said, “and there was no audience yet, and I got eliminated.”

Though he had lost that particular round, he was given a chance to redeem himself by competing with the contestants from New York. In this round, cheered on by family members and strangers, William won the competition and proceeded on to the finals to compete against 11 other contestants. Among the 12 finalists, he was the youngest.

“For the New York round there was a referee for each table,” he said, adding that a computer graded the finalist rounds.

William competed admirably, but was ultimately eliminated, as was the 2007 champion, in the last round of texting.

For this sophomore at Leonardtown High School, an honors student whose favorite sub-

Photo Courtesy of Tonya Glass

William Glass competed in a national texting championship in New York City this past month.

“I saw a commercial on TV…so I went online,” said William, who had pulled out his phone to demonstrate his abilities earlier in the interview, sending two complete, perfectly punctuated sentences in less than 20 seconds.

William qualified online June 18, competing with 15,000 other contestants, some of whom sent an average of as many as 10,000 text messages a month. After sending four phrases to a designated number, William received a phone call the next day telling him he was invited to New York City to compete as one of hundreds of contestants for bragging rights and a grand prize of $50,000.

Tonya admitted she was skeptical, “with scams being what they are,” but her apprehension cooled once William received a new phone in the mail, as well as travel arrangements to New York and reservations at the Hilton in Times Square.

This year’s event was strewn with celebrities and cell phone enthusiasts, and it involved a

ject is Spanish, not information technology, the experience of going to the city and competing in such a large, public arena was the most rewarding part.

“I still can’t believe I won a trip to New York…I had never been there before.”

Footage of William at the competition is available on the LG website, at www.lgtexter. com.

William plans to qualify for next year’s competition, though he still only sends about 750 text messages a month, as compared to the thousands sent by others in this year’s competition. Until then, he plans to keep his fingers moving.

Tonya said she had initially been worried when her family got cell phones.

“We were holding out…we’d go everywhere and people would all be on their cell phones, so we said we weren’t going to be those people…but we gave in, now we don’t think we can live without them.”

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Editorial & Opinion Government Takes Another Bite Out Of Your Wallet Someone should tell the St. Mary’s County Commissioners the community they represent is suffering from the same economic conditions that exist throughout our nation. Maybe they are not aware of the difficult times almost every family and business in our community are facing.

Most people would have thought they were astute enough to get it during this years budget process when they should have seen the fact that citizens’ earnings are dropping and thus the fall off in income tax revenue and the ability of ordinary citizens to pay their bills.

Compound that with the fact that the County Commissioners were seeing a windfall in new revenue coming from those same citizens who were being asked to pay a 21%

increase in property taxes. Huge tax increases, less income should have woke these guys up.

Since taking office in December of 2006, this Board of County Commissioners has used record levels of increased tax revenue windfalls to steadily expand government services and facilities. All the while, the folks back home footing the bills are going deeper and deeper into financial misery. It’s just what we need in economic times like these, more government, government collecting and spending more and more of our hard earned dollars.

This Board immediately reversed the consolidation of government services and personnel enacted by the previous Board by adding new senior level positions such as Chief of Staff and Director of Human Services

Understanding One’s Priorities Once or twice in a lifetime, if we are lucky, we are graced with the fortune of meeting someone who is destined for greatness. Greatness can be difficult to define sometimes, but somehow we all know it when we see it.

I first met Collins Bailey nine months ago while we were both working on the campaign for one of the original Presidential candidates. I was immediately struck by the incredible knowledge of Collins, who is the Republican nominee for US Congress in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District. His knowledge of our political system, our nation’s history, and our Constitution was more complete than anyone I had ever met.

As time passed, I began to realize that, more important than knowledge, Collins possessed a certain wisdom that is all too rare nowadays. The ability to use his knowledge wisely, to have positive influence on nearly everyone he met, or to offer advice that almost always proved fruitful, were gifts that only a rare few of us possess.

Still later I learned the source of his remarkable wisdom – an uncompromising devotion to his Christian faith. His was not an overbearing and self righteous faith however, as is the case with some. Contrarily, Collins Bailey was refreshingly humble, but at the same time confident in all his actions due to a

as well as an entire new service agency.

This week the Board of County Commissioners cut the ribbon on their brand new offices. A large two-story building that quickly becomes the symbol of 12 years of spending polices of Commissioners Raley and Mattingly. To be fair, there has been no objection by Jarboe, Dement or Russell.

Jarboe states that future Boards will be forced to cut back, sure they will, after the spending spree he’s been party to.

In 2006, with nearly $45 million taxpayers’ dollars in reserves, Commissioner President Thomas McKay asked his fellow Commissioners to give some of that money back to the citizens.

McKay was recommending at least $10 million be refunded.

Commissioners Jarboe, Dement,

quiet self assuredness that the Creator guides his every footstep.

This letter, however, is not about Collins Bailey’s knowledge or wisdom or faith or political philosophy. It isn’t about Collins’ 14 years on the Charles County School Board, his successful small business, nor even his decision to spend nearly every Sunday morning for the last 27 years offering Bible study to juveniles at a detention center in Prince George’s County, which he does without fanfare and without compensation. No, this letter is about a man who learned long ago what’s really important in life – a fact that can best be demonstrated by the following incident.

A couple of weeks ago, I convinced Collins to come to my neighborhood to meet people face to face. Collins was reluctant, not wanting to bother people on their weekends with their families. Still, I was insistent, knowing how great he was in face to face meetings. Throughout the day, after leaving the homes of each of my neighbors, Collins would remark how nice the people were, and how glad he was to be able to meet them. Several times during the day, however, Collins would offer a subtle remark on how he missed being home spending the day with his wife and family.

I never replied to his remarks, but I remember feeling frustrated with him at the time. I was convinced that spending every possible moment meeting people was the recipe for political success.

Weeks later, and upon much reflection, I

New Art From Old Treasures

bers of the Newtowne Players have been admirable over the past four years resulting in a valuable cultural addition to our community. And what group knows more

about recycling than these thespians?

Since the dawn of civilization, mankind Although the “uniqueness factor” has plucked from the environment matemay be a main component in the pricing rial needed to survive. of ART, the recycling artist has the option The sky brought water and air, of keeping the prices affordable on one-ofthe earth brought shelter, the animals a-kind pieces because the cost of supplies brought food, animal bones brought and material is nominal. tools and weapons, lightening brought In some cases, the most intricate secfire and fire brought warmth and light. tions of the work has, in essence, already The more a tribe could create these adapbeen made. It is a matter of de-constructations, the more power it possessed. tion and re-construction.

At one point history, man took his Our event will be held at an architecutilitarian creations and decorated them, turally award winning home Hollywood, painting pictures on his cave dwelling Maryland on Saturday and Sunday, Sepwalls and his crude pottery vessels…and tember 27th and 28th from 11:00 AM until ART began.

6:00 PM. Our Native American ancestors underThe Newtowne Players will greet you stood the sacred qualities inherent in all in costume. There will be refreshments things surrounding. and live background music suitable to the They made use of every speck of every serene wooded setting of the home. Door animal, mineral or vegetable, or they left it prizes will be liberally offered consistuntouched or sustainable. ing of artwork and complimentary theater We are planning an event to celebrate tickets. the ARTIST as Conservationist, the ARTSo mark your calendars and bring your IST as Transformer, the ARTIST and Engishopping bags. neer. The ARTIST who sees the inherent Although Conservation is a very seriquality in discarded materials…whether it ous subject, this event intends to be a joybe functional or decorative (An empty coke ous, delightful banquet of the heart, mind can floats? Why not make it a boat?). We and soul! are planning a “sustainable” event-to become an annual event and we are planning Candy Cummings this event to be a fundraiser for our PerLocal artist and event coordinator forming Artists friends at the Three Notch Theater. The tireless efforts of the mem-

Raley, and Mattingly all opposed the idea, believing they could spend the money better than the people.

The idea of new Commissioner offices has been the dream of Commissioners Raley and Mattingly since first coming into office nearly 12 years ago.

This week their dream finally came true.

The idea for the new Commissioners offices started out as a one-story building that would house the County Commissioners, their staff, the County Administrator and his staff, and a large new meeting room.

The expected cost of the new building was approximately $1.9 million dollars to construct and furnish, including money to renovate the existing Commissioners offices for other staff use.

Two contractors sub-

mitted bids to construct the new building. After receiving the two bids, the Commissioners took the low bidder, Blazer Construction Company, a frequent financial contributor to political campaigns, and drew up entirely new plans.

The new plans included a second story that would provide for “future expansion” needs.

The new plan would now cost in excess of $4 million dollars to construct and furnish, which the Commissioners awarded to Blazer Construction without going through a re-bidding process.

Commissioner Russell stated that the County would be forever indebted to Blazer Construction Company.

The second story of the new building, which was built to allow for government future growth has already been filled

with the relocation of the County Attorney’s Offices and the County’s Finance Offices, making more room in the older Commissioners Office building for the ever increasing staff and agencies of County Government.

Commissioner Russell should add time on the agenda of the next Commissioners meeting to discuss what this group of 5 believe the role of local government should be in addressing the needs of taxpayers during times of economic slowdown.

To make matters worse, at a time when everyone is doing what they can to cut back on energy consumption, the Commissioner’s new office building has no “green features”. As Commissioner Jarboe said, the only thing green about the building is it uses electricity rather than oil.

now understand what Collins knew instinctively. Every man, regardless of his lot in life, must always remain focused on his life’s priorities. Our Congress is full of men and women with ambitions and schemes to run our lives, yet fail time and again to successfully run their own.

Collins Bailey’s devotion to his faith, and to his wife, and to his family, is not only a shining example of what is sorely needed from our Congressmen; it is something that many of us

could learn from as well.

I am tormented, however, with thinking that because of Collins insistence on putting his faith and family first, not enough people of this great district will ever learn of this great man. If only there was a way to get the word out about him. If only ...

Taxpayers Fund Fiscal Insanity at SMC

lege in Maryland granted exemption like SMC. Recently the Baltimore Sun broke a big story on a scandal involving construction funds. The investigation into the matter was chaired by local delegate Bohanan. Nothing seemed to come of that investigation. Wonder if they were worrying about another investigation???

Much attention has come to St. Mary’s College for building their “yacht club” and boathouse not 25 feet off the St. Mary’s River on wetlands, fill dirt, and on top of what Mr. Miller (historian) said was likely point of first landing at St. Mary’s City. However, the real scandal is the hundreds of millions of dollars (yes, I said millions) for new construction under President O’Brien’s tenure. The spending reminds me of a drunken sailor on liberty. Only difference is the sailor has to wait for his next pay check.

The college seems to have a never ending supply of federal and state taxpayers’ dollars. They treat these grants, earmarks, etc. like they are Monopoly money. No, the dollars are not free.

They are tax payers’ dollars and go to fund “gold plated” and grandiose projects when the economy is in a down turn and governments are running deficits. Sadly, many of the dollars for new construction projects at SMC would have been better used to build new schools in our community and update our aging and deteriorating public school facilities.

Best estimates are St. Mary’s College has been given roughly $200 to $300 Million for new construction since President O’Brien took over. This is likely more dollars than all the Federal and Maryland tax dollars spent on school construction in all of St. Mary’s County school system (maybe even the tri-county school systems). The latest “gold plated” project at SMC is the new administration building - $25,399,100. Have you heard it is a bureaucrats building with no classrooms? The cost is about $5 million more than the new Evergreen Elementary School in Wildewood that is being built to support 700 students, teachers, classrooms, admin and athletic facilities. The SMC Admin Building costs 4 to 5 times more than the Kings Christian Academy built in Callaway a few years ago.

SMC is not subject to overview and spending of the Maryland Board of Regents like all other Maryland State schools (other exception is Morgan State). The exemption for oversight and control was granted by Governor Mandel when SMC was struggling to gain accreditation. St. Mary’s College has the highest tuition of any Maryland State school. A group of elitist wealthy and politically connected Board of Trustees control spending and do not answer to the Governor. Rumor has it the Board gave President O’Brien a $35,000 pay increase over her base line $400,000 salary that doesn’t include her $100,000 in perks for housing, personal driver and travel expenses. Maybe the Trustees consider her pay raise just a well deserved cost of living adjustment.

Morgan State in Baltimore is the only col-

Gary Rumsey Leonardtown, MD

It is my opinion, (I hear a lot of parents who can’t get their children into SMC on a full time basis) that the college is rapidly becoming an institution for the wealthy, in and out of state, and many who want to major in water sports. My guess is the out of state/in state ratio of students is rapidly going up as they cater to the wealthy and high SAT’s. A lot of students are drawn to SMC because of the Satellite campuses in Costa Rica, Africa, Oxford and Italy. The cost of these satellite campuses are born by the tax payers.

St. Mary’s College President O’Brien has become the Queen of Pork (aka, earmarks/grants).

They provide the bacon for stealth projects like the $3 million Bridge over Route 5 built to satisfy O’Brien’s dream like the one she saw at an Ivy League school. It has been sold as a safety measure for the 4th graders touring Historic St. Mary’s City and the college. Strange all parents I’ve talked to say they have ridden the bus from Historic St. Mary’s City over to the college. Better yet, all field trips have chaperones so why not use school crossing guards like other schools and use the colorful tennis paddles to stop the traffic. No, Maggie wants a $3 million dollar overpass (over 30 feet high at the base of the bridge) that will further desecrate the beauty of St. Mary’s City. From one who goes to the St. Mary’s City Post Office daily, I can tell you 50% of the students do not use the crosswalks in existence now and the location of the boathouse has made the situation worse.

Soooo, how many more hundreds of millions of dollars are going to be spent at St. Mary’s College at the expense of our aging and deteriorating St. Mary’s County Public Schools. Time for a tax payers “Boston Tea Party”. We need to tell our politicians at all levels (starting with Steny Hoyer, who sits on the St. Mary’s College Board of Trustees and decides how the funds are to be dispensed) Enough is enough! We don’t want our tax dollars going to fund “gold plated”, frivolous, grandiose and unnecessary buildings at St. Mary’s College. Put our hard earned tax payers’ dollars to build, remodel and upgrade our aging Public school systems here in Southern Maryland. It is the right thing to do in an area we all love so much!

Donald Beck St. Mary’s City Resident St. Mary’s County, MD

Letters to the Editor If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please include your name, address and phone number for confirmation purposes. We will only publish your name and city of residence. We can withhold your name by request if circumstances merit it. We must receive all letters by Monday morning for publication in the next issue. Any letter received later than Monday will be held for the following issue.

The County Times

James Manning McKay - Publisher Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Andrea Shiell - Government Correspondent......andreashiell@countytimes.net

P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636

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The County Times

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Ramblings of a Country Girl

More Stray and Random Thoughts Terri Bartz Bowles Once again, I had some stray and random thoughts I wanted to share, so today’s column is a sampling of things that have been running through my mind.

I read something disturbing in a major metropolitan

newspaper the other day. You may say that any time you pick up a newspaper you’re going to read something disturbing and I would agree with you.

But this disturbance didn’t involve the subject of the article. The author chose to use this phrase – “and thank god he didn’t” instead of “thank

God he didn’t”. What? When did we stop capitalizing God’s name? Who was the author referring to? My theory is the writer doesn’t believe in God; his manner of writing supports my theory, I think.

So if he doesn’t believe in God, why would he even use “thank God” in a sentence?

Cameron: Agreement Concerning BCI Coming To Resolution

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron said that, after a recent meeting with the Superintendent of Maryland State Police Col. Terrence Sheridan, the agreement between the two agencies that allows the Bureau of Criminal Investigations to investigate homicides in St. Mary’s County will likely be

renewed.

Cameron said that the 2003 memorandum of understanding signed by former Sheriff David Zylak and Superintendent Timothy Hutchins that created BCI was not yet signed off on by the new leaders of the respective agencies, which in one local media report put the mission of BCI, particularly when it came to jurisdiction over homicides, in question.

Cameron said that a draft document from the the Maryland State Police that would have returned homicide investigations to the state police homicide unit if a trooper were the first on the scene was probably not under review by Sheridan or his staff.

“That draft was written by the Southern Region commander,” Cameron said. “I don’t believe that it ever made

“Life With My Sister Madonna” by Christopher Ciccone (with Wendy Leigh) c.2008, Simon & Schuster $26,00 / $28.99 Canada 343 pages Did you ever wonder what it would’ve been like to grow up with a different family?

If you were an Only, you might have dreamed about the fun you’d have with a houseful of kids to play with. Maybe you even gravitated toward friends with siblings, a little covetous of their raucous households.

If you had siblings, you might’ve wishfully thought about never having to share toys, the bathroom, or Mom. Though you loved them, there were times, perhaps, when you would have happily shipped your brother or sister to another planet, no questions asked.

Undoubtedly, Christopher Ciccone felt like that, especially when his sister was hot-andcold with him over the years.

In the new book “Life with My Sister Madonna” (written with Wendy Leigh), you’ll read about a star’s peccadilloes, her rise to fame, her demands, and the brother who loves her, always.

Born two years after his big sister, Ciccone says that he and Madonna weren’t close as children. Motherless at three, he says he has few memories of his early childhood. He does recall, though, that Madonna was their father’s favorite; even after their Dad re-married and there were more additions to the family, Madonna was singled out and treated specially.

Mythology says that Madonna went to New York for the first time with $35 in her pocket. True or not, it didn’t take her long to hone in on what she wanted, or to get it. Ciccone says she invited him along for the fame-ride, repeatedly yanking away the invitation and then extending it again. Still, he went running when Madonna called, partly because he was awed by her but mostly because he loved her.

Just before her first tour, she asked him to be her dresser.

Later, he decorated her homes, her sets, her clothes, and he protected her, both physically and mentally.

In this book, which takes readers from the beginning through to Madonna’s latest tour, Ciccone has everything to say about his famous sister: her loves (thumbs down to Penn, thumbs up to Beatty, thumbs down to Ritchie) and her friends, both male and female; her passions, ego, tantrums, and embarrassments; the things she really did, that which she only pretended to do, and the truth behind the rumors and their spat.

I was a bit taken back at this book. I was expecting another blah-blah-blah praise-filled star bio. Instead, what’s inside “Life with My Sister Madonna” is a

thoughtful, warts-and-everything, not-quite-tell-all from a brother who alternates between adoration, gleeful tattling, outraged pain, snarkyness, and pouting. While this is definitely a book about Madonna, artist/ designer and author Christopher Ciccone also seamlessly includes his own story of life as a gay man living in the shadow of the famous, beloved sister who infuriates him sometimes.

If you have a sibling, you may occasionally find yourself in this book (minus the billion$, of course), but even if you don’t, you’ll enjoy this gossipy, starstudded, behind-and-in-thescenes book. Not for the whole family, “Life with My Sister Madonna” is still high-living fun to read.

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Or was he trying to make a statement? I don’t know. I do know it bothered me and I fail to see the purpose of his usage. Maybe I’m behind the times and that’s how large, progressive newspapers now advocate the usage of God’s name. If that’s the case, God help us, indeed.

I read something else disturbing in a major magazine. Apparently the Audubon Society estimates that approximately seven million wild birds are killed each year due to pesticides used by homeowners for aesthetic reasons. Now, if this is true, does your green grass really mean so much that it’s worth killing song birds? Most avid gardeners resort to chemicals and pesticides at some point; I’ll plead guilty to that myself.

But that statistic scared me, so I think maybe it’s time to make more of an effort to go natural and organic. It’s kind of silly, in a way. We use chemicals and pesticides to get prettier flowers or whatever but in the process we kill birds and good insects. That’s messed up! I hate aphids, too, but I know there are healthier ways

to control them than spraying nasty stuff. Sounds like it’s time to do conduct some research so we can figure out safer options and stop killing the birds unintentionally.

I guess everybody likes to complain to a certain degree and Americans are no different than anybody else.

We like to complain big and we want big sweeping solutions to those complaints.

Right now, we’re all complaining about the price of gas and diesel fuel, as well we should be. And we want solutions and want them now. But it’s a big problem and it’s not going to get solved or change dramatically overnight. In the meantime, there are some things we can all do. Little things, I’ll grant you, but I’m one of those people who believe small actions accumulate into a large result. If we all did something, it would make a change. If we all did several things, it would make a dramatic change. You don’t notice a change overnight; again, it’s an accumulation kind of thing. So here are a few things that you might give a try. First, make sure

your tires are properly inflated and check them regularly.

Second, don’t accelerate like a bat out of you know where.

Easy and consistent pressure on the accelerator will get you there just as well as stomping on the thing. Next, think about where you need to go and the stops you need to make. If you’re running errands, do them in a logical order instead of bouncing back and forth and up and down.

Also, combine trips and do as much stuff in one trip as you can. Run errands on your way home from work; you’re probably traveling right past the grocery store anyway, so don’t go home and then make a special trip back out. I don’t think any of these are painful to do or will dramatically reduce anybody’s quality of life.

They’re pretty simple, basic and easy. Give it a try and let’s see if we can’t make a bit of a difference, both in our wallets and in our environment.

it to [Sheridan] for a review.”

Cameron said that in the interim time that, since the 2003 BCI memorandum had not been refreshed by Sheridan’s signature as well as his and that of State’s Attorney Richard Fritz, Fritz asked that sheriff’s deputies be assigned to investigate any homicides.

Cameron said that refreshing the agreement between state police and the county over BCI and who has jurisdiction over homicide case was a top priority with his administration and was now likely also a top priority with Sheridan’s command.

“We’ll see what the final outcome is; I’m confident things will be resolved,” Cameron said, who added that BCI, with it’s high success rate despite a growing workload, was too valuable to let fade away.

“I wouldn’t let that happen,” Cameron said. “The proof is in the pudding, look at the cases they’re closing.”

Cameron said that in his conversations with Sheridan over the agreement that the state police commander would be more amenable to having state police investigators look into homicides in which a state trooper fired his or her weapon

in the line of duty.

“I think he felt better about them investigating their own shootings,” Cameron said. “If that agency wants to investigate their own shootings I have no issue with that.”

Greg Shipley, spokesman for Sheridan, said that the state police superintendent is looking at the agreement that sustains BCI now.

“That memorandum of understanding is under review by the colonel and his command staff,” Shipley said.

“They have received it and it’s being reviewed.”

You can email the Country Girl at countryramblings@ gmail.com

Correction to Previous Article In the July 24 publication of the County Times, in an article entitled “Governor’s Meeting With Local Farmers Highlights Agritourism,” Tina Bowles was misquoted as commenting on the tobacco buyout program. The person who offered their comments on the program in the second half of the article was Mary Wood, from the Forrest Hall Farm in Mechanicsville.

We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

The County Times

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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Capt. Spike Long Wins 2008 Presidential Community Leadership Award Naval Air Systems Command Press Release

Capt Spike Long, Aviation Training Systems Program Manager (PMA205), has won the 2008 President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Community Leadership Award. This award is given out annually to no more than fifty individuals who improve the lives of individuals within his/her community by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activities, or fitness-related programs. The word “community” may refer to a State, organization, sports league or team, business, city, or community-based group.

“Capt Long really cares about his people and their wellbeing,’ said Sunny Even, Aviation Training Systems Deputy Program Manager. “He lets everyone in the program office know that their health and welfare are important to him. He does not just talk about fitness; his actions demonstrate his commitment to their health, and this award acknowledges that.”

“We have two fitness periods each week, usually lasting about one hour on Friday morning and Monday afternoon,” said Cdr. Mike Prevost, who manages PMA205’s Health

Promotion Program. “We have volunteer coaches to help set up groups that want to run, swim, ride bikes or lift weights. This fitness time is open to everyone in the program office, military, government civilians and contractors (as permitted by their companies).

“After they finish their chosen activity, they clean up and come to work,” added Prevost. “This fitness program is a success because it helps when the boss says it’s OK to take time for yourself.”

PMA205’s Health Promotion Program sponsors awareness, education and motivational activities to maintain or improve employee health. Subjects range across nutrition, injury prevention, tobacco use, and exercise physiology. Program policy is derived from guidance in OPNAVINST 6110.1H and the Civilian Human Resources Manual, Subchapter 792.4, which allow duty time for participation in command-sponsored health promotion activities.

“We have healthy food snack stations around the office where we can get organic fruits and vegetables, granola bars and other items,” said Prevost. “A fitness library is set up to

encouraged people to bring in their articles, magazines, books, etc., to share with the rest of the office. The idea is to get people to think positively about their health on a daily basis.

Many have found once they commit to twice a week, they’re motivated to find time to get out there three and four and more times a week.”

This program has had a number of success stories and here are a few of them: “I can’t tell you how many times I’d received an article, tip, or hint from Cdr. Prevost that I was able to work into my own exercise routine to improve my health and fitness,” said Ross Wilhelm, now with Commander, Naval Air Forces. “He gave me some great tips while training for my second marathon which allowed me to finish the race feeling much better - and almost 15 minutes faster - than my first marathon (which I’d run ten years earlier!)”

“The most fun event I participated in during my time at NAVAIR was a race called the “Cutthroat Classic.” The race follows the Pacific Crest Trail for 11 miles across the Cutthroat Pass in the Washington Cascades,” added Wilhelm. “It fea-

Local Soldier Has Building Named After Him in Virginia Family Member Reflects on Loss Four Years Later Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

racks and administration building at Fort Eustis in Virginia, which has been refurbished to the tune of $2.8 Talking with Linda Faul- million, will house about 20 injured stich, it is easy to recognize the grief veterans and offices for those asin her voice. Though her son, Army signed to help the soldiers recover.

Specialist Raymond Joseph Faul- It was reopened during a special ribstich, was killed in Iraq four years bon-cutting ceremony last month. ago (he was the first from St. Mary’s Faulstich Hall will house solCounty to die in the Iraq War), the diers from the Fort Eustis’ Warrior loss has never really sunk in for her. Transition Unit, which was acti“You try to deal with it, but you vated in December 2007 as part of never really get used to it,” she said, the Army Medical Action Plan, afsmiling sadly. ter problems with the Walter Reed Last month the Faulstich Army Medical Center made nationfamily had a chance to memorialize al headlines. their son’s contributions by attend“He was 22, almost 23 when he ing the dedication ceremony for a went into the service,” said Linda. building named after him. The bar- “I don’t even think he knew about

Drowning Continued from page A- citation) to the child after the child was found face down in the backyard pool.

The child was flown to Children’s Hospital

the war…he wanted to join the service to improve his life, but I don’t think he’d even thought about the war.”

In June 2004, Raymond deployed from For Eustis to Iraq with the 89th Transportation Company, 6th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade. He had been serving as a Humvee Gunner, as well as training to be a driver.

In August 2004, during his first driving stint, Raymond was part of a 12-truck convoy, delivering medical supplies near the holy city of Najaf. He was struck by small arms fire and shrapnel, but he managed to drive his passengers to safety before he died, earning the Purple Heart

in the District for further treatment but was declared dead at about 6:57 p.m.

Det. William Raddatz, a supervisory detective working on the case, said that questions still remain about the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Detectives still do not know why the child was left in the backyard unattended by the babysitter or how much time elapsed between

New Residence Continued from page A- The project was initially just a one-story project that dou-

tures a climb of 1,970 feet (from approximately 5,000 feet to 7,000 feet) over the first five miles of the race. I got some high altitude and hill training ideas that made the race a lot easier for me.”

“This program came along at the right time. One of my friend’s goals in life was to swim the Bay Bridge crossing, that long 4.4 mile expanse that people fear driving over to get to the beach. The last time I did this was nine years ago and I remember how awful it was,” said Mindy Johnson, Deputy Program Manager, Maritime and Unmanned Systems Training Systems. “So with the benefit of the Captain’s exercise program and some self motivation (fear), I began training for the swim and it worked.

I completed the swim on June 8. It was still awful but I do have the bragging rights to say that I completed it in two hours 13 minutes and I placed 230th out of 640 swimmers.”

“Over the past few years in PMA205, healthy living was not an option. I have been a vegetarian for years but I also chose eating carbs to get that quick fill while on the go. Their was always action items, deadlines, travel, reviews, reports and the Bronze Star Medal for valor. Among the family members left behind was his young wife, Crystal Dawn Falustich, who Linda said he was looking forward to seeing during his scheduled leave, which was only two weeks away.

Linda says that the building in Virginia is a fitting honor for her son, but she would have liked to see him recognized closer to home. She expressed disappointment that military service men and women were not considered when the Board of Education solicited names for the county’s newest elementary school in 2005. “They solicited nominations, but I don’t think they had any intentions of naming it after a human being,” she said. “And my son’s just one of many who has died for his country…just the fact that if you’re in the military you can’t even be nominated, that’s what I think is wrong.”

At the time Evergreen Elementary School was named, the committee, which was co-chaired by Kim Howe and Jennifer Johnson,

the child entering the pool and when he was found.

Raddatz said the inflatable pool was about four feet tall with about three-and-a-half feet of water inside; it was also uncovered with a ladder attached.

“We believe the child climbed the ladder to enter the pool,” Raddatz said. “The babysitter’s husband saw the baby and I believe a neighbor

bled in size; despite the size increase the project actually came in under budget, he said.

“When we added the second story it didn’t double the cost,” Erichsen told The County Times.

The commissioners new meeting room is more spacious than the last one, with 103 chairs currently installed there for

and then you leave your 11 hour work day, commute for an hour, try to spend quality time with family that included a quick dinner, homework, bath, story time and then bed.

I knew I was at the point in my life where due to my size, it was time to change. I had all the excuses not to exercise,” said Hilton Thom, lead systems engineer for bombs now working in Precision Strike Weapons, PMA201.

“When Capt. Long introduced and championed a healthier lifestyle program within the office and encouraged exercise every Friday and a healthy snack station, I had no excuse to but to get on the band wagon. A healthy lifestyle in the office coupled with a healthy life style at home was the turning point,” added Thom. “Thanks to Cdr. Prevost for his wealth of exercise advice, things have changed for me. I adopted a new philosophy of “eat to live” not “live to eat”. With the adoption of this lifestyle, my wife lost 137 pounds and I have lost 140 pounds. We both ran two 5K races and plan to run two more before November. I give thanks to all my co-workers in PMA205 for their support and encouragement.”

“Most of us are just happy to be out walking and running and biking again after too many years ignoring our health,” said Even. “I’m not going to be running any races this week, but I can handle distances and elevations I couldn’t a year ago. The best part is knowing this is just the start.”

said that the factors the committee considered were the ability to integrate the name with the school curriculum, as well as its relevance to environmentally friendly building designs.

Four years after Raymond’s death, Linda says that she has nothing special planned for the anniversary, but she has joined a group called the American Gold Star Mothers, an organization for mothers who have lost children in this or any previous war that provides members with emotional support.

Members also send care packages and letters to men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As for August 5th, the anniversary of Raymond’s death, Linda says that she and her family members will lay low. “I’m just probably going to spend the day being depressed…it’s really hard for us, we’ll just put flowers on the grave… people think you’re supposed to be over it, but you don’t ever get over it, you just learn to live with it.”

called 911.”

The husband of the babysitter initiated CPR, Raddatz said, while emergency responders continued the procedure.

Raddatz said that investigators are not releasing the name of the babysitter and that the full investigation should be completed within a week.

citizens to attend meetings, Erichsen said. Multiple television screens line the walls for easier viewing of the proceedings while two large view screens roll down from the ceiling that can be used for presentations to the commissioners.

The walls are otherwise bare for now, Erichsen said, but that will likely change.

“We’ll start rotating art on the walls from local artists,” Erichsen said, adding that other, more minor amenities for the commissioners exist here that they did not have in the old meeting room.

“We thought, hey the commissioners don’t have a clock, so we bought them one,” Erichsen said, pointing to the digital wall clock that was newly installed. “It’s little things like that.”

Gone also are any operable windows in the building, Erichsen said, which were a problem in the old meeting building because windows would be opened with thermostats set low; and employees would still be sweating.

The air conditioning in the new building is brisk.

Commissioner President Francis “Jack” Russell praised Blazer Custom Construction of Great Mills for their work.

“They used local labor and local supplies to build this building,” Russell said. “I think this building will serve citizens of the county very well.”

Commissioner Lawrence D. Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) said the building would help solve the county government’s space needs for the future.

“Now this building is probably large enough to fulfill the needs of county government for the next 10 years,” Jarboe said.

“Now the next challenge will be not for the law abiding citizens but the crooks; and that will be building the new jail.

“But the state will help out with that.”

The space the commissioners left behind will be taken up by the newly formed Office of Human Services, which was recently approved by the commissioners.

The building will also serve as home for the office of the county administrator and county attorney government offices.

The move into the new site come 30 years after the county moved into the older building which sits next to the Chesapeake Building.

The County Times

Thursday, July 31, 2008

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Obituaries Sylvester F. “Sonny” Adams Sylvester F. “Sonny” Adams, of Palm Bay, Fla., formerly of Mechanicsville, finally lost his long battle with diabetes and was called to God’s loving domain July 23.

He was born Oct. 23, 1928 in Baltimore, Md. and then continued his life’s journey in Maryland and Florida.

He graduated from Margaret Brent High School and attended the University of Maryland and Catholic University of America. He served in the U.S. Military and Naval Aviation as a flight engineer in World War II and the Korean War, and then joined IBM as a customer engineer, from which he retired as a manager after 31 years of service.

He managed IBM high security service operations in and around Washington, D.C. as well as in Bermuda, Panama, Okinawa, South Korea and South Vietnam.

He also owned and operated AEI Locksmith, Inc. for 30 years, which installed and serviced alarms, locks and safes in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. area.

He was also a member of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and was instrumental in starting the cadet program, a member and officer of the Margaret Brent High School Alumni Association and also set up the Margaret Brent Alumni Association Scholarship program and was a board member for the Hope Swann Teacher of the Year Award.

He was also a member of the American Legion, V.F.W., Moose, Navy League, Locksmith Association of the District of Columbia; two Barbershop Chapters, Southern Maryland Sound and Harbor City Harmonizers and Capital Area Bluegrass Old Time Music Association (CABOMA) and was editor of their newspaper.

He was a member of the Catholic Church and was involved with many church ministries, including fundraisers, CYO activities, etc.

He also played the guitar, banjo and mandolin and played with many pickup groups and bands. His love of music encouraged his dancing prowess and enabled him and his wife to win awards in the Swing and Cha-Cha categories.

He enjoyed the water and his three and four day cruises and fishing trips on his yacht. Sonny is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alice Ann (Swann) Adams of Palm Bay, Fla., formerly of Maddox, Md., a daughter, Donna Adams Thurman of Crestview, Fla., a grandson, Bryan P. Thurman of Crestview, Fla., a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Evelyn and Eddie Wood of Mechanicsville, and a sister-in-law, Catherine “Kitty” Swann of Bushwood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Julia Adams, one younger brother, James “Jimmie” Adams and a sonin-law, Paul Thurman.

The family received friends Wednesday, July 30 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, where prayers were said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 31 at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, with Fr. Francis Early officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bryan Thurman, Jodie Wood, Buddy Adams, Taylor Wood, Mark Adams and Wesley Pav-

licek. Honorary pallbearers will be Elmer Wolfrey, Bud Tillman, Eddie Wood, Bo Bailey, Billy Buckley and Frankie McCauley.

Contributions may be made to VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Brevard County, 4450 West Eau Gallie Boulevard, Ste. 280, Melbourne, FL 32934 and/ or Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 37, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

Arrangements provided

by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

day, July 24 from 5 – 8 p.m.

A graveside service with military honors was held Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m. in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pa. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Washington DC-MD Offfice, 1025 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 1005, Washington, DC 20036-4104.

Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.

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

Erma Sophia Denton, 81 Erma S o p h i a Denton, 81, of Dameron died July 21 in her residence.

Bor n Nov. 21, 1926 in Coplay, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Charles Devetz and Viktoria (Barczy) Devetz.

Erma is survived by her husband, William Hope Denton; children, Carole Jeanne Denton of Falls Church, Va. and David Scott Denton of Tempe, Ariz., grandson, Jacob William Denton, and sister Henen Gulka of Philadelphia, Pa. Family received friends for Erma’s Life Celebration Monday, July 28 from 5 – 6 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown. A Funeral Service was conducted at 7 p.m. with Pastor Rodney E. Spade of the SAYSF Bible Church conducting the service. Interment will be Friday, Aug. 1 at 11 a.m. in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Md. Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 1232, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.

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

Meredith Wood “Reb” Fowkes, 68 M e redith Wood “ R e b ” Fowkes, 68, of Dameron died July 20 in Washington Hospital Center, Wa s h i n g ton, D.C. Born March 3, 1940 in Pittsburgh, Pa., he was the son of the late Merle Fowkes and Magie (Olah) Fowkes.

Reb is survived by his sons; Daniel H. Fowkes of Lexington Park, David M. Fowkes of Naples, Fla., and Daryl Fowkes of Dameron; his former spouse Mary Ellen (Seddon) Fowkes of Lexington Park and four grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Merle Fowkes.

Reb graduated from South Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1957.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 until 1981. He served 24 years as an Aviation Electronics Technician and In-flight Communicator/ Technician. After his service in the U.S. Navy, he was employed by Dynalectron from 1981 until 1982, and Tracor Applied Sciences, Inc. from 1982 until 1992, where he was assigned to the Naval Communications Directorate, Life Cycle Support Department, as a Logistics Branch Manager. He was also employed by Quality Automotive as an automotive technician/mechanic.

Relatives and friends attended Reb’s Life Celebration in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Thurs-

James Thomas “Cheeseburger” Jones, 37 James Thomas “Cheeseburger” Jones, 37, of Waldorf, Md. died July 24, 2008 in his residence.

Bor n June 22, 1971 in Cheverly, Md. he was the son of Sandra V. Jones of Waldorf, Md. and the late James L. Jones.

He is also survived by his brother Tommy Houston of Port Republic, Md. Mr. Jones graduated from McDonough High School, “Class of 1989” and was an avid drag racer and bowler.

The family received friends in the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home Monday, July 28, from 5 – 8 p.m. with prayers said at 7p.m. A funeral service was held in the funeral home chapel Tuesday, July 29 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Paul Goodwin officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown.

Pallbearers were Chris Hall, Joseph Wood, Jr., Jesse Pritchett, Joseph Pritchett, John Semiklose, Donny Urban, Steve Witherow, Matt Kerzic and George Jenifer.

Honorary Pallbearers were Chris Wilkinson, Robby Parlett, Jake Milstead, Wesley Washington, James Witter and Vernon Witter.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Michael Craig Lacey, Jr., 2 M i chael Craig Lacey, Jr., 2 of Abell, MD died July 24 in the Children’s Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. Born April 5, 2006 in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of Michael Craig Lacey, Sr. and Brittany Jean Shelton of Abell.

Michael was a vibrant and energetic child who was full of life and love. Some of his favorite things were monster trucks, playing with anything that had wheels, and of course causing mischief with his brother. His smile and laughter would light up a room and everyone in it. He will truly be missed.

In addition to his parents, Michael is survived by his twin brother, Keith Devin, grandparents, Leroy and Laura Lacey of Abell, Sherri Renfro of Ocoee, Fla., great grandparents, David and Phyllis Watters of Mechanicsville, Betty Burch of Hollywood, Robert and Dickie Lacey of Abell, many aunts and uncles including Leroy and Mindy Lacey, Michael Gardner II, Sammy and Brandy Wathen, Nicole Lacey, Timmy Kendrick, Ronald and Jolene Ridgell, Scott and Angela Dorsey, William and Jennah Watters, and many more family members and friends.

Family received friends for Michael’s Life Celebration Tuesday, July 29 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown. Prayers were recited at 7 p.m. A Funeral Service was conducted Wednesday, July 30 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Reverend John S. Mattingly, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, officiating.

Interment followed in the Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael C. Lacey, Jr. Memorial Fund, c/o Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, 22745 Maple Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653 or the Michael C. Lacey, Jr. Memorial Fund, PNC Bank, 37650 Oak Station Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.

Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.

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

Mary Helene Laschalt,74 Mary Helene Laschalt, 74, of Kings Mou ntain, N.C., formerly of Loveville, died in Shelby, N.C. in the Wendover Hospice Center Sunday, July 27, following a courageous battle with Alzheimers and Cancer.

She was born Jan. 22, 1934, in Hollywood, to the late Aubrey and Mary Frances Alvey Graves. She was united in marriage to the late Bernard Laschalt in Loveville, Oct. 14, 1950.

Mrs. Laschalt was a kind person that always took care of others. Even when she was sick, she was worried about everyone else. Before her illness, she was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She loved to dance, sing, play bingo, read, and play with her grandkids.

Helene is survived by her two sisters, Audrey Higgs, and Marie Readmond of Hollywood; a grandson, Craig Scott of Loveville; two granddaughters, Lisa and husband Roger Simms of Loveville and Frances and husband Ray Owenbey, Jr. of Kings Mountain, N.C.; three great grandchildren Jacob, Juliet, and Jonathon Owenbey. She was loved dearly by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Charles Bernard Laschalt and James Francis Laschalt and a sister Margaret Goldsborough.

Family and friends were received for Mary’s Life Celebration Wednesday, July 30 from 5 – 8 p.m. with prayers offered at 7 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Thursday, July 31 at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 29119 Point Lookout Road, Morganza. Reverend Keith Woods, pastor of the church, will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Timmy Readmond, Georgie Hall, Wesley Hall, Stevie Hill and Ray Owenbey.

Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.

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

Paul Curtis Leibe, 60 Paul Curtis Leibe, 60, of Lexington Park, and formerly of Greenbelt, Md., died July 23 in his residence.

He was born Aug. 4,

1947 in Washington, D.C. to the late Heinz and Margaret Liebe.

He was the loving husband of Susan Liebe, whom he married Sept. 16, 1989 in St. Andres Episcopal Church in Lexington Park.

He is survived by his sisters Lisa Gemmill of Mechanicsville, Va., Lynne Hopkins of Nixa, Mo. as well as his nieces and nephews, Jessie Reynolds of Ft. Drum, N.Y., Brandy Reynolds of St. Louis, Mo. and Ashley Reynolds and Tyler Kuhns, both of Nixa, Mo. He was a graduate of High Point High School “Class of 1965” and was a resident of St Mary’s County for 25 years.

Paul served in the U.S. Navy from 1964-1970. During that time, he served on two aircraft carriers, USS America and USS Lake Champlain. He served as Interior Communications Technician. He attained the rank of Second Class Petty Officer, was aboard the America for the USS Liberty attack during the Six Days War and also earned the National Defense Ribbon.

He was employed as a photojournalist with The Enterprise Newspaper and a radio D.J. for the Oldies Station, WNAV & XTRA 104.

He belonged to the USS America Association, All American Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) and was an associate member of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department and a former member of the Greenbelt Fire Department.

Paul was skilled with many woodworking tools and had his own lathe and turning tools. He enjoyed camping with his wife and friends and rode his motorcycle whenever he had a chance. He never met a stranger; when Paul walked into a room, he was your friend. He loved his job as a photojournalist for the Enterprise Newspaper, as photography was his passion.

As a small boy, he would accompany his grandfather to the Kodak film center and learned to cut and process film.

The family will receive friends Saturday, Aug. 2 from 9 – 10 a.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, where a Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. with Fr. Joe Dobson and Rev. Lisa Gemmill officiating.

Interment will be private.

Contributions may be made to Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 339, Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Edna Marie McConnell, 86 Edna Marie McConnell, 86, of Leonardtown died July 20 in Bayside Nursing Center, Lexington Park.

Born Aug. 4, 1921 in Reynoldsville, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Henry Ray Corbin and Ida Alice (McDowell) Corbin.

Edna is survived by her children, Henry A. McConnell of Lexington Park, Gary W. McConnell of Florence, S.C., Mary M. Smith of Kingston, Mich., Ida B. Miller of Rustburg, Va., Frank E. McConnell of Piney Point, and Carolyn S. Williams of Lexington Park; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and brother, Stanley Corbin of Hershey, Pa. In addition to her parents, Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Arthur McConnell whom she married Aug. 9, 1940.

A Memorial Service was held Wednesday, July 23 at 5 p.m. in the Callaway Congregation of Jehovah Witness.

Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.

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

James Scott “Jim” Van Patten, 78 James Scott “Jim” Van Patten, 78, of Lexing ton Park, and formerly of California, died July 19, in Georgetown University Hospital.

He was born April 12, 1930 in Grafton, Neb. to the late Charles Gilbert and Nellie Irene Foltz Van Patten.

He was the loving husband of the late Cassie Nell Sellers, who preceded him in death July 16, 1989.

He is survived by his children, Bertie Irene Davis of Great Mills, David S. Van Patten of Winston Salem, N.C. and Connie L. Van Patten of Lexington Park; sisters Nellie May Graber of Los Alamitos, Calif., Betty Jean Clark of Geneva, Neb. and brothers William Robert Van Patten of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. and John Blaine Van Patten of York, Neb.; as well as five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

James served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years.

All services are private.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Mary Rose “Rose Ann” Pinkney, 71 Mary Rose “Rose A n n ” P i n k n e y, 71, of Mechanicsville passed away Saturday, July 26 in Washington Hospital Center.

Born May 11, 1937 in Bushwood, she was the daughter of the late, Robert Scriber and Rose Thomas Young.

Mrs. Pinkney was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County. She had been employed at St. Mary’s Hospital and retired from St. Mary’s Nursing Home after many years of service. She was preceded in death in1986 by her husband, Joseph C. Pinkney whom she married July 22, 1978.

She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Thomas of Forestville, Md., Rita Thomas of Upper Marlboro, Md., Mary Thomas of District Heights, M. and Agnes Thomas of Dover, Del., one brother, William “Billy” Young of Budds Creek, and one son-in-law Robert Thomas. She is also survived by two grandsons, Virgil Benn and Christopher Cobb, one great-granddaughter, Kimani Benn, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Pinkney was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth Johnson and brothers, James Young, John Young, George Young, Joseph Young and Francis Thomas.

The family will receive friends Friday, Aug. 1 from 9 – 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. with Fr. Keith Woods officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

The County Times

Section A -

Confederate Monument Continued from page A- He stares towards home, towards the South.

Members of the group that commissioned the statue, as well as put in long hours to build the park surrounding it with some contractor help, say it’s been a long time in coming.

“We feel like it’s giving them their due,” said Jim Dunbar, of La Plata, a member of the Point Lookout Prisoners of War organization that had the monument built.

“It’s sort of like a crowning touch; it’ll be quite impressive.”

The statue was fashioned by Gary Casteel of Lexington, Va. who has been commissioned to build similar statues to commemorate Civil War battles including one of General James Longstreet at Gettysburg National Military Park.

“I love the history [of the Civil War] and putting together a statue that tells a story, and this one at Point Lookout certainly tells a story,” Casteel said.

The whole concept of what has come to be known as the Confederate Memorial Park was born out of a conflict with the federal government, which barred the flying of the Confederate battle flag in 1998 at the mass grave where prisoners who died at the prison camp were buried.

The memorial park sits right next to the federal site; only a small patch of woods separates them on Point Lookout Road.

While the monument park’s birth was followed with some controversy, Dunbar said, the monument was designed to help educate visitors about the Confederacy and to also highlight the contributions of African Americans who fought for the South and were imprisoned at the camp.

“We’re trying to give a part of history that’s been overlooked of black contributions to the Civil War,” Dunbar said.

One such black veteran was Joe Yerby, a cook who died at the prison camp.

There are three other black veterans honored at the memorial as well, Dunbar said in-

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Hospital Expansion Continued from page A-

cluding Richard “Dick” Poplar who was captured while fighting as a member of the 13th Virginia Cavalry.

John Stober, a local defense contractor employee and member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, said his family connections to the prison camp and those who died there are deep.

“I’ve got at least five ancestors there and one of them died,” Stober told The County Times.

The one who died, Stober said, was Rufus Bowden, a soldier with Co. “G” of the 47th North Carolina Infantry Regiment.

“He could have gotten pardoned by signing an oath of allegiance [to the Union] but he didn’t,” Stober said of his decendent who reportedly died from chronic dysentery. “That takes a lot of conviction.”

The Point Lookout Prisoners of War organization disputes the federal government’s number of just how many people died at the prison camp.

The government claims about 3,500 to 4,000 died there, while the organization claims the number was closer to 14,000.

Stober said that he stood in awe of what his distant relatives endured at the prison camp, disease, foul weather, little food and poor medical care.

“Everything was taken from them,” Stober said. “It kind of makes me feel insignificant versus what they endured.”

Visitors to the monument will even be able to view it at night time as the statue of the lone Confederate statue will be illuminated by ground lights. Flags representing each of the states that fought for the Confederacy will also fly surrounding the monument.

“To have the presence of a Confederate flag, that’s all people are asking for,” Stober said. “Nobody’s shoving it in people’s faces, but being remembered by a descendent you’ve never met, that says something.”

The first project will is estimated to cost $16 million and the commissioners gave their approval to the hospital’s plan to borrow that amount from the Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority.

For the second project, which is estimated to cost about $75 million, the board gave “conceptual approval” to proceed with a bond issuance to cover the tower project.

County officials said that, once the commissioners approve the full proposal, some or all of the commissioners would go to Wall Street early next year to borrow the money using the county’s AA bond rating.

Christine Wray, president and CEO of the hospital said that the tower project bonds would be for a 30-year period, which would serve to reduce the debt service the hospital would have to pay each year on the bonds.

The expansion projects, which should be completed by 2012 in time for the hospital’s centennial celebration, Wray said, were necessary to keep up with increases in population and patient

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spite the cost.

“Regardless of how the economy there are services that have to be there,” said Commissioner Lawrence D. Jarboe (R-Golden Beach). “The hospital is a long term good investment.”

John Savich, county administrator, said that moving quickly on the projects would mean controlling construction costs sooner.

“It would not be less expensive if we wait or do it piecemeal,” Savich said.

Other expansion and renovation projects continue at the hospital with two new operating rooms in the works. One is set to go online next week, Wray said.

Another project underway is a third f loor build-out that will add another 15 beds to the hospital.

There are a total of 125 beds at the hospital currently, but the administration there hopes to expand that number to 159 to meet needs projected by the state. Also the hospital wants to increase the number of their emergency bays from 30 to 53.

needs.

According to hospital projections there will be about 73,000 emergency visits a year to the hospital in 2016, currently there are about 46,000 projected for this year.

Inpatient and newborn admissions are expected to grow from about 8,800 this year to 14,096 a year by 2016.

“Admissions to the hospital for those five years [2000 to 2005] have grown 30 percent and in seven years they’ve grown just under 60 percent,” Wray told the commissioners.

The increase in debt to the hospital will be considerable, according to hospital presentation figures, but Wray said that the debt would be manageable.

With the annex project build out by 2009 the debt would increase to $39.1 million from its current amount of $26 million.

In 2010, with the tower project underway, the debt would increase to $112.3 million descending gradually out to 2016 at $91.4 million.

Commissioners agreed unanimously to support both projects, de-

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Photo by Guy Leonard

Jim Dunbar, of the Point Lookout Prisoners of War association, sculptor Gary Casteel and Robert Long, commander of the local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp adjust a bronze statue of a Confederate prisoner onto its new resting place located at Confederate Memorial Park in Point Lookout.

Head Start Continued from page A- ating from July 14 to Aug. 8, wherein children from Title One Schools in St. Mary’s County participate in what amounts to another month of regular classes.

“We follow a regular school day schedule,” said Lead Teacher Betsy Gay, who has been part of the program since it was first implemented five years ago. “It’s to transition the kids from the summer break to the regular school year.”

Students at Lexington Park, Green Holly, and George Washington Carver Elementary Schools attend learning blocks of language arts, math, science, and enrichment activities from 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, and are provided with breakfast and lunch.

Gay said the criteria used to select students for the program varies, but students are chosen by teachers and guidance counselors.

“Children are invited, but they don’t have

to come,” Gay said, explaining that each school aims at having 100 students participate each summer, and many go on to their next year of regular classes better prepared. “I think we’re really helping them.”

Each school has a staff of 10 teachers, two per grade level, teaching classes containing no more than 10 students, and other regulars like a school nurse and a program overseer.

“The students are very happy to come here,” Gay said. “They receive individual attention and lots of hands-on activities…we’re actually preparing them for the next grade.”

Gay said attendance is a primary focus of the program.

“We emphasize attendance, because that is the key to academic success,” she said, adding that students with perfect attendance are given rewards at the end of the program.

As the day winds down, the teachers close up their notebooks, the children pack up their materials, and for a few minutes, the halls buzz with a flurry of backpacks and pattering feet In many other schools, the halls are quiet this time of year, but as Gay has pointed out, these halls are still buzzing.