Thursday, November 20, 2008 • St. Mary’s County by David Noss

Thursday, November 20, 2008 • St. Mary’s County

Established 2006 • Volume 3 • Issue 45 P IN

Marilyn Crosby Wins Board of Education Seat Local education advocate Marilyn Crosby ousted incumbent Gary Kessler after running a close race for the Board of Education. Though the national races were decisive, absentee and provisional ballots proved to be the deciding factor in Crosby’s victory, earning her a total of 18,655 votes to Kessler’s 18,068.

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Story B-1

Citizens Concerned Over Jail Expansions Residents Want Other Options

Leonardtown Outgrowing Its Library Report Highlights Need for New Facility

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

The county sheriff, Board of County Commissioners and the state all say the expansion of the detention center in Leonardtown is a necessity, but the residents of Leonardtown don’t much like the idea. County officials say that the jail’s population has grown to the point where the facility, aging and in need of upgrades as well as more space, is bursting at the seams. Town officials and residents say the presence of a jail that will eventually hold more than 500 inmates, all within close proximity of seven schools, several churches, plus shops and neighborhoods, would be an unwelcome addition to what they want to become a bustling, prosperous small town hub. The jail was meant to hold about 230 inmates but now has an average daily population of about 350. The expansion project would increase the

The St. Mary’s County Library Board of Trustees presented their annual report to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, indicating a need for expanded library facilities, including an expansion of the Charlotte Hall library and a new Leonardtown branch. Library Director Kathleen Reif said that the volume of services in St. Mary’s County ranked fifth in the entire state. Since 2004 the number of cardholders has increased by 25 percent, the number of visitors has increased by 23 percent, and the number of items borrowed has gone up 18 percent. Since 2005, the number of PC users at the library has increased by 35 percent. Reif said that both the Board of Library Trustees and the Board of County Commissioners would need to expedite the process of applying for state funds for the area’s most pressing concern, the Leonardtown library.

Photo by Chris Stevens

Leonardtown Raids Quince Orchard, Wins State Championship, See B4 For Story

Building Them The Way They Used To By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Aaron Wieland, a mason from Hagerstown, drives about three-and-a-half hours to get to his job site at Historic St. Mary’s City where he and other masons, carpenters and craftsmen are nearly finished with the reproduction of the Catholic chapel that once stood there in 1667. He’s often busy just penciling in sealant to keep the

oyster-shell mortar between the handmade bricks, material they used back in the 17th century, from eroding away. It’s a job he loves, especially since it’s attached to this project — a project that began 20 years ago. “Even if the [Historic St. Mary’s City] Foundation didn’t have the money, I’d still come down here to work,” Wieland told The County Times as he explained some of the building’s architectural design. “I pursued working See St. Mary’s City page A-

See Jail Expansion page A-10

All SMCPS Schools Make AYP

See Library page A-

SMCPS WellStaffed Despite Statewide Shortages

Andrea Shiell Staff Writer St. Mary’s County Public Schools officials officially announced last week that all elementary, middle, and high schools in the county have made adequate yearly progress (AYP) for the first time since the inception of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), according to the Maryland State Department of Education’s report for the 2007-2008 school year. Under the NCLB initiative, schools must show progress in reading and mathematics in all grade levels and in all race/ethnicity and special-services categories including special education, English as a second language, and economically disadvantaged students. If adequate progress in all areas, including attendance, is not made for two consecutive years, then schools are placed on the School Improvement list, and face a variety of sanctions designed to bring about improvements, such See Schools Make AYP page A-

Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

Photo by Guy Leonard

Peter Rivers, a carpenter at St. Mary’s City, surveys the final work being done on the reconstruction of the chapel built there in 1667.

Drift Inn Cleared of Alcohol Violation, Boatman’s License Revoked Andrea Shiell Staff Writer Two businesses faced numerous violations from the Alcoholic Beverage Board of St. Mary’s County Nov. 13 which bore stark contrasts to each other in both the nature of the complaints and the verdicts issued. Josephine A. Copsey faced charges that her business, The Drift Inn in Mechanicsville, allowed a person under the age of 18 to serve alcoholic beverages. The complainant who reported the incident, Melissa Flow-

ers, a bartender at Riverview Restaurant, said she saw a student from Margaret Brent Middle School (where she works as a paraeducator), carrying trays of beer to tables in the restaurant. “She’s in 6th grade…and I know that at 12 years old you can’t even get a work permit,” said Flowers, who faced some intensive cross-questioning from Copsey about how far she was from the bar at the time, and why she did not report the incident to the manager on duty. Board Chairman Moses P. Saldaña Jr. recused himSee Boatman’s page A-

The Maryland State Board of Education declared teacher shortages in 20 subject areas last month, ranging from special education to secondary math and science, but SMCPS Human Resources Director Edward Weiland says that St. Mary’s County has been more fortunate than state numbers would indicate. “We have been very fortunate,” said Weiland, “one of our goals each and every year is to make sure we’re fully staffed.” Weiland conceded though that certain positions had been more problematic for the county to fill. “Special education is an area that almost every year we struggle with,” said Weiland, adding that other positions under the umbrella of special education had been even more difficult to fill. “There are othSee Well Staffed page A-

Inside Op.-Ed ...........Page A - 4 Obituaries.......Page A - 8 Sports...............Page B - 1 Police ...............Page B - 7 Classifieds.......Page B - 9

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Section A -

The County Times

Thursday, November 20, 2008

See Page B-10 For A Christmas Festival Honoring Our Military Service Men & Women

The County Times

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Section A -

More Curriculum Changes on Horizon School Board to Consider Variety of New Courses Andrea Shiell Staff Writer Charles E Ridgell, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for St. Mary’s County Public Schools, presented curriculum revisions to the Board of Education at last Wednesday’s meeting, many of which would serve as intervention courses to help students achieve passing scores on the high school assessments. Among the intervention courses that might be added are Explorations in Science, which is designed as an intervention course for students who are not yet ready for basic biology at the 9 th grade level, as well as revisions to current mathematics offerings. One revision to math classes

would be a realignment of the algebra curriculum to include a foundations course and a third algebra course for students that complete Algebra 2 but are not yet ready to enter pre-calculus. “We’re finding that there is a group of students who could benefit from another year of algebra before beginning pre-calculus,” explained Ridgell, adding that other algebra courses would be realigned, eliminating Algebra B and instead offering the foundations course for at-risk students, the regular Algebra 1 course, and an extended Algebra 1 course that would be taught in 90 minute learning blocks, as well as Algebra 1 CM for students who were more proficient. Ridgell and members of the board are hoping to push more

St. Mary’s Bank Heist Suspects Face Federal Charges By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Three men and one woman charged locally with kidnapping the branch manager of the Esperanza PNC bank from her Lusby home as part of a scheme to rob the bank have now been indicted by federal authorities for their alleged crimes. Joseph Franklin Brown, Jr., 25, William Cordell Johnson, 28, of California and Quinita Jesse Ennis, 30, of Lexington Park, now face federal bank robbery and assault charges for the kidnapping of Latoya Booth and her two young children in the Sept. 24 heist. Ennis has also been charged with engaging in a straw purchase of a 9mm rifle from The Tackle Box sporting goods store in Lexington Park that she allegedly gave to Brown, a convicted felon who is prohibited from buying or owning a firearm. Brown has also been charged with possessing a 12gauge shotgun. Edwin Jonathan Jones, 40, of Lexington Park, who local police say was involved in the planning of the kidnapping and bank robbery, has been charged with aiding the other three suspects in their plot. Both Brown and Johnson have also been charged with attempting to destroy or hide evidence that allegedly links them to the PNC bank robbery.

Booth and her two children were kidnapped from the driveway of their home in Lusby and driven by the alleged perpetrators to the bank where she worked on Three Notch Road in California, charging documents here allege. She was ordered by one of the alleged perpetrators, charging documents state, to remove money from the bank and return to her vehicle commandeered by two of the suspects, Brown and Johnson. One of the suspects said her child would not be harmed if Booth cooperated, according to charging documents. After being interviewed by detectives, according to charging documents, Jones admitted to talking about committing the bank robbery with Brown, but denied being present at the robbery. He later admitted, court papers allege, that he received money from the robbery from the other suspects. Police allege in charging documents that Ennis was the getaway driver of the escape vehicle used in the crime. Ennis admitted to being involved and to being contacted by the other suspects and told where to pick them up, charging documents stated. Detectives also said they found that the suspects had buried much of the stolen cash in Brown’s back yard in several safes. In all, police and federal authorities say $169,000 was stolen in the heist.

Investigators Searching For Armed Robbery Suspect Arrests Made In September Burglary By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Detectives with the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations are on the hunt for a suspect who robbed the 7-11 convenience store in Mechanicsville Tuesday. According to information from the crime unit a white male, standing about 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds and wearing a sky mask used what could have been a shotgun wrapped in cloth to gain money from the store clerk. The robbery occurred at about 2:15 a.m., according to police reports. St. Mary’s sheriff’s deputies and Maryland State Police attempted to find the suspect after he fled on foot, police reports stated, but could not find him even with the assistance of state police helicopter Trooper 2 and canine units from Charles and Calvert counties. Detectives are asking anyone with knowledge of the robbery to call 301-475-4200

at extension 1954 to give information, or call Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333. Four days prior to the 7-11 armed robbery detectives arrested three men in connection with a burglary that occurred on Thompson’s Corner Road, also in Mechanicsville, from September 19. Detectives searched the home of Glenn C. Gray, 20, of St. Inigoes that, police reports stated, led to two other men, Bryan S. Erion, 22, also of St. Inigoes and Justin K. Kline, 23, of Leonardtown were charged with first degree burglary, theft and theft of a motor vehicle. The Sept. 19 burglary resulted in about $28,000 in computer equipment, currency, vehicle parts and a vehicle being stolen, police reports stated, but stolen property from the burglary has been recovered. Kline and Erion have been released on bond from the St. Mary’s County detention center, according to on-line court records, but Gray remains incarcerated there.

students to take algebra courses in middle school, thereby providing pathways for them to complete their HSA requirements on time. “There’s a lot of discussion about HSAs but there’s a misnomer that people think it’s something that happens their senior year,” said school Superintendent Michael Martirano. “A student can actually complete the HSA requirement by 10 th grade,” he added. Ridgell later confirmed that HAS completion by sophomore year is the goal system-wide. The board will also consider changing the prerequisites for AP Calculus BC to require AP Calculus AB or the approval of the instructor, sequencing the two courses.

Several new courses are being proposed for the Academy of Finance at Chopticon High School, including certificate of merit courses for Introduction to Financial Services, Securities, Insurance, International Finance, Economics, Financial Planning, and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, the board will look at approving more vocational offerings, including two levels of carpentry, masonry, and residential and industrial wiring. Also proposed are expansions of the Allied Health twoyear program to include a third year in accordance with the Maryland State Department of Education model, additional years of American Sign Language and Chinese, and an intervention course designed to help

transition new 9 th grade students to high school. It all adds up to a total of 16 new courses, as well as three extended learning blocks to be offered for English, Algebra, and Geometry. “Nine of them are for the academy of finance,” said Ridgell, “but only two of them would be added next year, the other seven would be added in out years,” he said. Board member Cathy Allen commented that she did not foresee any need for the school system to hire additional teachers for these new courses, and she expected to see all of them successfully added for the 20092010 school year. “I think it is quite likely we’ll be able to get all of these courses online…they’ve gone ahead with the funds to purchase the textbooks for them…and I would not expect them to propose changes they couldn’t afford,” she said.

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The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Editorial & Opinion With Slots In The Bag, Time For Dyson/O’Malley To Deliver In 2006 Roy Dyson and Martin O’Malley campaigned together, promising to deliver a new mass transit light rail system connecting Patuxent River Naval Base and St. Mary’s County with Washington. Dyson has been campaigning on this promise every election; this was the first time he found a companion however. With Dyson running for Senate and O’Malley vying for Governor, the two were anxious for photo ops standing together on rail tracks promising commuter rail for Southern Maryland. It wasn’t the only campaign promise made, a new Thomas Johnson Bridge spanning from St. Mary’s to Calvert County was also promised. This again was no new promise from Dyson, he has been promising

a new bridge for years, but O’Malley was anxious to jump aboard. As recently as last May Dyson expressed his concern about the safety of the bridge saying the “pilings appear to be in various stages of rot”. That the bridge has been maintained with “Band-Aid treatment” saying “I don’t think the bridge is safe” Dyson went on to say: “I pray that the Thomas Johnson Bridge never collapses. The last thing in the world I ever want to say is, ‘I told you so”. Two years have now passed since the election, and Governor O’Malley and Senator Dyson have yet to dedicate resources to fulfill their promises. With only two years remaining before the two are up for election again, the question of pro-

viding solutions to Southern Maryland’s transportation needs and most importantly, the safety of its residents is a promise they must now deliver on. With the approval of slots in Maryland this past election, the promise of $600 Million in new revenue combined with the record tax increase of $1.4 Billion passed last year, what the two have delivered is $2 Billion in new revenues to add to the state’s $14 Billion dollar budget. Everyone knew that Maryland did not have the money to fulfill all the campaign promises being made, so some may understand the first two years would be about raising taxes and other fees to get the money. It takes many years to plan, design, and construct

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major transportation projects such as these. In fact, every major transportation project underway in St. Mary’s County today was approved by Governor Ehrlich at least 3 years ago, including the upgrade of Chancellors Run road with a price tag of more than $55 Million. No major transportation projects have been approved for St. Mary’s by the O’Malley/Dyson team. If commitments were made during this upcoming legislative session to deliver these two transportation needs to Southern Maryland, it would take at least 10 years before either project could be completed. During that 10 years, Maryland will have collected $20 Billion in the new revenue alone, not counting the $150 Billion the state will collect during the next 10

years from the pre-O’Malley tax increases. A major portion of the funding for projects such as bridges and mass transit systems comes from the federal government. Therefore, combining state funds with federal highway dollars, the O’Malley/Dyson team would need to commit less than 5% of the new tax and slot revenues over the next 10 years to fulfill both campaign promises. It seems reasonable that Southern Maryland could expect as little as 5% of the new state revenues. With the federal government focused on bridge safety since the collapse of the bridge in Minneapolis, and with the new President, Barack Obama, committed to expanding mass transit; if ever the stars were all aligned it’s now.

Several years ago, before O’Malley’s time, Dyson introduced legislation in the Maryland Senate that would authorize funding for a new Thomas Johnson Bridge. Dyson’s fellow Democrats said no, the legislation died. With a new session of the Maryland legislature set to begin this January, Dyson should prepare legislation requiring funding for both a new bridge and a light rail system into St. Mary’s County. If now is not the time, when is? It is easy for politicians to make promises while running for election, but the test of a good politician is did they deliver on their promises. With the largest tax increase in Maryland’s history in their pocket, plus slots, there is no excuse.

To The Editor: Hoyer Dedicated To Working Together I want to take the opportunity to thank all of the voters of the 5th Congressional District for the privilege and honor in re-electing me as your representative in Congress. I promise that I will continue to work hard on your behalf. Looking ahead, I pledge to work in a bipartisan manner to forge solutions to the challenges that face us: strengthening our economy, creating jobs, ending our dependence on foreign oil, and securing our nation.

It is a great privilege to represent my constituents in Congress, and I am grateful for your strong support. Working together, there is much we can accomplish over the next two years to improve our Nation, our State and our communities. Thanking you again and looking forward to the next two years of our partnership. Sincerely, Steny H. Hoyer

Time To Reduce Waste Did you know that from Thanksgiving and until the end of the year our nation produces 2 billion more pounds of trash per week than we do the rest of the year … a whopping 25% increase! There are many things we can do to reduce that amount of waste significantly. For specific suggestions on ways to reduce the amount of holiday waste, go to the St. Mary’s County Commission on the Environment web site at www. greensomd.com. Click on “hot top-

ics” and to the “Green Holidays” link. If we each change just one thing we do in our lives to a “greener” more ecofriendly way, together we can make a tremendous difference. Sincerely, Marta Kelsey Member, St. Mary’s County Commission on the Environment Hollywood, MD

U.S. Economy Tanks But SMC Pork Projects Accelerate How can a taxpayer-funded institution get away with building a 25 million dollar Administration Building, a seven million dollar Yacht Center and Boathouse, a one million dollar county land deal for “Viewscape”, a three million dollar pedestrian bridge over Route 5 (and the list goes on)? Conservative estimates are that President Maggie O’Brien and her willing co-conspirators have spent over 113 billion (yes I said billion) taxpayer dollars on frivolous and “gold-plated” construction projects at St. Mary’s College. Our public school infrastructure is crumbling, and we struggle to build one school every five years. The Administration Building at SMC cost about $4 million more than the entire new elementary school in Wildewood (an entire complex for 650-700 students. St. Mary’s College just got approval for a “free” (Ha-Ha) 10-year lease for land in Alba, Italy. They will spend millions to rehab the building on that land, and at the end of the 10 years, the Italians can say “Thank you very much for the fine building-it is over.” Johns Hopkins University recently announced it is cutting back from 3 to 1 overseas campus as they are not cost-effective. Why is SMC trying to expand its overseas locations? Bottom line-St. Mary’s College spending is totally out of line and the cit-

izens have no say. That’s why the elitist Board of Trustees can spend your taxpayer dollars on the new multi-million dollar mega-pier (of course “Squire” Muldoon, President of the Board of Trustees must have adequate pier space for his 60’ yacht. SMC is already the highest cost tuition state school in Maryland. Governor O’Malley has already frozen tuition at other state schools. The real travesty is there is ZERO accountability for spending taxpayer dollars at St. Mary’s College. They have a direct line to “earmarked pork barrel projects through Congressman Steney Hoyer who is on the Board of Trustees. They spend taxpayer dollars and do not publish for the public their budget, expenses or spending. As Senator Dyson says “Even I can’t get a handle on SMC spending”. The Federal government, the State of Maryland and St. Mary’s County all have proposed budgets and final budgets published that are open to the public. Any taxpayer can find out costs, budgets or spending. Time for the liberal elitists at SMC to open their books to the same scrutiny. It is the right, ethical and moral thing to do. Donald E. Beck St. Mary’s City, MD

James Manning McKay - Publisher Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Andrea Shiell - Community Correspondent.......andreashiell@countytimes.net Chris Stevens - Sports Correspondent............... ........chrisstevens@countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Government Correspondent..............guyleonard@countytimes.net Preston Pratt- Sales Representative...........................prestonpratt@countytimes.net Matt Suite- Sales Representative......................................mattsuite@countytimes.net

The County Times

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Board Of County Commissioners Meeting

County Administrator Items Tuesday, November 18, 2008

County Administrator Items 1. Draft Agenda for November 25 and December 9, 2008 (BOCC does not meet on December 2) 2. St. Marys County Cooperative Extension (Liat Mackey, Family and Community Science Educator; Benjamin Beale, Agriculture Science Educator and County Extension Director) BA transferring $22,525 from salary/fringe to the BOCC Reserve due to a position being vacant for nine months Motion: To approve and authorize the Commissioner President to sign the budget amendment transferring $22,525 in salary/ fringe savings to the BOCC Emergency Reserve Account. Motion By: Dement Second: Jarboe Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes 3. Dept. of Public Safety (Dave Zylak, Director; Dennis Gordge, Pres., ALS)) Acknowledgement of MIEMSS Advanced Life Support Education Grant and BA decreasing the grant budget by $1,800 (no change to Co. match) (Tabled due to possibility of figures changing.) 4. Dept. of Information Technology (Bob Kelly, Director) MOU with the State Dept. of Information Technology allowing State access to the County fiber optic infrastructure to support County and State agency services (benefiting the County with additional internet bandwidth) Motion: To approve and authorize the Commissioner President to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Maryland, Department of Information Technology, for purposes of allowing state access to the county fiber optic infrastructure to allow services to be provided to county and state agencies and to accept access to additional internet bandwidth for the County. Motion By: Dement Second: Mattingly Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes 5. Dept. of Economic and Community Development (Bob Schaller, Director) (Carolyn Laray, Mgr., Tourism Division) MiniGrant ($1,000) from the So. MD Heritage Area Consortium and related BA Motion: To approve and authorize

the Commissioner President to sign the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium 2008 Mini-Grant Award Acceptance, in the amount of $1,000, for a Celebrate 375 project. Motion: To approve and authorize the Commissioner President to sign the related budget amendment reflecting this $1,000 grant and the County’s $1,000 cash match Motion By: Mattingly Second: Dement Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes 6. Dept. of Aging (Peggy Maio, Fiscal Specialist) Grant ($229,434) Older Americans Act Title III; contingent upon the enactment of the FY2009 Federal Appropriation of funds (Co. match $27,498) Motion: To approve and authorize Commissioner President Russell to sign the Notification of Grant Award, totaling $256,932, from the Maryland Department of Aging, for the FY2009 Older Americans Act Title III. Motion By: Dement Second: Mattingly Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Yes Russell Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes 7. Office of the County Administrator (John Savich) Board Appointment Motion: To appoint Al Harrison to the Recreation and Parks Board, as the public schools representative, with a term to expire December 31, 2010. Motion By: Jarboe Second: Dement Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes Other Items Dept. of Land Use & Growth Management: 1. Request Extension of Legislative Processing Deadline for Approval of  Proposed Text Amendment to Allow Small Wind Energy Systems Motion By: Mattingly Second: Raley Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes 2. Present Growth Policy Procedures for Adoption Motion By: Raley Second: Jarboe Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes

Section A -

Board of Education Voting Record Meting Held on November 12, 2008 Consent Agenda 10.03 Personnel - Administrative and Supervisory In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland (Section 6-201), “the superintendent shall nominate for appointment by the county Board of Education all principals, teachers, and other certificated personnel.” The superintendent “shall assign them to their positions and transfer them as the needs of the system require.” Motion: To approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion By: Cathy Allen Second: Salvatore L Raspa Action: Unanimous Voting Record: William M Mattingly Yes Cathy Allen Yes Gary K Kessler Yes Salvatore L Raspa Yes Mary M Washington Yes

working with the State on verifying the dates to complete the cover sheet for Board approval. The Board will have the completed form prior to the Board meeting on November 12, 2008. The IAC requires approval of the amendments by November 17, 2008. Motion: That the Board of Education adopts the IAC Amendments and the cover sheet to the revised Minority Business Enterprise Procedures for State Funded Public School Construction Projects previously adopted by the Board of Education on August 27, 2008. Motion By: Gary K Kessler Second: Mary M Washington Action: Unanimous Voting Record: William M Mattingly Yes Cathy Allen Yes Gary K Kessler Yes Salvatore L Raspa Yes Mary M Washington Yes

Action Items 11.01 Amendments to Minority Business Enterprise Procedures The Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC) has adopted two amendments to the revised Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Procedures for State Funded Public School Construction Projects that require formal Board of Education (Board) approval. In addition, the IAC requires Board approval of a revised cover sheet for the approval of the two amendments. The Board previously adopted the revisions to MBE Procedures for State Funded Public School Construction Projects on August 27, 2008. * The first amendment requires that the superintendent or designee establish a Procurement Review Group (PRG) that includes at a minimum the MBE liaison and a representative from the procurement office. The PRG will be responsible for setting specific MBE subcontracting goals for each capital project. Reporting requirements of the PRG are also included in the amendment. * The second amendment revises Attachment A of the MBE procedures, which is the Utilization and Fair Solicitation Affidavit. The form has been revised to state that if the form is not completed by the bidder, then the bid will be rendered “non-responsive.” * The cover sheet for the MBE procedures and these amendments must be approved by the Board. Staff is currently

11.02 Policy “BEE” - Procedures for Appeals and Hearings to the Board - 2nd Reading This policy is being presented for 2nd reading and approval. Once approved this policy will be prepared in final form, distributed, and published to the web. Motion: That the Board of Education approve the revisions as submitted. Motion By: Salvatore L Raspa Second: Mary M Washington Action: Unanimous Voting Record: William M Mattingly Yes Cathy Allen Yes Gary K Kessler Yes Salvatore L Raspa Yes Mary M Washington Yes 11.03 Policies “EA,” “EBCD,” “EC,” and “ECAB” - 2nd Reading Second reading of policies “EA,” “EBCD,“ ”EC,“ and “ECAB. Once approved these policies will be prepared in final form, distributed and published to the web. Motion: That the Board of Education approve policies “EA”, “EBCD”, “EC” and “ECAB” as presented. Motion By: Cathy Allen Second: Gary K Kessler Action: Unanimous Voting Record: William M Mattingly Yes Cathy Allen Yes Gary K Kessler Yes Salvatore L Raspa Yes Mary M Washington Yes

Savoring Celebration Erin Borden Meals On Wheels Association of America Was it yesterday, or the day before, that your keys went missing, glasses got lost, or mind drew a blank when you tried to recall just where it was that you parked the car before making your way through the longest checkout line in supermarket history? While it’s easy to forget things amid the jumble of daily life, especially as the holiday season approaches, it’s almost effortless to recall how deliciously inviting it felt to attend a gathering, maybe at your grandparents’ or an aunt or uncle’s house, where mugs of something wonderfully hot spiked with mulling spices were offered or freshly baked apple and pumpkin pies were served. The ease, sense of well being, and comfort that rush back to us just by catching a whiff of a certain spice or aroma is no fluke. It may be one of the oldest and most highly valued of pleasures known to humankind. Since ancient times, humans have used spices for both sacred and practical purposes. For example, Ancient Egyptians used one of the oldest, most fragrant, and popular of all spices, cinnamon, in their embalming process. In Biblical times, cinnamon was used as a perfume in anointing oils. Medieval physicians blended cinnamon into medicines used to treat coughs and sore throats. Recognized for its preservative qualities, cinnamon also served as a fragrant, effec-

tive way to keep meat from spoiling long before refrigeration. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, it’s worth remembering that voyages of discovery that paved the way for this great national holiday were launched in pursuit of the very same spices used in the making of holiday dishes we look forward to sharing with loved ones today, including pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s also worth noting that science is beginning to reveal how using a sweet or savory blend of spices in cooking and baking can benefit our health, particularly as we get older. As registered dietitians and nutritionists know, substituting culinary spices and herbs for fat, sugar, or salt called for in a recipe helps in the control of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. As many health professionals also appreciate, good nutrition promotes healthier aging. Maintaining good nutrition as we age may, in fact, be one of the best ways to lessen the risk of chronic disease, slow its progression, and reduce its symptoms. Better yet, blending spices into a nutritious meal, and sharing it with those who helped us create our own personal trove of deliciously inviting memories may be one of the best and healthiest ways to share a wonderful bounty of flavor and memory with everyone we treasure, not only during the holiday season, but also throughout the entire year.

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The County Times

Section A -

Wanderings of an Aimless Mind

“Family Fun & Games”

Shelby Oppermann

By Shelby Oppermann The holidays are approaching, and naturally we begin to think of our families and all the good times we shared together over the years. Fond, shared memories of warmth and togetherness. Each family has traditions that bond them, some of which are songs, stories or games. Our family was no different. We didn’t always play the perennial family favorites, Monopoly and Candyland (my favorite). My older brothers, Bobby and Billy, thought up unique games to entertain me. I was 9 years younger than Billy, and 14 years younger than Bobby; I was a happy puppy willing to go along with anything. One of the earliest games I remember was called “Sanctuary”. Some of you might have grown up with a similar version. I’m sure it’s still popular among siblings today. One child, normally the youngest, is minding their (her) own business sitting on the floor coloring or watching cartoons, and one sibling (older, stealthy brother) sneaks up from behind and starts tickling them (her) until they are crying and continues on until they (she) can’t breathe. The second version is when the youngest child (me) has to pass by anywhere older sibling (much older, stealthy brother) might be without being caught. The object of the game was for the person being tickled to reach sanctuary at one of two designated spots set by my Mother during previous “games”. Once you reached there you had to scream “sanctuary!” This could only work if #1 you could breathe, and #2 you could move faster than your pursuer. My sanctuary spots were the unused armchair in the back corner of the living room, and the area behind the dining room table. No one could get behind there except me. The room was a U-shaped bump-out between the foyer and kitchen. It’s funny that I was the only one who ever yelled “sanctuary!” After my older brother left for college when I was four, then my brother Billy had to think of games for me himself. So, during those long summer days each year when we got bored from our marathon Monopoly games, I’d follow Billy all over the house and out into the yard. I’d watch him build his erector set or bring out that funny chemistry set which they probably don’t sell anymore, and shouldn’t. I guess once in awhile Billy might have gotten maybe a little annoyed with a little sister following him around asking questions all day. I don’t know exactly when, but he developed a new game called the “Where’s Shebby Game.” My Mother never knew about this game. The game would start about afternoon. I would be in my happy puppy state lovingly following big brother all over the place, asking 1001 questions, and suddenly Billy would say, “Where’s Shebby?” (That was, and is, my family nickname). I’d say, “Here I am, Billy”. Billy would look all around and then ask again “Where’s Shebby?” I would answer again, ”Here I am, Billy, Here, I am!!!” starting to jump up and down to get his attention, and progressively getting more panicky. We would go all around the house this way. What great fun, what great memories. The last really impressive game Billy thought up was sure to keep a young child’s attention, it didn’t have a name, but it is forever burned in my memory. This goes back to those funny chemistry sets. Remember, this was the early 60’s. Both brothers loved to learn more about how chemistry worked, and they would build model cars just to blow them up. Nowadays, they would be on the evening news. This is also something my Mother knew little or nothing about. When Billy would tire of blowing up his own models, he would look for new things. What could be more colorful than doll house figurines and furniture? Billy said to me one day, “Let’s take your doll house figures outside, and put them on this tree stump.” Happy puppy replies, “O.k., Billy” Then after Billy does a few things to the doll figures he tells me to run, so I run, and nothing happens. We run a second time, nothing. But the third time, POW!!!!! dolls and doll pieces go flying through the air. I still see it all in slow motion, in horror, with Billy laughing. I realize to him this was a great scientific experiment to benefit mankind somehow, but my little friends were blown apart. Billy kept telling me, “It’s all right, I’ll buy you more.” I don’t know if he ever did or not. When my family gathers together this Thanksgiving, you can be sure that these warm, loving family stories will be shared once more. There is the possibility my brothers will be planning a game of “sanctuary”, so I am unable to breathe or talk, and possibly thinking of a game where I will be unable to ever write again. To each new day’s adventure, Shelby Send comments to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Gantt Found Guilty In Lexington Park Bank Heist

Well Staffed

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

er things that come under that area…speech language pathologists for example, that’s one area that we share with other counties as having problems filling,” he said, adding that occupational and physical therapist positions had also been more challenging for the county. A number of language subjects were added to the state’s list of shortages, including Chinese, German, Italian, and Japanese, but the majority of positions on the list were in content areas that have historically suffered shortages, such as chemistry, math, and physics. “In years past we did have some difficulties,” said Weiland, “but this past year we were very fortunate that we were able to fill those math and science positions.” Weiland said that he expects statewide shortages to continue in light of the challenges facing this and other counties in terms of finding qualified applicants. “One of the issues with vacancies thoughout the state of Maryland is that the state of Maryland does not produce the number of applicants needed to fill those positions,” he said,

A county Circuit Court jury found Antonio Warren Gantt, the man accused of spraying gasoline on tellers at the Lexington Park Maryland Bank and Trust Co. in order to steal money last year, guilty on charges of robbery, robbery with a dangerous weapon, theft over $500 and second degree assault against three bank employees Tuesday. Gantt, who had earlier fired his public defender and refused legal counsel from the state, was totally silent through most of the trial but later acted out in court again and again, railing that his rights had been violated and that he had been intimidated into not speaking. Circuit Court Judge C. Clarke Raley ordered deputies to bind and gag Gantt with tape in the waning hours of the trial day to restrain his outbursts. It took the jury only 19 minutes to reach their verdict of guilty on all counts. The jury heard dramatic testimony from three female bank employees who were present on Oct. 31, 2007 when Gantt robbed the bank on Shangri-La Drive. Louise Delozier was one of the tellers doused by Gantt with gasoline from a sports drink bottle. “He screamed get in the back! Give me money! Give me money!” Delozier told the jury. “I was terrified to say the least.” During the robbery, Delozier and other co-workers testified, Gantt herded them into one of the bank’s vault after stealing about $40,000 in cash, some of which, it was revealed, had been bait money that could be easily traced. “He said he was going to kill us if we didn’t give him the money,” testified branch manager Valerie Buckner. She described the mood in the bank vault, after Gantt had forced them in there, as one of “panic and fear.” “I was afraid he’d set the bank on fire,” Bucker said. Gantt did not respond to any requests to cross-examine witnesses, save but a few, where he attempted to show that witnesses could not positively identify him because they could not remember exactly what clothes he was wearing. A gas station employee in Lexington Park that day testified that she had sold Gantt about .47 cents in gasoline before the robbery had occurred. He had told her that he needed it for his lawnmower, she said. Gantt hailed a cab at the Friendly Cab Co. just after the robbery and when the dispatcher recognized Gantt — he had seen his likeness circulated just one month earlier for a bank robbery at the same location — he called police while at the same time giving Gantt a cab. The company was able to track the

movements of the cab so police could apprehend Gantt at the intersection of Route 235 and St. Andrews Church Road headed towards the Solomons Island bridge. After State’s Attorney Richard D. Fritz rested the prosecution’s case, Gantt was denied the ability to call witnesses in his defense. Raley ruled that since Gantt had refused counsel, even at the court’s continued encouragement, failed to cross examine nearly all the witnesses as well as summons any of those who testified for the state, he would not be allowed to call any witnesses. Gantt protested and yelled out to the jury that he had not received a fair trial and that his constitutional rights had been violated. “They don’t want me to tell the truth!” Gantt yelled out as he revealed a shock belt he had been made to wear as a security precaution. “They threatened to shock me with 70,000 volts! “I didn’t rob that bank!” Guards commanded Gantt to sit down when he yelled out and dropped to the floor, claiming he had been electrocuted. Guards told Raley they did not activate the restraint. Gantt had to be taken back in the holding area of the court and could be heard screaming: “Stop breaking my arm!” When he was brought back in he was shackled and gagged and complained, in a muffled voice, that he couldn’t breath properly. Raley eventually allowed the gag to be removed. When he protested again at his treatment Raley said: “You were given every opportunity to prepare your case… you [have chosen] to simply remain silent and sit there.” Raley continued by saying that he believed Gantt’s sole purpose was “simply to disrupt the process any way you can. “You made the choices; they were extremely poor choices.” Gantt’s closing argument reiterated his outbursts earlier in court, while Fritz’s argument focused not on the money Gantt stole but the fear he instilled. “He’d like you to think this case is all about him,” Fritz said. “It is all about him, it’s about his guilt and it’s about the fear he struck in the hearts of six women. “It’s the fear of being burned alive.” Gantt, 42, of St. Leonard, is set to be tried this week for the September 2007 bank robbery. Fritz is seeking life without parole for Gantt’s punishment.

Boatman’s Continued from page A- self from discussing the case, citing a conf lict of interest in light of his relation to the defendant. “She’s my wife’s grandmother,” he explained. “It’s something I told the ethics commission in Annapolis I would do. It’s just safer that way.” “It’s hard to believe,” said Copsey, who attested that the youngster in question was her granddaughter. “I’ve had all of my children and grandchildren in that place and I’ve never had a problem…once in a while they’ll clean a table…but they never serve anybody…I have other people there to do that job,” she said. Gerald Bowles, a bartender at the restaurant and the young girl’s father, testified as well. “She is 10 years old, she has never served…she’s smart enough to know she does not handle alcohol,” he said, emphatically. “This is a ridiculous charge.” When asked why Flowers might have brought such accusations before the board, Emma Bowles, a server at the Drift Inn, replied, “She may have something against us because of the restaurant where she works, because we’re always busy. But I don’t know.” The Beverage Board voted that there was no violation that could be reliably confirmed, so the charge was dismissed. Another business owner was not so lucky, however. Whereas charges against the Drift Inn could not be confirmed with evidence, Teresa M Boatman,

owner of Boatman’s Restaurant and Sports Bar in Ridge, was penalized in light of video evidence, as well as her own admission, of three violations, including allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages outside the licensed premises, allowing an employee to work while unclothed, and allowing patrons to smoke without warning or refusing service. Boatman asked to be allowed to voluntarily relinquish her license rather than be tried, but the board denied her request. “On a criminal basis, this for her would be like a guilty plea,” said Attorney Joann Wood, explaining that Boatman would be allowed to reapply for her license after six months without the mar on her record. Boatman admitted that all three incidents occurred, and she was fined accordingly for the first and third violation. Video evidence of all three violations was on record, the most damning of which was the undisputed account of the second violation, for which Boatman’s license was automatically revoked. “A video was provided by an individual witness…showing that a bartender that was working at Boatman’s removed her shirt and was working unclothed from the waste up,” explained Joann Wood when outlining the details of the incident. Boatman declined to comment on the ruling.

Continued from page A- adding that teaching certification programs in the state were also suffering a shortage of applicants. State numbers reflect Weiland’s observation. Of the teachers hired in 2007, 4,003 were new teachers who had recently completed teacher training programs. Only 1,234 of them came from Maryland colleges and universities, down from the high of 1,769 in 2002-2003. And currently, MSDE numbers reveal that there are only three teacher education candidates in physics scheduled to graduate from Maryland colleges next spring, and there are no current candidates in computer science or technology education. Weiland said he expects turnover to stay the same in St. Mary’s because of the number of teachers married to military personnel in the county. “We will have teachers come in with spouses in the military…so any given year we’ll have a number of vacancies due to families needing to transfer, but we always have new teachers coming in…so it’s a plus and a minus,” he said.

Schools Make AYP Continued from page A- as increased intervention programs or alternative pathways to learning. In previous years the trend for St. Mary’s County Public Schools has been a lacking proficiency in Special Education and African American students, but this year marks the first year that all demographics have met AYP in the county. “I am absolutely ecstatic with the fact that all of our schools made AYP,” said Superintendent Michael Martirano. “This is a major accomplishment for our school system and community. MSDE has reported that we are one of very few school systems in the state of Maryland who can make the claim that all of our schools made AYP…this incredible accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all school system employees and our students. These results confirm that we are a very high performing school system.” Statewide gains have taken a total of nine Maryland high schools off the list of schools needing improvements, decreasing the number of high schools in Maryland on the Improvement list from 71 to 45 since 2005. According to system and state-level data released

on Nov. 14, both Baltimore City and Prince George’s County school systems are currently on the improvement list, but both made progress in one of their grade levels this year, and are expected to be taken off the list if similar progress is made next year. The state of Maryland will also be instituting a differentiated accountability pilot program, under which schools having difficulty meeting federal targets in one or two areas are viewed differently than those with broader deficiencies. 2008 data shows that six schools in the state of Maryland were indeed added to the School Improvement list, but 1140 elementary, middle, and high schools in Maryland met AYP this year, as compared to 1050 in 2007, so officials are optimistic. School officials in St. Mary’s County are hoping that the AYP trend can be maintained in coming years, particularly in the wake of an economic downturn. “I think right now it’s about maintaining the accomplishments and the progress we have in place…with challenging economic times, my goal is to make sure that our system doesn’t backslide in any way,” said Martirano.

keep meat from spoiling long before refrigeration. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, it’s worth remembering that voyages of discovery that paved the way for this great national holiday were launched in pursuit of the very same spices used in the making of holiday dishes we look forward to sharing with loved ones today, including pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s also worth noting that science is beginning to reveal how using a sweet or savory blend of spices in cooking and baking can benefit our health, particularly as we get older. As registered dietitians and nutritionists know, substituting culinary spices and herbs for fat, sugar, or salt called for in a recipe helps in the control of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. As many health professionals also appreciate, good nutrition promotes healthier aging. Maintaining good nutrition as we age may, in fact, be one of the best ways to lessen the risk of chronic disease, slow its progression, and reduce its symptoms. Better yet, blending spices into a nutritious meal, and sharing it with those who helped us create our own personal trove of deliciously inviting memories may be one of the best and healthiest ways to share a wonderful bounty of flavor and memory with everyone we treasure, not only during the holiday season, but also throughout the entire year.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Library Continued from page A- “Leonardtown is very popular,” said Reif, citing an impressive 800 visitors per day, a year-to-date increase of 23 percent, along with 152 PC users per day. “I know that number could be higher if we had more PCs and more room for them,” said Reif, adding that the Library’s Facility Needs Study completed in 2007 recommended that the county’s 54,000 square feet of public library space at all three branches be increased to 100,000 square feet to adequately serve the population. Specifically, the 2007 study recommended a new 40,000 square foot facility in Leonardtown, for which the county will have to compete for state funds to build. “We missed the opportunity to compete for the FY10 funds,” said Reif, adding that the typical statewide pool of $5 million for library projects had been cut to $2.5 million for FY10, and $2.75 million for FY11, in light of the budget shortfall, leaving all counties in the state with a smaller pool of money over which to compete as the need for services increases. “We all recognize economic constraints,” said Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe, explaining that he thought the best option might be

The County Times to renovate Leonardtown’s existing facilities. “The demand in Leonardtown is location location location,” he said. Others disagreed with this precept. “The demand for services certainly has skyrocketed in the last few years,” said Commissioner Thomas Mattingly. “They’re out of space…I agree with consideration of adding on to the existing facility, but that presents some challenges…it would be difficult to do that.” “The board felt the most fiscally responsible thing to do would be to try to get land and build a brand new one…get more bang for our buck,” said Reif, explaining that renovating the existing site and retrofitting for technology and infrastructure would be costly, and perhaps even take longer. As Reif finished her report, she added that it would be necessary to decide on a location for the new library in the next few months. “We need to issue an RFP for an architect… but we can’t do that without a location,” she said, adding that this would need to be done by the April 2009 deadline in order for the county to realistically compete for state funds in 2011. “We need to get rolling on that right away,” she said. Later Reif said she had not expected a decision that day, “but they’re thinking about it now, so it’s a start.”

Photo by Andrea Shiell

According to a 2007 study, Leonardtown Library will need to more than double its current square footage to meet the needs of residents. (Photo from St. Mary’s County Library website)

“Behind The Grand Ole Opry Curtain” by Robert K. Oermann c.2008, Center Street $23.99 / $26.99 Canada 403 pages, includes notes By: Terri Schlichenmeyer You can’t help it. Your toes have to tap when the radio’s on. Pretty soon, you’re moving your fingers in time to the music, too, and maybe nodding your head. If it’s not the steel guitar that has you in its grip, it’s the soft drum or the fiddle that’s got you. And it all started with, as Loretta Lynn says, a “patting foot” because you love country music. Some of your best memories are of listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio or watching it on TV. Now, keep those feet moving and take a step back to re-live those moments with your favorite stars in the new book “Behind the Grand Old Opry Curtain” by Robert K. Oermann. For going on 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been home to dozens of talented country music performers. Becoming a member is by invitation only, and while it might seem as if they’re joining a double-secret Club, the truth is that new inductees are being enfolded into a family. Everybody in the Opry, it seems, is somehow connected to everybody else there. When Hawkshaw Hawkins, Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and Randy Hughes were killed in a now-legendary airplane crash, Opry members flocked to the victims’ families to lend support. Hughes’ wife was Copas’ daughter. Patsy Cline, in particular, was a “big sister” to many upand-coming performers including Loretta Lynn, who credits Cline with teaching her to look good on stage and off. Opry members have watched out for their brethren for as long as the Opry’s been around. Friends tried to save Faron Young from himself, though they couldn’t help in the end. Young stood up for Charlie Pride, once telling a radio station that if they threw out the African American singer’s records, they may as well throw out Young’s, too. Pride nurtured the careers of others, including Ronnie Milsap. Roger Miller was given a leg-up by several Opry stars, and he passed that forward once he was inducted. But that doesn’t mean everything was smooth in Opryland. There were busted

duos and busted hearts, divorcing and drinking, and too much living large. In this book, you’ll learn about the stories, scandals, smiles, and songs. “Behind the Grand Ole Opry Curtain” is one of those delicious tell-all books that will (mostly) please you with goodness in the end. Each chapter spotlights an Opry star, but also includes the people who made that star’s life better. Author Robert K. Oermann will surprise you (who knew there was such a preponderance of car crashes among Opry members?), tell you things you didn’t know (Charlie Pride was not the Opry’s first African American member), and he discusses a few on-going mysteries (when, exactly, did Hank Williams die?). “Behind the Grand Ole Opry Curtain” is an easy-to-read, enjoyable presentation of stars then and now, and it’ll have you humming songs you haven’t thought about in years. If you love country music, this book needs to be on your bookshelf. Pat your feet on out and get it.

Section A -

St. Mary’s City

ect. “Nowhere.” St. Mary’s City continues to finish out long, sought after projects and continue running exhibits even though tough economic times have hit. In mid September, they opened a new museum atop the archaeology dig of St. John’s Freehold, the home of Maryland colonist John Lewger in 1638, which subsequently became the meeting place of the Maryland colonial legislature. It was where Mathias de Sousa, a black Portuguese mariner, cast a vote in the legislature and it was also the site where Margaret Brent first asked for voting rights. It later became the home of Maryland Governor Charles Calvert. And despite state level budget cuts that would have shut down its operation, the foundation has put up the money to keep the open air Woodland Indian hamlet, one of their most popular exhibits, running. “We’ve been asked to

Continued from page A-

on this building, it’s an honor builders — with precious little knowledge of mathematics to work on this.” The reproduction, or res- and largely illiterate — were urrection, of the 1667 chapel is able to create such a structure one of the top priorities in St. by skill passed down from Mary’s City’s quest to recre- other masters. “We kept track of person/ ate some of the most important parts of Maryland’s first day labor so we could know how much effort and time it capital. With a price tag edging took,” Miller explained. “And toward $3 million, split rough- we had to figure out how to ly between federal grants and recreate the window holes donations from the city’s sup- with the bricks.” Miller and other researchporters and its foundation, the chapel is loaded with history, ers learned that colonists in said Henry Miller, chief ar- those days could also only have worked on the chapel during chaeologist at the city. Not only was it the first late spring through autumn, brick building in Maryland, or late April through October, he said, but it was also the first because freezing temperapermanent Catholic Church tures ensured that the mortar, built in the English colonies in made from burnt oyster shells, America, a tribute to the “lib- would not set properly. “They knew it as secerty of conscience” doctrine of religious freedom espoused ond nature,” Miller said by Lord Baltimore when the of 17th century masons. colony was first founded in “We had to figure it out.” 1634. The chapel has attracted the “In those days a Catholic church could not be built in the English speaking world, except here,” Miller said. “They were only allowed a private chapel in their homes.” Prominent Catholics in the colony were also buried there, said project carpenter Peter Rivers, in the perimeter of the church walls. And the sandstone tiles soon to be laid down, Rivers said, will be placed in formation close to the way they were in 1667, over the dead. by Guy Leonard Miller said that Aaron Wieland, a mason from Hagerstown, does some pencilingPhoto work on the oyster while the furniture shell mortar used to fit the 6,500 hand crafted bricks at the chapel. and interior design has yet to be completed, the eye of builders and craftsmen cut about $135,000,” said Sue architectural work would be from the Old World as well, Wilkerson, spokeswoman for Miller said, who were also cu- Historic St. Mary’s City. “But done by the end of this year. The chapel itself was rious to see how their ancestors the foundation has stepped in… we considered closing it meant to be “an architectural would have built churches. “Nowhere is there a 17th but it’s such an important part learning experiment,” Miller said, with craftsmen and ar- century building like that be- of the story we want to tell.” chaeologists like himself having constructed,” Miller said ing to relearn how 17th century of the St. Mary’s chapel proj-

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The County Times The County Times

Thursday, August 21, 2008 Section A -

Section A - Thursday, November 20, 2008

Obituaries Alice Mildred 99 Andrew RogerBrown, Brown, 83

Andrew Roger Brown, 83, of Ridge, son of the late Roger and Cora Brown, was born Jan. 20, 1925 in Ridge and departed this life Nov. 12 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Alice Mildred Brown, 99 Leonardtown. of Leonardtown died Aug. St. 16 Andrew attended inMary’s her home. County public schools. Nov. 9,resident 1908 and in He Born was a lifelong Baltimore, Md., she was the dedicated member of St. Peter daughter of the lateChurch. James and Claver Catholic He Lilly Mae Jackson Rebham. was a self-taught carpenter, was ainmember of St. whoShe assisted the building of George’s Episcopal his first home. He wasChurch, skilled Valley Lee, andrepair Orderand of the enat automotive Eastern Star, Chapter 107, Jujoyed working on cars. In Nolia Halla,of Hollywood. vember 1945, at the age of Mrs. Brown is his survived 20, Andrew started career by two sons, Lloyd E. (Jerry) with the Federal Government Brown, Jr. of Leonardtown at the Patuxent River Naval and Willard Bruce Brown Air Station. Andrew retired ofinTerra Va.35She is July Alta, 1980 W. after years also survived by service. six grandof distinguished On children, Julie Brown-Rund, Nov. 4, 1946, Andrew was Jeff Nancywith Deal, unitedBrown, in matrimony IsaWendy Jarda, Judy Graybill bel Veronica Chase at St. Peand PheobeCatholic Brown, Church and eight ter Claver at great-grandchildren the tender age of 21. Clay and Will Andrew Rund, Kristen and helpJosh enjoyed Brown, Shawn and he Bruce ing people in need; was Deal, Audrey andhearted Samantha a friendly, kind and Jarda. soft-spoken person. He enShefootball, was basketball predeceased joyed and by a daughter baseball. AndrewBetty was anRuth avid Brown and aOrioles brother fan. John He B. Baltimore Fenwick. loved traveling to games to Relatives andnephews friends and atwatch his sons, tended Mrs. play Brown’s grandchildren sports.Life Celebration inenjoyed the Brinsfield He really the outFuneral Leonardtown doors, Home, gardening, working Wednesday, Aug.going 20 from 5– in the yard and fishing 8with p.m.Joseph with prayers recited at “Fatman” Harris. 7 p.m. A funeral will Andrew was service a dedicated be held Thursday, Aug.attend21 at Christian who loved 11 in St.worship George’s inga.m. church andEpiswas copal Church, Valleyof Lee. an active member the Reverend Greg Syler, church choir. This gavepastor him a ofreal thesense church, will officiate. of accomplishment Interment and pride. will follow in the church cemetery. Andrew leaves to cherish his Memorial memories; Contributions his children; may be R. made to The MisJerome Chase, (Sharon), sions Endowment Fund Anor Dorothy Gant, (Bobby), Cemetery and Grounds drew V. Brown, (Karen),Fund, Ann V. Brown-Mickens, (Charles), c/o St. George’s Episcopal LeonardP.O. S. Brown, (Darlene), Church, Box 30, Valley Gloria J. Brown-Martin, Lee, MD 20692. (James), Marcia toE.the BrownCondolences famLoyd, ily mayDarlene be madeM.at Brownwww. Johnson, (William) and James brinsfieldfuneral.com. D. Brown, (Gail). Sister; Arrangements by Hilthe is also survived da Billips. He Brinsfield Funeral Home, by 26 grandchildren and 36 P.A., Leonardtown. great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents,

Francis Joseph Brown, Sr., 66

Luis Antonia Castillo, 70 Andrew was predeceased by two sisters and one brother, LuisHarrel, Antonia Castillo,Beal 70, Hazel Mildred of Leonardtown died Aug. 16 and Sylvester Brown. in St.Family Mary’s received Nursing Center, friends Leonardtown. for Andrew’s Life Celebration Sept. 1937 in Nov.Born 19 from 9 – 20, 10 a.m. in St. Puerto Rico, he was the son of Peter Claver Catholic Church, the Luis A Antonia and Elsa St. late Inigoes. Mass of ChrisMonserrate Morales Castillo. tian burial was celebrated Luis is survived by three at 10 a.m. with Father Scott sisters, M. Elaine Ohler of Woods as the celebrant. InterMillsboro, Del., Evelyn Casmentoffollowed in theMd. church tillo Chestertown, and cemetery. Elsie Collins of Las Vegas, provided Nev. Arrangements He is also survived by by the Brinsfield Funeral several nieces and nephews. P.A., received Leonardtown. Home, Family friends Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 11 Harry Gain Chun, 55 a.m. – noon in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown, with prayers recited at noon. Deacon George L’Heureux officiated. Graveside service followed at 2 p.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, Md. Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s Nursing Center Foundation, Inc., 21585 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown. Harry Gain Chun, 55, of GreatLloyd Mills passed away Nov. Raymond 13 in hisHarris, home. 97 Born Jan. 6, 1953 in New York City, he was the son of Wing (deceased) and Choy Chun. Harry grew up and attended public schools in Manhattan with his three sisters; Wanda, Jean and Lily. He went on to study Aerospace Engineering and graduated in 1976 from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. While studying at college, Harry met his wife, Becky, of 31 years. After graduation, he accepted a job in Oklahoma with Tinker Air Force Base. While in Oklahoma, Harry and Becky started their family with the birth of their son, Jeff. Soon after Jeff’s birth, Harry accepted an Aerospace Lloyd Raymond HarEngineering job at the Aug. Deris, 97, died peacefully of Navy in Trenton, partment 12 in the St. Mary’s Nursing N.J. Harry and Becky grew Center. theirMr. family Pa.a longtime with the Harrisinwas birth of of their Elaine. resident St.daughter, Mary’s County. Thewas family in Bucks He bornresided in Gallatin, Mo. County, PA for 15late yrsHowuntil June 13, 1911 to the 1994, where Harry andFrankie family ard May Harris and Lee Jackson. He married relocated to St Mary’s County his of Naval 59 years, andbeloved workedwife at the Air Mary Catherine Warfare Center“Sis” at Nelson Patuxatentthe Washington River, Md. For Cathedral 30 years, in Washington D.C. working Sept. 2, Harry has enjoyed 1939. She preceded him in for the Navy as an Aerospace death in 1998. He was Engineer and Manager. also preceded in death in and 1998 by Outside of work famhis beloved Margaret ily, Harry alsosister enjoyed coachHarris. ing and refereeing soccer Mr.throughout Harris served in the games the SouthUnited States Army as an Asern Maryland region. He was sistant Chaplain. Following an avid fan of the game and his army service he was emsupporter of the Leonardtown ployed in Washington, D.C. Women’s Soccer program. by the Federal Government Harry alsoyears enjoyed working for many before retiring. He then worked in the tax department for the State of Maryland and retired in 1971. During his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed travat thethroughout Thanksgiving dinner. eling the United Purchase small favors and States. reward those who traveled toHe enjoyed playing cards, to save on gas. gether dancing and buying new cars. Deep-fry themost turkey: Ray 2. loved life and of A he turkey cooked in aothers tradiall enjoyed helping tional manner willnothing spend sevwhile expecting in eral hours in the oven. Rather return. He was devoted in the thanofburn up fuel an care his wife andkeeping sister unelectric or gas oven going that til their death. Theconsider family deep-frying received long, friends the bird.inIt’llthetakeMattingleymuch less Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., time. Plus, you may be able to Leonardtown, Friday, Aug. 15 from 9 – 10 a.m. with a funeral service that followed at 10 a.m. officiated by Rev. Keith Schukraft. Interment followed at Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown. Pallbearers were Frank Nelson, Donnie Bowles, Fred Nelson, Harry Nelson, Jr., Michael Russell and Roy Copsey. Contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 415 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-4101. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Valorie Anne on projects around the house and on his classic 48 Chevy Z-28 Henry, Camaro. He was a devoted husband, father, friend, and coworker. He is survived by his wife, Becky, children, Elaine and Jeff, mother, Choy, and sisters, Wanda, Jean and Lily. Family will receive friends for Harry’s Life Celebration Nov. 20 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown, 20650. A short gathering with guest speakers will begin at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W. Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035. There will be a procession leaving from the funeral home at 11 a.m. to Lakemont Memorial Valorie Anne Henry, 48, Gardens. of Mechanicsville, formerly In lieu of flowers, meof Grandview, Mo., died Aug. be morial contributions may 17, in Lexington made to HospicePark. House of St. BornP.O. Oct. 1959 in Mary’s, Box31,625, LeonLincoln, Neb. she was the ardtown, MD 20650. daughter of JamestoRay Condolences the Dickfaminson of Mouldrow, Okla. ily may be made at www. and Hortense Anne Campbell brinsfieldfuneral.com. Crawford of Grandview, Arrangements by Mo. the She was the loving of Brinsfield Funeral wife Home, Earl Henry, whom she Leonardtown. P.A.,Allan married July 16, 1986 in Warrensburg, FrancesMo. Marie Coombs, She is survived by her 81 son Earl Ian Henry. Mrs. Henry graduated from Grandview High School’s Class of 1977. She moved to St. Mary’s County in October 1988 from Waldorf, Md. The family will receive friends Saturday, Aug. 23 from 10 – 11 a.m. in Patuxent River Assembly of God Church, California, where a Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Lanny Clark officiating. Interment will be held Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. in Maryland Veteran’s Cemetery, Cheltenham, Md. Frances Marie may Coombs, Contributions be 81, of Leonardtown died Nov. made to Hospice if St. Mary’s, 14 in St.625, Mary’s Hospital. P.O. Box Leonardtown, Born Aug. 31, 1927 in MedMD 20650. ley’sArrangements Neck, Md. sheprovided was the daughter of the late Francis by the Mattingley-Gardiner Xavier and Frances Elizabeth Funeral Home, P.A. Cameron. She was preceded in death by her husband Ira KarenSr.A.in July of John Coombs, McEntyre, 51 by her 1981. She is survived children: Ira John “Johnny” KarenJr.A.and McEntyre, 51 of Coombs, his wife Ruth Lexington Park,Rex formerly of of Loveville, Coombs Plano, in and hisTexas, wife died KathyAug. and13 Dee Washington Center. Coombs andHospital his wife Nita Feb. 24, 1957five in all Born of Leonardtown; Sweetwater, Texas she was grandchildren and three great the daughter of Carold and grandchildren. MaryFrances Aleesewas Benson of Plaa lifelong St. no, Texas. Mary’s County resident where is also survived by she She attended St. Mary’s Acadher Porter emy.children She wasJeremy a school bus of Snyder, for Texas, Jonathan contractor 15 years until Porter of Plano,inTexas, her retirement 1982. Angie Porter, Sheila Horton received and MaThe family rissa Horton, all of Lexington friends Nov. 17 from 6 – 9 Park as well as her brother Victor Benson of Plano, Texas and three grandchildren. donate asthe Karen was employed a registered nurse. used cookoil to All services areing private. be turned into biodiesel. Arrangements provided 3. Go green with floral by the Mattingley-Gardiner arrangements: Rather than Funeral Home, P.A. purchase hot-house flowers, look around your own garden and yard for blooms and other Timothy Brian embellishments you can use McGrath, on the table. Loose 50 twigs and berries also look very festive. Brian McGrath, AlsoTimothy consider pumpkins or 50, of Lexington Park died other organic fruit for decoAug. in St.itMary’s rating.11Later can be Hospiturned tal, Leonardtown. Born June 14, 1958 in Freeport, Ill., he was the son of Patricia (Chambers) McGrath of Mesa, Ariz. and the late Charles McGrath. Timothy attended Lasalle-Peru High School in Lasalle, Ill. where he graduated in 1976. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1976 until 1999. After his service in the Navy, Timothy was employed by a Government Contractor and worked at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. He was an Elks Lodge member and a past member of the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue

Plan a Green Thanksgiving

Francis Joseph Brown, Sr., 66, passed away in his money and N.C. prohomeSaving in Indian Trail, tecting Aug. 12. the environment - these are common goals of Mr. Brown was born July many people celebrating this 1, 1942 in Leonardtown, son year. Creating a green and of the late Mary Edna Brown festive Thanksgiving can Norris. helpMr. youBrown save theis planet and survived a few by his dollars. wife Jacqueline MerMake your cer Brown; a sonturkey Francisday J. more eco-friendly by employBrown, Jr. and his wife Shelia ing some of N.C.; these easy tips. of Stanfield, a daughter 1. Ride sharing: Suggest Jennifer Lynn Brown of Indiyour guests pool arrive an Trail, N.C.car and twotogranddaughters Christianna Page and Allyson Grace Brown. The family received friends Sunday, Aug. 17 from 2 – 5 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Aug. 18 at 9:30 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Fr. John Mattingly officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Squad. p.m. in the Mattingley-Garaddition Home, to his mother, dinerIn Funeral where Timothy is survived his Prayers were said at 8byp.m. wife Debra (Houtz) McA Mass of Kay Christian Burial Grath, his son, Nov. Sean18Patrick was celebrated at 10 McGrath of Lexington Park, a.m. in Our Lady’s Cathohis Karen McGrath of lic sister, Church, Medley’s Neck Mesa, and LaHood his brother, with Fr.Ariz. Thomas ofMichael Ill. Prificiating.McGrath Intermentof was memorial service will vate.APallbearers were Chris be held Saturday, Aug. 23 at Bistline, Joseph Matthews, 10 a.m. at the Joseph Bay District Douglas Abell, Frank Volunteer Department, Bussler, Jr.,Fire Peter Cameron Lexington Park. and Gene Severson. Honorary Condolences to theAllen famPallbearers were Mark ily may Katie be made www. Coombs, Ann at Coombs, brinsfieldfuneral.com. Julie Marie Coombs, Kim by Joy the AnnArrangements Bistline and Anna Bussler. Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.,Contributions Leonardtown. may be made to Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary, P.O. Box Connor 299, Leonardtown, Patrick Miller 2 MD 20650. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Jack Randal Frazier, 78 Jack Randal Frazier, 78, of Leonardtown passed away Nov. 9 in his residence. Born June 29, 1930 in Norton, Va., he was the son of the late Jake C. and Vida Thomas Frazier. Mr. Frazier served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1949Patrick to 1952. Connor MillHe a Civil Serer 2, of was Avenue died Aug. vant for the United States 12 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Government. Leonardtown. survived by Mr. Frazier Connor wasisborn Oct. 11, his wife RebaArundel Iola Reynolds 2005 in Anne MediFrazier, his Annapolis, daughter Karen cal Center, Md., L. Frazier-Kline Leonardthe son of Jamesof L. Miller and two Kaldenbach brothers; Bradtown,Krystal and of ley Frazier of Big Stone Gap, Avenue. Va. He andisGary Wayne Frazier survived by two sisof Derby, Va.and Kayla Miller, ters, Lillian a brother Kylewill Miller, his paServices be private. ternal grandparents James L. Arrangements provided and Oliver Miller of by Darlene the Brinsfield Funeral Chaptico, maternal grandparHome, P.A., Leonardtown, ents, MD Eugene Kaldenbach of Harrimon, Tenn., toand theDebra famCondolences Adams Winily mayKaldenbach be made atofwww. chester, Ky.; great-grandparbrinsfieldfuneral.com ents Francis and Audrey Oliver of Chaptico and G r e a t- g r a n d m o t h e r s Bonnie Gallant, 64 Mary LouWillis Adams of Waldorf, Md. and Shirley Miller of Newburg, Md. The family received friends for Connor’s Life Celebration Sunday, Aug. 17 from 3 – 4 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown, with a funeral service at 4 p.m. Interment was private. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown.

Mary Aleathea Redmond, Bonnie Willis 84Gallant, 64, of Leonardtown, daughter, wife, mother and grandmother passed away Nov. 12

into dessert! 4. Skip the bottled water: Purchase a faucet filter or a pitcher with filter so that you can use tap water instead of bottled water. Freshen up the water with a few slices of lime, lemon or cucumber. 5. Buy organic whenever possible: When stocking up on ingredients for your dinner, try to choose foods that were organically grown. Also, shop locally to save on gas Mary and toAleathea help local farmers Redmond, 84, of Leonardtown died Aug. 16 in St. Mary’s Hospital. Born April 18, 1924 in Mechanicsville she was the daughter of Clarence Leo Evans and Gertrude M. (Pilkerton) Evans. Aleathea graduated from Margaret Brent High School in 1941. She worked from 1961 to 1971 as a secretary/receptionist for St. Mary’s College. She enjoyed cooking, croqueting, playing cards, gardening, and sewing; often making clothing for her and her daughter. She is preceded in death by husband James Franklin

Redmond, whom she marin her home, surrounded by ried March 4, 1945 at Imher loving family, afterthe a long maculate Conception and valiant struggle Catholic against Church in Mechanicville. She breast cancer. is survived her beloved chilDuringby almost forty years dren Gayle A. Hancock and in St. Mary’s County, she was her husband William of Fairvery active in county assofax, Va., and Jamesthe “Frank” ciations, including Girl Redmond and his wife Wanda Scouts, Sweet Adeline’s, and of Va.Ladies’ She is theFredericksburg, Tuesday Morning also survived by three grandBowling League at Esperanza children, Jeffery A. Hancock Lanes. She Jennifer whole-heartedly and his wife of Faircommitted herself to board fax, Va., Mark D. Redmond and his crafter in and wife membership Tanya of Fredthe St. Mary’s County Crafts ericksburg, Va., Jason P. RedGuild, ofa Fredericksburg; group of dedicated mond and people who have kept crafts four great-grandchildren. well aliveShe andwas in the in county preceded death for her more thanAgnes thirtyRice. years, in by sister many locations, and friends under Family received several names – currently, Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 9:30 Olda.m. Towne Crafters of –the10:30 in the Brinsfield Leonardtown. Funeral Home, P.A., LeonarBonnie was born in Chesdtown. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated a.m., Md., Oct. 29,111944, tertown, Wednesday, 20 at St. and grew up Aug. in nearby Cecil Aloysius Catholic County. She attendedChurch, BoheLeonardtown, withSchool Rev. John mia Manor High and Dakes officiating. Interment Goldey-Beacom Business followed Charles Memorial College ininWilmington, Del. Gardens, Leonardtown. She is survived by her Serving, pallbearers husband of 44 as years Richard, were Mark Redmond, her daughter Michelle, Jason sonRedmond, Jeffery Hancock, in-law Steven, and grandsons Bill Hancock, PilkSpencer and Lawrence Logan Wall, erton, and Arthur Pilkerton. all of Leonardtown, and her Honorary was Earl daughter pallbearer Paula, son-in-law Dean. Rick, grandson Jackson, and Memorial contribution granddaughter Carley Tepel, can be made to the Ridge of Hollywood. Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. extensive famBox She 456, has Ridge, MD 20680. ily members on the Eastern Condolences to the famShore, including the Coleman ily may be made at www. family of Suttlersville, Md., brinsfieldfuneral.com. and Arrangements in New England. by Also, the she leaves behind her beBrinsfield Funeral Home, lovedLeonardtown. mother, Anna Bramble P.A., Willis. She was preceded in death her father, Carlton Louisby Marshall “Junior” Willis, who passed away in Thompson, Jr., 84 February. Family received friends for Bonnie’s Life Celebration Nov. 17 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown. A Funeral Service was held at 6 p.m. Interment will take place Nov. 18 in the Galena Cemetery in

Morganza, Galena, Md.Donnie Thompson and In hislieu wife Meof Debbie flowers,ofdonachanicsville and Rose Mary tions can be made to Hospice George of andSt. her Mary’s, husband John House P.O. of Avenue; 16 grandchildren, Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 44 great-grandchildren, two 20650. step-grandchildren andfamhis Condolences to the sisters Mary Ozella Lacey of ily may be made at www. Abell, Gertrude Osborne of brinsfieldfuneral.com. KingArrangements George, Va. and by Susan the Vallandingham of Bushwood. Brinsfield Funeral Home, He was preceded in death Leonardtown. P.A., by one great-grandchild and his sisters Catherine Hall and Louise Bryant. Nellie Amy Pilkerton, A lifelong resident of97St. Mary’s County, Junior was Nellie Amy Pilkerton, 97 a self-employed waterman. of Leonardtown, While enlisted and in formerly the U.S. Army from Oct. 19, 1944 of Salisbury, England, diedto 19,in1945, he served as Nov. 10 St. Mary’s Nursing a rifleman, a light machine Center. gunner andJan. a cook. Born 28, 1911, she He belonged to late the was the daughter of the Knights of Columbus and enHenry and Amy Press Bridgjoyed and being es. Sheplaying was thecards loving wife of withlate hisErnest familyMitchell and hisPilktwo the specialwho buddies Maynard preceded her and in erton Ringo. death in 1968. The is family She survived received by her friends in the brother AlfredMattingley-GarCharles Bridgdiner Funeral Home Thursday, Md., her brothes of Salisbury, Aug. 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. with ers-in-law Lindsey Pilkerton prayers being said at 7 p.m. A of Philadelphia, Pa., Lawrence Mass of Christian Burial was Pilkerton Fla., asAug. well8 asat celebratedofFriday, her nieces June Swatton and 9:30 a.m. in Holy Angels Cathher husband Malcom of Wholic Church, Avenue, with Fr. erwell, andofficiating. Christine WilliamEngland Gurnee Dennis and her husband Renly Interment followed in Sacred of California, Md. Bushwood. Heart Cemetery, She was preceded death Pallbearers were inJohnny by her brother Henry Thomas George, Jereme George, Tina “Harry” Bridges.Dave HodgFay Ferguson, Nellie attended grammar es, Matthew Thompson and school England and was a DonnieinThompson. Honorary lover of animals. pallbearers were his grandThe nieces family received children, and nephews. Contributions be friends Nov. 12 from 5may – 7 p.m. made Holy Angels Sacred in theto Mattingley-Gardiner Heart School, Colton’s Funeral Home, 21335 Leonardtown, Point prayers Road, were Avenue, MD where said at 6 20609,A Seventh Volp.m. funeral District service was unteer held Nov.Rescue 13 at 10Squad, a.m. in P.O. the Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609 Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral and/or with Hospice St. Mary’s, Home Rev.ofSharon WilP.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, liams officiating. Interment MD 20650. followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery,Arrangements MD at noon. provided by Arrangements the Mattingley-Gardiner provided Funeral P.A. by the Home, Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Evelyn Tillotson Woods, 86 In Loving Memory of Evelyn Tillotson Joseph D. Adams (Danny)

Woods, 86, of California died Aug. 14 July 18, 1946 – November 20, 2003 in St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Forever InLeonardtown. Our Hearts 1921 in It has been 5 years sinceBorn GodDec. called18,you LeMoyne, Pa., she was the home. Louis Marshall “Junior” daughter of the late George C. a day that goes by we Tillotson andwhen Eva (DowhowThompson,There Jr., 84,isofnot Avenue don’t think you. Evelyn was an er) of Tillotson. died Aug. 4 in his residence. He wasThe bornGradnson’s July 20, 1924askavid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Evelyn is survived by in Dynard to the late Louis you Eleaoften. her daughters, Christine Marshall andabout Catherine Barack Obama W. Moore of Chesapeake nor Harris Thompson Sr. is our He was the hus- Beach, Md. and Deborah newloving President. band of Rose Lee Thompson J. Standish of California, whom he married July 26, four grandchildren, and four Loving missinggreat-grandchildren. 1942 in Sacred Heartand Church, Bushwood. you He more is also sureach day! All services are private. vived by his children, MarGaye, Angie, Kevin, Condolences to the famgaret Taylor and her husband ily may be made at www. Tamra, Andre and brinsfieldfuneral.com. George of Hollywood, Buddy Brandon Arrangements by the Thompson and his wife Debbie of Avenue, Benny Thomp- Brinsfield Funeral Home, son and his wife Mary of P.A., Leonardtown.

and businesses. 6. Cook less: Remember all of the leftovers you had last year? Rather than witness the leftovers go moldy in the refrigerator, simply cook less food to have less waste. With all of the food you’ll still have on hand guests certainly won’t go hungry. 7. Recycle household items into decorations: Many plastic and paper decorations are made overseas. Instead of purchasing turkey and harvest

decorations, look around and see what you can use. Pine cones can be turned into turkeys with a few craft supplies and feathers. Indian corn is colorful and looks quite festive as a centerpiece. 8. Open the windows: It can become warm in a home filled with guests. Open the windows to cool things down before you turn on the air conditioning.

To Place a Memorial Ad Please Call The County Times at 301-373-4125

The County Times

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Gracie’s Show Troupe Preparing for a “Holly Jolly Christmas” Andrea Shiell Staff Writer A woodsy-smelling chill swept the night air as dozens of young children and their parents crowded into Gracie’s Guys and Gals Dance Studio in Hollywood. Though there was no snow, and there were still no decorations adorning houses in the area with festive holiday lights, this was one place where it was truly beginning to look a lot like Christmas. One could hear the thunder of tap shoes pounding the floor as students and show troupe members, dressed in festive red costumes, danced to popular holiday songs, rehearsing for their upcoming Holly Jolly Christmas Show, which will be held at Bowles Farm on December 14. Owner and teacher Gracie Myles could hardly contain herself as she talked about her students, explaining that they were rehearsing for a number of shows, including a performance at the Magic Kingdom in Florida on November 26, and a performance at the treelighting festivities in the Leonardtown square the day after Thanksgiving. With a son currently performing in the hit show “Stomp,” a daughter teaching at her studio, and fond memories of her parents and her grandfather performing and teaching ballroom dancing, Myles said it was only fitting that she had been dancing her whole life, and teaching dancing for 21 years. Myles lent her choreographing talents to this year’s Holly Jolly Christmas show, basing it on a show she had done in Ocean City years ago. Having performed the show in Prince Frederick for

the past two years, Myles decided to put on her Holly Jolly show for the first time in St. Mary’s County this December to raise money for her show troupes, which operate under the umbrella of her studio in Hollywood. With costumed characters and a total of 40 dancers, and a custom-created stage and seating area at Bowles Farm that can accommodate 300 guests, Myles said she is looking forward to December 14, when she plans to transform the farm to a literal “winter wonderland.”

Return to the Forbidden Planet Three Notch Theater For reservations, call 301-737-5447 or visit www.newtowneplayers.org. Nov. 20 @ 8p.m., Nov. 21 @ 8p.m. Nov. 22 @ 8p.m., Nov. 23 @ 3:30p.m.

Section A -

Thursday, November 20 Twilight Movie Release Party All three St. Mary’s County Libraries- 5 p.m. Release party for the movie Twilight. Discuss the Twilight series and enjoy Twilight Trivia. Snacks provided. Free. Register at www.stmalib.org. Artist Meet and Greet Lexington Park Library Art Gallery- 5 p.m. Meet local artist Jeanne Norton Hammett at the Lexington Park Library Art Gallery and view her hand-printed serigraphs (silk screening or printing) of local landscapes of the Chesapeake tidewater area. Free. Friday, November 21 Caribbean/Latin Night Knight Life Night Club- 7 p.m. The Caribbean Link Social Club will have a Caribbean/Latin night party at the Knight Life Night Club. Please call Keith at 301-481-1823 or Maira at 240-925-3490 for more information.

“We’re all really excited,” she said, smiling as Run Run Rudolph echoed in the background.

Wood’s Tea State House in Historic St. Mary’s City- 7 p.m. The acoustic group will deliver a mix of Celtic tunes, bluegrass, sea shanties, and American folk songs. Tickets are only available at the door: $12 for Friends of Historic St. Mary’s City and $15 for general public. HC. 1-800-SMC-1634. 240-895-4990. www.stmaryscity.org. Patuxent Playhouse - Godspell Patuxent Presbyterian Church- 8 p.m. Written by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak. Tickets are $15, and can be purchased at the door or at www.paxplays.com. Proceeds will benefit the Patuxent Presbyterian Youth Group.

Eagle Eye

The Express

Body of Lies

AMC Loews Lexington Park 6

High School Musical

High School Musical 3: Senior Year Rated G, 1 hr 40 min Showtimes: 1:30, 4:10, 7:00

Role Models Rated R, 1 hr 35 min Showtimes: 1:15, 3:30, 5:50, 8:15

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Rated PG, 1 hr 29 min Showtimes: 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

Saw V Rated R, 1 hr 28 min Showtimes: 2:00, 4:45, 8:00

Max Payne Rated PG-13, 1 hr 40 min Showtimes: 1:45, 4:30, 7:15

Twilight Starts on Friday, Nov. 21

St. Mary’s Jazz Combo Montgomery Hall 25, SMCM - 8 p.m. Under the direction of Don Stapleson, the Jazz Combo will perform various pieces from the jazz repertoire. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Music Department at 240-895-4498. Saturday, November 22

Quantum of Solace Starts on Friday, Nov. 14

Zack and Miri Rated R, 1 hr 41 min Showtimes: 2:15, 5:00, 7:30

Shows and Rating Provided By Yahoo Entertainment. Check Local Listings For Show Times. Shows and Rating Provided By Yahoo Entertainment. Check Local Listings For Show Times.

Dinner Theater- Godspell Patuxent Presbyterian Church6:30 p.m. Written by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak. Dinner served at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased at the door or at www.paxplays. com. Proceeds will benefit the Patuxent Presbyterian Youth Group. Full Effect, DJ Rob, and Sam Grow Hotel Charles, Hughesville - 9:30 p.m. Full Effect in the Party Room with DJ Rob playing during intermissions, Sam Grow in the Small Bar. Cover Charge. Call 301-274-4612 for more information. Sunday, November 23

Now Available! • Bay Books • Naval Air Station Test And Evaluation Museum In Lexington Park • Online At www.setp.org For Delivery World-Wide.

The Society of Experimental Test Pilots Foundation Presents

Hollywood VFD Craft Show VFD Social Hall- 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Free admission. Refreshments will be on sale through the auxiliaries. We will be selling stuffed ham sandwiches and stuffed ham by the pound. Sponsored by the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary.

The County Times

Section A - 10

date further growth. Norris complained that town officials and residents did not know anything about the expansion of the jail until 2006, though the project has been in the works since 2002. “In retrospect we didn’t do enough communication work with the town,” Cameron told residents at the meeting. Communication has always been a problem between the jail and local residents said Joan Ritchie, a resident in the Singletree neighborhood. She remembered that when inmates would run away from the jail while out on work release they would not receive a warning, rather they would have to guess when police vehicles began to show up to search for the escapee. A bigger jail will mean greater potential for problems, she said. “We’ve never received a phone call when someone ran off from the jail,” Ritchie said. “The system failed, it didn’t work.” Law officers at the meeting said security measures had been implemented since the last escape to help ensure it would not happen again. Other issues beyond community opposition stand in the way of the jail’s expansion. The town government has said there is not enough wastewater treatment capacity at the Van Wert Lane plant to handle the increase in water use at an expanded jail. County officials say they are exploring the possibility of using highly treated waste water that would not be used for drinking but rather for irrigation to ease pressure on the plant’s capabilities.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Fall Is For

Jail Expansion Continued from page A- size to 550 beds. State figures show the local jail is 33.9 percent over capacity, according to Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron, which makes it the most overcrowded in the state. Figures show that since 2001, the population in the jail has increased rapidly. “At that rate, I’m not sure the projection for 2025 is accurate,” said Mayor J. Harry Norris about the time frame for the jail to reach its maximum capacity once the expansion is completed. “I don’t think that development districts are the place for jails, let alone prisons,” Norris added. “[Town residents] need a commitment that this will be the last expansion.” One town resident said concentrating on the project as planned meant that all other options to build there would be left out as a matter of course. “We don’t want to see just this, but the other alternatives that are out there,” he said. “If you’re going to communicate with us show us the alternatives.” County officials, including members of the commissioner board, said an agreement with the town, a memorandum of understanding, could likely be forged to prevent any further expansion at the current site after current plans are settled. Cameron reiterated at a Nov. 13 informational meeting about the project in Leonardtown that this would be the last expansion of the prison because the current site could not accommo-

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