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THURSDAY 1.08.2008

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Police Break Up Melee At Hollywood Firehouse

Trial For Man Accused Of Firehouse Murder Begins

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Local sheriff’s deputies and state troopers had to call for back up from Charles and Calvert counties to assist with other emergency calls in the early morning hours of Jan. 4 when a social function at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department turned into an all out brawl.

According to Dfc. Cindy Allen, sheriff’s office spokeswoman, this has not been the first time that law officers have had to break up fights at the facility when it was rented out for various events.

The fights began near the end of the evening’s festivities, Allen told The County Times.

“It started inside then it spilled out into the parking lot and then it spilled out on the road way,” Allen said.

As many as five people were arrested in the melee, according to police reports, three on the premises and two others who had left the party.

The three people arrested on the firehouse property were Wendell Lavon Blackiston, 21, of Leonardtown, Ashley Nicole Young, 21, and Walter Jerome Ford, Jr, 23, both of Lexington Park.

Additionally, law officers arrested Anthony Tyrone Adams, 24, of Great Mills and Trenton Deonn Barnett, 19, of Lusby for allegedly beating a victim they accosted in the vicinity of Mervell

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Photo by Andrea Sheill

An estimated 175 people took the annual North Beach Polar Bear Plunge this year, diving into the chilly water to celebrate 2009.

Taking The Plunge Andrea Shiell Staff Writer Lexington Park resident Jerry Goodwin stared out at the water of North Beach on New Year’s Day, a scant hour from St. Mary’s County, shaking his head

and laughing as he sipped a cup of hot cocoa.

“I came here thinking maybe I would, maybe I won’t,” he said. “Now I know I won’t. Definitely not.

I’m not that crazy.”

He was referring to the annual New Year’s Day See Plunge page A-

The trial of Nicholas T. Potts III, the man accused of beating and stabbing another man to death at the Bay District Fire Volunteer Fire Department to death a little more than two years ago began Tuesday, with the prosecution arguing that Potts, then a senior firefighter at the station, had intended to kill James Augustus Choporis, his mother’s boyfriend after an argument that started in the upstairs living quarters.

Assistant States Attorney James Tanavage told jurors that Potts had beaten Choporis repeatedly with a golf club so hard that the head broke off and then Potts switched to a pocket knife to stab Choporis multiple times.

“These kinds of wounds could only have been inflicted with intent,” Tanavage argued. “He had ample opportunity for premeditation.”

One of Potts’ defense attorneys, See Trial page A-

2008 Headline Stories

See HVFD page A-

Archdiocese: Remaining Catholic Primary Schools Still Sustainable

By Guy Leonard and Andrea Shiell Staff Writers Even in the wake of fears that two local Catholic primary schools, Holy Angels in Avenue and St. Michael’s school in Ridge may close their doors due to lingering budget deficits, three other primary schools in the diocese are still in good shape, say diocesan representatives.

“The others do not have those same issues,” said Susan Gibbs, archdiocese spokeswoman of Mother Catherine Spalding, Little Flower and St. John’s schools.

The problems with the other two schools first came to light late last year, Gibbs said, when diocesan audits showed that they were running a deficit totaling about $800,000 a year.

The diocese has been able to help with those shortcomings in past years, Gibbs said, but no longer to the same extent, especially since enrollment at See Catholic Schools page A-10

INSIDE

For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com

January

St. Mary’s Looks Back At 2008

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer St. Mary’s faced its ups and downs in 2008 like most of the state and nation, but leaders here are hoping that 2009 will be a bit more kind.

The county saw a slowdown in the local economy from car sales to home buying even as county leaders started budget talks again near the end of last year with an eye towards maintaining services without any great funding increases for departments.

County Commissioner Lawrence D. Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) said county residents were still suffering an increase in taxes that should not be so under such difficult economic conditions.

He said the commissioner board failed to implement measures that would have ameliorated property tax hikes.

“From a tax point of view I was disappointed,” Jarboe said of the board’s work this year.

Jarboe said the board did the right thing in approving the installation of wind turbines for residents who want to generate their own power; he also praised the board’s commitment to funding the start up of Evergreen Elementary School in Wildewood, which will implement several environmentally friendly concepts such as rain collection to offset water costs and open sunlight to reduce electric lighting costs.

“It’s a positive thing,” Jarboe said of the school’s beginning.

Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (DLeonardtown) said county government was able to develop sound relationships with both the school board and the sheriff’s office.

“That line of communication continues to improve,” Mattingly said, adding however that the county still had tough challenges ahead of it regarding public safety.

One weighty concern was the continuing decline of volunteerism in the ranks of rescue squads and fire departments.

“We have fewer and fewer people willing to get involved in that,” Mattingly told The County Times.

Since the county will be stretching to make dollars count this budget year, Mattingly said, the prospects of ever creating a paid firefighter and basic life support system to augment volunteers was not especially welcome.

“That becomes a very expensive operation,” Mattingly said.

The county must still face expenses like planning and helping to fund the construction of the new addition to the county jail in Leonardtown, Mattingly said, as well as working out site details for a second elementary school to meet growing student demand.

See 2008 page A-

opinion A-4 • obituaries A-6 • entertainment A-9 sports B-1 • lottery B-6 • community B-5 • classifieds B-9

Thursday Sunny 41°

Maryland General Assembly Convenes Regular Session After passing the largest tax increase in Maryland history in a November special session, lawmakers returned to Annapolis with taxes still haunting the legislature.

“

We are fast becoming known as one of the most heavily taxed states” Delegate Johnny Wood, (D-29A) See Review page A-

Delegate Johnny Wood, (D-29A)

Weather Friday Sunny 40°

Saturday Sunny 47°

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, January 8, 2009

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The County Times

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Local Leaders Hold Out Hope For Federal Money

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Letters to county leaders from Gov. Marin O’Malley’s (D) administration reveal confidence that the new Obama administration and an obliging congress will pass an economic recovery package that, once the money trickles down to the states, will allow some much-needed infrastructure projects to be built.

In his correspondence to the county commissioners, O’Malley said projects that would be eligible for federal funding would have to be virtually ready to go.

Three of the criteria included that a project can have funds attached to it within two years, be ready to bid for a contract within 180 days or be “shovel ready” for construction within about three months time.

Neither O’Malley nor Secretary of Transportation John Porcari could say in their letters how much money the state might get, but stated only that $1 billion in infrastructure investment translated into roughly 28,700 new jobs.

Porcari stated that recent poor economic conditions have meant deferring about $1.1 billion in infrastructure projects with another $1 billion deferral planned statewide.

County Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (D-Leonardtown) said three projects slated for construction here, including a county transfer station, a new public safety building and a refit of the Marlay-Taylor wastewater treatment plant, could be candidates for the funding.

However, he cautioned, many other projects may not be able to benefit from the federal money if the design and planning stages aren’t pushed to completion first.

“It’s going to be difficult for some jurisdictions to meet the deadlines,” Mattingly told The County Times of the opportunities that could be avail-

Section A - able. “You just have to move it along and press some design people.”

Projects that could move ahead under a two-year commitment schedule include a new library building or a new elementary school that would mirror the Evergreen Elementary School project in Wildewood.

County Commissioner Lawrence D. Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) said he would support a park and ride facility in Hughesville “that would be accessible to both rail and buses” as well as digging up earth and laying cables for bringing broadband Internet access to some of the more remote areas of the county.

“Some areas of the county you’re just in a dead spot,” Jarboe told The County Times.

Some of the more pressing transportation needs that would likely not get any of the federal funds, if they were approved, were the Thomas John-

Metcom To Re-align Debt Proceeds Presentation Outlines New Projects Andrea Shiell Staff Writer The Board of County Commissioners voted on Tuesday to authorize the re-alignment of debt proceeds that had been approved by the Metropolitan Commission in November, in connection with Infrastructure Bonds obtained in 2007, when MetCom borrowed $10,889,100 from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to keep up with 5th and 8th Sanitary Districts

Facilities plans.

The new re-alignment looks to add projects such as a sewer expansion project for Buck Hewitt Rd and Rue Purchase Rd, a new well at Laurel Ridge, water storage tanks for Charlotte Hall and Wildewood, arsenic well remediation for Fenwick Manor and Holland Forest Landing, a Navy Siphon, and a sewer rehabilitation project for Piney Point.

MetCom’s presentation stated the arsenic well remediation project as a priority, as wells for both Fenwick Manor and Holland Forest

Landing will be required to meet new arsenic levels as required by the EPA in January.

Arsenic mitigation plans originally tied the Fenwick Manor area to the Hollywood water system, a connection that was no longer deemed feasible because a private Sotterly Center project that would have connected the mains did not go forward as expected.

Charlotte Hall’s water storage tank clocked in as the most expensive at $975,000, and was described as a priority because recent development has and will continue to

son Bridge connecting Solomons Island and St. Mary’s and the completion of FDR Boulevard.

“They’re not shovel ready,” Jarboe said.

While Jarboe said communities would move quickly to spend the federal dollars they received from any recovery package, he believed the attempt to create what amounted to more public works construction jobs would fall flat.

“It’s a financial fiasco and Depression Era solutions won’t work,” Jarboe said.

Mattingly was enthusiastic about the possibility of more infrastructure dollars coming to Maryland, but said he would like to see a push for an aid package to the private sector also.

“That housing industry is the one who’s suffering,” Mattingly said of the local economy. “The smaller guys are the one’s really hurting. There’s no market out there.”

eat up the current system’s capacity.

Not all were pleased at the addition of new projects. Commissioner Lawrence D Jarboe offered the only dissenting vote, and explained later his objections. “They’re asking for additional projects based on the same amount of money,” he said, adding that this would force the county to create a priority list that he would have preferred the public have a chance to review.

“I wanted to hold one last public meting,” he said, adding that bypassing public review on the newest projects would set a questionable precedent.

As for the projects themselves, Jarboe said, “I don’t see anything wrong with it.”

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Editorial & Opinion

Obama’s Economic Recovery Plan; St. Mary’s County Will Miss The Mark

As the country prepares to usher in a new President this month, much anticipation awaits. The nation’s foreign and domestic policies are both expected to be redirected over the next 6 months. President-elect Obama promised “change” throughout the campaign and brilliantly limited his explanation of change so that the voters could each envision his or her own explanation of change. An overwhelming majority of Americans went to the polls last November believing Obama represented the “change” which they hope for.

Because the “change” bar was raised so high and has been largely undefined, American’s expectations are very high for our new President.

The next 6 months will set the tone for discrepancy between what was anticipated and what will be the reality. There are always discrepancies between campaign rhetoric and actually governing, the question is how much, and how much discrepancy

the American public will tolerate.

Our sense is that Obama will enjoy a longer “honeymoon” period with the American public than is typical for a new president. Obama will have the benefit of an overzealous Congress that is all too anxious to “over govern”. Obama will have the unique ability to throw more blame upon Congress for not fulfilling American’s expectations while taking the majority of the credit for governments accomplishments. The Democrats in Congress are so grateful to have Obama in the White House they will gladly accept the role as the bully puppet. Fortunately, this also allows Obama to govern more as a centrist, which we believe will serve the country well. Unfortunately, longer or not, the “honeymoon” period will come to an end, it always does, at that point only good public policy will endear the public sentiment. With most in Congress up for re-election in 2010, Obama will be

Review Continued from page A-

February States’ Attorney, Sheriff: Gaming Devices Legal Despite objections from Senator Roy Dyson, electronic gambling machines resembling slot machines being used to raise money for non-profit organizations were declared legal.

“

You can’t shut something down that’s not illegal” Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron (R)

March Convicted Murderer Sentenced to Life In Prison Johntonna Young, 20 was sentenced to life without parole by Judge Raley for the killing of Kenneth James Walter.

“The citizens of Lexington Park and St. Mary’s County need to be protected from Young”.

Victim’s father

April Pax River NAS Celebrates its 65th Birthday The Naval Air Stations commanding officer hosts 65th Anniversary celebration.

“

We do have the best people in the world... they know their jobs and they do them but we are also blessed to be in the greatest community in the country.”

Captain Glen Ives, Commanding Officer, Patuxent River NAS

May Judge: Electronic Gambling Machines Legal in St. Mary’s

Circuit Court Judge Karen Abrams overturns a ruling issued by the State Attorney General’s office that said the operation of the machines were unlawful.

thrown under the bus if necessary to win their own re-election.

Obama’s first effort as our new President will be to stimulate an economy that has taken the down rail of the economic rollercoaster after enjoying an unusually long ride upwards over the past 7 years. It should be noted that ours is truly a global economy and this down ride is happening globally, not just here in America. A recovery will probably take longer than expected for that reason, it will need to ultimately be a global recovery.

Still Obama and Congress will quickly add to the government spending stimulus that President Bush has started. One facet of the multi-facet approach will be to spend heavily in government infrastructure projects.

New construction projects can fuel an economy, with private sector construction practically at a standstill, Obama will borrow money from China and other foreign countries

Maryland Legislature passed a bill outlawing gaming devices, which resemble slot machines, in St. Mary’s County.

“

It wasn’t right that St. Mary’s couldn’t keep them (like other jurisdictions); what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

Delegate Johnny Wood, (D-29A)

County Approves Budget, Property Tax Revenues to Increase 20 Percent

“This stinks more than a bushel basket of rotten crabs.”

whole

Lawrence D. Jarboe- (R-Golden Beach)

Veteran, Grocer, Politician, Publisher Leaves Community Legacy James Manning McKay, founder of

promises every four years while running for re-election and talking about these projects at birthday parties, Dyson has done nothing during the past 14 years to position our county to take advantage of the billions Obama will be passing out.

There are no plans underway for a new bridge, no plans for a new high school or middle school, no plans to expand Route 5, and no plans for a light rail system, these are all only campaign concepts. Obama is looking for projects that have already been planned, he wants projects in communities that have done the planning and are ready to proceed.

Dyson’s lack of leadership on any of these projects will leave St. Mary’s out of the running for economic stimulus dollars, more importantly it leaves our community with unresolved infrastructure needs, traffic jams, and overcrowded schools with little hope of any funding source in the foreseeable future.

the well known local food store chain bearing his name, former state delegate and president of the St. Mary’s County Commissioners died at age 89.

“

He was probably one of the most hard-working men I’ve ever known.”

Ford Dean, Former County Commissioner

August County Commissioners Take up New Residence

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

“

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

George Erichsen, Director, St. Mary’s County Dept. of Public Works

September

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Warrant Sweep Nets 28 Suspects

E-mail letters to: opinion@countytimes.net

Three day warrant sweep operation nabbed nearly 30 suspects wanted on narcotics and various other charges.

“

This weekend made a large impact on the drug trade in the County.”

Lt. Daniel Alioto, St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office

October Four Arrested for PNC Bank Robbery Detectives arrested four suspects for kidnapping a local PNC Brach Manager and her two children to execute a daring bank robbery.

“

All the co-conspirators went on a shopping spree.”

Lt. Rick Burris, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office

November Citizens Concerned Over Jail Expansion

June

to start an array of new government construction projects throughout our country. Projects such as new schools, new roads, new bridges, and mass transit projects will be jumpstarted in the first year of the Obama administration.

For the past 14 years, Senator Roy Dyson has been promising the citizens of our county a new bridge from St. Mary’s to Calvert, a light rail mass transit system into the Navy base, new schools, and various road improvements throughout our county, including Route 5 through Leonardtown and Great Mills, two of the most congested and dangerous roads in the county.

With the newly elected President ready to hand out billions of dollars for just the things the 14 year Senator has been promising, one would expect St. Mary’s County and the new President to be the perfect match.

Wrong!

Other than making campaign

The Sheriff and Board of County Commissioners receive opposition from Leonardtown residents over plans to expand local jail to house more than 500 inmates.

St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners passed a $337 million operating budget for Fiscal 2009.

In retrospect we didn’t do enough Which included a $14.5 million increase communication work with the Town.” in property taxes collected.

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron This is the best way to keep the County fiscally sound and stave off December raising taxes another time.”

Commissioners Approve Jack Russell, President, St. Mary’s Land Purchase, But Get an County Commissioners Earful County Commissioners moved ahead to purchase 172 acres of land just outJuly side of Leonardtown for approximately Local Gambling Devices $5.3 million despite criticism from the community.

Down to Their Last Days

“

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The County Times

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Upcoming Forum to Discuss Alternative Energy Andrea Shiell Staff Writer “I want to be a fossil-free fisherman,” said County Commissioner Lawrence D Jarboe (R-3rd District) when speaking of his goals of expanding alternative energy in St. Mary’s County. He explained that since he wanted to pull people away from their reliance on fossil fuels, and he loved fishing, he thought the name fit him pretty well. “That’s what I want to be when I grow up,” he said, laughing.

Discussing energy is high on Jarboe’s list of passions, too, as he helped organize the first what he hopes will be many successful alternative energy conferences this past summer, and is scheduling the next conference for this spring. “We have lots of folks coming,” he exclaimed.

In the meantime though, Jarboe plans to take his ideas to an upcoming forum being hosted by the St. Mary’s County League of Women Voters, where a meeting of minds

will feature himself and representatives from SMECO, NAS Patuxent River, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

Jarboe said that he hopes to see others join him on January 10 for what he says will be an engaging forum, discussing one of his favorite subjects. As for the Commissioner’s own talking points, he appeared hazy, though excited.

“I’ll talk about whatever they need me to talk about,” he said.

The forum will take place on Saturday, January 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Lexington Park Library Meeting Rooms A and B. Panel members will offer their own comments, after which the forum will be open to questions from the audience.

“We have right here in this country the ways and means to really change things,” Jarboe said. “It’s all here for us now…so come on down. Bring some bio-diesel. Bring some vegetable oil. It’ll be fun.”

49th Annual Science and Engineering Fair to be Held in January

(St. Mary’s County Science Fair Board Press Release) The 49th Annual St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair will be held on January 30-31, 2009, at Great Mills High School, Great Mills, Maryland. The Science and Engineering Fair is sponsored by the St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair Board, a volunteer non-profit organization with the support of St. Mary’s County Public Schools and corporate and individual donations. The Science and Engineering Fair is open to participation by all 6th – 12th grade public, private, parochial and home-school students in St. Mary’s County. Applications are available on the St. Mary’s County Public Schools web site (www.smcps.org) or at the St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair Board web site (www.sm-sef.org). In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, the Science and Engineering Fair will be held on February 6-7, 2009.

Students interested in competing should see their school Science Fair Coordinator to receive an application. Homeschooled students should contact Pam Hinton at (301) 7370497 to obtain an application or download an application

from the SMCPS web-site. All applications must be submitted through your school’s Science Fair coordinator and be received by the Science and Engineering Fair Board no later than 4 PM, Monday, January 12, 2009.

Exhibits are open to the public on January 31, 2009, from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. The awards ceremony begins at 3:30 pm and is also open to the public. The guest speaker at this year’s award ceremony will be Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

Selected projects will have the opportunity to compete at the Annual Prince George’s Area Science Fair. The Prince George’s Area Science Fair brings together over 400 student competitors from Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and Calvert Counties. Grand Award Winners from the Prince George’s Area Fair compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Intel ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college celebration of science. Held annually in May, Intel ISEF brings together over 1,500 students from 50 countries and territories to compete

HVFD Continued from page A- Dean Road and Route 235 at about 2:20 a.m. following the initial brawl at the firehouse.

Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department President Bill Mattingly said that another incident in November, where a softball banquet occurred, also required law enforcement to come in and break up a fight.

This most recent incident was the result of a birthday celebration, he said.

“You wouldn’t think you’d need law enforcement at a birthday party,” Mattingly said, adding that the renters had signed a contract with the department and had paid their fee legally.

“We did everything under the law, but unfortunately it happened and it’s put a black mark on us.”

Charging documents related to the case state that the crowd at the firehouse was greater than 200 people.

When officers arrived on scene, police reports stated, they found that inside the building several people were throwing bottles at each other. Officers also found that many people were running from the building, some of whom were bleeding from injuries.

Officers also had to break up several active

for over $3 million in awards and scholarships, tuition grants, internships, scientific field trips, and the grand prize of a $50,000 college scholarship.

In the last four years, several St. Mary’s County high school students have competed at Intel ISEF. Last year, Leonardtown HS student, Julie Walker, was awarded Grand Award Second Place in the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering category, which included a cash award of $1500, at Intel ISEF. Scientists and engineers interested in becoming judges should contact Dr. Larry Mertaugh at (301) 863-6254 or Joe Carbonaro at (301) 862-4474.

For Information about the St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair contact Dr. Allan Hovland, (301) 862-2549.

St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair Board, Inc., is a non-profit all volunteer organization sponsoring the annual science and engineering fair for all St. Mary’s County public, private, parochial, and homeschooled students grades 6-12.

For further information about the Science and Engineering Fair, see our web site at www. sm-sef.org.

fights in the parking lot, police reports stated.

Blackiston was charged with second-degree assault, two counts of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Charging documents allege that Blackiston punched another person during the melee as Blackiston ran from the building.

Blackiston was bleeding profusely, charging documents stated, and allegedly resisted officers as they attempted to arrest him.

Blackiston was able to break free forcing officers to chase him in the parking lot but they eventually apprehended him.

Young, charging documents allege, was trying to incite others during the melee and tried to interfere with a police officer taking a statement from one of her female friends, who police said been assaulted by a black male during the confusion.

Young was charged with disorderly conduct, failing to obey a lawful order from a police officer and resisting arrest.

Ford was charged with second-degree assault for allegedly shoving a female victim, stealing her car keys and throwing them back at her.

Mattingly said that when both recent incidents occurred their contract had required security contingents per a new kind of contract.

Prior to those two incidents, when the new contract type was in place, there had been no incidents for more than a year, Mattingly said.

Section A -

Board Of County Commissioners Meeting

County Administrator Items Tuesday, January 6, 2009 County Administrator Items 2) Metropolitan Commission (Steven L. King, Director; Dan Ichniowski, Assistant Director; Jackie Meiser, Legal Counsel; and MetCom Board Members) Resolution authorizing the re-alignment of debt proceeds, amending BOCC Resolution No. R-2007-35 regarding Infrastructure Bonds, 2007 Series B. Motion: To authorize the re-alignment of debt proceeds, as requested by MetCom, and approved by the St. Marys Metropolitan Commission on November 6, 2008, and evidenced in their Resolution 2008-07, in connection with St. Marys County Metropolitan Commission Infrastructure Bonds, 2007 Series B in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $11,100,000 (eleven million, one hundred thousand dollars), and to authorize the Commissioner President to execute BOCC Resolution 2009-01.

Motion By: Raley Second: Mattingly Action: Motion Carried Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe No Raley Yes 3) Office of the Sheriff (Sheriff Timothy Cameron; Erin Shoemaker, Fiscal Mgr.) Board acceptance of the FY09 Collaborative Supervision and Focused Enforcement (CSAFE) Grant (four combined grants, totaling $31k) Motion: To accept the FY09 Collaborative Supervision and Focused Enforcement Grant award, in the total amount of $31,000, from the Governors Office of Crime Control and Prevention.

Motion By: Dement Second: Jarboe Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes

4) Dept. of Public Works and Transportation / St. Marys Co. Health Dept. (George Erichsen, P.E., Director, DPW&T; Daryl Calvano, Director, Environmental Health, SMC Health Dept.)

MOAs (with the MD Dept. of the Environment and with the SMC Health Dept.) regarding monitoring of land application and sewage sludge, and related BA decreasing FY2009 Sludge Grant project budget by $3,579.

Motion: To approve and authorize the Commissioner President to execute the Memorandum of Agreement with the Maryland Department of the Environment, and the Memorandum of Agreement with the Health Department, for the supplemental inspections and monitoring of sewage sludge utilization sites, and to sign the related budget amendment, in the amount of $3,579, decreasing the project budget in accordance with the actual award amount and agreements.

Motion By: Raley Second: Dement Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Mattingly Dement Jarboe Raley

5) Land Use & Growth Management (Phil Shire, Acting Director; Jeff Jackman, Sr. Planner) A. Zoning Ordinance Correction of the Official Zoning Maps for Harbor View Marina and vicinity (approved by the BOCC on 12/9/08) Motion: To sign the Ordinance, with an Effective Date of January 20, 2009, amending the Official Zoning Map No. 39, as approved by the Board of County Commissioners on December 9, 2008, to correct the zoning of certain properties in the vicinity of the Harbor View Marina, located in the 3rd Election District, Case Number 08-245-001.

Motion By: Dement Second: Jarboe Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes B. Zoning Ordinance Amendments to permit personal storage and warehousing and storage uses in OBP zones (approved by the BOCC on 12/9/08) Motion: To sign the Ordinance, with an Effective Date of January 20, 2009, amending Schedule 50.4 of the Official Zoning Ordinance, as approved by the Board of County Commissioners on December 9, 2008, to permit personal storage and warehousing and storage uses in Office Business Park (OBP) zoning districts.

Motion By: Jarboe Second: Raley Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes Other Items Department of Economic and Community Development: Motion: To approve Request to Submit an Easement Application (ALPD #08150-002- Valladingham Farms, LLC) to the Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation.

Motion By: Dement Second: Raley Action: Unanimous Voting Record: Russell Yes Mattingly Yes Dement Yes Jarboe Yes Raley Yes

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The County Times The County Times

Thursday, August 21, 2008 Section A -

Section A - Thursday, January 8, 2009

Obituaries Alice Mildred Brown, 99 E. Russell Allen, Cmdr.

USNR, 54

E. Russell Allen, Cmdr.

USNR, 54, of Lexington Park died Dec. 25 in St. Mary’s Alice Mildred 99 Hospital after a Brown, short bout ofwith Leonardtown died Aug. 16 cancer. He was a joyful, inenergetic her home. person with a zest for Bornloved Nov.his9,family 1908 and in life. He Baltimore, Md., she was the friends, and enjoyed coaching daughter of the and late their Jamesmany and his daughters Lilly Mae Jackson Rebham. friends in sporting activities.

She was leaves a member of St. Russell to cherish George’s Episcopal Church, his memories, his wife of 30 Valley and Order of the years, Lee, Constance J. (Smith) Eastern Star, Chapter 107, JuAllen; two daughters, Anica lia Halla,and Hollywood.

Allen Danielle Allen; Brown survived his Mrs. mother, EllenisAllen; two by two sons, Lloyd E. (Jerry) brothers, Mark Allen and Brown, Jr. of two Leonardtown Phillip Allen; sisters, Eland Willard Bruce Brown len Richardson and Lydia Aloflen-Berry; Terra Alta, W. Va. is and a host of She nieces, also survived by six grandnephews, cousins and many children, Julie and Brown-Rund, other relatives friends.

Jeff E.Brown, Russell Nancy Allen Jr.Deal, was Wendy Jarda, born Feb. 8, Judy 1954 Graybill in Bryn and Pheobe and eight Mawr, Pa., Brown, to E. Russell Algreat-grandchildren ClayEllen and len, Sr. and the former Will Rund, Kristen and Josh Hammond.

Brown, Shawn and Bruce He was predeceased by Deal, Audrey and his father, E. RussellSamantha Allen, Sr. Jarda. and his sister, Adrienne Allen.

She wasup predeceased He grew in Ardmore, by daughter Ruth Pa.,aand attendedBetty The HaverBrown and anear brother John B. ford School Philadelphia, Fenwick.

Pa. After graduating from Coland friends atgateRelatives University with a degree tended Mrs. Brown’s Life in history, he entered the Navy Celebration in the Brinsfield to fly as a Naval Flight Officer Funeral Home, Leonardtown in the P-3 Orion aircraft. Lt. Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 5– Allen was stationed with VP850 p.m. with Moffett prayers recited at at NAS Field, Ca7lif. p.m. funeral service will andAdeployed to the westbe Thursday, Aug. 21 at ernheld pacific hunting Russian 11 a.m. in St. George’s Epissubmarines. In the mid-80’s copal Church, he resigned fromValley active Lee. duty Reverend Greg to Syler, and continued servepastor as a ofNaval the Reservist church, will officiate. stationed with Interment will follow in the the P-3 MAU at Moffett.

In church cemetery.Russ became a the late-1980’s, Memorial Contributions defense contractor testing new may be made to P-3 TheatMissoftware for the Nasions Endowment Fund or val Air Development Center Cemetery andWarminster, Grounds Fund, (NADC) in Pa. c/o and St. spentGeorge’s weekendsEpiscopal as a ReChurch, Boxat30, Valley servist inP.O. VP-64 NAS Willow MD Grove, Pa. Due to base Lee, 20692. closure in 1996, to he the relocated Condolences famwithmay his family to NAS Patuxily be made at www. ent River. brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Russ was a member, Arrangements by parthe ticipant, andFuneral coach in many orBrinsfield Home, ganizations, including: MemP.A., Leonardtown. ber of the Board of Associates Hood College 2007-Present; BoardFrancis of Trustees The HaverJoseph ford School 1993 Brown, Sr., 66– 1998; Commissioner of the Upper Gwynedd PennFrancis Township Joseph Brown, sylvania Summer League; Sr., 66, passed away in his Girl’s Basketball home in Indian Coach Trail, Upper N.C. Gwynedd Aug. 12. Township Pennsylvania League; Mr.Summer Brown was bornGirl’s July Basketball Coach - Towa1, 1942 in Leonardtown, son mencin Association of the late Youth Mary Edna Brown (TYA); Girl’s Soccer Coach Norris.

- Montgomery Assoc Mr. Brown Soccer is survived (MSA); Girl’s Soccer Coach by his wife Jacqueline Mer- Towamencin Youth Associacer Brown; a son Francis J. tion (TYA) Brown, Jr. and his wife Shelia Russ’ love fora daughter the Navy of Stanfield, N.C.; and the P-3 never waned.

His Jennifer Lynn Brown of Indiexperiences with the people an Trail, N.C. and two grandhe knew inChristianna the Navy were so daughters Page rich he always had the mateand Allyson Grace Brown. rialThe to relate a poignant story family received that brought a chuckle to the friends Sunday, Aug. 17 from listeners and a warm smile to 2 – 5 p.m. in the Mattinghis own face. Our memories ley-Gardiner Funeral Home, of Cmdr. Russ Allen will be where Prayers were said at those moments of joy when 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian we shared smiles and the comBurial was celebrated Monradeship of Navy life. Russ day, Aug. 18 at 9:30 a.m. in was totally devoted to his famSt. Francis Xavier Catholic ily, his friends, the Navy and Church with Fr. John Mathis country. tingly officiating. Interment A memorial service was followed in Charles Memoheld Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. in St. rial Gardens.Chapel onboard Nicholas Arrangements NAS Patuxent River.provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner A second memorial serFuneral Home, P.A. vice will be held Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. in the chapel at NAS Willow Grove, Pa. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

LuisArrangements Antonia Castillo, by 70 the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. Luis Antonia Castillo, 70, ofKathleen Leonardtown diedBonifas Aug. 16 Clarke in St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown.80 Born Sept. 20, 1937 in Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Luis Antonia and Elsa Monserrate Morales Castillo.

Luis is survived by three sisters, M. Elaine Ohler of Millsboro, Del., Evelyn Castillo of Chestertown, Md. and Elsie Collins of Las Vegas, Nev. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family received friends Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 11 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, Md. Kathleen Suitland, Clarke BoniMemorial Contributions fas 80, of Lexington Park may be made to the St. Mary’s died Dec.Center 31 inFoundation, St. Mary’s Nursing Hospital.

Inc., Mrs. Bonifas born 21585 PeabodywasStreet, Aug. 29, 1928 in Lansing, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Mich.

She was thetodaughter of Condolences the famthe may late Robert Edward ily be made at Clarke www. and Hilda Victoria Benham brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Clarke.

Arrangements by the She wasFuneral a printer and had Brinsfield Home, worked for Michigan TruckP.A., Leonardtown. ing Association and Michigan State University before moving toLloyd Florida in 1976 where Raymond she worked for Harris, the 97 Sarasota Health Department until retiring in 1996 after 15 years of service. She moved to Maryland in 2002 and enjoyed crafts of all kinds especially crocheting.

Mrs. Bonifas is survived by a daughter, Sandra K. Butler of Lexington Park; two sons, Rodney A. Rose of Uniontown, Ohio and Rick Rose of Estero, Fla. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Mrs. Bonifas was predeceased by her husband Donald Bonifas, who died in September, 1999 and a brother, Edward Clarke.

Family received friends Jan.Lloyd 6 from Raymond 6 – 8 p.m. inHarthe Brinsfield ris, 97, died Funeral peacefullyHome, Aug. Leonardtown.

A Funeral ser12 in the St. Mary’s Nursing vice was conducted Jan. 7 at Center.

11 a.m. in thewas funeral home Mr. Harris a longtime chapel with Reverend Robert resident of St. Mary’s County.

Stephenson He was born officiating. in Gallatin,InterMo. ment13, followed Trinity EpisJune 1911 tointhe late Howcopal Cemetery, St. Frankie Mary’s ard May Harris and Lee married City Jackson. with Rod He Rose, Steve his beloved wife Butler, of 59 years, Butler, Matthew James Mary Nelson Butler,Catherine Joshua “Sis” Keller-Ward atand theGeorge Washington Cathedral Eble serving as in Washington D.C. Sept. 2, pallbearers.

1939.Condolences She preceded in to thehim family death in made 1998. atHewww.brinswas also may be preceded in death in 1998 by fieldfuneral.com. his beloved sister Margaret Arrangements by the Harris.

Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. Mr. Harris served in the United States Army as an Assistant Chaplain. Following Mae Clark, his Ferne army service he was89 employed in Washington, D.C. by the Federal Government for many years 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 traveling throughout the United States.

He enjoyed playing cards, dancing and buying new cars.

Ray loved life and most of all he enjoyed helping others while expecting nothing in return. He was devoted in the care of his wife and sister until their death.

The family received friends in Mae the Clark, MattingleyFerne 89, of Gardiner Home, P.A., Compton,Funeral beloved mother, Leonardtown, Friday, Aug. 15 grandmother and great-grandfrom 9 – passed 10 a.m.away with aDec. funermother, 20 aldue service that followedfrom at 10a to complications a.m. officiated recent illness. by SheRev. wasKeith surSchukraft.

Interment followed rounded by family members atand Charles loved Memorial ones at herGardens time of in Leonardtown. Pallbearers passing. wereShe Frank Donnie was Nelson, born in RimersBowles, Fred Nelson, burg, Pa., Jan. 13, 1919Harry to the Nelson, Jr., E. Michael Russell late Arthur and Ruth Ellen and Roy Copsey.

(Henry) Brown. The family Contributions may be moved to Midway, Pa. when made to American Heart she was eight.415 Ferne Association, N. graduatCharles ed from Duffs Iron City BusiStreet, Baltimore, MD ness College, and then entered 21201-4101. the Arrangements U.S. Marine Corp. in 1944 provided where she served two years, by the Mattingley-Gardiner one of which was spent staFuneral Home, P.A. tioned at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

She always said they were the best years of her young adult life.

Ferne met her husband, the late Beech B. Clark, at

Valorie Anne in San Le Herman’s Hospital Francisco,Henry, Calif.,48where he was recovering from wounds received in action at the island of Lea, Australia during WWII. They married July 7, 1946. Her husband of 36 years, he died June 24, 1983. Together, with a brood of children, they turned his dream into the beautiful homeland the family calls “The Farm,” also known as “Beech’s Roost.”

Survived by her much loved family, she was blessed with seven children, Ruth E. Taylor of Damascus, Md., Richard B. Clark of King George, Va., Kathryn B. Allen of Leonardtown, Helen S. Clark of Bellevue, Wash., Arthur E. Clark of Compton, Mildred C. Bazarah of Compton, Robin M. Webb of King Valorie Henry, 48, George, Va.,Anne and her step son of Mechanicsville, formerly James D. Clark of Freemont, of Grandview, Mo., died Aug. Calif.

17, inShe Lexington is also Park. survived by Born Oct. 1959 in her brother Elmer31, H. Brown of Lincoln, Neb. she was the McDonald, Pa., brother-in-law daughter of JamesofRay DickClifford Dowler Guilford, inson of Mouldrow, Okla.

Conn., four sons-in- law, one and Hortense Anne daughter-in-law, 14 Campbell cherished Crawford of Grandview, Mo. grandchildren and 14 rambuncShe was the loving wife tious great-grandchildren. of Earl Ferne Allan was Henry, whomkind she a special married JulyThe 16, way 1986she in Warof person. lived rensburg, Mo. her life exemplified kindness, Shewords, is survived

by Her her gentle and love. son Earl Ian“If Henry. motto was you don’t have Mrs. niceHenry graduanything to say, then don’t ated from Grandview say anything at all.” SheHigh was School’s Classhere of on 1977.

She truly an angel earth! moved to St. Mary’s Condolences to theCounty family in October 1988 from Walmay be made at www.brinsdorf, Md. fieldfuneral.com The family willprovided receive Arrangements friends 23 by the Saturday, Brinsfield Aug. Funeral from – 11 a.m. in PatuxHome,10P.A. Leonardtown. ent River Assembly of God Church, California,McGovwhere a Nora Elizabeth Funeral Service will be held ern Cusick, 86 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. Contributions may be made to Hospice if St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Karen A. McEntyre, 51 Karen A. McEntyre, 51 of Lexington Park, formerly of Nora Elizabeth McGovPlano, Texas, died Aug. 13 in ern Cusick, 86, a long time Washington Hospital Center. resident of Hollywood, Md., Feb. 24, 1957 in diedBorn of a cerebral hemorrhage Sweetwater, Texas she was Jan. 2, in the Virginia Hospital the daughter of Carold Center in Arlington, Va. and MaryMs. Aleese Benson PlaCusick was a of graduno, Texas. ate of Strayer Business School, She is also by Washington, D.C.,survived and continher children Jeremy Porter ued her education at Charles of Snyder, Texas, Jonathan County Community College, Porter of Plano, Texas, Angie La Plata and University of Porter, Sheila Horton and MaMaryland, College Park. rissaAfter Horton, all of Lexington working for several Park as wellagencies, as her brother government includVictor Benson Plano, Texas ing the U.S. ofTreasury, she and three moved tograndchildren.

St. Mary’s county KarenHead was employed a teaching Start foras10 registered nurse. years and then worked more services areatprivate. thanAll twenty years Patuxent Arrangements provided River for the U.S. Navy, where by Mattingley-Gardiner she the received many awards for Funeral Home, P.A. exceptional performance.

After living for more than 50 years in her home in HolTimothy Brian lywood, she moved to Cedar Lane Apartments, where she McGrath, 50 served as the community’s Secretary. nearly a deTimothyFor Brian McGrath, cade,of she volunteered St. 50, Lexington Park atdied Mary’s and held the Aug. 11 Hospital in St. Mary’s Hospipositions of the Treasurer and tal, Leonardtown. thenBorn the Vice of the JunePresident 14, 1958 in St. Mary’sIll., Hospital Auxiliary.

Freeport, he was the son ShePatricia was married to the Mclate of (Chambers) Laurence Michael Cusick at Grath of Mesa, Ariz. and the St. Thomas Apostle Church late Charles McGrath. in Washington, D.C., and was Timothy attended Lathe loving mother of 12inchilsalle-Peru High School Ladren. Ill. Shewhere is alsohesurvived by salle, graduated 101976. grandchildren two in He served inand the U.S. great-grandchildren.

Navy from 1976 until 1999. and burial AfterMass his service in theservices Navy, for family members willbybe Timothy was employed a held at St. Contractor John’s Catholic Government and Church in worked at Hollywood, the PatuxentMd. River Memorial contributions Naval Air Station.

He was an may Lodge be made to St. and John’s Elks member a Catholic Church. past member of the Lexington Arrangements Park Volunteer provided Rescue

by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Richard “Ricky” Charles

Squad. Diehl, 56 In addition to his mother, Timothy is survived by his Richard “Ricky” Charles wife McDiehl,Debra 56, Kay of (Houtz) MechanicsGrath, his Dec. son, 29 Sean ville died in Patrick Civista McGrath Hospital. of Lexington Park, his sister, of He wasKaren born McGrath Feb. 1, 1952 Mesa, Ariz. andtohisMary brother, in Leonardtown Evelyn Diehl of Mechanicsville Michael McGrath of Ill. and A thememorial late Edward LaFayette service will Diehl. be held Saturday, Aug. 23 at He was the Bay loving hus10 a.m. at the District band of Joan Anderson Volunteer Fire L. Department, Diehl whom he married Nov. Lexington Park.

18, 1977 in Immaculate Condolences to the Confamception He isatalso surily mayChurch. be made www. vived by his children Richard brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Brian Diehl and Julie Arrangements

by Lynn the Diehl, both ofFuneral Mechanicsville, Brinsfield Home, as well as his siblings, RayP.A., Leonardtown. mond Diehl of Florida, Donna Hill of Deale, Md., David Diehl and Connor Patrick Diehl, both Patrick Miller 2 of Mechanicsville.

A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, Ricky graduated from Chopticon High School’s Class of 1971. He was an electrical engineer for NAS Patuxent River for 19 years and was a truck driver for Burch Oil Company for 17 years.

He enjoyed working in the yard, playing cards and watching sports and the news on television.

The family received friends Jan. 2 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Patrick Millwhere prayersConnor were said at er 2, ofA Avenue Aug. 7 p.m.

Mass ofdied Christian 12 in St. Hospital, Burial wasMary’s celebrated Jan. Leonardtown.

3 at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Connor was born Church, Oct. 11, Conception Catholic 2005 in Anne Arundel Mechanicsville, with Fr.MediPeter cal Center, Annapolis, Md., Alliata officiating. Interment the son of James L. Miller followed in Queen of Peace and Krystal Kaldenbach of Cemetery, Helen.

Pallbearers Avenue. wereHeMike Anderson, Travis is survived by two sisAnderson, Justin Anderson, ters, Lillian and Kayla Miller, Diehl, aJosh brother KyleBobby Miller,Johnson his paand Phil Quade. ternal grandparents James L. and Contributions Darlene Oliver may Miller be of made to Mechanicsville VolChaptico, maternal grandparunteerEugene Fire Department, ents, KaldenbachP.O. of Box 37, Mechanicsville, MD Harrimon, Tenn., and Debra and/or Kaldenbach Mechanicsville VolAdams of Winunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. chester, Ky.; great-grandparBox Francis 15, Mechanicsville, ents and Audrey MD Oli20659. ver of Chaptico and G r e a t- g r a n d mprovided others Arrangements Mary LouMattingley-Gardiner Adams of Waldorf, by the Md. andHome, Shirley Funeral P.A. Miller of Newburg, Md. The family received Cynthia Rae “Cindy” friends for Connor’s Life Emerson, 60 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, 84

Cynthia Rae “Cindy” Emerson, 60, of Abell died Jan. 1 in her residence.

Born July 10, 1948 in Washington, D.C. she was the daughter of the late J. Archie and Rae M. Oliver Hill.

She is survived by her fiancé Ray Gaines, her children Vicki Ryce and her husband Micky and Ritchie Tippett and his wife Sharon all of Leonardtown; Joe Mike Tippett of Helen; Veronica Higgs and her husband Blaise of MeMary Aleathea Redmond, chanicsville; and Ron Emer84, of Leonardtown Aug. son, Jr. and his wifedied Shannon 16 in St. Mary’s Hospital. of Abell; sister Janet ThompApril 18, 1924 in son Born and her husband Johnny Mechanicsville she was Mithe of Avenue; grandchildren daughter of Clarence LeoTipEvchael Tippett, Matthew ans and Gertrude M. (Pilkerpett, Lindsey Ryce, Hailey ton) Evans.

Ryce, Owen Tippett, Andrew Aleathea graduated from Tippett, Olivia JarMargaret BrentHiggs Highand School rett Higgs. in 1941. She worked from moved to St. 1961Cindy to 1971 as a secretary/reMary’s County in 1964 ceptionist for St. Mary’s from ColClinton, She graduated lege.

SheMd. enjoyed cooking, from Chopticon High School’s croqueting, playing cards, Class of 1966.

She workedoften as a gardening, and sewing; beautician.

She was a member making clothing for her and of the American Legion Auxher daughter. iliary Post and in thedeath SevShe is #221 preceded enthhusband District Volunteer Rescue by James Franklin Squad Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards and going shopping.

The family received friends Jan. 4 from 2 – 5 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner

Redmond, whom shePrayers marFuneral Home, where ried March Imwere said at4,31945 p.m.atAtheMass maculate Conception Catholic of Christian Burial was celChurch in Mechanicville. ebrated Jan. 5 at 10 a.m.She in is survived byCatholic her beloved chilHoly Angels Church, dren Gayle and Avenue, withA. Fr. Hancock William Gurher husband William of Fairnee officiating. Interment folfax, Va., and James “Frank” lowed in Sacred Heart CemRedmond and his wife Wanda etery, Bushwood. Pallbearers of Fredericksburg, Va. Aaron She is were Jay Thompson, also survived by three grandFenwick, Bo Vallandingham, children,Thompson, Jeffery A. Hancock Bobby Tommy and his wife Jennifer of FairHowe, Mark Wood and John fax, Va., Mark D. Redmond Weber. and his wife Tanya of FredContributions may be ericksburg, Va., Jason P. Redmade to American Cancer Somond of Fredericksburg; and ciety, St. Mary’s County Unit, four great-grandchildren.

P.O. She Box Lexington was1032, preceded in death Park, 20653. by herMD sister Agnes Rice.

Arrangements Family receivedprovided friends by the Mattingley-Gardiner Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 9:30 Funeral – 10:30 Home, a.m. inP.A. the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown.

A Herbert Mass of “Tom” Christian Clifton Burial was celebrated Giddings, 8011 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20 at St. Aloysius CliftonCatholic Herbert Church, “Tom” Leonardtown, with Rev. John Giddings, 80, of Bushwood Dakes officiating. Interment died Dec.in 27Charles in Bushwood. followed Memorial Born Aug. 5, 1928 in BalGardens, Leonardtown. timore. he wasasthe pallbearers son of the Serving, late Herbert Tom and were Mark Redmond, Louie Jason Elizabeth He was Redmond, Giddings.

Jeffery Hancock, preceded in death by his Pilkwife Bill Hancock, Lawrence Margaret Ann Smith Giddings erton, and Arthur Pilkerton.

Nov. 21, pallbearer 2008. They Honorary waswere Earl married Dean. Oct. 16, 1954 in Columbus Presbyterian Church, Memorial contribution Columbus, N.J. can be made to the Ridge He is survived by his chilVolunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. dren Victor Tom Box 456, Ridge, MDGiddings 20680. of Bethesda, Jeffrey Herbert Condolences to the family may be made at www.

Giddings of Rockville, Karin brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Ann Weining of Newark, Del. by the and Arrangements Gary Dunham Giddings Brinsfield of Lakeland,Funeral Fla. andHome, four P.A., Leonardtown. grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his Louis Marshall “Junior” sister Joan Louie Moreland.

Tom graduated Thompson, Jr., 84from Southern High School’s Class of 1945 and the University of Maryland’s Class of 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He moved to St. Mary’s County in 1954 from Anne Arundel County where he worked as a carpenter.

A Memorial Service was held Jan. 2 at 10:30 a.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harry Harper officiating. Interment followed in St. George’s Episcopal Cemetery, Valley Lee. Contributions may be made to St. Mary’s County Hospice House, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Louis Marshall “Junior” Arrangements provided Thompson, Jr., 84, of Avenue by diedthe Aug.Mattingley-Gardiner 4 in his residence.

Funeral Home, P.A. He was born July 20, 1924 in Dynard to the late Louis William Eugene Marshall and(Bill) Catherine Eleanor Harris Thompson Hawes, Jr. 97Sr. He was the loving husband of Rose Lee Thompson whom he married July 26, 1942 in Sacred Heart Church, Bushwood. He is also survived by his children, Margaret Taylor and her husband George of Hollywood, Buddy Thompson and his wife Debbie of Avenue, Benny Thompson and his wife Mary of

Morganza, Thompson to Mexico Donnie in his position as and hisbuyer, wife purchasing Debbie of EasMecandy chanicsville Rose Mary ter baskets andand other products, George and her husband and became familiar withJohn the of Avenue; 16 grandchildren, country, its language, customs 44 citizens. great-grandchildren, two and step-grandchildren his On Aug. 18, 1935and he marsisters Mary Ozella Lacey of ried Grace Lola MacEwen Abell, Gertrude Osborne of in Bethesda, Md. After their King George, andtoSusan marriage, they Va. moved ChVallandingham of Bushwood. everly, Md. and later to LandoHe was preceded death ver, Md. In 1975, theyinmoved by one great-grandchild and to their retirement home in his sisters Catherine Hall and Leonardtown.

Louise Bryant.

Mr. Hawesresident retired of from A lifelong St. CVS (formerly Peoples) in Mary’s County, Junior was 1976 after a distinguished and a self-employed waterman. honored career of 49 AfWhile enlisted in years. the U.S. ter his from retirement from1944 CVS, Army Oct. 19, to he became activeheinserved his son’s Nov. 19, 1945, as construction the a rifleman, business a light until machine age of 93.

Mr. Hawes enjoyed gunner and a cook. reading, He boating, belongedfishing to and the crabbing during his retirement Knights of Columbus and enas wellplaying as the company ofbeing famjoyed cards and ily andhisfriends. manhis with a with familyAand two great sense of humor and wit, special buddies Maynard and Ringo. he always had a twinkle in his Thea cigar family received eye and in his mouth. friends Mattingley-GarHe inisthesurvived by a diner Funeral Home Thursday, daughter, Celia Hawes TayAug. 7 from 5 – 8 Darryl p.m. with lor and her fiancé E. prayers being at 7 p.m. A Matthews of said Leonardtown; MassMarc of Christian Burial was son, Hawes and his wife celebrated Friday, Aug. 8 at Ann of Helen; a sister, Doro9:30F.a.m. in Holy Angels thy (Dot) Newkirk andCathher olic Church, Avenue, with Fr. husband Roland E. (Rollie) William Gurnee officiating. of Lakeland, Fla. He is also Interment by followed Sacred survived elevenin grandHeart Cemetery, Bushwood. children, sixteen great-grandPallbearers were Johnny children and two great- great George, Jereme George, Tina grandchildren.

Fay Ferguson, Dave HodgHawes was predees, Mr. Matthew Thompson and ceased by his wife 65 years Donnie Thompson.ofHonorary Grace MacEwen Hawes; a pallbearers were his granddaughter, Patrice Hawes Walchildren, nieces and nephews. ton; Contributions a son-in-law, Gerald may R. be Taylor; three sisters, Helen made to Holy Angels Sacred May LillianColton’s Meeks HeartHudgins, School, 21335 and V. Blythe and MD one PointMartha Road, Avenue, brother Edwin Hawes.

20609, James Seventh District VolFamily receive unteer Rescuewill Squad, P.O. friends 9 from – 11 Box 7, Jan. Avenue, MD10 20609 a.m. in Hospice the Brinsfield and/or of St. Funeral Mary’s, Home, Leonardtown.

A MeP.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. morial Service will be held at Arrangements provided 11 a.m. with Pastor Carl Snyby of theGrace Mattingley-Gardiner der Chapel MinisFuneral Home, Interment P.A. tries officiating. will follow at Christ Church Cemetery, Chaptico.

Memorial contributions Evelyn Tillotson may be made to Woods, Grace 86 Chapel Ministries Building Fund, 29190 Three Notch Woods, Road, Evelyn Tillotson Mechanicsville, MD Aug. 20659 86, of California died 14 or Church, P.O. Center, Box 8, in Christ St. Mary’s Nursing Chaptico, MD 20621.

Leonardtown.

Born Dec. 18, 1921 in Condolences to the famiLeMoyne, Pa., atshe was the ly may be made www.brinsdaughter of the late George C. fieldfuneral.com.

Tillotson and Eva (DowhowArrangements by the er) Tillotson.

Evelyn was an Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Leonardtown.

Evelyn is survived by her daughters, Christine Arthur Henry Klotz, 95 W. Moore of Chesapeake Beach, Md. and Deborah J. Standish of California, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

All services are private.

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

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

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

William (Bill) Eugene Hawes, Jr. 97, of Leonardtown died Jan. 3 in St. Mary’s Hospital.

Born Sept. 11, 1911 in Tiptonville, Tenn. he was the son of the late William Eugene and Nellie Beth (Peacock) Hawes of Lanham, Md. Mr. Hawes was the eldest of six children and attended public schools in Union County, Tenn. He resided in Union County until July 1927 when at the age of 16, Mr. Hawes’ uncle, Walter Hawes, brought him and later the entire family to Washington, D.C. That year, Mr. Hawes began his career with Peoples Drug Stores at 8th and H Streets NE at the soda fountain as a “Soda Jerk.” After a short time, Mr. Hawes began working at the Peoples Drug Stores Warehouse in Washington, D.C. in the Candy Department. He was soon promoted to assistant buyer and executive buyer in 1950.

Mr. Hawes regularly traveled

Arthur Henry Klotz, 95, of Solomons, died Dec. 30 in his residence.

Born Dec. 21, 1913 in St. Louis, Mo., he was the son of the late Herman H. Klotz and Ruth (Harkins) Klotz. Arthur was a certified public accountant for the Internal Revenue Service.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Geraldine Mae (Cullen) Klotz; his sons Thomas C. Klotz of Leonardtown and Arthur H. Klotz, Jr. of Bumpass, Va.; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one step great-grandchild and two sisters, Rita Dash of Springfield, Ill. and Elva Carlin of Dayton, Ohio.

Family will receive friends for Arthur’s Life Celebration Jan. 8 from 1 – 2 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. by Reverend Ray Schmidt, pastor of St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Hollywood. A reception will follow the service in

The County Times

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Plunge Continued from page A- Polar Bear Swim. Started in 1996 by a small group of people from the local YMCA, and sporting 20 scantily clad participants, the event has grown steadily to become a townsponsored gala of marshmallow roasting, cocoa drinking, karaoke singing, and, of course, braving the icy waters of the Chesapeake with a head-dunking plunge to ring in the new-year.

“Last year and this year we’ve probably had 150 participants,” said Mayor Michael Bojokles, who admitted he would not be able to

of the event, but there had been years when people showed a little too much skin.

“Last year there was this really big… guy in a speedo,” he said, shaking his head, “it was a really disturbing sight.”

As two o’clock neared, Bojokles steadily reminded visitors to sign waver forms before getting in the water, and a crew of more than a dozen volunteers readied thermoses of piping hot cocoa for the crowds. Some disrobed early to acclimate themselves to the cold, whilst others waited until the last second to strip down to their swim trunks.

The whistle sounded at two o’clock

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and more than 175 people lurched forward, running full-speed, some squealing as they dunked their heads under the cold waters, welcoming the new-year with a chilly, refreshing dunk.

Sitting comfortably on the sidelines, Goodwin lit a cigarette and giggled.

“My goodness, they’re nuts,” he said, “but it does look like a lot of fun…I might do it next year.”

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Section A -

Obits Continued Squad. the In Wildewood Club addition toVillage his mother, House, California.

Interment Timothy is survived by his will be in Roselawn Cemetery, wife Debra Kay (Houtz) McTerre Haute, Ind. at a later Grath, his son, Sean Patrick date.

McGrath of Lexington Park, Condolences the family his sister, Karen to McGrath of may be made at www.brinsMesa, Ariz. and his brother, fieldfuneral.com.

Michael McGrath of Ill. Arrangements by will the A memorial service Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., be held Saturday, Aug. 23 at Leonardtown.

10 a.m. at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, Lexington Park.

Mary Lorraine Condolences to (Guy) the famLong, 86 at www. ily may be made brinsfieldfuneral.com.

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

Patrick Connor Miller 2

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A Newspaper That Serves St. Mary’s County With All Of The Community Based News That You Care About!

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join the crowds of swimmers this year because he was getting over a bad cold. “People come from all over the region, it’s wonderful.”

Bojokles said he saw ice covering the water early that morning, but it melted in time for the event, leaving the crowd with chilly 35-degree water. Despite supposed concerns over the negative health affects of swimming in such cold water, Bojokles said there had never been any kind of medical emergency in the history

Section A -

Mary Lorraine (Guy) Long, 86, of Oraville, Md. passed away in St. Mary’s Nursing Center Dec. 21.

She was born in Leonardtown Sept. 12, 1922. She was the daughter the late James Patrick ofConnor MillF. Guy and Florence Latham er 2, of Avenue died Aug. Guyinof Clements.

12 St. Mary’s Hospital, She was preceded in death Leonardtown. by her brothers and Oct. sisters; Connor was born 11, GraceinMartel, WarrenMediGuy, 2005 Anne Arundel Helen Latham, Alberta Long, cal Center, Annapolis, Md., Ralph andofAdrian the son JamesGuy. L. Miller Long retired from and Mrs. Krystal Kaldenbach of the St. Mary’s Co. Board of Avenue.

Education as a cafeteria workHe is survived by two siser and lovedand being at Miller, home, ters, Lillian Kayla family, cooking, aher brother Kyle Miller, reading his paternal grandparents James L. and animals. and She Darlene Oliver Miller of was the wife of the late Chaptico, maternal Joseph Albert (Pete) grandparLong. ents,She Eugene Kaldenbach of is survived by her Harrimon, Tenn.,Joseph and Debra three children RonAdams Kaldenbach of Winald Long of Newburg, Md., chester, Ky.; great-grandparMary Gwendolyn Springer of ents Francis andJames AudreyDavid OliNewburg and ver of Chaptico and Long of Forest Hill, Md., six G r e a t- g r and andm o t hgreat ers grandchildren two Mary Lou Adams of Waldorf, grandchildren.

Md. Relatives and Shirley Millerwere of and friends Newburg, Md. received for Mrs. Long’s Life The family received Celebration in the Brinsfield friends for Connor’s Life Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Celebration Sunday, Aug. 17 Dec. 23 5 –in8the p.m.Brinswith from 3 –from 4 p.m. prayers recited at 7 p.m.

A field Funeral Home, Leonardtown, with a funeral service at 4 p.m. Interment was private.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.

Redmond, whom she marMass of Christian ried March 4, 1945Burial at the was Imoffered Dec. 24 at 10 a.m. in maculate Conception Catholic St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Church in Mechanicville.

She Reverend is survivedKeith by herWoods, beloved paschiltor the church, was and the drenofGayle A. Hancock celebrant.

Interment her husband Williamfollowed of Fairin church cemetery with fax,the Va., and James “Frank” Joseph R. and Long, M. Redmond his Jr., wifePaul Wanda Springer, III, Daniel of Fredericksburg, Va. Frank, She is also survived by three Ignatius V. Bricker, TonygrandLong children, Jeffery A. Hancock and Winstin E. Wood serving andpallbearers.. his wife Jennifer of Fairas fax, In Va.,lieu Mark D. Redmond of flowers, meand his wife Tanya Fredmorial contributions of may be ericksburg, JasonSociety, P. Redmade to theVa., Humane mond of Fredericksburg; and 71 Industrial Park Drive, Walfour great-grandchildren. dorf, MD. 20602 She was preceded death Condolences to theinfamily by her sister Agnes Rice. may be made at www.brinsFamily received friends fieldfuneral.com.

Wednesday, Aug. 20 from Arrangements by 9:30 the – 10:30 a.m. in the Brinsfield Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Funeral Home, P.A., LeonarLeonardtown. dtown. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 11 a.m., Kenneth Ray McGinn, Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 47 St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, with Rev. John Dakes officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown.

Serving, as pallbearers were Mark Redmond, Jason Redmond, Jeffery Hancock, Bill Hancock, Lawrence Pilkerton, and Arthur Pilkerton.

Honorary pallbearer was Earl Dean.

Memorial contribution can be made to the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680.

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

Kenneth Ray McGinn, 47, Arrangements by the of Hollywood died Dec. 29 in Brinsfield Funeral Home, St. Mary’s Hospital.

P.A., Leonardtown.

Born Dec. 16, 1961 in Phoenix, Ariz., he was the son of Hugh Joseph McGinn Louis Marshall “Junior” of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Thompson, Jr.,and 84 the late Margaret Ann (Bowers) McGinn.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Della Jo (Heyne) McGinn; his children Alyssa McGinn and Zach McGinn of Hollywood, and a brother, John W. McGinn of Charlotte, N.C. Family received friends for Kenny’s Life Celebration Jan. 5 from noon – 1 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown. A Memorial Service was held at 1 p.m. Father Ray Schmidt, pastor of St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Hollywood, officiated. Interment followed in Louis Marshall “Junior” Thompson, Jr., 84, of Avenue died Aug. 4 in his residence.

He was born July 20, 1924 in Dynard to the late Louis

Morganza, Donnie Thompson and his wife Debbie of Mechanicsville and Rose Mary George and her husband John of Avenue; 16 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and his sisters Mary Ozella Lacey of Abell, Gertrude Osborne of King George, Va. and Susan Vallandingham of Bushwood.

He was preceded in death by one great-grandchild and his sisters Catherine Hall and Louise Bryant.

A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, Junior was a self-employed waterman.

While enlisted in the U.S. Army from Oct. 19, 1944 to Nov. 19, 1945, he served as a rifleman, a light machine gunner and a cook.

He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed playing cards and being with his family and his two special buddies Maynard and Ringo.

The family received friends in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Thursday, Aug. 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. with prayers being said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, Aug. 8 at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, Garwith Fr. Charles Memorial William Gurnee officiating. dens, Leonardtown.

Interment followedtoin the Sacred Condolences Heart Cemetery, Bushwood. family can be made at Pallbearers were Johnny www.brinsfieldfuneral.

George, Jereme George, Tina com.

Fay Arrangements Ferguson, Dave by theHodges, Matthew Thompson Brinsfield Funeral Home, and Donnie Thompson. Honorary P.A., Leonardtown. pallbearers were his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

William Joseph Sickle, Contributions may be made to Holy 84 Angels Sacred Heart School, 21335 Colton’s Point Road,Joseph Avenue, William Sick-MD 20609, Seventh District le, 84, of Solomons, andVolunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. formerly of California, Box died 7, Avenue, MD 20609 Md., Jan. 6 in Soloand/or Hospice of St. Mary’s, mons Nursing Center.

P.O.He Box was625, bornLeonardtown, Aug. 17, MD 20650.

1924 in Great Mills to the Arrangements late William Clarenceprovided and by the Mattingley-Gardiner Madeline Elizabeth OwFuneral Home, P.A. ens Sickle.

He was the loving husband of Dorothy Rosa Tillotson SickleEvelyn of Solomons.

Woods, 86 deFor arrangement tails on William Joseph Evelyn Woods, Sickle pleaseTillotson visit www.

86, of California died Aug. 14 mgfh.com. in St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Arrangements providLeonardtown. ed by the Mattingley-GarDec. 18, P.A. 1921 in dinerBorn Funeral Home, LeMoyne, Pa., she was the daughter of the late George C. Tillotson and Eva (Dowhower) Tillotson. Evelyn was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Evelyn is survived by

Call us today to start making your advertising campaign a success.

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The County Times

Section A -

Wanderings of an Aimless Mind

“The God Spot”

Shelby Oppermann

By Shelby Oppermann I hope everyone’s holidays were happy: that Christmas was joyous, filled with loved ones or calls and letters from them, that the New Year brought about your continued desire not only to do kindness to others, but to do a kindness to yourself in mind or body. I wish for us all a 2009 that brings out the best in us and then shows us the way in which to use it.

There are places you travel that make you feel special, or bring back wonderful, or bad, memories. I have a place I call “The God Spot”. The feeling that it is a God spot only happened sometime last year it has always been a breathtakingly beautiful section of land to me. Who knew, that for me, God had chosen his acre on lower Mechanicsville Road? I enjoy learning about all religions, including my own, and have respect for the inherent beauty in each. There is so much to learn in this world, thank goodness we are all different and have such knowledge to share. We all have a right to our own belief system.

I usually travel a different direction to work, but last Summer I started taking my old favorite route down Mechanicsville Road, past a picturesque Amish farm that sits down in a hollow. You know how I’ve written about my love for coming up to the crest of a hill and seeing the tops of the trees on the other side.

That’s the way this section is. You drive on a flat stretch through trees, come to a cornfield which opens up into blue sky and then you see just the tips of the far away treetops. It’s like a cartoon day to me. I’ll have to explain that one at some point, I guess. Then, you start to see the barns and old home on the Amish farm.

Or like now, in Winter, you see the bluish-gray spiraling trail of smoke rising upwards. I feel so happy I want to burst inside. As you enter the flat pastureland there are normally several cows and horses grazing.

Once in awhile there are white horses that look so regal. You can almost picture a horn on their foreheads on misty, foggy days.

After awhile, as I passed this spot day after day, sometimes pulling off to take pictures, I started saying “Thank You God for this beautiful day that you have created.” It didn’t matter whether it was raining or sunny, because there was always beauty. Sometimes I would add an extra little prayer of something. You know, the “and can you please give me a little extra strength today to work on this, or think about that or help my friend…”. It has to be fairly quick; you are driving 40 – 45 miles an hour there with people behind you many times. It seemed like creation was so “present” in this place.

Everyone has their different viewpoint on God, mine goes through various stages of thinking he has so many people to listen to how could he possibly hear me (more of the God as observer view) to the Sunday school version of him being all powerful and sometimes a little scary (the stern, but loving Father view).

I always felt more comfortable praying to Mary, she seemed mild, and being a woman could probably get word through to God in a diplomatic way, like the way I do when I want to go someplace my husband doesn’t really want to go. But, by the end of the conversation, he thinks it was his idea. All you woman out there know how that is done. Anyway, one day, as I was passing the God spot, I suddenly felt like I understood, I’m not sure what, but I really felt like God was in me.

It was a unique feeling, and wish I had written down the feelings that moment. And then…

This past Fall we had as part of our on-going book study at church, a book on Theology. It reminded me of what my Father told me as I set off for college.

“Don’t take any Psychology courses, I don’t want you coming home and analyzing me!” I graduated as a Social Psych major. So, I had just gotten my understanding of God a little clearer or accessible in my head, and then we start reading about Theology. What a great way to confuse any logic system you thought you had.

Now the questions this author explored were, who created God. No one did apparently, he came from nothingness, he is everything. Questions on the Trinity, which still confuses me. I can’t really grasp it all, and it’s only one viewpoint. But, it was enough for me, as I drove by my God Spot one morning to say, “Just as think I’ve found out about you and had simplified things in my head, now I have all these new questions that seem unanswerable.” I could almost hear God saying back “Don’t read anymore books on Theology, I don’t want you analyzing me too!, Just Feel!” I’m waiting for one of our next books, it’s called “Ethics after Easter”. Sounds interesting.

To each new day’s adventure, Shelby Please send comments or ideas to:shelbys.wandering@yahoo.com.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Legal Notice

2008

Notice of Request for Bid Proposal For a Standby Power Generator System

Looking ahead to what 2009 holds in store for the county, Mattingly said the outlook was a tough one.

Since the state was making heavy budget cuts county government was feeling the pinch as well, and while initial indicators on income tax revenue coming back to St. Mary’s have been good, it looks as if county services will be in a holding pattern this year.

“This will probably be the toughest budget I’ve worked on since I’ve been in office,” Mattingly said.

The county’s head of economic development, Bob Schaller, said much will depend on people’s attitude in the coming year to help turn around some of the more gloomy aspects of the economy.

Home prices here and elsewhere were overvalued, Schaller said, and now that the bubble had burst, people

are being more careful with their money.

Unemployment in St. Mary’s has beaten the state and national averages, according to the latest data from the state, but it has grown.

In November of 2008, 4.2 percent of county residents were unemployed, state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation data showed. That was a significant increase from just 2.8 percent the same time in 2007.

Schaller was pleased to see however, that the net number of companies that are involved in technology, most closely associated with activities at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, has increased by 10 net businesses.

“That’s good news,” Schaller said. “The key to everything is employment; it drives housing, it drives retail and everything else in the economy.”

January and February, usually slow times for businesses, will be critical months to see how many can hang on by keeping their doors open, Schaller said.

in his own blood.

Choporis had sustained several wounds from an edged weapon, charging documents stated, to his neck and his head.

Detectives found a knife, also covered in blood, in a pair of shorts near the body that was later identified as belonging to Potts, charging documents allege.

Court papers go on to say that Potts admitted to hitting Choporis in the head with a golf club after becoming agitated with him.

A struggle between the two men ensued, charging papers alleged, in which Potts produced his folding knife from his pants pocket and cut Choporis several times after hitting him first with the club.

The Commissioners of Leonardtown will be accepting bids for a standby power generator system and automatic transfer switches. This system shall include one (1) Kohler 150 KW 277/480 volts, 3 phase and a Kohler model KCT-AMTA-0260S (ATS) or equivalent.

Interested bidders may obtain a copy of the RFP by contacting Tony Wheatley, Capital Project Coordinator, Commissioners of Leonardtown, POB 1, 41660 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or by calling 301-475-9791 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m, Monday thru Friday.

Sealed bids will be received until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 28, 2008, at which time they will be publicly opened and read.

The Commissioners of Leonardtown reserve the right to reject any and all bids and proposals, and to accept any proposals deemed to be in the best interest of the Town.

Trial Continued from page A- Mitchell Nelson, said that Tanavage’s arguments mischaracterized what became a violent altercation between the two men.

Both sides agreed that Choporis had apparently agitated Potts to the point where Potts’ temper exploded.

“My client never intended to kill Mr. Choporis,” Nelson told the jury. “Once he became enraged he lost control.

“He didn’t plan to kill Mr. Choporis.”

Nelson argued that, while Potts’ violent actions were not excusable, they did not warrant his being found guilty of either first-or-second-degree murder.

Rather, Nelson said, Potts’ actions constituted manslaughter through imperfect self defense.

Two firefighters testified to events leading up to Choporis’ death that day.

Ryan Dusch said that he saw both Potts’ and Choporis in the upstairs section while he was watching television and struck a conversation with both.

He testified he saw no altercation between the two men and that Potts had a reputation as “a very good firefighter.”

It was revealed, however that Potts had sustained serious injury in a motorcycle accident that kept him out of firehouse duty for about a year

before the killing.

The defense alluded to the idea that Potts’ personality and behavior had changed subsequent to the accident.

The defense lost out to a prosecution motion before the trial began that sought to prohibit witnesses testifying to what they believed Potts’ intentions or ability to premeditate the alleged killing in the days leading up it.

The court has set aside eight days for the trial to be conducted in two stages: the first stage of the trial will determine Potts’ guilt or innocence. If found guilty, the second phase would determine if he was in full knowledge of the criminality of the act.

Charging documents filed at the time of the incident by then-Detective Clayton Safford of the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations alleged that Potts had told the chief of the fire department that he had just killed someone inside the firehouse that evening.

Safford wrote in his statement of probable cause that when he made contact with Potts he observed blood on his shirt, shorts, shoes and socks.

Detectives who collected evidence on the scene found a large amount of blood in the upstairs sleeping quarters of the building as well as blood spatter on the wall.

A trail of blood led detectives to storage area where they found Choporis’ body wrapped in blankets, towels and plastic that were soaked

Continued from page A-

Nicholas T. Potts III

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The County Times

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Section A -

Thursday, Jan. 8 Wing Night at VFW 2632 VFW (California) - 5 p.m.

Ordered to your liking, available breaded or unbreaded in scorching hot, hot, medium, milk, honey BBD, teriyaki, or with butter and garlic. Wings sold and served from 5 - 8 p.m., available to go.

Texas Hold’em Donovan’s Irish Pub (California) - 7 p.m.

Cash games, reservations recommended but not required. Tables are limited. Proceeds go to Family

The Ghost of Presidents Past

Piney Point exhibit displays local and national historical political items. that even has remnants of its last wax seal.

“My favorite has to be the ballot box,” Havens said. “It’s just so unique, just seeing the way people have voted over the years.”

The exhibit was compiled by five or six private collectors, some of whom displayed such a passion for the items that Havens said she was dizzied by some of their accounts.

“This one guy, he must have spent an hour telling me all about these cardboard signs, how he got them, where he got them,” Havens said, fanning herself while flanked by large cardboard posters for Dukakis and Reagan, among others.

“We were originally going to close after the new-year, but we decided to stay open till the inauguration,” Havens said.

“I’m hoping that as people are coming into town for the inaugural, they might come down to Piney Point and see what’s going on here,” she said, waving at the historical items around her.

Some of the items surrounding her include a host of presidential Christmas cards from the Clintons and Bushes, guest badges from the 1980 Democratic National Convention and Presidential Christmas ornaments and photographs highlighting the Presidential administrations dating back to 1845.

“We’ll be open on weekends, but if someone has a burning desire to come on a weekday…I’ll open up for them, too,” Havens said, adding that the exhibit will stay open through Jan. 19.

Andrea Shiell Staff Writer Walking into the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum right now is much like taking a trip in a time machine, as museum-goers can view an actual 1864 ballot for President Abraham Lincoln and Vice President Andrew Johnson, memorial ribbons from the Andrew Jackson administration as well as a host of other items dating as far back as the mid 1800’s.

All are part of the museum’s Political Memorabilia Exhibit, featuring items that blend together to create a mural of American Politics and Maryland Politics over the last century and a half.

“The reason we put this up in the first place is that we’re known as the lighthouse of Presidents,” said museum manager April Havens, adding that most presidents dating back to the 1800’s visited the lighthouse at some point during their tenure in office. “But we have things from the state of Maryland elections…we have some St. Mary’s County specific items, and then we have national items.”

Among the national items are a richly whimsical collection of campaign buttons from everyone from Honest Abe to George W. Bush; an interesting collection of ballots; a mechanical lever voting machine and an old-fashioned ballot box

First of Southern Maryland. Call 443-975-1591 for more information.

Friday, Jan. 9 Special Olympics No Limit Tournament Center for Life Enrichment (25089 Three Notch Road) - 7 p.m.

No limit, $60 buy-in. Start with $2,000 in chips.

Sign up from 6:15 – 6:50 p.m. Proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s Special Olympics. Call 301-373-8100 to pre-register. For more information contact Jim Bucci at jimjoebucci@yahoo.com.

Catfish Friday at VFW 2632 VFW (California) - 5:30 p.m. $9, eat-in or to-go. Proceeds support Ladies Auxiliary programs to benefit veterans and local organizations.

Texas Hold’em Deepstack Tournament Bryans Road VFD - 7 p.m.

Australia

Yes Man

Bolt

Twilight

AMC Loews Lexington Park 6

Australia Rated PG-13, 2 hr 45 min Showtimes: 3:45, 7:15

Quantum of Solace Rated PG-13, 1 hr 46 min Showtimes: 5:15, 7:45

Bolt Rated PG, 1 hr 36 min Showtimes: 4:00, 7:00

Seven Pounds Starts on Friday, Dec. 19

Day the Earth Stood Still, The Rated PG-13, 1 hr 50 min Showtimes: 5:00, 8:00

Twilight Rated PG-13, 2 hr 0 min Showtimes: 4:45, 7:50

Four Christmases Rated PG-13, 1 hr 22 min Showtimes: 4:30, 7:30

Yes Man Starts on Friday, Dec. 19

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.

“2009 Player of the Year” begins. $150 buy-in, $110 prize pool, $35 entry fee, no re-buys.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., seating at 7:30 p.m. Must be 18 to play, 21 to drink.

Free food and drink offered. Call 301371-7055 for more information.

Out of the Blue in concert Mary Harrison Center (Owings) 7:30 p.m.

Visit www.yale. edu.ootb to hear songs from this a cappella group’s pop/rock repertoire. $10 for adults, $5 for students. Call 410257-1519 for more information.

Saturday,

Jan.

10 Tamburitzans of Duquesne University Great Mills High School Auditorium 8 p.m.

Admission $25, children under 15 are $15. For more information, call 301-475-3225.

Genticorum Workshops and Concert St. Mary’s Ryken - 9 a.m.

Witty Quebec trio to perform. Afternoon workshops will include fiddle, feet, flute, whistles, and guitars. For more information visit www.cssm.org or call 301-904-7303.

Starcrush, DJ Rob & Sam Grow Hotel Charles (Hughesville) - 9 p.m.

Starcrush with DJ Rob playing during intermissions in the Party Room, San Grow in the front bar. Cover charge.

Call 301-274-4612 for more information.

Political Memorabilia Exhibit Piney Point Lighthouse Museum - 12 noon The exhibit offers memorabilia from private collectors in St. Mary’s County with items ranging from Abraham Lincoln to Barrack Obama. $3 per adult, $1.50 per child 6 to 18, and children 5 and under free.

Discounts available for senior citizens and military. Call 301-994-1471 for more information.

Public Forum on Energy and Environment Lexington Park Library (rooms A and B) - 2 p.m.

The League of Women Voters invites citizens to a free panel discussion on energy policy. Panel made up of experts representing the Board of County Commissioners, SMECO, NAS Patuxent River, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and St. Mary’s County Public Schools. Forum will be open to questions from audience.

Sunday, Jan. 11 Winter Sunday in the Park Rosedale Manor (Greenwell State Park) - 1 p.m.

Winter views of Patuxent, manor house tours, previews of 2009 programs, refreshments offered. Call 301-373-9775 for more information.

The County Times

Section A - 10

pen to know personally,” said newly elected Board of Education member Marilyn Crosby. “There’s no guarantee that these parents are necessarily going to be putting their kids in public schools…so my general feeling about the whole thing is until be have definitive knowledge on them closing, I don’t think we should panic…but we have to ensure that we maintain class size goals as much as possible.”

Though possible school closings may be worrying some, at St. John’s school in Hollywood, principal Patricia Suit said that her school was fortunate to have an endowment to work from as well as strong support from its parish at St. John’s Catholic Church.

Suit said St. John’s would b e keeping its doors open and that the arch diocese would help place students from the two other sites should they close their doors. “St. Mary’s County Catholic schools would make sure they’d have a place to go,” she said.

Even with tough economic times, Suit said, parents may grumble about tuition increases but keep sending their students back to class each year.

The average cost for a pupil at St. John’s is about $4,000 a year, Suit said, and those figures have been increasing steadily every year by about 5 to 10 percent each year for the past decade.

At Little Flower school in Callaway, Principal Marsha Leigh Stewart said that the schools enrollment stands steady at about 200 students and enrollment has risen for the past three years.

The school has also added several new programs to their curriculum, including the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program in use in public schools.

“We feel good about where we are and where we’re going,” Stewart said, adding that the school was still looking to make every dollar they have count.

Little Flower has not had to make any teacher or staff cuts, she said.

“I’ve never known a Catholic school even in the best of times that wasn’t frugal,” Stewart said.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Catholic Schools Continued from page A- both had been lagging.

“We can’t provide that level of assistance anymore,” Gibbs said. “Especially with times the way they are now.”

St. Michael’s in Ridge is facing a $300,000 deficit. Though enrollment at the school has risen from 129 students last year to 150 this year, the total operating cost is $981,000, with tuition payments covering only $359,000 towards the cost, with funding sources including archdiocesan tuition assistance, bingo and game fundraising, and bequests and donations equaling $640,000. Over the past five years, the archdiocese has given $895,000 in aid to the school, but with losses from investments and tough economic times on the horizon, comparable levels of support in the next few years seem unlikely.

“I think we’ve got our work cut out for us in the next several months to see what we can do to keep these schools open…but if the archdiocese can’t help more, then it’s a big question mark,” said Delegate John Wood (D-29A).

When asked if the legislature may be able to offer assistance, Wood said that textbook funds for parochial schools had been reduced consistently, and he did not anticipate the state to be able to contribute more. “Some parts of the state don’t look at parochial schools like we do down here…we’ve been struggling with that, but I don’t know that we’ll be able to get more to help…that’s not to say we won’t try though…the legislature has bigger problems than the school has,” he said.

Holy Angels Sacred Heart School in Avenue may also face closing after 83 years in the community. “Holy Angels Sacred Heart has struggled with enrollment for a number of years, and has been impacted heavily by a loss of bingo revenue,” wrote Gibbs. Even with $25,000 in archdiocesan tuition assistance and $229,000 in other tuition revenue, the school has an operating budget of $884,000, and is facing a $450,811 deficit in the wake of steadily declining enrollment. Only 83 students are enrolled for this school year, a third of the school’s capacity and a 36 percent loss over the past nine years.

When asked about the possibility of as many as 300 students going into public schools, Board of Education Vice-Chair Cathy Allen said, “that’s a prospect we face anytime…but I don’t know that the number of students we would get would be such that they wouldn’t be able to handle them. Not everyone would come into a particular grade at a particular school. You’re talking about the students being spread across areas and grade levels, and really we’ll just find a way to make it work.”

“The only thing I can tell you is what I hap-

Students at St. John’s S chool in Ho during th llyw e Photos by G may close, S Celebration of Epiphany ood help load up foo uy Leonard d t. John’s, alo ng with Little Tuesday. Despite fears for the needy at their plans to clo se. school other Catho Flower and Mother Cath lic primary schools erine Spald ing schools have no

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