The County Times -- Thursday, March 26, 2009

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Maryland Day Topped Off With $3,300 Cake

Bus Crash Sends Kids To Hospital Story Page 13

AIG Bonuses: Where Was Story Hoyer ?

Page 7 Forrest Legacy Will Continue Story Page 9

Photo by Frank Marquart

The County Times

REDEEM CERTIFICATES 3/27/09 - 4/11/09

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Weekly Poll

RESULTS

Do you think the county’s population is growing too fast?

No

Yes 31% 50%

19%

Not Sure Do you think enough is being done to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay?

Yes 19% 69% 13%

No

Not Sure

Do you think more needs to be done to protect the county’s rural lands from residential or commercial development?

No

Not Sure

25% 13%

63%

Yes Join Our Polling Pool The County Times is seeking readers who are interested in joining our polling pool. If you would like to be contacted to respond to future polls, please send us your town and telephone number in an email to news@countytimes.net or phone in the information at 301-373-4125.

Inside

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

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County News Town News State News Money Defense and Military Education Crime and Punishment

< commentary> Editorial/Opinion Community Speaks

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Lifestyles A House is a Home Real Estate Business Directory

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Obituaries Community Newsmakers

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Wandering Minds Food Entertainment Going On History

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Games Recreation and Parks Baseball Bleachers Boys Lacrosse

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The County Times

ews

Thursday, March 26, 2009 Human jaw muscles can generate a force of 200 pounds (90.8 kilograms) on the molars.

un Fact

Today’s Newsmakers In Brief

On House Majority Leader Steny Hoyers voting record and support of government spending.

On the Gibson Road shoreline improvement project in Bushwood to halt erosion.

We’re going to take back from nature what nature took from us.

George Erichsen, director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation

Commissioners Oppose Cable Franchise Bill In Annapolis

The St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners sent a letter March 17 to the chair of the Economic Matters Committee in Annapolis opposing a bill that would take the county cable franchise and place it under the control of the state’s Public Service Commission.

In the letter commissioners stated that local franchise fees would no longer be made to the county, which meant that the county would lose out on about $750,000 in fees for this year.

The bill, if passed, also meant that customer complaints about breakdowns in cable service from television to Internet connections would no longer be handled at the county level.

“They call the county [with a problem]… you’ll lose all that and give it to the Public Service Commission and they don’t have the personnel to deal with it,” said Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (D-Leonardtown). “We’d probably have to pay for the three public access channels if they were outside the franchise; we have an excellent agreement already and we’d hate to lose that.”

County Wants Stimulus Funds For Trolley System Three out of the five members of the Board of County Commissioners signed a letter of support for federal stimulus funds to be used for building a trolley system for the Three Notch Trail leading down from Charlotte Hall to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Lexington Park.

The three commissioners, Lawrence D. Jarboe, Daniel H. Raley and Kenneth R. Dement, had the letters sent to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and U.S. Senators Barbara Mikulski and Benjamin Cardin Tuesday.

The letter states that the trolley system could allow seniors and veterans from Charlotte Hall could access shopping all the way down in California while Wildewood residents could use the system to commute to and from work on the base.

The installation of the system would also help free up St. Mary’s Transit buses for use on the county’s east-towest routes, the letter stated.

“Beyond the local commuting and tourism benefits, the clean green connector also insures a solid place for St. Mary’s County in future BRAC (Base realignment and closure) consolidations,” the letter states.

He needs to start voting like he represents the 5th District not Berkley. He represents the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay not the western shore of San Francisco Bay. Del. Anthony O’Donnell (R-Dist.29C) State House Minority Leader

Non-Emergency Calls Straining Ambulance Services

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Volunteer rescue squads currently face a shortage of volunteers, which makes providing life-saving services difficult, but part of that strain is a significant number of calls that are not really emergencies say county first responders.

“It does put a strain on us,” said Ken Hicks, president of the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad. “They’re looking at procedures to weed out some calls [at the county 911 center] but that’ll be a lengthy amount of time.”

Hicks estimated that of about 500 calls for service his squad receives each month, 30 to 40 of them are from people whose situation is neither dire nor life-threatening.

He said that in speaking with other rescue squad personnel, the situation was similar throughout the county.

Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad runs about 5,000 calls a year.

“It’s a significant number,” Hicks told The County Times. “But I can’t refuse to take you to the hospital if you say you need to go to the hospital.”

The people who aren’t in dire need of care run the gamut from patients who just have a headache to those “who just want a warm bed and hot meal,” Hicks said.

County Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (D-Leonardtown) confirmed that the county emergency communications center might implement procedures to rank calls in their order of need, but that process would not be immediate.

The key now, Mattingly said, was to ensure the county pushes recruiting efforts to get enough volunteers to cover all the extra calls.

Mattingly, who is a member of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, said it appeared that the non-emergency ambulance calls were on the

rise.

“It certainly increases the demands being put on the rescue squads,” Mattingly said. “It gets to the point where sometimes they pick calls.

“It all impacts the system as a whole, but typically you err on the side of caution.”

One problem that encourages people to call for an ambulance, even if they are not in immediate danger, is the false belief that they will be seen faster at St. Mary’s Hospital if they arrive in an ambulance.

Both Mattingly and Hicks said those days are over; the hospital triages all patients now whether they come in by ambulance or not.

“They don’t get what they think they’re going to get,” Hicks said.

Mattingly said that despite the problems with non-emergency calls, there were no plans among the commissioners to push for a per-call ambulance fee to transport patients to the hospital.

“We haven’t discussed that,” Mattingly said.

Planning Commission To Take Up Issue Of More County Wineries

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer County planners got the go-ahead Tuesday to take a text amendment to the planning commission that would allow wineries in the county’s rural preservation district as well as in zones where only low density development of homes is allowed.

While the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to send the proposal to the planning commission, the concept faced some opposition.

“I’m not in favor of casting my vote for a winery in the R-L (residential low density) zone,” said Commissioner President Francis “Jack” Russell (D-St. George’s Island). “We ought to keep housing density in the R-L zone to the growth policy.”

Under current county zoning law one house is permitted on every five acres in the rural preservation district and up to five are permitted on one acre in the R-L zone.

Russell, who supported the concept of wineries, said he feared that a winery in the R-L zone would increase the pressure for more development there.

There are several privately owned wineries in the southern end of the county and another cooperative winery is planned for Leonardtown to create a new growth industry.

Bob Schaller, director of the county’s Department of Economic and Community Development, said that the overall plan was to have a series of wineries that could attract visitors from Calvert County, where five such businesses now exist, down to St. Mary’s.

“In order for wineries to be successful you have to have more than one,” Schaller told commissioners.

“That’s the nature of a wine trail.”

Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association, tried to allay fears that wineries would bring heavy impacts to the areas around them.

Banquets, weddings and other events could occur at wineries as a conditional use that required prior approval.

“A winery can be successful with just a few acres of grapes,” Atticks told commissioners.

“Most wineries… are not in the business for large scale events.

“People will go to the winery for the wine.”

Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (DLeonardtown) said that wineries in the county would likely not have a too large a negative impact, particularly form car trips.

“I don’t think traffic will be a big issue with a winery,” Mattingly said. “I don’t see us having a winery that size.”

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The County Times

ews St. Mary’s Residents Cross The Bridge To Protest Government Spending

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Leader, and Charles Loller, Chairman of the Charles County GOP Central Committee, defined the event as a mostly Republican affair with concurrent rhetoric, a local political analyst thinks they may have hit on something.

Michael Cain, professor at the Center for the Study of Democracy at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, said the Maryland GOP needed to engage in these kinds of grassroots movements to make itself competitive in a strongly Democratic state.

Southern Marylanders from the tri-county region, Prince George’s County and even the Eastern Shore gathered on Solomons Island Sunday to give the state and federal government a piece of their minds about what they say is out of control spending through economic stimulus packages and bailouts of failing big businesses.

Hundreds of people, mostly Republicans and fiscal conservatives, showed up with their signs protesting everything from the Obama administration’s fiscal policies to the U.S. Federal Reserve and the $218 million in recent bonuses paid out to AIG executives using federal funds with the knowledge of key government leadership.

Mary Burke-Russell, of Leonardtown, waited along with other protestors to see the ceremonial dumping of tea boxes into the Patuxent River, reminiscent of the heady days before the American Revolution that saw angry Photo by Guy Leonard Bostonians fling tea into their own harbor rather than pay Taxation and economic stimulus protesters turned out in force for a “tea party” rally on Solomons Island March 22. the crown’s tax.

“I don’t need the government to take care of me,” Burke-Russell, a “I’m very much in favor of the Republicans small business owner told The County Times. doing this,” said Cain. “I think the Republicans “I don’t feet good about the bailouts, the bail- in the state need to find populist issues they can outs are wrong. talk about at the state and local and not just the “If I had a problem with my business no- national level.” body’s going to bail me out.”

Cain said the state would benefit from a Brooks and Judith Freegards, also of Leon- more balanced form of representation between ardtown, said they came out for the March 22 the two parties, but he cautioned that nationally protest because their usual attempts to get their both the Democrats and the GOP, especially in concerns addressed had not worked. the last eight years of the Bush administration, Phone calls and letter writing to members had showed a propensity to spend taxpayer dolof the U.S. Congress never seemed to get an- lars and expand government. swered, they said, or if they were they could not “[The tea party movement] is coming from get a straight answer about how the government the political right, but people in the center are was going to fix the country’s financial mess. worried about what budgets are looking like,” “Doesn’t seem like it’s done much good,” Cain said. “It’s not a Democrat or Republican Brooks Freegard said. “You don’t get the sense issue; both parties have showed their ability to that the communicaincrease the deficit. tion is going through.”

“Both parties have shown an inability to While political say ‘no’ to spending while in power.” speakers like Del. Anthony O’Donnell (R29C), the state House Minority

State

around the Senate Moves Forward On Online Child Safety Bill

The Maryland Senate has given preliminary approval to legislation that would help parents restrict children’s access to certain Internet sites.

Sen. Nancy King, D-Montgomery, is sponsoring the bill to give parents a tool to help keep kids away from predators and from Web sites they are too young to view.

The bill would allow Internet service providers to charge a fee for households that opt to use parental control features.

The measure was amended to remove a provision that would have required the Maryland State Department of Education to develop guidelines for instruction on Internet safety.

Maryland Tax Amnesty Bill Advances In Senate A proposal to create a tax amnesty in Maryland is making progress in the Maryland Senate.

Senators gave initial approval to the legislation Tuesday.

The bill is intended to raise money for the state by allowing residents who owe back taxes to pay the money back over a certain period without penalties.

The state would forgive penalties and half of the interest owed.

The measure would create an amnesty period between Sept. 1, 2009, and Oct. 31, 2009, for state and local income tax. It also would apply to sales and use taxes.

The state has held two previous tax amnesties.

Sen. James DeGrange, D-Anne Arundel, says the first in 1987 raised $20 million for the state’s general fund. The other, in 2001, raised about $28 million.

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Rep: Hoyer Didn’t Know About AIG Bonuses

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

A spokeswoman for House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md-5th) said that the congressman did not have knowledge of an amendment in the recently passed $787 billion stimulus package that allowed executives at American International Group to collect about $218 million in bonuses.

The provision to the stimulus package that allowed the bonuses to go through, called the Dodd amendment after Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd who proffered it, has sparked outrage across the nation for using tax payer dollars for extra pay for executives whose company received bailout dollars.

Dodd, who originally denied creating the amendment, recanted shortly after media reports began investigating the bonus fiasco.

A press release from Hoyer’s office dated March 16 said that the bonuses at taxpayer expense were unacceptable but just days later national media reports showed that both Dodd and Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner were aware of the amendment.

Stephanie Lundberg, Hoyer’s press secretary, said that Hoyer sent members of congress to a conference committee to discuss the stimulus package passed February but that none of those representatives reported back to Hoyer about the Dodd Amendment.

Hoyer also voted in favor of a House bill that specifically taxed the AIG executives’ bonuses by a whopping 90 percent last week.

“He voted for the bill but he did say there could be constitutional questions,” Lundberg told The County Times Tuesday.

The bill taxing the bonuses has come under fire over claims that it was unconstitutional because Congress only has broad taxing authority and cannot tax individuals or corporations singularly.

“Nobody knew these bonuses would be going out,” Lundberg said. “The [Obama] administration was trying to find out how to get some of the money back.

“There will be more oversight moving forward.”

Del. John Wood (D-Dist. 29A) said that the sheer size of the stimulus package, designed by the Obama administration to osten-

sibly jump start the economy, at about 1,000 pages could have contributed to ignorance of the AIG bonus measure.

“I don’t know whether it was an oversight or just slipped through,” Wood told The County Times. “Sometimes you miss things unfortunately.”

But that didn’t fully excuse the situation, Wood said.

“On the other hand you have to people who can bring it to your attention, so that you know that this kind of thing is in there.”

Lundberg said that Hoyer would not be available for comment on this article.

State House Minority Leader Del. Anthony O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) was dubious about the statements made on Hoyer’s behalf.

“If the congressman’s press people say that who’s to refute them,” O’Donnell said with sarcasm. “But I think the congressman would like us to talk more about these bonuses so that it averts our attention… from these massive spending bills which will hammer our children and grand children for possibly decades to come.”

Maryland General Assembly last year, similar machines were required to be removed from St. Mary’s County despite the fact that proceeds from the machines were going to non-profit organizations. Machines in Calvert and Anne Arundel were allowed to remain until June 2009. The new

legislation will extend this deadline by two years.

St. Mary’s County Delegate Johnny Wood (D-29A) voted against the bill, citing its lack of fairness to St. Mary’s County, Delegate John Bohannon (D-29B) voted in favor of the measure.

Gaming Machines: St. Mary’s No; Calvert Yes

The Maryland House of Delegates has passed legislation that would allow pull-tab electronic gaming machines to remain in establishments in Calvert County and Anne Arundel County until June of 2011.

As a result of a measure passed by the

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The County Times

Sheriff’s Cruisers May Get New Look Developer, Planning Commission Wrangle Over Mill Cove Development

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Photo by Guy Leonard This sheriff’s cruiser sports traditional police colors of black and white and will be making its round in the county soon.

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron says a special police cruiser will be making its rounds throughout the county this month to see if the public likes a new look that could become the standard for all sheriff’s office cruisers.

“It should hit the road next week,” Cameron told The County Times. “It’ll be the traditional West Coast black and white.

“That’s the No. 1 color set Ford sells in their police packages.”

Cameron said that there is no definite push to change the colors of the agencies vehicles; the new color scheme is only a test.

But there are good reasons for having that kind of pattern, Cameron said.

“The plan is to put it out there and solicit comments from the public and the officers,”

Cameron said, adding that research showed that black and white colors were most often associated with law enforcement and helped establish them in the community.

“That color leverages the idea of police presence.”

The new car was recently delivered and just received its new paint job denoting it as a sheriff’s cruiser this week.

The new vehicle also has a few features that the current cruisers don’t, including new sirens and push bumpers that could be used to push other cars out of the way of traffic if they break down or are involved in an accident, Cameron said.

The new look is already getting the attention of the troops in Cameron’s office.

“That’s pretty,” said one deputy as he looked at the new squad car. “I really like it.”

The public now has about a month to review the plans a local developer has to build 55 cottage style homes on two separate parcels of land in the Mill Cove neighborhood in California after the county planning commission closed the public hearing on whether to extend water and sewer to the proposed site.

Members of the commission said they were worried about the density of the project as proposed, while the applicant’s engineers and legal counsel argued that the commission had to stay narrowly focused on whether to grant the sewer extension.

“It’s so aggressive,” said planning commission Chair Steve Reeves. “You scare the tar out of the community.

“How do I nicely tell you to put on your brakes?”

Reeves said he believed the compact density proposed in the project was out of character with the more spacious neighborhood.

John Norris III, attorney for developer Guy Curley of Liberty Homebuilders, said that was not the focus of the hearing.

“With all due respect I don’t think you can deny us water and sewer in the development district,” Norris said, adding that the zoning ordinance compelled the developer to have homes tightly set together.

Community members have already protested the extension of sewer lines to support the new development as well as the density of the project.

They are concerned that the two sites would increase traffic to make roads too congested and that silt and erosion would drain off into nearby creeks and streams.

But Curley has countered by saying that he would consider using green building initiatives for the homes as well as pervious surfaces to reduce run off to allay community fears.

The developer’s plans are now up for review by the public before the planning commission makes its decision.

Woman Charged With Attempted Murder

St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputies have charged Nancy Martha Ahearn, 35, of Leonardtown with attempted murder for allegedly pointing a handgun in the direction of a deputy who was checking the welfare of her 18-month-old child March 20.

According to police reports when the child pulled a book shelf over top of him, the deputy as-

sisted the child but soon found the Ahearn had retrieved a handgun and tracked him with it as he ran for cover.

Police allege that Ahearn pulled the trigger more than once but the gun failed to fire. The deputy wrested the gun from here, police reports state, and placed her under arrest.

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Detention Center Expansion Funds May Be Put Off A Year

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

State legislators on a key budget and taxation committee in Annapolis may hold off on providing construction money for the expansion of the county’s jail in Leonardtown, The County Times has learned.

According to Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (D-Leonardtown) he and several other county officials including Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron went to Annapolis Monday to press the states for the much needed expansion funds.

“They’re suggesting to defer it for a year,’ Mattingly told The County Times on Monday.

“But we asked them to go ahead with it.”

Mattingly said that state money was essential to the construction side of the project.

“We won’t have a choice if they decide to hold off,” Mattingly said.

But Cameron said that while the construction money may be held off until next year the architectural and engineering phase would still move ahead.

That means that the actual construction date, set for May of 2010, would only be pushed back to June of next year, Cameron said.

“I don’t see this as a major set back or push

back,” Cameron said.

The expansion project is already seven months behind, according to officials in the county sheriff’s office and county government, and must first go through the architectural and engineering planning phase before the actual construction work can begin.

Bids have already gone out for that portion of the project with more than 100 companies vying for the contract to plan the project.

The county detention center is the most overcrowded of its kind in the state and is still one of the state’s top priority projects, Cameron said.

The jail is rated for only 245 inmates but has burgeoned to nearly 350 at any one time.

The expansion would bring the capacity of the jail up to 525 inmates at the jail and satisfy the county’s needs until about 2025, according to county projections.

The total cost of the project is about $30 million to be shared between the county and the state.

Sheriffs in the tri-county area are considering pushing for a regional detection facility where inmates could serve out local sentences but those in county facilities would only stay there awaiting trial.

A modern romantic comedy about marriage and a dog. ~NY Times I can only call it one of the most involving, beautiful, funny, touching and profound plays I have ever seen... ~NY Daily News Gurney’s mad comedy is the most endearing good time to trot down the pike in many a moon. ~Backstage

Three Notch Theater

March 20 - April 5, 2009 Thursday - Saturday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 3:30 p.m.

Tickets: Adults $15 Seniors / Students $12 Every Thursday all tickets $10 This show is not recommended for children.

301-737-5447

www.newtowneplayers.org Three Notch Theatre is located on S. Coral Drive in Lexington Park.

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The County Times

To The Editor: Imagine that I own a company and you work for me. For whatever reason, the company will close its doors in three months. You will be out of a job. However between now and the day the doors close, I need your services. To make sure you continue to work for me until the last day, I come to you and make you an offer. I enter a legal contract, signed by both of us, that guarantees that if you continue to work for me until that last day of business, I will not only pay your regular salary, I will give you a bonus. You feel that is fair and we now have a valid, legal contract. Or do we?

And then, out of the blue, it seems that our politicians feel that our agreement, while it is legal, isn’t to their liking. They decided to bring pressure on both you and I to rescind our contract. They hold public hearings during which they castigate us, threaten us, and generate public hatred for us to the point where we are receiving death threats against our families and us. They tell you that if you don’t give back your bonus, they will pass a law that will tax as much as 90% of the money you’ve earned.

Sounds impossible, doesn’t it. Sounds like something you could believe if it happened in Russia, China, Venezuela, or some other foreign country, but never in the good old U.S. of A. Guess What! It’s happening.

Right Now. Right here.

So what has that got to do with us commoners living here in Maryland? Well think about it. If our politicians can do this with AIG, what’s to stop them from deciding to do that whenever, wherever, and to whomever they decide is earning or receiving more money or benefits than they, the politicians, think is deserved.

Is this what anyone imagined would happen when the current regime was voted into power? The current regime rode into town trumpeting “CHANGE.” Well, folks, we sure are getting “change”, and I hope everybody is happy.

However! The election cycle in 2010 is just around the corner. Until the current regime decides to change our voting methods the way they do in Russia, China, and Venezuela.

James Hilbert Mechanicsville, Md

It’s a Myth That Only New Car Dealers Can Service Vehicles Under Warranty Letter to the Editor: It’s a common misconception that consumers must return to the new car dealership for their vehicle’s maintenance and repair to protect the warranty. In fact, there is a law that protects consumers’ right to have maintenance and repair done by their local independent repair shop without affecting the warranty.

Consumers are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the general principles of the Federal Trade Commission, which prohibit a manufacturer from voiding the vehicle warranty because service was done by a non-dealer. (http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/15C50.txt) When using an independent repair shop, it is important to keep records and receipts for all maintenance that is performed on the vehicle and adhering to scheduled maintenance guidelines. That way, if a warranty claim arises, these records will pro-

Editorial:

Who Else Can Congress Single Out? Dear Editor

Thursday, March 26, 2009

vide proof that maintenance has been done in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations and requirements.

To locate an independent repair shop, vehicle owners should visit the council’s Web site, www.carcare.org, which has a searchable list of about 70,000 independent repair facilities, auto parts retailers, body shops and engine installers and rebuilders. Many independent repair centers also have Web sites that include information about their services and credentials. In addition, automotive aftermarket trade associations, the Better Business Bureau and AAA are excellent resources to locate a repair facility.

Sincerely, Rich White Executive Director Car Care Council Bethesda, MD 20814-3415

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Hoyer Leading The Rage; And Causing Rage

On March 16th The County Times received a press release from Congressman Steny Hoyer, the House Majority Leader and our 5th Congressional District representative. Press releases are nothing new to our newspaper.

Organizations, businesses, public and private agencies often send media releases in hopes that local newspapers and other media sources will pass information on to the public. More often than not this information is useful to at least some of our readers, and we are quite happy to publish informational press releases.

Press releases from politicians are normal as well. These releases are quite different from a journalistic view. While the information may well be important and timely, the elected official is often putting his or her best face on an issue in hopes they can control the message going to the voters back home. In some ways it is a form of promoting one’s self with a positive message about what he or she is doing for you.

Unfortunately, all too often these releases get published without question, leaving the public with a partisan view of the issue.

Congressman Hoyer sends out press releases quite often, usually several per week.

Throughout the 5th Congressional District which includes St. Mary’s County and Charles, Calvert, parts of Anne Arundel, and a large portion of Prince Georges County, there are few if any media outlets that ever question the partisan nature of a Hoyer press release. The media in this Congressional District is in the tank for Hoyer and generally allows him to control the message which he wants the voters back home to hear. The County Times is not in the tank for any elected official, we want our readers to know both sides of every issue and let the public decide. The County Times has endorsed Hoyer’s re-election in the past, yet we do not simply publish his press releases.

In the March 16th press release Hoyer expressed outrage that insurance giant AIG, after receiving public bailout funds, was providing over $200 million in bonuses to executives who had been responsible for AIG’s failure. This release came Monday afternoon after the American public began hearing about these outlandish bonuses over the weekend and were expressing their own outrage on Monday morning. On Monday, everyone in Washington was denying having knowledge of these bonuses, including

Congress and the White House. And both were publicly expressing outrage and vindication.

Due to the public outrage being expressed even locally, The County Times considered publishing a portion of the press release in last week’s publication. However, by Tuesday evening we smelled a rat. Later in the week politicians were back peddling and finger pointing all over in Washington It turns out the AIG bonuses were authorized by way of the “Senator Dodd” amendment to the stimulus bill passed last month by Congress and signed by President Obama. As it turns out Obama’s people had asked Dodd to change his amendment to allow the bonuses. The stimulus bills that were first approved by the House and Senate had a provision that disallowed the bonuses. When House Democrats, appointed by Hoyer who is the majority leader, met with Senate Democrats to rectify differences between the House version and the Senate version of the two bills, the Dodd amendment was changed to allow the bonuses.

Does anyone believe Hoyer was unaware of the changes taking place in the House version of the bill by his conference committee? Hoyer claims he didn’t know.

The next day Hoyer, the majority leader, was calling for a vote and passage of the revised stimulus bill over the objections from every Republican who claimed there was no time to read the revised bill. Hoyer lead the charge and the bill was pushed through the House and Senate quickly.

Hoyer’s office continues to say the Congressman did not know about the Dodd amendment. Even if that is true, they have yet to explain to the American people how Hoyer could lead the Democrats to vote for legislation which apparently neither he nor anyone else in Congress had read. And how he could let a handful of appointed Congressman negotiate a trillion dollar spending package without even briefing him on the outcome.

At worst Hoyer knew all along and was trying to cover himself with his March 16th press release, at best the majority leader lead the Democrats and the Nation down an outrageous path without performing his due diligence. We are outraged at the AIG bonuses with taxpayer dollars, we are also outraged at Hoyer for letting it happen.

Be Considerate To The Other Driver I would like to address these comments to those drivers who get angry when they get behind a slower moving vehicle who (gasp) may possibly even be going less than the speed limit.

This is especially for those who have a large vehicle. There is a reason for the slow speed.

Possibly there is a thick fog, rain, ices a curve in the road, Amish buggies; animals close by, another car ahead or extreme darkness. Perhaps it is an older person who doesn’t see as well as a teenager. Speed limit does not mean minimum speed. Sometimes I look in my rearview mirror and see a large vehicle gaining on me, and there is no safe place to turn off. My first thought is not, “Maybe I should hurry” but “If I have to make a quick stop, do I want this car to barrel into me at 60mph or 40mph?” Having been the victim of other people’s mistakes in several ac-

cidents, my priority is not to outrun the car, but to save myself from injury. When a car comes up behind me at night and blinds me with their bright lights, it makes it nearly impossible to see the road ahead and this slows me down even more. Believe me, if I could turn off and let that vehicle safely pass, I would, but that is not always possible. Just because we have many roads without heavy traffic, and stop lights, does not mean those roads should be used as a racetrack.

Riding the rear bumper of a car, then cutting that car off as you pass does not make for safe roads for any of us. Giving the car ahead some consideration and more space will make the roads safer for all of us.

JoAnn Depperschmidt Mechanicsville, Md

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Quote Of The Day

Speaks

We confide in our strength, without boasting of it; we respect that of others, without fearing it.

-Thomas Jefferson

James Forrest Helped Make the World a Better Place

By Sean Rice Staff Writer Existence is a fleeing moment; a blink of an eye. And there’s only so much a person can truly hope for in this life: success, family, health … a sense of purpose.

James A. Forrest, 97, passed on Tuesday, while sitting in his favorite reclining chair at home with his wife’s hand on his knee. He departed this world so peacefully that Harriett didn’t know he had left.

“It was God’s way of saying ‘You’ve lived a good and faithful life and you’ve been a good servant, now it’s time to come home,” George Forrest, 70, said Wednesday of his father’s death. “He showed us how to live with dignity and how to die with dignity.”

During his fleeing moment on earth, Mr. Forrest achieved nearly all that a man can hope to accomplish in a single span of a lifetime.

They say history tells the winner’s side of the story. History will remember James Forrest as a man who, while struggling everyday to prepare his children to excel in an unequal world, ended up teaching society a lesson in tolerance.

“He had five children and he wanted their lives to be a better quality than his,” George said of his father’s will.

“He just pushed the fact that regardless of what you look like, you can achieve if you have the skill sets, and you get those from education.”

To say James Forrest valued education is an understatement. He was a pivotal figure in bringing desegregation to St. Mary’s County’s schools in the 1960s.

As part of a task force appointed by the county schools superintendent, Forrest worked to craft the plan the county followed in desegregating.

As a result of that effort, the thengovernor Marvin Mandel appointed Forrest to the newly desegregated school board in 1973. He was the first black member of the board, and served for 10 years.

While on the school board, the county build their first technical high school, which now bears Mr. Forrest’s name.

“Meetings every night,” said Harriett Forrest, James’ wife of nearly 74 years. “He was in everything, every

group he could get into, to try to make a difference.”

Harriett, 93, said, “it was very many nights when he would come home from bell telephone, just take a little shower, and be out again.”

“He didn’t do anything that he didn’t expect us to do,” said George, former county administrator. “He valued education, therefore he forced us to value education whether we wanted to or not.”

Being a stickler for education paid off. All five of his children went to college, as well as all nine grandchildren, and his oldest great-grandchild is also entering college.

“This is a religious community, founded on religious tolerance. My father brought that reality of tolerance, across the board, and that means everything,” George said in an interview with The County Times. “Now my children will have to be prepared to go out into a world that going to judge them on their education qualifications, their ability to do the job, not the color of their skin.”

Harriett said James was strict with his kids, but never him them … that was her job.

“He’d take them out to the woodshed, and they’d come out crying, not from a whipping though,” she said.

“From telling them, ‘you’ve got to be somebody’.”

“My father in his life saw more obstacles than I can even imagine,” George said. “In my teen years, I was about as close to Black Panthers as you want to get, But my father knew and understood that that’s not going to work.

“He used to say to us all the time, ‘you can kick the door down, or you can persuade people to open it and let you in.

And once you get inside you’ve got to prove that you belong there’.”

George truly believes his father made the county a better place to live, though James himself would never admit to being so important.

“Based on the values that my father had instilled on us, and these survival skills, you develop these chameleon-like qualities that allows you to survive in any environment,” George said. “If he jumps on this table and does not turn these multiple colors, he’s somebody’s dinner. But his ability to be able to survive, doesn’t change the fact that he’s a chameleon, it just means he smart enough to know how not to be somebody’s dinner.”

Book Sale Nets $20,000 for Library

By Sean Rice Staff Writer

The annual Friends of the Library book sale earlier this month at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds brought in $19,824, topping last year’s record sales of $17,000.

“The Friends of the Library perform an extraordinary service for our library and our county. Their organization skills and stamina are unparalleled,” said Kathleen Reif, director of St. Mary’s County’s libraries.

Three buildings at the fairgrounds were filled with books, videos and other items during the event March 14-15. Food and drinks were also available.

Every year the friends of the library book sale is a community celebration of the book and reading,” Reif told The County Times. “Thousands of our neighbors go home with boxes of new treasures to read and enjoy.”

The Friends of the Library is an organization of persons interested in libraries who advocate for and support the library as a group and individually. Since 1992, the group has raised more than $150,000 for programs and collections at the coun-

ty’s libraries, Reif said.

“What they have done to highlight the importance of books, reading and the library is priceless,” Reif said of the Friends of the Library. “St. Mary’s County is very fortunate to have this group of such hard workers committed to their library.”

Photo by Pete Himmelheber

Local Conservancy Group Awarded for Oyster Program

By Sean Rice Staff Writer

The Patuxent River chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Maryland was recognized this month for outstanding efforts in 2008 to promote oyster restoration in local tributaries.

The Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Association presented its Joe Penfold Memorial Award for Grassroots Conservation Efforts to local CCA president Scott McGuire during a conference at Hampton, Va. From March 20-22.

“This group of recreational anglers has done outstanding work in reaching out to the community to educate people about the value of marine resources and getting them involved in an oyster restoration activity,” said Jim Heim, president of the writer’s association.

The local CCA chapter adopted oyster restoration as a community service project when the group was formed two years ago. In 2008 the project was 64,000 planted oysters in two creeks feeding the Patuxent River.

In its Hellen Creek project, the chapter worked with 27 local homeowners in placing oysters in floats from their piers. CCA members helped homeowners build floats, fill bags with oysters and attach them to their piers.

Its initial work in Thomas Creek included 31,000 oysters planted in floats at the Thomas Creek Oyster Farm as part of a research project with Virginia Commonwealth University.

After planting the oysters last March, volunteers flipped floats every three weeks during the summer to kill algae growth.

“Chapter members devoted more

than 660 volunteer hours to oyster restoration in 2008,” Scott McGuire, chapter president said in a press release. “While we understand that our efforts will not restore the Bay’s oyster population, we are doing our part in our local area. Plus, we are helping people see the value of these bivalves. A single adult oyster can filter and cleanse up to 50 gallons of water a day.”

The chapter plans to expand its restoration program this summer with support from a $25,000 grant from the Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion Resources, which operates the Cove Point liquefied natural gas facility in Lusby.

“We anticipate working with 250 homeowners this summer on creeks in Calvert County to plant one million spat on shell,” McGuire said.

for the love of

Money

The County Times

The United States consumes more oil than any other country in the World. In 2001, the US consumed as much as the entire European Union and Japan.

The Times Pick 10 Company

WalMart Harley Davidson Best Buy Lockheed Martin BAE Systems Computer Science Corp.

Dyncorp International Inc. General Dynamics Corp.

Mantech International Corp.

Northrop Grunman Corp.

Symbol

WMT HOG BBY LMT BAESF CSC DCP GD MANT NOC

Close 3/25/2009 $51.88 $14.11 $33.46 $68.48 $5.10 $36.72 $13.48 $40.31 $40.32 $43.45

Close 12/31/2008 $56.06 $16.97 $28.11 $84.08 $5.41 $35.14 $15.17 $57.59 $54.19 $45.04

Change

-7.46% -16.85% 19.03% -18.55% -5.73% 4.50% -11.14% -30.01% -25.60% -3.53%

Tom Hodges Auto Sales Expands New Facility Boasts Green Features Tom Hodges Tire, Service Center and Car Wash held its ribbon cutting Feb. 20 and since then this new state of the art complex, located next to Tom Hodges Auto Sales in Hollywood, has featured sales and service of major brand tires, complete mechanical service for cars and trucks and a 24-hour automatic touchless or soft cloth car wash.

The new complex, designed and built by CMI General Contractors, contains many green features, including a clean burn used oil furnace that uses business-generated oil as fuel, aminoplast foam insulation, which does not contain or emit carbon, and a ballasted low-slope roof with “Black” sure-seal classic membranes and two layers of insulation, generally recognized as the best system for this climate zone.

The recycling and reclaim water recovery system in the carwash is odorless and eliminates the need for a sewer by filtering and re-using runoff water from the car wash.

Tom Hodges began his career in the sale of

Thursday, March 26, 2009

cars and trucks at Ken Dixon Chevrolet-Buick in Waldorf at age 18. During his sales career at Ken Dixon he received Buick’s Professional Salesmaster and Chevrolet’s Legion of Leaders awards. In 1987 be was promoted to the position of Used Car Manager at Ken Dixon, a position he held until he opened his own business, Tom Hodges Auto Sales, in 1990. While working as the Used Car Manager at Ken Dixon, he graduated from the general dealership management program of the National Auto Dealers Association (N.A.D.A.).

Tom says he has learned from 29 years of experience in the business that the most important thing is take care of the customer by being honest, giving good service, and providing the right inventory. When businesses live up to those ideals, customers will come back to do business and refer others to those businesses.

He added that most of his sales are from repeat customers and referrals.

(Submitted by James Hodges)

10

un Fact

Census Says People Surging to County; Housing Numbers Don’t Agree

By Sean Rice Staff Writer The U.S. Census Bureau released numbers last week indicating St. Mary’s County has grown at more than twice the rate of Calvert and Charles counties during a one-year period.

The Census estimates say St. Mary’s County’s population increased by 1,316 people, the second-fastest in the state, between July 2007 and July 2008.

For the same time frame the agency estimates Charles County grew by only 595 people and Calvert County by 553 people.

Census press releases state their estimates are based on building permits and other indicators. Actual counts are only conducted once a decade.

While the Census figures are a projection of what population growth might be, a comparison of actual building numbers from Charles and St. Mary’s counties does not revel a correlation that supports the Census’s figures.

According figures obtained by The County Times on the number of building permits and occupancy permits issued in the two counties during a two year period show housing growth rates that indicate more dwelling units opened in Charles

County.

Occupancy permits, or certificates of occupancy, are the final bit of paperwork needed to bring new dwelling units onto the market. Once this last approval is achieved, new tenants or owners can move in.

Building permits on the other hand are issued at the very beginning stages of new construction.

In 2007, St. Mary’s County issued building permits totaling 1,080 dwelling units. In 2008, permits were issued totaling 486 dwelling units The total for two years in St. Mary’s County was 1,566 dwelling units.

In 2007 Charles County saw building permits issued for a total of 795. In 2008, the building permits issued totaled 652 dwelling units.

The total for two years in Charles County was 1,447 dwelling units.

As for occupancy certificates, the total issued in 2007 was 1,147 for Charles County and 861 for St. Mary’s.

The total number of occupancy certificates issued in 2008 was 799 for Charles County and 868 for St. Mary’s.

Totaled together for 2007 and 2008, Charles County issued 1,946 occupancy certificates, while St. Mary’s County issued 1,729.

Occupancy Permits Issued 2007-2008

Census Population Growth Estimates 2007-2008 Charles 395

Charles 1,946

Calvert 553 St. Mary’s 1,729

St. Mary’s 1,316

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Stimulus Funds Bring 14 New Busses to Southern Maryland The Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) approved the use of $5.1 million in federal recovery funds to purchase replacement buses for local transit operations throughout the State. The funding comes from President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“Today’s BPW approval comes less than 30 days after the President signed the recovery bill. It builds on the strong momentum already underway in Maryland to get projects out the door to preserve jobs and address our transportation needs,” Governor Martin O’Malley said March 23.

The Maryland Transit Administration plans to purchase 30 small buses and 19 medium-sized buses.

The vehicles will be provided to local transit systems to replace aging equipment currently in the fleet. Some buses will be used to provide traditional transit service while others will be configured to provide paratransit service.

In Southern Maryland, Charles County is set to receive seven new busses. Calvert County is set for three busses and St. Mary’s County is scheduled to receive four new busses.

More information on Maryland transportation recovery projects can be found at www. marylandtransportation.com. Information on Governor O’Malley’s statewide One Maryland Recovery and Reinvestment Plan can be found at www.recovery.maryland.gov.

11

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The County Times

Defense & Military

info@cherrycove.com

Joint Strike Fighter Tests To Start Here Soon

By Sean Rice Staff Writer

Maj. Joseph T. “O.D.” Bachmann became the first U.S. Marine Corps pilot to fly the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, one of three variants in the Joint Strike Fighter program, also known as the F-35A.

Bachmann departed the runway at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant on the morning of March 19, and flew the aircraft to 15,000 feet, checking handling qualities and engine response before landing one hour and 15 minutes later.

“The plane performed wonderfully,” said Bachmann, one of the team test pilots who will fly the F-35B Lightning II at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River test site, beginning this summer.

The F-35B is a short take-off and vertical landing variant of the jet, which the Marines are scheduled to receive. The jet tested by Bach-

mann March 19, the F-35A, was the conventional take-off and landing model, which the Air Force is set to receive.

The Navy is set to receive the F-35C, and aircraft carrier variant of the jet.

“The U.S. Marine Corps will be getting an aircraft with extraordinary capabilities that is very easy to fly,” Bachmann said in a press release from Lockheed. “Today is another step toward delivery of the first jets to Marines on the front line.”

The F-35 is a supersonic, multirole, 5th generation stealth fighter. A total of three F-35 variants derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide will replace at least 13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially. The jets are expected to join the Marines in 2012.

The F-35 will be the Marines’ first stealth fighter.

“The aircraft and its game-changing capabilities are going to offer Marine and joint force commanders on the front lines the most affordable and technologically advanced fifthgeneration aircraft in the world,” Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lt. Gen. George Trautman told the Marine Corps News.

“We didn’t want something ‘a little better’. We wanted an aircraft that will allow us to leverage technologies that have improved tremendously over the past few years.”

At Cherry Cove, we provide distinctive quality and unparalleled service to exceed expectations with hotel rooms, conference facilities, wedding and event planning, and property management services in Southern Maryland (SOMD), including the PAX (Patuxent) River Naval Air Station area, Lexington Park and Solomons Island.

Making a Difference in the Community.

J.T. DAUGHERTY CONFERENCE CENTER

Saint Mary’s County’s only full-service meeting and event center.

Catering

On & Off-site Liquor License Phone: 301.863.9345 | Fax: 301.863.2637

March Wine Dinner 22111 Three Notch Road • Lexington Park, MD 20653

Wines TBD

Friday, March 27th, 2009 6:30 p.m.

Seafood Cocktail Jumbo Shrimp, Sea Scallops and Lump Crab in an Old Bay Rimmed Martini Glass Atop Mesclun Three Onion Soup Creamy Soup in a Freshly Baked Boule Garnished with Blue Brie Photo by Frank Marquart

A pilot from the U.S. Test Flight School on Naval Air Station Patuxent River conducted an emergency landing Tuesday morning at St. Mary’s County Airport.

Hollywood Volunteer Firefighters and EMS personnel were dispatched to the airport after receiving a report that the plane was having engine troubles and needed to make an emergency landing.

John Romer, public information officer for Patuxent NAS said the pilot make a precautionary landing at the airport. A responding maintenance crew found no problems with the plane and it was flown back to base shortly after landing.

Romer confirmed the plane was a U-6 Beaver, which is a Canadian-made “bushplane” manufactured in the 1960s which has a wide variety of uses to the military.

Md Officials Consider Seizing Land In Bethesda

(AP) _ Maryland is considering seizing land in Bethesda to make room for expanded intersections around the National Naval Medical Center.

The center expects 4,000 more visitors daily when Walter Reed Army Medical Center moves to the Rockville Pike campus, and state leaders are mulling major road improvements to cope with the expected traffic congestion. Nearby homeowners, a Catholic girls school and the National Institutes of Health could lose land in

the process.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., says he plans to ask for $40 million in federal funding for the improvements.

Under a Base Realignment and Closure mandate, the naval medical center will incorporate Walter Reed in 2011.

Phil Alperson, Montgomery County’s BRAC coordinator, says residents who could be affected aren’t pleased with the state’s proposals.

Legume Salad Garbanzo and Kidney Beans Marinated in Olive Oil, Garlic and Fresh Herbs in a Romaine Leaf Cup with Alfalfa Sprouts San Pellegrino Sparkling Water Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Roasted Pistachios and Sausage with a Spicy and Sweet Barbecue Glaze Miniature Individual Cheesecake With White and dark Chocolate Ganache and Raspberry Swirled Crème Anglaise

Lenten and Vegetarian alternatives available upon request

Dinner without Wine $46.95 Dinner with Wine $59.95 Tax & Gratuity Not Included

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

12

Thursday, March 26, 2009

un Fact

The County Times

One gallon of used motor oil can ruin approximately one million gallons of fresh water!

Dr. Hastings to Lecture on Children with Autism

Dr. Richard Hastings, of the University of Bangor, Wales, will visit St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) March 27, to lecture on the topic of the behavioral treatment of children with Autism.

The event will take place at 3:30 p.m. in Goodpaster Hall, Room 195, and is free and open to the public.

This lecture is sponsored by the Lecture and Fine Arts, the psychology and educational studies departments, and the Diversity Series.

For more information, contact Laraine Glidden at 240-895-3094 or lmglidden@smcm.edu.

Leonardtown High School Hosting Book Swap The Leonardtown High School (LHS) Football team will host a Book Swap March 28 at the school site.

In honor of Reading Month (March), the football program is hosting this event to promote reading.

The Book swap is simple; anyone wishing to donate new or used books is encouraged to drop them off at Leonardtown High School between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. March 28. LHS football players will collect the books at the front doors of the school.

Any member of the community wishing to receive free books for themselves or their children is asked to arrive at the LHS Auditorium between 4 and 7 p.m.

Any books not claimed by 7 p.m. will be donated to local libraries and elementary schools throughout the school system.

For more details, contact Anthony Pratley by e-mail at ampratley@smcps.org , or by phone at 301-247-2274.

Know

In The

13

St. Mary’s Teams Sweep Regional DI Tournament Andrea Shiell Staff Writer Schools in St. Mary’s County participated March 21 in the regional tournament for Destination Imagination (DI), an international creative problem solving program which features students working in teams of five to seven to develop solutions to one of six different creative challenges.

This year marks the first time the school system has had such broad representation at the competition, where 16 teams from area schools competed at South River High School in Edgewater against 68 other teams from the region.

“We made such a showing at the regional competition it was amazing,” said Laura Carpenter, SMCPS supervisor of instruction for gifted and talented programs.

Two teams from Leonardtown Elementary School, four teams from Spring Ridge Middle School, one team from Benjamin Banneker Elementary, and one team from George Washington Carver placed at the regional competition and will progress to the state tournament, which

will be held at Towson April 18.

Destination Imagination is being implemented as part of a system-wide effort to expand science, technology, engineering and mechanics skills for students in all area schools, funded by a STEM grant initiative supported by U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer.

Though students met to battle out creative problem solving, Carpenter said this competition was unlike most others.

“This is different in that there were a series of problems in the challenge…and each one tests their problem solving, teamwork, and creativity,” she said. “It does kind of transcend the typical tournament where it’s just math or just science because they have to use skills from every subject and do it creatively.”

Carpenter said money from the STEM grant will continue to fund competitions next year, and she hopes to see more teams from St. Mary’s County compete.

“We hope to have at least two teams from every elementary and middle school there,” she said, “and we really want to see this grow.”

Education

School Bus Collision Sends Students to Hospital

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a motor vehicle collision which occurred on March 25, 2009 at approximately 8:35 am at the intersection of Aster Road and Maryland Route 5 in Callaway, Maryland. Preliminary investigation reveals that the first vehicle, a 2003 International School Bus, was pulling out of Aster Road to travel southbound on Route 5.

The second vehicle, a 2000 Ford truck, was traveling northbound on Route 5. The driver of first vehicle failed to yield the right of way causing the second vehicle to collide with the first.

The school bus was in route to Piney Point Elementary School and was occupied by 18 students and the bus driver. Three students were transported to St. Mary’s Hospital via ambulance. The driver of the second vehicle was transported to Prince George’s Shock Trauma via Maryland State Police helicopter Trooper 7. The operator of the first vehicle was 39 year- old Michael Anthony Benjamin from Lexington Park, Maryland. The driver of the second vehicle was 48 year-old David Aristides Schuhart from Lusby, Maryland.

MSDE Releases New Physical Therapy Guide

From left to right: Hunter Sparks, Hannah Wolfe, Nala Lewis, Colin Maher, Brandon Maher, and Roma Kankaria. Photo courtesy of Laura M. Carpenter.

SMCM Hosting Earth Hour

St. Mary’s College of Maryland votes for Earth March 28.

From 8:30 – 9:30 p.m., an expected 100 percent of the campus community will switch off their power in a symbolic vote against global warming.

Part of a world-wide initiative called Earth Hour, citizens throughout 80 countries are participating in an act that will be presented at the 2009 Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen which will determine whether or not officials will take real action against global warming. Last year, 50 million people world-wide switched off their power in support of turning around damage created by global warming. This year’s goal is one billion supporters.

For more information on the movement, visit http://www.earthhour.org/.

Maryland Kindergarteners Entering School Better Prepared

Children entering kindergarten in Maryland continue to improve their preparation for the rigors of the classroom, according to a new report by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

“Children Entering School Ready to Learn—School Readiness Information for School Year 2008-2009,” a report by MSDE’s Division of Early Childhood Development, revealed steady progress in all demographic subgroups.

Maryland students entering kindergarten fully prepared for learning increased by 5 percent from 2008 to 2009, up to 73 percent. That is up 24 percentage points since the baseline year of 2001.

“All young children have the potential to be active learners, and a great start before they enter the kindergarten classroom sets the stage,” said Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools.

“This has been a high priority for parents and the Maryland State Department of Education. We are pleased with the progress taking place.”

The annual MSDE study reflects assessment information on kindergartners’ readiness levels in social and personal areas, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social

studies, the arts, physical development, and health.

Kindergarten readiness has improved significantly since all early care programs were brought under MSDE in 2005. Since the Division of Early Childhood Development was established, the number of accredited childcare programs has grown significantly and MSDE has established several quality initiatives to improve the early learning opportunities for all children.

Also significant has been the reduction in the achievement gap between students of different ethnicities. For example, African American children have made dramatic strides since the initial report in 2001, rising 32 percentage points overall and narrowing the gap with their with peers from 19 points in 2001 to 9 points in 2009.

The MSDE study found improvement across demographic categories in the percentage of student ready for kindergarten work, including a 22 point increase in language and literacy, a 31 percentage point increase in school readiness for low income children, and a 17 point increase in students deemed fully ready for kindergarten.

The Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services, in collaboration with the Maryland State Steering Committee for Occupational and Physical Therapy School-based Programs, is releasing a new practice guide.

“The Occupational and Physical Therapy Early Intervention and School-based Practices in Maryland, a Guide to Practice,” provides valuable information for administrators and practitioners regarding ‘best practices’ in the provision of school-based occupational and physical therapy services for children and youth with disabilities.

The effectiveness of occupational and physical therapy services is based on appropriate assessment, and evaluation, measurable outcomes, and data-driven decisions which provides children and youth with disabilities improved access and participation in their natural roles, routines, and environments.

The guidance provided in this publication will assist administrators and school-based Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams in making service delivery decisions, appropriate to the needs of individual students, with more consistency throughout the State.

Crime&

The County Times

Punishment Potts Sentenced To 40 Years For Killing

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Mother’s Fiancé

Nicholas T. Potts III, the man found guilty in January of brutally killing his mother’s fiancé at the old Bay District Volunteer Fire Department in 2006, was sentenced to 40 years in prison last week, but Circuit Court Judge C. Clarke Raley left open the option of his eventual release.

Judge Raley recommended that Potts be allowed into the Patuxent Institute program, which is designed to help rehabilitate offenders in preparation to go back into mainstream society.

This, Judge Raley did over the many objections of family and friends of the victim, Augustus Choporis.

A letter to Judge Raley, from George Choporis, the victim’s brother, read by his wife Sherrie Choporis, pleaded with Raley to give Potts at life sentence without the possibility of parole.

“I hope Nicholas goes away forever,” the letter read.

The victim’s mother, Joanne Choporis, said her son’s brutal murder was “something I’ll never get over.”

The killing occurred June 11 almost three years ago when Potts attacked Choporis with a golf club and then stabbed him with a knife more than 50 times.

All this happened during an apparent argument between the two while Choporis was helping Potts remove some of his belongings from the fire station that night.

Potts, who had been a well-known and respected fire-

fighter at the station, had begun to exhibit negative changes in his behavior after sustaining severe trauma to his head in several vehicle accidents.

Potts has since been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and his defense team argued at his trial that his mental state contributed to his actions, but he was not able to actually plan to kill Choporis.

The jury, however, found Potts did premeditate the killing and found him guilty of both first and second degree murder.

While the victim’s family members portrayed him as friendly and loving, with a passion for taking care of stray cats, those who supported Potts said they knew a man who heaped abuse on Potts and berated him.

James Tanavage, the prosecutor who pushed for a life sentence for Potts, said the 40-year sentence was fair.

“There were a lot of mitigating circumstances,” Tanavage said, alluding to Potts’ mental state at the time of the murder.

Tanavage said under Maryland law, Potts would be eligible for parole only if approved by the governor, since his crime was first degree-murder, and only after he had served a significant portion of his sentence.

As to Potts’ alleged mistreatment at the hands of Choporis, Tanavage said it made no difference.

“None of it excused the action… what Mr. Potts did,” Tanavage said.

Jury Finds Car Jacker Not Guilty Of Murder

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

common sense.”

Fritz said that the sight of Brown-Santos’ .25 caliber pistol as he told Gurley to move over and give the defendant control of the car that summer day would’ve implanted in the victim’s mind that he was in mortal danger.

“It scared him,” Fritz argued.

“What’s in your mind? He’s going to kill me.”

A man accused of carjacking a 75-year-old heart patient from a dentists office parking lot in Leonardtown last year was found not guilty of first-degree and second-degree murder Wednesday after a two-day trial.

While the defendant avoided blame for the murder charges, he was found guilty of armed robbery, armed carjacking, kidnapping, and the use of a handgun in the commission of a felony.

State’s Attorney Richard Fritz argued through expert testimony that when Stephen Brown-Santos brandished a gun at Billy Gene Gurley June 20 that the victim’s weak heart could not stand the fright, and after being driven to the back of a hardware store in Leonardtown to rob him, he later died.

John Getz, the defendant’s attorney, however, argued that Gurley, who according to medical records had smoked oneand-a-half to two packs of cigarettes a day for 50 years, was in such precarious health that anything Stephen Brown-Santos might have caused his death.

According to police reports “None of us can tell you to Gurley was left in his car at the check your brains at the front shopping center by Brown-Sandoor of the court house,” Fritz tos the day of the robbery and the told the jury in Judge C. Clarke victim went back to the parking Raley’s courtroom. “We have lot of the dentists office.

Eventually he was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital where he died shortly thereafter of a heart attack.

Getz argued, however, that Gurley had earlier that same day bought a heavy propane tank that the victim should not have been lifting against doctor’s orders.

Getz, who theorized that the heavy activity might have caused the death, said that medical testimony during the trial showed that physical activity could have a delayed affect on the heart.

Shortly after Gurley’s death, detectives with the county Bureau of Criminal Investigations stated that they searched Brown-Santos’ home on information received from a confidential witness and found the gun and a class ring the defendant had allegedly taken from Gurley and given to his girlfriend.

In Brown-Santos’ statement taken by police he said he realized that the man he had carjacked was old and frail and he said he tried to come him as he drove him the shopping center.

“Mr. Brown-Santos knew he got into something he should not have …”

Getz said of his client. “All the while he was telling Gurley that everything was going to be alright.

“He does not deserve to found guilty of Mr. Gurley’s death.”

Thursday, March 26, 2009

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Briefs Police Arrest Man For Ballroom Assault On March 20, deputies responded to the Crystal Room in Callaway for a reported fight in progress. Upon arrival, deputies met Joshua Alan Moore, 19 of Mechanicsville who was in the parking lot. Moore was allegedly intoxicated and belligerent, screaming and yelling, which attracted the attention of others in the area. Moore refused several requests from deputies to quiet down and was arrested. Further investigation into the fight call revealed Moore had allegedly assaulted another customer by pushing the victim in the face with his hand and stepping on the victim’s foot hard enough to cause it to bleed.

Police: Knives, Possible Drugs Found On Suspect On March 21, deputies were conducting a patrol check of the Fox Chase apartment complex in Great Mills when Sgt. Morley observed a passenger vehicle enter the parking lot and a male approach the vehicle. The vehicle quickly sped away when the driver noticed Morley’s marked patrol vehicle. The male, who attempted to contact the passenger vehicle, was identified as Zachary Micah Sawyer, 18, of Lexington Park. Sawyer was reportedly nervous and refused to keep his hands out of his pockets as deputies spoke with him. For the officers’ safety, a frisk of Sawyer’s person was conducted. As a result of the frisk, Sawyer was allegedly found to be in possession of two large folding knives and controlled dangerous substances suspected to be marijuana and cocaine.

Sawyer was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of controlled dangerous substances.

Ex-sheriff’s Deputy Arrested For Assault On March 21 a victim/citizen entered the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to report she was assaulted by David Adam Goff, 34 of Lexington Park two different times on March 19. The victim reported she and Goff were engaged in a verbal dispute at a residence in Lexington Park, which escalated into an assault when Goff allegedly pushed the victim to the floor causing her to injure her foot. Goff also allegedly kicked the victim and grabbed her by the hair. An application for a statement of charges was completed and an arrest warrant issued for Goff. On March 22, Goff was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center.

Two Charged With Burglary, Assault And Drug Possession On March 22, Deputy First Class Keith Moritz began an investigation into a purse reported stolen from a residence on Hermanville Road in Lexington Park. Moritz responded to the residence and upon his arrival observed a parked vehicle with its parking lights on facing the street. The vehicle was occupied by a female who reportedly became very nervous when contacted by Moritz. Moritz heard loud voices from the residence. Alvin Lugman Jordan, 28, and Kenneth Craig Bowman, 44, both of Clements, exited the residence. Moritz obtained their identification and contacted the occupant of the residence who stated Jordan and Bowman forced their way into the residence and assaulted him. Jordan and Bowman were arrested. On the ground next to where Jordan and Bowman were standing at the time of the arrest was a plastic baggie containing suspected percocet, which had not been there during Moritz’s initial contact with Jordan and Bowman. Jordan and Bowman were charged with first, third and fourth degree burglary, second-degree assault and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Woman Killed In Car Wreck St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputies are investigating a crash in Oakville Monday that killed one driver and injured another at the intersection of Clover Hill Road and Route 235.

According to police press releases the collision occurred at 8:45 a.m. on Three Notch Road when a 2006 Honda Civic driven by Lindsey Rudolph, 29, of Lexington Park veered into the southbound traffic lanes and struck a 2005 Ford E 350 driven by Donald Matlock, 29, of Mechanicsville.

Rudolph was killed as a result of the crash while Matlock was taken via ambulance to St. Mary’s Hospital.

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The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

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The County Times

Lt. Lawrence H. Hite, 50 Lt. Lawrence H. Hite, 50, of Mechanicsville died March 17 in his residence in Mechanicsville.

He was born in Trenton, N.J. Dec. 31, 1958 to Dorothy Hite of Beverly Hills, Fla., and the late Douglas Hite.

Lawrence served during the last 22 years as a Lieutenant for the Patuxent River NAS Police Department and served previously in the U.S. Navy from 1978 to 1985. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles Fan; loved to travel to the mountains, go hiking, fishing, and relaxing around a campfire. He also loved guitar playing and golfing.

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife Jeanne M. Hite of Mechanicsville, whom he married Nov. 28, 1992; four daughters, Naomi Glaze of Pensacola, Fla., Susan Crutchfield of Pittsburgh, Pa., Kimberly Fricker of Ft. Lewis, Wash. and Amber Joy Crutchfield of Bonifay, Fla.; and five grandchildren, Kalyn, Kendrick, Kailee, Katerina, and Taylor Anne.

He is also survived by his siblings, Terry Hern of Mesa, Ariz., Gayle Stewart, and Sharon Warburton, both of Beverly Hills, Fla. He was preceded in death by his brother John Hite.

Family will receive friends for Lawrence’s Life Celebration March 26 at 11 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown, where a processional will follow afterwards to the Patuxent River NAS, MWR Beach House for a wake reception. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Association: 115 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com.

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

Mazie Elizabeth (Pilkerton) Jones, 95 Mazie Elizabeth (Pilkerton) Jones, 95 of California, Md. died March 22 in Hollywood, Md. Born May 6, 1913 in Pearson, she was the daughter of the late James Woodley and Maggie Velma Wallace Pilkerton. She was the loving wife of the late John Hilary Jones whom she married Sept. 22, 1929 in St. John’s Catholic Church, Hollywood.

She is survived by her children, Ann E. Poe of Callaway, Jean F. Ashley of Hollywood, Md. and Kitty M. Lee of Mechanicsville; siblings, Mary Archer of Hollywood, Md., Margaret Mosher of Town Creek and Billye McGaharn of Leonardtown;

30 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and many many great-great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her children Mary Lou O’Dell, James L. Jones and John W. Jones and siblings John “Blackie” Pilkerton, Franklin “Dink” Pilkerton, Joseph “Pank” Pilkerton and George “Buck” Pilkerton.

Mazie was a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident where she worked as a sales clerk at Kings for 15 years.

The family received friends March 25 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated March 26 at 11 a.m. in St. John’s Catholic Church, Hollywood, with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bobby Albert, Billy Albert, Randy Crocker, Floyd Ashley, Stevie McGee and Ronnie McGee. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s County, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and/or Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636.

To send a condolence to the family please visit our website at www. mgfh.com.

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

James Frank Largen, Jr., 51 James Frank Largen, Jr., 51, of Leonardtown died March 17 in his residence.

Born July 4, 1957 in La Plata, he was the son of James Frank Sr., and Anna May Williams Largen of Leonardtown.

In addition to his parents, he is also survived by his siblings, Patricia Ann Largen of Leonardtown, Ronnie Lee Largen, Sr. of California, and Alice Hester of Waldorf; his niece Tabitha Wathen of Bryantown, his nephews Ronnie Lee Largen, Jr., of Wayson’s Corner, and Jeremy Louis Largen of Waldorf as well as three great nephews and two great nieces.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Shirley Ann Largen and Michael Anthony “Tony” Largen.

The family received friends March 19 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 7 p.m. A funeral service was held March 20 at 10 a.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel with Fr. Keith Woods officiating. Interment followed in Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf. Pallbearers were John Horsman, Junior Williams Sr., Junior Williams Jr., Donald Largen, Douglas Lada and Brian Williams. Honorary pallbearers were Brandon Pickeral and Robert Bassford.

To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home,

P.A.

James Abell Longmore, Jr., 65 James Abell Longmore, Jr., 65, of Lexington Park, formerly of Leonardtown, passed away peacefully in his home March 16.

He is survived by and was married to the love of his life, Mary Ann (Weiland) Longmore, for over thirtynine years. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Katie (Raley) Longmore, and his five sisters Rose Marie Weiland, Elsie Sullivan, Mary Lou Frain, Elizabeth Longmore, and Marian Bowser. He had three grandchildren, Zachary, Bella and Gabrielle, who affectionately knew him as “Pop Pop.” He was preceded in by death by his parents, James Abell Longmore, Sr. and Rose Theresa Longmore, and his brother, William Leonard Longmore.

Abell is a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, living most of his sixty-five years in Leonardtown. Together with Mary Ann, he formerly owned and operated the Ben Franklin “five and dime” and variety store in Leonardtown, which was a family owned business originally operated by his parents and other family members. This business served as a central retail center in the Leonardtown area for many years and was a place where Abell met, conversed and counseled with countless friends and strangers over the years.

Abell served his country with honor in Viet Nam. While in this service, he was a medic who provided aid to his fellow servicemen and women as well as many others who were injured during the war. After his return from Viet Nam, Abell informally counseled many of his friends and others who had also been to Viet Nam. Abell loved St. Mary’s County and was active in his community. He was involved in many political campaigns and loved to be on the campaign trail mostly because of how many people he got to meet. He was a charter member of the Leonardtown Rescue Squad and previously served as its Chief and President. He was active in many other boards and organizations over the years, including Walden Sierra, Inc.; the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce; St. Mary’s County Nursing Center; St. Mary’s County Parks and Recreation; Christmas in April of St. Mary’s; the SMECO Election and Credential Committee; the Leonardtown Lions Club; and Tri-County Group Homes, Inc. Abell was the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce’s “Businessperson of the Year” in 1987 and was the St. Mary’s County Democratic Club’s “Democrat of the Year” in 2006.

Later in life, Abell suffered with many physical ailments, but did not allow those to alter his kind spirit or his desire to help others. Abell began volunteering with Hospice of St. Mary’s and almost immediately this work became his passion. He spent countless hours counseling and befriending both individuals who were close to

Thursday, March 26, 2009

death and their families. He traveled day and night all over the County when needed and was touched deeply by each of his patients.

Most of all, Abell loved to spend time with his family. These special times included trips to Ocean City with Mary Ann, performing one of his many “projects” around the house with his son Chris, and just talking for hours over a dinner or cookout with Mary Ann, Chris, Katie and his grandchildren. Abell had a strong faith, and used this as his guide in all of the work he did for others and for the unconditional love he shared with his friends and family.

Family received friends for Abell’s Life Celebration March 19 from 5 – 8 p.m. in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 20 at 10 a.m. in St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Interment followed in Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery, Lexington Park.

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

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

Michael Rayfield Mugg, 53 Michael Rayfield Mugg, 53, of Woodbridge, Va., and formerly of St. Mary’s County, died Feb. 25 in Potomac Hospital, Woodbridge, Va. from lung cancer.

Born Aug. 9, 1955 in St. Mary’s County, he was the son of Louise P. Mugg of Woodbridge, and the late John Phillip Mugg.

In addition to his parents, he is also survived by his siblings, Pamela L. Mugg, Rhonda P. Mugg, Paula T. Mugg, Joan B. Mugg and Byron P. Mugg, all of Woodbridge, Va., Ronald Thomas and Leo Mugg, both of Lexington Park and John A. Mugg of Washington, D.C. Michael was also survived by two aunts, Mary C. Kane of Leonardtown and Lucille Berry of Callaway; brothers-in-law Francis Jones of Waldorf and Walter Fleming, Jr. of Woodbridge, Va.; Godchildren, Raymond Brewer III, Corey Kane and Shelly Kane, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister Gertrude Jones.

As a child, Michael lived with his grandparents James and Agnes Mugg in Leonardtown. In the mid 1960’s he moved to Palmer Park in Landover with his parents. He attended Banneker Elementary before moving. He had a smile that would light a room right up and could keep people in a conversation for hours and hours.

Michael was a member of New Faith Ministries where he ministered to a host of individuals seeking comfort and blessings to carry them through their discomforts at that time. We all know Michael is in God’s house now because he had walked the path to God’s house for a long time.

The family received family and friends at the Mountcastle Funeral Home in Dale City, Va. March 1. A

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Life Celebration Service was held March 3 in All Saint’s Episcopal Church. Interment was at Stonewall Memory Gardens, Manassas, Va.

Laura Violet Purcell, 91 Laura Violet Purcell, 91, of Tall Timbers died March 19 in her home under Hospice Care.

Born May 31, 1917 in Hermanville, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Fannie Mae Shorter.

She was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, a homemaker and was employed by the St. Mary’s Board of Education as a food service worker for 18 years.

She was a faithful parishioner at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Valley Lee, serving on the Altar Guild and was a member of the ECW. Her many interests included gardening (she loved flowers), bird watching and reading. She also enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at many family gatherings.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Johnson of Waldorf, Lanette Cowles and husband John of Valley Lee, Darlene Guy and husband Joe of Waldorf, Joseph Purcell Jr. and wife Sharon of Ridge, Margaret Cook of Hollywood, Md.; son-in-law Stephen Cook of Lexington Park; Wanda Lukasik and husband Rick of Hollywood, Md.; brothers, Andrew Shorter and wife Mary Jane of Towson, Albert Shorter and wife Mary Lou of Leonardtown and Charles Shorter and wife Margaret of Broomes Island.

She had 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph M.Purcell Sr.; sisters, Rose Saunders, Mae T. Thomas, Alice Henderson; brothers, John, Tom and Richard Shorter; grandson, Gary Johnson and son-in-law, Stan Johnson.

Family received friends March 23 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown. Prayers were recited at 7 p.m. A Funeral Service was held March 24 at 11 a.m. in St. George’s Episcopal Church, Valley Lee by the Reverend Greg Syler. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Joseph Purcell III, Ricky Lukasik, James Tharp, Tommy Deagle, Lyn Henderson, and Robert Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers were Stephen Cook, Larry Johnson and Cora McVey. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD_ 20650 or to St. George’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 30, Valley Lee, MD_ 20692.

Condolences to the family maybe made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

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

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Thursday, March 26, 2009

Robert Walter Raley, 82 Robert Walter Raley, 82, of Leonardtown passed away March 18 in St. Mary’s Hospital.

Born Aug. 11, 1926 in Dameron, he was the son of the late William C. and Nettie Marie Raley.

Mr. Raley graduated from St. Michael’s school in 1944. He owned and drove non public-school buses for close to 50 years, where he drove for St. Michael’s, Little Flower, St. Mary’s Ryken and Leonard Hall schools.

Robert enjoyed driving the bus for so many children in the area, driving them on field trips and rewarding them for their good behavior. A large part of his life was his farming of the “Home Place” in Dameron with his Farmall tractors, and he was a member of the Farm Bureau and St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He loved the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Orioles. He will always be remembered for his dedication to selling chances for the “Big Bucks,” getting donations for the St. Michael’s School Auction and selling candy bars for the school.

Robert thought the world of his grand boys.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Raley was preceded in death by his wife Anita “Betty” Cullison Raley and sisters, Dorothy Mae Raley and Margurite Stone; brother-in-law Eddie Ray Cullison and sisters-in-law Sister Marie Francis Cullison and Carolyn Clarke.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Carol Marie Cusick Lowmiller of California, Md.; grandchildren, Kris and David Cusick and Robert “Dylan” Lowmiller; siblings, William Ross, J. Francis Raley, (Patsy) and Audrey Norton, all of Ridge; sister and brothers-in law, sister Mary Rita Cullison, Jack Cullison, (Frances Ann), Joe Pat Cullison, (Dorothy Ann) and Mary Ann Cullison Rymer Family received friends March 22 from 2 – 5 p.m. in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ridge, where prayers were recited at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated March 23 at 10 a.m. with Monsignor Maurice O’Connell officiating.

Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Raymond, Keith, Bruce and Dan Raley, Clint Yost and Wade Cullison.

Honorary pallbearers were Donald Stone, Sr., Don Stone, Tom Trossbach, Larry Norton, Joe Greer and Jack Cullison.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD and/or Monsignor John Peacock Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 429, Ridge, MD 20680, or Ridge Vol. Rescue Sq., P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680

Barbara Ann Roberts, 72 Barbara Ann Roberts, 72, of Hollywood, Md., died Feb. 26 in St.

The County Times

Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown.

She was born in New York, New York July 23, 1936 to the late Alphonso J. Raymond and Ruth Marie (Kroger) Raymond.

Barbara was a member of the 4H club and a life long gardener.

She is survived by her loving husband Arthur Leon Roberts, whom she married July 27, 1963 in Washington, D.C; three children, Arthur (Rob) Roberts of Hollywood, Md., Scott Roberts of Gilbert, Ariz., and Julia Mullins of Mechanicsville; son-in-law Greg Mullins and daughter-in-law Dilia Wood. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Amber Noel Pittock, and Cheyanne Bremen Lee Roberts; and two sisters, Audrey Ruccio of Georgia and Elizabeth Curtis of Maine.

of Leonardtown died March 22 in Chesapeake Shores Nursing Center in Lexington Park.

Born May 10, 1913 in Drayden, she was the daughter of the late Oliver Burton and Louise Adams Milburn. She was the loving wife of the late Francis Joseph “Frank” Stone, whom she married in St. George’s Catholic Church in Valley Lee Sept.

23, 1944, and who preceded her in death Dec. 22, 1968.

She is survived by her daughter Louise V. VanRyswick of Leonardtown and son Francis M. Stone of Avenue; four grandchildren, Joseph F. Stone, James I. Stone, Susan L. Weathersbee and Julie A. Greenwell and two great-grandchildren, Mason Greenwell and Isabella Stone. She is also survived by her two sisters,

Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated March 26 at 10 a.m. in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, with Fr. William Gurnee officiating. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Bushwood.

Contributions may be made to 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609 and/ or 7th District Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 206, Avenue, MD 20609.

To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.mgfh.com.

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

Family will receive friends and relatives March 28 from 1 – 2 p.m. in Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Inurnment will be private.

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

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

Mary Elizabeth Johnson of Leonardtown and Charolotte A. Bennett of Lusby.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son, James Joseph Stone; brothers Harvey, Stephen, James, Robert, George and Elliott Milburn as well as her sister Delma L. Bennett and her greatgrandson Justin Woods.

Mrs. Stone was a graduate of Great Mills High School’s class of 1932.

The family received friends March 25 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the

Mae Rosaline (Gibson) Thorne, 74

Virginia Milburn Stone, 95 Virginia Milburn Stone, 95,

Mae Rosaline (Gibson) Thorne, 74, of Leonardtown peacefully passed away in her sleep March 22 in her home.

Born July 27, 1934 in Bushwood, Mrs. Thorne was the daughter of the late Thomas Laurie and Essie Mae Owens Gib-

son. Mrs. Thorne lived in Chicago, Ill. and Milwaukee, Wis. before returning to reside in Leonardtown for 45 years. She was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Leonardtown and attended Nazareth College in Nazareth, Ky. for her undergraduate work. She received her master’s degree in British Literature at Marquette University in Milwaukee and did further graduate work At Roosevelt University in Chicago. She taught at St. Michael’s High school in Chicago for four years and also taught at Margaret Brent Middle School, St. Mary’s Academy and Chopticon High school in St. Mary’s County. While at Chopticon, she directed the senior class plays and was a mentor for the Drama Club.

Mrs. Thorne was a member of the choir at Our Lady’s Church in Medley’s Neck for 15 years and was the organist and choir director for 13 of those years. Her hobbies were working crossword puzzles, reading, composing hymns and Christmas carols for the various members of her family and writing Christmas stories for her children when they were young and now for her grandchildren.

Mrs. Thorne is survived by her husband of 41 years, George F. Thorne, Jr.; children, George F. Thorne, III of Denver, Colo., Thomas L. Thorne, ( Dr. Holly Beth Clark), of Salt Lake City, Utah, Rose E. Thorne, (Edward Keegan), of Arlington, Va.; grandchildren, Cassidy R. Clark and Milo T. Thorne; siblings, James H. Gibson, (Sue), of Bushwood, Mary E. (Betty) Williams of Mechanicsville, Helen C. Hewitt of Bushwood, Sophie B. Zimmerman, (Leon) of Bushwood, Professor Aloysius Gibson of Chicago, Ill. and Joseph W. Gibson, (Melanie) of La Plata. She is also survived by a myriad of nieces, nephews, other extended family and devoted friends.

Mrs. Thorne was preceded in by death her brothers Francis DeSales Gibson and Thomas Laurie Gibson, Jr. She will be greatly missed by all.

Family received friends for Mrs. Thorne’s Life Celebration March 25 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home where prayers were recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated March 26 at 10 a.m. in Our Lady’s Catholic Church, Medley’s Neck, with Father Thomas LaHood officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Thorne will be George Thorne, III, Thomas Thorne, Edward Keegan, Lawrence “Jack” Williams, Jr., Tony Laurel and Robert Stancil.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the prolife organization of your choice, and to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown.

The County Times

Green Experiment Empowers Students To Help Save

Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School kicks off Green School Experiment to Educate Students and Families on how to Reduce Waste at School and Home During the month of March 2009 Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School will participate in “Dent Green Week”. This is our effort to join in National Green Week, a national environmental awareness program sponsored by the Green Education Foundation and IXG. Our entire Dent community, including teachers, parents and student, has pledged to bring in waste-free snacks during Dent Green Week, March 19 - 25, 2009. This effort will demonstrate how a school community can measurably address challenging global problems by adopting simple ecofriendly behaviors. In one week, the school plans to reduce the amount of classroom trash by 70%. Teachers will augment the waste-reduction program with environmental activities, projects, and exercises for classbased study and take-home assignments.

During our “Dent Green Week” students in PK through 5th grade reduce the amount of waste that accumulates within our daily lifestyle. We will replicate the success of the William Seach School, Weymouth MA along with over one million children and 2000 schools participating from nearly 35 states.

The goal of National Green Week is to eliminate over 1000 tons of waste, the equivalent weight of 76 school busses and jumpstart a lifelong passion for environmental stewardship.

By participating in “Dent Green Week”, our students will learn that simple decisions such as the selection of waste-free snacks and drinks can combat monumen-

tal environmental problems. Children are in the best position to impact the future of our environment by developing green behaviors that become lifelong habits.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

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Hit a Backyard Triple: Three Projects for Your Next Staycation Your yard is calling you ... can you hear it? It’s crying out for something new this season, something fun and natural that will change the look of the yard.

Brad Staggs, HGTVPro.com and DIY show producer and host, and a licensed contractor, offers three simple projects designed to upgrade the overall look and feel of your yard. “Backyard projects should be nice and simple so the entire family can participate,” says Staggs. “All of these are easy to personalize as well, plus they are made from allnatural wood, which sends a great environmental message.”

Don’t have time to run to the store? Give your family easy access to their five servings of veggies by building a raised garden bed. Plant tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, green beans and more ... your taste buds are your only limitation. With a few easy cuts of wood, a garden bed can be installed and planted in an afternoon.

The outdoor season is coming fast, and you’re thinking of hosting a party on your new wooden deck. But wait -- is there enough seating for everyone? Not a problem if you’ve spent a few hours building a Chattahoochee Chair. Comfortable, durable and constructed of natural materials, this simple wooden chair provides a great place to kick back and watch the world go by. Build more than one and customize them to fit your lifestyle with

Taking Back the Snack

Summer is the time to bare it all, and not just in your swimsuit. Whether you’re at the beach or barbecuing on the patio, try going “au natural,” starting with your snacks. This summer, many Americans are taking back the snack, in a natural and wholesome way.

A survey commissioned by Pepperidge Farm in early 2008 revealed that Americans love to snack and will enjoy their snacks just about anywhere. More than 55 percent say they snack in the car and almost the same amount admit they keep snacks in their desk at work. Six percent even say they give up full meals just to keep snacking.

Fortunately, you can feel good about snacking when it’s done the right way. To help encourage wholesome snacking, celebrity natural food chef, Bethenny Frankel, has partnered with Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals crackers to create several tips that embrace snacking as a part of a balanced lifestyle, as well as simple and delicious recipes to be paired with the new line of snack crackers.

Frankel offers these tips to have snacking be part of a wholesome lifestyle: Get Moving. Whether it’s taking a walk, going for a run or working in the garden, enjoy activities that will energize you. Afterwards, revive with a wholesome and hearty snack. Your body will appreciate you fueling yourself with the best ingredients possible.

Pretzel Thins are a great choice for dipping in honey mustard or topping with melted parmesan cheese.

Loosen Up. It’s the little things that make life fun. Take a few minutes out of your day to share a good laugh and enjoy a snack that makes you feel good.

Kick Back. Our lives can be so hectic -- take a moment every day to unwind with a snack that is inviting and delicious. Wrap Artisan Cheese Snack Sticks in prosciutto. The balance of textures and flavors can keep you going all day long.

favorite paint colors, a college team logo or children’s handprints.

If you want to add life to your lawn and garden, invite nature to be part of it. Building something small and simple -- like a birdhouse -- can often yield the most powerful results. Situate the birdhouse away from family pets (no one likes a big dog barking at their front door, even bluebirds!) and in a quiet corner. Then sit back in your cool new Chattahoochee Chair with a glass of cold ice tea and watch the feathered friends come a-calling!

As with any backyard DIY project, building product selection is important. For all of the above projects, Brad chooses pressure-treated Southern Pine. “It’s a no-brainer to me: pressure-treated Southern Pine is real, it’s genuine and it’s a beautiful product. Add to that the natural, long-lasting, sturdy and safe elements, and you just can’t go wrong. If you’re conscious of your carbon footprint, then wood is your product; it’s one of the only naturally renewable products out there, and it takes remarkably less energy to manufacture than alternative building products. It’s the real thing for real families.”

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The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Dining on the Water

March 28th

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A House is a Home Lush Lawn The spring and summer seasons are popular times for homeowners to put their houses on the real estate market. How do you set yours apart from the rest and help ensure it will sell faster? Estimates from the Professional Landcare Network and real estate agents reveal that landscaping can add up to 15 percent to property value. Creating a lush lawn and vibrant garden are some of the areas on which to focus.

They can help your home appear to be a premium property.

Investments in accent lighting, paving stones and ornamental water features are other touches that can project your home in a positive light. Because maintaining your landscape can be time-consuming work, it could pay to hire a landscaper or lawn service to keep on top of mowing and other maintenance until your

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

20

15 Landscaping Mistakes You certainly want your lawn and garden to look beautiful, but far too often homeowners succumb to making landscaping mistakes. Here are some of the more common gaffes and how to remedy them.

1. Lawn ornament overkill: Putting too many lawn ornaments into your yard can take away from the natural beauty of the landscape. If you want to add a whimsical touch, stick with one or two instead of many.

2. Improper plant locations: The reason garden centers and nurseries put those care tags on plants is so that you will know how to care for the particular plant. You should take into consideration the proper sunlight and exposure your plants will need.

3. Scalping the lawn:It is not true that cutting your lawn short will mean less mowing.

The lawn has different requirements throughout the year. In the cooler weather you can get away with

cutting it shorter so that sunlight can penetrate the soil. In the summer, keep the blades longer to maximize water retention and promote soil shade.

4. Picking the wrong plants: Many people pick plants because they simply look good and not because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be appropriate for their yard.

5. Thinking animals wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother your landscape: Once you plant attractive and delicious flowering plants you could find your yard is the new dining spot for a host of wildlife. Intersperse bitter-tasting flowers with the sweet ones to deter deer. Birds, rabbits, squirrels and other animals may need barriers to keep them out.

6. Pruning willy-nilly: Many plants prosper when pruned. However, over-pruning or doing so the wrong way or at the wrong time can harm a plant. Learn the correct way from books or a gardening center.

Otherwise, it could be better not to prune at all.

7. Too much color: A smattering of color here and there can be too much and distracting when your landscape is viewed. Instead, choose a color palette and stick with a few similar hues.

8. Forgetting the family: An ornate garden certainly looks pretty, but how practical is it for your way of life? If you have kids, you may have

to think about how your property is used and plan your landscape around that.

9. Failing to be safe: Follow the recommendations and warnings on any tools you use for gardening. Always read the instructions and userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual.

10. Grab and go: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to want to buy everything you see at the garden center, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better to go in with a plan and a shopping list. Mixing and matching too many elements in your yard could look sloppy and not well thought out.

11. Poor maintenance: Garden beds generally require weeding and tending once or twice a month. Make sure you have the time to take care of your landscape after you create it. Otherwise, find someone reliable whom you can hire to care for it.

12. Failing to budget: Gardening, just like any hobby, can cost money.

Make a list of what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re willing to spend and stick to it. Otherwise the bills can quickly escalate.

13. One-season landscape: Your landscape should grow and change with the weather. Plan for plantings that bloom or offer color all year

round.

14. Forgetting the day-to-night transition: Of course you want your yard to look great during the day, but what about enjoying it at night? Make sure it is safe and plan for exterior illumination so that you can have many wonderful evenings under the stars.

15. No roadmap: You must have a plan for your landscape. Plot it out on paper, make a list of your materials and costs, run the idea by all those in the household and only then begin.

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21

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The County Times

Sunday, April 5th, 2009 4 pm - 7 pm

1st Annual

Wine and Import Beer Tasting Featuring Wines from Around the World Imported Beer Selection and Light Fare To be held at:

Lenny’s Restaurant

23418 Three Notch Road Hollywood, MD 301-737-0777 (across from Wildwood Shopping center; northbound on Route 235)

All Proceeds Benefit:

Leonard Hall Jr. Naval Academy

301.475.8029 www.lhjna.org

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AND AT THE DOOR $25 per person Must be 21 to attend 50/50 Raffle (tax deductible charitable contribution receipt provided)

Hollywood Graphics And Screen Printing g n i r e ff O W NO • Business T-Shirts • Custom T-Shirts • Banners • Stickers • Graphics/Logos • Vehicle Lettering • ATV & MX Decals

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hgx@hollywoodgrafx.com

m o c . x f a r g d o wo

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

A House is a Home

22

Do Not Do This Before You Buy a Home

By Patrick Dugan Contributing Writer Many times I have heard of real estate deals almost not going through because nobody told the buyers of the home about certain things they should not do. So, I hope this article helps you.

First of all, what seems logical to many does not appear logical to all. So, if you have a contract on a house, it is not a good time to go buy a boat, a car, all new furniture etcâ&#x20AC;Ś Your debt to income ratio is a very important factor in whether or not you get the loan, so please. Do not increase your debt when trying to get a loan.

Credit Cards; this is not the time to pay off and close all your credit cards either. I know it sounds a little confusing but remember a lender is going to also look at your available credit. So if you have three credit cards and each card has a $10,000 limit. That means you have $30,000 in available credit and it looks good to a lender. However if all three cards are maxed out, it means you have no available credit and that looks bad. Also, if you close the accounts, you have no available credit and it still looks bad.

Do not play hide the money either.

If you have many different accounts, and you need to move some money from one account to another make sure you have the documentation on hand. Your lender will be looking at the last 3-6 months of bank statements and if they see large cash deposits and withdrawals they will want to see where the money came from and where it went. Move as little as possible around during the time you are house hunting and waiting for settlement.

How about changing jobs. This is a bad idea usually. However if you stay in

the same field, and you can document a few paychecks sometime before closing the job change will have less effect. If you are changing fields of employment.

If you make a large part of your income through bonus or commission this is really not the time to change jobs. This is certainly not the time to become self employed either.

Please do not pay off any collections or charge offs at this time either.

Believe it or not, by paying off these accounts you are then changing the active date on the account this can have a dramatic impact on your ability to buy the home we found for you. Your lender or you may decide that paying off these accounts is important to get done right away and you may be able to pay them off at settlement. Sometimes even rolling the debt into the mortgage payment may make sense for you.

The main thing to do is to make sure you are dealing with a reputable lender who is going to be available when you call them. I always recommend to my clients to use a local lender, as they are the ones who may run into you at the movies, or when you are out to dinner. They are the ones who must be able to face you and your family after the deal, so they are going to try harder to keep you happy. If you must search for a great Internet mortgage, search for it, and then shop it around locally. See what you can get from a lender who is right here near you. I am sure having the lender close by will benefit you during the process.

If you have any questions about this article or ideaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for others please contact me. You may also contact me to help you start your search for homes to rent, buy or sell. PatrickDugan@ mris.com

23

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Wanderings of an Aimless

d

Min

Yard Sale Fever

By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer The time is almost here when long; Saturday morning caravans begin their predawn bargain hunt. Homeowners start looking around their houses thinking, ”Do I really need that set of 1970’s disco cassettes, or that second set of dishes? This is the time to slip in the exercise machine you bought at a yard sale two years ago. You know, the one they bought at a yard sale two years before you.

Gosh, now that you are selling the exercise bike, where will you hang your husband’s shirts as they come out of the dryer? Maybe

there will be one of those metal clothing racks at one of the sales today.

Now that my youngest son, Ryan is grown and on his own, I no longer have my yard sale partner. Robert, my older son, liked to go sometimes too. I do, still occasionally get a chance to stop on my way to work on Saturdays. It’s that feeling of a treasure hunt that lures people in. You hear stories of found antiquities or hidden money that stay in the back of your mind. But, usually you find the missing casserole to your corning ware or one more funny coffee mug that you have to have.

I bought an entire box of coffee mugs for

Creature Feature Swingin’ in the Treetops

By Theresa Morr Contributing Writer Can you imagine spending most of your life living in trees? Orangutans do. In fact, they are the largest arboreal animals on earth, which means they live high above the ground in treetops.

Swing fling. So what do orangutans do all day? These totally cute relatives of ours have a swingin’ good time, that’s what! The fun-loving shaggy creatures with thick necks, long, strong arms with hook-shaped hands and feet, and short bowed legs spend lots of hours swinging from tree to tree. They do this by grasping branches and vines with those awesome arms, hands and feet, then swinging their bulky bodies across the gap. Whew!

Safety first. Orangutans are cautious, too. They won’t cross over to another tree unless one hand is safely on a branch. But what about the little babies that haven’t yet learned how to swing? No problem. Mama orangutan comes to the rescue. She stretches her big furry body between two trees making herself a living bridge so the little ones can scamper across. Now that’s really cool! Babies stay close to their moms for about eight years.

Crafty creatures. Orangutans don’t stray far from their treetop homes when they’re thirsty. A sip of water collected in tree hollows, on leaves, or even on their own fur will do just fine. They also use smaller leaves as cups to hold water and the larger ones as umbrellas to help keep them dry. And guess what? If you were an orangutan, you could sleep on a fresh “mattress” every night. These

engaging animals are really smart. Each evening, they build a new mattress nest of fronds and twigs, including a “roof” of extra large leaves in case it rains. In fact, scientific studies revealed these humanlike animals are great problem solvers.

Orangutans love fruit and will sit in the forest canopy for hours on end waiting for fruit to appear, and it usually does. Tender leaves and bark, insects, eggs, and small animals are also menu favorites. But in zoos, food such as cabbage, bananas, carrots, yams, along with treats like popcorn, peanut butter, and walnuts are everyday delights. And in case you’re wondering, the word “orangutan” means “man of the forest” in Malay, an Indonesian language.

Endangered species. These shy, solitary animals live in the tropical rain forests on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in the countries of Indonesia and Malaysia. Can you find their home on a map? Hint: Look south of Thailand in Southeast Asia. Orangutans live about 30 to 45 years in the wild and 50 years or more in captivity. Adult males weigh around 200 pounds and females are about half that size.

Sadly, these beautiful creatures are endangered. Their numbers are getting smaller every year because humans are destroying their habitat by cutting down too many trees. Also, baby orangutans are often captured and sold as pets. Some years ago, thousands of these animals were killed and habitats destroyed when huge fires swept through Borneo and Sumatra. To learn more about these special animals, check out this really neat website: www.pbs. org/wnet/nature/orangutans. Comments to kikusan2@verizon.net.

the church a few years ago. We needed something a little more formal than paper cups for our own meetings. It was a great deal - $2.00 for 20 or 25 mugs. There’s nothing like having a serious church meeting, and everyone is drinking out of a mug with the front end of cows and pigs facing them and the rear ends facing everyone else. It’s probably good that the mugs are not the kind that have strange things appear when they heat up.

Ryan and I would get up real early and make a morning of yard saling. We’d map out our main route in the paper, with the unspoken knowledge that adventure could be waiting around any corner. The things we found have left some wonderful memories. Well, the metal coffin was one of the most unusual finds, and we wondered how the people were going to sell that for a long time. I believe a memorable day for Ryan was going to the yard sale at the home where “Socks” the cat lived. It was a great sale and Socks loved the attention.

One of our favorite finds was Squishy Bear.

There was an entire household contents sale at a house by the water, where you had to wait and go through in small groups. I found beautiful antique lace doilies and teacups for me. Ryan looked and looked through all the rooms, and then spied a small, stuffed brown bear with a white snout. Not a Teddy Bear, more of a real shaped bear. That bear became Ryan’s cherished possession for almost a year. He held onto it so tight that I thought he would squish it. As we were leaving, we began a story about Squishy Bear and tape-recorded it that day. It was a sweet story about the little boy who must have loved and left the little bear. I can look up right now and see Squishy Bear between my hatboxes.

Another adventure was actually trying to find the yard sales. When the boys were younger, we lived in the center of the county and weren’t as familiar with some of the larger housing developments. Where I live now is one of those places. Ryan and I drove through here on yard sale hunts at least three times where we never found a yard sale – only the signs. After awhile, we started thinking that people were watching out of their bay windows, laughing hysterically and saying to each other, “Look, we caught another one, ha, ha, ha, it’s that fool woman and her son in that mom mobile again.” We really thought it was a big joke that the whole community was playing on unsuspecting visitors.

There were times we did hit the scavenger jackpot and have a blast. You can really have a good time on $5 or $10 bucks. If you hit the timing just right, you get in the “caravan” I mentioned. There will be four or five bargain hunters who will undoubtedly have mapped out the same route you have. It then becomes a game of who will arrive first. We had a few Saturdays like that. It made the morning even more fun.

I think going to yard sales is a lot more fun than preparing for one. If you are lucky, there won’t be any arguments or tears, or someone putting items back in the house you have just taken out. You’ll know it the first time you go to wash that plate and you find a circular green sticker on the bottom with 25 cents on it. Well, I’m looking around our house now. Anyone needing any 30-year-old Sociology books? How about some ball caps with local logos? I’ll let you know when my sale is, just look for the signs.

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

Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can’t be wrong!

The County Times

CLUES ACROSS 1. No seats available 4. Payment (abbr.)

7. Dash 10. Taxis 12. Artery to the leg 14. Place a load on 15. 1st Chinese dynasty 16. Ukrainian seaport 17. Eurasian mountain goat 18. “Take my wife please” comic 21. Arrived extinct 22. Very important person 23. More bald 25. Dry 27. Ti____: small crowns 28. TV show installments 32. Decalitre 33. WWII uniformed woman 34. Take hold of 35. Of a peaceful nature 39. After a prayer 41. An open skin infection 42. Semites 43. Cleopatra killer 44. Vietnam Vet. Mem. architect

Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

ner

KiddKioer

Thursday, March 26, 2009

45. The 12th state 52. Bird confiner 53. Greece 54. Secular not spiritual 56. Not tame 57. Half of 99362 58. Torso appendages 59. Brewed beverage 60. Female deer 61. 23rd Greek letter

CLUES DOWN

1. Austrian Monetary unit (abbr.)

2. Unthinking boldness 3. Off-Broadway theater award 4. Any game activity 5. Venus de ____ 6. Giant armadillo 7. Musgoi or Kola 8. Arabian gulf 9. An evil spell 11. Actress Dee 12. 8th month, Jewish calendar 13. Tent fabric

24

14. Clear 19. No No No 20. British unemployment cheque 23. Bleats 24. City in Provence 26. Cygnus star 28. Female sheep 29. Crony 30. Extremely cold 31. Without (French) 36. Bellowed 37. Formerly (archaic) 38. A son of your sister 39. Fleshy seed cover 40. Philippine capital 42. Shad genus 45. Brad 46. Stare at 47. Clothed 48. Quick tempo (abbr.)

49. Abnormal breathing 50. No. Am. Reading Program 51. Directs at a target 52. Wausau airport code 55. #1 TV series 04-08

25

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

un Astronauts cannot burp in space.

Fact

Community

Mother County Celebrates Maryland’s 375th Birthday, Charm City Style

By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

Photo By Andrea Shiell

Francis Jack Russell and Debra Pence cut the cake at Maryland Day.

The sky was gray but the weather remained calm as county officials and history enthusiasts gathered at St. Clement’s Island Museum to celebrate Maryland’s 375th birthday on Wednesday, which was also the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Maryland Day at the site.

Several dignitaries were present at the day’s festivities, including County Commissioners Francis Jack Russell, Lawrence Jarboe, Thomas Mattingly, and Daniel Raley, School Superintendent Michael Martirano, Board of Education Chairman William Mattingly, Leonardtown Mayor J. Harry Norris, and Sheriff Timothy Cameron. Also present were Jim Cooney, Deputy for the Knights of Columbus (District 29), members of the Museum Division Board of Trustees, and Debra Pence, Division Manager for St. Clement’s Island Museum.

Dr. Julia King, Associate Professor of Anthropology for St. Mary’s College of Maryland served as the keynote speaker for the event, recalling the story of the first Maryland colonists and their legacy. “Something profound happened from the time those ships landed here in March 1634,” she said, adding that her experience as an anthropologist had led her to many remnants of the culture that began flourishing in Maryland after the first colonists arrived, many of which could be readily seen in places like St. Clement’s Island and Historic St. Mary’s City.

“There really is no substitute for seeing the fragments of past worlds in our modern world,” said

River Riders Kayaking Opens River Riders, the Greenwell Foundation’s inclusive and accessible kayaking program, opens for the season on April 1. River Riders offers kayak rentals, lessons, summer camps, and guided trips on the Patuxent River.

Rentals, lessons, trips and kayak camp are open to people of all abilities. River Riders has a wheelchair-accessible (ADAcompliant) floating kayak and canoe launch. The launch is open to the public during regular park hours (sunrise to sunset). River Riders is in session from April 1 through October.

Additionally, River Riders will hold an open house during Greenwell’s Sundays in the Park program scheduled for April 12 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Knott Lodge. Stop by to see some of the new kayaks and register for kayak lessons, camps and guided trips.

For more information, please call 301-373-9775 or visit www. greenwellfoundation.org

King, “you can see it for yourself as you drive away from here and pass the landmarks…you can see it in the names in your phone book.”

Commissioner Mattingly echoed some of King’s statements as he talked about how the area’s focus had been on Washington D.C. for many years, “but we really didn’t talk much about where Maryland began in St. Mary’s County. We’re beginning to tell that story now,” he said.

“We tried to get the Dove here, and we tried to get a flyover from Pax River, but we couldn’t arrange it,” said Pence when asked about this year’s program.

Nevertheless, the celebration did include food and wine from Blue Wind Gourmet, a custom “Celebrate 375” ice cream blend from Bruster’s, and a lavish $2,500 cake (plus an $800 delivery fee) from Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, for which she chose the design. The cake was paid for and donated to the Friends of St. Clement’s Island and Piney Point Museums by a donor who wished to remain anonymous.

“We had to take all the elements that were important this year,” said Pence, nodding and smiling at the three-tiered hand-painted pumpkin-spice creation from Baltimore’s famous “Ace of Cakes” behind her, which offered a fitting finale to the day’s event. “It’s got to be the county, it’s got to be St. Clement’s, and it’s got to be Maryland’s 375th,” she said, laughing.

Call Our Leasing Office For Details 301-737-0737 Apartments of Wildewood

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Call For More Information Bella Bailey Marketing & Leasing MGR.

WildeRidge Apartments

23314 Surrey Way • California, Maryland 20619 Fax: 301-737-0853 • leasing@apartmentsofwildewood.com

Cuisine

The County Times

& More

On The Menu

Today in St. Mary’s County we have many wonderful options for dining out. Each week we will feature a local restaurant and give our readers an overview of what they can enjoy on the menu at each location.

Bon Appétit!

Crabby Rick’s Serving up Southern Maryland Specialties Along a stretch of route 5 peppered with crab shacks and other fine seafood, it can be quite a task deciding where to have lunch, but passionate seafood fans can look forward to a great selection of Southern Maryland favorites at Crabby Rick’s.

Crabby Rick’s is a local establishment in the heart of Mechanicsville featuring some of the area’s finest crabs and oysters, all served with a smile in a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

Owners Richard and Rebecca Pilkerton opened this gem in Spring 2008, and since then they’ve been churning out house specialties like their famous cream of crab soup, stuffed rockfish, and Rick’s signature dish, baked Crabby Rick’s oysters on the half-shell with crab imperial and sauce.

The menu boasts a large selection of lunch specials from $4.95 to $6.95, lunch sandwiches from $2.95 to $6.95, and delicious seafood baskets and entrees from $7.95 to $17.95, as well as breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and omelets from $1.95 to $5.95. Patrons can also look forward to outdoor oyster and crab feasts featuring the area’s freshest local fare starting this summer.

Store hours are 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday-Friday, and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturdays. Breakfast is served daily from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Orders are available for dine-in and carryout.

For more about Crabby Rick’s, visit them Photo by Andrea Shiell online at www.CrabbyRicks.com, or call Toronda Parker and Richard Pilkerton serve 301-884-4235. up seafood specialties at Crabby Rick’s in Mechanicsville.

On The Vine

Lindemans Australian Wines www.lindemans.com

In 1840 Dr. Henry J. Lindeman left his home in London to start a new life in Australia and pursue his interest in winemaking. In 1843 he planted his first vineyard on 330 acres called Cawarra. From the beginning Dr. Lindeman’s philosophy was to craft wines for everyday enjoyment; “The one purpose of wine is to bring happiness.” Today Lindemans can be enjoyed throughout the world with over 1,000,000 bottles sold each week.

The heart and soul of Lindemans wines is the Bin range. Featuring Bin 75 Riesling with mandarin and citrus flavors, Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc with herb and tropical flavors, Bin 65 Chardonnay with pineapple, melon and peach, Bin 50 Shiraz with berry, licorice and spice, Bin 40 Merlot with plum and spice and Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon with cherry and berry flavors.

All of these fine wines combine easily with foods to deliver maximum enjoyment for less than $9.00 per bottle. The hallmark of the Bin range is outstanding consistency and quality.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

26

Healthy Bites Marinade Makes a Great Grilled Chicken Sandwich

By J.M. HIRSCH AP Food Editor The goal was a juicy and flavorful grilled chicken breast sandwich that doesn’t require a trip for takeout.

The problem was that chicken breasts are naturally lean. And while a lack of fat may be good for our hearts, it isn’t all that great for keeping chicken breasts tender and moist, especially on a grill or in a grill pan.

The solution? A quick and

Recipe

intensely flavorful marinade.

The acid in this marinade (in the form of cider vinegar, but lemon or lime juice would be good, too) not only adds tons of flavor, it also tenderizes the meat.

The way the chicken breast is cut helps, too. By cutting the breast crosswise into two thin halves, the meat cooks more quickly. Less time on the heat means less time to dry out.

And just to leave a margin of error, a ``special sauce’’ of mayonnaise and mango chutney is slathered on the bun. A condiment this good helps mask dry chicken in the event you let it cook too long.

GRILLED CHICKEN CHUTNEY SANDWICH

Start to finish: 30 minutes 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast 2 hamburger buns 2 thick slices red onion 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tablespoon mango chutney 4 to 6 leaves bibb lettuce 2 thick slices tomato In a medium zip-close plastic bag, combine 1 tablespoon of the oil, the vinegar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, ginger and paprika. Gently shake the bag to mix, then set aside.

Carefully cut the chicken breast lengthwise through the center to create 2 thin halves.

Place the chicken in the bag with the marinade, seal the bag and shake to ensure the meat is coated. Set aside for 15 minutes.

Split the burger buns in half. Use the remaining tablespoon of oil to lightly coat the cut sides of each bun, as well as both sides of each onion slice. Remove the chicken from the marinade; discard

Servings: 2

the marinade.

Heat a grill pan over medium-high. Lightly coat the pan with cooking spray, then add the onion slices and chicken. Grill until there are prominent marks on the bottoms, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Carefully flip the onions and the chicken. Reduce heat to medium, cover the pan and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until cooked through and an instant read thermometer inserted at the center of the chicken reads 165 F. Transfer the chicken and onions to a plate. Cover and set aside.

Place the buns in the grill pan, cut side down, and toast for 1 to 2 minutes.

To assemble the sandwiches, in a small bowl or cup mix together the mayonnaise and chutney. Spread half of the mixture over the bottom half of each bun. Top each with lettuce, tomato and 1 piece of chicken. Finish with 1 slice of onion and the top half of the bun.

Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 393 calories; 133 calories from fat; 15 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 57 mg cholesterol; 36 g carbohydrate; 28 g protein; 4 g fiber; 915 mg sodium.

27

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Business Directory

Deadlines for Classifieds are Tuesday at 12 pm.

To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: classifieds@countytimes.net or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The County Times is published each Thursday.

Classifieds Real Estate

Don’t spend what you don’t have! www.ProfessorMoneyWise.com

(301) 997-8271

Charming like new 3 bedroom, 2 bath, rambler with cozy living room and country kitchen, nice level yard in a quiet water privileged community. (Woods at Bayside) Wonderfull starter home priced at 219,900 with closing assistance. (Selling fee paid to agents.)

Call 301-904-0345 (Will consider renting for 1,100 a month, must have good credit). Price: $219,900.

Apartment Rentals Newly remodeled rambler in quiet subdivision. 1.5 acre lot, mini barn and gazebo on premises. heat pump/ central air, newly remodeled kitchen, all new paint and carpet. No pets. 301 994 1255. Price: $1100.

Spring Valley Apartments Heating & Air Conditioning “THE HEAT PUMP PEOPLE”

Log and Custom Homes, Home Improvement, Sheds, Farm Structures, Tree Removal, Excavation, Demolition, Hauling, Commercial and Residential

30457 Potomac Way Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 Phone: 301-884-5011

Est. 1982

Lic #12999

MHIC: 98388

46533 Valley Court 301-863-2239 (p) 301-863-6905 (f) springvalley@hrehllc.com Two bedrooms available 805-1103 Sq. ft. $938-$992 One 1 BR Available One 3 BR Available

Specials:

2 bdrm: $789 3 bdrm: $999 Free Application Fee

Help Wanted

Wednesday:

301-737-0777

Spaghetti Night

699 Adult • $399 8 & Under

$

Wildewood Shop. Ctr., California, MD www.petruzzis.com 301-866-0777

Prime Rib • Seafood • Sunday Brunch Banquet & Meeting Facilities 23418 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 www.lennys.net

Smiley Faces ELC is seeking a Infant Qualified Director to work 12-6 Mon thru Friday. Please call Ms. Pam the Centers Owner or Apply within. Located @ 20 Sheckells Road, Huntingtown. 410-535-4299.

Vehicles CORVETTES WANTED! Any year, any condition. Cash buyer. 1-800-369-6148.

General Merchandise

Estate Auction March 28th 9am Charles County Fairgrounds (2 miles south of La Plata on rt 301)

Another Fantastic Auction...

The place is packed full of great antiques & collectables

Room The The TeaTeaRoom Open Daily Open Daily

- 4:00 p.m.

11:0011:00 a.m.a.m.

- 4:00 p.m.

(301) 475-1980

First Fridays Dinner Special 5pm - 8pm leonardtowntearoom@gmail.com

26005 Point Lookout Road (Rt 5) Leonardtown MD, 20650

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The County Times

The Family that Plays Together Martin Family Band to Play in St. Mary’s

By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

Thursday, March 26, 2009

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Movie Review: “Knowing”

By Christy Lemire AP Movie Critic

The story goes that the Martin Family Band started playing together at home as a family activity, but it wasn’t long before they were taking requests for their blend of old-time Irish folk music, and playing as the informal “house band” at Mt. Vernon plantation.

Since then the band has performed locally at the Roots Music and Arts Festival, Historic Garden Week, and the Potomac Celtic Festival, and has appeared overseas at the Ulster American Folk Park, the Cork Dulcimer Festival in Ireland, and the Star Club in Glasgow, Scotland.

Now they’ll be bringing their unique blend of tunes to St. Mary’s County for a performance sponsored by Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance, and it seems fair to say that each family member has left their mark on more than one set of ears, with father Carl playing mandolin and tenor banjo, and wife Jeanean on the hammered dulcimer, guitar, and vocals. The kids include Lydia on 5-string banjo, guitar and piano, Emily on mandolin, tenor banjo, and lap dulcimer, and Claude on the fiddle.

“Music has brought us closer together as a family,” said Emily Martin, “my parents had played music since before we were born and encouraged us to try out any instrument we liked,” she said, adding that “they never pushed us, so playing music remained a fun activity and not a ‘chore.’”

All the while this “fun activity” has helped this jet setting family go places as performers, though the family dynamic admittedly brings with it its own unique set of challenges.

“Playing in a band can be extremely challenging,” said Emily, “ and playing in a band with your FAMILY can be even more challenging. The same boundaries a normal band of

friends have are non-existent…since we don’t have to keep polite, respectful boundaries, for better or worse, we say exactly what we are thinking when we think it, and are not afraid to criticize each other.”

Emily added that though arguments would flair up occasionally, the upside has been that “it enables us to be aware of problems faster, come to agreements in a more timely manner, so we can focus on what’s really important: Sharing our music, and having fun doing it.”

The Martin Family Band will be playing at Christ Church Hall on Zach Fowler Road in Chaptico at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27.

Admission is $10 for non-members, and $8 for members.

To find out more about the band, and upcoming events with Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance, visit them online at http://www.smtmd.org.

ry’s a M

“Knowing” is an early contender for worst movie of the year, if only because it takes itself so seriously and its ambitions are so high.

Pity, too, because it begins with an intriguing premise.

Nicolas Cage stars as MIT astrophysics professor John Koestler, the widower father of 10-year-old Caleb (Chandler Canterbury). When Caleb and his classmates examine the contents of a time capsule that students at his elementary school buried 50 years earlier, the boy discovers a sealed letter containing row after row of jumbled numbers.

Being a scientist, Dad wonders whether there’s a pattern to them, and in a whiskey-infused stupor realizes the message accurately predicts the date, coordinates and number of dead in every major disaster since 1959; the Oklahoma City bombing, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, you name it. That’s sufficiently creepy alone, until John looks closer and finds there are still a few events to come.

He tracks down Diana (Rose Byrne), the grown-up daughter of the little girl who originally scribbled those numbers who’s now the mother of a girl about Caleb’s age (Lara Robinson), hoping for clues to prevent the ultimate catastrophe that lies ahead.

And here’s where things literally go off the rails.

Cage underplays it for about the first half, until he suddenly rejects his stoic visage in favor of eye-bulging screaming and flailing. Similarly, director Alex Proyas (“The Crow”, “I, Robot”) goes from an eerie, atmospheric mood to an insufferable onslaught, with obviously fake CGI effects and a deafening, bombastic score.

An early plane crash

has its startling moments, but a New York subway accident later on looks distractingly artificial.

Written by Ryne Pearson, Juliet Snowden and Stiles White, “Knowing” raises some thought-provoking, philosophical questions about randomness vs. determination, only to abandon them for biblical mumbo-jumbo and cheap scares. Byrne gets especially shaky and shrill as the film approaches one of its many climaxes; it’s as if she and Cage are in a contest to see who can shriek the loudest.

As the threat of the apocalypse draws closer, the level of ridiculousness gets pumped up to unintentionally hilarious levels. Mysterious black rocks appear everywhere, the sign of something that’s never quite clear. Caleb and Diana’s daughter, Abby, start hearing the same sorts of whispers that tormented Diana’s mother a half-century earlier (also played by Robinson), only they’re not freaked out about them.

Then a group of odd dudes who look like an albino boy band seem to show up out of nowhere, everywhere, to pester these kids.

And so it’s not even remotely terrifying when John screams, “How am I supposed to stop the end of the world?!”

It’s just laugh-out-loud funny.

Surely Kirk Cameron, star of so many the-end-is-nigh movies, would know what to do.

St.

Show T ime Get Ou t&

Have Fu n Right Now Pla Here in ying St. Mar y’s Coun ty!

AMC Loews, Shows and Rating Pro vided

By Yahoo E ntertainmen t. Check L ocal Listing s For Show Times.

Lexington Park 6, (301) 862-5010 The Haunting in Connecticut PG-13, 92 min Starts on Fri, Mar 27

I Love You, Man R, 110 min

Knowing PG-13, 122 min

Last House on the Left, The R, 109 min

Monsters vs. Aliens PG, 94 min Starts on Fri, Mar 27

Race to Witch Mountain PG, 99 min

Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail PG-13, 103 min

Watchmen R, 163 min

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The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Thursday, March 26 Maryland, My Maryland Exhibit

North End Gallery (Leonardtown) – 11 a.m.

BBQ Pork Dinner

VFW Post 2632 (California) – 5:30 p.m.

Annual Benefit Dinner (Care Net Pregnancy Center) Hollywood VFD Social Hall – 6 p.m.

Chopticon High School Musical – “Alice in Wonderland”

Chopticon High School Auditorium – 6 p.m.

Ladies Night

Country Store Bar (Leonardtown) – 7 – 9 p.m.

Deep Stack Hold’Em Tournament

Donovan’s Irish Pub (California) – 7:30 p.m.

Newtowne Players – “Sylvia”

Three Notch Theater (Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.

Cello – Piano Recital

Auerbach Auditorium (SMCM) – 8 p.m.

Friday, March 27 Maryland, My Maryland Exhibit

North End Gallery (Leonardtown) – 11 a.m.

Fair Warning Irish Pub Band Donovan’s Irish Pub – 5 p.m.

Special Olympics No Limit Hold’Em

Bennett Building (24930 Old Three Notch Road, Hollywood) – 7 p.m.

Martin Family at

Nuttin Fancy band

BMX Opening Day

Christ Church Hall (Zach Fowler Rd, Chaptico) – 7:30 p.m.

St. Mary’s Ryken Spring Gala

Deep Stack Texas Hold’Em

Patuxent Playhouse – “The Nerd”

Too Many Mikes

Holy Angels Church Annual Seafood Dinner

Homespun Coffee House

St. John Vianney Family Life Theater (Prince Frederick) – 8 p.m.

Newtowne Players – “Sylvia”

Three Notch Theater (Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.

Chopticon High School Musical – “Alice in Wonderland”

Chopticon High School Auditorium – 7 p.m.

Reading Group

Free Market Economics Reading Group will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Dunkin Donuts on Three Notch Road in California, MD to discuss “Economics In One Lesson”

by Henry Hazlitt. For more information, call 301-994-0074.

Siren Drill at SMCM

From 1:10-1:20 p.m., St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) will conduct an emergency communications test and siren drill on the campus. The sirens were installed in June 2008 with the purpose of alerting the campus community to potential weather and security-related threats. One siren is located on the top of the Athletics and Recreation Center, and the other is on the roof of the Campus Center. The test includes various methods of communicating to the campus community, including the siren alert, a scroll message at the bottom of all campus televisions, an automated voice message on telephones, a message on the college’s home page, and a mass e-mail.

Those on or near the college campus are advised to go to these sources of information for answers to their questions so that the Public Safety phone lines are left open for the most critical emergency communications.

Saturday, March 28 Taste of Solomons

Calvert Marine Museum – 10 a.m.

Barbershop Extravaganza

CSM Fine Arts Center (La Plata) – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

n O g n i Go

What’s

Dew Drop Inn (Hollywood) – 3 p.m.

SOMDBMX Track (Chaptico Park) – 1 p.m.

Hollywood VFD Social Hall – 6 p.m.

Country Store Bar (Leonardtown) – 9 p.m.

After the Crash

Cryer’s Back Road Inn (Leonardtown) – 9 p.m.

Spaghetti Dinner

The Chopticon High School Band Boosters will be hosting a spaghetti dinner on March 28th from 4-7pm. The dinner will be held between the 2pm and 7pm performances of Alice In Wonderland.

The cast will be available for pictures from 45pm. The cost is $8.00 for age 13 and over, $5.00 for 5-12 and Free for 4 and under.

Spring Craft Fair

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Valley Lee Fire House Valley Lee, MD Sponsored by: 2nd District Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad Auxiliary For more information contact: 301-994-9185

Sunday, March 29 Maryland Day Celebration Historic St. Mary’s City – 10 a.m.

Donovan’s Irish Pub – 4 p.m.

Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., we will be serving a delicious Seafood Dinner. Served buffet style -- all you can eat! Adults - $23.00; Children (12 to 6) - $8.00; and Children (5 & under) - Free. Carry Outs available at $21.00 each. Advanced tickets are also available for $21.00 each until March 25th.

There will be Delicious Homemade Desserts and a Craft Table! Cash Raffle Prizes. Holy Angels Church is located at 21340 Colton Point Road (Rt. 242) in Avenue, Maryland. For more information or to purchase advanced tickets, please call the rectory at 301-769-3332.

Monday, March 30 Revival

St. Peter Claver Catholic Church St. Inigoes, Md Will Be Having A Revival On Mon. Mar. 30 Thru Wed. Apr. 1 Guess Speaker Will Be Pastor Richard Lane. Light Dinner @5:45 - 6:45 p.m.

Revival Starting @ 7 p.m. Call 301-872-5460.

Lenten Seafood Dinners Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located on Three Notch Road in Lexington Park will host its annual Lenten Seafood Dinners beginning Friday February 27th – April 3rd, from 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Carryout will be available. Prices will range form $7 - $14. Children meals available – children under three eat FREE. For more information call 301-863-8144.

Lenten Seafood Dinners @ The Knights Of St. Jerome’s Hall Dameron, Md from now thru April 3 11 a.m.. To 7 p.m.

Dine-In Or Carry Out Orders For More Info. Call: 301-872-4566

LIBRARY ANNOUNCEMENTS Authors to present programs

The public will have the opportunity to meet two authors: Ginjer Clarke on April 6 at all three libraries and Jeff Yeager on April 15 at Leonardtown.

Ginjer Clarke, this year’s BooksAlive! Author, specializes in writing nonfiction children’s books about extreme and unusual animals. She will read from her books and discuss the research involved in writing her books. The programs will be at 10 a.m. at Charlotte Hall, 2 p.m. at Lexington Park and 6:30 p.m. at Leonardtown on April 6. These free programs are funded by The Boeing Company. Book signing follows each program with books available for purchase.

Humorous Jeff Yeager, the Ultimate Cheapskate as he was dubbed by Matt Lauer

of the Today Show, will present ways to live better on less at a free program on April 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Leonardtown.

His book, The Ultimate Cheapskate’s Road Map to True Riches, will be available for purchase.

Teens invited to book/media swap and free movie matinee

Middle school students and older are invited to a book and media swap at Leonardtown Library on March 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Teens can trade books, CDs, DVDs and games with other teens and watch a PG-rated movie.

Snacks will be provided.

This free event is sponsored by the library’s TAG (Teen Advisory Group).

Families invited to free movies

Lexington Park’s TAG will sponsor a free family movie matinee today from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. A PGrated movie will be shown.

Snacks will be provided.

A family movie showing will be offered on April 8 at Lexington Park at 2 p.m. and on April 9 at Leonardtown at 2 p.m. and Charlotte Hall at 5 p.m. PG-rated movies will be shown. Snacks will be provided.

Evening Story times planned

An evening story time is planned for families on April 1 at Lexington Park and on April 2 at Charlotte Hall and Leonardtown. All three-story times start at 6:30 p.m.

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

THROW BORING OVERBOARD

301-866-0850 21591 Great Mills Rd Lexington Park, MD 20653

A&W Only

301-994-9439 20815 Callaway Village # 9 Callaway, MD 20620

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3

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Newsmakers

Question Interview Second District Establishes New Optimist Club

Interviewing: Thomas Cummings

Thomas Cummings has lived in St. Mary’s County for the last eight years, working as a message therapist. He was kind enough to tell the County Times about some of the tricks of his trade.

CT: What got you interested in message therapy?

TC: Well I remember hanging out with my girlfriend years ago when we were in school together, and I would always rub her shoulders and her feet after she’d had a really stressful day, and one day she said I should do it professionally since I was so good at it. And oddly enough it made perfect sense to me, so then I started looking into getting my license. I guess I’ve always enjoyed making people more comfortable, and this ended up being a meal ticket for me.

CT: What has been your strangest experience with a customer?

TC: (Laughing) Depends on what you consider strange! No, I haven’t had clients make passes at me or anything, if that’s what you mean. But I do house visits, and one time I did have this client invite a bunch of her friends over for a “spa day” at her place, and they insisted on giving me a facial. I went along with it, but really I don’t know how girls handle putting all that stuff on their face. It felt mighty weird to me.

CT: You are a private message therapist with your own list of clients. What kind of challenges do you encounter when trying to attract customers?

TC: Well the first thing people want to see, I think, is that you’re qualified, but if you aren’t working at a country club or an athletic club then sometimes people can get a little suspicious of your abilities. But I always explain to them how intense the licensing process is here in Maryland, and how technical the material was that I had to study to get my certification. And then when that doesn’t work, I just rub their shoulders until they hire me. It never fails.

By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer Members of area Optimist clubs gathered March 20 in Bear Creek BBQ in Callaway to celebrate the club’s newest charter, the Optimist Club of Tall Timbers Second District, the area’s first club in 15 years.

“This club wanted to be a club the moment they came in,” said Toni Long, President of the Third District Optimist Club, as she nodded to all the occupied tables around her. Members of the Optimist Club of Compton Third District were there to kick-off the newest charter and to welcome Don Seivers, President of Optimist Club International, as he helped usher in the new club and its 44 charter members.

“It’s the first time he’s ever been to St. Mary’s County, and the first time he’s chartered a club in Maryland, so we’re very proud to have him here,” Long said.

Seivers said the mission of the club still lies at the heart of its newest charter.

“The point is to spread some help to some of the children in the world today that need a club like this,” he said, adding that the club would help usher in programs like Shop with a Cop and Project

Photo By Andrea Shiell

Optimist Club International President Don Seivers with Commissioner Kenneth Dement.

Grad to serve the needs of the second election district’s youth.

Seivers smiled when asked about his visit to St. Mary’s County.

“I come from a small town in Missouri with 12,000 people, very much like this area…so I’ve really enjoyed my time

here,” he said.

Seivers said his own club headquarters in St. Louis was chartered in 1919, and has since grown to 3,050 clubs in 40 nations around the world, with more than 150,000 members.

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The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

32

A Journey Through Time The

Chronicle

Columnist Linda Reno placed aboard the “Fairfield” that aris a historian and genealogist rived in Norfolk December 1, 1835. specializing in Southern Maryland While aboard the “Fairfield” he met Midshipman John H. Sherburne. history. Mrs. Reno is a member of For reasons unknown, the two the St. Mary’s County Historical Society, quickly became enemies.

St. Mary’s County Genealogical Society, Upon their arrival in Virginia, Key challenged SherCharles County Genealogical Society, burne to a duel but local auMaryland Historical Society, and the thorities had it stopped. Key reMaryland Genealogical Society. She turned to Washington announcing to all that Sherburne had rehas authored many books and fused to duel and was a coward. articles on local history. We hope Sherburne arrived in Washington you will enjoy these articles and in June and was soon made aware welcome your comments and of Key’s pronouncements. Determined to put an end to this, once and suggestions for future for all, he asked Thomas Mattingly* to subjects. serve as his second and make arrangements

By Linda Reno Contributing Writer Last week we talked about Francis Scott Key and the writing of the Star Spangled Banner. This week and next we’ll talk about the tragic deaths of two of his sons.

Daniel Murray Key was born June 9, 1816 in Washington, D.C. He entered the U.S. Navy as a midshipman and was assigned to the frigate “Brandywine” which went on assignment in the Pacific. Trouble followed and he was arrested for insubordination. At Valparaiso, Chile he was

for the duel. On June 26, 1836 Mattingly met with Daniel.

Mattingly later said, “We were alone in the room. I at once mentioned that I had called, as the friend of Mr. Sherburne to make arrangements to close the unsettled difficulty between him and Mr. Sherburne….He then said, ‘Sherburne is a scoundrel, and I will not meet him.’ I then observed that I was not there to discuss Mr. Sherburne’s character, that I wanted him to say at once, and finally, whether he meant to meet Mr. Sherburne or no. He was very much agitated at the time, and asked me ‘to allow him a few minutes to collect himself.’ Some four or five minutes having passed, he said he would fight Mr. Sher-

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burne, ‘provided it was done immediately.’ I then asked him if one hour from that time would suit him. He remarked that he would ‘have to provide himself with a friend.’ I then named 6 o’clock P.M., (same day,) and it was understood. I then suggested Good Hope Tavern as the place for the meeting…

“Mr. Sherburne, accompanied by Dr. James Comb [Combs] (who is still a resident of Washington) and myself, were first at the appointed place. Mr. Key, accompanied by his friend, Mr. R. West, of Prince George’s county, Md., came up about half past six. As soon as the gentlemen rode up, I took Mr. West aside, and proposed that we would try and settle the affair without a resort to arms. Mr. Key being a little distance, but within hearing, remarked to Mr. West, ‘that it was useless to waste time talking about it.’ Mr. West then said, ‘we have come here to fight, not to talk, and the sooner it is over the better.’

“I then said we would at once select the ground, and proceeded to do so, in [the] meadow field near by. The distance (ten short paces) was measured off. Mr. West had choice of pistols. I had procured a very fine pair of the Hon. Henry A. Wise, present Governor of Virginia. They were loaded. Mr. Key and Mr. Sherburne took their stands. Mr. West gave the word. Both fired at the same instant, and both escaped untouched.

“As soon as Mr. Key saw that Mr. Sherburne was unhurt, he, in a loud and exciting

Photo courtesy of Tim Abbott

manner, said, ‘where did my ball go to? G-- d-- it, load up quick, and let us have another shot.’ I now again proposed to Mr. West that we should stop the fight, feeling satisfied that the affair could be honorably adjusted without further resort to weapons.

He made the same reply that was given to my first proposition to try and avoid bloodshed, ‘We are here to fight, and not to talk.’ It was no twilight. Pistol went again loaded. Mr. Key and Mr. Sherburne took their stands. I gave the word. Both fired at the same instant. Mr. Sherburne escaped unhurt; Mr. Key fell, shot through the lower part of the chest, the ball entering the right and lodging under the skin of the opposite side. He lived about twenty minutes, and died upon the spot where he fell.”

Daniel’s parents had no idea that any of this was going on and would learn of the death of their son when his body arrived at their home in a wagon. *Dr. Thomas Mattingly was born in 1820.

He was the son of Edward Mattingly and Ann Knott, natives of St. Mary’s County. By 1846 Thomas moved to Florence, Alabama. During the Civil War, he served as a Captain in the 1st Battalion, Alabama Artillery as a surgeon. He died before 1870 and three of his four children were sent to Washington and raised by his sister, Lucinda Mattingly.

Man Paints Antique Scene at Md. Gas Station HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) _ A public artist in Hagerstown seeks to fool the eye and evoke nostalgia through small paintings of historic scenes or objects like an antique, green Eco Tireflator air pump on North Potomac Avenue.

Todd Groesbeck painted the image of an air pump on a piece of steel before mounting it at the gas station _ where such an air pump might have been decades ago. ``A lot people ... will pull up to this gas station thinking it’s a real air pump, but it’s not,’’ Groesbeck said to the Martinsburg, W. Va. Historic Preservation Review Commission in early March. He’s seeking permission to paint historic scenes in downtown Martinsburg as well.

The paintings Groesbeck creates are always less than 12 inches by 12 inches and show how a building was used in its history or a certain, memorable architectural feature.

Dan Hall, the chairman of the Main Street Martinsburg design committee, said the town would use Groesbeck’s works to market the town and especially to promote its downtown history.

Groesbeck adds that the images could be an attraction for people to walk around in the downtown area of Hagerstown and Martinsburg so they can get to know the towns’ histories. ``It does bring the community up,’’ Groesbeck said, based on his experiences with other communities’ public artists.

He’s a Web developer who received a bachelor’s degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and he’s not charging for his work to paint the miniature murals. ``It can’t hurt me, I figure, for people to see my artwork,’’ Groesbeck said of his project, titled Traces of History.

Another incentive for towns to approve Groesbeck’s proposal is a new twist on geocaching, the GPS-based game where people hide and seek containers buried underground or in other hard-to-find places. He said his images could serve as treasurers geocachers look for. ``There’s a lot of people that come to the area looking for geocaches,’’ Groesbeck said. ``Geocaches in this area tend to be very historical _ people might look for a gravestone or it could be anything.’’

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Thursday, March 26, 2009

&

Recreation Parks The County Times

First-Ever Late Model Winner Opens New Era at Potomac Speedway

By Doug Watson Contributing Writer Last Friday night Southern Maryland’s Potomac Speedway kicked off its 36th season with its first five-division program of 2009.

In the headlining 40-lap Cody Endicott memorial for the super late models, Greencastle Pa.’s DJ Myers took his first-career super late model feature win at the fabled southern Maryland oval.

Defending track champion David Williams and teen sensation Austin Hubbard brought the 26-car starting field to the initial waving of the green flag. Williams flexed his muscle early as he took the top spot on lap one. However, Williams lead would be short lived as third starting DJ Myers slid by Williams to take the race lead on lap-five. A caution on lap-11 changed the complexion of the event. As Myers led the field down to the green flag, he jumped the start and was docked 2-spots, handing the lead back to David Williams. The next 14 circuits belonged to Williams until Myers made what would be the winning pass on lap-26. As Myers led effortlessly, a lap-38 caution gave Williams one

Photos by James Antone, www.ant-1photography.com

Tommy Wagner holds the checkered flag after winning the limited late model race Friday night.

Also pictured are other highlights from the first night of racing at Potomac Speedway.

more shot at the win, but Myers was not to be denied and drove off to the $2000 payday.

“I’ve been able to win at 9 or 10 different tracks throughout my career, but never at Potomac, and it feels really good to be here.”

Myers commented fro victory lane. “This is a brand new (PPM Chassis) race car and it was good all night long.” Myers said. “We plan on taking it to Williams Grove next Friday night.”

The lap-11 penalty might have cost Myers a shot at the win. “Well, a rule is a rule.” Myers stated. “I as a driver made a mistake and jumped the start and I applaud the track for sticking with the rules.

Fortunately we were able to come back and win the race.”

David Williams hung on for second, Delaware invader Ross Robinson collected third, 22nd starting Jamie Lathroum was fourth and 14th-starting Daryl Hills completed the top-five. Heats

for the 27 cars on hand went to Williams, Myers and Austin Hubbard.

In the 25-lap limited late model event, defending track champion Tommy Wagner Jr. made a statement as he took the opening day feature win. Wagner took the lead from Paul Cursey on lap-2 and would lead the remaining 24-laps to score the very popular win. Ninth starting Derrick Quade came home second, Cursey settled for third, Ed Pope was fourth and Pat Wood filled the top-five.

The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

34

Pax River Silver Stars Looking For Players

The Pax River Silver Stars AAU girls’ basketball team seeks players for the 14 and 15 years old and under and 16 years old and under teams. If interested, contact Savannah Webb at (home) 301-737-1792 or (cell) 301-247-3152, or via e-mail savweb@msn.com.

River Riders Kayaking Opens April 1 at Greenwell State Park River Riders, the Greenwell Foundation’s inclusive and accessible kayaking program, opens for the season April 1. River Riders offers kayak rentals, lessons, summer camps, and guided trips on the Patuxent River.

Rentals, lessons, trips and kayak camp are open to people of all abilities. River Riders has a wheelchair-accessible (ADA-compliant) floating kayak and canoe launch. The launch is open to the public during regular park hours

(sunrise to sunset). River Riders is in session from April 1 through October.

Additionally, River Riders will hold an open house during Greenwell’s Sundays in the Park program scheduled for April 12 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Knott Lodge. Stop by to see some of the new kayaks and register for kayak lessons, camps and guided trips.

For more information, please call 301-3739775 or visit www.greenwellfoundation.org

Captain’s Meeting for 2009 USTA Adult Leagues Monday, March 30, 6 p.m. at Nicoletti’s Restaurant, California.

Those interested in being a Captain in the 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0 men’s or women’s Leagues, should attend. Tennis play-

ers are also invited to attend.

Play is scheduled to start in early May. For more information, contact Liem Slade at 301-481-2305 or e-mail her at mlslade@md.metrocast.net.

Agenda: 2009 USTA

Rules Local League rules changes for 2009 Players selections, draft or returning teams, location of play, date and times, league schedule, constraints Fees, USTA and local (courts, balls).

Jets Travel Team Seeking Lacrosse Players For Tryouts The Jets Elite Travel Lacrosse Team will be conducting tryouts from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 29 at Dorsey Park in Hollywood.

Tryouts are open to all girls’ lacrosse play-

ers currently in eighth, ninth and 10th grades.

For more information, go to www. jetslax.com or contact Ken McIlhenny at 301-994-1893.

High School Scores Friday March 20th

Softball St. Mary’s Ryken 9, St. Vincenti Pallotti 0

Boys’ Lacrosse Patuxent 4, Chopticon 2 Northern 21, Great Mills 3

Monday March 23rd

Softball Leonardtown 9, Great Mills 4

Baseball Chopticon 3, Great Mills 2 Paul VI 5, St. Mary’s Ryken 0

Saturday March 21st

Softball St. Mary’s Ryken 8, Paul VI 2

Baseball St. John’s 12, St. Mary’s Ryken 5 Boys’ Lacrosse Huntington 10, Great Mills 6 Girls’ Lacrosse St. Mary’s Ryken 15, Calvert 2

Tuesday March 24th Boys’ Lacrosse Great Mills 11, Calvert 8 St. Mary’s Ryken 13, Bishop O’Connell 6

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The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

HS Softball & Baseball Peters Pitches and Hits Raiders Past Hornets in Home Opener

By Chris Stevens Staff Writer LEONARDTOWN – No one has to tell Leonardtown Junior pitcher Roni Peters how important it is to start the season off with a win.

Photo By Frank Marquart

The Raiders’ Natalie Dillow drops down a bunt.

“This was really a season-starter for us,” said Peters, who struck out six batters and drove in four runs as the Raider softball team bested Great Mills 9-4 Friday afternoon in the season opener for both teams. “This game was really important because they are one of our biggest rivals.”

Peters got off to a rocky start on the mound, sur-

two innings, but locked down the Hornets in her final five innings of work.

“They are a good hitting team, so I knew I had to settle down,” Peters explained. Leonardtown head coach Glenn Larnerd, Jr. felt Peters will benefit from her teammates making plays behind her as the season progresses.

“I think that we made simple mistakes, especially with the first batter of the game, we’re still trying to get the cobwebs out,” Larnerd said. “We only have four girls on the team that have played at this level, but we’re not going to use our youth as an excuse.”

The Hornets, also a young team, got off to a blistering start courtesy of senior centerfielder Joselynn Stewart’s lead-off double that turned into the first run of the game following a Raider error. Catcher Nicole Boggs singled home another run two batters later in that inning.

In the top of the second, Stewart socked an RBI double and stole home to knot the score at 4 after two innings. Peters held the Hornets scoreless the rest of the way and came up huge at the plate in the bottom half of the fourth.

After pinch-hitter Umeka Yates scored the go-ahead run on a Great Mills throwing error, Peters provided some insurance with a sinking liner that just got under Stewart’s glove, scoring sisters Monica and Natalie Dillow to make the score 7-4 in favor of Leonardtown.

“Offensively, I think we did a good job of hitting the ball,” Larnerd said.

Kylie Woode pitched in a two-run double, while Cassidy Stanton bunted home another run for LHS. “All of our hits came early,” Hornets coach O.J. Lewis said of the struggles Great Mills faced after their hot start. The Hornets collected six hits in their first two turns at bat, but managed just three hits in the last five innings.

“Leonardtown hit pretty well and they’re a good softball team,” Lewis said. “Tomorrow, we’ll just have to work on some of the mistakes we made, get better and I think we will.”

Photo By Frank Marquart

The Hornets’ Joselynn Stewart lunges for a ball.

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Braves Rally Past Hornets In Late Innings

By Chris Stevens Staff Writer GREAT MILLS – With offense coming at a premium in Monday afternoon’s baseball season opener, Chopticon head coach Steve Williams was aware that it wouldn’t be one big hit that would win the game for the Braves. “We’re really young at the plate, so we knew we were going to have to manufacture runs,” Williams said after Chopticon took advantage of some Great Mills fielding mistakes to seize a 3-2 victory at Great Mills High School. “We had some trouble getting the bunts down, but the team that doesn’t quit gives themselves a chance to win.”

The Braves rallied after a slow start offensively, due in large part to Hornets senior pitcher Carlos Cruz. Cruz took the loss despite striking out 11 Chopticon batters, including five in a row in the first and second innings.

“If he continues to have games like this, I think we’ll be fine,” said Hornets head coach Steve Wolfe, “but he’s got to have some help behind him defensively.”

Great Mills seemed to have a safe 2-0 lead after four innings, thanks to left-fielder Brian Jenner’s RBI single that scored Cruz, but the Braves clawed back in the fifth and sixth innings, starting with junior catcher Mitchell Seifert’s opposite-field double, the first hit Cruz had given up all afternoon. Seifert scored two batters later on a throwing error by catcher Alex Mancil for Chopticon’s first run. “We made them play baseball and make some plays,” Photo Seifert explained. “I’m really

By Chris happy inside, and I’m sure my Stevens teammates are as well.”

In the top of the sixth, Chopticon’s Neil O’Brien races Chad Bowen lifted a fly ball to for first base as Great Mills’ Alex left that Jenner couldn’t control.

Mancil picks up the ball to make a After starting pitcher Steven throw on the play.

Shorter sacrificed Bowen to second, Jonathan Nagy’s dribbler to Will Anderson caused trouble – and the tying run to cross the plate. Another throwing error got Nagy across for the eventual game-winning run.

“I sure hope it was a flukey day,” Wolfe said of the six errors on the afternoon by Great Mills fielders. “I wasn’t surprised that [errors] happened, I am surprised at the number of errors.”

Sophomore Jacob Nealis picked up the win in relief for Chopticon while shortstop Tyler Summers took to the mound and pitched a near-flawless two innings for the save. Shorter struck out six batters in four full innings of work, but because of the chilly and windy conditions, Williams had his staff ace on a short leash. “After 75 pitches, we were going to lift him no matter where we were in the game,” he said. “We want him there at the end of the season.”

rendering four runs (only two were earned) in the first

Photo By Frank Marquart

Leonardtown’s Igor Laray heads for the net as he is defended by the Hurricanes’ Seth Herritt.

Photo By Chris Stevens

The Hornets’ Derrick Pettet watches ball four zip by him during his fifth-inning walk Monday afternoon.

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The County Times

Thursday, March 26, 2009

In the average lifetime a person will breath in about 44 pounds of dust.

36

un Fact

A View From The

Bleachers How Quickly We Forget

By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer University of Maryland men’s basketball coach Gary Williams has to be wondering if Terrapin nation has forgotten all he’s done during his 20-year tenure. Despite a resume with two final four appearances, an Atlantic Coast Conference tournament title and a national championship, Williams, for the first time (at least that I can remember), has been taking some heat. With a lackluster roster for 2008-09 (the product of awkwardly swinging and missing on a couple of recruits), a 40-point loss to arch rival Duke and (once again) precarious NCAA tournament hopes, there was a swell in turtle nation that maybe it was time for a coaching change. The sentiment gathered enough momentum that athletic director Debbie Yow, whose antagonistic relationship with Williams is one of the area’s worst kept secrets, felt compelled (okay, maybe obligated) to drop

in during a press conference with Williams to offer her support of the head coach. So yeah, the heat is real. But is it justified?

Williams, a Maryland graduate, was hired in 1989. In some ways the 20 years since have passed in the blink of an eye because, well, that’s how time passes retrospectively. In other ways it seems like forever. In 1989 the Soviets were the bad guys, there was no internet, mullets were fashionable, Milli Vanilli was still legit and there was no “H.W.” or “W”, there was just George Bush. 1989 was a long time ago indeed; so long ago that it’s hard to remember just how awful Maryland basketball was. Maryland was just a few years removed from the tragic death of Len Bias and was facing NCAA sanctions (which ultimately resulted in a T.V. and postseason ban and lost scholarships) from recruiting violations committed prior to Williams’ arrival. It was into this burning building that Williams stepped to rescue the program from oblivion. So with that brief history lesson, is the recent criticism of Williams justified? Not hardly. To be fair though, no one is above the law, so to speak. Everyone should be critiqued. And with-

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out question, Williams has provided some ammunition to his critics.

The program has been on a steady decline since winning the national championship in 2002. Consider that Maryland made the NCAA tournament every year between 1994 and 2004; but has missed the tournament in 3 of the last 5 years and hasn’t been to the sweet 16 since 2003. And while Williams has run a clean program (to the extent that’s humanly possible in the tax code-like tangle of NCAA regulations) and kept it out of the news for all the wrong reasons, the graduation rate of Maryland basketball players is embarrassingly low. But still, have we forgotten the state of the union when Williams arrived?

Apparently. In 1989 Gary Williams had no business returning to coach his alma mater. With a successful tenure at Boston College in his back pocket and as head coach of the rising Ohio State basketball program, he was way over-qualified for the Maryland job. But he came. And in 20 years he’s taken the Terps to heights that would have seemed impossible when he arrived. Yet, like the spoiled kid that just expects Santa to deliver everything on the Xmas list, Maryland fans expect to be in the NCAA tournament, nationally ranked and regularly competing for titles. Do you know who created that expectation?

Gary Williams. Like the parent who spoiled his child, spawning an ungrateful teenager, Williams is a victim of his success and the expectations that that success has bred. After all, what’s better than one piece of candy (or a national title)? Well, two, of course. Williams’ job shouldn’t be in question. Why Maryland hasn’t named the court at Comcast Center (the house that Gary built) after him should be. Yes the program is in a rut. But Gary Williams is still one of the best coaches in America (for evidence, look no further than this year’s gritty, improbable run to the NCAA tournament). Those calling for his job should wish cautiously, for the wish may come to pass. And it’s unlikely the University could do better. 20 years from now Maryland fans might be longing for the glory days of the Williams era and feeling a tad guilty for suggesting that it end.

Send your comments to rguyjoon@yahoo.com

High School Sports Schedule 03/26/09-04/01/09 Thursday, March 26 Baseball St. Mary’s Ryken at Bishop O’Connell, 4:15 p.m.

McDonough at Leonardtown, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ Lacrosse Calvert at Chopticon, 6:30 p.m.

Patuxent at Great Mills, 6:30 p.m.

Girls’ Lacrosse Great Mills at Patuxent, 6:30 p.m.

Golf St. John’s at St. Mary’s Ryken (Breton Bay Golf Course), 3:15 p.m.

Softball McDonough at Leonardtown, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, March 27 Baseball Thomas Stone at Chopticon, 4:30 p.m.

Westlake at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ Lacrosse C.M. Wright at Leonardtown, 4 p.m.

DeMatha at St. Mary’s Ryken, 4 p.m.

Girls’ Lacrosse St. Mary’s Ryken at Elizabeth Seton, 4 p.m.

Softball Good Counsel at St. Mary’s Ryken, 3:30 p.m.

Thomas Stone at Chopticon, 4:30 p.m.

Westlake at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.

Tennis Chopticon at Thomas Stone, 4 p.m.

Leonardtown at McDonough, 4 p.m.

Westlake at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 28 Baseball DeMatha at St. Mary’s Ryken, 1 p.m.

Boys’ Lacrosse Patuxent at Leonardtown, 11:30 a.m.

Chopticon at Pikesville High School, 2 p.m.

Girls’ Lacrosse Chopticon at Pikesville High School, 12 noon.

Track & Field Leonardtown at Wise Puma Invi-

tational (Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School, Upper Marlboro), 9 a.m.

Monday, March 30 Baseball Chopticon at Patuxent, 4:30 p.m.

Lackey at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.

Leonardtown at Northern, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ Lacrosse Leonardtown at Calvert, 4 p.m.

Girls’ Lacrosse Chopticon at Huntingtown, 6:30 p.m.

St. Mary’s Ryken at Great Mills, 6:30 p.m.

Softball Holy Cross at St. Mary’s Ryken, 3:30 p.m.

Chopticon at Patuxent, 4:30 p.m.

Lackey at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.

Leonardtown at Northern, 4:30 p.m.

Tennis Patuxent at Chopticon, 4 p.m.

Great Mills at Lackey, 4 p.m.

Northern at Leonardtown, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, March 31 Boys’ Lacrosse Bishop McNamara at St. Mary’s Ryken, 4 p.m.

Golf Gonzaga at St. Mary’s Ryken (Breton Bay Golf Course), 3:15 p.m.

Track & Field Great Mills/Northern/Thomas Stone at Leonardtown, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1 Baseball Chopticon at McDonough, 4:30 p.m.

La Plata at Leonardtown, 4:30 p.m.

Patuxent at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.

Softball St. Mary’s Ryken at Bishop McNamara, 3:30 p.m.

Chopticon at McDonough, 4:30 p.m.

Patuxent at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.

La Plata at Leonardtown, 4:30 p.m.

Tennis Leonardtown at La Plata, 4 p.m.

Track & Field St. Mary’s Ryken at Good Counsel Meet, 12 noon.

Chopticon/North Point at Patuxent, 4 p.m.

37

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The County Times

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Hurricanes Break Raider Spell

By Chris Stevens Staff Writer LEONARDTOWN – After winning three games last season against the Huntingtown boys’ lacrosse team, little seemed likely to change for Leonardtown High School as the two teams prepared to square off at Raider Stadium Saturday afternoon.

That was before Peter Athens scored four goals and Ryan Johnston pitched in three as the Hurricanes sniped the Raiders 10-6, starting their season off on a good note and forcing the Raiders to learn a valuable lesson from their season opener.

“I really don’t think we matched their intensity,” said first-year Raiders head coach Bart Rodgers. “They wanted it a little more than we did; they definitely out-ground-balled us at least three or four to one.”

“This has been billed by many as the biggest game of the season,” Canes head coach Rodger Ganley said. “I know our guys have waited since last May to play them again, so it’s great for these kids. They wanted it so bad.”

Along with two regular season wins, the Raiders added a 15-4 victory over Huntingtown in last season’s 4A/3A East Region Semi-finals. On Saturday, that became ancient history in a hurry.

After Leonardtown senior Igor Laray (the Raiders’ leading scorer with three goals on the afternoon) knotted Photo By Chris Stevens the score at 2 with a goal seven secThe Raiders’ Nathan Cuklanz leads a Leonardtown onds into the second period, Huntingtown responded with a scoring blitz rush down field. of their own, taking the lead for good with three goals in just one minute and 19 seconds of game action.

Athens assisted on Mike James’ goal and then scored the next two just 38 seconds apart.

The Raiders scored the game’s next three goals, culminating in Nolan Stewart’s rocket past Canes goalkeeper Erik Hyland with 1:49 left in the third to bring Leonardtown within 6-5.

However, another Huntingtown scoring spree, trigged by Athens with 10 seconds left in the third and ended by the senior attacker early in the fourth, pushed the lead to 10-5 and the Raiders could not Photo By Chris Stevens recover.

Igor Laray scored three goals “The lesson from this game is ‘you’re in the Raiders’ 10-6 loss to going to play how you practice,’” RodgHuntingtown in boys ers explained. “This game pretty much lacrosse Saturday looked how we practiced this week.” afternoon.

Rodgers also cited youth as a part of the Raider struggles, but hoped the sound defeat would serve as a wake-up call to both experienced players and young kids who are seeing extended varsity action for the first time.

“I thought at times the defense played well, but we made a lot of young, inexperienced mistakes,” Rodgers said. “But they’ll get better.

“Huntingtown is the team to beat, and we told the guys that, they just out-hustled us.”

Lacrosse

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Thursday, March 26, 2009

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off the final 30 minutes with an 8-0 run behind hat tricks from Norris and Carrier as well as a pair from Nichols.

Back-to-back goals by junior midfielder Megan Foy (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North) and Kanzler’s second tally ended the Spartans’ 19:19-minute scoring drought at 8:10. The Seahawks netted the game’s last two goals for the 16-5 final.

The Seahawks fired off 35 shots to York’s 19, while St. Mary’s edged the Spartans, 28-24, in ground balls behind a game-high seven from sophomore midfielder Aubrey Mirkin (Ashton, Md./Sherwood). St. Mary’s also claimed a 14-8 advantage in draw controls after winning 11 of 14 in the second half.

The leading scorers for York (2-7, 0-3 CAC) were Foy and Kanzler with two goals apiece.

Freshman Colleen Simpson (Arnold, Md./Broadneck) made seven saves in 52 minutes of play for the Seahawks, while sophomore Jamie Roberts (Rockville, Md./Barrie) gave up one goal and had one save in the final eight minutes.

Senior Anne Feustle (Baltimore, Md./Catonsville) racked up 13 stops in the loss.

St. Mary’s College

No. 16 Seahawks Dominate York (Pa.), 16-5 York, Pa. - Senior attacker Emily Norris (Timonium, Md./Dulaney) tallied five goals in leading the No. 16 St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s lacrosse team to a decisive 16-5 Capital Athletic Conference win over host York College of Pennsylvania Saturday afternoon.

Norris finished the afternoon with six points on five goals and an assist to pace the Seahawk offense. Providing the Seahawks (7-2, 2-0 CAC) with additional scoring were senior midfielder Lauren Carrier (Crownsville, Md./Old Mill) with four goals and an assist and junior midfielder Caitlin Nichols (Baltimore, Md./McDonogh) with two goals and an assist. Five other St. Mary’s players scored as well.

Senior midfielder Allie Zerhusen (Cockeysville, Md./Park) assisted on St. Mary’s first two goals before sophomore attacker Molly Kerrigan (Baltimore, Md./Institute of Notre Dame) tallied an unassisted goal at 26:16 to the Spartans on the board. The Seahawks rattled off four unanswered goals before freshman midfielder Ashley Kanzler (Baltimore, Md./Perry Hall) scored with one second left in the first half for a 6-2 SMCM halftime lead.

St. Mary’s went to work in the second stanza as the visitors kicked

The County Times

Seahawks’ McDowell Takes Fourth at NCAA Swim Meet Minneapolis, Minn. – Brie McDowell (Doylestown, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) ended her career as the most decorated Seahawk swimmer, claiming her fourth career AllAmerica honor Saturday as the 2009 NCAA Division III Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships came to a close at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.

The 2007 and 2009 Capital Athletic Conference Women’s Swimmer-of-the-Year, McDowell notched the program’s highest ever finish at the NCAAs as she finished fourth in the 200 backstroke event in 2:01.32, just under a second out of third place behind Emory University’s Tess Pasternak (2:00.69).

Carolyn Barer of Kenyon College won the event in 2:00.15 after finishing third in the prelims (2:00.47).

The senior captain, who had entered the 200 back seeded first (2:00.92), came in second in the morning swim as she touched the wall in a school record time of 2:00.32

behind Pasternak’s 1:59.54.

To recap, McDowell earned three AllAmerica citations with a second-place finish in the 200 back, a ninth-place finish in the 100 back and a 10th-place finish in the 200 individual medley event. The holder of 12 school marks (8 individual, 4relay), she picked up the program’s first-ever All-America award at the 2007 NCAA Championships with her ninth-place finish in the 100 back.

Junior Rachel Hotchko (Yakima, Wash./ A.C. Davis) wrapped up her second consecutive trip to the NCAAs by finishing 60th in the 100 freestyle event in 54.49. Hotchko registered her career-best finish thus far at NCAA championships as she took 23rd in the 100 butterfly event on Thursday.

St. Mary’s finished 22nd out of 56 teams with 31 points.

This was the fourth consecutive season that St. Mary’s has been represented at the NCAA championships.

THURSDAY MARCH 26, 2009

Winding Up for a Victory Page 35

County Population Out of Control?

Story Page 10

Carjacker Avoids Murder Charge Story Page 14

Hurricanes Break Raider Spell Story Page 38

Photo By Frank Marquart