Thursday, May 14, 2009
9-1-1
Ridge VFD To The Rescue PAGE 4
St. Mary’s College VP, Meringolo, Resigns Story Page 9
Schools Need $5 Million To Balance Budget Story Page 15
Murder Suspect Claims Story Insanity Page 17 Photo by Frank Marquart
The County Times
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
The County Times
RESULTS Do you agree with the state having the authority to take the Pimlico Race Course (site of the Preakness) by eminent domain if a buyer isn’t found for the track?
Yes - 0%
Not Sure 32% 68%
No
Do you think the power of eminent domain should be used for purposes of economic development, not just road construction?
Yes - 0%
Not Sure 20%
80%
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No
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Do you think the county has adequate rescue resources for monitoring boating activities?
Yes 28% 48% Route 5 & Mohawk Drive Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
301-884-5636 The Shops at Breton Bay Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-997-1828
Route 245 Hollywood, MD 20636
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Wildewood Shopping Center California, MD 20619
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No
24%
Not Sure 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.
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The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
ON THE FRONT
School Budget In Limbo
Members of the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department in their SeaArk Marine Enforcer.
ON THE BACK
We’ve trimmed the fat, we’ve cut the fat, so now we’re trying to avoid nicking the flesh Michael Martirano Superintendent St. Mary’s County Public Schools Page 15
“GREEN” Page 18
Weather
Man Accused of Pushing Disabled Son Down Stairs
On T he Covers
Leonardtown’s Alexandra Greissinger and Patuxent’s Amina Smith are neck and neck during the 100-meter hurdles at the SMAC meet.
sports
Great Mills Swings Past Lackey SEE PAGE 36
Page 17
Watch Stock Market
FOR WEEKLY STOCK MARKET CLOSING RESULTS, CHECK PAGE 10 IN MONEY
education
Fleming Photograph Honored SEE PAGE 15
4 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 18 20 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 35 36 39
Also Inside
County News Town News State News Editorial/Opinion Community Money Defense and Military Obituaries Education Crime and Punishment InStyle A House is a Home Real Estate History Entertainment Food Wandering Minds Games Going On Newsmakers Community Parks & Rec Track Softball Baseball
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Medical studies show that intelligent people have more copper and zinc in their hair.
Watching The Water By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer
As the weather warms and area residents usher in another boating season, area fire departments are polishing off their boats in anticipation of another busy spring, spent not only rescuing visitors and residents from fires and medical emergencies, but also from the waters of the Patuxent, the Potomac and the Chesapeake. Three county departments boast rescue boats, including Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, 2nd District Volunteer Fire Department in Valley Lee, and the 7th District Volunteer Fire Department in Avenue, while other departments operate smaller crafts for pond and lakeside rescues. Chief Bruce Raley smiled as he walked past his office at Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, motioning towards a photograph of a small vessel and explaining its history within the department. “This was our original boat. Valley Lee has that one now. It was a 22-foot Sea Hawk,” he said, explaining that the boat had been too small for continued use at Ridge, since they service the area where the bay and the river meet. “Where the river and the bay meet is the roughest part of the Chesapeake Bay, pretty much, because of the current with those two bodies of water,” said Raley. “So we knew we needed a bigger boat.” To help them in the rough waters, in 2003 the department bought a SeaArk Marine Enforcer with a 500 gallon-per-minute water pump, and on a good day it can clear 45 knots, with twin engines and a spacious cab. Since then they have been plowing the waves along their portion of more than
400 miles of shoreline in St. Mary’s County, offering water rescue and recovery services in tandem with the local Department of Natural Resources, the Coast Guard and officials at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. “A lot of our calls are at the point actually,” said Deputy Chief Raymond Mercure, explaining that popular swimming and boating areas like Cove Point could bring sun and water worshippers out in droves, particularly when the economy was good. “When it comes to near drowning and things like that, it may be more this year, it may be less, depending on the crowd and how many people come,” he said. Raley said one of the perks of the SeaArk was its radar system. “That’s one thing we upgraded when we went with this new boat was the radar, because at night you lose a lot of visibility, especially on foggy or stormy days,” he said. Between them, Raley and Mercure have dozens of water rescue stories to tell, as do many of the other volunteers across the county. “I remember this one time this Canadian boater anchored out here, and he got run over, I mean completely run over by another sailboat,” said Mercure, laughing as he recalled the incident. “The worst call I’ve ever had was El Toro,” said Raley, describing the storm that sunk the fishing boat El Toro II in the 1990s as one of the fiercest he had ever seen. “The wind was moving, the current was moving,” and three people died from hypothermia. Raley said he had seen several common threads between his department’s water rescues
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and recoveries, and offered his own bits of advice to area boaters to avoid some of the area boaters’ most common, and costly, mistakes. “They should make sure they have safety gear on, make sure they know how to use it, make sure they know their equipment, and at night, make sure you know what you’re doing,” he said, explaining that many calls came in from people who had misread their navigation systems and gotten lost. Both Raley and Mercure said that even though a boater safety course is all that’s required to operate a vessel, more was typically needed to train people properly on the water. “The boater safety course is just general knowledge,” said Mercure, “but we have a lot of people who get out on the water who have no clue
about boater safety.” Fortunately for boating enthusiasts, safety and equipment courses are offered through the Coast Guard and the Department of Natural Resources. For other departments in the area servicing different points along the shore, the statistics tend to remain consistent year after year. Ridge Volunteer Fire Department responded to 25 calls on the water last year, accounting for about 10 percent of their total calls for the year. As with most rescue stories, some are amusing, with happy endings, while others have ended in tragedy. But each week at the drill nights for rescue departments in Ridge, Valley Lee and Avenue, the boat engines whir and volunteers still scan the water, waiting for the next call.
The county’s new Child Advocacy Center that opened Wednesday in Lexington Park is a place designed to minimize the trauma to child victims of sexual abuse and serious physical abuse. A room in the center allows one interviewer to talk to the child, while others observe from another room or watch a videotape of the interview later. “The goal is to ensure that children are not re-victimized by the very system designed to protect them,” said Ella May Russell, director of the county Department of Social Services,
in a press release. “The center also provides for better communication and coordination between investigators, service providers and prosecutors so that the best interest of the child can be served.” The center, the 21st to open in the state, will be managed by an interagency team with the help of a part-time coordinator. The team, made up of more than a dozen partners, has been working for a year to develop procedures, plan how to use the space and ensure long-term funding.
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
drove up the cost up by 67 percent — was another black mark for the state. “That is not a good measure, that is not a good statistic,” O’Donnell said. Michael Cain, director of St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Center for the Study of Democracy, said that the report was insightful and well done and could provide red meat for Maryland conservatives looking for a battle plan in a strongly Democratic-held state. “People in the Republican party should take a serious look at this,” Cain said. “It goes to the core issues republicans find important.” But, he said, the study had a specific interpretation of individual freedom that not everyone was bound to accept. “It [the study] has a philosophical perspective and that’s classical liberalism,” Cain said. “Not everybody would agree with the perspective this study takes to measure freedom and government intervention.” For instance, Cain said, the study made no effort to capture environmental justice issues that he contends can infringe on individual property rights should the government not intervene to stop or clean up pollution from other nearby property owners. “This study couldn’t pick that up,” Cain said. Also, he said, the study cast a pall on states that redistribute wealth, but, using that standard, the highly popular state system to give more money to poorer counties to boost their public education was anathema. “So the Thornton plan would be counted against Maryland [in the study],” Cain said. “That’s seen as interventionist fiscal policy. “It’s very popular and it does redistribute income.” Cain said that the state’s view to taking up social issues, such as providing health care access and aiding in economic redevelopment of poor or inner-city sections of the state, might be considered as hindering freedom in the study, but many others had a different view. “Maryland takes itself as a state rather a collection of localities,” Cain said. “Many believe it’s the government’s job to help parts of the community that aren’t doing very well.”
New Center for Abused Children
Maryland Ranks Low For Individual Freedoms
The nickname for Maryland may be “The Free State,” but according to a study published recently by a policy center affiliated with George Mason University, it may need to change its name. The study, titled “Freedom in the 50 States: An Index of Personal and Economic Freedom” disseminated by the Mercatus Center, ranks Maryland as the fifth least-free state in the union, and when it comes to personal freedom it ranks dead last. The study’s authors contend in their study that their rankings are based on the definition of individual freedom as “the ability to dispose of one’s own life, liberty, and justly acquired property however one sees fit, so long as one does not coercively infringe on another individual’s ability to do the same.” Key issues that the study measures from state to state include citizens’ ability to educate their own children, own and carry firearms and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure by authorities, the study’s introduction states. The study also measures the effects of state fiscal policies on individual economic freedom; in that category Maryland ranks 34th, in the bottom half of the union. “Maryland’s impositions on personal freedom include the second-strictest gun law in the country, and marijuana laws are fairly harsh (except that the first offense of high-level possession is a misdemeanor and there is a weak medical marijuana law),” the study states. “Motorists freedoms are highly restricted, gambling laws are tight, home schooling laws are burdensome [and] centralized land-use planning is very advanced.” The study also criticizes Maryland for “eminent domain abuse” and for not recognizing civil unions. “The overall picture drawn for Maryland is not good,” said House Minority Leader Del. Anthony O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C). “The ‘nanny state factor’ is very high in Maryland.” O’Donnell said the study’s showing that Maryland has the second highest amount of health insurance mandates in the nation — that
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The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
ews
Today’s Newsmakers In Brief On a George Mason University study ranking Maryland near the bottom on personal and economic freedom.
With the Asian oyster ban a reality, do watermen have much hope to stay in business?
They’ve got to try and exist on what we have now, but the water business is in terrible straits.
We used to be called the free state, my how things have changed.
Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell
Del. Anthony O’Donnell (R-Dist.29C)
As Commissioners Mull Sign Rule Changes, Free Speech Questions A Concern By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Two amendments to the zoning ordinance could allow businesses to use digital signs to advertise, and Realtors and homeowners to advertise home sales, if county commissioners approve them, but there are free speech issues that officials should be concerned about, said one county attorney. “With any sign ordinance, there [are constitutional questions],” David Weiskopf, deputy county attorney said Wednesday. “It’s a very confusing issue.” Under the U.S. Constitution regulation of the content of signs “is looked at suspiciously,” Weiskopf said, and can amount to censorship. The Board of County Commissioners held public hearings on both ordinances Tuesday night.
“If you have to read the sign to determine whether it [the sign ordinance] is constitutional, it probably isn’t,” Weiskopf said of a rule of thumb used for such questions. County officials, he said, must tread cautiously with limiting what can be shown on digital signs or with how many real estate signs can be placed off site of a for-sale property. Commissioner Lawrence D. Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) said he did not believe there was any measure in the ordinances that would be a specific sticking point, but he also said that sign ordinances in general carried free speech baggage. “Every sign ordinance in America probably has constitutional problems”, because they limit a person’s freedom of expression, Jarboe said. “We’re just going to have to find a balance.” He said the possibility of off-site, real estate sign proliferation to sell the 980 or so homes on the listings in St. Mary’s County could be real issue.
Watermen Say Future Bleak Without Asian Oyster By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Local watermen say that the Asian oyster could have been a real hope for reviving their trade harvesting seafood from the Chesapeake Bay, but with last month’s decision by state and federal officials to ban the alien oyster they feel like they are running out of time. A study that took about five years and $17 million to complete did not decisively recommend any options for reviving the native oyster in the bay, but environmental groups worried over the potential impacts of a placing a nonnative oyster in the bay’s declining ecosystem. Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Waterman’s Association, said that the state was determined to push aquaculture, or farming of the oyster on beds rented from the state, rather than allow harvesting on the public oyster bars that need a healthy reproductive population to replenish each year. “It’s going to drive the price of the [native] oyster higher,” Zinn told The County Times. “We hate to se the tradition go but we aren’t getting much help from the state.” Zinn and other watermen supported a bill in the legislature this year that would have allowed more dredging of the bay system that he claimed would have helped remove and clean away silt that was detrimental to the native oyster. That bill was defeated however, he said, because of environmental groups in opposition. He said that with traditional oyster harvesting methods failing and aquaculture likely too expensive for watermen, he said watermen could be driven out of business.
“We’re already losing 10-to-15 percent of our watermen a year because of the economy,” Zinn said. But Richard Pelz, who runs an oyster ranch in Ridge, said that the Asian oyster would have done far more harm than good. “The Asian oyster actually accumulates human pathogens,” Pelz claimed. “If you eat them raw you can come down with all kind of interesting diseases.” And in any case, Pelz said, farming the bottom of the rivers and the bay wasn’t the way to go. The answer, he said, was to farm them on flats as he does at the Circle C Oyster Ranch, though he admitted it was an expensive venture. “You get more for your product, it’s a superior product,” Pelz said. Oysters farmed off the bottom, he said, had more chance of being infected with Dermo, a disease that wastes away the animal. Watermen blame that disease and MSX for decimating the native oyster population over the years. He said those oyster may fetch $40 a bushel, while his fetch $150 a bushel. St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell, also a waterman, said that the impact of the Asian oyster was uncertain but he said recent projections of a resurgence in hard crabs offered hope. “Watermen don’t have a whole lot of options to be honest,” Russell (D-St. George’s Island) said. “Maybe we’ll turn a corner on hard crab production in the Chesapeake [Bay] and that will provide some relief.”
The ordinance allows three additional offsite signs on another’s property with his or her permission. “People have a right to sell their home and to put up a sign,” Jarboe said, adding a balance would have to be struck between the constitution and the law. For digital signs, Jarboe said, it “could open up a whole new can of worms.” The possibility existed, he said, that digital signs could be used not only for advertising but for political speech as well, since the county could not legally limit free speech. Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell (D-St. George’s Island) said that the commissioner board would tread carefully with the text amendments, to help ensure that what ever they passed would not “get taken straight to court.” “We’re going to look at it and find some kind of common ground … and get the issue off the
table,” Russell said. At the public hearing there was no public support for digital signs, though one citizen, who later spoke in opposition to off-site advertising for real estate sales, warned of sign pollution and safety hazards from people being distracted by their flashing messages. “I don’t want St. Mary’s County looking like Las Vegas East,” said Wayne Abernathy of Mechanicsville. Members of the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors spoke in support of off-site advertising and their president-elect Tim Wood, pledged that members would not overuse signage. Some feared that the new ordinance could bring about more than 3,000 new real-estate advertisements that could reach up to 18 feet high and be 12 square feet in size. “We will self regulate because we live here, too,” Wood said.
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The County Times
Winery To Get More State Money
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Leonardtown Winery project cooperative will receive a grant of $25,000, following approval by county commissioners Tuesday of an agreement that allows the new enterprise to receive state economic development funds. The grant is from the Maryland Agriculture and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation. The overall budget for the winery is about $600,000, split between state and
county funds, to help establish a new cottage industry in the county. “We’re on a very tight budget… we’re all pinching pennies,” said Town Administrator Laschelle Miller, who added that construction and renovation of an old State Highway Administration garage building on Route 5 was on schedule to make the winery’s new home. “We think we are on track” for a September opening, Miller said. The demolition of the old interior has been completed, she reported to commissioners, and most of the plumbing and
electrical work was set in to make way for a new concrete floor. Members of the Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative, which will supply the grapes for the winery’s operations, will not have enough produce to meet their contract agreement of three tons for the winery this season, but that should not present a problem according to its head. “It’ll give us enough grapes to reach our first year’s goal,” said Rich Fuller about this season’s grape yields.
Bonds Voted For Ryken By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Leonardtown Town Council will help St. Mary’s Ryken High School get tax-exempt economic development bonds from the state following a unanimous vote of support from council members Monday. The $8.5 million in state bonds will go towards building a new stadium and athletic fields at the school to support soccer and football. But in a letter from a town resident, Fred Millhiser advised against the town aiding a religious-affiliated school getting taxpayer funds. He stated in his letter that he believed the town could be held at least partially financially liable for the bonds if the school defaulted, despite legal opinions from the town’s lawyers that that was not the case. “I doubt if the town will be completely off the hook,” he stated in his letter. He also said that the town’s decision to help the school would force it to consider helping every school that was religious-affiliated in the town limits.
Milheiser’s was the only opposing voice on record at the meeting. But the bonds could only be used for the intended purpose of the project and not for any sectarian activities, according to one legal advisor, and the town would not be liable for the bonds if the school did default on them. “It’s in the state law that we are not obligated” to pay back the bonds, said Council Member Tom Collier. The bonds will be issued to a local bank and the school will draw the money from them; none of the funds will be held in town accounts despite the town helping the school to get the bonds in its role as a conduit issuer. Council Member Leslie Roberts said that the town’s decision to help the Catholic high school would not commit it to help other religious affiliated schools in the future. “We look at [the project] and will it be good for the town and make our decision on that,” Roberts said of the council’s deliberations over projects.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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Appeal Moves Forward On Wharf Site By Guy Leonard Staff Write
The Town of Leonardtown has dropped its efforts to dismiss an appeal by developer Ronald Russo in Circuit Court for judicial review of a town decision last year that declared his plans to develop the town wharf had expired. This means that Russo’s appeal filed in November of last year before the town condemned the two parcels he owns at the wharf in March will now proceed. The developer’s lawyers claim in their appeal that the town dragged its heels in participating in the judicial review process to prevent development there and drive down the value of the land. The town must compensate Russo for land it condemns. Russo had said previously that he would be willing to walk away from the land after the condemnation and that deal if given fair market value. “This appeal will help determine what that fair value is,” said Eileen Powers, Russo’s attorney. “They say that the conceptual site plan expired, we say it never expired and the he still has approval for a mixed use development,” Phillip H. Dorsey III, attorney for the town, declined comment because of pending litigation. Russo, likewise, also declined to comment. The town’s board of appeals ruled in October of last year that his plans’ approval times had run out, upholding the town planner’s assessment. Town officials have said that the condemnation exercise was necessary because the two parcels represented a blight on the town, and that the land was needed for public park expansion. They also said that they hoped to see economic development projects spring up their again after years of being fallow.
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
By Virginia Terhune Staff Writer
The County Times
Oyster Aquaculture Expanded
A bill passed by state legislators in Annapolis last winter could significantly revamp the way waterman harvest oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. Called the Aquaculture Shellfish Leasing bill, the legislation creates large underwater “enterprise zones,” sections of which can be leased now by companies as well as individuals. Work to implement the program will begin this summer, and officials expect watermen will be able to begin farming oysters next spring. The goal is to spur significant private investment to revive the once-abundant oyster bars that provide jobs for waterman and help contain nitrogen levels in the water. Establishing large enterprise zones will make it easier for applicants, because the zones will be pre-permitted, reducing the time and money it takes to apply for a lease, according to officials.
Large zones will also make it easier for agencies to enforce regulations. Right now, parties lease sites, many of them undeveloped, that are scattered around the bay. One of the first steps, to start this summer, will be to define and map the boundaries of the public (nonleased) areas used by commercial waterman for oyster harvesting. Once determined, the state will hold hearings inviting public comment. The next step will be to set aside large areas – 50 acres , for example – in parts of the bay not in the defined public boundaries for designation as enterprise zones for private leasing. Meanwhile, individuals who already lease privately through the state are grandfathered under the law, but they will still see some changes as a result of it. Because many leases are unused, they will be for the first time required to report by next January their plans for the areas; areas not used would then become available for others to use. Letters about the program are expected to go
out to leaseholders, probably next month, according to officials. The state also plans to reinstate its fee per acre, which it had abated for the past several years. The annual fee for a lease is currently $3.50 per acre per year, but that may go up in the future, with the increase still to be determined. In addition, leaseholders, both old and new, will be charged a new Aquaculture Development Surcharge, a flat fee that will be collected by the state Department of Natural Resources (which regulates the program) to the state Department of Agriculture, which will use the money to market it. The aquaculture legislation (Senate Bill 271/ House Bill 312) was developed in part from recommendations of the Maryland Oyster Advisory Commission, which is scheduled to meet Wed., May 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum meeting room in St. Leonard in Calvert County.
Shopping Center Explosion Ruled Accidental FORESTVILLE, Md. (AP) – Prince George’s County fire investigators have ruled that a recent gas explosion at a strip mall was accidental. Officials say Thursday’s explosion at the Penn Mar shopping center in Forestville was due to a buildup of natural gas. They
say insurance investigators from the center’s management company are going to try to identify the cause of the gas release.. Officials from the county fire department also will review the incident with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The federal agency
makes recommendations on how to prevent work-related injuries and illness. Nine people, including eight firefighters, were injured in the blast and taken to area hospitals. Authorities say all of them have been
Marylanders Wait Too Long For Food, Medical Aid BALTIMORE (AP) _ Thousands of Marylanders are waiting longer than the federal 30-day legal limit for approval of their applications for food or medical assistance. In one case, Miracyle Thompson, a Baltimore County mother, and a group of attorneys for the poor sued the state after Thompson waited two months for approval. They hope to speed up the process. State Department of Human Resources data shows that as of March, there were about 7,100 overdue medical assistance applications from children and parents, and 4,100 backlogged food assistance requests. Officials say the approval process was already overwhelmed and the bad economy has made it worse. For Thompson the waiting is over. She was told the same day the suit was filed last month that she had been approved. ___ Information from: The Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com
The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
8
Editorial:
A Jewel of A Legislative Debacle, Your Bet Sure To Be Lost.
To The Editor: God Sees These Things
On April 2, 2009, the Washington Post’s Southern Maryland Extra ran “Senate Prayer Not by the Book” in its Maryland Notebook. Following is my response. The piece declared that prayers offered within the Maryland House of Delegates and state Senate are “generally ecumenical (all inclusive) occasionally mentioning God but rarely mentioning Jesus.” Such prayers amount to meaningless drivel and are disrespectful to God Almighty (of the Holy Bible) and a search of his Word will not attest to multiple Gods of multiple names approachable via multiple terms. Further, can one attest to an altered state of affairs resulting from prayers that emanated from within the House of Delegates, state Senate or anywhere else that were not submitted in accordance with his Holy Word? Pastor Mark Lehmann concluded his public prayer in Jesus’ name and was publicly criticized for doing so. And the thunderous lack of support for such on the part of southern Maryland ministers is deafening. This man dared to be a Daniel, dared to take a stand, and yet, not one positive follow-up letter to the editor, by clergy or layman, has been noted. One wonders if ministers have just been too busy about the Lord’s work to respond of if they’ve personally forgotten how to submit prayers to The Almighty and appropriately close such prayers. Many seem to have become indifferent to this Holy Name that is above all others, and sadly, within this new political climate, yet others appear to have become affrighted. May God be pleased to raise up some major
Ed Center Thanks Bohanan
On behalf of the Board of Governors of the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center and the thousands of women and men in the Southern Maryland workforce who have been able to upgrade their education and training at center for relevant, upwardly mobile job opportunities right here at home, I’d like to once again thank Delegate John Bohanan for his leadership during this year’s legislative session in successfully increasing our permanent baseline level of operating budget funding from $350,000 to $450,000. This was a significant accomplishment in light of the current economic situation facing our state, but John was able to successfully convince the legislature and Gov. O’Malley, that this was an important investment in the future of our workforce that will pay significant dividends in the future, not only to the individuals who attend the center and their families, but that will also enhance the economic well being of our county, region and state. During the past two legislative sessions, in his role as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and as chairman of its important Education and Economic Development subcommittee
prophets to replace those he’s recently taken home. Not prophets dreaming dreams, seeing visions and espousing how to gain worldly favor, but those, who correctly interpret the Holy Bible and dare to declare it as thus saith the Lord. Those called of God are to preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; to reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (II Timothy 4-2). Though he was not conducting a revival service or an invitation to receive Christ, in essence, Lehmann, in invoking Jesus, was praying precisely by The Book. The article further stated that “Lehmann’s remarks not be journalized; that is, saved for posterity.” No doubt, instructions were followed and his words have been so stricken from the state’s record. However, Lehmann’s prayer is unalterably recorded in the annals of Heaven, and so too, are the aforementioned instructions. Regarding the question asked of the secretary, “Do we see these things ahead of time? Do we?” Be assured, God sees! Ministers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might – America has forgotten God and he is not moved by ecumenical sound bites. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then, will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (II Chronicles -14). This is my beloved Son; hear ye Him (Luke 9-35). Bro, Lehmann, I salute you. Thanks for this opportunity. Chester M. Seaborn Jr. Mechanicsville, Md.
which is responsible for all higher education funding in the state, John has employed his considerable political skills on behalf of his constituents, by bringing the center’s operating budget into a much more equitable position in relation to other regional higher education centers elsewhere in the state. Thanks to John, we are no longer getting the short end of the stick. With more than 81 mostly graduate-degree programs and many more training programs currently being offered at the center and attended by 2,900 students, we will be able to continue to increase the number of relevant educational and training programs we offer, such as the UMD Clarke School of Engineering undergraduate majors in mechanical and aeronautical engineering slated to begin at the center this fall, helping to assure that the quality of our workforce is second to none in the state of Maryland. Thanks again, John, for a job well done. Joe Anderson, chairman Southern Maryland Higher Education Center Board of Governors
Thanks to Greenwell Supporters On April 18, The Greenwell Foundation held its fifth annual “Evening for Greenwell.” Thankfully, we were able to raise $13,000, all of which will directly support the inclusive programs offered by the Foundation at Greenwell State Park. An event like this is only possible through the generosity of many community sponsors and donors. For their outstanding support this year, our sincere thanks go to the Combs & Drury Insurance Agency, Robert Randall RDT&E, Blazer Enterprises, Guy Distributing Co., Inc., Research and Engineering Development, Inc., Amelex, TriCounty Abstract, Taylor Gas Co., The Patuxent Partnership, ManTech International Corporation, GTMR, Inc., Technology Security Associates, Inc,
Technology Security Associates, Inc., Wyle, PNC, PSA-Dewberry, Joseph R. Densford, P.C., Mary Blakely, and to the many people who donated items for the silent auction. The contributions of the following also helped make to this evening not only successful, but also very enjoyable. Our great thanks goes to Danny Rebarchick for the use of Lenny’s new and beautiful banquet room; the staff at Lenny’s for their superb service and delicious food; Robin Rebarchick for all of her behind-the-scenes support, and to the popular local band Geezer for their great music, which had everybody’s toes tappin’. Of course thanks also go to the staff, volunteers, and members of the board of The Greenwell
This Saturday the middle jewel of the coveted Triple Crown will take place once again in Maryland. Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore will host Maryland’s largest single day sporting event, the 134th running of the Preakness Stakes. In total, Preakness weekend features 16 stakes races with more than $2.3 million in purses. The main event, the Preakness Stakes, will have a purse of more than one million dollars. A thoroughbred horse race featuring the finest, fastest 3 year old horses around today. A crowd of more than 100,000 betters, partier’s, and spectator’s will flood the stands, the infield and the city to witness this great event steep in tradition. No doubt Maryland’s horse racing industry is important to our state. The economic benefit from this week’s events alone justifies the preservation of this industry. Yet it is more than just that, the traditions and the enjoyment many of us take for granted cannot be overstated. Additionally, the preservation of farmland, Maryland’s rural character, and protection from sprawl are all benefited by the preservation of this great industry. Farming as a profitable industry will stave off the need for taxpayer bailout, and the thousands of acres of horse farms in northern Baltimore County and outlying areas are heavily reliant on the horse racing industry to be profitable. In 2003, to answer the call of this financially troubled industry, Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich sought approval from the Maryland legislature to permit slot machines at Maryland’s horse racing tracks. The successful track record of West Virginia doing the same to preserve their horse racing industry was a model Maryland would follow. Because Ehrlich was a Republican, the legislature controlled for the past 100 years by the Democrats, as they did throughout Ehrlich’s four year term, decided to play politics to hurt Republicans rather than cooperate to help the state. The Democratic leader of Maryland’s House of Delegates, Speaker Mike Busch declared, “If the Preakness wasn’t here, would anybody care? I think the amount of people who care is next to none.” With the economy right, the gambling industry hungry, and the plan well defined, all the stars were aligned to preserve the horse racing industry except for Maryland’s one-party politics. For four years Maryland’s Democratic Senators and Delegates refused to play with the Republican Governor. By the time Gov. O’Malley was elected in 2006, Pennsylvania had already begun installing thousands of slot machines on Maryland’s northern border and West Virginia had expanded slots on Maryland’s western border, the economy had started a down turn and the gambling industry was not so hungry anymore. Even though the Democrats under a Democratic governor were now willing to play, it was too late. So this past legislative session the governor and the legislature devised a new scheme to protect the coveted Preakness because as
Foundation for their hard work and dedication, not just for your help with this event, but for what you do throughout the year. Finally, I’d like to thank all of the people who attended this year’s event. Our programs are for you, and we couldn’t do what we do without you. St. Mary’s County is a generous community, and her people always seem to come through. This is especially evident and appreciated in these difficult economic times. Generosity like this will
Speaker Mike Busch declared, “The Preakness is an important part of Maryland’s history and an economic engine for our state.” Wow, Busch cares about Maryland so long as it’s the Democrat’s Maryland. Unfortunately, as we have seen over and over again from this one-party rule monopoly, the action taken has left Maryland horse racing industry, and Maryland in general in worse peril. Your Democratic Senators and Delegates passed legislation giving Gov. O’Malley the authority to exercise eminent domain, to seize control and ownership of Maryland’s two thoroughbred racetracks and all their possessions. And not just the tracks, O’Malley can seize all copyrights, trademarks, the training track, a catering company and all other assets, including the million dollar Preakness trophy, the Woodlawn Vase. Think of how good Maryland’s business leaders must feel knowing they are doing business in a state that believes they can just come in and take possession of private business assets when they feel the desire. Remember 26 years ago when the Baltimore City Council tried to do the same thing only to wake up the next morning and find that Robert Irsay had loaded up the assets of the Baltimore Colts in the dark of night and left Maryland to get away from those raging government lunatics. On March 5th, Manga Entertainment Co. which owns the Preakness as well as Pimlico and Laurel racetracks filed for bankruptcy protection. It is highly likely that a bankruptcy judge will declare that Maryland has damaged Manga Entertainment by placing the cloud of eminent domain over their assets, thereby lowering their value. What potential buyer would be willing to pay top dollar knowing the state of Maryland can walk in and take ownership at any time? In the end, Maryland will probably never take over these assets, if they do it is certain to set the stage for another high court ruling that could seriously damage state and local governments ability to exercise eminent domain in its proper form, to bring needed roads and schools and other public assets to communities. Acting with emotional recklessness can cause greater damage to the public good. The Democrats have fumbled this ball over and over again and have left us dangerously close to losing one of Maryland’s jewels, the second leg of the Triple Crown, The Preakness. Hopefully wiser minds can somehow be heard and the governor and legislature will understand that government taking over private industry is not the solution, but rather government working with private industry to create an environment that will be profitable is the only solution. There are many ways government can do this, including tax incentives, infrastructure assistance, regulation changes and so forth. Maybe O’Malley should call Ehrlich and ask for some help on this one, after all isn’t it time we put Maryland ahead of politics? We all have a horse in this race.
help Greenwell to continue to make our many inclusive programs which include recreational and therapeutic horseback riding, Vacations for Vets, River Riders Kayaking and Camp Greenwell available to all members of our community. Thank you. Joe Anderson, President The Greenwell Foundation Board of Trustees
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
The County Times
Speaks
Meringolo To Leave St. Mary’s College
I am saddened to share with you Torre Meringolo’s departure from the college effective July 2, 2009. Torre has accepted the position of vice president for university advancement and external relations at the University of Mary Washington. Torre leaves a remarkable record of accomplishment at St. Mary’s. Hired 15 years ago as director of the library and information services, Torre directed a comprehensive modernization effort that encompassed library partnerships with the University of Maryland System, raised $2 million for library endowment, and provided the foundation for our contemporary, networked IT system. Torre’s previous employment at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Penn State University, and UNC Charlotte provided for us an individual with a formidable knowledge of information systems. The challenge presented by our smallscale and modest resources was largely overcome by the talents of a very thoughtful, experienced, and strategic colleague. In 1992, the college entered into its current relationship with the State of Maryland creating a unique, private-public partnership in higher education that required the college to supplement State funds with private funds as a source of revenue. The college has benefited greatly from the past 15 years of growth as a public honors college and an abundance of thanks for our successful transition is, again, attributable to Torre. In 1997, Torre was asked to serve the college in the position he continues to hold today, vice president for development. In concert with Trustee Terry Rubenstein, chair of the board’s development committee, a professional development team was built to accomplish a $40.4 million campaign. With endowed funds as the primary focus of fund-raising, our endowment has grown from under $5 million to over $24 million during Torre’s tenure. Torre worked as well with foundation directors Jim Stone, Jim Kenney, John Roberts, Tom Daugherty, Mike O’Brien, Bob Waldschmitt, Blu Putnam, Dave Burdette, Susan Messitte, Bonnie Green, and Harry Weitzel to create a modern, professionally run foundation that granted over $16 million for the college’s
programs over the past 10 years. Moreover, Torre initiated our federal funding strategies in 2000 that have provided over $6 million for programs such as the St. Mary’s River Project and campus IT and networking infrastructure. Torre’s particular passion for supporting students with financial needs has assured the graduation of many alumni during his tenure. Under Torre’s leadership the Alumni Office now serves 11,000 proud alumni with regular events and SMCMail to keep alumni involved and informed. Meanwhile, major events such as Reunion Weekend, Governor’s Cup, Madrigals, and now the River Concert Series on the Townhouse Greens, bring thousands of alumni and friends back to the college annually. The Alumni Council is actively engaged in the life of the college and through their excellent leadership they initiated the renaming of the college roads, raised funds for the ARC, the Muldoon River Center and Boat House, and worked with admissions on special recruiting programs. In addition, the publications and public relations staff have revived the Mulberry Tree, inaugurated the River Gazette and brought the college’s reputation into national focus with frequent articles in the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, the Chronicle of Higher Education and the national news magazines. For the past three years, Torre has also served as Secretary to the Board of Trustees, coordinating their quarterly meetings and keeping Trustees informed of campus developments. He has served as staff support to the Board’ development, governance and executive committees and staffed as well the college foundation meetings and Joint Investment Committee meetings. Often representing the college in the local community, Torre was for 10 years vice president of the Patuxent Partnership, a member of the Navy Alliance, and the College’s representative to the Economic Development Commission of St. Mary’s County. When the College and Historic St. Mary’s City joined forces to create the $65 million Maryland Heritage Project funded by Governor Parris Glendening and Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, it was Torre, and his assistants Pat Kiers and Anna Yates, who worked weekends and evenings to ensure a compelling and timely submission. It is an accurate statement to say that the facilities of St. Mary’s College were reshaped over the last decade as a result of the Maryland Heritage Project. We all share a deep affection for and gratitude towards Torre. We wish him well, we wish his family every blessing, and we thank him for generously and deftly touching all of our lives – students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustee, directors and friends – with his intelligence, sound judgment and innate kindness. Torre, we are honored to have served this college alongside you. Dr. Jane “Maggie” O’Brien, President St. Mary’s College of Maryland Torre Meringolo vice president for development resigns after 15 years of service to St. Mary’s College of Maryland
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The County Times
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Cardin’s Newspaper Bill “Not a Government Bailout”
Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) recently testified before the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet about a bill he is sponsoring that would allow the creation of non-profit newspapers. Cardin’s Newspaper Revitalization Act would allow qualified newspapers to attain 501(c) (3) status, the same IRS status that is utilized by churches, hospitals, educational institutions, public broadcasting and other non-profit entities. “Today, newspapers across the country are
Thursday, May 14, 2009
closing their doors, slashing their staff, and shuttering bureaus in the United States and around the world,” Cardin said in a press release. Cardin said his bill “is not a government bailout of a failing industry. If some newspapers choose to restructure as non-profits, it would not bring about government control of the media … newspapers just would refrain from making political endorsements.” Senator Cardin’s full testimony is available at cardin.senate.gov.
Philip H. Dorsey III Attorney at Law
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un Fact
Longtime Barber Honored For Fifty Years Of Service
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
two just couldn’t help ribbing each other. “He got some of it, but I don’t think it was $11 worth,” Dement said. For about three quarters of a century, the “The haircut was a penny, the $11 was for Gatton family has been in the business of cut- putting up with you,” Gatton retorted. ting hair. Sometimes being known so well for your John Gatton Sr.’s father started the busi- business and fire and rescue work can be a bit ness and for 50 years Gatton has been keeping awkward. the tradition alive. “We’ve had people call and But Gatton, and his famsay we need an ambulance and It’s better ily, are just as well known for I tell them to call 911,” Gatton their service to the community “Don’t jam up the system working with family said. through the Hollywood volunlike that.” teer fire and rescue services. times, Gatton said, than for somebody peopleOther Gatton has been a commuuse him to unload their nity servant with those organiza- else. troubles, but he said he doesn’t tions for 48 years, nearly as long mind. as he’s been cutting hair. “It doesn’t bother me,” Gat“It’s been fun,” Gatton said, after being ton said. “If I can help somebody, I’ll do it.” honored by nearly every county politician at his Kimberly Sullivan, Gatton’s daughter, Hollywood shop with eight proclamations for loves working with her father and said that havfive decades of work. “We’ve had a family busi- ing fun on the job is normal. ness for 75 years.” “A lot of our customers have been coming Gatton’s shop is known not only for offer- so long they’re like extended family,” Sullivan ing a reasonably priced haircut but also as being said. “It’s fun to come to work; I don’t mind a friendly place where information and witty getting up and working.” banter are freely exchanged. Gatton said that working with family was “This is the stop, man,” one customer said. one of the most rewarding things about being “If you want to know what’s going in the coun- on the job. ty, this the place.” “It’s better working with family than for County insiders and politicians get their somebody else.” manes trimmed there as well as law enforcement officers; seldom does a day go by without Gatton’s parking lot filled with marked and unmarked police vehicles. Among the many proclamations he received Monday was one from Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron, making him an honorary deputy sheriff. Capt. Mike Merican, who presented the honor, said he’d never seen such a proclamation given out during his entire career. Gatton took the time to trim Commissioner Kenneth R. Dement’s hair after he rePhoto by Guy Leonard ceived his honors, and the Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (D), left, jokes with fellow Commissioner Kenneth R. Dement (R), seated, before he gets a haircut from John Gatton, Sr.
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Nurse Practitioner Wins Award Lorraine Diana, who is associated with St. Mary’s Hospital, has been awarded the 2009 Nurse Practitioner Award for Excellence by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Founded in 1991, the award is given annually to a nurse practitioner in each state who demonstrates excellence in practice, research, nurse practitioner education or community affairs. A certified family nurse practitioner, Diana specializes in women’s health and obstetrics/gynecology and works for Dr. Larry Polsky and Shah Associates, a member of the St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Staff. She is also the outgoing president of the Maryland Coalition of Nurse Practitioners. “The best part of my job is my patients,” she said in a press release. “I love the inter-
actions I have with them and like being able to help them get healthier or be healthier. I also enjoy working with Dr. Polsky and the entire staff – I have a wonderful job!” A nurse practitioner since 1981, Diana became inspired to pursue her career when she was assigned to work with a pediatric nurse practitioner in the clinics at Andrews Air Force Base. She left knowing she wanted to become a nurse practitioner, finding out years later that the person who inspired her was actually the first nurse practitioner in the United States. Diana will be recognized at the 2009 American Association of Nurse Practitioners National Conference in June. She was nominated by nurse practitioner Angela Borger.
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
The County Times
Defense & Military
Wounded Verterans Golf Tournament Raised $14,000
Eighty golfers helped raise $14,000 for wounded veterans at the second annual Claude D. Alexander Memorial Golf Tournament held May 8 at the Cedar Point Golf Course, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, in Lexington Park. The proceeds will be split evenly between the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project, which provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members, said one of the organizers, Capt. Ted Harwood, a retired Navy reserve captain who lives in Hollywood and helped organize the tournament with his wife Nancy. Harwood is also a vice president with Sentel, which helped sponsor the event and has an office in California. Alexander, a 1969 West Point graduate and a Vietnam War amputee, was a peer visitor to the wounded veterans at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and was instrumental in helping the vets
airmen and their families and bring them down to southern Maryland for long weekends to relax, fish, eat home cooking, and to just get away from the hospital and therapeutic routines. The Claude D. Alexander Memorial Golf Committee, a 501(c)(3) organization, would like to thank everyone who participated in and supported the tournament, Harwood wrote. That includes the following sponsors for their support: Gold Sponsors – Sentel Corp., Intergraph Corp., Heritage Printing (programs and signage), Bear Creek BBQ (lunch); Blue Sponsors: Senator Robert J. Dole, Advanced Rehab Technologies, Professional Solutions, TSA, Rolls Royce North America, Landstar, Wyle, VFW Post 2632, Mil Corporation, Patuxent Mortgage Co., Sikorsky, and Juan O’Callahan Research. Thanks also go to donors Patty Payne, Chesapeake Cuisine, Tides Restaurant, MTEQ,
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who served in Iraq and Afghanistan integrated back into their environment, Harwood said in an e-mail. This included helping local volunteers to bring the wounded veterans to southern Maryland for rest, relaxation and fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Alexander died in a sports parachute accident in October 2007. The tournament was organized by local volunteers who have ties to the Marine Corps, Navy, Army and Air Force. These volunteers, with the help of veterans like Alexander and other Walter Reed “peer visitors”, provide one-on-one contact with the wounded Marines, soldiers, sailors, and
Ken Sparks, Robert Parkinson, Dan Rebarchick, Lenny’s Restaurant, Okada Japanese Seafood and Steak House, Avenue Flags and Flagpoles, Randy Geck; and finall to all of the volunteers, including Denise, Meg and Phillip Alexander, Molly Baker, Jeanette Bunting, Sandy and Paul Callanan, Mary Connell, Judy D’Andrade, Russ Horton, Bunny O’Callahan, Barbara Roberts, Dee Roland, Barbie Shields, Judi and Bob Simmons, and Lenore and Brian Storey, Sgt. Joe Gatto, Marine Detachment, NAS Pax, Emcee, state Sen. Roy Dyson and Capt. Andrew Macyko, Commanding Officer, NAS Patuxent River.
Rotary Wing Panel Tonight
The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park will host a panel discussion, “Navy’s Rotary Wing Warriors,” focusing on the MH-60 and unmanned Firescout helicopters beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14. The event is open to the general public and base personnel for $10 per person, which includes a donation to the museum and light hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Business casual attire and flight suits are welcome. “The requirement for rotary wing assets has never been greater – both in theater, at home and abroad, and the Navy’s rotary wing assets have never been more capable,” said one of the speakers, Capt. Dean Peters, program manager, PMA-299 (MH-60), in a press release. “In view of the recent first deployment of the MH-60R and the MH-60S armed helicopter, this panel will provide a timely update to our partners in the community.”
Other panelists include Rear Admiral William E. Shannon, program executive officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons; Capt. Steven Schreiber, commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic; Capt. Tim Dunigan, program manager, PMA-266; Capt. Thomas Fitzgerald, MH-60 Requirements Officer, CNO Staff; and CDR Mike Carsley, Firescout Requirements Officer, CNO Staff. The event is sponsored by the Partnership and Patuxent River Squadron No. 18 of the Association of Naval Aviation, which seeks to educate the public about the role of Naval aviation in the defense of the country. For more information, go to http://www.anahq.org. The Patuxent Partnership is a nonprofit organization with more than 350 members that advocates for the growth of the Southern Maryland technology business base. For biographies of the panelists, go to www.paxpartnership.org.
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
Bertie Cecelia Bowman, 88 Bertie Cecelia Bowman, 88, of Lexington Park, Md., died May 12, 2009, at her residence. Born Feb. 18, 1921, in Chaptico, Md., she was the daughter of the late Charles Henry and Mary Frances Miles Bowman. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward Lincoln Welch. Condolences to the family may be left at www.mgfh.com. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Arrangements provided by the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Irene Anthony “Connie” Bromley, 69 Irene Anthony “Connie” Bromley, 69, of Summerville, S.C., and formerly of Leonardtown, Md., died of complications related to liver failure on May 7, 2009, in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. She is survived by a daughter and two sons: Diana Bromley of Mechanicsville, Md., Michael Bromley of Summerville, S.C. and Harald Bromley of Valley Lee, Md., as well as eight grandchildren: Jessica, Veronica, Jacob, Eric, Zay, Meredith, Morgan and Evan. Connie Bromley, born Aug. 28, 1939, lived her life as a person free of many guidelines that most would use. She was a kind, loving mother and friend to many and was never short on words when she chose to speak her mind. She will be remembered by all for her kindness, wit and willingness to enjoy a conversation or good time with friends and family. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Sat., May 16, 2009, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Mattingely-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md., where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Charleston, Hospice Center, 676 Wando Park Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Condolences to the family may be made to www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Susan Duby-Holmes, 51 Susan DubyHolmes, 51, born Feb. 15, 1958, in Santa Monica, Calif., passed away Thurs., May 7, 2009, at her residence. She is survived by her husband Randy Holmes, many loving friends and her children Sterling and Penny. Susan was a dedicated social worker that helped many domestic violence and sexual assault victims. She was a shelter manager for the local shelter in Oak Harbor, Wash. Susan also worked at the housing authority to assist with people creating positive change in their lives and learning to become self-sufficient. Susan was a wonderful friend and great mentor to many. She is an angel and will be greatly missed. In honor of her, you are welcome to make a donation in her name to the American Cancer Society at the Gambrills office located at 1041 Rt. 3 North, Gambrills, MD 21054. To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Erwin Cowels Howard, Jr., 82 Erwin Cowels Howard, Jr., 82 of Lehigh Acres, Fla., and formerly of Loveville, Md., died May 9, 2009, in Cape Coral, Fla. Born July 30, 1926, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Erwin Cowels and Edna Clarke Howard Sr. He was the loving husband of Lillian Marie Howard of Lehigh Acres, Fla. He is also survived by his children: Dennis Clarke Howard and Ernest Lee Howard, both of Lehigh Acres, Fla., and Kenneth Dale Howard of Reston, Va., as well as four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings Louise Licklighter, Corrine Soper and Carol Howard. Erwin served in the U.S. Air Force for four years beginning in Feb., 1951. The family will receive friends on Sun., May 17, 2009, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md., where prayers will be said at 3 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Mon., May 18, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Bill Nickerson officiating. Interment will follow in Maryland Veteran’s Cemetery, Cheltenham, Md. Condolences to the family may be left at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Thomas John Keaveny, 76 Thomas John Keaveny, 76, of Ramona, Calif., died May 8, 2009, in Hollywood, Md. Born June 14, 1932, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late John and Julia Moore Keaveny. He was the loving husband of Joyce A. Keaveny of Ramona, Calif. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thurs., May 14, 2009, at 9 a.m. in St. Nicholas Chapel at Patuxent River Naval Air Station with Fr. Mudd officiating. Interment will be private. Condolences to the family may be left at www.mgfh.com. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Mary Elizabeth Kelly, 83 Mary Elizabeth Kelly, 83, of Great Mills, Md., died May 6, 2009, at St. Mary’s Hospital. Born Dec. 9, 1925, in Hollywood, Md., she was the daughter of the late Joseph J. Kelly and Mary Naney (Dorsey) Kelly. Elizabeth is survived by her daughter Susan Kelly of Lexington Park, Md.; sisters, Mary B. Kelly and Ada Marie Kelly of Great Mills, Md.; and brother, Joseph J. Kelly of Park Hall, Md. Family will receive friends on Fri., May 15, 2009, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. with Reverend Jack Kennealy as the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md. Robert “Bobby” Lee Medley Sr., 46 Robert “Bobby” Lee Medley Sr., 46, born Jan. 11, 1963, unexpectedly passed away Fri., May 8, 2009. Robert was the son of the late Joseph William
The County Times
and Mary Loretta Medley Sr. He is survived by his wife Mary Medley, son Robert Lee Medley Jr, grandson Jaylen Amari Medley, siblings Joseph William Medley Sr. and his wife Beverly, Barbara Ann Bankins, all of Lexington Park, Md.; Donna Sue Cannon and her husband Rickie of St. Louis, Mo., Carolyn Ann Johnson and her husband Chris of Jacksonville, Fla., Ann Briscoe and her husband John of Mechanicsville, Md., and Betty Jefferies of Upper Marlboro, Md., along with a host of aunts, uncles, relatives and close friends. Robert, known by many as Bobby, will forever be a dearly loved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and nephew who loved his family, driving, shooting pool, playing chess, in addition to, watching his beloved Redskins. Bobby also enjoyed playing the Lotto, John Madden football, wrestling with his grandson and was never seen not without his infectious smile. Bobby was employed by Lincoln Management, located on Patuxent River Naval base as a housing/grounds technician, but will be forever remembered as “Bobby” the taxi cab driver. The family will receive friends Fri., May 15, 2009, from 9 to 10 a.m in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md., where the funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. with Pas-
tor Henry E. Briscoe. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery. Arrangements provided by MattinglyGardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Henry Ralph Wise, 90 Henry Ralph Wise, 90, of St. Mary’s City, Md., passed away on May 7, 2009, at his home. He was born Oct. 8, 1918, to the late George Henry Wise and Laura Eunice (Taylor) Wise. He was born and raised on Old Wise Farm which was located off of Evergreen Park Road. Ralph spent many years working sawmills here in St. Mary’s and in Charles County. He owned and operated his sawmill on Mattapany Road in St. Mary’s City, Md. He also enjoyed the water, oystering, crabbing and fishing. In his later years, he looked forward to spending time at his second home in Florida and enjoying the warm weather. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his daughter Rosalee M. Reece (Eddie) of Mechanicsville, Md.; four stepdaughters, Elizabeth G. Kelsea (George) of Lexington Park, Md., Shirley M. Parcel of Lexington Park, Md., Betty Aldridge (Gordon) of Ridge, Md., and Tiny Lou Owens (Jack) of St. Inigoes, Md.; five stepsons; Wil-
liam H. Pulliam (Patricia) of Ridge, Md., Louis E. Pulliam (Eleanor) of Leonardtown, Md., Charles K. Pulliam (Susan) of Lexington Park, Md., Alex C. Pulliam (Patricia) of St. Inigoes, Md., and Capt. Eddie Davis (Edith) of Ridge, Md.; 41 grandchildren, many greatgrandchildren and great- great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives, Mary A. (Dudley) Wise, Katie E. (Dudley) Wise and Luella (PriceDavis) Wise; a stepson, Thomas (Chuck) Pulliam; a grandson, Eddie Gene Reece; sisters Lois (Wise) Gough, Lydia (Wise) Whal, Dorothy (Wise) Bennett and brother Albert Wise. Family received friends for Henry’s Life Celebration on Mon., May 11, 2009, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A funeral service was conducted at 12 p.m. by Pastor Michael D. Thorness. Interment followed in Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, Md. Serving as pallbearers were David Pulliam, Christopher Pulliam, Dickie Pulliam, Glen Pulliam, Kevin Orencia and Jeffrey Thompson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, Md. 20680. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com . Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.
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The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
14
The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
un Fact
The can opener was invented 48 years after the can.
By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer
School Budget Still In Limbo
The Board of Education voted on Wednesday to approve the latest draft of Superintendent Michael Martirano’s 2010 budget, which has suffered significant blows from reductions in state and county funding, but for which the board and the superintendent still have high hopes. Numbers indicate that the Fiscal Year 2010 operating budget will increase over Fiscal Year 2009 numbers, $881,334 compared to $181,479,862, which matches the projected total revenues for the year, but Martirano pointed out that the school system will be using $5.2 million of its own fund balance to make up for $2.4 million in shortfalls. In factoring in the allocation of fund balance dollars to cover reductions in state and county spending on education, Martirano said that the FY 2010 budget is, for the first time, less than the operating budget for the previous year. The county’s appropriation for the school system’s 2010 budget will shrink by $193,090, as it has also backed out on Other PostEmployment Benefits funding for 2010.
State Recognizes Town Creek Elementary The state has again chosen Town Creek Elementary School to be a Maryland Physical Education Demonstration School for 2009-2011. Chosen are schools whose physical education programs are considered to be exemplary and thus serve as models for other schools On April 20, 2009, a threeperson team of physical educators from other Maryland school systems visited Town Creek to assess the school’s application and its overall physical education program. Applicants must provide information about quality teaching; philosophy; organization and administration; curriculum and planning; assessment and evaluation; professionalism; and facilities, equipment and supplies. Debbie S. Settle, the school’s physical education teacher, will receive an award from the Maryland Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, which will be presented at the association’s annual convention in October. The school will receive a demonstration-school banner, as well as a certificate from the President’s Council for Physical Fitness. “We are thrilled that Town Creek has received this recognition,” said Andrew Roper, supervisor of instruction for physical education, health and athletics for the school system. “We hope that others from other districts can take notice and come to see the school’s wonderful program.”
Know
In The
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“That burden is actually placed on the school system this year because of our fund balance,” said Martirano, explaining that the school system’s fund balance has swelled due to strategic savings strategies to more than $13 million, which will be used to cover shortfalls and pay off the school system’s outstanding debts in the next few years. But the most significant cut will be in state funding, which is set to decrease from the current year by $3.1 million, bringing their total allocation to just under $91 million. Right now the only numbers that are not as concrete are what the school system can expect from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the funds from which will be restricted to special education, educational technology and Title 1 programs. The Board of Education will again modify its FY 2010 operating budget in June to account for stimulus funds. Meanwhile school officials say they are most interested in maintaining the school system’s current staff and student programs, and they do not plan to impose furloughs or staff reductions. “We’ve trimmed the fat, we’ve cut the fat, so now we’re trying to avoid nicking the f lesh,” said Martirano.
Meringolo To Leave St. Mary’s College Torre Meringolo, vice president for development at St. Mary’s College, is resigning, effective July 2. Meringolo will become vice president for university advancement and external relations at the University of Mary Washington in Frederickburg, Va., according to a college press release. He joined the college in 1994 as director of library and information services. In that position, Meringolo directed a modernization effort that encompassed library partnerships with the University of Maryland System; raised $2 million for library endowment; and provided the foundation for the contemporary, networked IT system, according to the release. In 1997, he became vice president for development. Meringolo led the professional development team that raised $40.4 million for the college in the school’s largest fundraising campaign, culminating in 2005. “With endowed funds as the primary focus of fundraising, our endowment has grown from under $5 million to more than $24 million during Torre’s tenure,” said College President Jane “Maggie” O’Brien in the release.
“Torre initiated our federal funding strategies in 2000 that have provided more than $6 million for programs such as the St. Mary’s River Project and campus IT and networking infrastructure. Torre’s particular passion for supporting students with financial needs has assured the graduation of many students during his tenure.” Meringolo organized the grant submission that resulted in the $65 million Maryland Heritage Project funded by Governor Parris Glendening. The facilities of St. Mary’s College have nearly doubled over the last decade as a result of the Maryland Heritage Project. Under his leadership, the alumni office now serves 11,000 alumni with regular events and SMCMail to keep them involved and informed. For the past three years, he has also served as secretary to the Board of Trustees, coordinating quarterly meetings and keeping trustees informed of campus developments. Meringolo was also vice president of the Patuxent Partnership for 10 years, a member of the Navy Alliance and the college’s representative to the Economic Development Commission of St. Mary’s County.
Fleming Photograph Honored
Education
College Hosts Homeschoolers Day
The College of Southern Maryland will host a “Home-schoolers Day” on Mon., May 18, from 9 a.m. to noon on at the La Plata Campus, Center for Business and Industry, Room BI-113E. Home-school parents and students can learn about the college’s programs of study, including dual and concurrent enrollment, “Career Starters” job training programs and transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities. The event will include campus tours and a parents’ forum to discuss the unique needs of home-schooled students. Registration is required by May 15. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 301-934-7765 or go to www.csmd.edu/Admissions.
School Support Professionals Honored Patricia DeCarlo, a para-educator at Park Hall Elementary School, and Warren Trossbach, who works in the maintenance department of the Division of Supporting Services, were recognized by school Supt. Michael Martirano Educational Support Professional of the Year for 2009. This year the honor is being shared by two individuals who have provided outstanding support to the school system and the community. Also recognized was Susan Tippett, a secretary in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, who received honorable mention for her contributions to the school system and community. The school board will recognize all nominees and winners at its next meeting on May 26.
Schools Recognized for Staff Development The public school system has been recognized this year for the excellence of its professional development program by the Maryland Council of Staff Developers. The system’s Professional Development Institute, under the direction of Jeff Maher, director of professional and organizational development, and Deb Faller, instructional resource teacher, was launched in 2008 as a year-long program to build the design, implementation and evaluation of high-quality professional development. The program began with a threeday session last June and continued with monthly follow-up sessions where program participants received coaching and designed activities. The Recognition of Excellence Award will be presented to school system representatives at the council’s conference in October 2009.
College Trustees to Meet
St. Mary’s College of Maryland senior Jay Fleming, of Annapolis, won the Annual Student Art Exhibit’s Joseph Marion Gough Jr. Excellence in Art Award for his photograph titled “Osprey.” The award is given annually by a committee from the Leonardtown PNC Bank who, along with other local business leaders in the county, made up the jury for the student art show. The photograph, along with other works from the show, are on display through August at the bank. For more information, visit www.jayflemingphotography.com or contact him at jaypfleming@gmail.com or 410-279-8730.
The next quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s College of Maryland will be held Fri., May 15, at St. Mary’s College of Maryland in St. Mary’s City. The General Session is open to the public and will begin at 3:15 p.m. in the Glendening Hall Annex. Call Marc Apter at 240-895-4381 for more information.
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
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The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Crime&
Punishment
Man Arrested For Assaulting, Abusing His Children By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
A man accused of abusing and assaulting his two children remains incarcerated in the county detention center after being denied bond. Christopher Donnie Smith Sr. was arrested by detectives last week with the county’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations unit on charges that several weeks ago he pushed his 13-year-old son down a f light of steps after an argument, charging documents alleged. The defendant’s son was born with spina bifada and wears leg braces and uses crutches, according to the documents. The son was also recently diagnosed with scoliosis, court papers showed; he did not tell his mother for fear of his father, court papers went on to say. Smith’s 16-year-old daughter also alleged in charging documents that her father punched her in the face several times and also threatened her by pointing a handgun at her over the spring-break holiday when she had asked if she could stay out late. The mother also revealed in charging documents that Smith had punched his daughter several times two year ago but that she never reported the assault to police. The defendant’s wife and mother to the children, alleged in charging documents that events came to a head May 3 when she returned home after a deputy had left from a call for a disturbance. The wife told police that her husband showed her a handgun, went upstairs and began cycling the action of the weapon and stating “I’m going to make you famous” and “I don’t have anything to lose.” The wife suspected that her husband was preparing for a confrontation with police, charging documents state, while the defendant apparently believed that police
A man charged with the shooting death of his estranged girlfriend’s boyfriend now claims that his is not criminally responsible for his alleged crime. Jeremiah J. Watson, who was scheduled for a motions hearing in county Circuit Court on Monday, filed a plea that same day claiming that he did not have the mental capacity to appreciate the gravity of his alleged killing of Christopher Patty. His plea also requested a mental evaluation to ascertain whether he is competent to stand trial. Watson’s attorney, public defender John Getz, said that Watson’s latest defense had a basis in his medical history. “There is some history of mental health treatment,” Getz told The County Times. Prosecutors declined to comment on the latest development in the case. Police allege that during the Nov. 24 incident in Dameron, Watson used a shovel to break into Dean’s home on Premier Lane and then allegedly used the same
Detectives Make Multiple Narcotics Arrests Vice/Narcotics detectives, assisted by the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Team, executed a search and seizure warrant on a Lexington Park residence. Once inside, more than two pounds of marijuana, nearly $1,600 in currency, $300 worth of cocaine and a handgun were recovered. Jerome Anthony Chase, a.k.a. “Boogie”, age 46, of Lexington Park, and Charlie Earl Horn, a.k.a. “Squeaky”, age 34, of Lexington Park, were arrested and charged accordingly. Additional charges are pending a review with State’s Attorney Richard D. Fritz. Vice/ Narcotics detectives and members of the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Team also executed a search warrant on a residence in Great Mills. Marijuana was recovered and Michael Winfield Proctor and Geneva Proctor were arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Additional charges are pending a State’s Attorney’s Office review.
Final Perpetrator Of PNC Bank Heist Pleads Guilty By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Christopher Donnie Smith Sr.
would try to arrest him on what turned out to be a nonexistent child support warrant from Baltimore. The next day, according to police reports, the mother took her children out of the home and on May 5 made the accusations to police about her husband’s alleged actions. Police, along with the county’s tactical team, made the arrest of Smith and charged him with first-degree assault, two counts of second degree assault, two counts of child abuse and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to charging documents, Smith had convictions for assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill and assaulting a law enforcement officer with a firearm from 1998 in North Carolina.
Murder Suspect Claims Insanity By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Briefs
shovel to begin beating both her and Patty, who was from Charles County, about the head and body. Dean is the mother of three children with Watson. Dean got away from her alleged assailant and retrieved a handgun, according to an application by police for a statement of charges. Dean shot Watson with the handgun, but Watson was able to wrest control of the weapon away from her, court papers state. Watson then allegedly shot Patty twice with the weapon and turned it on Dean, court papers reveal. Watson is alleged to have placed the gun to Dean’s head and pulled the trigger, but the gun did not fire, court papers state. Watson then f led the residence while Dean called 911, court papers state. Watson was found soon after by police near the house suffering from gunshot wounds. Patty and Dean were transported to St. Mary’s Hospital where Patty later died. Dean was treated and released.
Joseph Franklin Brown, of California, is the fourth and final conspirator to plead guilty in the PNC Bank heist from September of last year, where Brown and fellow conspirator William Cordell Johnson were alleged to have kidnapped the bank manager and her two children from their Lusby home at gunpoint, according to information from U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosentein’s office. Brown, 35, pleaded guilty to charges that he, Johnson and two others took part in the robbery of $169,000 from the bank by having the bank manager go in and get the funds while they held one of her children in her vehicle, which they had commandeered in Calvert County, ac-
cording to federal authorities. Quinita Ennis, 31, of Lexington Park, who earlier pleaded to her part in the heist, drove both Brown and Johnson to the bank manager’s home in Lusby after conducting surveillance of her routine before the robbery. Edwin Jones, 41, of Lexington Park, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact in the robbery. Both Ennis and Jones are scheduled for sentencing June 1; Johnson, 38, is set for sentencing July 20. Brown faces 25 years in prison for armed robbery, five years incarceration for conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, a minimum seven years for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and 10 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Kevin J. McDevitt Attorney At Law
Former Former Baltimore Baltimore City City Assist. Assist. State’s State’s Attorney Attorney Former Former St. St. Mary’s Mary’s County County Assist. Assist. State’s State’s Attorney Attorney
CRIMINAL & DUI/DWI
Office: 301-475-0093 Cell: 410-925-8992 Dorsey Professional Building 22835 Washington Street P.O. Box 952, Leonardtown, MD 20650
www.kjmcdevittlaw.com
The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
18
Bailouts Abound For Beauties, Too rethinking what they spend on lotions and potions. The good news? There is no need to let the recession cause a beauty depression thanks to new products, old favorites and some smart solutions for under $30. * Look for multi-purpose products or those with unexpected benefits. Items that feature two key benefits --such as a moisturizer with tint and sunscreen -can be less expensive than buying separate products, and will save you another commodity: time. Makeup artist Petra Strand's Pixi by Petra collection offers skin-beneficial ingredients and face-awakening color in every product so women can soothe their skin and freshen up their look in one step. * Choose a few bright, of-the-moment colors to give your look an update. Former model Jemma Kidd offers high-intensity eyeshadow shades within her JK Jemma Kidd collection. Prefer a classic red? Then go for a product with staying power like L'Oreal Paris Infallible(TM) Never Fail Lipcolour in Target Red for flashy long wear. Even when paired with last season's dress, you'll look au courant!
* At-home spa. Skip the spa day price tag and gather some skin-soothing items to lift your spirits right at home. Detox in your tub with Soap & Glory I Foam, an ultracreamy body wash with orange and grapeseed oils to soothe your body and soul. * Protect the beauty investments you make. Are you a fan of salon hair coloring services? Choose products that will help your color last longer and protect your hair from damage. Color- and heat-protectant shampoos and stylers cost less than a single process haircolor service. Two to try: Umberto Beverly Hills and Ted Gibson. * Each hairstylist was once a student. Find a reputable training program in your area and request a student cut. They're usually free or low-cost. * Shop smart to save. Find quality beauty products for less at the same places you buy your fashion must-haves, groceries and electronics. Target, for instance, continues to bring beauty mavens everywhere the best brands from around the globe for less. For more information, or to shop online, log on to www.target.com.
Hairbands and other unique hair accessories are popping up all over * Take Stock. Keep your cosmetics orgathe fashion world, from gala openings nized so you know what you have and don't buy to red carpet walks. A blushing bride who what you don't need. Rely on the Contents Yellow Bee wants to explore new possibilities to complement cosmetic train case made from recycled cotton availher wedding day look can experiment with hair accessories, which add beauty and originality to her big day. While bridal veils and tiaras are common adornments for a stroll down the aisle, trendy brides are realizing the versatility and affordability of hairhands. One to try is this vintage inspired band of champagne beaded Austrian crystals on a silk ribbon halo from These Indiana Jones-ish hats origiband-do. Shimmer and sparkle as you celebrate nate in Brazil, in a steamy crossroads your marriage union. Country sensation Taylor town out where the pavement's often Swift wore this very halo as she made the crumbled away and highway pirates aren't uncommon. The brawny fabric is party rounds after the American Country Music Awards in April.
Despite the current recession, women need not sacrifice beauty to save a buck or two. In fact, a host of products for under $30 are available for women hoping to look their best in spite of the struggling economy.
The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar business, with American women spending thousands of dollars each year on new products and treatments. Given the current state of the economy, even self-proclaimed "beauty addicts" are
* Be smart about choosing colors. Avoid wasted money and the wrong shades with a handpicked palette that really makes sense for your skin tone and style. The NP Set palettes by Napoleon Perdis have step-by-step instructions built into the case so no color goes unused. A makeup lesson by a celebrity makeup artist and smooth, satiny colors perfect for you for just $29? Now that's a beauty bargain.
able exclusively at Target to make storing your beauty essentials easy, chic and eco-friendly.
Green That's Heads Above the Rest
Over the past year, "green" has grown from something that everyone sort of hedgingly cared about into being heralded the new black, the new purple -- whatever hue is the standard for red-hot right now. That's green as in the environment, not the color. Recycling, save-the-planet green. Ironically, this welcome trend actually presents a potential obstacle to shoppers seeking gifts for that special Earth-minded someone in their lives. When green was something you still had to go digging to find, your gift was bound to reap rave reviews. But with so much recycled-this and reclaimed-that cropping up on store shelves and in Internet search results this holiday season, how do you now find a green gift that's truly golden? * Something that looks eco-friendly, but not like blatant marketing. (A bamboo-sided computer hard drive? Yes, such a thing exists, but why?) * Something creative that isn't merely artsycrafty. (A recycled-wine-bottle coat rack? Really?) * Something affordable. * Something cool. With time, you'd no doubt unearth a number of workable options. But for right now, here's a gift idea that's plainly heads above the rest: The Real Deal Brazil recycled-tarp hat. Amy Wolfe, travel editor for Sunset magazine, has heralded the RDB hat as "an ecologically genius idea" that's "also sort of sexy."
cut from reclaimed canvas tarps that once covered the beds of cargo trucks hauling freight from the Amazon out to the Brazilian coast. The tarps' exposure to different combinations of tropical rain, equatorial sun, abrasive wind and f lying road debris, along with occasional smatterings of Portuguese writing in waterproof black ink, makes each RDB hat a true oneof-a-kind. Truck tarps are frequently replaced in equatorial Brazil, but this steady stream of trash is now diverted into a steady source of cash for one economically disadvantaged backcountry town. Recycled tarps are thoroughly cleaned before being cut and sewn, and leftover scraps get stitched onto other RDB hats, so nothing gets wasted. Wire used in the bendy brim is pulled from abandoned truck tires. Many specialty retailers and specialty-goods catalogs carry the RDB hat (manufacturer's suggested retail price $29.99), as do a variety of online stores, including realdealbrazil.com. This ruggedly stylish, Earth-friendly fedora also tends to turn other people green when they see it. Green, that is, with envy.
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The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Vacation Close to Home at Buzz’s Marina BAYMART
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Located on Saturday’s Choice Farm, in beautiful Southern St. Mary’s County, Buzz’s Marina offers a relaxing getaway you and your family will remember for a lifetime. Whether it’s a one day adventure or a weekend excursion, you will not be disappointed. Situated on St. Jerome’s Creek, just minutes to Point No Point on the Chesapeake Bay, Buzz’s Marina is centrally located for the best fishing you will find in the area. Make yourself at home and enjoy a day on the boat, or fishing in the pond with the kids. Experience fun in the sun for the entire family from the youngest to the oldest. 82 acres of things to do and places to go awaits you. There are many features for fishermen and campers alike. Check out their website, buzzsmarina.com for pictures of what people are reeling in. Last weekend a 46 inch rockfish was caught, as well as the first flounder of the
Buzz’s Marina, 49675 Buzz’s Marina Way, Ridge, MD 20680 301-872-5887 www.buzzsmarina.com
The Glass Garden shoppe
www.woodlawn-farm.com
Chesapeake Bay Charter Boat Fishing With Capt Dave Bradburn Aboard the “Ruth D” A 42 foot Bay Built Boat Located at Drury’s Marina
16040 Woodlawn Lane Ridge, MD 20680
301.872.0555
season. They offer complete marine services; including prop reconditioning and boat write services. Available onsite is a boat wash station and fish cleaning station. Camper storage, public restrooms and shower facilities are also provided. Forget to bring something? A variety of bait is for sale, as well as a small camp store for all your last minute needs, including ice. During the summer of 2008, Buzz’s Marina became a certified Maryland Clean Marina. They were recognized as a family friendly gateway to boating and stewards of the environment. Get out and enjoy the summer! Contact Christy and Mike today to start planning an experience you will not soon forget. They are available to answer your questions and to ensure your needs are met. Don’t forget to ask about their active military discount.
18080 Point Lookout Road Park Hall, MD 20667 Phone: 301.863.7199 • Fax: 301.863.7599 Rt. 5, Just North of St. Mary’s City
theglassgardenshoppe.com
In St. Mary’s County On St. Jerome Creek Just minutes from the Chesapeake Phone: 301-872-4480, 301-872-4288 or 301-872-5217
www.captdavesfishing.com
Drury’s M
arina
& Fishing Center
301-872-4480 drurymarina.com 49768 Airedele Rd. Ridge, MD 20680
Speed equipment HigH perFormance tuning 24/7 towing
p.o. Box 60 • rte. 5, Snowhill rd. park Hall, md 20667
(301) 863-2111
Fax: (301) 863-5531
49675 Buzz’s Marina Way Ridge, MD 20680
Storage, bait, chum, gasoline, ice, ramp www.buzzsmarina.com
301-872-5887
Ridge MaRket 13270 Pt. Lookout RD, MD 20680 (Rt. 5)
Phone (301) 872-5121
• Chinese Food • Liquor & Wine Selection • Bait
Store Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8am – 9pm Fri – Sat: 7am – 9pm • Sunday: 7am – 8pm
We Gladly Accept Food Stamps and Independence Cards
A House is a Home
On July 30, 2008, President Bush signed H.R. 3221, the “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008,� a huge $300 billion rescue plan that may help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure, and hopefully boost confidence in the sluggish housing market. The bill is 694 pages long and very complex, and with help from the National Association of Realtors, below are some of the highlights. This legislation contains a number of victories for American homeowners includ-
The County Times
ing GSE reform, FHA reform, permanent loan limit increases and a $7,500 homeowner tax credit. This bill will help a limited number of homeowners facing foreclosure find ways to refinance. The bill includes the following provisions: • Homebuyer Tax Credit – a $7,500 tax credit that would be available for any qualified purchase between April 8, 2008, and June 30, 2009. The credit is repayable over 15 years (making it, in effect, an interest free loan). This has been amended to now be an $8,000 tax credit for homes purchased between Dec. 31, 2008, and Dec. 1, 2009. • FHA Reform – including permanent FHA loan limits for St. Mary’s County capped at $417,000; streamlined processing for FHA condos; reforms to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program, and reforms to the FHA manufactured housing program. The downpayment requirement on FHA loans will go up to 3.5 percent (from 3 percent). • Government Sponsored Enterprises Reform – for St. Mary’s this means that our GSE loan limits will stay at the higher rate that was established during the passing of
the economic stimulus package earlier this year. • FHA foreclosure rescue – development of a refinance program for homebuyers with problematic subprime loans. Lenders would write down qualified mortgages to 85 percent of the current appraised value and qualified borrowers would get a new FHA 30-year fixed mortgage at 90 percent of appraised value. Borrowers would have to share 50 percent of all future appreciation of their home if they sell with FHA. The loan limit for this program is $550,440 nationwide. Program is effective on Oct. 1, 2008. • Seller-funded downpayment assistance programs – codifies existing FHA proposal to prohibit the use of downpayment assistance programs funded by those who have a financial interest in the sale; does not prohibit other assistance programs provided by nonprofits funded by other sources, churches, employers, or family members. This prohibition does not go into effect until Oct. 1, 2008. • VA loan limits – temporarily increases the VA home loan guarantee loan limits to the same level as the Economic Stimulus limits through Dec. 31, 2008. • Risk-based pricing – puts a moratorium on FHA using risk-based pricing for one year. This provision is effective from Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2009. • GSE Stabilization – includes language proposed by the Treasury Department to authorize Treasury to make loans to and buy stock from the GSEs to make sure that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could not fail. This
Thursday, May 14, 2009
20
is potentially a huge mess that we could be getting our children into, potentially $300 billion. If managed properly it can work well. • National Affordable Housing Trust Fund – develops a Trust Fund funded by a percentage of profits from the GSEs. In its first years, the Trust Fund would cover costs of any defaulted loans in FHA foreclosure program. In out years, the Trust Fund would be used for the development of affordable housing. • CDBG Funding – provides $4 billion in neighborhood revitalization funds for communities to purchase foreclosed homes. This will help low income communities with the problem of having so many run down foreclosed home sin any one area. • LIHTC – modernizes the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to make it more efficient. • Loan Originator Requirements – strengthens the existing state-run nationwide mortgage originator licensing and registration system (and requires a parallel HUD system for states that fail to participate). Federal bank regulators will establish a parallel registration system for FDIC-insured banks. The purpose is to prevent fraud and require minimum licensing and education requirements. The bill exempts those who only perform real estate brokerage activities and are licensed or registered by a state, unless they are compensated by a lender, mortgage broker, or other loan originator. PatrickDugan@mris.com
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21
The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A House is a Home
Woodburn’s offers over 500
Better Buildings
At the heart of a green home is concrete
Whole Soy Yogurt, Purely Decadent Cookie Dough Frozen Desert, Gluten-Free With
SALE
Coconut Milk.Over 10 Varieties To Choose From.
3
$
Pint
Erewhon Organic, Crispy Brown Rice. 100% Whole Grain Cereal, Gluten-Free. 10 oz. Constructing an environmentally conscious home may seem like a monumental task, but many components can be yours with just one choice. Start construction with concrete, not wood. “In just one step, you can achieve a high level of sustainability in your new house,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, the manufacturer of insulated concrete forms. “Build your walls, floors and ceilings with stay-in-place, interlocking concrete units. With this Lego-like method (of reinforced concrete sandwiched between two layers of expanded polystyrene foam insulation) the total building envelope stands to be up to nine times stronger, far more fire resistant, and far more sound insulated. Furthermore, this certified innovation (nudura.com) is design-friendly for architects, much faster for builders, creates less construction waste, and provides defense against toxicity and mold that is so often associated with traditional wood framed walls. And of equal importance, it’s a building method that will deliver energy savings of up to 70 percent.” Industry analysts agree that the overall quality of a green home will pay dividends immediately, and it will continue to do so for years to come. When building, pay special attention to materials and systems for water, sewage, energy, and your indoor environment. These are rated by an internationally accredited organization called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), so ask your builder to make choices based on this designation. “A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources,” Blyth explains. “It is less wasteful and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Equally important benefits include lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. As a result, the net cost of owning a sustainable home is comparable to cost of a conventional one.”
SALE
SALE
/5
5 $
6oz., Made With Organic Soybean, Dairy & GlutenFree, Over 10 Varieties To Choose From.
All Natural, Green Mountain Gringo Tortilla Strips. Colesterol Free, GlutenFree. 8 oz. pkg.
SALE
179
$
3
$
99
Green Mountain Gringo, Medium Salsa, Truly Natural, Fat Free, Gluten-Free, Also Available Mild, Hot, Roasted Chile, or Roasted Garlic. 16 oz.
Pamela’s, All Natural Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies. Over 9 Varieties To Choose From. 7.25 oz.
SALE
369
$
SALE
ENER-G, Light
White Rice Loaf, Wheat Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy Free. We Carry Full Line Of ENER-G Breads 8 oz.
SALE
3
$
59
Store Hours: Mon-Sat. 8am - 9pm Sun. 8am - 7pm
369
$
SALE
2
$
69
Quinoa Pasta, Rotelle, Garden Pagodas, Shells, or Penne. Gluten-Free 8 oz. pkg.
Prices good thru May 30, 2009 Patuxent Plaza 13920 Solomons Island Road South Solomons, MD Phone: 410-326-3999
A House is a Home
The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
22
Consumer Report: Premium Countertops
Quartz rocks the granite world Consumers in the market for a premium countertop surface are discovering early in their search that quartz, and not granite, has become the highest rated and most popular option available. That’s because quartz countertops have emerged as the new worry-free, elegant alternative to high-maintenance granite for architects, designers and homeowners alike. They’re stronger than granite, require no resealing, are highly resistant to scratches and stains, come in a huge variety of colors, and soon to be manufactured in Canada. In fact, Consumer Reports Magazine rated quartz as the top performer among countertop materials such as granite, ceramic tile, stainless steel, laminate, marble, limestone, and concrete when it came to resisting prime kitchen hazards such as stains, heat and scratches. According to the recent Freedonia Group Report on countertop industry trends, there has been a definite shift in the marketplace over the last few years as quartz has become the fastest growing market segment in the industry with 13 percent growth compared to granite’s five percent. Quartz surfaces are growing in popularity because they have the appearance of natural stone, but unlike granite, these surfaces never need to be sealed. Quartz is a nonporous material, which means it will not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria. This is
why leading brands such as HanStone Quartz surfaces are certified NSF 51 (with the National Sanitation Foundation). “HanStone quartz countertops have an aesthetic that can emulate the look of granite, but are also available in unique colors and surface effects not found in natural stone,” explained Mark Hanna, President of Montrealbased Leeza Distribution Inc., one of North America’s leading distributors of HanStone Fine Quartz Surfaces (leezadistribution.com). “The benefit of quartz is that it doesn’t have any of the drawbacks associated with materials such as granite.”
What is quartz?
Quartz is silicon dioxide and it occurs as individual crystals and fine-grained masses in a large variety of forms, patterns, and colors. It is naturally hard and scratch resistant. Most quartz countertops are manufactured with up to 93 percent quartz mixed with pigments and resins. This prescribed mixture results in a product that is non-porous, exceedingly durable, and more than twice as strong as granite. The top rated quartz surface in the industry by designers, architects and developers alike is HanStone, because it contains a higher quartz content than the norm and includes clear and multiple quartz colors, bringing greater depth, dimension and style to its surfaces.
The popularity and growth of quartz in North America led to one of Korea’s largest industrial corporations, Hanwha Living & Creative Corporation, to break ground recently on a new manufacturing and distribution plant in London, Ontario for its Hanwha Surfaces products. The building solidifies Hanwha’s presence
in North America as one of the leading producers of fine quartz surfaces -- via its HanStone product line. The new plant promises to boost the local economy while lessening the industry’s environmental impact. More information on quartz surfaces is available at leezadistribution.com.
S eab reeze
GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS, GREAT TIMES Wednesday-All You Can Eat Crab Legs & Shrimp
Restaurant
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301-373-5217 Mechanicsville, MD Located on the Beautiful Patuxent River
OPEN YEAR ROUND
23
The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A Journey Through Time The
Chronicle
fight. After the sinking of the Maine, however, that would Columnist Linda Reno change. This short-lived is a historian and genealogist war that lasted from specializing in Southern April to August in Maryland history. Mrs. Reno is a 1898 resulted in the U.S. defeating member of the St. Mary’s County Spain and Historical Society, St. Mary’s County acquiring Cuba, Genealogical Society, Charles County the Philippines, Genealogical Society, Maryland Historical Puerto Rico and Society and the Maryland Genealogical Guam. Society. She has authored many books A b o a r d and articles on local history. We the Maine that hope you will enjoy these articles fateful day were and welcome your comments 355 servicemen and suggestions for under the command of future subjects. Capt. Charles D. Sigsbee. Capt. Sigsbee testified that at 9:10 p.m. on the evening of By Linda Reno Feb. 15, he was in his cabin Contributing Writer writing a letter to his family when the ship’s bugler began playing “Taps” to “Remember the Maine, to Hell indicate day’s end. “I laid down my with Spain” became the battle cry pen to listen to the notes of the bugle, of U.S. citizens when the battleship which were singularly beautiful in the Maine was either blown up or self- oppressive stillness of the night.” All destructed in the harbor at Havana, was quiet until 9:40 when the Maine Cuba, on Feb. 15, 1898. exploded. At that time Cubans were Only two officers were lost in the revolting in Havana, seeking blast, as their quarters were located in independence from Spain, and the the back of the ship. It was the crew’s U.S. had sent the Maine there to quarters, two decks above the powder show our support for Cuba, not to magazines, that would take the brunt
of the explosion. One of the officers testified: “The whole starboard of the deck, with its sleeping berth, burst out and flew into space, as a crater of flame came through, carrying with it missiles and objects of all kinds, steel, wood and human.” Captain Sigsbee ordered the survivors to abandon ship and as is traditional, he was the last one to leave the ship. The search for survivors continued through the night with the captain calling out at one point in desperation, “If there is anyone living on board, for God’s sake say so!” Spanish officials denied any involvement in the sinking of the Maine. The U.S. conducted an investigation in an effort to determine the cause of the explosion. Charles Morgan, a trained navy diver, spent two weeks diving in and around the wreckage of the ship. His report was chilling. It was horrible! As I descended into the death-ship, the dead rose up to meet me. They floated toward me with outstretched arms, as if to welcome their shipmate. Their faces for the most part were bloated with decay or burned beyond recognition, but here and there the light of my lamp flashed upon a stony face I knew, which when I last saw it had smiled a
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Naval Historical Center
Wreckage of the Battleship Maine
merry greeting, but now returned my gaze with staring eyes and fallen jaw. The dead choked the hatchways and blocked my passage from stateroom to cabin. I had to elbow my way through them, as you do in a crowd. While I examined twisted iron and broken timbers they brushed against my helmet and touched my shoulders with rigid hands, as if they sought to tell me the tale of the disaster. I often had to push them aside to make my examinations of the interior of the wreck. I felt like a live man in command of the dead. From every part of the ship came sighs and groans. I knew it was the gurgling of the water through the shattered beams and battered sides of the vessel, but it made me shudder; it sounded so much like echoes of that awful February night of death. The water swayed the bodies to and fro, and kept them constantly moving with a hideous semblance of life. Turn which way I would, I was confronted by a corpse. It has now been 110 years since the Maine sank, and the real cause for her loss has never been officially determined. Of the men who died, 165 bodies were recovered and buried
in Cuba. In 1899 their remains were exhumed and reburied at Arlington National Cemetery. Only 63 of them were ever identified. One of the unidentified men was Apprentice First Class Benjamin H. Herriman, born 1876, in Chaptico, son of Melvin Harrison Herriman and his second wife, Mary Ellen Lyon. Ironically, Melvin Herriman was a native of Kennebec County, Maine. Why he came to settle here is unknown. In Washington, D.C., in 1860, he married Martha Bond, daughter of Samuel Bond and Eliza Kitchen of St. Mary’s County and they were living in Chaptico by1863 when he was arrested by Union officials for “selling goods for contraband trade.” His second wife, Mary Ellen Lyon, was the daughter of William Alexander Lyon and Catherine Ann Swann of Charles County, whom he married in 1872. She died in childbirth in 1893. Melvin Herriman died at his home in Chaptico in 1913, never knowing for the sure, the resting place of his son. Got pictures or stories you’d like to share? Please contact me at: lindareno@comcast.net
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301-373-4125 P IN
US EY POINT LIGHTHO
E
The County Times
By Christie Lemire AP Movie Critic
By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer
Photo By Andrea Shiell
Musical Director Vladimir Lande leads COSMIC symphony in one of their final rehearsals before their season finale, “Made in America,” which will feature both an art show and the world premier of Sean Hickey’s “Concerto for Solo Cello.”
a totally different sound,” said Keates. “West Side Story is so beloved, and it’s going to be so nice to really do it up right.” The group will also perform another piece that was also made in America, which Keates said was uniquely challenging. World-renowned composer Sean Hickey will premier his “Concerto for Solo Cello,” which was composed specifically for Cosmic. The piece itself was commissioned by renowned cellist Dmitry Kouzov, who will be performing the three-movement work in its entirety for the first time on a Southern Maryland stage before touring with the piece in Russia, where it will be performed with the St. Petersburg Symphony. “Sean Hickey is a friend of our music director, Vladimir Lande, and this’ll be the first time it’ll be played,” said Keates, explaining that nobody would hear the finished product until the group performed it for the public, “but it’s exciting to think that this is the first time it’ll be played here in America, or anywhere.” Along with selections from Cosmic’s flute choir, one American classic, and one more American premier, Keates said, “there’s another little something that the orchestra’s going to play that’s kind of one of those ‘please play that again’ things, and I’m not going to tell what it is, but it’s a crowd favorite and an orchestra favorite ... and it’s NOT made in America.” Cosmic Symphony Orchestra’s Season Finale will be performed at Great Mills High School on Sat., May 16, at 7 p.m. and at Huntingtown High School at 4 p.m. on Sunday. For tickets, call 301-373-5277 or go to www.cosmicmusic.org.
ry’s a M
J.J. Abrams’ hugely anticipated summer extravaganza “Star Trek” boldly goes to the past within the distant future of the “Trek” universe, years ahead of the TV series and the myriad movies and spin-offs it spawned. And in doing so, he and his longtime collaborators, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, change everything you know – or obsess about, if you’re into this kind of thing – about the kitschy pop-culture phenomenon. It’s a daring and exciting approach that’s sure to tickle and provoke purists, while at the same time probably cause neophytes to feel a bit lost. A major plot twist pops up – which includes the arrival of Leonard Nimoy – about halfway through the film, a twist that doesn’t exactly work and from which the film never completely recovers. Having said that, Abrams clearly aimed to appeal to the broadest possible audience with this dazzling visual spectacle while also leaving plenty of Easter eggs for the hardcore fans to find. If there’s any social or political subtext, as in the original series, it’s difficult to determine; this “Star Trek” seems solely made to entertain. It’s an absolutely gorgeous film with impeccable production design – the lighting is wondrous, almost heavenly – and lovely, tiny details frequently emerge within the larger, grander images. Abrams certainly puts on a good show – between television’s “Lost” and the 2006 “Mission: Impossible” sequel he directed, there’s no question the man knows how to stage an action sequence, and the opening gets things off to a thrilling start. He efficiently and satisfyingly presents the back stories of the men who will become Capt. James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and the half-Vulcan, half-human Mr. Spock (Zachary Quinto) and puts them on a collision course with each other, which ups the excitement level early. Kirk and Spock, you see, weren’t always pals – at least not in this revisionist history. This “Star Trek” pits them as opposites and adversaries until they must reluctantly learn to function side by side for the greater good. Kirk was a brilliant young hotshot causing trouble in rural Iowa, talented beyond his years but self-destructive nonetheless; Spock was a brilliant young math whiz whose mixed ethnic heritage made him the target of Vulcan bullies who were just as geeky as he was. Pine gets the womanizing and
the ego of Kirk, but in a younger state there’s also a likable boyish enthusiasm about him; Quinto, meanwhile, plays Spock as a little more tentative and less Zen-like. But maybe that sense of inner peace comes in time. All that informs their interaction once they join the Starfleet Academy and ultimately climb aboard the shiny U.S.S. Enterprise – which looks familiar but has been significantly updated from 40 years ago. Among them are the usual cast of supporting characters: Communications Officer Uhura (the graceful Zoe Saldana, who gets more to do than Nichelle Nicholls ever did on TV); over-thetop Medical Officer Leonard “Bones” McCoy (Karl Urban, who gets to growl familiar lines like: “Dammit, man! I’m a doctor, not a physicist!”); Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott (Simon Pegg in a lively bit of casting); reliable Helmsman Sulu (John Cho, showing he can do much more than comedy) and 17year-old supergenius Chekov (Anton Yelchin, doing an intentionally cartoony Russian accent as an homage, even though he really is Russian). Their shared enemy is the angry Romulan leader Nero (Eric Bana, borrowing Mike Tyson’s elaborate facial tattoos), whose sharp, spiky ship resembles a malevolent version of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. The source of his vendetta against Spock, and the entire Federation, is revealed as the film progresses, and it’s a crucial part of that distractingly perplexing twist we mentioned earlier. Either you’ll go with it or you won’t. Regardless, based on Abrams’ ambition and scope in rejuvenating the franchise, it’s clear it still has plenty of room to live long and prosper. (A Paramount Pictures release; Rated PG13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content; Running Time 127 minutes; Two and a half stars out of four.)
Show T ime
St.
The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or entertainment announcements, or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail andreashiell@countytimes.net.
24
Movie Review: ‘Star Trek’
Cosmic’s Finale Features World Premier The Cosmic Symphony Orchestra will be performing its season finale, titled “Made in America,” this weekend in St. Mary’s and Calvert counties. “This program is a big one,” said Lynn Keates, secretary on the board of directors, explaining that this year’s show will also feature a large art exhibition titled “Do You See what I Hear?” linked to the group’s performance of selections from composer Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story.” In addition, composer Sean Hickey will also premier his “Concerto for Solo Cello,” which was composed specifically for Cosmic and slated for performance in Russia. Work on the student art exhibition started early. “What we did in January was send out letters and CDs to all the Calvert County and St. Mary’s County art teachers,” said Keates, explaining that students were then presented with recordings of “West Side Story.” Students were then asked to interpret the Broadway show, first produced in 1957 and made into a movie in 1961, on canvas or through any other medium. “They selected the ones that they wanted to display, so those items will be on display at the concert,” she said, encouraging audience members to come early to view the artwork. “Because it was January when we sent out the CDs, that gave the students a lot of time to really listen to it, and then try to put that down on paper or canvas,” said Keates, adding that several mediums were being used in this year’s exhibit. “We’ve had a couple of sculptures, and we’ve had a couple of different mediums in the past, and I’m always amazed by what the students come up with,” she said. Along with more than 200 pieces of original art by local students, this year’s program will feature selections from “West Side Story,” the beloved American spin-off of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. “West Side Story” is ambitious, because it’s a different way of playing the music, and what they’re going to play is sort of an overture, a mix of pieces, and then the orchestra will of course accompany the singers ... so it’s
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Get Out & Have F Now Pla un Right ying Here in S t. Mary’s AMC Loews, County! Lexington Park 6, (301) 862-5010 Shows and Rating Pro vided
Angels & Demons PG-13, 140 min Starts on Fri, May 15
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past PG-13, 100 min
By Yahoo E ntertainmen t. Check L ocal Listing s For Show Times.
Obsessed PG-13, 105 min
Star Trek PG-13, 126 min
X-Men Origins: Wolverine PG-13, 107 min Starts on Thu, Apr 30
25
The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thursday, May 14 • Wing Night VFW Post 2632 (California) – 5 p.m. • UpStroke Chef’s American Bistro (San Souci Plaza) – 6 p.m. • Ladies Night Fat Boys Country Store (Leonardtown) – 7 p.m. • DJ Jamie Cadillac Jack’s (Lexington Park) – 9 p.m.
Friday, May 15 • Annual Potomac Wildlife Art Show College of Souther Maryland (La Plata campus) – 6 p.m. • Texas Hold’Em Tournament VFW Post 2632 (California) – 7 p.m. • Poker Leader Board Challenge FOP-7 Lodge (Chancellor’s Run Road, Great Mills) – 7 p.m. • S.T.O.R.M. Reggae Band Hulas Bungalow (23900 N. Patuxent Beach Road, California) – 8 p.m.
• David & Kevin Applebee’s (California) – 9 p.m. • Shout at the Devil Memories Bar – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 16 • Our Lady’s Church yard sale In the church parking lot from 8 a.m. to noon. Cost to rent a space is $10; bring your own table or rent a table from us for $5; leave the advertising up to us. Call 301-475-8403 to reserve your space. • Strawberry Festival 37497 Zach Fowler Road (Chaptico) – 1:30 p.m. • Steak Night VFW 2632 (California) – 5 p.m. • COSMIC Symphony Season Finale Great Mills High School – 7 p.m. • Idle Americans host Open Blues Jam Fat Boys Country Store (Leonardtown) – 8 p.m. • Sam Grow Hulas Bungalow (23900 N. Patuxent Beach Road, California) – 8 p.m.
• Bent Nickel Cryers Back Road Inn (Compton) – 9 p.m. • DJ Jamie Cadillac Jack’s (Lexington Park) – 9 p.m. • Frankie and the Actions Memories Bar – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 17
• Drive Thru Chicken Dinner Hosted by the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the firehouse located at 13820 Point Lookout Road. Dinners are $10 and will include half a chicken, parsley potatoes, vegetable, cole slaw and a roll. Limited dine-in seating will be available. Come and support a worthy cause. For more information, call 301-872-5090 or 301-872-5671. • Mechanicsville Rescue Open House Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad is celebrating 50 years of serving the community with an open house from noon to 4 p.m. at the Rescue Squad building off Old Flora Corner Road. Cold drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers will be available while you meet the members, tour the station and view our apparatus. Rita’s will also be serving Italian Ice. Some of the guests attending include Health Connections, Walden Sierra, Department of Aging, The Maryland State Police Charger and the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. Activities throughout the day include extrication and demolition of a vehicle, free blood pressure checks, moon bounce and slide, and different games such as horse balls. Anyone with memories of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad over the past 50 years – please bring it with you to share with us.
Specializing in Maryland Wines
Seafood No Steak Charge Banquet Room Ribs
va tio
n
Fundraiser Events May 16th - Orphan Wildlife - Open Mic
Monday, May 18 • Blood Drive The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the 2nd District Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad in Valley Lee from 2 to 7:30 p.m. Donors may call 301-994-1038 to schedule an appointment or for information. Walk-ins are welcome.
n O g n i Go
What’s
Call Ahead Lunch
• COSMIC Symphony Season Finale Huntingtown High School (Huntingtown) – 4 p.m.
By Reser
• 4 Friends Chef’s American Bistro (San Souci Plaza) – 8:30 p.m.
Dining on the Water
• Nia Olabesi Chef’s American Bistro (San Souci Plaza) – 8:30 p.m.
Call Ahead for Upcoming Events
May 15th Boordy Vineyards Free Wine Tasting Tues -- Sat: 11am - 9pm • Sunday: 11:30am - 7pm
301-274-2828 301-274-2544 7320 Benedict Ave. P.O. Box 232 Benedict, MD 20612
Cuisine
& More
On The Menu
The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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!
LINDA’S CAFÉ
21779 Tulagi Place, Lexington Park
301-862-3544
People come from miles away to enjoy the down-home cooking at Linda’s Café. For 20 years, owner Linda Palchinsky has been drawing crowds with her “just like mom makes” meals. Offering breakfast all day from open ’til close and daily dinner specials, it is no wonder Linda’s has such a loyal following of customers. Conveniently located outside Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Linda’s has been a favorite spot for breakfast or lunch meetings for years. Linda’s Café is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Linda’s breakfast menu is loaded with every imaginable omelet or eggs any style, breakfast meats galore, waffles, pancakes or French toast with all the fixings on the side. Try its famous home fries with your breakfast choice. Special selections are available on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast entrees range in price from $2.49 to $8.99 and your coffee cup will never stay empty. Lunch choices include specialty sandwiches, burgers, salads and hot roast beef or turkey. Lunch prices range from $3.49 to $8.99. Daily $6.99 specials on the menu feature baked chicken on Monday, ham and cabbage on Tuesday, meatloaf Wednesday, liver and onions on Thursday and Salisbury steak on Friday. Dinner specials include Monday chicken night, Tuesday pork chops and seafood, Wednesday is steak night, Thursday is Italian night and Friday is fish night. Try some down- home cooking served up with old-fashioned hospitality at Linda’s Café today!
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Healthy Bites Blend up breakfast, indulgent snack
By JIM ROMANOFF For The Associated Press Frosty, dessert-like and packed with delicious, nutritional ingredients, it’s no wonder fruit smoothies are so popular. What’s particularly nice about smoothies is that they are fast and easy to make, and indulgent without being loaded with fat and calories. Plus, the only equipment you need is a blender. Of course, a smoothie is only as healthy and tasty as the ingredients you put in it. So avoid dumping in sugar or thickening with full-fat dairy products. There are easy, healthy alternatives. To give a fruit smoothie its icy, thick consistency, use crushed ice or frozen fruit as the base. The advantage of ice is that you add volume and texture without calories. The downside is that your smoothie can become watery as the ice melts. Thickening with frozen fruit adds calories, but also plenty of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. For convenience, wash, cut and freeze fruits such as melons, stone fruits and berries when they are in season so you have them on hand when smoothie inspiration hits. Peeled and cut tropical fruits,
such as bananas, pineapples and mangoes, also are great ingredients to keep in the freezer. For greater convenience, use store-bought frozen fruits, such as berries, cherries and peaches. These usually are an excellent value and good enough quality for blending into smoothies. Be sure to buy individually quick-frozen fruits rather than those frozen in blocks of sugary liquid. They are healthier and much easier to toss into the blender. Many fruit smoothies also contain milk or frozen yogurt to give them a thick, creamy, milkshake-like texture. These two smoothie recipes go a little out of the box by using nonfat buttermilk to add a rich-tasting, pleasant tang. The strawberry-banana smoothie uses frozen berries and fresh bananas, which add additional creaminess. Antioxidantrich blueberries and pomegranate juice make a shocking purple smoothie that’s as healthy as it is flavorful. Use leftover buttermilk to make dressings, marinades or as a healthy ingredient in baked goods, such as biscuits and cakes. Consider the salt in these recipes optional. Just a pinch heightens the flavors of the fruit without adding much sodium.
On The Vine
Alice White Australian Wines www.alicewhite.com
Established in 1933, Tomasello Winery is run by third generation New Jersey winegrowers, Charlie and Jack Tomasello. Passionate about their wines, the Tomasello’s grow 24 different varieties of grapes on their 70 acres. The Tomasello’s believe that, “Quality in wine making is a function of quality fruit.” The quality shows in the finished product of Tomasello wines. Known for premium wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Reisling the Tomasello’s have also had great success with French hybrids. Additionally Tomasello has won much acclaim for its high end dessert wines; six fruit wines intense in their fruit character with layers of fruit on the palette and balanced acidity and sweetness. The Red Raspberry is a perfect complement to chocolate and chocolate desserts. The Cranberry should be served with foods traditionally served with cranberries such as turkey. The Cranberry also goes great with creamy cheesecake. Blackberry is wonderful served as a dessert wine or used in a dessert. Blueberry is delightful as an aperitif before dinner or serve it over salad in a blueberry wine vinaigrette salad dressing. Tomasello Cherry is amazing with white chocolate cheesecake. Their Pomegranate wine is perfect paired with poultry. These delightful fruit wines can be found locally for under $11.00 per bottle. With close to 40 wines being produced Tomasello has a wine for every wine drinker.
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The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wanderings of an Aimless
d
Min
Perfextion, no, Perfection? By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer (I hope all the moms had a great Mother’s Day. What perfect weather. My sons asked where I wanted to go. I said Vegas or Tahoe. They said Arby’s. That would have been fine too, but they took me to Old Town Alexandria for a wonderful day. I also hope Kay had a special Mother’s Day birthday.)
Now, what will I do with my day off? Do you sometimes feel, as I do, that your days off are as busy as your days working? Every appointment, errand and chore is crammed into seven hours and then in the evening you are left wondering, “This was my relaxation?” And then if you just stay home, it’s “Do I clean, straighten, plant or transplant flowers, paint a painting, write poetry, write a story, do computer work, etc. etc.?” I had a friend once
Book Review
“Faith Under Fire” by Roger Benimoff
c.2009, Crown
$23.95 / $27.95 Canada
By Terri Schlichenmeyer Contributing Writer Your schedule is so jam-packed, you can’t possibly add another thing to it. The word “no” is not in your vocabulary these days. Between family obligations, work overload, appointments, household chores and 1,001 other things that pull you 1,001 other ways, you do what you need to do and you stretch yourself thinner than the page on this newspaper. That’s just the way it is. But pretty soon, you begin to crash. You learn, one way or another, that you can’t do it all and that taking care of yourself sometimes needs to move up on the calendar. In the new book, “Faith Under Fire”, by Roger Benimoff (with Eve Conant), an Army chaplain learned that lesson the hard way, and it almost destroyed him. At the tender age of 8, Roger Benimoff “walked the aisle to accept Christ” in his family’s Baptist church. By high school, he knew he wanted a better relationship with God, but he felt aimless. On the advice of his stepfather, Benimoff joined the Army. Life in the barracks was filled with drinking and partying, but it also taught Benimoff perseverance and self-assuredness. Later, after entering college and the National Guard and starting a family, he began to feel drawn to military chaplaincy. He re-entered the Army on a full-time basis and was almost immediately sent to Iraq. Weeks after his first deployment ended, his regiment was sent back. Capt. Benimoff was the only chaplain for his squadron of a
268 pages
thousand soldiers. Despite feeling stretched thin, Benimoff did his best. Chaplains are not allowed to carry weapons, so Benimoff was defenseless when visiting the troops. He had no way of protecting himself “outside the wire”. He was vulnerable but stoic as he ministered to his troops, held hands with the fearful and dying, and bolstered the grieving who lost friends and limbs. He was on constant alert for signs of post-traumatic stress disorder among the troops, and he was vigilant for signs of depression, relationship problems, and battle fatigue. While he tried to help his troops keep their trust in God, he never thought he’d lose his own faith. I have to admit, I didn’t much like this book right away. The first third of “Faith Under Fire” is really a lot like so many other books about the war in Iraq, and I almost felt as if I’d read it before. But, wow, was I surprised when I reached the point where author Roger Benimoff writes about being sent home for good. From there on, his story quickly goes from divine faith to dispirited foreboding and the feeling that God had pushed him aside. The chaplain who knew how to help his troops was powerless to help himself, and Benimoff’s journey through PTSD makes this one lump-in-the-throat, powerfully unique war story that shouldn’t be missed. Veterans will devour this book, as will anyone with a loved one at war and anybody considering military chaplaincy, so pick up a copy of “Faith Under Fire”. It may spark a whole lot of awareness.
ask me why I didn’t take a handful of those Ritalin pills for ADHD. Sometimes I feel like the whirlwind around my husband’s center. But there was a time in my 30s that I didn’t know what to do with all this creative energy. I wanted to do all those things: paint, write, crafts. So at first, I thought about it all and did nothing. It would worry me when these creative bursts would come. I might start something once in awhile, but it wasn’t perfect. That I couldn’t tolerate. I would get completely overwhelmed – all in my head. This could be a day like that – with so much I want to do, and not sure where to start. Everyone has their own methods to motivate themselves, mine happened to be a small bumper sticker that I put on my dashboard back then, “first things first”, and I created my own mantra, “focus, focus, focus”, which seems to center and calm me. The biggest thing I did was to simply start things. If you have the perfectionist gene in you, that is the hardest obstacle to overcome. How to paint that perfect painting, or write that perfect first line or perfect article. As you can plainly see, that doesn’t worry me so much anymore. I simply start and see where my heart takes me. I am not and never will be perfect, but the creative energy will be released. I have days where I paint an entire painting in the morning and write several poems throughout the day and maybe a song in the middle of the night. Then I go several months and nothing happens. But the point is to go with the feeling when it is there – you don’t know where it will take you. I mention all this because in my line of work, I hear all the time, “I could never paint like you or as this artist does”, or “I could never write poetry or stories.” And I always tell people that I didn’t start painting until I was 32 and that
I believe you can start painting or doing anything at any time in your life. You look at things in a different way than when you are naturally born with the talent. I was a stick-figure artist, but after writing a children’s story for my sons, I gradually began illustrating in a more detailed way. For me it’s the fun of matching the paint colors and visually judging distance between objects in the painting. Truly anyone can pick up a paintbrush and express themselves in some way. Yes, I have plenty of unfinished paintings that I will finish at some point and plenty of unfinished stories. I started them, and sometimes that is all your creative soul needs to feel released. Is perfection the end all and be all? No, or so many wonderful innovations or art would never have been created had the creator said, “It’s not perfect, I might as well stop.” Walk into any gallery here in St. Mary’s County or at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, and see if you don’t come away in amazement as to what creative minds have brought forth for us to see. Get inspired. Start something new. I will too. Okay, I’ve had my tea, done my reading and writing. What will this beautiful day hold in store? Take a breath, “focus, focus, focus.” Ooooh, how about a nap? That restores the soul and body too, doesn’t it? Then I’ll “focus, focus, focus” all over again after that. Transplant daylilies, that’s the ticket, clean the bathroom, maybe start that new painting. Oh no, “focus, … .” Every day you wish away is a day gone forever. Shelby Please send comments or ideas to: shelbys. wanderings@yahoo.com.
The County Times
CLUES ACROSS 1. Digested 4. Fixed on a purpose 7. European money 10. Bruce Springstein 12. Geological times 14. Red ___, baseball team 15. Titan 17. Irish Republic 18. NYC art district 19. Portable PC 22. Velocities 23. B_____: pager 24. Sea eagle 25. Dried up vegetation 26. Parking area 27. Rhode Island 28. Mama ____, rock singer 29. Element #30 31. Indicates position 32. Coach Parseghian 33. Vegas actor R. ____h 35. Pimples
Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions
ner
KiddKioer
Thursday, May 14, 2009
37. Stars 39. Catholic order 41. Talk show hostess 44. J.A. ____ , journalist 1849-1914 45. Dices 46. Procumbant juniper 48. Hostelry 49. Macaws 50. Singer Horne 51. Electrocardiogram 52. Area = to 100 sq. meters 53. Young female socialite
CLUES DOWN
1. Nightline network 2. Carpenter’s instruments 3. Get free 4. Oozes 5. Musician Clapton 6. Poi ingredient
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7. Confined to an inner circle 8. Cling 9. Wife (Latin) 11. Expressions of praise 13. ____ster: school term 16. Transcription poolers 18. Preternatural 20. “Waiting for Lefty” playwright 21. Foot (Latin) 28. Holiday singing 29. Zen Buddhist meditation 30. Eye membranes 33. Remove connection 34. Common food container 36. Strained for lumps 38. Vt. ch____r cheese 39. _____ James, outlaw 40. Banteng ox 41. A great lake 42. A genus of mustelidae 43. Sports equipment 47. Snatch or seize
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
Business
The County Times
DIRECTORY Call to Place Your Ad: 301-373-4125
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
This parcel of land is for sale through Gary. You can contact him via cell phone @ 443-534-1906. Price: $130,000. Custom built log home with wrap around porch on dead end street with water view. Quiet community, Leonardtown school district. Price: $375,000. 301-373-3080.
Apartment Rentals
Spring Valley Apartments Pool Opening
Pool Closing
“We Care About You & Your Pool”
Skid Loader -With Operator Have Something you need moved? Dirt, small trees, gravel, mulch, ect...
Save time and money call: 301-769-1177
Spas-Wrap Around Tanning-Pool Accessories Inground Liners, Loop-Loc safety covers, Hayward pumps, filters & more. www.countywidepool.com
4501 Bonds Place Pompret, MD 20675 (301) 934-9524 / 870-3445
29050 New Market Village Rd. Mechanicsville, MD 20659 (301) 884-8484 Fax (301) 392-5471 New Arrivals: Hard Cover Spas Above Ground Pool Sales!
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
Vehicles CORVETTES WANTED! Any year, any condition. Cash buyer. 1-800-369-6148.
301-737-0777
Prime Rib • Seafood • Sunday Brunch Banquet & Meeting Facilities 23418 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 www.lennys.net
Great looking, Strong running F-250 XLT (4X4) Extended Cab, 8’ bed with legendary 7.3 diesel engine. All road miles, no contractor use, and no rust. Good tires mounted on alloy wheels. Tow package plus Goose Neck hitch with electric brake controller.. Captain seats. Dual fuel tanks. Recent brakes,brake master cylinder, brake vacuuum booster, and vacuum pump. With all maintenance records. Must be seen to appreciate. Call 301481-7648 or 301-904-3935 for more detail. Price: $4,700 OBO
Yard Sales
Computer & Network Service/Sales Security Camera Service/Sales Serving Southern Maryland
PC Repair Fee: $79-$99 Residential Only
New “Business Client” Special!
No hourly Labor charge! Contact us for more details!
www.tsbtechnologies.com
301-475-8711**410-326-4442**301-885-3000
Vintage Flea Market, Sat & Sun, May 16 & 17, 8am-4pm at The Vintage Source. Vendors selling vintage furniture along with farm vegetables and Kali Farms BBQ & stuffed ham. Go to www.thevintagesource. net to see store’s new inventory. 22080 Newtowne Neck Rd (Rt. 243), Compton. Sat May 16th, 8 – 1 pm. Between McInt. & Friendship School
General Merchandise For Sale. Light wood, mission style end tables and coffee table. In decent shape. $80.00 please call shirley at 240-925-6986 Loftbed all wood, original price $1500.00, In great condition. Price: $500 obo. 301-862-4806
Heating & Air Conditioning “THE HEAT PUMP PEOPLE” 30457 Potomac Way Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 Phone: 301-884-5011
Est. 1982
snheatingac.com
Lic #12999
Important The County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The County Times reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The County Times. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day of the first publication ran.
The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
ewsmakers Now Arriving Judge Kaminetz Commended for Youth Work By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer County commissioners honored Marvin Kaminetz, a former circuit court administrative judge, for the decades of work he has done on behalf of young people in St. Mary’s County during a ceremony Friday marking the 30th annual Child Welfare Day, an event which Kaminetz initiated in the 1970s. Child Welfare Day is a day when county agencies and nonprofits meet to discuss issues related to public outreach and the streamlining of services for local children and families. “It became very obvious to me that in St. Mary’s County there were a lot of people working together to help children, and back in 1974-1975 time frame, all these people never had a chance to get together and to meet and spend a day not only learning but also networking,” Kaminetz said. “So we got a little committee together of different agencies … and we had our first child welfare day … at Breton Bay … it was very successful, and the rest is history,” he said. Kaminetz, who continues to work part time for the courts, served as a juvenile master and circuit court administrative judge. He was also a member of the county’s committee on juvenile law, the foster-care court improvement implementation committee and has been the presiding judge of the St. Mary’s juvenile drug court program since 2006. At Friday’s event at the Forrest Career and Technology Center in Leonardtown, Kaminetz received a proclamation and commendation for his work. Present were commissioners and representatives from the department of social services, Walden Sierra, the police department and the school system, among others. “We’ve been very fortunate to have great support from the county, and the county commissioners, one program after another, we’ve been able to find grants,” said Kaminetz. “It’s been a long 30 or 35 years, but what’s been so overwhelming for me today is seeing all the young people now who are continuing on. “What I’m seeing here today is exactly what Child Wel-
Photo By Andrea Shiell
From left to right: Kenny Dement, Bennett Connelly, Marvin Kaminetz, and Dan Raley.
fare Day was set up to accomplish,” he said. “The idea is to get these people together to work together, to have a common topic that we all can relate to, and to have the opportunity to meet each other, and get information from each other.” The event’s keynote speaker William Stixrud, a licensed psychologist who has been in private practice as a neuropsychologist since 1985, gave a stirring and informative speech about the effects of stress on both adults and children. Kaminetz said he could relate to Stixrud’s topic, having kept up his responsibilities to the court even after his retirement in November 2005. “I’m still sitting 80 days a year for the court … I’m still doing private arbitration and mediation, but I’m still on what you call on recall status with the courts,” he said. “I’m technically a part-time state employee, still. And it is stressful, balancing private and work schedules.” As Kaminetz left the day’s event, he remarked that he would be jumping right into a hotly contested child custody case, which in and of itself was stressful. “Some of the most difficult cases the courts decide on are child custody, making sure you make the right decision for the kids,” he said, “but the payoff is great.”
3
Interviewing: Bethany Miller
Question Interview
Bethany Miller taught yoga for more than 30 years in California before coming to Southern Maryland to settle in Callaway with her husband, Frank. Though she has stopped teaching, she says she still practices daily.
CT: What kind of yoga did you teach? Explain how this style differs from others. BM: I taught a style called Ashtanga, and it was popularized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois after he studied with a guru in Tibet who taught him the practice. I think that was back in the 1920s. There are a lot of different types of yoga, and this one is known as a vinyasa series, where the yogi transitions smoothly from one position to the next, almost like a dance … I think the biggest difference between this and other styles is the amount of time a normal session lasts. To do one series from beginning to end can take more than two hours.
CT: What other styles have you studied? What attracted you to that particular style?
BM: I started off studying what’s called Ananda yoga, which is a very classic hatha style, meaning its focus is on the stretching and poses, or asanas is what they’re called … Over the years I must have tried about 10 different styles, but I think I was drawn to Ashtanga because it’s a fixed series of movements, and you progress slowly through each of the series. There are six of them, and they all include harder and harder movements as you go on. As for me, I always liked the rigor of it, the challenge. CT: What’s the hardest asana to do?
BM: That really just depends on the person. For me the hardest things to learn were the arm balances, because they really require some solid strength, and it took me a while to build that up when I was first practicing. It took me more than a year to learn the flying crow pose, for example, just because it’s very hard to keep your balance and hold it long enough.
SPRING LAWN & PATIO
FURNITURE At Outlet Discount Pricing
Seasonal OUTLET CENTER McKayʼs Plaza, Charlotte Hall
301-884-8682 • 301- 274-0615 Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10 am - 7pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm Closed Tuesdays
Final Casting Call
Community
The County Times
AGE R U O C
Members of the Public Action Committee – Frank Sowell, Viola Gardner and Evaughn Lennon –recently presented library Director Kathleen Reif and board members Joseph Bush and Everlyn Holland with a $1,000 check for the Library’s Technology Fund. This brings the committee’s total donation to $1,400. The Technology Fund was created to sustain the new computers purchased with the Gates Grant funds and donations from local donors and had a goal of $30,000 by June 2009. To date, $22,704.13 has been raised. Contact Director Reif at the library to find out how you can help.
Camp Volunteers Needed The Girl Scouts are looking for volunteers to join them at their summer camps, working with girls on a range of hands-on activites, games, songs and crafts. Without volunteer help, organizers may have to place girls on a waiting list or even face the possibility of having to say no to them. Please, help us to welcome all girls to camp and volunteer today. For more information about camp locations, go to www.girlscouts4u.org or call Lori Davis at 1-800-834-1702 or 301-638-5373.
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
Come Join Us! DATE: May 17, 2009 TIME: 12-4pm PLACE: 28120 Old Flora Corner Road Mechanicsville, MD 20659
Guests to include: -Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad -Health Connections from SMH -Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Dept -Maryland State Police Charger -Walden Sierra Department of Aging
Ritas Italian Ice Activities Include: -Extrication/Demolition of a vehicle -Free Blood Pressure Checks -Handouts on many sub ject matters -Moon Bounce/Slide -Food/Drinks -Games: Horseballs etc
If you have any memories of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad over the past 50 years, please bring it with you to share with us.
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Watch Out for Motorcycles
Check for Technology Fund
“Hi, my name is Courage and I’m a beautiful approximately four year old male Mastiff mix. I’d make a wonderful walking, jogging or hiking partner. My foster mom says I’m a loyal and loving companion. I haven’t had any experience with children or cats so I’d probably be happier in a home without them. I’m crate and house trained, up to date on vaccinations, neutered, and identification micro chipped. For more information, please call Second Hope Rescue at 240-925-0628 or email mary@ secondhoperescue.org.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Driving around motorcyclists, drivers of other vehicles that collide with motorcycles frequently report not observing the motorcycle prior to the collision. Drivers tend to look for other cars, not motorcycles. More than two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers, not motorcyclists. It is difficult to estimate a motorcycle’s speed, and because motorcycles are small, they are sometimes hard to see. Advice to Drivers • Respect the motorcyclist. Motorcycles are vehicles with the same privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel. • Be on the lookout for motorcycles. • Give motorcyclists plenty of space. Traffic, weather and road conditions require motorcyclists to react and maneuver differently than the vehicle driver. • Be courteous. Being courteous, non-aggressive and cooperative can go a long way in reducing crashes. Motorcyclists have an equally important role in safety. Never assume that the driver of another vehicle can see you. It is your responsibility to make your presence known and follow all traffic laws. Advice to Motorcyclists • Wear the proper gear. The proper equipment, including a motorcycle helmet, will protect your in the event of a crash, and reflective material will enhance your visibility to other motorists. • Ride so you are seen. Use lane positioning to be seen. Ride with your headlight on and consider using a modulating headlight. • Give yourself space and time to react. Allow space for emergency braking. Make lane moves gradually. • Signal your intentions. Signal before changing lanes. Avoid weaving between lanes. Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping. • Be courteous and respect other motorists. Current Motorcycle Laws Despite Maryland’s helmet law, less than two-thirds of motorcyclists involved in crashes were reported as wearing a helmet. Required Rquipment • Helmets – All motorcycle operators and passengers are required to wear a helmet that meets Motor Vehicle Administration standards. • Eye protection – A person may not operate a motorcycle unless the motorcycle has a windscreen or the operator wears an approved eye-protective device. May is Motorcycle Safety Month. For more information on motorcycle safety or other traffic safety information, go to www.choosesafetyforlife.com.
LIBRARY ANNOUNCEMENTS Children’s Book Week Drawing
To celebrate, each branch is hosting a children’s drawing for a book and stuffed animal. Entry forms are available in each children’s area. Winners will be drawn on May 18.
Teen Writing Workshop
Teens, ages 12-18, have the opportunity to attend a free writing workshop conducted by local author Amber Lough on May 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lexington Park. Registration is required.
Reception for Artist
The public is invited to an opening reception for local artist J. Sutton, whose artwork is on display from May 16 through June 30. The reception is Wednesday May 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lexington Park Library Art Gallery. Her paintings portray the Potomac basin region and other natural scenes. She mixes color, texture and line to “invite the viewer to come with her into the outdoors.” Artists interested in displaying their work at the library gallery should contact Candy Cummings at 301-863-6693.
Summer Volunteers Wanted
Students entering the sixth grade or higher this fall are needed this summer to help register children and give out prizes for the summer reading clubs. Volunteers commit to one two-hour block of time each week for eight weeks starting mid-June. Applications are due May 22 and can be picked up at any library or downloaded from the library’s teen page.
Groups discuss books
Book discussion groups meet monthly at each branch. The following titles will be discussed: Gail Godwin’s “Queen of the Underworld” at Leonardtown on May 21 at 7 p.m.; Gregory Macguire’s “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West at Charlotte Hall” on June 1 at 7 p.m. and Alston Chases’s “Harvard and the Unabomber” at Lexington Park on June 8 at 6 p.m. Books are available for checkout at the library hosting the discussion.
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The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
&
D M Recreation O S BMX
New Horizons Summer Camp
American Bicycle Association Standings Rank
Riders Name
Age Group
BOYS 1 2 3 4 5
EVAN SINCHAK RORY O’CONNOR BRIAN NEMEC JUSTIN BOHANNON CHRISTOPHER AGARD
8 12 16 15 28 & Over
1154 710 693 667 608
GIRLS 1 2 3 4 5
CASSIDY ELLIS BAILEY FOUST ELIZABETH PRICE SARAH SYKES LINDSAY MOST
10 12 12 16 13
786 535 503 474 421
36-40 36-40 51-55 41-45 46-50
952 708 682 557 454
BOYS CRUISER 1 CHRIS CARLOSS 2 NORMAN BROWN 3 WAYNE WILT 4 DAVID RIVERA 5 BRUCE ROSE GIRLS CRUISER 1 DEBBIE MOST 2 TAMMIE BOWERS 3 PATTY ICE 4 ELEANOR SCHWARTZ 5 LINDA MACK
36-40
Points
The New Horizons Summer Camp program will again be offered again this year, running from Mon. June 22 through Fri., July 31. Run by the county Department of Recreation and Parks and county school system, the program operates on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Elementary School. Registration is $750; help
399 311 250 206 128
Recreation & Parks is looking for volunteers to coach in the middle school cheerleading program. Through cheerleading, the girls will learn team spirit and school pride and build self-esteem. Needed for the job are cheer experience (preferred); creativity; stunt knowledge; and a passion to teach and challenge through positive actions. The season runs from September to April, and the commitment averages two afternoons per week for approximately eight months. Also included: • Additional time commitment • Winter basketball games • Competitions • Other program activities • Organizing team fundraisers Candidates are subject to a criminal background check and must attend a coaching clinic before coaching. For more information, call the cheerleading coordinator at 301-475-4200 ext. 1803.
At the beginning of the first troop meeting, the girls demonstrated a lack of interest by doing other things like reading, drawing, falling asleep and finding excuses to leave the room. However, after discussing what the girls liked to do, it was decided that the troop would organize a fashion show. The field director was able to enlist a local fashion designer to help the cause, and at the second troop meeting, a change in attitude in the girls became apparent. The girls came up with lots of great ideas, accepted responsibilities for different tasks and took ownership of the project. The girls now talk about the fashion show not only with the other girls in the troop, but also with their friends outside of the Boys & Girls Club and Girl Scouts. The girls are learning a lot about fashion, responsibility, organization, planning and budgeting, all while having fun. If you are interested in joining Girl Scouts or becoming a volunteer, please contact Lori Davis at 1-800-834-1702 or 301-638-5373 or ldavis@gscnc.org.
Dinner at Applebee’s Helps Greenwell Eat lunch or dinner at Applebee’s in California on Tues. May 19 and help raise money for the Greenwell Foundation. Present your server with a “Dining to Donate” coupon and Applebee’s will donate 15 percent of the day’s profits (not including alcohol sales) to the Foundation. Coupons are available at the Greenwell Foundation Web site at www.greenwellfoundation.org. Applebee’s
finding financial assistance is available. Children receive a free breakfast and lunch each day through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program. For information, call Christi Bishop, therapeutic recreation specialist, at 301-475-4200 ext. 1802.
Cheerleading Coaches Needed
Girl Scout News St. Mary’s County Girl Scouts had a very successful Leader/Daughter event on Sat. May 9 at the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad. The girls and moms participated in activities such as crafts, songs, and swaps. Dinner was donated by a local sub shop, and all the girls and adults in attendance had an awesome time. The “It’s a Girl’s Life” Community Based Spring Camp received rave reviews by the campers. This was an American Girl themed camp. Participants experienced history as they explored the periods of time the American Girl Dolls represent. They enjoyed playing games and learning crafts from the different eras. They discussed many topics such as manners, being a good friend, accepting others, and also learning about being an American Girl today. The camp served 130 girls with 113 being new to Girl Scouting. In Calvert County, a sampler troop for middle school girls was started in a Boys & Girls Club in Calvert County as part of the 21st Century Grant program. The girls were selected to participate by the Boys & Girls Club.
Parks
will also accept the coupons for its Carside To Go service. Participation in this event helps support the Greenwell Foundation’s inclusive and accessible horseback riding, summer camp, kayaking, and outdoor nature programs held at Greenwell State Park. Proceeds will also support “Vacations for Vets,”, a respite program for wounded servicemen and women.
The County Times
Shocker at Potomac – Lear Collects First-Ever Late-Model Win By Doug Watson Contributing Writer
A fresh power plant under the hood of his Ken Festerman-owned Rocket gave Lear all the advantage he needed. “This is the first time out with the new Leggett motor in the car BUDDS CREEK – Severn Maryland’s Kyle Lear drove the race and it was absolutely awesome,” he said of his young career as he scored his first-ever, Jim Bernheisel came on strong late in the event to collect seclate-model feature win in last Friday night’s ond; defending MACS champion Jason Co“Stinger 50” at Southern Maryland’s Potomac Late Models vert placed third; early leader Josh Richards Speedway. Lear’s winning run was quite prof- 33 entries 50 laps (lap lea faded to fourth and Outlaws regular Rick itable as he collected a cool $5,036 for his Richards 1-36, Kyle Lear 37 ders Josh Eckert completed the top five. -50) efforts. Setting fast time in time trials over the World of Outlaw invader Josh Richards 1. Kyle Lear 2. Jim Bernhe 33-car field was Kirk Ryan with a one-lap ise and Austin Hubbard brought the 24-car starting Covert 4. Josh Richards 5. Ri l 3. Jason time of 15.833. Heats went to Jeremy Miller, ck field down to the green flag. Richards wasted Ricky Elliott 7. Austin Hubb Eckert 6. Kirk Ryan, Ricky Elliott and Richards with Ro bin son 9. Andy Anderso ard 8. Ross Harold Dorsey Jr. winning the consolation. little time as he was scored the race leader by n the event’s first circuit. As Richards continued Guy 11. Billy Wampler 12. Da 10. Deane Richards would also take the win in the dash le Hollidge 13 . Ha rold Dorsey Jr. 14. to set a torrid pace, Lear was on the move and which gave him the pole for the feature. Rolan had entered the top five from his 13th starting 15. George Moreland 16. Ro d Mann In the 16-lap Street Stock feature, Kurt b spot by the 23rd lap. However, Lear was on a 17. DJ Myers 18. Jamie La Schirmer Zimmerman scored his second win of the seath mission as he took second by lap 36 and set Ray Kable Jr. 20. Roy Deese roum 19. son. Fifth-starting Zimmerman took the top ry l Hi lls 22. Greg Roberso Jr. 21. Da- spot from Craig Tankersley on lap six and would his sights on leader Richards. Lear made the n 23 winning pass on lap 38 and would then lead Miller 24. Bo Feathers Did No . Jeremy have to repel the challenges of a pesky Kyle t Qualify Da vid Williams, Matt the remainder of the event to score his firstNelson to preserve the win. Point leader Donnie Barry Lear, Rick Hu Quade, Alan Sagi, Smith was third, Kevin Cooke took fourth and career, Potomac late model feature win. lso n, Sc ott “This is unbelievable,” Lear stated from ron, Louie Littlepage, Jeff Plike LeBar- two-time winner Ben Bowie completed the top rton. Did Potomac’s victory lane. “I wasn’t even sure Not Start - Kirk Ryan five. Heats went to Tankersley and Bowie. the checkered flag was for me.” In other action defending track champion Lear raced and beat some of the best dirt late model Brett Hamilton shook off his early season doldrivers in the business. drums as he was victorious for the first time this season in the 20-lap “Josh is a great racer and when we came off of turn four, I gave modified main and Buddy Dunagan, also a defending class chamhim the outside lane and we raced hard into turn one and we were pion, annexed his first win of the season in the 15-lap Hornet event. able to take the lead,” he said.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thurs., May 7 Boys’ Lacrosse Class 4A-3A East Region First Round Chopticon 7, Meade 4 Broadneck 20, Great Mills 1 Leonardtown 13, North County 10 WCAC Semifinals St. Mary’s Ryken 10, Good Counsel 9
Fri., May 8 Baseball Class 3A South Region First Round Great Mills 5, Westlake 0 Class 4A East Region First Round Broadneck 4, Leonardtown 3 WCAC Play-In Bishop McNamara 9, St Mary’s Ryken 8
Girls’ Lacrosse Class 4A-3A East First Round Huntingtown 16, Chopticon 7 Old Mill 18, Great Mills 17
Softball Class 3A South Region First Round Chopticon 20, Crossland 0 Class 4A East Region First Round Leonardtown 6, Severna Park 4
Sat., May 9 Girls’ Lacrosse Class 4A-3A East Region Quarterfinals Leonardtown 17, Glen Burnie 4
Mon, May 11 Baseball Class 3A South Region Quarterfinals Great Mills 2, Chopticon 1
Girls’ Lacrosse Class 4A-3A East Region Semifinals South River 15, Leonardtown 6
Softball Class 3A South Region Quarterfinals Northern 9, Chopticon 0 Great Mills 3, Lackey 0 Class 4A East Quarterfinals Chesapeake 7, Leonardtown 0
Tues., May 12 Boys’ Lacrosse WCAC Championship Game DeMatha 9, St. Mary’s Ryken 7
Softball WCAC Semifinals St. Mary’s Ryken 1, Elizabeth Seton 0
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
Track
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The County Times
Raider Girls Run To SMAC Track and Field Title
By Chris Stevens Staff Writer GREAT MILLS – Led by junior Jessica Gass’ outstanding individual effort, the Leonardtown girls’ track and field team claimed first place in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference Championship Meet, edging North Point High School 107-105 in the conference championships, held at Great Mills this past weekend. “We came out and tried to do our best because every point counts,” Gass said. How right she was. With Alex Evitts motoring to a second place finish in Photo By Frank Marquart the girls’ 4 X 400-meter relay, that was enough for the Leonardtown was the leader of the pack, winning the girls’ track and field championship Raiders’ to win the SMAC by two points this past weekend. meet, one week after losing was going to step up and assert herself.” the regular season championship to the Eagles. Gass won the 3200-meters Thursday night, running “I’m very proud of everybody on our team,” Gass after a brief rain, hail and thunderstorm triple threat that said. “We did a lot better than we expected.” battered Great Mills for a couple of hours. “We had a lot of good times in our sprinting and dis“You can’t really control the weather, everybody has tance events,” said head coach Shawn Snyder. “Other people filled in and picked up the slack, so I can truly say this was a total team effort.” Even with teamwork being the operative theme, Gass Photo By Frank Marquart outshined all of her SMAC counterparts, as she won the Alexandra Greissinger of Leonardtown hops to it in the girls’ 100-meter finals 1600-meter and 3200-meter individual events and was Thursday afternoon. a part of the winning team in the girls’ 4 X 800-relay event. “She did very well,” Snyder said. “Jessica is a competitor, and she decided to be the one that
SMAC TRACK RESULTS
Photo By Frank Marquart
Great Mills’ Maya Chaplin completes her high jump attempt during the SMAC Track and Field meet.
to run through it,” she said. “Everybody’s trying their best.” “Everybody’s in the same boat with all the water,” Snyder jokingly added. “[All the athletes] have to have the same focus.” Snyder never takes conference championships for granted, but does admit that the regular season and conference tournament meet helps prepare them for the regional and state meets coming in the next two weeks. “I think we’re peaking, we’re motivated and we’re settling into our events nicely,” he says. “They Photo By Frank Marquart can see the light at the end of the tunnel.” “SMAC is important all on its own,” Gass adds. James Price of Chopticon High School flies with the greatest of “But regionals and states is what I’m looking forease in the long jump finals. ward to.”
Women - Team Rankings - 17 Events Scored 1) Leonardtown 107 2) North Point 3) Henry E. Lackey 62 3) Huntingtown 5) La Plata 39.50 6) Westlake 7) Patuxent 35 8) Northern-Cal 9) McDonough 20 10) Chopticon 11) Calvert 15 12) Great Mills 13) Thomas Stone 1
105 62 37 23.50 16 4
Men - Team Rankings - 17 Events Scored 1) North Point 144 2) Northern-Cal 3) Leonardtown 50.50 4) Huntingtown 5) Patuxent 40 6) Westlake 7) Chopticon 30 8) McDonough 8) La Plata 26 10) Thomas Stone 11) Henry E. Lackey 22 12) Great Mills 13) Calvert 0.50
68 43 38 26 24 15
Boys’ Triple Jump 1 Paul Herbert
12 Chopticon
44-00.50
Girls’ 4x800 Meter Relay 1st Place: Leonardtown Team ‘A’ 9:51.68 1) Cara McLaughlin 10 2) Jessica Gass 11 3) Carolyn Whiteman 12 4) Davi Clark 12 Girls 3200-Meter Run Jessica Gass 11 Leonardtown
12:01.60 10
Girls’ 1600-Meter Run Jessica Gass 11 Leonardtown
5:29.42 10
Girls’ 800-Meter Run Melissa Messer 12 Chopticon
2:25.20 10
The County Times
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SOFTBALL SCHEDULE 05/14-20/09 Thurs., May 14 Slow-Pitch League Budweiser vs. Bombers at Pax River, 6:30 p.m. Back Road vs. Wentworth at The Brass Rail, 6:30 p.m. Bookkeeping By Blanche vs. VFW2632 at Chancellors Run, 6:30 p.m. Eagles Nest vs. Chaney’s at The Brass Rail, 8 p.m. Men’s Over 40 League Rita B’s vs. Tri-County Aire at Back Road Inn Anderson’s Bar vs. Hole-In-The-Wall at Tippets Field Hobos vs. Mom & Pop’s at Fenwick Field Seabreeze vs. Clements at Anderson’s Bar Captain Sam’s vs. Nationwide at Knight Life
Fri., May 15 Young Men’s Softball League (all games begin at 6:30 p.m.) Raley Softball vs. Shockers at Captain Sam’s A.C. Moose vs. Big Dogs at Anderson’s Bar Knotts Construction vs. Straight Cuts at Moose Lodge Team Moose vs. Jeff Rocks at Anderson’s Bar Cryers at Liberty O.S.
Sat., May 16 Young Men’s League Dew Drop Inn vs. Knotts Construction at Captain Sam’s, 4 p.m. Big Dogs vs. Shockers at Captain Sam’s, 6 p.m.
Sun., May 17
Sp rts By Chris Stevens Staff Writer GREAT MILLS – There junior pitcher Tori Bradburn stood Monday afternoon, holding herself accountable for a leadoff triple in the top of the fourth inning that had the potential to put herself and the Great Mills softball team in a hole. “I realize that I’m the one that put the runner on, and it was big to leave her there,” she said after stranding Lackey’s Kayla Frazier and any chance the Chargers had to win the game. Bradburn came to bat in the bottom half of the inning and hit the go-ahead RBI triple to help give the Hornets a 3-0 victory in the 3A South Regional quarterfinals. “That was huge for our confidence,” head coach O.J. Lewis said of Bradburn bouncing back to strike out Alyssa Cargill and Kavina Queen sandwiched around a pop-up by Torrie Goodman-Wright to end the Lackey threat. “Tori pitched extremely well today,” he said. Through 3 ½ innings, the game remained scoreless until Hornet catcher Nicole Boggs lead off the bottom half of the fourth with a single and promptly stole second base. After fouling off several pitches, Bradburn yanked a triple in the right centerfield gap to score Boggs easily. Bradburn
Premier League (All Games at Knight Life)
Mon, May 18 Women’s Softball League Anderson’s Bar vs. Captain Sam’s at Captain Sam’s, 6:30 p.m. Back Road Inn vs. Dew Drop/Two PT Construction/PJ’s Autobody/Bryan Jones Paint at Knight Life, 6:30 p.m. Moose Lodge vs. Xtreme at Chancellor’s Run Park, 6:30 p.m. Just Us vs. Chesapeake Custom Embroidery at The Brass Rail, 6:30 p.m. Bud Light vs. Knockouts at The Brass Rail, 8 p.m.
36
Hornets Advance to Softball Semis Behind Bradburn
Young Men’s/Slow-Pitch Inter-league play Budweiser vs. Raley Softball at Back Road Inn, 4 p.m. Jeff Rocks vs. Eagles Nest at Chancellors Run Park, Field # 3, 4 p.m. VFW2632 vs. Straight Cuts at Moose Lodge, 4 p.m. Cryer’s vs. Chaney’s at The Brass Rail, 6 p.m. Dew Drop Inn vs. Back Road Inn at Back Road Inn, 6 p.m. Knott’s Construction vs. Bookkeeping By Blanche at Chancellors Run Park, Field # 3, 6 p.m. Wentworth vs. AC Moose at Moose Lodge, 6 p.m.
G-Quest vs. Elks, noon Park Cougars vs. Backstabbers, 1:15 p.m. Boatman vs. Ballers, 2:30 p.m. Budweiser vs. Stars, 3:45 p.m. Raiders vs. Country Boyz, 5 p.m. True Players vs. Stars, 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Photo By Chris Stevens
Nicole Boggs of Great Mills connects on a pitch during Monday afternoon’s 3A South quarterfinal softball game.
Photo By Chris Stevens
Tori Bradburn worked her way out of a jam and helped Great Mills advance to the 3A South semifinals, defeating Lackey 3-0 on Monday.
would score after Brittany Norris reached first base on an error and third baseman Lauren Fairfax drove in Norris with a solid single to left field to account for all the Great Mills runs. “We play a lot better when we’re in front than we do from behind,” Bradburn said. After the Hornets’ offensive outburst, Bradburn was on cruise control, striking out nine Lackey batters and allowing just two hits. Bradburn credited her changeup pitch for her clutch performance Monday. “It always works well for me in big games,” she says. With that in mind, Great Mills advanced to another big game Wednesday, as they traveled to Huntingtown to play the No. 1-seeded Hurricanes in the region semifinals (the game finished too late for inclusion in this edition of the County Times). The Hornets dropped a 10-0 decision to the Canes two weeks ago, but Lewis wasn’t concerned. “It was 1-0 through three and a half, and then they started to hit,” Lewis said. “I think you just have to bring your best game and that’s what it’s about.” “It’s one game at a time,” Bradburn adds. “We started this game well and it’s going to carry us to the next game.”
Tues., May 19 Slow-Pitch League VFW2632 vs. Budweiser at Captain Sam’s, 6:30 p.m. Bombers vs. Chaney’s at The Brass Rail, 6:30 p.m. Eagles Nest vs. Back Road Inn at Back Road Inn, 6:30 p.m. Bookkeeping By Blanche vs. Wentworth at The Brass Rail, 8 p.m.
Wed. May 20 Women’s League Captain Sam’s vs. Southern at 7th District Park, 6:30 p.m. Moose Lodge vs. Bud Light at Chancellor’s Run, Park, 6:30 p.m. Dew Drop/Two PT Construction/PJ’s Autobody/Bryan Jones Paint vs. Coors Light at Back Road Inn, 6:30 p.m. Moose Lodge vs. Bud Light at Chancellor’s Run Park, 6:30 p.m. Just Us vs. Knight Life at Knight Life, 6:30 p.m. Chesapeake Custom Embroidery vs. Simms at The Brass Rail, 8 p.m. Knockouts vs. Xtreme at Chancellor’s Run Park, 8 p.m.
Photo By Chris Stevens
The Hornets’ Courtney Stewart takes a ball off the ankle in the bottom of the second inning.
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The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
S
s ’ y P r i a g s M ki . t
2009 $50
Tackle Football & Cheerleading
REGISTRATION
MAY 9-16-23-30
9-2
JUNE 6-13-20-27
n
2009 $50
JULY11-18
9-2
Lettie Dent McKays Rt 5 Leonardtown Checkers California
REGISTRATION INFORMATION 2009 As a result of the recent economic problems and in an effort to allow more kids to play football and cheer the executive board of pigskin football and cheer unanimously approved a registration reduction of over 60% from the 2009 rates. We hope that this allows more kids to participate by lowering the burden of high registration rates. At $50 football $40 cheer, pigskin is clearly much lower by $100 or more than all other football organizations in St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert Counties
NO DRAFT WALK ON TO 20
WE ALSO ALLOW A FURTHER REDUCTION FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED WE WISH TO THANK OUR 07-08 SPONSORS AND CONTRIBUTORS: Classic Heating & Air 301-843-7550
Power Solutions www.powersolutions-llc.com
Webmaster St. Mary’s Pigskin Football
Absolute Masonry 301-884-5370
A&B Trucking 301-899-1201
Lacey’s Concrete Service 301-475-3231
The Bug Company, Inc. 301-472-4847
Woodbridge Public Auto Auction 703-643-7789
American Electronic Warfare Associates, Inc. (AMEWAS)
Lowery Mechanical Contractors, Inc. 301-670-9188
Atlas Concrete Services, Inc. 301-475-2477
MidAtlantic Lube 301-373-9224
TAPS Community Brotherhood P.O. Box 905 Lexington Park, MD 20653 Blazer Enterprises, Ltd. General Contractor 301-994-0084 NTA
G&G Welding & Fabrication, Inc. 301-292-0126 Capital Auto Glass 301-449-8171 Power Solutions 301-794-0330 Eagle Systems
PLEASE SUPPORT THESE SPONSORS, THEY SUPPORT YOUR KIDS.
REGISTRATION SPECIAL
$50
Fall Tackle
$40 Cheerleading Coupon Expires June 20, 2009
This coupon only applies if parent agrees to participate in two fundraisers during the Pigskin Football Season to help raise money for the St. Mary’s Pigskin Football and Cheerleading program.
P.O. Box 48 • Mechanicsville, MD 20659 • Phone: 240-222-2024 For more info check us out online at: www.stmaryspigskinfootball.com
The County Times
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sp rts
38
Knights Fall Short in WCAC Title Game
Photo By Frank Marquart
The Knights stand together as a team in the final minutes of the WCAC championship game.
By Chris Stevens Staff Writer
scored goals 33 seconds apart soon after and Ryken was ahead 3-0 after seven minutes in the first period, and were in control by a 4-2 count COLLEGE PARK – No one expected the at halftime. St. Mary’s Ryken boys’ lacrosse team to be “Every time we see this team, we really playing for the Washington Catholic Athletic want to get them,” said senior defender Kyle Conference championship at Maryland – Col- Nazarek. “Even if we haven’t played them yet, lege Park, especially after returning just three we always want to beat DeMatha.” starters to this year’s team. “It’s the most intense game I’ve ever played “We have a great bunch of kids who work in,” Cook said. “The captains settled me down hard and never hang their heads if they make and got me to prepare like it was just another a mistake,” head coach John Sothoron said as game.” the Knights dropped a 9-7 decision to DeMatha The Stags rallied from a 5-3 third quarter Tuesday night, their second WCAC title game deficit on the shoulders of a three-goal blitz in appearance in the last three seasons. “I’m in- one minute and 23 seconds of action to take a credibly proud of this team, because no one 6-5 lead going into the final period. gave us a shot.” The Knights refused to quit, and at the 8:55 The Knights, who end their season with a mark of the fourth, Cook scored record of 13-4-1, seemed poised to shoot his third goal of the game the Stags right off of Ludwig Field to tie the score at 6. in the early going. Sophomore at“Pat [Brennan] tacker Connor Cook started the dodged and found scoring six minutes and 24 me,” Cook exseconds into the game, takplained of the ing a feed from Addison goal. “When Goodley and rifling a shot we play ofunderneath DeMatha goalfense like keeper Ryan Brant. Will we’re supFejes and Patrick Brennan posed to, we’re a very hard team to stop.” D e Matha closed the game by outscoring Ryken 3-1 in the final Photo By eight minutes Frank Marquart of game action, Mason Cook makes a save winning their in the fourth quarter. 10th WCAC title in 11 seasons. The only other team to win a title in that span? St. Mary’s Ryken. “The thing I love about this team is that everybody gelled and worked hard together,” Nazarek said, reflecting on the close of his high school career. “I feel absolutely wonderful about this, playing on this field was the best feeling I’ve ever had.” For Cook, who will no doubt lead the returning players in 2010, this unexpected run Photo By Frank Marquart will serve as motivation to seal the deal. St. Mary’s Ryken’s Connor Cook scores one of “We’ve got two more chances,” he said. his three goals in Tuesday night’s WCAC boys’ “We know what it’s like to play here now.” lacrosse championship game.
39
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The County Times
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Hornets’ Brown Stifles Westlake in 3A Playoffs Photo By Chris Stevens
Matt Brown’s 11 strikeouts lifted the Hornets past Westlake Friday afternoon.
By Chris Stevens Staff Writer GREAT MILLS – While Carlos Cruz is considered to be the Great Mills baseball team’s pitching ace, head coach Steve Wolfe has another outstanding hurler he can turn to when necessary – Matt Brown. “He only threw 87 pitches in seven innings, which is great,� Wolfe said after Brown struck out 11 Westlake batters on the way to a 5-0 victory in the first round of the 3A South regional playoffs Friday afternoon, giving the Hornets a quarterfinal date with county rival Chopticon. Brown said that his slider and off-speed pitches were the keys to his success Friday, but also gave credit to his defense behind him. “Spencer Weir over at second base and Will An-
derson behind the plate did an excellent job,� Brown said. “We were confident we could get a win.� Anderson, normally the starting second baseman, was pressed into duty as a catcher after the team’s leading hitter, senior Alex Mancil, was ejected for a play at home plate that caused a near-riot between the two teams. With Cruz (who played first base Friday) at the plate, a pitch got away from Wolverines catcher John Buntz, allowing Anderson to score from third and gave Mancil the green light to go from second. As the ball came back to Buntz, Mancil crashed into him, injuring Buntz and igniting angry protests from the Westlake dugout. Order was restored shortly thereafter and Mancil was ejected, and will be suspended for the Chopticon game. “I tried to plead the case that his cleat got caught in
the dirt,� Wolfe said of the headfirst slide that may mean Friday’s game was the last high school game of Mancil’s career. “If the umpires rule it’s malicious like it says in the rulebook, then that’s their call. Hopefully we win so that won’t be the end of his career. It’s tough anytime you take a .459 hitter out of your lineup.� Anderson, at least for Friday’s game, proved worthy of picking up the slack. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Anderson smoked a two-run triple off of Westlake reliever Alex Hedlesky to give the Hornets enough breathing room to rely on Brown the rest of the way. “I caught once before for Alex when he couldn’t play,� Anderson said. “All of us, we just kept our heads up and we were ready to play.� “Will stepped in and got his shine,� Brown said. “He did an awesome job today.�
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Photo By Chris Stevens
Great Mills’ Spencer Weir hustles down the line during Friday’s 5-0 3A South Playoff victory over Westlake.
Derrick Pettet swings through a pitch.
Photo By Chris Stevens
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THURSDAY MAY 14, 2009
Leonardtown Leaps to Victory Page 35
Photo By Frank Marquart
Constitutional Issues Raised with Sign Law Story Page 5
Gattonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barber Shop a County Landmark Story Page 10
Judge Kaminetz Commended Story Page 31