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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1, 2009 1,
Panhandling Problem Needs Solutions Story Page5
POLITICS VS. PROSPERITY
Final Farm Life Festival This Weekend Story Page 9
Man Sets Self on Fire on Hollywood Road Story Page 17
IS O’MALLEY JEOPARDIZING POWER PLANT EXPANSION? PAGE 18
Associated Press Photo
The County Times
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
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Your Paper... Your Thoughts Do you think contractors upgrading Chancellors Run Road in Lexington Park and Great Mills are doing a good job of managing traffic in the area?
Chris Hevener, 37, from Great Mills, said she didn’t feel that road crews were doing a good job of managing the traffic. “No, it’s just backed up all the time.”
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Tom Waring, 86, from Leonardtown, said he thought construction crews were doing “very well” at managing traffic on Chancellors Run Road. When asked if he thought there were backups on the road, he said, “sure, but I expect it.”
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While The County Times makes efforts to make our polls random and representative of the county’s diverse population, the poll results listed here should in no way be considered scientific results, and should not be viewed as such.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
On T he Covers
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Sarah Jenkins of Chopticon guides the ball down the field during the Braves’ 8-4 win over North Point on Monday. SEE PAGE 36
Weather
Watch
It’s a ver y ON THE FRONT aggravating Gov. Martin O’Malley, after a tour of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant on May 1, 2008, said we have a situation. We “moral imperative” to expand nuclear generation in the country to combat climate change. Behind O’Malley are had to get seCalvert County Commissioner Wilson Parran and Maryland Environment Secretary Shari Wilson. curit y g ua rds for t he shopON THE BACK John Speedy of Pax River Rugby controls the ball while ping center. Corey Donahoo (lower left) lends a hand. To t he aver- entertainment Also Inside a ge customer Members of the Full Steam toast the air before 4 County News 6 Town News … t hey just a gig at Big Dogs Paradise in Mechanicsville 7 State News SEE PAGE 24 don’t wa nt 8 Editorial/Opinion 10 Money to come into 11 Defense and Military t he shopping 13 Obituaries center. 15 Education
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- -Tina Garrison, owner of Hair in the Square, talking about panhandlers in Lexington Park.
education
Stock Market
FOR WEEKLY STOCK MARKET CLOSING RESULTS, CHECK PAGE 10 IN MONEY
Students and the dean of students talk to John Dalton, of Dalton’s Orchard and Apiaries, about chickens during the Eat Local Challenge held at St. Mary’s College of Maryland last week. SEE PAGE 15
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The County Times
ews Government Offices, Libraries Close for Columbus Day County government offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, in observance of Columbus Day. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009. All senior activity centers and the Vivian Ripple Adult Day Program and the three St. Mary’s County libraries also will be closed on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, and there will also be no Meals On Wheels delivery. (However, the solid waste/recycling program, landfill, six convenience centers and the St. Mary’s Transit System will be operating normal business hours on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009.) Public schools will also be closed Monday.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Ben and Jerry’s send the waste from making ice cream to local pig farmers to use as feed. Pigs love the stuff, except for one flavor: Mint Oreo.
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Funact
Traffic Light on Chancellors Run Road Starts Friday By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The first of five new traffic signals on the Chancellors Run Road expansion project will begin operating this week, said a State Highway Administration spokeswoman, while the project continues to move ahead on schedule for completion later next year. The new signal at Amber Drive will begin flashing on Friday and give motorists about 72 hours to get used to it being there, said Kellie Boulware, public information officer for the highway administration. On Monday the light will begin regular operations, she said. The other traffic signals will be stationed at Military Lane, Buck Hewitt Road at Norris Road, Pegg Road and Horse Head Road at Chancellors Run Regional Park. “The project is on schedule, it’s about 60 percent complete,” Boulware told The County Times Tuesday. “Things are progressing pretty well.” Right now construction crews are busy grading and paving the new southbound lanes of the Chancellors Run Road expansion and will continue grading of land and water line work throughout the winter, Boulware said. Actual resurfacing of roadways must stop during the colder months, since asphalt would not set properly during the colder temperatures, she said. Crews will also continue work on a sound barrier to protect homes from increased traffic
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Photo By Guy Leonard The new traffic signal at Amber Drive on Chancellors Run Road will begin operation Friday and is the first of five to be installed before the road’s expansion project ends next year.
noise at Heard’s Estates. The expansion project has been one of the most highly anticipated in the county for several years. With traffic flows increasing during rush hour along Route 235 and Route 5 and Great Mills Road, Chancellors Run’s ability to serve as a connector road was diminished significantly by traffic jams and dangerous road conditions, officials have said. The total cost of the project is bud-
geted at $55 million, according to state highway figures. County Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (DGreat Mills) said that the project has moved ahead with far less hassle than he had thought possible. “They were required to keep the traffic moving and they’ve done that,” Raley said. “I’ve had maybe two complaints … they really have done a nice job.” guyleonard@countytimes.net
Vets Need Expanded Clinic in Charlotte Hall By Virginia Terhune Staff Writer Right now, some veterans need to travel one to three hours to Washington or Baltimore to access medical care, a trip of one to three hours which some veterans cannot do because they don’t have access to transportation. To help solve that problem, the TriCounty Council for Southern Maryland in Hughesville recommends expanding the existing outpatient clinic at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in St. Mary’s County. The recommendation is part of a final report released by the Veterans Regional Advisory Committee chaired by Commissioner Tom Mattingly of St. Mary’s County. Since 2000, the clinic’s enrollment from the three counties has grown from about 1,000 enrollees to more than 3,000, according to the report. Last year, 562 veterans enrolled from Calvert, 1,151 from St. Mary’s and 1,663 from Charles counties. The Charlotte Hall Home serves older veterans, but it also has a small outpatient center, which has not been able to keep up with the need for services. The rise in demand, limited medical staff, and delays of 30 to 45 days to get Veterans Administration private practice
mental care, justify expanding the center, according to officials who applied for a Veterans Administration grant earlier this year. The grant application for $2 million over two years was denied, and the report recommends applying again during the second round of funding. “It’s not clear to me how successful we will be in that effort, but when it comes to services for our vets, it is important to try to get the adequate resources they deserve, and if we have to go back a third time, we will,” said state Del. Tony O’Donnell, who represents parts of St. Mary’s and Calvert counties and serves on the advisory committee. In the meantime the network will continue to work with private providers, including hospitals and the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, to provide services, according to the report. Law enforcement agencies are already training first-responders in how to best help veterans with post traumatic stress syndrome or a traumatic brain injury. There are 39,000 veterans living in Southern Maryland – more than 12,000 in St. Mary’s County and nearly 10,000 in Calvert County, according to the report. To view the document and summary, visit www.tccsmd.org.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Today’s Newsmaker In Brief
On combating panhandling in the Lexington Park area
On reaction to higher nationwide unemployment figures
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ews
The watchword is “zero tolerance. ”
It’s not news to us because people are still coming to us.
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Robin Finnacom, Director of the Community Development Corporation
Ella May Russell, Director of Department of Social Services
Human Services, Health Department Paint Dire Pictures After Budget Cuts By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Officials with the county’s human and social services providers say that despite budget cuts from the state, their services are in higher demand than ever, and the Health Department reports that it could suffer collapse in some services if any more cuts hit the agency. The county’s Office of Human Services, which depends largely on state grants to operate various programs, has lost $1.8 million in the last six months, said the director, Bennett Connelly, to the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday. The agency helps coordinate assistance for county residents in dealing with unemployment, men-
tal health, domestic violence, drug abuse, homelessness and a whole plethora of community needs. Statistics offered by Connelly bore out the heavy increase in services coupled with dwindling resources: • The number of victims experiencing domestic violence problems seeking help from the agency has increased from 65 last year to more than 250 this year. • The agency has identified a 39 percent increase in the number of students in county public schools who were homeless from last year to this year. Connelly suggested that the sharp increase in people seeking domestic violence help may represent a sudden decision by some to finally get help.
“We’re serving more people, but we’re serving people who may not have come forward two years ago,” Connelly said. Connelly, who was scheduled to retire as director this month, has decided to stay on until sometime in January. Ella May Russell, director of the Department of Social Services, said that budget cuts have forced offices to close early on holidays when people often need the most help. This results in a backlog of cases once the holidays are over, Russell said. The fact that they have had no new staff hired on at the agency in eight years did not help matters, she said. “We’ve been in a hiring freeze since 2001 at the state level,” Russell explained, adding that since then the agency has actu-
Two More Candidates File Randy Guy
District Boundaries
Running for: Commissioner President Party: Republican Address: Clements Age: 62
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Occupation: Commercial property manager, semi-retired d Reason for running: “I’m not happy about the spending, mainly keeping the spending down is the thing.” Contact information: 301-769-3307
Dan Morris Running for: Commissioner, District 2 Party: Republican Address: Mechanicsville Age: 59 Past or current elected positions: None Occupation: Transportation and security specialist for S&W Controls Reason for running: “One reason and one reason only; I want to freeze the taxes.” Contact information: 301-563-3603
In two years the agency has lost $1.1 million in funding, Icenhower said. Losses in nurses and other health staff would have detrimental effects on public health, department officials said, and there are fears that the environmental health section of the agency could lose more employees. That section has already lost 12 employees, said its section head Daryl Calvano. Any further cuts would mean partial loss of services in food inspection, perk tests for construction lots, testing for bacteria at public beaches and approval of building permits, he said. “If we lose 33 percent of our workforce, we could potentially be at the point of collapse for environmental health services,” Calvano said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Sheriff: More Solutions Needed For Panhandling Problem By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
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Past or current elected positions: Member St. Mary’s County Democratic Central Committee from 1998 to 2002
ally lost 36 positions. Russell said that the caseload in some departments of her agency have increased by more than 240 percent. “We adjust every moment of everyday but this is starting to take a toll,” she told commissioners. Dr. William Icenhower, head of the health department, told much the same story. His office has recently been hit with 12 layoffs of employees and is still busy administrating the seasonal flu vaccination program as well as for swine flu. “The group over there is taking it in stride, and they’re working as hard as they ever have, but they’re worried about where we’re going from here,” Icenhower said. He said that demand for health services is increasing but that over the past three years, 31 positions have been lost through attrition or layoffs.
Aggressive panhandlers and people drinking in public continue to be a problem in the Lexington Park community, but traditional arrests and fines seem to be having little effect, says Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron. Up to this point patrol officers have been arresting panhandlers and public drinkers and levying fines in an effort to clean up the quality of life in the neighborhoods. But Cameron said that while he intends to keep up a strong enforcement initiative against such nuisances, he also said that once the offenders are released from only a brief detention, they often go right back to the same behavior, just in different areas. “The answer isn’t simple anymore,” Cameron told The County Times. “We just can’t band-aid the problem anymore by just making arrests.” Cameron said that some kind of cooperative solution was needed between business owners, local social service providers and police to stop the problem for good. Robin Finnacom, head of the county’s Community Development Corp., said that human services agencies like Walden Sierra and county social services could help to provide job placement assistance or even substance abuse help for those who are caught panhandling or drinking in public. “We are going to convene a working group to deal with this,” Finnacom said, but she added that some of the hardcore offenders who chose the lifestyle would have to be made unwelcome through continual and aggressive enforcement.
“We’ll have to make this an onion-biting area for pan handling,” Finnacom said. “It has to be throughout the Lexington Park area.” Tina Garrison, proprietor at Hair in the Square salon at St. Mary’s Square Shopping Center, said that only now are police starting to take the panhandling and public drinking problem seriously. “The police just now started doing something,” Garrison told The County Times. “I’m calling everyday.” Garrison said that the problem is compounded by the local homeless population that often takes up residence in the woods behind her business as well as others. They come out during the day and often loiter around businesses Some who already have had no trespassing warnings levied against them continue to come to the shopping center, she said, disrupting businesses and keeping potential customers away. “It’s a very aggravating situation,” Garrison said. “We had to get security guards for the shopping center. To the average customer … they just don’t want to come into the shopping center.” While Garrison said that most of the vagrancy in the area, not just confined to the shopping center, was mostly harmless, most customers remained cautious. “The majority of them are harmless, but the average person doesn’t know what they’re going to do,” she said. Cameron, though, disputed the case that most of the offenders were homeless. “No, they’re not, they chose this lifestyle,” he said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Town
Mayor: Washington Street Project Should Finish by Vets Parade By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Leonardtown officials say they aren’t planning to constrain the size or scope of the Veterans Day Parade set for Nov. 11 along Washington Street ending in the town square because the State Highway Administration has assured them that the main thoroughfare will be ready for their use. But Mayor J. Harry Norris said he is still concerned, since the streetscape project has been fraught with delays and missteps. “I have some trepidation,” Norris told The County Times. “They’ve not made a lot of their schedules.” Officials with state highways confirmed that they should have the work done soon. The Veterans Day Parade is one of the major events in the county for the year as well as the town, with veterans, clubs, school marching bands, service organizations and officials all marching in the parade. For almost 20 years the parade has been held in the town with various parts being staged on smaller streets and converging onto Washington Street into the town square. Town officials estimate that in 2008 there were at least 2,000 participants in the parade with another 3,000 lining the streets as spectators. Norris said that with the sheer size of the parade, the completion of the streetscape project on Washington Street was critical.
“We wouldn’t be able to stage it much less take it down Washington Street,” Norris said, adding that the workspace was too cluttered at present. “We’d have to cut the size of the parade back and we’re not looking to do that now.” “We’ve been assured by SHA that they’ll have Washington Street completed,” Norris said. “We’re going to hold them to that.” State highway officials have said that the original deadline to finish the $3.7 million project by the end of this year would not hold and would have to wait until later next year. The first major problem discovered of the project was that sidewalks laid down earlier this year were not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and had to be redone. There have been other delays with the project including the striking and downing of a utility pole on Fenwick Street that had to be repaired also. Businesses have complained that the streetscape project has driven customers away and disrupted the atmosphere of the town. The Veterans Day Parade, with its solemn and dignified tone, was one of the key aspects of keeping that atmosphere. “To me the parade exemplifies what the town is all about,” Norris said. “Let’s hope they’re [SHA] capable of doing what they say.” guyleonard@countytimes.net
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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Watershed Group to Undertake Ambitious Agenda for the St. Mary’s River By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The leadership of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association has voted to try to clean up the county river to the point where it can be removed from the federal government’s list of polluted rivers. But it will be a task easier said than done to get the river off of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 303 (d) list, said the group’s Executive Director Bob Lewis. “The river’s polluted, that’s what it means,” Lewis said of the moniker. “It’s not going to be easy; it’s going to be very difficult.” Lewis said, however, that the river is in better shape than most on the list and most in Maryland; many other rivers have pathogens and heavy metals in their waters that are harder to clean out. The main problems for the St. Mary’s River, which drains south from Lexington Park area into the Potomac River, are sediments and nitrogen, which come from rainfall runoff, he said. “It’s general, it’s from a lot of different places,” Lewis said, adding that much of it seems to come from the Lexington Park Development District, some of which lacks the proper storm water management facilities to filter out the rain water. The first step in the long process before the group can even start a cleanup is to finish their watershed restoration action strategy. They
asked for county support earlier this year, but failed to gain it. Then they would need to meet the federal criteria for getting grants to upgrade the storm water management systems that need work. But the group will need to convince the state to put its support behind them first, Lewis said. If the group is successful in getting the federal grant money and state support, then they can go about getting approvals for the storm water upgrades on public lands, but they would have to convince private property owners to get on board. Sue Veith, environmental planner for the county and a member of the association’s board, said that other measures would include encouraging home builders and others to keep more trees as part of their developments and lay down more pervious surfaces than concrete to allow filtration of rain water. There is a time factor for cleaning up the St. Mary’s River, Veith said, but as long as the county maintained some kind of cleanup plan, the federal authorities would likely not hand down any punishments, such as development moratoriums. “As long as the jurisdiction is making a good faith effort to make changes, those sanctions shouldn’t occur,” Veith said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
BRAC May Boost Housing Recovery By Bobby McMahon Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS - Maryland’s housing industry has seen the light at the end of the tunnel. Probably. According to recent figures and industry experts, the state’s real estate and homebuilding industries have hit bottom and begun a slow climb back up. BRAC-related jobs and a better-than-average economic outlook could mean a faster recovery than expected, but concerns remain about the expiring first-time home buyer tax credit and other problems in the industry, all of which put continued growth in doubt. Housing sales in the state have more than doubled since January (2,209 to 4,838), according to figures from the Maryland Association of Realtors, which show that sales in July were higher than any month since August 2007. The number of homes on the market, roughly 44,000 last month, has also been decreasing, a positive sign showing homes being sold and moving off the market. Steve Meszaros, the president of the Maryland Association of Realtors and a regional coordinator for Long and Foster, attributes these positive signs in part to the federal first-time home buyer tax credit. “It’s been a big help,” Meszaros said. He estimates that about 30 percent of homebuyers are making use of the credit, which was included in the federal stimulus package and offers up to $8,000 for first time buyers who purchase a home as their primary residence. Across the country, more than 1.4 million people have received the credit. Ted Koebel, a professor of urban planning at Virginia Tech, called the tax credit’s contribution to the housing recovery “rather exceptional.” “In most recoveries, it’s more the pent-up demand from people who are moving up in the market than firsttime buyers that fuel a recovery,” Koebel said. For firsttime buyers, the $8,000 credit has been enough of an incentive “if somebody is straddling the fence.” The tax credit is set to expire on Dec. 1, causing concern that its end could put the brakes on the positive gains in the housing market. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., has introduced a bill that would extend the credit another six months. If the extension doesn’t pass, Meszaros and others said that it would negatively affect home sales by taking away a major incentive to buy a home. Even though home numbers have gone north these past few months, many in the industry still see a great deal of uncertainty ahead. Michael Owings, the president of the Homebuilders Association of Maryland, is concerned that qualified buyers are still unable to get credit from a bank. “We feel like we’re putting some real qualified buyers in front of lenders and they’re getting spit out the back door with a big ‘no’,” Owings said at a meeting of the state Board of Revenue Estimates last month. But even with credit, appraisals and other issues looming over the industry, Owings thinks the state will recover sooner than most, thanks to lower-than-average unemployment and a stronger economic outlook. A large piece of that recovery will also be driven by the 60,000 new jobs coming to the state in 2011 because of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, said Owings. A 2006 state report estimated that roughly 28,000 new homeowners and renters would move to Maryland, and while updated numbers (a new report will be released in December) could show that the recession has driven the number down, officials expressed confidence the influx would be significant.
The County Times
It’s OK to Swim in the Bay - Sometimes By James B. Hale Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS - Megan Brubaker dove into the Choptank River in Cambridge for the ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon last month, well aware of the high levels of pollution in the bay, but with no concerns for her health. Unlike Brubaker, some Maryland residents are terrified at the prospect of swimming in the Chesapeake Bay. But scientists and regular bay swimmers assure there are little to no negative side effects of taking a dip in the water -- as long as you do it at the right time. “In most cases, [the Maryland Department of the Environment] suggests you don’t swim (for) 48 hours after a heavy rainfall,” said Heath Kelsey, a scientist with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Otherwise, there are
no concerns, he said. But the consequences of swimming during that 48-hour window can be dire, according to a report released by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in July. The Bad Water report warns of several harmful bacteria in the bay, including an especially dangerous variety called Vibrio, which can infect the skin, blood and intestines, often through open wounds. Cases of Vibrio infections in Maryland have been on the rise, from 18 in 2001 to 33 in 2008, according to the report. Infections have resulted in 22 deaths in that time. Bacteria can rapidly multiply after heavy rainstorms that run off into the bay from farms and city streets, bringing harmful chemicals and other pollutants, said Kelsey. He said the sicknesses and deaths are rare occurrences and people
Lawmakers Lose Free E-ZPasses ANNAPOLIS (AP) - The Maryland Transportation Authority is being asked to terminate the legislative branch’s free E-ZPass program. House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Mike Miller asked officials to terminate the program that allowed scores of lawmakers to avoid paying for the electronic toll-collection service. Lawmakers would still be eligible to seek reimbursement for tolls. The authority imposed a $1.50-a-month fee on E-ZPass customers and began charging $21 for the transponders start-
ing in July. About 15,000 government employees and officials in the state have the free accounts. It is unclear how much the move would save, but an authority spokeswoman says the 137 nonrevenue transponders issued to state senators and delegates in fiscal year 2008 recorded 2,300 transactions.
Unemployment Taxes to Triple For Employers ANNAPOLIS (AP) - Maryland businesses will pay at least three times the current rates for unemployment insurance taxes next year. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Secretary Thomas Perez said Thursday a drastic drop in the state’s unemployment fund means the amount employers pay will increase to the highest level allowed. The fund’s balance fell from nearly $900 million a year ago to $341 million last month, while the unemployment rate grew from 4.5 percent a year ago to 7.2 percent in August. Minimum rates in 2010 will be $187 per employee, up from $51 an employee in 2009. About 60 percent of employers pay the minimum, but rates vary depending on the number of unemployment claims against the employer. The highest rate a business owner could pay per employee in 2010 would be $1,147.50.
are not usually susceptible to harm. “I guess it’s like anything. When you’re outside there are some things that harm you,” said Kelsey. “I don’t see this as prohibitive of swimming.” If any of the triathletes had a concern about the water, they certainly didn’t let it stop them from racing. Competition was fierce, and aside from a few jellyfish, said Brubaker, there weren’t any problems. She has been in lakes, ponds and rivers across the country and a few have scared her off, she said. The Chesapeake Bay is certainly not one of them. “I didn’t feel it was particularly gross and dirty by any stretch,” Brubaker said. “Yeah it smells like gross fish, but what body of water doesn’t?”
Perjury Counts Against Baltimore Mayor Will Stand BALTIMORE (AP) - A judge has denied a motion to dismiss two perjury counts against Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. The decision makes it more likely that Dixon will face two trials. Dixon, a Democrat, is accused of lying about lavish gifts from her former boyfriend, a real-estate developer. She’s also charged with theft for allegedly stealing gifts cards intended for
needy families. She faces trial on the theft charges in November. Dixon’s lawyers argued that the perjury charges should be thrown out because prosecutors improperly used her legislative acts as evidence against her. But the judge ruled that prosecutors did not violate Dixon’s legislative immunity by merely presenting evidence that she attended meetings with developer Ronald Lipscomb.
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
8
Farm Deal Sparks Debate Over Tax Dollars Not having seen the political sign you mentioned, I have to rely on what you said in your editorial. “Hayden Farm Deal Stinks” speaks to the actions of the County Commissioners, not the Hayden family. I agree that you cannot fault the Haydens for taking an “overly generous offer.” Most would. As you pointed out, “... the commissioners were fiscally irresponsible with taxpayer dollars … .” That, to me, was what Commissioner Jarboe has been pointing out ever since this deal was consummated, paying over $1 million more than any appraisal! He has consistently acted in the taxpayers’ interest during his three terms as St. Mary’s County Commissioner. He has been a true steward of our tax dollars while the rest have followed other agendas. Senators Cardin and Mikulski and Representative Hoyer have followed the usual Con-
gressional policy of “I’ll vote for your pork if you vote for mine.” This year it has really gotten out of hand, as we now have a deficit so huge that it may never be paid off. Make you think twice about buying savings bonds doesn’t it? Adding insult to injury, they are now getting ready to increase it further by adding over 30 million more people to the health care rolls. They could take lessons from Commissioner Jarboe on sound fiscal policies and responsiveness to the needs of constituents. To me, actions speak louder than words. Regardless of the content of some sign, Commissioner Jarboe has consistently acted and voted for open government, responsible leadership and sound fiscal decisions. He’s got my vote. Glenn H. Weder Hollywood, Md.
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St. Mary’s County Plumbing & Fuel Gas Board Is pleased to present the 2nd Annual Going Green & Code Update Expo Thursday, October 15, 2009 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center (Dohrman Room) 24005 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 The Somerville Showroom & Gerber are presenting the “New” industry standard of Green Products for the bath and kitchen. Don’t miss seeing the best water conservation toilets found in the market – The Gerber Avalanche & Ultra Dual Flush. The Somerville Showroom - 44221 Airport View Dr. Hollywood
Local and regional companies, vendors and experts will be on hand to provide attendees with information on green development, green building technologies and sustainable practices that homeowners can use to save precious environmental resources and their hard-earned dollars. Presented by the Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County
Editorial: Governor, Senator Putting $8 Billion Private Sector Investment at Risk Nuclear power plants remain the subject of debate in our nation today. While most agree they are a clean, reliable source of energy, there are many who still question the safety of these plants. There is also considerable concern surrounding the safe storage of nuclear waste that comes from these plants. Nuclear power reactors have been operating since 1942 and are now in existence in 31 countries. Adding them all together, they have a combined 12,000 years of safe operations. During this long period of operations there have been two major accidents. In 1979, here in the United States there was a meltdown at the Three Mile Island Plant in Pennsylvania. Radiation was contained at this event and there were no adverse health or environmental consequences. In 1986, in Ukraine a steam explosion at the Chernobyl plant caused the destruction of a reactor, killing 31 people, causing significant health and environmental consequences. As many as 56 are now believed to have died as a result of this incident. While both of these incidents are worrisome, the safety record of the industry given the large number of plants and hours of operations is extremely good. Additionally, while there is no long range storage solution in this country yet for the waste from these plants, storage in ceramic vaults at the nuclear plant site has proven to be safe and reliable. The U.S. Department of Energy has extensively studied safety concerns surrounding nuclear plants, including terrorism attacks, and concluded that these facilities are largely safe and that an attack is more likely to cause economic harm than health or environmental harm. Today the United States gets 19% of its electricity needs from clean nuclear power. France gets 78% of its electricity from nuclear power. There are currently two nuclear reactors in operation at Calvert Cliffs in Calvert County. Constellation Energy, which owns the plant, would like to partner with a French firm to build a third reactor at Calvert Cliffs. The project would be an economic boom to the Southern Maryland region. There is a huge windfall of taxes for the state of Maryland as well. This project is important for Southern Maryland because our economy is woefully dependent upon the public sector. Private sector diversification has been an ongoing concern. Additionally, we need the clean energy. Maryland’s Governor, Martin O’Malley has decided to risk losing this private sector investment in Maryland by issuing demands upon Constellation that appear more
political than economic based. During his campaign against former Governor Bob Ehrlich, O’Malley promised if elected he would forestall electricity rate increases for Baltimore Gas & Electric (BG&E) customers. BG&E is a subsidiary of Constellation. As Ehrlich knew at the time, O’Malley was promising something he could not deliver, and once elected he quickly gave way to the BG&E rate increases. Now O’Malley wants revenge. O’Malley is obviously willing to give away his re-election support in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, none of his demands would benefit us. Almost every elected official in Calvert and St. Mary’s has expressed their concerns about possibly losing the third reactor because of onerous demands by the governor except for one, Senator Roy Dyson. Dyson has failed to show any leadership in this area at all. While the entire Southern Maryland delegation, including those from Charles County have been actively seeking to secure this $8 billion dollar investment in Southern Maryland, Dyson is staying on the sidelines. Calvert Cliffs is in Dyson’s district. Dyson was O’Malley’s big supporter here in Southern Maryland in his race against Ehrlich in 2006. Despite Ehrlich’s strong support for Southern Maryland, Dyson worked tirelessly to have him defeated, including fabricating a claim that Ehrlich had arranged a secret land deal involving property on Indian Bridge Road in St. Mary’s County. Dyson claimed the Ehrlich administration was entering into a sweetheart deal with a developer. Ehrlich was simply finalizing an arrangement that had been worked out under former Governor Glendening and the Board of Public Works, an arrangement which Dyson never opposed under Glendening. The only change Ehrlich made in the deal was to assure that at least 200 acres would be donated to St. Mary’s County for future schools. All remaining development rights were to be retired under a federal government program. No other development was to take place at the site. Dyson was successful in helping O’Malley win. St. Mary’s citizens were rewarded with the largest tax increase in the history of Maryland and were forced to spend more than $5 million on a school site in Leonardtown, and we still need a high school site which could cost as much as another $4 million. It would be inexcusable to let politics cost the citizens of Southern Maryland again.
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
The County Times
Where Memories Are Made Parlett Family to Host Final Farm Life Festival By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer Catherine “Kitty” Parlett practically blushed as she spoke of her seven children, 21 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and her cat, Woodley, but had to laugh as she recalled how the pet had come into her life. “It was right after [my husband] John died,” she said, “two of my granddaughters gave me a cat. And I was practically in tears, and one of them said ‘I don’t think she wants the cat,’ and I love cats, but it was just something else to take care of. That was the whole nine yards,” she said. Catherine has taken care of Woodley, her closest confidant, as
be the final year for the festival. Since her husband, John Parlett Sr.’s death, Catherine said the event had lost its appeal for her, and at her age it had become a burden, though she said she would still miss it. The question remains over what will happen to the family’s thousands of farm-related antiques and equipment, whether they will be donated to institutions like the Smithsonian or auctioned off to independent buyers. As of yet no final decision has been made over what to do with the culmination of the whirlwind life and career of the late John K. Parlett, Sr., who died four years ago. John Parlett, Sr. was a life-long St. Mary’s County resident and attended Charlotte Hall Military Acad-
Photo By Andrea Shiell In the “Country Store” exhibit Catherine Parlett holds up a wooden “butter print” (also called a butter press or a butter stamp) which molds portions of butter with decorative designs.
Photo By Andrea Shiell Catherine cleans off a portion of a very large, hand-carved display in one of the family’s farming exhibits, which will be open to the public this weekend.
she has taken care of her husband’s legacy, and residents and visitors may even see the tabby trolling about the grounds of the Parlett Family Farm in Charlotte Hall, where the 12th annual Farm-Life Festival will take place this weekend. This will
Photo from www.farmlifefestival.com
emy, later fashioning his life as a farmer, businessman and politician, serving as a St. Mary’s County Commissioner from 1974 to 1978, and as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1981 to 1986. What he became most known for though was founding the John K. Parlett Farm-Life Museum of Southern Maryland, which sponsors the annual Southern Mar yland Farm-Life Fe s t iv a l for the benef it of the St. M a r y ’s C ou nt y C h r i s tmas in A p r i l program. “ H e was in politics for some time, and then when he came home he decided he wanted to do something, so we started antiqu-
ing, but prior to that we did have a few things,” said Catherine, walking across the 153-acre property to show off the various buildings which comprise about 60,000 square feet of antique collections comprising the history of American farming. Catherine said that the collection had grown over the years as friends had regularly spotted items for the family at various places across the country. “We’d always get people calling and saying, ‘I’ve found something John would really like,’” she said, “so they’d bring it in or he would.” “This is probably one of my favorites, the country store. His granddaddy had a country store in Mechanicsville. He sold groceries and stuff like that,” she said, moving along counters lined with tobacco tins, cookie cutters, decorative hens, ornate cash registers and wooden butter presses. Another family favorite is “Tractor Heaven,” a space holding roughly 50 John Deere Tractors dating back to the early 1920s, some worth as much as $100,000. Catherine said the family has tried to get John Deere officials to come to the farm to look at their collection, but to no avail. “We’ve invited them here any number of times but we’ve never heard a word,” said Catherine, almost sadly. In other buildings are thousands of items like glass mouse traps, seed cleaners, hammer collections, saw collections, anvil collections, washboards, sleds, plows, buggies, road
Photo By Andrea Shiell Catherine next to a portrait of her late husband, John K. Parlett, Sr., who founded the Farm-Life Museum of Southern Maryland.
graders and other pieces of equipment, all set up to dazzle the eye and tickle the senses with nostalgia. And such is the Parlett family farm, where every square inch of space is covered in history, from the old paper farm set with cardboard cutouts of equipment and animals displayed in glass cases, to the great warehouses peppered with antique washing machines, plows and tractors, spools and sewing machines. Adding more flair to the property are the walls of each building lined with posters and signs for farming equipment and foodstuffs, harkening back to bygone eras. And in almost every room is at least one bench where visitors can cool their heals, painted with
the farm’s enduring slogan, “Where memories are made.” The 12th Annual Farm-Life Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Parlett family farm at 38250 New Market Turner Road in Charlotte Hall. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for students. Children under 6 will be admitted free. All proceeds will go to benefit the St. Mary’s County Christmas in April program. For more information and a schedule of events, go to www.farmlifefestival. com. andreashiell@countytimes.net
Money for the love of
St. Mary’s Square Seeking Vendors for Fall Festival The St. Mary’s Square Merchants Association will host a Fall Festival on the Square on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 1-5 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Square Shopping Center, 21600 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park. Featured will be snacks for kids, trick or treating, pumpkins, games, and much more. Spaces available for crafters, vendors, produce, and new items only. Spaces are $15. No yard sale items at this event. Please call Tina Garrison at 240-577-0955 for details regarding space rental, and to reserve your space.
Chesapeake Pet Welcomes New Groomer Chesapeake Pet Resort & Day Spa, in Hollywood, recently welcomed Michelle Rivera to its staff of certified pet groomers and stylists. Michelle earned her certification from the Nash Academy of Animal Studies, based in Lexington, Ky., and has many years of professional grooming experience. Michelle operated her own grooming Salon in North Carolina for more than 10 years before moving to this area with her husband who is now stationed here. The business also recently announced staff certifications for Donna Beers, Diana Hill, Chelsea Kahn-Deere and Ashley Tennyson, who completed their Red Cross Pet Safety and CPR certifications in June at the PAX River location of the Southern Maryland Red Cross. Diana Hill also recently completed her certification as a pet care technician through the Pet Care Services Association. For more information about Chesapeake Pet Resort & Day Spa, go to www.chessiepets.com.
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
“Dreamt” is the only English word that ends in the letters “mt.”
10
un Fact
Win A Prize for ‘Technology Handbook’ Design Graphic artists have until a deadline of Friday, Oct. 23, to submit designs to be considered for the cover of the 2010 edition of the “Technology Handbook” for St. Mary’s County. The county Department of Economic and Community Development is currently preparing the 2010 edition of the handbook, a directory of more than 200 local defense contractors and other technology companies. “The ‘Technology Handbook’ has received acclaim as a critical resource by the government and the listed companies,” said county Commissioner President Jack Russell in a press release. “We are proud to partner with The Patuxent Partnership to produce this guide as a tool for our county’s business and as a promotional item to promote our county to the rest of the country and throughout the world.” The Partnership, a nonprofit based in Lexington Park, will once again be sponsoring the contest with a $500 prize for the winner. “The focus of The Patuxent Partnership is the diversification of the technology business base,” said Bonnie Green, executive director. “One of the contributions we are pleased to make every year is the opportunity to select the most compelling technology-relevant cover art for a directory that is both sought after and well-used by so many.” Graphic artists, technical artists and illustrators are invited to log on to The Patuxent Cover of the 2009 Technology Handbook Partnership Web site, www.paxpartnership. Box 653, 23115 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD org, click on the Calendar tab, 20650 by 4 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2009. go to October and select Oct. 23 All questions about the Cover Contest and the (the deadline) to read and down- ‘Technology Handbook’ should be directed to her at 301load the contest rules and entry 475-4200 x1408 or by e-mailing cynthia.dellagatta@stform. marysmd.com. Artists must reside or be Entries will not be returned and all submissions will employed in St. Mary’s County. become the property of the St. Mary’s County DepartAll entries, including two ment of Economic & Community Development and The full-size prints of the artwork Patuxent Partnership. and the electronic files, must Any technology-focused businesses in St. Mary’s be delivered to Cynthia Della- County currently not in the 2009 edition of the handbook Gatta, Economic Development that would like to be included should also contact DellaCoordinator, St. Mary’s County Gatta. If your company was included in the 2009 edition, Department of Economic and you will be notified about renewing your listing. Community Development, PO
Company
Symbol
Close
Close
Change
10/7/2009 12/31/2008 Wal-Mart
WMT
$49.46
$56.06
-11.77%
Harley Davidson
HOG
$22.55
$16.97
32.88%
Best Buy
BBY
$38.04
$28.11
35.33%
LMT
$73.93
$84.08
-12.07%
Lockheed MarƟn
BAESF
$5.20
$5.41
-3.88%
Computer Science Corp.
CSC
$51.56
$35.14
46.73%
Dyncorp InternaƟonal Inc.
DCP
$18.08
$15.17
19.18%
General Dynamics Corp.
GD
$65.47
$57.59
13.68%
MANT
$47.97
$54.19
-11.48%
NOC
$50.42
$45.04
11.94%
BAE Systems
Mantech InternaƟonal Corp. Northrop Grunman Corp.
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
The County Times
Navy Personnel Assemble To Cut the Cakes 1:30 p.m. PAXSCA is asking all available active-duty Navy men and women at Pax River and surrounding bases to join them at the Veterans Home no later than 10:30 a.m. The celebration will include a ceremonial cake provided by PAXSCA, a ceremonial color guard and the playing of the National Anthem. Military personnel are asked only for their presence in uniform (uniform of the day is acceptable) and for help in assisting the veterans in getting to the hall for the celebration and in serving the cake, as well as for spending some time visiting Photo Courtesy of Naval Air Station with the veterans. Naval Air Station Commanding Officer Capt. Andy Macyko, left, looks on as CorpsSpouses and area man HN Nicholas Emerson, 20, and Command chaplain Cmdr. David Mudd, 57, civilians who have cut the birthday cake during last year’s Navy Ball. The cake is traditionally cut by the served are also weloldest and youngest sailors present. come to attend. Navy personnel will be attending at least For more intwo events this month as part of a Navy-wide formation or to RSVP, contact Lt. Cmdr. Bill celebration of the U.S. Navy’s 234th birthday. Benham at 301-757-6813 (e-mail william.benOne event will be the Navy Ball, which ham@navy.mil) or Lt. Cmdr. Bob McMaster traditionally involves the cutting of a birthday at 301-757-7157 (e-mail robert.mcmaster@ cake by the oldest and youngest members pres- navy.mil). ent. This year it will be held at the Hollywood Continental Navy Firehouse on Friday evening, Oct. 16, from 6 Although sailors will be celebrating the to 11 p.m. Navy’s birthday locally on Oct. 16, the official This year’s ball will feature performances birthday date is Oct. 13, when the Continental by the U.S. Army’s Fife and Drum Corps, the Navy in 1775 authorized the procurement, fitU.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and Calvert High ting out, manning, and dispatch of two armed School’s NJROTC Drill Team. vessels to cruise in search of munitions ships Speakers include Retired Rear Admiral supplying the British Army in America. Gus Eggert of the Patuxent River Naval Air The legislation also established a Naval Museum Association giving a historical per- Committee to supervise the work. All togethspective of milestones in Pax River’s test and er, the Continental Navy numbered some 50 evaluation mission; Pax River Health Clinic ships over the course of the war, with approxiCorpsman HM2 Benjamin Steele giving a sail- mately 20 warships active at its maximum or’s perspective of an assignment in the Horn strength. of Africa; and NAVAIR Commander Vice AdAfter the American War for Indepenmiral David Venlet introducing the new Navy dence, Congress sold the surviving ships of recruiting video called “The Calling.” the Continental Navy and released the seamen Uniform will be Dinner Dress Blues with and officers. Mess Dress optional, civilian equivalent. The Constitution of the United States, A buffet dinner is included in the ticket ratified in 1789, empowered Congress “to proprice, and seating is limited. vide and maintain a navy.” Ticket prices are as follows: Acting on this authority, Congress or• $50 for O-6, GS-15 and contractors; dered the construction and manning of six • $45 for E-9, O-4, O-5, CWO-4, CWO-5, GS- frigates in 1794, and the War Department ad13 and GS-14; ministered naval affairs from that year until • $40 for E-7, E-8, O-1 through O-3, CWO-2, Congress established the Department of the CWO-3, and GS-6 through 12; Navy on April 30, 1798. • $25 for E-6; In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admi• $20 for E-4, E-5, GS-4 and GS-5; and ral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized recognition • $15 E-1 through E-3 and GS-1 through GS-3. of Oct. 13 as the Navy’s birthday. The Navy To buy tickets, call your command Navy Birthday is intended as an internal activity for Ball Representative or Chief Marlon Joseph at members of the active forces and reserves, as 301-342-1095. well as retirees, and dependents. Cake at Charlotte Hall Since 1972 each CNO has encouraged The other event will take place earlier in a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion “to the day and is being organized by The Patuxent enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy River Supply Corps Association, which for the heritage, and to provide a positive influence fourth year in a row will celebrate the Navy’s toward pride and professionalism in the naval birthday at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. service.” The hours will be between 10:30 a.m. and
Military Officers Invited To Join Association The Southern Maryland Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will host a catered picnic lunch for new or prospective members from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Beach House at NAS Patuxent River. The Beach House is located about four miles from Gate 2 on the Cedar Point Road. Active duty, retired, Reserve and National Guard officers are encouraged to attend this event. The luncheon will be free for prospective members and their guests, but reservations are requested. Please call (410) 257-0439, (410) 326-0486, (301) 475-3694 or e-mail at rotorhead99@ md.metrocast.net by Wednesday, Oct. 14. Children are invited. MOAA is the fourth largest veteran’s organization in the country and the nation’s largest military service organization. Membership is open to active duty, retired and former officers of all of the uniformed services, including the Reserves and National Guard. Membership is also open to the widows and widowers of deceased officers. MOAA is dedicated to preserving the earned entitlements of all members of the uniformed services, as well as their families and survivors, and to promoting a strong national defense. New members will receive a free membership in the chapter for the rest of the year. If they are not already members of the national MOAA, active duty officers will receive a free one-year
membership in the national organization. Retired officers will receive a two-year membership for the price of one.
Aviation Technology Conference to Focus on Small Business Opportunities Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) will host the Small Business Aviation Technology Conference on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 28 and 29, at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center in California. The focus of this year’s conference is “How to do Business with NAVAIR.” Government presenters will explain both the fundamentals and intricacies of government contracting. “This conference is designed to address the basic ‘how-tos’ for new small businesses,” said Emily Harman, associate director of NAVAIR’s Office of Small Business Programs, “along with providing insights into specific programs and policies, such as Seaport-e and ethics and conflicts of interest.” The two-day conference will also include a presentation on NAVAIR’s long range acquisition forecast. The cost per person is $45, which also includes continental breakfast and lunch both days and a reception on Oct. 28. To register, go to the Patuxent Partnership Web site at www. paxpartnership.org.
October 24th • 10am - 4pm
Join Today for Only $4.00!!! No Membership Fees Until 2010! 29020 Three Notch Rd. • 301-884-8096 • Visit Us Online at worldgym.somd.com
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
Lillian Mary Boham, 83 Lillian Mary Boham, 83, of California, MD died October 5 2009 at University of Maryland Medical Center. Born July 29, 1926 in Ambridge, PA she was the daughter of the late Nicola George and Josephine Beatrice Cuda Rossi. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Condolences to the family may be made to www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Robin Carol Briscoe, 44
Lee, MD, where a Funeral Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Rudy C. Brooks will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Robert Morgan, Jarvis Carter, Arthur Miller, Dwight Giles, Morris Fenwick and Elmer Jordan. Honorary pallbearer will be Alfred Jordan. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com. Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
The County Times
Gertrude “Loraine” Hall, 77
Cheri Lee Mayor-Farrell, 32
Robin Carol Briscoe, 44, of California, MD died October 4, 2009 at Johns Hopkins University Bayview Center, Baltimore, MD. Born December 24, 1964 in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of Carolyn Mason Briscoe of California, MD and the late Robert Vincent Briscoe. After graduating from Leonardtown High School, Robin went to work for the CIA in Washington, DC. After leaving the CIA, she worked at St. Mary’s College of Maryland for a couple of years and took classes while there. She joined the Tri County Council as Ride Share Coordinator where she worked for 20 years until her death. Robin was a joy to be around and was always able to make you laugh. She enjoyed crafts – she did decorations for a couple of family weddings. She loved shopping and was always able to find a bargain. Everyone who knew Robin knew how much she loved to talk. In addition to her mother, Robin is survived by her son Kyle L. Briscoe of California, MD, siblings; Connie Bond of California, MD, Vivian Jordan (Alfred) of Drayden, MD, Rodney Briscoe of California, MD, Marty Mason of Baltimore, MD and Bobby Roach of Valley Lee, MD, twin grandchildren; Derron T. Briscoe and Kyleigh V. Briscoe of Calvert County and a host of loving relatives and friends. Family will receive friends on Friday, October 9, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s UAME Church, Happyland Road, Valley
Cheri Lee Mayor-Farrell, 32, of Brunswick County, NC, formerly of St. Mary’s County, MD died September 12, 2009 in Wilmington, NC. Born March 23, 1977 in San Luis Obispo, CA, she was the daughter of Barbara Gatton and step-daughter of Kim Gatton of Brunswick County, NC and the late Richard D. Mayor. In addition to her mother and step-father she is survived by her children; Dustin J., Amber N. and Aiden C., sister of Tina Dillow and Christopher Mayor, finance Christopher Adams, grandparents; Robert Purdy and the late Antoinette Purdy, Regina Dodge and Richard Mayor, great-granddaughter of Frances Garner also survived by many aunts, uncles and nieces. Cheri enjoyed spending time at the beach with her children, fishing and many outdoor activities. She was a self employed Dump Truck driver and was about to become a School Bus Driver for Brunswick County, NC. Inurnment will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 1 p.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery, St. Mary’s City, MD with Reverend John A. Ball officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to The ALS Association Development Department, 27001 Agoura Rd., Calabasas Hills, CA 91301.
Gertrude “Loraine” Hall, 77, of Bushwood, MD died October 1, 2009 at St. Mary’s Nursing Center. Born January 31, 1932 she was the daughter of the late George Albert and Anne Gertrude Lacey. She was the loving wife of the late John William Hall, Jr. whom she married on December 28, 1950 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, MD and who preceded her in death on February 1, 2002. She is survived by her children; John W. Hall III and his wife Debbie of Bushwood, MD, Charles H. Hall of Reston, VA, Dale A. Hall and his wife Patty of Hollywood, MD, Sandra M. Beall and her husband George E. Beall, Jr. of Avenue, MD, Beverly A. Gardiner and her husband Eddie of Chaptico, MD and Glady M. Hall of Bushwood, MD, her daughter-in-law Brenda Hall of Colton’s Point, MD, her 22 grandchildren; Jane Alvey, Josh Hall, Justin Hall, Jesse Hall, Charles Hall, Jr., Nathen Hall, Jonathan Hall, DJ Hall, Jessica Hall, Heather Hall, David Brooks, Sherrie M. Hall, Laura J. Wright, Robert Hall, Frankie Hall, Ryan Barbara, Sara Barker, Margaret Oliver, George E. Beall III, Dawn R. Delligatti, Paul Gardiner and Josh Fleming as well as 11 great-grandchildren; Jennifer Alvey, Jessica Alvey, Lilian Hall, Jonathan Hall, Hunter Wright, Evan Hall, Ava Hall, Reagan Barker, Skylar Barker, Ashby Oliver, Erica Oliver, David Brooks and Dillon Brooks. She is also survived by her siblings; Mary Helen Seymore, J. Steven Lacey and his wife Louise, Jim Ed Lacey and Frankie Lacey and his wife Barbara J. She was preceded in death by her son R. Kenny “Boots” Hall and her siblings; Joe Lacey (Mildred), Elizabeth “Puddin” Huseman (Ross), George Elbert “Dink” Lacey (Phillis), Eleanor Nootsie, Thomas L. Lacey (Lorraine), William Lacey (Barbara) and Robert V. “Bobby” Lacey. Loraine was a graduate of Margaret Brent High School “Class of 1951” and was employed as a Nursing-Transport Technician for
St. Mary’s Hospital for 35 years, retiring in December 1993. She belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary #221, Avenue, MD and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Her hobbies were saying the rosary, playing cards and spending time with her family. The family received friends on Sunday, October 4, 2009 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers were said at 3:00 PM with ALA prayers to follow. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, October 5, 2009 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, MD at 10:30 AM with Fr. Francis Early officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were her grandsons Josh Hall, Justin Hall, Nathen Hall, DJ Hall, Robert Hall and George Earl Beall III. Honorary pallbearers were her grandsons Jesse Hall, Jonathan Hall, Josh Fleming and David Brooks. Contributions may be left to the 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609. Condolences to the family may be left at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Curtis Andrew Leymeister, 47
Curtis Andrew Leymeister, 47, of Hollywood, MD died October 5, 2009 in Hollywood, MD. Born February 10, 1962 in Clinton, MD he was the son of Harry Albert and Phyllis Ann Wathen Leymeister. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Condolences to the family may be made to www.mgfh. com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Brian Patrick Abell May 20, 1972 – October 8, 2008
Brian, it has been one year since you have been called to heaven. Oh how we cried the day you left us and when we gathered around your grave to grieve. Thanks to many friends and loving family we are able to go on with life. We know that you are looking down on us with a smile. We love and miss you everyday. Mom, Dad and Family
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
14
Continued Paul A. Lloyd, 67
Paul A. Lloyd, 67, of Park Hall, MD died September 29, 2009 in Washington DC. He was born April 11, 1942 in Providence, RI to the late Leo Patrick Lloyd and Rita (Dawson) Lloyd. He moved to Saint Mary’s County in 1973. He had served in the Air Force and in Civil Service in RI before moving to MD, where he continued his career with the Civil Service. After serving in the Civil Service for 42 years he retired from Department of Defense. He then worked for AmeriCorps Vista of SMARTCO, and later served there as a volunteer. He was a member of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of The ELKS, Knights of Columbus, and Boy Scouts merit badge counselor. He was an avid camper. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Gee Lloyd, children, Brian Lloyd (Mary Beth), Cheri Williams (Kevin), Daniel Lloyd, and William Lloyd, grandchildren, Kacey, Hanna, Haley, and Cameron Lloyd, Samuel and Nickolas Williams, brother, Richard Lloyd (Lynn), sister, Patricia Soderlund, (Bruce-deceased). He and Sherry also fostered many children in St. Mary’s County over the years. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Patrick M. Lloyd (Marti). Family received friends on Friday, October 2, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers were recited at 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass was held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s School, c/ o MSGR. John B. Peacock Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 429, Ridge, MD 20680. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Erin Rochelle Norris, 11
Erin Rochelle Norris, 11, of Lusby, MD passed away September 29, 2009 in Children’s Hospital, Washington, DC. Born August 6, 1998 in Leonardtown, MD to Dawn Marie Norris and Ernest I. Norris, Jr. She is survived by her mother, father, her sister Rachel Marie Norris, her brother Joshua Shane Norris, and many family and friends. Erin was a very special treasure from the day she was born and brought much happiness and joy to her family and friends. She loved everyone and would quickly give smiles, hugs, and kisses. It seemed that love just flowed out of her and people were immedi-
ately drawn to her sweet spirit. She cared for people very much and it would upset her if someone was sick or hurt so she would pray for them to be healed. She loved workbooks and markers, bubbles, butterflies, hummingbirds, and spending time with her friends, especially her classmates and neighbors. But her best friend who she enjoyed the most was her big sister, Rachel. They were buddies and Erin enjoyed their special times together. Family received friends on Friday, October 2, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Patuxent River Assembly of God, 45020 Patuxent Beach Road, California, MD 20619. Prayers were recited at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Lanny Clark officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Serving as pallbearers were Brandon Elliott, Robert Elliott, Joey Burch, Jeff Mayor, Carl Butler and Joe Caruso. Contributions may be made to the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department, P.O. Box 189, Solomons, MD 20688 or Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Eleanor “Virginia” Payne, 68
“Caring is Our Business” FOR OVER 50 YEARS, THE COUNTY’S MOST TRUSTED SOURCE FOR QUALITY
Eleanor “Virginia” Payne 68, of Mathias, WV and formerly of St. Mary’s County, MD died October 4 2009 at her residence. Born September 9, 1941 in Baltimore, MD she was the daughter of Martin Leonard and Cora Elizabeth Morgan Pilkerton. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Condolences to the family may be made to www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Catherine Marie Readmond, 71
Granite & Bronze Monuments & Engraving Pet Cemetery and Memorials
Charles Memorial Gardens, Inc. Perpetual Care Cemetery
26325 Point Lookout Road • Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-8060
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Catherine Marie Readmond, 71, of Hollywood, MD died October 2, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital. Born March 8, 1938 in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of
the late Charles Aubrey Graves and Mary Frances (Alvey) Graves. Catherine was a loving wife and mother who spent her entire adult life caring for her family and home. She is survived by her husband Joseph “Bumsie” Lee Readmond, whom she married on November 17, 1954 in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, MD. Catherine is also survived by her children; Janice Haggerty (Richard), Timothy Readmond, Sheila Marie Readmond (Ronald ‘Otis’ Wood), and Jason Keith Readmond all of Hollywood, MD,two grandchildren; Joseph Haggerty (Mandi) of Lusby, MD and Kellie Haggerty of Hollywood, MD,three great-grandchildren; Raegan Haggerty, Ryleigh Haggerty, and Tori Pernell, and one sister; Audrey Higgs of Hollywood, MD. She was preceded in death by two sisters; Margaret Goldsborough and Helene Laschalt. Family received friends for Catherine’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers were recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Rev. Keith Woods presiding. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Joe Haggerty, Wayne Goldsborough, Michael Readmond, David Readmond, Robbie Tippett, and Phil Wallace. Honorary pallbearers were Kellie Haggerty and Mandi Haggerty. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glenn Allen, VA 23058-5216. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Sean Demetrius Yates, Jr., infant Sean Demetrius Yates, Jr., infant, of Hollywood, MD died October 2, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital. Born October 2, 2009, he was the son of Sean Demetrius Yates, Sr. and Tania Aileen Aldridge. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sisters; Tyreana J. Broome and Ashanti Aldridge, brothers; Khalil Yates and Kareem Harris, grandparents; Sylvia M. Love and Cue Aldridge and Thomas and Agnes Somerville, aunts; Mykea Price, Latoya Herbert, Kneeca Somerville, Jewel Brown, Jackie Butler, Marteeco Barnes, uncles; Thomas Somerville, Jermaine Barnes, Terrence Harris and cousin, Knari Smith. He was preceded in death by an aunt; Kating Yates. All services were private. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com.
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
un Fact
Honeybees have hair on their eyes.
Impact Aid Forms Due Soon By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer All students at St. Mary’s County Public Schools have been coming home with forms for their parents to fill out for what is called “Impact Aid,” and many students are being promised incentives to bring the forms back by the Oct. 19 deadline, at which time they may be rewarded with pizza parties or movie days in the classroom. But why are these forms so important? The simple answer is that they will impact how much federal assistance the school system receives in the next year. Impact Aid began in 1950 (and was later drafted into law in 1965) when Congress began providing financial assistance to school districts with concentrations of students living on Indian lands, military bases, low-income housing projects or other federal properties, or students who have parents in the military or who are employed on eligible federal properties. Such school districts that are “impacted” tend to face special challenges, such as the lack of revenue from property taxes, which would not be collected for federal properties where such families live and work. The money is provided as general aid from the U.S. Department of Education to the school districts for expenses ranging from teacher salaries to purchasing textbooks. “Last year, out of $180 million in the St. Mary’s County Public school’s budget, $1.8 million was received in Impact Aid funds,” said Brooke Fallon, school liaison officer for NAS Patuxent River. “So it’s not a huge portion, but it still is almost $2 million which is a substantial amount.” Locally, Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Webster Field are federal properties with more than 20,000 employees, the majority of which have children attending public schools, but there are different categories of Impact Aid. Certain amounts are given for active duty members living on military bases, Department of Defense contractors working on federal land with children in public schools and families that live on Indian reservations are only a few of the categories, but Fallon said it was important for everyone to fill out the forms, regardless of whether or not they fit into one of these categories, because the forms would ensure that the school system had up to date information on each student. Fallon said that the amount of aid received has increased over the years as the base and its numbers of employees has expanded, but the aid has been only partially funded for the last several years. “Because of the economy – and it’s been this way for years – Impact Aid is only funded at 60 percent,” said Fallon. “The amount of money actually given isn’t as much as promised, so it’s that much more important for people to fill out their forms accurately because every penny and every dollar does count.” For more information on the Department of Education’s Impact Aid program go to www.ed.gov. For more information on how to fill out the forms parents may contact their child’s school, the Department of Student Services at 301-475-5511, or Brooke Fallon at 301-757-1875.
Know
In The
15
Education
SMCM Students Learn to Lobby Politically-charged members of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland community learned to lobby their elected officials recently when more than 20 students, faculty and staff participated in a Center for the Study of Democracysponsored workshop designed to train political activists to successfully achieve their goals and communicate their messages to community leaders, elected officials, and other influential people and organizations. Participants listened to lectures and worked in small groups to role play meetings and events in an effort to prepare them for real-world political planning. “The Center tries to provide students with opportunities to learn more about civic issues and to be more engaged citizens,” said Michael Cain, director of the Center for the Study of Democracy, in a press release. “This was one of the many opportunities the Center provides students to reach out to their communities and government.” “The workshop gave me a good idea of how to practically use grassroots organizing to harness and build citizens’ power and effect positive changes in areas like social justice and sustainable initiatives,” said sustainability fellow Shane Hall. Provost Larry Vote, acting president at SMCM, commented, “This workshop is one of
Submitted Photo Emily Saari and Harry Moderiog present their fictional organizational chart to the group during “Debating for Democracy on the Road” at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
the ways the Center tires to promote civic engagement and get students thinking about how they can make a difference … Social responsi-
Allen Named President of MABE
bility, participatory citizenship and civic duties, these are commitments we take seriously here at St. Mary’s College.”
College Presidential Selection Still Pending
Cathy Allen, vice chairman of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County, has been named president of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and to join the many individuals from St. Mary’s County Public Schools working at the state level on behalf of children,” said Allen in a press release. Allen has served on numerous MABE committees over the years, both within the organization and at the state level, and has served on MABE’s board of directors for the past four years. Her term as president of MABE will be for one year. Founded in 1957, MABE is a private, nonprofit organization to which all school boards in the state voluntarily belong. The organization sponsors in-service activities for board members through an annual conference, orientation programs for new board members, and workshops on key topics. Its board of directors holds regular informal meetings with the state Board of Education. MABE represents the school board point of view with the Maryland General Assembly and the United States Congress through its leg i sl a t ive com mit tee and federal relations network.
Officials at St. Mary’s College stated during their Board of Trustees meeting held on Oct. 3 that there is still no final selection for the next president of the college. Officials had earlier said they would announce at the meeting a new president to succeed Maggie O’Brien, who is stepping down to oversee a program for the college in England. The Board of Trustees has narrowed their selections to four finalists: Katherine Conway-Turner, James Bacchus, Mary Ann Baenninger and Jo-
seph Bruno. During the previous two weeks, the finalists visited the campus to meet with students, faculty, community members and board of trustees members, each bringing with him or her a different set of skills and talents. Molly Mahoney, secretary of the Board of Trustees at St. Mary’s College said that there was no specific holdup in the selection process. “It’s just a process,” she said. “We didn’t make a decision yet,” but a final selection is expected within a month.
Eat Local Challenge
Cathy Allen
Submitted Photo John Dalton, of Dalton’s Orchard and Apiaries; St. Mary’s College of Maryland dean of students Laura Bayless; and Master of Arts in Teaching student Rachel Clement and Katie Mazzocco discuss chickens from his farm behind him and the fresh eggs he provides the college every day as part of the college’s Eat Local Challenge held last week.
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Welcome to Wildewood.
Where organizers sure come in handy.
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
The County Times
Briefs Two Charged in Cola Machine Theft, Destruction On Oct. 2, 2009, a lookout was broadcast for a Ford Explorer with Virginia registration. The occupants of the vehicle were allegedly just involved in a break in and theft from a Coca Cola machine located at Performance Custom Motorcycle in Mechanicsville. Deputy Campbell observed and stopped the suspect vehicle. Investigation and probable cause search revealed a crowbar in the vehicle. The cola machine had been pried open. The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Wayne Edward Brengle 37, of Waldorf and Scott Christopher Beal, 36, of Waldorf. Brengle and Beal were arrested and charged with theft and destruction of property. A short time later a second cola machine at Ridgell Service Center in Mechanicsville was also discovered to have been broken into. The investigation revealed Brengle and Beal were also allegedly involved in this destruction of property and theft. Brengle and Beal were additionally charged with theft under $100, destruction of property over $500 and destruction of property scheme.
Woman Accused of Home Improvement Store Theft On Oct. 2, 2009, Deputy M. Green responded to Lowes Home Center in California, for a report of a theft. Investigation revealed Joanna Louise Gibson, 21, of Fairfax, Va., entered Lowes, removed items from the store shelves and allegedly placed them into her purse. Gibson allegedly walked past all points of payment and exited the store without paying for the items. As a Lowes’ loss prevention officer attempted to catch up with Gibson after she exited Lowes, he witnessed Gibson enter Michael’s Arts & Crafts. Gibson allegedly removed items from the shelves from Michael’s Arts and Crafts, placed them into her purse and exited the store without paying for the item. Gibson was stopped by the loss prevention officer outside of Michaels Arts and Crafts. Gibson was arrested and charged with two counts of theft under $100.
Man Charged With Slapping Victim in Wal-mart On Oct. 3, 2009, deputies responded to the Wal-Mart store in California for a report of an assault. Investigation revealed Christopher Van Harlow, 58, of Lexington Park was engaged in a verbal dispute with the victim, which escalated into a physical assault when Harlow allegedly slapped the victim in the face. Harlow was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.
CDS Violation / Trespassing On Oct. 1, 2009 at 11:46 p.m. deputies responded to Hula’s Bar in California for the report of an intoxicated subject refusing to leave the establishment. Upon the deputies’ arrival, contact was made with Charles A. Bowman Jr., 47, of Hollywood who was instructed to leave the establishment. Bowman allegedly continued to refuse to leave and was placed under arrest. A search incident to arrest was conducted and Bowman was found in possession of suspected marijuana laced with PCP, cocaine and alleged CDS paraphernalia. Bowman was charged with possession of marijuana, two counts of CDS possession – not marijuana, possession of CDS paraphernalia, trespassing and incarcerated in the detention center.
Theft over $1,000 On Oct. 1, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. Cpl. E. Johnson initiated a vehicle stop on a vehicle towing a trailer with no registration displayed in Clements, and a subsequent check of the trailer vehicle identification number revealed the trailer had been stolen in North Carolina. The operator of the vehicle, Brice L. Smith, 31, of Conway, S.C., was placed under arrest, charged with theft over $1,000 and incarcerated in the detention center pending an appearance before the District Court Commissioner.
Crime&
Punishment
Final Defendant in Three-Year Drug Investigation Sentenced By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The last of 15 defendants in a major drug distribution case that sprang up in St. Mary’s County back in 2006 will spend the next 17 years behind bars for his role in the cocaine-selling ring. U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Telvon Taylor, 32, of Lexington Park to federal prison Monday for conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine, according to U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein’s office. Taylor’s guilty plea shows that from September of 2005 through March of 2006 he was able to get cocaine and marijuana from several sources, including Kevin Dyson, a member of the ring, along with conspirators Edwin Johnson Jr., Tavoy Somerville, Terrence Brooks, William Barnes and others would convert the cocaine to crack cocaine through a cooking process and then sold the product to customers. Prosecutors stated that between two to three-and-a-half kilograms of that distribution were attributable to Taylor.
Local authorities have said that other conspirators in the ring, like Wendell Ford and Dyson, were major drug trafficking powers in the county and that the distribution ring, which had its center here, stretched all the way into New Jersey and North Carolina. Recently local and federal authorities announced another major series of drug arrests this year that took place throughout Southern Maryland and netted 12 suspects, seven of whom were from St. Mary’s County. In that case federal authorities are seeking the seizure of about $1.5 million in assets plus property. That case has also resulted in the forfeiture of about $230,000 in cash as well as firearms, jewelry and vehicles. Federal authorities say that there have been 45 arrests in the past several years stemming from drug investigations in Southern Maryland. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Witness Recounts Man’s Burning By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad arrived to transport the victim, who was later flown out by helicopter for treatment, officials have said. Police officials say that there are no charges pending against the man, who is alive but in serious condition. Renick said watching the incident was traumatic. “I was pretty shaken up; it was not pretty,” she said. “It’s not something I would want to see again.”
Local police have finished their investigation of an incident that occurred Sunday night on the outskirts of Leonardtown where a man who was trying to kill himself set himself on fire, Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron told The County Times. “It’s apparent it was an attempted suicide,” Cameron said, who could not provide a motive for the man’s actions. Cameron said the victim had doused himself in gasoline be- guyleonard@countytimes.com fore he set himself on fire. Emergency response officials with the county reported that the incident occurred at about 10 p.m. Oct. 4 on Hollywood Leonardtown Road. An employee at the McKay’s grocery store said they saw the man engulfed in flames from the neck down about 50 yards from their parking lot as they had closed up business for the evening. “We were at my truck talking and I heard a noise, like a holler, so we looked up towards where he was. I thought it was just some trash someone had set on fire and thrown out in the street,” said Lee Renick. “I saw something, like an arm move and I said, ‘My God I think that’s a person on fire’” Renick said the co-worker she was talking to rushed LEONARDTOWN: 301-475-5000 forward and called 911, while at the same time to young men TOLL FREE: 1-800-660-3493 who were driving past the scene came to a screeching halt, hopped out of their car and began to put out the fire EMAIL: phild@dorseylaw.net with their shirts. “They are the ones who saved that boy’s life,” Renick said. “If they hadn’t shown up, he would have died.” Renick said that only the man’s head and face had not been set directly ablaze. “He was engulfed in flames from his neck down,” she said. “His clothes were completely burned off of him.” Ambulances from the
Philip H. Dorsey III Attorney at Law
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Cover On The
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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Expansion of Calvert Nuclear Reactor in Jeopardy? Hearings About Calvert Cliffs To Continue By Sean Rice Staff Writer The Maryland Public Service Commission has extended its hearings on the financial effects of the proposed merger between Électricité de France (EDF) and Constellation Energy Group, owner of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. The additional hearings are set for Wednesday, Oct. 14, and if needed Thursday, Oct. 15, in the Commission’s 16 Floor Hearing Room, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore. Constellation has already received a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the state to build a third nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs, a project that supporters say would bring hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues, including an immediate $130 million in taxes from the merger; 4,000 short-term construction jobs and upwards of 400 permanent jobs at the plant in Lusby. But, officials for the companies involved have said plans for the third reactor would be jeopardized if the merger does not go through. The merger would transfer nearly $4.5 billion, or 49.99 percent, of Constellation’s nuclear assets to EDF. Gov. Martin O’Malley called for the PSC hearings on the merger deal to make sure Baltimore Gas & Electric customers are not harmed by the deal. The PSC is reviewing how the merger would affect BGE customers, a subsidiary of Constellation, and whether the deal would serve the public interest. In June, O’Malley proposed a settlement that would require BGE Maryland residential customers to receive a one-time credit of 10 percent of an average annual bill by the end of 2009. Since last week the Public Service Commission has extended hearings regarding the merger; State Attorney General Douglas Gansler has stated that both companies revealed the final terms of the merger deal after the evidentiary hearings were ending in September. Filings with the commission by Constellation and BG&E opposing further hearings state that there have been some changes in the final terms of the deal but that it does not affect the nearly $130 million in tax revenue the merger would bring to the state. seanrice@countytimes.net
By Sean Rice and Guy Leonard Staff Writers Leaders in Southern Maryland say it would be a sad day for Maryland if the deal to build a third reactor at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant fell through. Many local Republicans and Democrats alike are accusing Gov. Martin O’Malley of playing politics with the multi-billion dollar merger deal between Calvert Cliff’s owner Constellation Energy Group and Électricité de France (EDF). The state Public Service Commission has scheduled additional hearings next week on Oct. 14 and possibly Oct. 15 in Baltimore. With the question of playing politics aside, local officials say negotiations that would only benefit customers of Baltimore Gas & Electric (a subsidiary of Constellation serving central Maryland) are ignoring the rest of the state. Delegate John Wood, a Democrat who represents northern St. Mary’s County (Dist.29 A), said that the current situation smacked of political gamesmanship Delegate John Wood on the part of the administration. Wood said that several years ago O’Malley’s campaign pledge to not allow excessive electricity rates desired by Constellation Energy and others failed, and that now he might be seeking retribution. “I don’t know if he’s playing a game. He may want to make them bleed a little bit because Constellation didn’t do what he wanted two or three years ago,” Wood said. “You know how politics is.” Other than the first theory, Wood said, he could not make much sense of O’Malley’s demands. “I don’t know where he’s coming from,” Wood said. “There’s no question in anyone’s mind [the new reactor is] needed. A third reactor won’t do anything but help.” Officials have said a third reactor would not only aid in production of more energy that an ever growing state needs to avoid expected shortages, but it would also give the state an instant cash infusion of $130 million in business related taxes. In June, O’Malley proposed a settlement that would require BGE Maryland residential customers to receive a one-time credit of 10 percent of an average annual bill by the end of 2009. In a June 17 statement, he gave his reasons for the hearings, saying that BG&E customers need to be protected in the merger. “We know that BG&E is a cash cow for Constellation Energy. We know that BG&E pays more than half of all dividends paid into Con-
stellation Energy and has a huge impact on Constellation’s bottom line,” O’Malley said in the statement. “We also know that Constellation Energy has had a tumultuous history over these last few years. Last year, because of their own financial mistakes, not ours, Constellation lost 80 percent of its stock value and was just hours away from bankruptcy.” Del. John Bohanan, a Democrat who represents southern St. Mary’s County (Dist.29B), said that he believed the project Del. John Bohanan would eventually happen but that the decision had to be made soon. “I have expressed to the governor we don’t what to see the project derailed in any way and we need to move forward,” Bohanan said. “I have full confidence we’ll get it done.”
Calvert County growing impatient The Board of Commissioners in Calvert County, on the other hand, are starting to lose confidence in O’Malley’s ability to get the job done. The commissioners authored a letter last week accused O’Malley of trying to “torpedo” the project with his demands. “O’Malley’s myopic focus on BGE ratepayers is curious,” the commissioners’ letter states. “In 2008 his administration squeezed $187 million in customer rebates from the utility, yet he continues to sound the alarm on further “risks” that the joint venture holds for BGE customers. The governor neglects to point out that BGE rates are the same or lower than other Maryland utilities’ rates and that BGE ratepayers were among the last in the state to transition from frozen and artificially reduced rates.” Utilities other than BG&E also buy power from Constellation, but no rebates have been proposed for them, say critics. “What has [O’Malley] done for rate relief for the customers of Pepco, or the customers of Allegany Power, or the customers of SMECO?” asked Delegate Tony O’Donnell, a Republican and minority leader in the Maryland House of Delegates who represents parts Delegate Tony O’Donnell of Calvert and St. Mary’s counties (Dist. 29C). “What, he doesn’t care about the rest of the state? He’s willing to
Photo By Frank Marquart The Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in Calvert County owned by Constellation Energy Group overlooks the Chesapeake Bay.
jeopardize a potentially $10 billion new nuclear power plant for a small benefit, for small part of the state, it’s ridiculous.” O’Donnell said the Public Service Commission has already performed “its due diligence” on the project, after an 18-month review of the new reactor proposal, “What the governor is now doing is, to me, highly unprofessional, where he is trying to ratchet money out of Constellation,” he said. “Unfortunately, most Southern Marylanders would get none of that benefit, only Baltimore Gas and Electric ratepayers. To me that’s ridiculous and it borders on extortion.” Although Calvert County will benefit the most from the construction of a third reactor, St. Mary’s and Charles counties will also gain from the promise of 4,000 short-term and 400 long-term jobs. St. Mary’s chief economic development officer, Bob Schaller, said that the county still has high hopes of getting some of the 4,000 construction jobs that would be needed to build the new reactor. “We’re looking to be part of that, it’s another source of employment,” Schaller said. “Anywhere from 35 percent of the employees at Calvert Cliffs are from this county.” The expansion is also a chance for the region to become a leader in the development of new technology. “Your talking about the first new reactor built in the last 20 to 25 years, you could be at the forefront of that technology … and if we get into a political fight, someone else is going to get that reactor and we’ll be out in left field wondering what we did wrong,” said Todd Morgan, president of the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance. “It’s almost a no-brainer.”
Charles County weighs in Elected officials in Charles County also say there’s a lot at stake for the region. Delegate Sally Jameson, a Democrat representing Charles County and
chairwoman of the Southern Maryland Delegation (Dist. 28), agreed with O’Donnell about the O’Malley’s rebate proposal. “There are a lot of differ- Delegate Sally Jameson ent utilities that purchase power from Constellation. I’m not going to agree with the fact that it’s fair for one group of rate payers to perhaps receive a rebate, versus not considering all of the people,” she said. Aside from the windfall of tax revenues, the state would also receive added benefits, such as Maryland becoming a leader in the U.S. in the field of nuclear technology. “We may very well end up being the first area to build a new nuclear reactor in decades, therefore that is going to generate a lot of interest in Maryland,” she said. “I certainly don’t want Maryland to be known as a state where we make it difficult for corporations to get here.” With so much at stake, politics should not get in the way, said Gary Hodge, a Democrat on the Charles County Board of Commissioners who is also chairman of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland based in Hughesville. “We need our administration in Annapolis to be paying attention to Southern Maryland. I realize that in Maryland … there are four or five jurisdictions that typically elect governors. But I definitely want the administration to pay attention to the economic priorities of Southern Maryland,” he said. “I don’t want anything to jeopardize the expansion of the plant,” said Hodge. “I think it’s unfortunate that projects of this magnitude and complexity get entangled in bureaucratic turf wars … I think it would be a real setback for the community here to not have this go forward.” seanrice@countytimes.net guyleonard@countytimes.net
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
The County Times
ewsmakers
Ridge Post Unit 255 Holds Joint Installation
Bowles Farms 2009 Corn Maze & Pumpkin Farm Southern MD’s Largest Corn Maze & Pumpkin Harvest is BACK!!! This year’s 2009 maze design will celebrate St. Mary’s county 375th Birthday Operating Dates: September 26th to October 31st, 2009
Children’s Barrel Rides
Hours Of Operation Mon – Fri: By Appointment Only Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pumpkin Painting
Rates Admission: $10.00 3 and Under FREE Croup Rates Available (15 or more)
Come see why getting lost means having fun.
Post Commander Skip Disharoon and Unit President Ann Thomas.
An installation of officers was recently held at the American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit 255 in Ridge. Past Department Commander Gail Murdock installed the following officers for the administrative year 2009-2010: Commander – Skip Disharoon; First Vice Commander – Lindy McKay; Second Vice Commander – Terry Morton; Adjutant – John Matthews; Chaplain – Terry Morton; Service Officer – Chuck Myers; Finance Officer – Jim Yeatman; Sgt at Arms – Chris Dorosz, and Executive Committee: Neil Roberts, Francis Smith, Sean Tibbs and Charlie Tennyson. Commander Disharoon presented the following awards for outstanding service to the Post: “Legionnaire of the Year” – Lindy McKay and the “Post Commander’s Award” –Mike and Elaine Stone; “Honorary Life Membership” –Neal Roberts. American Legion Auxiliary, Southern Maryland District President Roxanne Berry installed the following unit officers: President – Ann Thomas, Vice President – Ethel McKay; Secretary – Audrey Pratt; Treasurer – Flora Norris;
Interviewing: Jane Nau
Submitted Photo
Chaplain – Wendy Morton; Historian – Brenda Bassford; Sgt. at Arms – Sherry Pope; Executive Committee – Anita Birdine, Evelyn Turner and Bobbie Bell-Ocfemia. Unit President Thomas announced the unit had received 11 “Certificates of Award” at the annual state convention in Ocean City, Md., for its outstanding work on the various programs for the veterans, children and community. Delegates attending the convention were: Post – Skip Disharoon and Terry Morton, and from the Unit –Ann Thomas, Audrey Pratt, Shirley McKay, Sherry Pope and Wendy Morton. Persons interested in joining the American Legion, Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion should come to the post home located on Route 5 in Ridge to check their eligibility and/ or join “The Legion Family.” Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month – Post at 6:30 p.m. and Unit at 7:30 p.m.
3
Jane Nau, 62, is part owner of Colleen’s Dream consignment shop in downtown Leonardtown, having moved here 12 years ago from Arlington, Va., to open her business with her sister, Caroline Cullison. Together they deal in vintage and designer clothes, shoes and handbags right in Leonardtown’s central business district. CT: Why did you decide to open your business in St. Mary’s County? JN: We knew that the Navy had moved out of Crystal City and we knew this county was going to grow, and we wanted to open a business, so this is where we did it. CT: What’s the most unusual item you’ve ever sold for someone? JN: Well, we used to do a lot of antiques and
Question Interview collectible things, and … we had things that we couldn’t identify … we had a consigner that brought us a lot of primitive things like coat racks and spice grinders and things like that, but I really can’t think of the most unusual. Some of the clothes have been really crazy … like some of the men’s leisure suits, the polyester ones with the big collars. They were ugly then and they’re ugly now. But people buy them for 70s parties. CT: What’s the best thing about running your business here? JN: The best part is we’ve met some of the nicest people and we’ve made some really good friends, and it’s fun … when we first opened, we weren’t very busy and the town was pretty quiet, and we’d have people that would actually come in for hours talking to us.
Petting Zoo
Admission To The Farm Includes Corn Maze, Petting Zoo, Wagon Rides, Mini Straw Maze, Children’s Corn Box, Children’s Barrel Rides, Straw Mountain Crop Displays, Special Weekend Events
Wagon Rides
We have acres and acres of pumpkins of every shape & size available for a small additional fee.
Decorating Supplies: Mums, Corn Stalks, Straw, Gourds, and Indian Corn
Pick Your Own
Food & Refreshments On-Site Large Covered Picnic Area Air-Conditioned/Heated Restrooms
Host Your: Team Building Event or Birthday Party Here!! Directions: The farm is located at: 22880 Budds Creek Road, Clements, MD 20624 For More Details Visit Us At: Office: 301-475-2139
www.bowlesfarm.com Email: bowlesfarm@rcn.com
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Join Us in October for Romantic Jazz
Gretchen Richie Jazz Trio Sat Oct. 10th
:15
:00 pm 1 1 pm
(Gretchen on vocals, Randy 8 on Keyboard & James Fowler on Bass)
Instrumental Dance Jazz Sat Oct. 24th (With Randy on Keyboard & Percussion and James Fowler on Bass)
Regular Dinner Performance “The Songs of George Gershwin’ Thursday, October 15th 6:30 – 9:30 pm Gretchen performs some of the most beautiful & memorable songs by the elegant songwriting team of George & Ira Gershwin. Randy on keyboard & James Fowler on Acoustic Bass
Reservations Recommended
gretchen richie
Jazz Cabaret
Thursday, October 8, 2009
20
A House is a Home
Tomorrow’s “Green” Home Today With Hydronic Heating
The home of the future is green -- green for environmental friendliness and green for energy efficiency. As a way to achieve tomorrow’s green home, today’s consumers are increasingly turning to one of America’s most traditional types of home heating. It is hydronic heating, which is heating with hot water as the heat transfer medium. With hydronic heating, hot water is circulated from a centrally located boiler through baseboards, radiators, or extremely durable tubing embedded in Hydronic baseboard heating delivers soothing and gentle heat while adding floors, walls, ceil- a smart decorative touch to the room. ings, sidewalks, and driveways. dronic applications include domestic hot water Hydronic heating is the essence of “green heating, kick space heating, swimming pool heating” because the heating appliances boast and hot tub heating, and bathroom towel rack some of the highest heating appliance effiwarming. Many homes also use hydronic snow ciency ratings available to homeowners, both and ice melting for sidewalks and driveways, in terms of fuel usage and heat distribution. It an important safety factor that helps prevent inis highly efficient because water absorbs heat juries from falls on snow and ice. High velocity from the flame so well and because hot water air conditioning may also be added to hydroniretains and emits heat for a long time, even afcally heated homes as a separate system. Hyter the boiler shuts down. In addition, only one dronic heating is ideal for a newly constructed burner is needed to provide both home heating home or for an addition to an existing home. and water heating, therefore there is only one Hydronic boilers can also supply the hot carbon footprint. Furthermore, it is easy to set water source for the home with the installation up numerous heating zones in a house, allowof an indirect water heater; thus only one boiler ing the homeowner to economically use heatis needed to do both jobs. These indirect water ing energy only where and when it is needed. heaters can be used as supplemental “green” Even greater savings can be achieved by using heat for solar panels and geothermal units. today’s advanced energy efficient pumps to The Hydronics Industry Alliance (HIA), move water through the home. a leading advocate for the advancement of this Other recent advances in hydronic heathighly efficient and environmentally gentle ing technology include condensing boilers that heating technology, is a coalition of 34 manumay be vented through the wall and have modufacturers who are members of the Hydronlating burners. Condensing boilers are up to 98 ics Industry Section of the Air Conditioning, percent efficient and have ENERGYSTAR(R) Heating and Refrigeration Institute. Several ratings that qualify for new energy-efficiency HIA members have LEED Certified Plants, tax credits. These highly efficient systems aland most members manufacture ENERGYSlow for a tax credit of 30 percent of the total TAR rated appliances. The HIA participates cost of the product plus installation, up to a widely at national Green Builder trade shows $1,500 maximum cap per homeowner for all and programs. improvements made in 2009-2010, in addition Homeowners looking for tomorrow’s exto available state and local incentives. tremely efficient green heating in their homes Hydronic units are quiet and do not proright now can ask their heating contractor duce drafts, so they do not scatter dust, mites, for all the facts about hydronic heating, one or other allergenic materials throughout the of America’s fastest-growing forms of home house. Because hydronic hygienic heating is heating comfort. For more information, visit gentle, thorough, and even, there are no hot MYHOMEHEATING.COM, or write to the or cold spots in the room. These attributes can Hydronics Industry Alliance, 8225 Madrillon have the effect of saving energy when the sysEstates Drive, Vienna, VA 22182, or e-mail to tem doesn’t have to “work overtime” to overmyhomeheating@verizon.net. come these home deficiencies. In addition to room heating, other hy-
21
Thursday, October 8, 2009
A House is a Home
The County Times
F
un act In every episode of “Seinfeld” there is a Superman somewhere.
Recycled Glass Countertops Latest Trend in “Green” Home Decor Global warming has become a top of mind concern for most Americans over the last few years thanks to the devastating tragedies from tropical storms around the world due to climate change. As a result, more and more people are increasingly sensitive to the environment and show a stronger desire for preserving our resources and recycling. Countless corporations are following suit by incorporating “green” philosophies to their regular product offerings. This “green” trend has made its greatest impact in home decorating with consumers and decorators now gravitating to more ecofriendly alternatives for interior decor. One trend that is leaving a “green” mark in homes across the country is the choice of recycled material countertops over more conventional surfaces. Green countertops are recycled or renewable surfaces that minimize impact on the environment during their production. They are comprised of different combinations of natural and man-made materials and often include
available. Molded from a proprietary blend of fine quartz, epoxy resin, and recycled glass (ie. clear beer bottles), the material is solid, nonporous, never requires sealing, and is homogenous in consistency. Its unique manufacturing process produces an incredibly silky smooth and durable countertop surface. “Elements is ideal for the discerning customer who desires a unique eco-friendly product for kitchen countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds, and commercial applications,” explained Mark Hanna, President of Montreal-based Leeza Distribution Inc., one of North America’s leading distributors of premium countertops such as Elements by Durcon. Elements is an incredibly safe and durable countertop surface ideal for kitchens, as it is certified by NSF, is a very low VOC emitting material and boasts the highest heat resistance rating available. “Elements is stylishly sleek with a distinctly silky feel that works beautifully with any decor,” Hanna added. “From Old World
RODNEY THOMPSON ?FD<JK<8; 8L:K@FE 8GGI8@J8C
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some form of recycled glass. Many are attractive and viable alternatives to conventional countertop materials. The latest entry into this category, Elements by Durcon, is creating quite a buzz as it’s a “green” countertop surface that also offers unmatched durability, cleanliness and aesthetic qualities. Durcon, the leading U.S. manufacturer of epoxy resin quartz countertops and sinks for the last 35 years, recently launched an eco-friendly surface variation -- Elements by Durcon -- for the residential and commercial markets. Stone fabricators, dealers and architects across North America agree that the product’s unique qualities and highly durable characteristics set it apart from first generation eco-friendly surface products currently
to ultra-modern, it provides a look that is very unique, timeless and clean.” Its versatility is its strongest attribute. In addition to custom colors, Elements by Durcon is available in two alternate design variations --”Titanium” and “PUR”. Titanium features a dramatic metallic flecked surface. The highlight of the PUR line is Pristine that is “already a hit with designers,” said Hanna, due to its rare, deep, and absolute white quality that is in high demand in today’s decors. Elements surfaces are so durable that unused and old countertop material is recycled by Durcon for use in road construction. More information on these eco-friendly countertops is available at leezadistribution. com.
Antiques Glassware Misc. Items
Guns Tools Coins
Trailer Load of Residential Light Fixtures
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Tuesday, October 13th
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The County Times K ? < G8 I C < K K =8 D @ CP @ E M @ K < J PF L KF
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
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NOTICE
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23
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The County Times
A Journey Through Time The
By Linda Reno Contributing Writer
ALL-IN-ONE REDEFINED.
Chronicle
night. The groans of the sick and the dying; the curses poured out by the weary and exhausted upon our inhuman keepers; the restlessness caused by the suffocating heat and the confined and poisonous air, mingled with the wild and incoherent ravings of delirium, were the sounds which, every night, were raised around us in all directions. Frequently the dying, in the last mortal throes of dissolution, would throw themselves across their sick comrades, who, unable to remove the lifeless bodies, were compelled to wait until morning before they could be freed from the horrid burden. Dysentery, small-pox, yellow fever, and the recklessness of despair, soon filled the hulk with filth of the most disgusting character. Few prisoners escaped and not many were exchanged, for their conditions were such that commanding officers hesitated to exchange healthy British prisoners in fine condition for the wasted, worn-out, human wrecks from the
When we think of the Revolutionary War, our attention is focused on the soldiers. Little attention has been paid to the seamen. Two of them were Josiah and James Biscoe, sons of Joseph Biscoe and Mary Ann Dunbar. On August 10, 1832, Josiah Biscoe, Privateer, age 73, applied for a pension and said that in 1777 he enlisted under Capt. John Horn Abell and served until 1783. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was in a skirmish between a part of our company and a British schooner at Kittyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Point on Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek in St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Co. when the British schooner sent off her boat to burn a small American schooner then lying in Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek bound for the West Indies, our One of the pieces of Josiah Biscoeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tombstone. detachment commenced firing on the boat and obliged her to return to the schooner. Soon prison shipsâ&#x20AC;? after, the schooner was run up near to the Josiah continued â&#x20AC;&#x153;From New York I sailed American schooner and sent her boat under in a cartel to Hampton in Virginia. From the fire of her guns and burnt the American Hampton I traveled home partly by land and Schooner called Kitty. The (British) schooner partly by water. Within 10 days after my rethen returned to the mouth of Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek turn home, I joined my former company for the and joined a British Brig then lying thereâ&#x20AC;ŚA period of about six months, then went to Baltifew days after, a small American sloop, in at- more, slipped on board the (letter of marque) tempting to get into Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek, ran ashore Capt. Miners in our passage down the Bay, fell on Grayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Neck. Our company was ordered to in with a British ship of 32 guns which forced go and guard the sloop. When we approached us into the cherry stones on the eastern shore. the sloop, we found she was too far off for our The ship sent her boats to take us out when an musket shot to protect her. The same Brig and engagement ensued between our crew and the schooner, the following night, got the sloop off boats in which we lost one man and which terthe shoal and carried her off.â&#x20AC;? minated in taking our vessel.â&#x20AC;? Josiah had been In the year 1778, I went on board the sloop captured for the second time! of war Buckskin then at Baltimoreâ&#x20AC;Ś bound â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our crew were all made prisoners of on a cruise, but soon after the government war and sent to Little York in Virginia and changed her course to a voyage to France, and detained there two or three months until the I left her and slipped on board the schooner surrender of Lord Cornwallis. On that occaHarford, bound to the island of Hispanola, sion, I saw the British flag hauled down and where we were embargoed for 11 weeks. On the American flag hoisted on the flag staff in our return home, we took a British sloop called Little York. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Trewpene.â&#x20AC;? After the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, I In 1779, Josiah was aboard the Harlequin returned home and again joined my company when it was captured by the British on its way and performed militia service in guarding the home from Santo Domingo. The crew was shores of the Potomac River and Chesapeake transported to the British prison ship Jersey Bay from the depredations of the British veswhere Josiah remained six months. Surpris- sels who frequently plundered the people living ingly, Josiah only mentioned the Jersey in pass- near the shores until the peace in 1783.â&#x20AC;? ing. Being imprisoned aboard this ship was a Josiah died May 29, 1845 and is buried at death sentence. Anchored in the East River in St. Gabrielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Manor in Scotland. His tombstone New York, the prisoners called it â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hell.â&#x20AC;? is in pieces, one of which is shown in the picâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Silence was a stranger to our dark ture above. abode. There were continual noises during the Next week: James Biscoe
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The County Times
24
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Photo By Andrea Shiell
Doug Hillgren of ‘Full Steam’.
By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer The crowd started thickening at Big Dogs Paradise in Mechanicsville as the members of Full Steam were setting up their equipment, and Veronica Lancaster (lead vocals, bass), laughed as her eyes moved over a table in front of the pool tables being set up for a bachelor and bachelorette party, lined with lewd lollipops and party favors. As her band mates continued setting up, she launched into an animated retelling of how she met her husband and rhythm guitarist, Frank, who also sings with her. “I was in a karaoke bar in Waldorf … I heard him singing and I went up and talked to the DJ, who we ended up later being a very good friend of ours. And I asked, ‘Oh my god, who is he?’ I was acting like a 12-year-old girl,” she said, “so we started talking and we started singing together,” starting a band called Hot Ice with their current keyboard player, Bobby Thomas, and drummer Jerry Thomas. “They ended up quitting, and we said we wanted to still keep going and do something, so we put our band together, and it’s just funny how the years went by and we all ended up back together,” said Veronica. Doug Hillgren rounds out the group on lead guitar, commuting from Harpers Ferry, W. Va., to rehearse and play with the
ary’ M
Photo By Andrea Shiell
band. He sports five guitars including a Les Paul and an emerald green Gibson SG Supreme. “People always ask me why I carry so many guitars with me, and I tell them it’s because I don’t want to get caught having to do these funky tuning changes in between songs,” he said, grinning as he plucked a string on his Fender Telecaster, which he keeps tuned down to drop-C for only one song. The band’s repertoire is diverse, however, with a song list running the gamut between rock, R&B, punk, heavy metal and funk, among other things. “We’ve always tried to do a variety of stuff, like party stuff. We love rock and roll but we like to dance. It’s kind of a formula but you want to make sure people are dancing and having a good time,” said Veronica, “and if we mix it up and do a variety I feel like we can reach a little bit of everybody.” Veronica laughed as she explained that her tastes in music also bled between genres, explaining that she had been into heavy metal as a teenager before becoming obsessed with country music and winning a song writing competition in her early 20s with a country tune titled “Mr. Maybe.” “I’m a little bit of a weirdo with what I like in music, like if you looked at my playlist on my iPod you’d probably just laugh your head off,” she said,
adding that she was listening to Brittany Spears, Chevelle, and playing ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’ by Captain & Tennille before getting to the bar. With the latest permutation of their group finally taking shape in the last year, both Veronica and Frank said that their plans to record a CD, which would include a lot of Veronica’s original songs, had always been derailed by bigger priorities, but they are hopeful that they’ll end up in a studio before long. In the meantime they have no problem flaunting their stage presence as they perform. Veronica is a commanding lead vocalist (whose talents are made all the better by her ability to sing Pretenders covers without trying to sound like Chrissie Hynde, a big plus in this reviewer’s book), and Doug’s guitar solos seem to have a way of making people jump from their seats, like the bachelorette and her girlfriends who toasted the air as the band played. Full Steam will be playing next at Martini’s Lounge in White Plains on Oct. 9, and on Oct. 10 at Hotel Charles in Hughesville with The Worx. For more information, visit their Web site at http://fullsteamband.tripod.com/ or www.myspace. com/fullsteamband. andreashiell@countytimes.net
St.
s
Entertainment
Get Out & Have Fun Right Here in St. Ma ry’s
County!
In front from left to right: Frank Lancaster, Veronica Lancaster and Doug Hillgren. In back: Bobby Thomas and Jerry Thomas.
Full Steam Ahead!
Newtowne Players Announce Auditions Next Play is ‘Over the River and Through the Woods’ The Newtowne Players announce open auditions for the upcoming production of “Over the River and Through the Woods” by Joe DiPietro. The show offers parts for two sets of Italian immigrant grandparents (two men and two women), a young man, and a young woman who plays a potential love interest. People interested in helping with the technical and support crew are also welcome. The play, a comedy about real life issues with an Italian slant, will be directed by Thom Esposito and Lisa Gregory and will be performed Jan. 22 through Feb. 7, 2010. The male lead is in his late 20s/early 30s, as is his female love interest. The two sets of grandparents range in age from their late 70s to early 80s. One of the grandfathers will need to speak with an Italian accent or broken English. The play is about Nick, a single Italian-American guy from New Jersey. His parents retired and moved to Florida, but that doesn’t mean his family isn’t still in New Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine, until he has to tell them he’s been offered a dream job. The job he’s been waiting for – marketing executive – would take him away from his beloved but annoying grandparents. When Nick tells them, the news doesn’t sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around. How could he betray his family’s love to move to Seattle for a job, wonder his grandparents? Well, Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma do their level best to keep him in New Jersey, and that includes bringing the lovely – and single – Caitlin O’Hare to dinner as bait. Auditions will be held Oct. 12 and 15 at 7 p.m. at Three Notch Theatre at 21744 South Coral Drive in Lexington Park. Callbacks, if necessary, will be Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. Auditions will be readings from the script. No prepared material is necessary. Doors will open 30 minutes before auditions and scripts will be available. If you have questions or cannot make these times but wish to work either on stage or backstage for this production, please call Esposito at 240-298-1037. For more information about volunteer opportunities or other upcoming programs, please visit www. newtowneplayers.org.
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.
25
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thursday, Oct. 8 • Fair Warning Irish Pub Band CJ’s Backroom (Lusby) – 5 p.m.
• DJ Mango Heavy Hitters (Charlotte Hall) – 9 p.m.
• Bent Nickel Mechanicsville Moose Lodge – 8 p.m.
• Karaoke Club 911 (Mechanicsville) – 9 p.m.
• Dave Norris DB McMillan’s Irish Pub (California) – 6 p.m.
• Roadhouse Band Apehanger’s (Bel Alton) – 9 p.m.*
• Karaoke on Demand Cadillac Jack’s (Lexington Park) – 9:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9
• The Worx with Full Steam Hotel Charles (Hughesville) – 9 p.m.
• Karaoke on Demand Cadillac Jack’s (Lexington Park) – 9:30 p.m. • Comedian - Eddie Ifft St. Mary’s College (St. Mary’s Hall) – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10
• Fair Warning Irish Pub Band Donovans Irish Pub (California) – 5 p.m.
• Captain John DB McMillan’s Irish Pub (California) – 5:30 p.m.
The Worx Full Steam • Karaoke w/ DJ Tommy T & DJ T Applebee’s (California) – 9 p.m. • Legend Calypso Bay (Deale) – 9 p.m. • No Green JellyBeenz Big Dogs Paradise (Mechanicsville) – 9 p.m.
• Bent Nickel Anderson’s Bar (Avenue) – 8 p.m. • Escape the Armada (CD Release Party) Hula’s Bungalow (California) – 8 p.m.
• Beretta Jane Hula’s Bungalow (California) – 8 p.m.
• Dave Norris DB McMillan’s Irish Pub (California) – 6 p.m. • Gretchen Richie Café des Artistes (Leonardown) – 8:15 p.m. • Brushfire VFW Post 10081 (Bel Alton) – 8:45 p.m.
• The Wanderers Cryer’s Back Road Inn (Leonardtown) – 9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 11 • Country Memories Band Farm Life Festival at Green Manor Farm (Charlotte Hall) – 12:30 p.m. • Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition with Audie Blaylock & Redline American Legion Post 238 (Hughesville) - 2 p.m.
• Backstage Pass Apehanger’s (Bel Alton) – 9 p.m.* • Crossfire Blue Dog Saloon (Port Tobacco) – 9 p.m.*
• Jefferson Presents Concert Series: Latrice Carr, Brian Sacawa and Doug “DJ” Jordan Nekadesh Farm (Colton’s Point) – 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 13 • Fair Warning Irish Pub Band DB McMillan’s Irish Pub (California) – 6 p.m. • Karaoke on Demand Cadillac Jack’s (Lexington Park) – 7:30 p.m.
• DJ Mango Heavy Hitters (Charlotte Hall) – 9 p.m. • DJ Steadyrockin’ Cadillac Jack’s (Lexington Park) – 9 p.m.
What’s
n O g n Goi
In Entertainment
For family and community events, see our calendar in the community section on page 31.
Wednesday, Oct. 14 • Captain John DB McMillan’s Irish Pub (California) – 5:30 p.m. • R&B Line Dancing House of Dance (Hollywood) – 5:30 p.m. • Special Olympics No Limit Hold’Em Tourney Bennett Building, 24930 Old Three Notch Rd (Hollywood) – 7 p.m.
Mail-in Ticket Deadline Approaching for Bluegrass The deadline to mail in payment for tickets for the Bluegrass For Hospice Music Festival is fast approaching. The festival will be held at the Flat Iron Farm on Flat Iron Road in Great Mills on Saturday, Oct. 24, but the deadline to mail in for tickets is Oct. 10. Several local bluegrass bands will be playing, including David Norris, Recent Addition, Jack Tippett Band, Zekiah Swamp Cats, Bubby Abell & Spoon Creek, Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition, Joey Tippett & the California Ramblers, and Charlie Thompson & Bottom County Bluegrass. There will also be a guest star appearance by Rounder Recording Artist Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass from Pennsylvania. There will also be vendors, 50/50 raffles, silent auctions and an arts and crafts fair. Nonperishable food items will also be collected that day to help replenish the Southern Maryland Food Bank. All proceeds from the show will go to raise funds for the new Hospice House opening up in Callaway, which will provide end-oflife services for terminally ill patients and their families. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For advanced tickets make your tax-deductible contribution payable to Hospice of St. Mary’s. Please provide in the memo section of the check, “Bluegrass for Hospice” and mail along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to: P.O. Box 741, California, MD 20619. For more information, call 301-737-3004.
Show Times Now Playing
Shows and Rating Provided By Yahoo Entertainment. Check Local Listings For Show Times.
AMC Loews, Lexington Park 6, (301) 862-5010 • Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs; PG, 81 min • Pandorum; R, 108 min • Surrogates; PG-13, 89 min • Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All by Myself; PG-13, 113 min
• Open Blues Jam Beach Cove Restaurant (Chesapeake Beach) – 8 p.m.
• Where the Wild Things Are PG, 94 min; Starts on Thu, Oct 15
* Call to confirm time
• Zombieland; R, 81 min
Cuisine
The County Times
& More
Healthy Bites Spice it Up! By JIM ROMANOFF For The Associated Press
When fat is cut from recipes, flavor can follow. That’s when spices become the key to making lighter foods taste great. And if you want to get the most out of your spices, it’s best to follow a few simple tips. Whenever possible, buy whole spices, says Raghavan Iyer, author of ``660 Curries.’’ Spices get their flavor from the oils inside. Once the spices are ground, the oils lose potency, which means freshly ground peppercorns pack more flavor than pepper purchased already ground. Whole spices also are a better value. Stored in airtight, glass containers away from heat, says Iyer, whole spices will stay fresh for at least a year. Ground spices last for only a few months. Buy spices from the bulk section of a natural food store so that you can buy only what you need for a short period. That helps ensure your supply is always fresh. Prices for bulk also tend to be lower than for packaged. For grinding whole spices, a mortar and pestle are nice, but an inexpensive electric coffee grinder is faster and more convenient.
On The Vine
Little Black Dress California Wines
Every lady needs one. . . . Men love them. . . . a Little Black Dress! Little Black Dress wines offer a storied selection of labels and a varietal wine that’s right for every occasion or meal. Priced just right and available locally, Little Black Dress is the perfect accent to any occasion. Classic and timeless, Little Black Dress Merlot, is rich with aromas of black cherry, cranberry, hints of vanilla and toasted oak. This medium-bodied Merlot can seduce even the most experienced of palates and pairs nicely with meats and hearty foods. LBD Cabernet, bold and charismatic, this red wine has spice and oak flavors that say its okay to be bold. It makes quite a statement, a multilayered red that pairs with duck and red meats. Elegant and enticing, LBD Pinot Noir, is perfect when you are in the mood for a light red wine. Cherry and clove aromas with light floral notes are inviting and easygoing and pair perfectly with chicken, veal and lamb dishes as well as roasted beef and pork. Subtle and sophisticated, LBD Chardonnay is right for any occasion. With subtle hints of oak and overtones of lush apple, this white wine pairs wonderfully with spicy food like Greek, Chinese, Thai and Spanish dishes. LBD Pinot Grigio, charming and alluring, with subtle hints of floral spice, crisp pear and bright peach, is both tempting and light. This white wine is sensational with acidic foods. Try one on today!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
On The Menu
26
Marshmallows Not Just Plain Vanilla Any More By MICHELLE LOCKE Associated Press Writer
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) If you’re still using plain old vanilla marshmallows at your campfire or in your cocoa, you’re out of touch. The next generation of marshmallow lovers is amping the flavor of their puffy confections, taking their s’mores to new heights with tricks like slicing and stuffing them. And the marshmallow industry is taking notice. Long a fixture in the baking aisle, marshmallows have been making their way back to candy land lately, thanks in large part to swirled, flavored, stuffed and otherwise jazzed up versions intended to appeal to consumers ever on the prowl for new tastes. Like chocolate with your marshmallow? Consider the chocolate-drizzled marshmallows called Zebras launched last year by Doumak Inc., the Chicago area-based maker of Campfire brand marshmallows. “I gotta tell you, people are going bananas over it,’’ says Mark Schuessler, vice president of sales and marketing for Doumak. Prefer your chocolate – or jelly – on the inside? Try Keith Baskett’s creation, stuffed marshmallows that he modestly declares “the best thing that ever happened to the marshmallow.” Retail marshmallow sales (excluding Walmart) totaled about $146 million in 2008, up from $141 million the year before, according to market research firm Information Resources Inc. That’s a fraction of the billions spent on chocolate, “but there are opportunities because we’re back to looking at marshmallows less as a baking ingredient and more as a treat,” says Bernard Pacyniak, editor-in-chief of Candy Industry, a Deerfield, Ill.-based trade magazine. Baskett says his stuffed puffs, sold under the GudFud label, were inspired by mochi, a Japanese rice cake often stuffed with a filling such as sweetened red bean paste. Baskett, who has “loved marshmallows since the early days of being around campfires,” decided to make the concept a little fluffier, then stuffed them with chocolate or grape, orange or strawberry jelly. Launched in 2007, the stuffed marshmallows are sold in brightly decorated packaging that combines Japanese-style graphics – each product has a different face – and Germanic type. There are umlauts over the “u’s” in GudFud. Reaction to GudFud seems to depend on how mad you are for marshmallows says candy blogger Rosa Li of Rochester, N.Y., who tried out some samples on her friends. “I thought they were OK,” she said. “For a lot of my friends that I shared with, some of them loved them and most of them didn’t seem to think that highly of them. But the ones that liked them really liked them.” According to candy lore, marshmallows date back to ancient Egypt with a sweet made from the sap of the mallow plant – yes, it grows in marshes – that was deemed fit for pharaohs. This was not like they were selling it out on the street corner; this was a real delicacy,’’ says Schuessler. In the 19th century, French confectioners took the sap and whipped it with other ingredients, making a fluffier version. Eventually, gelatin replaced mallow root sap, though the name endured. The “foodie” movement also has brought a renewed interest in homemade marshmallows and gourmet versions. Ann Hickey-Williams, president of Sherman Oaks-based Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows, sees the marshmallow’s rise as part of a general interest in revisiting and reinventing comfort food classics. Adding a gourmet touch, like the caramel swirl and chocolate chipetta versions sold by Plush Puffs, catches the consumer eye, she says. “They go, ‘Huh, look what somebody did with marshmallows.’” Even that down-home delight, the s’more, has gone upscale. Recchuiti Confections in San Francisco sells a kit featuring handmade vanilla bean marshmallows and a bittersweet 85 percent chocolate bar. The origin of s’mores (as in some more, please) aren’t clear, but the first known recipe for the treat came in a 1927 publication “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts,” says Michelle Tompkins, spokeswoman for the Girl Scouts of the USA. It was the beginning of gooey, chocaolatey history. “Marshmallows bring joy and happiness to everyone,” Tompkins says.
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
The County Times
e r u t a e Cr Wanderings e r u t a Fe of an All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.
Australia’s Wacky Wonder
By Theresa Morr Contributing Writer Meet one of the world’s most unusual creatures. It’s part mammal, part reptile, and part bird. Way back in 1798, prominent English naturalists thought the creature unusual, too. They came away bewildered after examining a specimen of the strange looking critter. They concluded the oddball was a fake, something cobbled-up by a clever prankster who stitched the bill of a duck and a beaver’s tail to the body of an otter. Well, it turned out those early naturalists were wrong. The socalled cobbled-up creature happened to be the real deal. It was the platypus, a funny looking little animal dating back to 130 million years ago and Australia’s wacky wonder. Recently, a team of scientists at the Genome Sequencing Center (GCS) at Washington University in St. Louis unraveled the entire genetic code of the platypus and were astonished at their findings: The strange creature has genes for laying eggs (one of two egg-laying mammals found on earth – the other is the echidna); genes for making milk; and even genes for producing snake-like venom, which comes from the male’s rear ankle spurs. The platypus is the world’s only furred mammal that makes venom, and its chemical make-up is much like other snake venoms. Richard Wilson, director of the GCS said, “It’s such a wacky organism,” when speaking about the genome findings. “As we learn more about things like platypuses, we also learn more about ourselves and where we came from and how we work.” According to Wilson, the platypuses’ genetic code has 2.2 billion molecular “letters” of DNA. That’s about two-thirds as many as the human genome and contains 18,500 genes, about the same as humans. These semi-aquatic mammals hang out along streams, rivers, and freshwater lakes of eastern Australia. When swimming, they use their webbed forefeet as paddles and their broad tail as a rudder. The platypus is 12 – 18 inches
long (add another 5 inches or so for the tail). Males weigh around five pounds and females, around two pounds. They have dense waterproof coats, brown on the outside, yellowish on the underside; and a bluish-gray rubbery duck-like bill that contains sensitive electro-receptors. These receptors turn the bill into a super underwater food finder since it detects currents in the water made by small prey, such as insects, larvae, shrimps, and worms. The submerged platypus scoops up the meal and stores it in its cheek pouches, and when ready to come to the surface, the food is transferred to the mouth where it’s ground up by special built-in grinding pads. Pretty cool dining experience, huh?
Mamma platypus lays up to three soft leathery eggs, similar to a reptile’s. The eggs hatch in about ten days and the youngsters, called “puggles,” look like little lima beans. They feed on milk oozing from patches on the underside of the mother’s body. In case you wondered, the platypus gets its unusual name from the Greek word “platys,” meaning broad; and “pous,” meaning foot, referring to the animal’s webbed feet. Like many wild animals, the platypus is threatened by loss of habitat due to land clearing and water pollution. This curious creature’s life span is about 10 to 15 years. For more information and some really cool platypus pictures, check out www.learnanimals.com/platypus/platypus-pictures.php. Comments to Kikusan2@ verizon.net.
Aimless
Camera Shy By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer **Just a note about last weeks article and the bit on black walnuts. The nuts had their revenge. Immediately after finishing my column, I went outside to find a two-inch sunburst-shaped crack in my windshield with a greenish smudge on the surface. The next incident could have been a lot more serious. My husband turned his ankle and fell after stepping on one of the nuts. Unfortunately, this was while he was carrying in wine we brought home from the wine festival. Two of the bottles broke, but my husband is o.k. No, my first thought was not for the wine. ** I’ve heard: “There she is with that camera again.” or “Mommy, do you have to take a picture?’ Yes, I do. It’s a legitimate disease with Mothers. You see them everywhere, Mothers making their children stand with the costumed animal, taking pictures of faces covered in spaghetti or cake, taking bathtub or potty pictures. How else do you continue to embarrass your kids well into their twenties, even older? Well, let me rephrase that quickly, because my sons will say I have found constant, innumerable ways over the years. My standard reply is, “Someday, you will appreciate this.” I am on a mission for posterity. Flipping through the photo albums recently, I felt the same feelings that my kids feel. Why did my Mother take sooo many pictures of me? I remember asking her the same question of “Do you have to take another picture?” I look at my own baby and toddler photos where my Mother always got pictures of me with my hair in pin curls, or asleep on my grandparents turquoise throw rug with my butt up in the air. The best picture (or worst) is when I was in my yellow phase in ’65. There is a photo where I am in a bright yellow dress with yellow leggings and yellow ducky glasses, almost as bad as the bright yellow, and neon polka-dotted outfit on my 7th birthday. I really liked that outfit. Of course, most teen photos are me with a scowl on my face. This a normal look for teenagers when anywhere near a parent. There are more pictures of my high school and college years, and then POOF! I had children. There are no more pictures of me, thank goodness – that’s
un Fact
d
Min
when we turn into our Mothers. Our lives then focus on our angels and every little thing they do is worthy of a timeless photo. My Mother would say often, “Make sure you are in some of the pictures with them.” But that rarely happens. I don’t look good in photos. I am constantly surprised when I see a picture of myself. I always think, “wow, I thought I looked a little better than that.” I don’t take as many photos now as I used to, but I like to have a record on film of as many events as possible. Now, instead of taking thousands of pictures of my children, I take thousands of pictures of our church functions – always trying to snap the perfect shot. Sometimes to my subject’s embarrassment. Some things never change. Though there is another amateur photographer at church, and she knows who she is, that is on a mission to take the most embarrassing photos of me. I guess it’s only fair. I’m still not sure if digital cameras are the greatest invention. Maybe I don’t know how to use them to their full advantage is the more likely answer. By the time I push down the button to take the picture the subject has already moved. How can you get the perfect shot? I try to get pictures of Tidbit, our dog, and they are mostly a blurry mess. The result is normally a full screen image of a large wet nose one inch from the camera. Is it my camera, or do other amateur photographers encounter this problem too? Must be me. Sounds like a camera class in my future. My sons occasionally pull out the photo albums when coming over. They are both really beginning to take an interest in the family history. It is especially interesting when they start to see family resemblances spanning over 140 years from the Kentucky coal miners on my Father’s side to the Hungarian immigrants on my Mother’s side. That is when my heart warms, and I am so glad I did take all those pictures years ago. Your mind sometimes remembers the past a certain way, but the photo shows the reality. My favorite picture will always be of my Mother and her brother and sister at Coney Island in the 30’s. My Mother is in the middle holding a stuffed animal she had won, and her siblings are staring at the toy with obvious looks of jealousy and anger. My Mother thought they were both happy she won the toy, but the eyes hold the truth. Someday soon, when my sons start having kids, they will carry on the family photo tradition, but until then I still have to find ways to catch them off guard. It’s my legacy. To each new day’s adventure, Shelby Please send comments or ideas to: shelbys. wanderings@yahoo.com.
The County Times
1. Greater in number 5. Fr. Airbus mfg. Co. 9. Droop 12. Large horned wild goat 13. White (French) 15. ____llion: uprising 16. College army 17. Swampy plantation inlet 18. Telephone inventor 19. Point midway between E and SE 20. _______ and ruined 22. Payment (abbr.) 25. Invests in little enterprises 26. Podetiums 28. Drive obliquely, as of a nail 29. Adult male sheep 32. Long tailed rodent 33. Apia is the capital 35. RN organization 36. ___ Dhabi, Arabian capital 37. Regretful 39. Tibetan gazelle 40. 1961 Heston movie “El ___” 41. Nests of pheasants 43. Pinna 44. Point midway between NE and E
Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions
ner
KiddKioer
CLUES ACROSS
Thursday, October 8, 2009
45. Fish eggs 46. Atrophy 48. Porkers 49. Potato state (abbr.) 50. Defaming remark 54. The cry made by sheep 57. Swiss river 58. A fencing sword 62. Almemar 64. Grave 65. Saunter 66. Lumbus 67. Former CIA 68. Being of slender build 69. Destinies
CLUES DOWN
1. Russian orbital station 2. Double-reed instrument 3. In a way, drenches 4. Demur 5. The outward flow of the tide 6. An insect wing 7. “Pillow Talk” actress Doris 8. Sean White glider 9. Try and locate 10. Competent 11. To deprive 14. Radioactivity unit
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15. Corpuscle count (abbr.) 21. Atomic #89 23. More (Spanish) 24. Afternoon receptions 25. Building floors 26. Oral polio vaccine 27. Short solo composition 29. Finger millet 30. Dwarf buffaloes 31. Picasso’s mistress 32. Competition of speed 34. Embroiders initials 38. Abominable snowman 42. Not happy 45. _____: Grossenhain Ger. District 47. Muddled speach 48. Palladium 50. Figure skater Yuka 51. A country in SE Asia 52. Military weapons 53. Bird beak 55. Longest division of geological time 56. Among 59. Where wine ferments (abbr.) 60. ___ Lilly, drug company 61. Radioactivity unit 63. Autonomic nervous system
29
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Business
DIRECTORY Call to Place Your Ad: 301-373-4125
Law Offices of
P.A. Hotchkiss & Associates Since 1987
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Prime Rib • Seafood • Sunday Brunch Banquet & Meeting Facilities 23418 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 www.lennys.net
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
Home is located within the Lanes Beach neighborhood in Valley Lee, and is situated on a beautifully landscaped 1 acre lot. Built in 1971 the home consists of new eat-in kitchen connected to a formal dining room, leading to a screened porch. There are three bedrooms including a large master bed and bath suite with a hugh walk in closet. The 20x15 living room has a brick fi replace. The 20x30 “L” shaped family room is located off of the kitchen and contains a wet bar and a corner brick gas fi replace which is also set up for a woodburning fi replace or stove. The home has been redone over the last several years, including new kitchen, laminate flooring, carpet, hvac, hwh, low-e windows and new roof. The garage is detached and has two car bays and a large work area with work benches. There is nice water water access and beach on the Potomac within short walking distance. The home is in a quiet pleasant neighhood in the rural setting of Valley Lee. Please e-mail interest to lasertek1@hotmail.com or call 301.994.1451 and we will be happy to set up a visit. Price: $369,000.
Real Estate Rentals Solomons Island Charm, Walking Distance To Shops And Restaurants: Two Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Home, Central Air & Heat. Washer/Dryer. $1,100.00 per month + Utilities + Security Deposit. Years lease minimum, Credit Application Required. Call Jim 401-326-2166 Ext. 104. Price: $1,100.
Help Wanted Dog walker needed M-F to cover territory from Indian Head to National Harbor. Additional availability to cover pet sitting in mornings, evenings and weekends/holidays a plus. Requires love of animals, reliable transportation, ability to work independently, at least 21 years of age, computer access and background check. Visit our website and fill out a job application: www. fourpetssake.com Lexinton Park Family Dentistry. We are searching for the right person to complete our dynamic team. Must be dependable and self-motivated. Prior dental experience required. Dental assisting experience preferred but will train the right person. Please fax resume to (301)863-5069 or e-mail.
Vehicles 2003-Ford-E350 Super Duty Box Truck. Tow Package w/ Electri Brakes, 2 different plugs ins, sliding door going from cab to the box, box is 16’x6’ height is 7’, new brakes, 6 new tires, no physical damage. For more information call Roger at 301-752-4776. Price: $18,000 OBO. CORVETTES WANTED! Any year, any condition. Cash buyer. 1-800-369-6148.
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.
Community
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
30
Apple Festival Returns to Chaptico
MOOCHIE
“Hi my name is Moochie but my foster mom calls me Moo. I’m a wonderful six year old female American Rat Terrier. ART’s have a long life expectancy and can live to be 18-20 years old like other small breed dogs. I weigh about 15lbs. My breed is smart, loving and VERY loyal. I have lots of spunk and I love to cuddle. I get along fine with other dogs and cats, but would also be fine as an only dog. I would be a great companion and have tons of love to give someone like YOU! I am up to date on all my vaccinations, housebroken, spayed and identification micro chipped. For more information, please email lora@secondhoperescue.org or call Second Hope Rescue at 240-925-0628. Please Adopt, Don’t Shop!”
Our Lady of the Wayside Church in Chaptico will host its second annual Apple Festival on Sunday, Oct. 11, from noon to 5 p.m. Make your favorite apple recipe in a disposable dish and enter it (along with the written recipe) by 1:30 for the contest at 2 p.m. Trophies will be awarded for first place in each category and a prize for second place. The recipes will be included in the parish cookbook next spring. Apples will be for sale, along with apple pie, cake and donuts and also apple butter, as well at hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ, chili, chicken nuggets, French fries, cole slaw and drinks. There will also be 25 crafters and vendors, fall produce sales, a free straw maze, face painting, kids craft table, pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, bingo, apple knick knack table, live music and an apple cider press demo with free samples. Admission is free; organizers hope that visitors will contribute nonperishable items to the church’s food bank. Part of the festival pro-
Submitted Photo
Some of the bounty displayed last year at the Our Lady of the Wayside Apple Festival in Chaptico included apples and pumpkins. This year’s festival will be held Sunday, Oct. 11.
ceeds will go to The St. Vincent de Paul Society to also help stock the pantry. For more information, contact Brenda
Russell at rsbrssll@aol.com or at 301-373-2709, or call Ginger Quade at 301-884-5655 or Shirley Mattingly at 301-884-5973.
Ghosts of Sotterley Tours Sotterly Plantation in Hollywood will be offering a dramatic production centered around the War of 1812 on Oct. 15, 16 and 17 between 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Walking tours run every 10 minutes. The cost is $13 per person and reservations are required; Sotterley members may come on Thursday night, Oct. 15, for $10. Group rates are also available. The year is 1812 and the war is on. Shots ring out both far and near, and the trees glow a burning orange. Is there nowhere safe? Deception abounds during the dramatic production; those you meet along the way are not as they appear. This year’s script, written by Morriah Cell and James LePore, has twists of intrigue and shock factor as never before. Under the direction of Dawna Diaz and the technical wizardry of Ming Diaz, the entire creative team offers a seemingly real-to-life (and death) exposure to Sotterley Plantation during this volatile time in history. Weather permitting, guests are invited to take the chill off by a roaring bonfire and refreshments are available for purchase. To reserve a space, call 301-373-2280 or visit www.sotterley. org for details.
Photo by Bernabe Pelingon
Volunteers with the Thomas J. Shryock No. 223 Masonic Lodge in Hollywood provided 254 free identification kits for children at the St. Mary’s County Fair on Sept. 24-27. It was the first time the kits had been provided in St. Mary’s County as part of a national program coordinated by the Masons. The kits include identifying information for police in case a child is lost or abducted. Volunteers will also be at the 2009 St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police Open House on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office in Leonardtown.
2009 Maryland 4-H Smallbore Rifle Match Members of the Rope’N Wranglers 4-H Club participated in the 2009 Maryland 4-H Smallbore Rifle Match in Marriottsville, Md., on Sept. 12, 2009. Pictured are members Zach Zyla, Jason Fore, Tyler Ledman, John Fore, JC Trossbach, Shelby Sasscer, Charlie Sasscer, Cady Bryan, Becky Zyla & David Howell. Submitted Photo
31
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thursday, Oct. 8 • Wing Night VFW Post 2632 (California) – 5 p.m. • Yoga with Your Journal: The Hidden Language of Hatha Yoga Joy Lane Healing Center (Hollywood) – 5:30 p.m. This class is an intuitive, reflective approach to Hatha Yoga that unites body, mind and speech by blending movement with reflection and journaling. Contact Marin Goldstein at 301-373-2522 or e-mail info@joylanehealingcenter.net, to register or for additional information. Class size is limited to 10 participants. Cost for each full series is $12 per week. • Progressive Salsa Level 1 House of Dance (Hollywood) – 6 p.m. Drop-in students are welcome during the first two weeks of class (Oct. 1 and 8). Bring proof of somd. com advertisement and pay only $10 at the door (good for one time use only). For more information, contact House of Dance at 301-373-6330. Register online at www.thehouseofdance.org.
Friday, Oct. 9 • Leonardtown High School Class of 1989 Reunion Old Towne Pub (Leonardtown) – 4 p.m. Ten-year reunion with an alumni mixer, happy hour, homecoming parade and homecoming game. • Geocaching Course (Recreation and Parks Fall Leisure Program) Chancellors Run Regional Park Computer Lab – 6:30 p.m. Geocaching is a high-tech, treasure-hunting hobby using GPS satellites to hide and seek containers called “geocaches.” This four-part introductory course will cover the history of geocaching, using GPS receivers, types of geocaches and their contents, how to find and/or set your own geocaches, using the Internet sites to learn about geocaches or post yours, and the role travel bugs and geo-coins play in geocaching. Participants must provide their own GPS receiver units; however several units are available for loan. Please reserve these prior to class. For more information, call Robert Hicks at 301-862-3808. • Special Olympics No Limit Hold’Em Center for Life Enrichment (25089 Three Notch Rd) – 7 p.m. • FOP-7 Poker Leader Board Challenge FOP-7 Lodge (Great Mills) – 7 p.m. • Comedian - Eddie Ifft – St. Mary’s College (St. Mary’s Hall) – 8 p.m.
The County Times
Saturday, Oct. 10
Sunday, Oct. 11
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Wednesday, Oct. 14
• Community Yard Sale Golden Beach/Patuxent Knolls Civic Association –7:30 a.m. Ballfield behind Golden Beach Firehouse, off Golden Beach Road. 10 x 10 spaces available for rent for $10. Proceeds to be used towards costs of fireworks display for next year. For information, call Harry Grant at 301-884-2093.
• Alzheimer’s Assoc. Candlelight Rally Charlotte Hall Veterans Home – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Caregivers, family members and friends are invited to honor and celebrate te lives of those who have lost their lives or are currently dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. The Southern Maryland event is the third in a series of rallies being held throughout the region to raise awareness of the disease. For more information or to RSVP, call the association office in La Plata at 301934-5856 or e-mail Dorothy.Flynn@ alz.org, or go to www.alz.org/nca.
• Nature Time at Greenwell Greenwell State Park (Hollywood) – 10 a.m. This week’s theme is “Flights of Fancy.” Participants are welcome to pack their own picnic lunch and explore the park on their own after the program. Pre-registration (no later than 24 hours in advance) is required via e-mail to lpranzo@ greenwellfoundation.org or by calling the Greenwell Foundation office at 301-373-9775.
• R&B Line Dancing House of Dance (Hollywood) – 5:30 p.m.
• Point Lookout Prisoners of War Memorial Service Confederate Cemetery (Point Lookout) – 10 a.m. The Captain Vincent Camalier Camp Sons of Confederate Veterans along with the Point Lookout Prisoner of War Association are conducting a memorial service to honor the more than 4,000 prisoners buried at the Confederate cemetery. The service will include Color Guards, re-enactors and guest speakers. After the service the Confederate Memorial Park next to the cemetery will open for an all day event of celebration, living history, food and more speakers. Contact Rob Long at rke.long@ comcast.net for more information. • Annual Autumn Auction Kings Christian Academy (Callaway) – 10 a.m. Auctioned items include furniture, artwork, household items – gently used or new – as well as time-share vacations, gift certificates of all kinds – you name I, they might have it. Wonderful food is always made available, not to mention the spellbinding cadence from the professional auctioneers. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 301-994-3080. • Southern Maryland Farm Life Festival Green Manor Farm (Charlotte Hall) – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. See 60,000 square feet of indoor farm life exhibits, demonstrations, antique tractors, engine shows, music, crafts, children’s activities and great food. Celebrate 375 event. Admission. HC. 301-290-1621. • Leonardtown High School Class of 1989 Reunion Woodlands Grill (Wildewood) – 6 p.m. Drinks 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., dancing 8 p.m. $45 per person (advance ticket sales). Cash bar. If you have questions, e-mail petiteone@ md.metrocast.net. • Contra Dance St. Andrew’s Church Parish Hall (California) – 7 p.m. Live calling and live music provided by the Southern Maryland Open Band. Casual instruction starts at 7 p.m, and the evening will conclude with an ice cream social. Please wear soft sole, non-scuff shoes. Admission for the dance and ice cream social is $6 for SMTMD members and $8 for nonmembers. Both couples and singles are welcome. For more information and/or directions, visit www. smtmd.org or call 301-769-4762.
• Southern Maryland Farm Life Festival Green Manor Farm (Charlotte Hall) – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Talk about White House Renovation Sotterley Plantation (Hollywood) – 3 p.m. in the Barn Dennis Freemyer, Deputy Director of the Executive Residence and Deputy Chief Usher of The White House, will give a talk, “A Living Icon: Renovation and Restoration of The White House.” He will discuss restoration, renovation, redecoration and remedial maintenance of America’s most famous residence. Free admission. For more information, visit www.sotterley.org. • Texas Hold’Em Tournament FOP-7 Lodge (Great Mills) – 2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 12 • SMAWL Low Cost Rabies Clinic St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds (Leonardtown) – 6 p.m. $10 per shot. All dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier. Dogs with aggressive tendencies are to be muzzled/remain in owner’s vehicle. All cats/ferrets must be in carriers. Animals must be at least 16 weeks old. Three-year vaccinations require a current rabies certificate. Tags cannot be accepted. Horses $10 per shot. Horses do not have to leave trailers to receive the vaccination. • No Limit Texas Hold’Em “Bounty” Tournament St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge – 7 p.m. • Class: Intro to Meditation & Energy Healing Joy Lane Healing Center (Hollywood) – 7 p.m. Cost for 4 classes is $90. This is a prerequisite course for the upcoming “Living from the Heart” class offered in November. Call 301-373-2522 or e-mail info@joylanehealingcenter. net to register or for additional information.
• St. Mary’s County Chapter of ABATE Toot’s Bar (Hollywood) – 7:30 p.m. St. Mary’s County Chapter of ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in Toot’s Bar in Hollywood. All motorcyclists and other interested parties are invited to attend. For more information, call 301-481-5622 or e-mail ABATE. SoMd.Events@gmail.com.
• SMAWL Public Meeting Garvey Center (41780 Baldridge St., Leonardtown) – 7 p.m. The public forum follows immediately after the SMAWL Board meeting which ends at 7 p.m. All of those interested in animal welfare are invited to attend. Call 301-3735659 for more information. • Hollywood Auxiliary Member Meeting Hollywood Vol. Rescue Squad – 7 p.m. The regular monthly meeting of the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. at the Rescue Squad building on Route 235 in Hollywood. Anyone wishing to become a member of the Auxiliary is encouraged to attend. We need members! For more information, call 240-298-7956. • Special Olympics No Limit Hold’Em Tourney Bennett Building, 24930 Old Three Notch Rd (Hollywood) – 7 p.m.
L ibrary • Libraries close Monday All three libraries will be closed Monday, Oct. 12, in observance of Columbus Day. • Mo Willems’ works celebrated Stories, themed snacks, a play, games and crafts based on Mo Willems’ works and his loveable characters are planned at the children’s program, “Stories with the Pigeon,” to be held Saturday, Oct. 10, at Leonardtown at 2 p.m. and at Charlotte Hall on Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. Registration is requested. • Children can solve “Who Done It? Mystery Children ages 7 to 12 can explore the science of forensics while solving a fun “Who done it?” mystery at a science program scheduled on Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. at Lexington Park. Registration is required for this free program. • Free family movie matinee A Walt Disney movie about Aladar, an orphaned dinosaur adopted by lemurs and their journey to find sanctuary together, will be shown on Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. at Leonardtown. It is rated PG. Leonardtown also has a family game night planned on Oct. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm. Snacks will be provided at both programs. • Teens can “Read Beyond Reality” Teens can check out “Coraline,” a book and graphic novel by Neil Gailman, and then celebrate Teen Read
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Week by watching the movie, discussing the book and film, and then crafting weird “other selves” at the “Reading Beyond Reality” program on Oct. 22. Charlotte Hall’s will be at 5 p.m. and Leonardtown and Lexington Park’s will start at 5:30 pm. Registration is required. • PowerPoint and Excel classes offered Charlotte Hall will conduct an introductory class to Excel on Oct. 23 at 10 a.m., Leonardtown an Introduction to PowerPoint class on Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. and Lexington Park Introduction to Genealogy on Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m. Basic computer knowledge is required for these classes. Lexington Park offers basic computer classes. All classes are free but registration is required. • Accokeek Foundation to present play In conjunction with the One Maryland One Book state-wide read, the library has partnered with Historic Sotterley to bring “Grandpa Joe and the Drinking Gourd,” a play about the role of music in the Underground Railroad presented by members of the Accokeek Foundation’s Museum Theater. The free performance will be on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. in the Barn at Historic Sotterley. Janice Walthour will read excerpts from “Song Yet Sung” by James McBride. Tours of the slave cabin will follow the program.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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Just Us Survives Bud Light
Advances to Women’s Softball Finals By Chris Stevens Staff Writer GREAT MILLS – After a one-game slumber on Sunday afternoon, Just Us’ bats woke up just in time to advance to the St. Mary’s County women’s softball finals. A 15-run third inning was the difference as the defending league champions cruised past Bud Light 25-6 Monday night, winning their semi-final series two games to one and advancing to the league championship series against Southern Insulation. “I think Sunday’s loss was a wake-up call for the girls,” said Just Us manager Lamont Saxon. “I’ve got to give Bud Light credit, they gave us a butt-whipping that let the girls know that anybody can beat you on any given day.” Sunday’s 6-3 loss evened the series at one game apiece, thanks a sterling pitching effort by Amber Stewart (who surrendered only three runs and 11 hits) and timely hitting by Bud Light (who finished the season 25-8 overall). “Just Us is a hard hitting team,” Bud Light co-manager Louis Stewart said Sunday afternoon. “Our pitcher was outstanding at control-
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ling their bats.” With the Just Us bats silent, Bud Light led 4-2 in the bottom of the fifth when Just Us elected to intentionally walk shortstop Denise Butler. Second baseman Kristine Mattingly came up next and socked a two-run single into right field that gave Bud enough insurance to stay alive another day. Just Us (28-3 in 2009) wasted little time Monday night in asserting themselves at the plate, jumping out to a 6-0 lead in the first two innings. After Bud Light scored four runs in the top of the third, the bottom half of the inning turned into a Just Us hit parade. Fanta Gray’s two-run double that just missed going over the fence opened up the floodgates, as 20 batters came to the plate in the frame, compiling 15 runs on 14 hits and earned Just Us a shot at defending their league crown. “We just let them swing hard and be aggressive,” Saxon said of the scoring outburst. “Softball’s a funny game, you can score 15 runs in one inning and somebody can score 15 on you in the next. You have to keep hitting the ball hard.”
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Saxon hopes to keep his team focused on the task at hand as they take on Southern, a team that handed Just Us one of their two regular season losses back in July. “They’ve got to take it one game at a time,” he says. “You can’t think about what you did last year. They’ve got to be better this year.” chri s s te ven s @ coun t y times.net
Seahawk Women Zip Past Gallaudet WASHINGTON – The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s soccer team notched its fifth win of the season Monday night as eight different Seahawks found the back of the net in the 10-2 Capital Athletic Conference victory over host Gallaudet University. St. Mary’s (5-6, 3-1 CAC) tallied nine goals in the first half for a 9-1 advantage at halftime and then added its final goal in the 54th minute for the 10-2 final. Freshman midfielder Tori Eskay (Damascus, Md./Urbana) led all scorers with five points on two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist. This week’s CAC Women’s Soccer Player of the Week, senior midfielder Sophia Esparza (Silver Spring, Md./Montgomery Blair) also scored twice on the night and now leads the team with seven goals and 17 points. Sophomore forward Bridget McGovern (Wrentham, Mass./King Philip Reg.) and freshman midfielder Kim LaBarge (Gambrills, Md./South River) each registered a goal and two assists, while freshman midfielder Carly Harmon (Davisburg, Mich./Holly) chipped in a pair of helpers. The Seahawks outshot Gallaudet, 30 to 16, for the match, including 26 to 3 in
the first half. St. Mary’s edged the home team, 2 to 1, in corner kicks. The Bison (3-7-1, 0-4 CAC) avoided the shutout with a goal in each half as forwards Shaquana McDonough (Pembroke, Mass./The Learning Center for the Deaf) and Virginia Keeler (Ann Arbor, Mich./ Michigan School for the Deaf) teamed up for both goals. McDonough and Keeler each finished with a goal and an assist. Freshman goalkeeper Grace Koplow (Ellicott City, Md./Wilde Lake) recorded her third win of the season behind just only one save and no goals against in 23:32, while sophomore Lacey Johnson (Leonardtown, Md./Patuxent) returned to goal after being sidelined with a broken nose since September 16. Johnson notched six stops and allowed both goals in her return for the Seahawks. Freshman goalie Kara Gulvas (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) yielded six goals and came up with nine saves in 29:14, while junior Casey McCullough (Oceanside, Calif./California School for the Deaf-Fremont) came off the bench to make five stops and give up four goals in 60:46. Story Courtesy of the St. Mary’s College Department of Sports Information
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
The County Times
Corbin Superb In Potomac’s Southern Maryland Nationals By Doug Watson Potomac Speedway BUDDS CREEK – Mike Corbin of Winchester, Va., the 2009 Winchester Speedway pure stock champion, capped off his stellar season winning the 18th annual Southern Maryland Nationals last Saturday night at the Potomac speedway. The $2000 win was not only his first-ever at Potomac, but made him the 14th different driver to score a victory in Potomac’s marquee event on the schedule. Walt Homberg and Mike Corbin brought the field down to the initial waving of the green flag. Corbin wasted little time, as he would blast into the race lead by the completion of the events first circuit. Despite the repeated challenges by eventual runner-up Walt Homberg, who pulled alongside Corbin on several occasions, Corbin was not to be denied, as he would eventually lead all 35 laps to post the biggest win of his career. “This is amazing,” Corbin said from victory lane. “This has been a great weekend, I just can’t believe how everything came together tonight we’re just fortunate to be here.” Walt Homberg was the only serious challenge Corbin had to face the entire night. “This is Walt’s home track, and he’s really fast down here,” Corbin said. “He ran me really clean and I have to thank the entire team for a great season, this is a big win for us and it really hasn’t sunk in yet.” 13th-starting Troy Kassiris would take third, Mike Reynolds had a nice run taking fourth and Scotty Nelson would complete the top five. In Friday’s qualifying, Kyle Nelson set fast time over the 40-car field with a time of 18.591. Heats went to John Sellner, Chuck Bowie, Homberg and Reynolds with twin consolations going to Mike Rose and Eric Johnson. Derrick Quade of Mechanicsville defended his Nationals win from 2008 with a convincing win in the Limited Late Model division’s 30-lap main event. Quade wrestled the top spot from Steven Axtell Jr. on lap six and then would have to repel the repeated advances from former track champion Sommey Lacey to post his second Potomac feature win of the season. “The track was great tonight,” Quade said. “I knew that was Sommey back there, but I knew he’d run me clean, and I can’t thank the whole team enough we need this win real bad.”
Dale Hollidge would take third, Stevie Long was fourth and Jonathon DeHaven rounded out the top-five. Heats for the 26 cars on hand went to Kyle Lear, Steven Axtell Jr. and Quade. In the 35-lap four-cylinder, event Richard Gwizdale made it a clean sweep of the weekend as he set fast time in time trials on Friday, won his heat and the dash, and would then lead all 35 laps of the race to post his second feature win of the season. Track champion Greg Gunter was second, Mark Digges was third, Jimmy Meek took fourth and Tommy Whitt completed the top five. Other winners over the weekend included Brett Hamilton who scored his third win of the season in the 25-lap modified headliner, Jimmy Randall who collected his first-career win in the 25-lap hobby stock main and Kyle Vantassel, who annexed win number five in the 50-lap strictly stock feature.
Street Stock Feature Finish
1. Mike Corbin 2. Walt Homberg 3. Troy Kassiris 4. Mike Reynolds 5. Scotty Nelson 6. Eric Johnson 7. Sam Archer 8. Dave Stouffer Jr. 9. Craig Tankersley 10. Michael Carter 11. Chris Nelson 12. Joey Carter 13. Mike Rose 14. Kevin Cooke 15. Ricky Edmonds 16. James Gray 17. John Sellner 18. Brian Kerns 19. Kyle Nelson 20. David Kaiser 21. Donnie Smith 22. Jimmy Jessmer 23. Stephen Quade 24. Chuck Bowie 25. Kurt Zimmerman DNQ- Josh Williams, Paul Quattro, Dale Smith, Ray Priest, Charles Wyant, Walt Lemmon, Teddy Dickson, Ben Oliver, Dale Reamy, Randy Zechman, Rick Stouffer, Greg Breeden, Scott Gray, Scott Wilson.
Limited Late Model Feature Finish
1. Derrick Quade 2. Sommey Lacey 3. Dale Hollidge 4. Stevie Long 5. Jonathon DeHaven 6. Roland Mann 7. Paul Cursey 8. Brandon Long 9. Ed Pope 10. Jimmy Richards 11. Leon Lloyd 12. Tommy Wagner Jr. 13. Richard Harrison 14. Roy Skaggs 15. Dan Zechman 16. Tim Shelton 17. Bruce Kane 18. Kyle Lear 19. Scott Merryman 20. Walter Crouch 21. Chris Stacy 22. Barry Lear Sr. 23. Steven Axtell Jr. 24. Moe Harden 25. CJ Brown 26. Mike Latham (DNS)
Jimmy Randall’s 20-Year Wait is Over By Doug Watson Potomac Speedway It was quite an emotional weekend for Jimmy Randall at the Potomac speedway. The hobby stocks were part of the season ending Southern Maryland nationals last weekend competing in a 25-lap event. To some, that might just sound like another event on a busy schedule of races, However, it was quite different for Randall of Pasadena, Md. Midway through the season, Randall purchased the hobby stock that carried Kyle Nelson to 22 feature wins and one track title and decided to call Potomac home on Friday night’s. Several strong runs throughout the season gave Randall the confidence he knew he had a car that was capable of winning. Randall’s wait would end on Saturday night. Randall took the
lead early in the 25-lap main and would go on to post his first-ever feature win, not only at Potomac, but anywhere in over two decades of trying. “This is unbelievable,” an absolutely overwhelmed Randall sai. “I’ve been in this game for a long time. We’ve raced street stocks, late models, thundercars you name it, and tonight we were finally able to win a race, this is a night I’ll never forget.” Randall was quick to praise those who aided in his winning run. “All the guys who help work on this car, I couldn’t do it without them, and especially my wife, she’s been beside me since day one.” Randall’s win was truly the feel-good story of the race weekend at Potomac. It was a special moment indeed for Jimmy Randall and hopefully this will be the first of many more trips to victory lane to come next season.
The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
It was once against the law to have a pet dog in a city in Iceland.
34
un Fact
A View From The
BLEACHERS
Football, The Fab Four And The Pursuit Of Happiness By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer When searching for an article topic that’s (hopefully) worthy of a read, I let a handful of ideas marinate in my meager mind before launching into what you’ll surely agree is can’t-miss prose (despite the collective eye-roll from the audience, the writer continues undaunted). During the marination phase this week, I learned of the death of the lady who inspired The Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Combine this with my recent habit of humming a certain Beatles song during the melancholy press conferences of two NFL players and I had “Beatles on the brain.” “Hey sports guy (or so you think), the reader here … we appreciate the update on the
Fab Four and your psychological instability, but could you spit out some sports already?” Oh, right … sorry … but the mop-topped boys did in fact provide my distracted, GenX, Atari mind much needed direction this week. You’ll see … I think. In this young NFL season, nothing has bothered me more than the uninspired and uncharacteristically joyless play of ‘Skins running back Clinton Portis and (psst, who does he play for now? … Oh yeah) Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens. Among their peers, Portis and Owens have been on the NFL’s short list of great talents, producers and entertainers (who can forget Portis’ costumes and Owens’ Sharpiegate and popcorn?). This season though, both have been plagued by nagging injuries, performed very ordi-
narily and most telling, have played with a level of emotion more Eeyore than Tigger. Portis seems a shell of his once explosive self and Owens literally drops half the passes thrown his way. At this point, despite all their accomplishments, neither player has become “what could have been” or what at one time seemed “certain to be.” The question that begs an answer is why? The obvious, and I think accurate, answer is neither realized when they had it best. Owens, who apparently believes his purpose in life is to torment his quarterback, has worn out his welcome in three cities. San Francisco jettisoned him after he questioned the talents and sexual orientation of quarterback Jeff Garcia. In Philadelphia, where he truly could have been one of the best
ever, he was cut after challenging Donovan McNabb’s leadership and heart. Most recently Dallas divorced him after he feuded with Tony Romo and allegedly brawled with Romo’s favorite receiver Jason Witten. Meanwhile, Portis burst on to the NFL landscape with two historically productive seasons with the Denver Broncos. He was the perfect fit in Denver’s vaunted running scheme and appeared poised for a Hall of Fame career. After his second season, while still under his “meager” rookie deal, Portis sought a new contract. Denver balked and instead traded him to Washington. While in D.C., Portis has been pretty good, but short of Denver-great. At age 28 (twilight for NFL running backs) and after five seasons within a limited offense and a power rushing attack ill-suited for his skills, the explosive performances we saw in Denver are a thing of the past. And what appeared to be a Hall of Fame career will likely fall short of a bust in Canton, Ohio. In one’s professional career there are times when opportunity – for more money, accolades, etc. – presents itself. The opportunity cost of pursuing “more” is often bidding adieu to the bird in the bush. Owens, for his insatiable need of attention and fame, and Portis, for a big payday, opted out of ideal situations for professional achievement. Now, given their demeanors and the knowledge that their best days are behind them, hindsight appears to have triggered some regret. There seems to be unspoken resignation from both that they, to some extent, traded their NFL legacies for “more.” Pursuing one’s happiness is a respectable, fundamental endeavor; but pursuing happiness through “more” fame and fortune often proves a frivolous proposition. I don’t know if Owens or Portis are fans of The Beatles, but both would likely acknowledge the sage advice in McCartney’s words, “I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love.” Did I mention I hum a certain Beatles songs during press conferences? Send comments to rguyjoon@yahoo.com.
10/08-14/2009 Thurs., Oct. 8
Mon., Oct. 12
Boys’ Soccer Patuxent at Leonardtown, 6 p.m.
Boys’ Soccer La Plata at Leonardtown, 6 p.m.
Field Hockey Good Counsel at St. Mary’s Ryken, 4 p.m.
Tues., Oct. 13
Girls’ Soccer Leonardtown at Patuxent, 6 p.m. Girls’ Tennis Bishop McNamara at St. Mary’s Ryken, 4 p.m. Volleyball Great Mills at Chopticon, 6 p.m. Leonardtown at Patuxent, 6 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 9 Boys’ Soccer Gonzaga at St. Mary’s Ryken, 4 p.m. Field Hockey St. Mary’s Ryken at the Bullis School, 4:15 p.m. Chopticon at Great Mills, 6 p.m. Football Chopticon at Northern, 7 p.m. Great Mills at Patuxent, 7 p.m. La Plata at Leonardtown, 7 p.m. Liberty Christian Academy vs. St. Mary’s Ryken at Lancaster Park, 7 p.m. Girls’ Soccer St. Mary’s Ryken at Holy Cross, 4 p.m. Great Mills at Chopticon, 6 p.m. Volleyball St. Mary’s Ryken at Holy Cross, 5:30 p.m.
Boys’ Soccer Good Counsel at St. Mary’s Ryken, 3:30 p.m. Thomas Stone at Chopticon, 6 p.m. Great Mills at Northern, 6 p.m. Leonardtown at Lackey, 6 p.m. Girls’ Soccer St. Mary’s Ryken at Good Counsel, 5:30 p.m. Northern at Great Mills, 6 p.m. Lackey at Leonardtown, 6 p.m. Girls’ Tennis St. Mary’s Ryken at Holy Cross, 4 p.m. Field Hockey Great Mills at Northern, 4 p.m. Volleyball Northern at Great Mills, 6 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 14 Cross Country Chopticon/Thomas Stone at Patuxent, 4:30 p.m. Great Mills/La Plata at North Point, 4:30 p.m. Leonardtown/Northern/Calvert at Lackey, 4:30 p.m. Field Hockey Thomas Stone at Chopticon, 4 p.m. Leonardtown at Lackey, 4 p.m. Volleyball Thomas Stone at Chopticon, 6 p.m. Lackey at Leonardtown, 6 p.m. St. John’s at St. Mary’s Ryken, 6 p.m.
SPECIAL NOTE: All high school, recreational and youth league coaches, if you would like the scores, statistics and standings from your respective games and leagues to be published, contact Chris Stevens at 301-373-4125 or at chrisstevens@countytimes.net
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
The County Times
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Blue Crabs’ Season Ends as Patriots Claim Atlantic League Title The thrilling second season of Southern Maryland Blue Crabs baseball came to an end Sunday evening, as the Somerset Patriots captured their fifth Atlantic League Championship in the circuit’s 12th season of play. With an 11-1 victory over Southern Maryland, Somerset closed out the ALPB Championship Series in four games, becoming the first Atlantic League team to win back-to-back titles. For the Patriots, it was their eighth appearance in the Championship Series, adding to their championships from 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2008. For the Blue Crabs, their first playoff appearance after a 79-61 season ended in disappointment after winning their first postseason series in franchise history in five games over the Long Island Ducks in the divisional round. The Crabs’ bats would be held silent most of the afternoon by Somerset righthanded starter Jason Standridge, a veteran of parts of seven Major League seasons. Standridge tossed a complete game, allowing just five hits and an earned run, with six walks and seven strikeouts. He pitched out of a jam in the bottom of the first inning, allowing a leadoff single to John Ramistella, who later scored on a bases loaded walk to 12-year Major League veteran Michael Tucker, Standridge’s third walk of the inning. The righty would settle down from there however, walking just three more batters in the final eight innings. When Standridge allowed a single to Mike Just with one out in the second, he would not allow
another hit until the ninth, when Octavio Martinez, Cesar Nicolas and Jeremy Owens loaded the bases with three consecutive singles. A Lance Burkhart pop-out to second and a 6-4-3 double play ball off the bat of Just ended the Blue Crabs ’09 season however, capping a gritty outing by Standridge pitching his team to a championship. Blue Crabs starter and nine-year Major League veteran John Halama unfortunately could not replicate his prior dominating regular season and postseason success. Halama, who was 8-1 with a 1.96 ERA in 10 regular season starts with the Blue Crabs before joining the Atlanta Braves organization in Triple-A, was also 2-0 with a 0.57 ERA against the Long Island Ducks in the divisional playoff round. On this day though, the lefty took the loss lasting just four and two-thirds innings, allowing seven hits, six runs four of which were earned, with a season high five walks to go with five strikeouts. The Patriots quickly erased the
Blue Crabs 1-0 first inning lead with four runs in the second off Halama, highlighted by an Elliott Ayala RBI single and a pair of bases loaded walks to Noah Hall and Jason Belcher. With the bases loaded once again in the fifth, Mike Rodriguez lined a single into centerfield plating two more runs. A four-run seventh for Somerset extended the lead to 10-1. In the eighth, the Pats tacked on their final run with a Jeff Nettles leadoff solo home run to left field. Nettles, the Patriots cleanup batter and third baseman, was named the Atlantic League Championship Series Most Valuable Player. He also hom-
Shanks and Garcia Earn Postseason Honors The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball has announced its 2009 Postseason All-Star team, and two Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are among the honored. Shortstop Travis Garcia, and outfielder James Shanks have been named to the all-league squad. The league has also announced its choices for Ballpark of The Year, General Manager, Manager, and Pitcher of The Year, and the 2009 Atlantic League Most Valuable Player. 2009 was truly a remarkable year for Travis Garcia, as he was a key component in the Blue Crabs first half Liberty Division Championship. At the season’s mid-way point, his contract was purchased from Southern Maryland by the Seattle Mariners, and he finished the Double-A Southern League season with the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, playing in 44 games at shortstop and third base socking four homers with 22 RBI. At the request of Garcia, he was granted the opportunity to return to Southern Maryland for the final month of the Atlantic League regular season and playoffs. In 79 games total with the Blue Crabs, the eight-year pro batted an excellent.353 with 16 home runs, 63 RBI, 19 doubles and James Shanks
a triple. Upon being named the Atlantic League’s top shortstop, Garcia expressed his appreciation to Southern Maryland and his excitement about the future of his career. Travis Garcia “Hopefully I can move up with the Mariners, but I always know I have a place to play here in Southern Maryland,” remarked Garcia following the Blue Crabs defeat in four games to the Somerset Patriots in this year’s Atlantic League Championship Series. In addition to Garcia’s impressive exploits was leftfielder James Shanks, who enjoyed a career year in 2009. A season ago Shanks appeared in 82 games with Southern Maryland, and took his game to the next level in 2009. Shanks appeared in all but eight Blue Crabs games this season, batting .293 with 17 home runs and 93 RBI, which tied him for third overall in the Atlantic League. His home run and RBI totals were both career highs in his 11th pro season. His 132 games played were also his professional high. Earlier this season, Shanks acknowledged how close the Blue Crabs clubhouse has become, and how it played into his eagerness to return to Southern Maryland. “Even though we’re all over the place, a lot of these guys in here talk in the offseason, and we talk about goals and wanting to win a championship,” said Shanks at the season’s beginning. “This is really the only place in this league I wanted to play.”
ered in Saturday night’s Game 4, a two-run shot to left which tied the game 5-5 en route to the Patriots 8-6 victory. For the series, Nettles batted .375 with three home runs, six RBI and seven runs scored. He becomes the first player in Atlantic League history to win multiple Championship Series MVP awards. The Blue Crabs players, coaching staff and front office would like to extend our sincere thanks to the thousands of fans who helped us through such a successful 2009 season. We wish everyone a great fall and winter, and we’ll see you right back here at Regency Furniture Stadium in the Spring of 2010!
Atlantic League Championship Series Thurs., Oct. 1 Game One Somerset 8, Southern Maryland 2
Fri., Oct. 2 Game Two Southern Maryland 10, Somerset 4
Sat., Oct. 3 Game Three Somerset 8, Southern Maryland 6
Sun., Oct. 4 Game Four Somerset 11, Southern Maryland 1 Somerset Patriots win series 3 games to 1
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The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Martin’s Hat Trick Extends Braves’ Win Streak To Six By Chris Stevens Staff Writer MORGANZA – After their last two games both went beyond regulation, the Chopticon field hockey team wasted little time in keeping their winning streak alive. Led by senior Linzy Martin’s three goals, the Braves (6-1 overall and in Southern Maryland Athletic Conference play) outlasted North Point 8-4 Monday afternoon, running their current winning streak to six games (the Braves played Calvert Wednesday night, too late for inclusion in this edition of the County Times.). “Offensively, it was there, but it wasn’t a balanced game,” said Chopticon head coach Anne Vallandingham. “North Point played hard, they never gave up or backed down.” The Braves, who won a double overtime game against La Plata last Wednesday and edged Northern on penalty strokes Friday, never trailed as a five-goal first half, concluding with Martin’s score off of a corner with one second to go in the half, kept North Point at arm’s length. “Any win is a good win,” said Martin, who scored her third goal three minutes and 58 seconds into the second half. “It was intense. They score on us, we have to return one.” Martin was one of five different Chopticon players (Sarah Jenkins, Jordan Griffith twice Devhana Steffe and Nikki Downs) to rattle the cage. “We have a big week ahead, so it feels good to win,” said Steffe, who had a goal and assist on the afternoon. Steffe explains that a tight-knit family atmosphere is one reason for the Braves’ success this season. “We’re one big family, we hang out together, we’re having a sleepover Thursday night,” she said. “It’s why we’ve been doing re- Sarah Jenkins of Chopticon is chased by ally well.” North Point’s Meagan Hasson during the Another key to Chopticon’s solid play is a sweet incen- Braves’ 8-4 win Monday afternoon.
GREAT MILLS – First year head coach Deedra Earl is pretty confident whenever senior server Brittany Briscoe takes the ball for the Great Mills volleyball team.
Photo By Chris Stevens
“ Br ittany has excellent placement and her serves are really on target,” Earl said after Briscoe helped the Hornets sweep Lackey three sets to zero Tuesday night. “Those are her Brittany Briscoe strengths, absolutely.” prepares to serve “My goal is to during Great Mills hit the ball pretty 3-0 win over Lackey hard and never let the in SMAC volleyball action Tuesday night. negative get to me,”
Briscoe explains of her serving style. “I made one mistake, but I think we did pretty well.” Courtesy of Briscoe’s booming right hand, the Hornets (4-5 overall, 3-4 in Southern Maryland Athletic Conference play) jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the first set, on their way to winning 25-15. The Hornets dominated the second set 25-12 and struggled before coming back to defeat the Chargers 25-20 in the third set to complete the sweep. With the regular season halfway over, Earl is very pleased with the improvements the team has made so far and has her sights set on a good showing in the Class 4A East Regionals, which begin in about three weeks. “There has been exponential growth, they learn a new skill and they master it,” Earl says. “The best thing I can say is that they are taking control of their game, and we’re working towards a strong regionals.” “We’ve had our ups and downs, it’s like being on a rocky ship,” Briscoe adds. “We’re going to have more ups than downs now.” chrisstevens@countytimes.net
Wed., Sept. 30 Boys’ Cross Country Chopticon 26, Calvert 30 Chopticon 18, Westlake 37 Great Mills 16, Westlake 39 Great Mills 16, Calvert 36 Great Mills 25, Chopticon 32 Leonardtown 16, McDonough 39 Leonardtown 15, Patuxent 50 Girls’ Cross Country Chopticon 21, Calvert 34 Calvert 25, Great Mills 33 Calvert 17, Chopticon 44 Great Mills 22, Chopticon 33 Great Mills 18, Westlake 43 Leonardtown 15, McDonough 50 Leonardtown 15, Patuxent 50 Field Hockey Chopticon 4, La Plata 3 (Double Overtime) Great Mills 3, Westlake 0 Patuxent 3, Leonardtown 0 St. John’s 1, St. Mary’s Ryken 0 (Penalty Strokes) Volleyball La Plata 3, Chopticon 1 Great Mills 3, Westlake 1
Thurs., Oct 1 Boys’ Soccer Northern 6, Chopticon 0 Patuxent 4, Great Mills 1 Girls’ Soccer Leonardtown 7, McDonough 0 Photo By Chris Stevens
Briscoe Comes up Aces as Hornets Blank Lackey By Chris Stevens Staff Writer
36
Volleyball Patuxent 3, Great Mills 1 Leonardtown 3, McDonough 1 Good Counsel 3, St. Mary’s Ryken 0
Fri, Oct. 2 Field Hockey Chopticon 3, Northern 2 (penalty strokes) Leonardtown 3, McDonough 0 Football McDonough 35, Chopticon 14 Lackey 34, Great Mills 25 Westlake 42, Leonardtown 7 Girls’ Soccer Northern 1, Chopticon 0 Bishop O’Connell 5, St. Mary’s Ryken 0 Volleyball Northern 3, Chopticon 0 Paul VI 3, St. Mary’s Ryken 0
Sat., Oct. 3 Photo By Chris Stevens
The Braves’ Erin Wetzel gains control of the ball.
tive. Whenever a player or the team accomplishes a goal or a mission, a parent will bake brownies for the team. The brownies provide just a bit of inspiration for the team to do well. “These brownies are so good,” Martin said. “Caramel with chocolate and walnuts, they just melt in your mouth. So good.” “I don’t like walnuts too much,” Steffe adds, “but they are really good.” As for what the Braves have to do to get their desired tasty treats? “We can’t tell everybody the secret,” Steffe said coyly. “If that’s what it takes for a win,” Vallandingham said with a smile, “I’ll go with it.” chrisstevens@countytimes.net
Boys’ Soccer Leonardtown 3, McDonough 1 Northern 2, St. Mary’s Ryken 1 (Overtime) Field Hockey St. Mary’s Ryken 3, The Calverton School 0
Mon., Oct. 5 Field Hockey Chopticon 8, North Point 4 Leonardtown 3, Huntingtown 0
Tues., Oct. 6 Volleyball Great Mills 3, Lackey 0
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The County Times
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Rugby
Rugby Proves To Be Unique Sport
By Chris Stevens Staff Writer HOLLYWOOD – Most weekend afternoons on a small patch of dirt and grass near the end of Clarke’s Landing Road, you more than likely will find a group of men and women battling in separate games for possession of a ball and the precious few points that come with getting that ball across the lines. The kicker (pardon the pun) is that this very physical sport is not football – rugby, the forefather to the game of American football is still played at various levels across the United States, including in St. Mary’s County by the Pax River Rugby Club. “It’s a lot of camaraderie that comes with being a rugby player,” said Pax River co-captain Brian “Fox” Hamlet. “We have a lot of military personnel and contractors on the team, so we stress team unity.” Hamlet, a Leonardtown native now living in Lexington Park, played football at Leonardtown High School and for a year at Frostburg State University before the game fell out of favor with him. In the spring of 1996, Justin Thomson, a high school classmate of Hamlet’s, sparked Hamlet’s interest in rugby and neither has looked back since. “I figured if he can play, so can I,” Hamlet says. Pax River Rugby was founded in 1990 by Larry Donmoyer, who still coaches Pax River as well the St. Mary’s College Men’s Rugby team. There is also a women’s league and youth league that stages play throughout most of the year. Their home field is known as a pitch and their pitch is located behind the Burchoil near the end of Clarke’s Landing
Road, and Hamlet is grateful that the owner of the property has allowed his team to play there. “Mr. Clarke said, ‘You guys need it, you can use it.’ He has graciously allowed us to play on his property and we really appreciate it,” he said. “It’s nice to have a pitch we can call home.”
Sp rts Rugby Rules • There are 15 players per team on the field with one referee. A match is played in two continuous 40minute halves, with injury time included. Seven substitutions are allowed per match, and once a player exits the match, the player cannot return except if a blood injury forced him our her out of action. • The scoring methods are as follows: A putdown (similar to a touchdown in a football, where a player must cross the line with the ball, is worth five points. The point after kick is worth two points. Teams can also pick up points for major penalties, which are worth three points. Drop kicks from anywhere on the field that split the goal posts are worth three points as well. • The uniform consists of little to no padding, with the padding allowed to be only a quarter of an inch thick. Shirts, shorts, socks and cleats are necessary to play rugby. • There are several seasons in which rugby teams play: The Matrix season, which occurs in the fall with nine to 10 matches per season. The teams with the most points will have an opportunity to play in the US Rugby Association playoffs. The spring season, which is also known as friendly season. Teams get to together on their own accord and schedule exhibition matches to stay in shape and have fun. The summer rugby season, which is made up mostly of regional and national tournaments.
Origin • The game was believed to have been founded at Rugby University in England two centuries ago, hence its name. It eventually made its way across the Atlantic Ocean and has been a very popular sport with colleges and military for years. • Rugby also had a hand in the invention of the game of basketball. Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instrucPhoto By Frank Marquart tor at the Springfield, Mass. YMCA, wanted to create an activity that would Jacob Allen of Pax River dashes down field with the ball durkeep his rugby team in shape during the ing Saturday afternoon’s match with Winchester, Va. off-season. Aside from the physical nature of the game (“You will be in some kind of shape at some point,” Hamlet said with a laugh), the social aspect of rugby is interesting in that most players, who are professionals that are on travel, can practice with a local team in the town they are visiting. “We welcome anybody who wants to run with us,” Hamlet said. “It’s not unusual for a guy to call a team and say, ‘Hey I’ll be in town, can I practice with you guys?’” Also, rugby carries a unique characteristic that gives clues to its British origin – the visiting team is welcome for a post-game get-together and the host team supplies food and beverages. “It’s one of the few sports I know of where you can pound on each other all day and then have a social gathering about it afterwards,” Hamlet said. More information about the Pax River Rugby teams, including schedules and contact information, is available at http://www.paxrugby.com. More information on the St. Mary’s College men’s and women’s rugby teams can be found at http://www. Photo By Frank Marquart smcm.edu/students/clubs.html. Pax River’s A.J. Holland is taken down by a Winchester player.
chrisstevens@countytimes.net
Photo By Frank Marquart
David Beckman throws the ball in.
Sp rts
The County Times
38
High School Football
Westlake Too Much for Leonardtown By John Hunt Contributing Writer The Leonardtown Raiders had a spirited week of practice after gaining their first victory of the season last week against Thomas Stone. Westlake was coming off their first loss of the season in a battle of undefeated teams with Huntingtown. In a conversation with Raiders Coach Anthony Pratley, he commented that his team “had an uphill battle ahead” and knew that Westlake “would come in mad and fired up after their loss” At their homecoming game, Westlake took control of this game from the start in a 42-7 win over the Raiders. The first quarter started for the Wolverines with a spectacular 91-yard touchdown run by Tony Hale. Courtney Jarvis caught a 23-yard scoring pass from quarterback Chris Istvan. After a safety, Desmond Betts had a three-yard TD run in the second quarter. Steven Koudossou grabbed a 49-yard pass from Istvan to end the first half scoring. Hale led all rushers with 111 yards on six carries and Istvan completed six of his 11 pass attempts for 263 yard with three touchdown passes. The officials had a running clock the entire second half to keep the scoring down as Leonardtown scored first in the third quarter on a 41-yard run by
Lackey Rallies Past Hornets in Heartbreaker By Chris Stevens Staff Writer GREAT MILLS – Bill Griffith believed his Great Mills football team played well against Southern Maryland Athletic Conference powerhouse Lackey for the entire game. The scoreboard just wasn’t in the Hornets’ favor.
quarter. As Herman Bowman went to kick, Will Anderson and Marcus Johnson both smacked the ball back to the Lackey three-yard line. Basil Moye outraced the Chargers for the ball and the touchdown to give the Hornets an 11-point lead. Lackey responded with their own three-touchdown burst, with Brandon Pickeral’s 17-yard floater to Marquis Smith with 3:48 to play accounting for the score that put Lackey (3-2 overall, 2-2 SMAC) ahead to stay. Griffith, who took the blame for the Chargers’ comeback, preferred to maintain a positive outlook in spite of a crushing loss. “I told our guys, ‘You showed that you can play with anybody in this conference,’” he said. “Everybody knows now when you play us, you better be ready to play 48 minutes of football.” chrisstevens@countytimes.net
Great Mills’ Brian Jenner takes off with three Westlake players giving chase.
Westlake 42, Leonardtown 7 Leonardtown (1-4) Westlake (4-1)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
1 0 14
2 0 21
3 7 7
4 0 0
Westlake – Hale 91 run (Han kick) Westlake – Jarvis 23 pass from Istvan (Han kick) Westalke – Safety, Augilliard tackled ball carrier in end zone Westlake – Betts 3 run (kick failed) Westlake – Koudossou 49 pass from Istvan (kick failed) Leonardtown – Allen 41 run (Phifer kick) Westlake – Draughn 38 pass from Istvan (Han kick) Marquez Allen. Westlake finished their scoring on a 38-yard TD pass from Istvan to Dominic Draughn, giving Westlake a very balanced attack as their six touchdowns were scored by six different players. Leonardtown QB Drew Wysocki felt the constant pressure by the Wolverines defense getting sacked five times and only completing three of his 11 passes for 59 yards and one interception. Darren Reed was the rushing leader for the Raiders with 77 yards rushing on six carries. He also had a
Final 7 42
Photo By Frank Marquart
Martez Allen scored the lone touchdown as Leonardtown fell to Westlake 42-7 Friday night.
good defensive game leading the Raiders in tackles with 6 stops. Coach Pratley’s Pistol-Spread offense was attacked in a recent article by a national publication, but Pratley is a believer in this offense and knows “if given time, this offense will be successful here at Leonardtown.” His players will have the opportunity to show this success over the next few weeks with a Homecoming battle tomorrow night against La Plata (1-4) and next weeks Thursday night battle at much improved Great Mills’ Hornets Stadium. Both games start at 7 p.m. johnhunt@countytimes.net
Photo By Chris Stevens
“I think we took it to them for four quarters,” Griffith said after the Chargers rallied from an 11-point deficit to spoil Great Mills’ homecoming party with a 34-25 win Friday night. “Things just happen.” The Hornets (3-2 on the season, 1-2 in conference play) scored three touchdowns in a span of eight minutes and 23 seconds between the third and fourth quarters to open up a 25-14 lead and put the Chargers on the ropes. “Great Mills is a very good football team,” said Lackey head coach Doug Lamb. “They’re a class 4A school with three wins, so we knew this was going to be a physical game. Photo By Chris Stevens We can’t take anybody lightly.” Great Mills trailed 14-7 at halftime Lackey’s Herman Bowman is wrapped up by the before they started their run. Jonathan Hornets’ Aaron Wilkerson. James’ second touchdown of the night, a three-yard run to the left side, brought them to within 14-13. 1 2 3 4 Final After Lackey failed Lackey (3-2) 6 8 0 20 34 to move the ball, Great Mills (3-2) 0 7 12 6 25 senior quarterback Brian Jenner conLackey – Bowman 3 run (kick failed) nected with Michael Great Mills – James 50 run (Alleyne kick) Johnson on a threeLackey – Chesley 17 run (Bowman run) yard pass to give the Great Mills – James 3 run (kick failed) Hornets a 19-14 lead Great Mills – Johnson 3 pass from Jenner (pass failed) with 20 seconds reGreat Mills – Moye 3 blocked punt return (pass failed) maining in the third. Lackey – Chesley 2 run (pass failed) Lackey was Lackey – Smith 17 pass from Pickerall (run failed) forced to punt a minLackey – Burns 7 run (Chesley run) ute into the fourth
Lackey 34, Great Mills 25
39
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The County Times
High School Football
Sp rts
Rams Spoil Chopticon Homecoming
By John Hunt Contributing Writer Excitement was in the air in Morganza as the Chopticon Braves were ready for their homecoming matchup against McDonough. After starting the season with games against Westlake, Gwynn Park, Huntingtown and North Point, the Braves were hoping to have an easier matchup. However, Rams Coach Luke Ethington was prepared with his version of the Pistol Spread Offense and the second game after injuries to his outstanding starting quarterback, Byron Campbell. The large homecoming crowd went home disappointed after McDonough took the victory by a 35-14 count. The Rams jumped out to a 21-0 lead on a one-yard TD run by Earl Wilkenson, and two touchdown passes by Campbell to Derrek Joseph of 40 yards and the other for 17
yards to Ed Bentley. The Braves, after missing two opportunities in the red zone, showed some fight with Senior wide receiver Brian Robeson pulling in two scoring passes from sophomore quarterback Cody Douglas of 25 and 11 yards that brought the Braves within one touchdown in the third quarter. Robeson was filling in for the Braves leading receiver Josh Gray, who was out with an injury. Chopticon continued to have opportunities inside the red zone, but could not convert on four of them after making the game close. Douglas finished 14 of 35 passing for 220 yards, two interceptions and a lost fumble. Robeson finished the game with four catches for 97 yards. Mc Donough scored twice in the fourth quarter on a 45-yard run straight up the middle of the Braves defense and Davario Barksdale caught a 16yard TD from Campbell.
The Rams’ pistol-spread was able to move the ball very effectively against the Braves. Campbell finished the game 14 of 21 for 225 yards passing and three TD’s. Joseph finished the game with 108 yards rushing on eight carries and 61 yards receiving. The Chopticon running backs were only able to rush for 21 yards on 12 carries as star RB Aaron Makle only carried the ball once. QB Douglas had 60 yards rushing, mostly scrambling from the constant McDonough pressure. On the defensive end Bam Wroble led the Braves with 11 tackles and 4 assists. Chopticon heads across the bridge to Calvert County for the next two weeks, playing at Northern (2-3) tomorrow night and at Calvert (3-2) Thursday October 15. johnhunt@countytimes.net
Photo By Frank Marquart
The Braves’ Terhan Watson hauls down McDonough’s Derrick Joseph.
Knights Ready to Rumble With Liberty Christian
By Chris Stevens Staff Writer
Bob Harmon and Mike Vosburgh know who’s coming to St. Mary’s County this Friday night. That doesn’t mean that they, or the St. Mary’s Ryken football is intimidated. “We’re playing a really good team this week,” Harmon said of Liberty Christian Academy (Lynchburg, Va.), who will battle the Knights at Lancaster Park at 7 p.m. tomorrow night. “I’m excited and our players are excited for the challenge.” The Knights (2-3 in 2009) were off last week following a 27-0 victory over Sidwell Friends on SeptemPhoto By Chris Stevens ber 25, giving them ample Bob Harmon believes the St. Mary’s Ryken football team will challenge national power time to prepare for the BullLiberty Christian Academy tomorrow at Lancaster Park. dogs, who have won 80 of Once the D-line takes over, we’re in pretty good shape.” their last 82 games. A change in attitude has served the Knights well also. “To be the best, you’ve got play the best,” Harmon said. “In the next few years, you’re going to see some of “Last year, they didn’t believe they could win and their the best football teams in the country here in St. Mary’s performance showed,” Vosburgh said of the Knights’ first varsity year. “This year, they believe they can win. It’s a County and I’m excited about it.” A key to the Knights’ success has been the defense. process, and now they believe in themselves.” Vosburgh hopes his defensive line will limit the BullLed by Vosburgh, the defensive coordinator, Ryken is allowing an average of 16 points per game and has recorded dogs’ running attack tomorrow, forcing Liberty Christian two shutouts, as well as limiting powerful Paul VI to just into a passing game. “We want to stop the run, because once you do that, then they become one-dimensional and 14 on September 4. “In 24 years of coaching, I’ve learned there’s no you have a chance to shut them down,” he says. “I’m very fortunate to have Coach Vosburgh,” Harmagic scheme in football, it’s teaching the fundamentals and having the kids to execute it,” Vosburgh says. “We mon says. “The defense starts with him, he a good teacher want them running and hitting, and I tell them to play like and a good football coach.” For the offense’s part, Harmon hopes to get the runtheir hair is on fire. They’ve done that.” Vosburgh credited his defensive line, one of the fast- ning game in gear, especially with junior Marlowe Wood est in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, with healthy. “We want to get Marlowe and Hunter Wilson the the turn-around. “Devin Mackey has heart and desire and has been a ball, grind it out and play WCAC football,” Harmon said. tremendous addition to our football team,” Vosburgh said “Derrick Farrell and Joe Webb have played well all year. chrisstevens@countytimes.net
Photo By Frank Marquart
Chopticon’s Willie Adams deflects a pass intended for Justin Brooks of McDonough.
McDonough 35, Chopticon 14 McDonough (3-2) Chopticon (0-5)
1 14 0
2 7 7
3 0 7
4 14 0
McDonough – Wilkenson 1 run (Wilkenson kick) McDonough – Joseph 40 pass from Campbell (Wilkenson kick) McDonough – Bentley 17 pass from Campbell (Wilkenson kick) Chopticon – Robeson 25 pass from Douglas (Palmer kick) Chopticon – Robeson 11 pass from Douglas (Palmer kick) McDonough – Joseph 45 run (Wilkenson kick) McDonough – Barksdale 16 pass from Campbell (Wilkenson kick)
Final 35 14
THURSDAY October 8, 2009
More Veterans Services Needed Story Page 4
Health, Human Services Offices in Dire Shape
Story Page 5
Rams Spoil Chopticonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homecoming Story Page 39
RISING FOR RUGBY Page 37
Photo By Frank Marquart