Th Southern Calvert Gazette -- Nov. 05, 2009 by David Noss

November 2009

Priceless

Southern Calvert Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard

3 WArs, 1 FulFillinG liFE PAGE 14

Constellation Merger Approved

Story Page 4

The Spiggy Bobble Head is Here

Story Page 11

Sweet Dreams In St. Leonad

Story Page 13

Photo by Sean Rice

Your Paper... Your Thoughts Do you support the addition of a third nuclear reactor at Calvert Clif fs Nuclear Power Plant? “Yea, it’s going to create jobs, which is great for us. But the ‘con’ is, I think we’re on a hit list for the Taliban now, and what’s it going to do for our traffic problem?” asked Tim Lafaive, of Solomons, a Lieutenant at the Solomons Island Volunteer Fire Department. “This county’s already congested as it is, and 5,000 more jobs, I don’t know,” he said. “They say the Bay is already polluted, and all the new nuclear waste, what are they going to do with it?”

“I think it’s an excellent idea, because of all the shortterm jobs, bringing money into the local economy. And 400 long-term jobs. That’s more job opportunities for the area in this declining economy,” said Killian McCarthy, of Broomes Island, who volunteers at the Solomons Island Volunteer Fire Department. “It’s not going to do anything to the Bay. The only downfall is what are we going to do with it when it’s filled up, when it’s done.” “I think it’s a great idea, because of all those jobs it will make,” said Jordan Haines, a junior at Patuxent High School, who volunteers at the Solomons Island Volunteer Fire Department. “Maybe I can get one.” Haines said although there may be concerns about the environmental effects of using nuclear power, the positive impact it will have on the economy outweighs that. “It does for me at least.”

Thursday, November-2009

On T he Cover

Ed Miller, 85, of Drum Point, hold a photograph of himself from when he worked in the Pentagon in Washington D.C. In the background is the On Watch sculpture which looks out over the water near Solomons Island.

Local news

County Commissioner President Wilson Parran talks at Middleham Chapel in Lusby on Nov. 1, celebrating the parish’s 325 anniversary. SEE PAGE 6

Bonnie Blackwell holds one of the giant lollypops she has for sale at Sweet Dreams Candy Shoppe, which is in a new location in the St. Leonard town center. SEE PAGE 13

EVENTS

FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 23 IN OUT AND ABOUT

community

World-renowned violinist Jose Cuerto, left, is joined with David Kung, at the COSMIC Symphony Orchestra’s seventh season opener. SEE PAGE 9

nd November 6-8 2009 a h g i H es d i T w Lo Day

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Also Inside

Local News

Delegate Column

Community

Education

Letters

History

Locals

Cover Story

Obituaries

Business Directory

Out & About

Sports

Entertainment

On The Water

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November 13-15, 2009 Day

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Thursday, November-2009

LOCAL NEWS

Nuclear Merger OK’d – With Concessions

$4.5 billion joint venture between Constellation Energy Group, owner of Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, and France’s EDF received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) on Oct. 30. The approval marks one of the last regulatory hurdles in a deal to sell nearly half of Constellation’s nuclear assets to EDF, but the approval comes with $360 million in add-on concessions demanded by Gov. Martin O’Malley that must be paid. On Monday, Nov. 2, Constellation Energy released a statement saying the merging companies have agreed with the conditions set by Maryland regulators to move forward with the $4.5 billion joint nuclear venture. “We are pleased that the Maryland Public Service Commission concluded the Constellation Energy-EDF nuclear joint venture is in the public interest and represents an important element in Maryland’s energy future,” Constellation Energy said in the statement. “We have consulted with our Board and received its approval. We are now moving to close the transaction as quickly as possible so that we can begin to deliver the many benefits of this investment to all stakeholders across the state.” The conditions mandated by the PSC include a one-time, $110.5 million credit for

customers of Baltimore Gas and Electric, a subsidiary of Baltimore-based Constellation. The credit would give each BGE customer $100. The PSC said the company should implement the credit before the end of March 2010 to help offset winter heating bills. The PSC said in its order that it’s not enough for the companies to prove the transaction is consistent with the public interest. The PSC said Baltimore Gas and Electric Customers “must receive benefits directly ... not just their share of the transactions’ impact on the public at large.” The PSC’s order also noted concerns about the availability of capital to support BGE after Constellation nearly went bankrupt last year, saying Constellation’s “neardeath experience in September 2008 demonstrated all too vividly how vulnerable BGE is if, and when, things go badly for CEG.” The approval directs Constellation to infuse BGE with $250 million to strengthen the company and protect consumers. O’Malley issued a statement after the announcement, stating: “Although this has been a contentious proceeding at times, the process and the law worked -- and ratepayers and BGE are better off because of it. I look forward to working with Constellation and EDF … to move forward on the anticipated construction of Calvert Cliffs III.” By Sean

Rice (info@somdpublishing.net)

Stimulus Money Coming to Calvert

ocal residents can now easily see which agencies in Calvert County have received a share of the federal government’s $787 billion in stimulus money, thanks to data now available on the updated Recovery.gov Web site. The interactive Web site was recently revamped by a team headed by Smartronix, a technology company based in St. Mary’s County that is partly owned by Alan Parris, an engineer who lives in Saint Leonard. In mid-October, the site began posting data from companies and other recipients around the country that received direct contracts from the federal government. On Oct. 31, it posted another 121,000 reports, most of which are about grants to prime and sub-recipients, such as states, nonprofits and universities. Calvert County so far has received more than $15 million in grants, but no contracts or loans, according to the site. Below is a sampling of the grants: • Board of Education – $4.2 million; • Transportation – $1.4 million for park and ride expansion; • Transit system improvements – $740,200; • University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science – $403,536; • Housing Authority – $158,555 for capital projects, $145,398 for prevention of homelessness; • County – crime victims, public safety

Thursday, November-2009

– $86,378; • Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland – $42,500; • County – congregate nutrition services – $9,615. Work on the site was done by Smartronix, which employs about 120 people in Southern Maryland, of which nearly a third live in Calvert County. Founded by Alan Parris, his brother John Parris, and partner and fellow engineer Arshed Javaid in 1995, Smartronix now employs about 540 people in offices around the world and generated sales of $90 million last year. “At times it was very, very scary – we barely made payroll,” said Alan Parris, about the company’s early years in a basement office in Lexington Park. Earlier this year, Smartronix won the Recovery.gov contract, potentially valued at $18 million over the next five years, with a team that also includes KPMG LLP, Synteractive Corp. and TMP Government. Critics questioned why the relatively small company won the award, noting that Southern Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer had received contributions from the owners and had also visited the company in October 2008. Hoyer’s office said he did not know the company had received the contract and indicated it had not been awarded in exchange for contributions. By Virginia Terhune (virginiaterhune@ countytimes.net)

Safe Nights Opens Doors To Help The Homeless

he shelter program for the homeless that spans about 40 churches and congregations throughout Calvert County is expanding its operations this year as it is gearing up to help the homeless this winter. Mary Ann Zaversnick, one of the lead coordinators for the Safe Nights project, told The Southern Calvert Gazette that 18 of the 40 church groups will be able to provide shelter for an extra two weeks this winter stretching into the early spring over the usual 20 weeks of the program. The 22 remaining churches will support the others during the shelter operations. Zaversnick said, however, that program administrators are not sure what the level of participation in the program will be this year, although she said that with the economic recession the problem has likely grown. “I think it’s probably getting worse,” said Zaversnick, a parish member at Saint John Vianney Roman Catholic Church in Prince Frederick. “It’s like the invisible population. A lot of them have been around and we just didn’t notice.” Last year the program had 65 registrants, Zaversnick said, and

commissioners

served 40 throughout the winter season. This season some of the churches may take a group of homeless for two weeks instead of just one, she said, which means that more volunteers would be welcome assistance. “If we continue to do this year after year” it could burn out volunteers, she said. The program began operation Nov. 1 and will run until April 4. The program has churches open their doors for a certain number of registered homeless people for what is usually a oneweek period of time. Once that week is completed the homeless group can then move to another church to continue the cycle of care. The program also provides transportation from Prince Frederick to the shelter location and back to Prince Frederick. Shelters open at 7 p.m. and then close at 7a.m. and some meals are provided. Despite the challenges, the rewards for helping others were great, Zaversnick said. “We’ve not had one coordinator or church tell us that the rewards weren’t greater than the efforts,” Zaversnick said. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Lane Closures on Thomas Johnson Bridge

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LOCAL NEWS

he Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration will perform inspections of the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge, which carries Route 4 traffic over the Patuxent River between Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. The bridge will be down to one lane during the next three weekends during the inspection times. The work is part of SHA’s bridge inspection program. Crews will close a single lane between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the following weekends: Nov. 7 and 8, Nov. 14 and 15 and Nov. 21 and 22, weather permitting. Flagpersons will alternate traffic in one lane of the two-lane bridge. Crews will have two large “snooper” vehicles on site for use during the inspection. Residents with questions about this project or any other Statenumbered routes in Southern Maryland may contact SHA’s District 5 Office at 800-331-5603.

Free Prescription Card Keeping Health Care Costs in Check

By Gerald “Jerry” Clark, County Commissioner, District 1

nyone who has ever been sick and received a helpful prescription from their doctor can appreciate the beauty and benefit of modern medicine. Sometimes it only takes a few doses of a simple and inexpensive antibiotic to make us whole and put us back on our feet. But at other times an illness or underlying disease is more complicated and requires expensive medicines to restore health. When those medicines are not covered by a prescription drug plan and must be paid for out of pocket, the expenses can become very burdensome. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente) notes that, while modern pharmaceuticals are crucial for ensuring longer, healthier and more comfortable lives, Americans are spending more than ever on prescription drugs. The Foundation reported in September 2008 that an inability to pay for prescription drugs due to lack of insurance coverage can have adverse affects on healthcare. In fact, a public opinion survey conducted in April 2008 found that uninsured nonelderly adults between the ages of 18 and 64 “are more than twice as likely as insured nonelderly adults to say that they or a family member did not fill a prescription (45 percent vs. 22 percent) or cut pills or skipped doses of medicine (38 percent vs.18 percent) in the past year because of the cost.” To help ensure that our residents can afford the treatment they need while coping with the high price of prescription drugs, Calvert County introduced a discount card program on July 1, 2009. The program, sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo), makes free prescription drug discount cards available that offer average savings of 22 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. These cards

may be used by all Calvert County residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage and approximately 17 county pharmacies and 59,000 retail pharmacies nationwide accept the NACo card. I am happy to report that since the introduction of this free prescription drug discount program three months ago, county residents have filled 463 prescriptions with the cards at discounts averaging about $13.64 per prescription, for a total savings of more than $6,300. This is a substantial savings for both uninsured and underinsured residents and can be very helpful in ensuring that our citizens receive the medical care they need. If you have not yet received your card, don’t wait to take advantage of this program. You do not have to be a Medicare beneficiary, and even residents with insurance coverage can use the card when their plan does not cover a particular drug. The program, administered by CVS Caremark, allows Calvert County to provide the drug discount program at no taxpayer expense and requires no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. To use the discount card, residents simply present it at a participating pharmacy. Cards are available at all Calvert County libraries, senior centers, the Health Department and the Calvert County Department of Community Resources, located at 30 Duke Street in Prince Frederick. County residents can call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit www.caremark.com/ naco for more information or assistance with the program. We all know that good health is vitally important to a happy and fulfilling life. But it never hurts to save a little money along the way.

Arrest for Pain-Killer Possession

At 6 p.m. Oct. 23, Calvert Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Rickard checked a vehicle that was stopped in the roadway of the Fox Run shopping center at Steeple Chase Drive in Prince Frederick. The driver, later identified as Grover M. Ladd, Jr., 39 of Port Republic, was found to be in possession of suspected drugs. He was arrested and charged with possession of Meperidine and possession of Meperidine in sufficient quantity to indicate intent to distribute same.

Orange Car Stolen

Unknown suspects stole a 2002 Pontiac 2 door orange Trans Am while it was parked in the lot of the College of Southern Maryland in Prince Frederick on Oct. 22 between 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cpl. Gary Shrawder at 410-5352800.

Paraphernalia Charge

A routine traffic stop revealed suspected drug paraphernalia on Oct. 21 at 12:30 a.m. on Route 4 south at Route 509 in St. Leonard. Reginald Simmons Tyler, 33 of St. Leonard, was charged by Calvert Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Rickard with possession with the intent to use drug paraphernalia, a glass pipe.

House Damaged

At 2 p.m. Oct. 18, Trooper First Class Lass responded to the 1500 block of Pine Road in St. Leonard for a reported burglary and destruction of property. Unknown suspects had broken into the home causing damages to a window and two door frames. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Maryland State Police at 410-5351400.

Handgun Violation

After conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle on Oct. 12 at 8:55 p.m. on Barreda Blvd. near Lake Drive in Lusby, Calvert Sheriff’s DFC Mark Fitzgerald found the driver to be in possession of a handgun and rifle. The Deputy arrested James Aaron Smith, 31 of Lusby, and charged him with transporting a handgun in a vehicle on public roads.

St. Leonard House Burgled

Sometime between Oct. 9 and 13, unknown suspects broke into a home on Harvard Street in St. Leonard. Approximately $100 in damage was done and a $50 Ipod and some currency were stolen from within. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Steve Jones at 410535-2800 ext. 2462.

Thursday, November-2009

LOCAL NEWS

Celebrity chef Robert Hesse, a recent comhe Calvert County to get more people to purchase we’ll have that tag on file … also trapped 12 dogs and 356 success,” he said. “We’d like petitor on Com m issione r s licenses from the county, as it’s helping keep them out of cats. So far only 229 animals to go back to talking to the the primeunanimously ap- Calvert officials noticed a the shelter,” said Dichter, who were released to owners who county commissioners about time TV proved a request to decrease sharp decrease in the number added that the licenses would claimed them before they other similar programs in the show “Hells pet licensing fees for the week of licenses sold to pet owners help animal control return were transferred to the animal future.” Kitchen”, will of Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 for what in the last year. stray animals to pet owners, shelter. To find out more inforbe spending a they are calling an Animal Licenses currently cost thereby reducing the number Dichter said that this will mation about pet licenses and lot of time in Amnesty Week, during which $7 for spayed and neutered sent to be ultimately eutha- be the first year that the coun- the county’s Animal Amnesty Solomons this required pet licenses will cost pets and $20 for pets that have nized at the Tri-County animal ty will offer such a program, Week, call 410-535-1600, ext. winter, serving $3 for spayed and neutered not been spayed or neutered, shelter, which Dichter said has but that he would like to see it 2526. By andrea Shiell (CT) as the new execuinfo@somdpublishing.net pets, and $10 for pets that have but only 1,400 licenses have become overcrowded. expanded in future years. tive chef at Catanot been fixed. been sold this year, as comSince January 2009, Di“We might look into, marans restaurant. Craig Dichter, an animal pared with 3,200 in 2008. chter said that the county’s for next year, doing some“He’s got the control officer for the Calvert “We just want people animal control center has thing like this more often, or flair I want,” said County Sheriff’s Office, said to buy the licenses and with picked up 483 stray dogs, something close to it …we’re owner Jim Seymour, that the program is an attempt the owners in our database 348 stray cats, and they have hoping it’ll be a real good who’s been looking for a chef for about two years. Hesse, who lives in Long Island, N.Y., was one of the top-five finalists on “Hell’s Kitchen” last year but dropped out for medical reasons. He was invited back this year but was eliminated from the reality show in August. Hesse will be in town to cook for the annual Thanksgiving dinner at Catamarans, and he will also be there with other “Hell’s Kitchen” contestants on Dec. 5, for the reopening of the restaurant and bar after a period of remodeling. (Seymour said he has spent about $50,000 on the interior, including new floors and kitchen, and another $40,000 on the roofs and shingles.) “The idea is to really bring ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ to Solomons Island,” Hesse told the Southern Calvert Gazette. “My personality might bring people in the first time, but it’s the food that will bring them back for a second, third and fourth time.” Seymour said he met Hesse after e-mailing “Hell’s Photo By Sean Rice Kitchen” in hopes of hiring one of the competitors. Hesse Middleham and St. Peter’s Episcopal Parish finished up its autumn lecture series titled “Excavating the Past – Exploring the Future,” subsequently came down for a visit and “fell in love with which celebrated the 325th anniversary of the Middleham Chapel in Lusby, with a final symposia titled “Appreciating the Involvement of African Americans in the Evolving Life of Calvert County and Maryland.” County Commissioner President Wilson Parran Solomons.” was one of the featured speakers at the Nov. 1 event. The event also featured Mary Klein, archivist for the Diocese of Maryland and “I’m used to the whole lifestyle, the boaters, the fishing, Russell Costly, a retired teacher who was one of the first African American teachers hired in Calvert County after desegregation. and I love to fish,” said Hesse, who plans to bring something different to the area by building on the basics with new ideas to pique and keep customer interest – all without losing the relaxed atmosphere of Catamarans and Solomons that appeals to him. He speculates that if the new menu at Catamarans draws a alvert County’s St. Leonard Creek reproduce.” crowd, it may inspire other local restaurants to revamp theirs. became the eighth creek this year in The CCA MD project is a joint activity “You’ve go to keep reinventing, to make things better and the Coastal Conservation Associa- between recreational anglers, local homeownfresher,” he said. tion Maryland’s oyster restoration project. ers, businesses and government. Dominion ReLocal crab cakes are some of the best he’s ever tasted, but Hesse Under the leadership of father-daughter sources, which operates the Cove Point liquefied says he might also present them with a Southwest remoulade and a Creek Captains John and Laura Kelly, 25 hom- natural gas facility in Calvert County, supported coconut lemongrass cream, resulting in a mix of spice, eowners on St. Leonard Creek and five volunteers the CCA project with a $25,000 grant earlier this sweet and coconut flavors. from CCA MD’s Patuxent River Chapter placed year, and it is part of Governor O’Malley’s Mary“It’s not overly fine dining – it’s still ca ca100,000 oysters in 100 cages that were hung from landers Grown Oysters program. Kelly Generasual dining – but it can still be sexy and new,” piers on the creek. tor and Equipment, Inc., of Owings supported the he said. In addition to the homeowners and CCA vol- St. Leonard Creek launch providing staff work Hesse speculated that the restaurants in unteers, eight students from the U.S. Department and resources. Solomons could become a critical mass large of Agriculture Graduate School participated in “We all have a responsibility to restore the enough to attract some of the people who line the launch as part of their class work. health of the Bay,” said John Kelly, president, up at chain restaurants along Route 235 across “Today’s efforts have raised the number Kelly Generator and Equipment, Inc. “Businessthe bridge in St. Mary’s County. of oysters we have distributed this summer to es throughout the state can become involved in Why wait 45 minutes at an Appleby’s 750,000,” said Scott McGuire, president, Patux- efforts such as this to make our natural resources or an Outback, when you can go to a locally ent River Chapter. “These oysters will be raised more valuable to all Marylanders.” owned restaurant that offers fresh food and to adult size of approximately three inches by the Anyone wishing to participate in these oysunique selections? asks Hesse. homeowners and then transferred to a protected ter restoration projects can contact McGuire at “We just need to give them a rea reaarea where they will continue to filter water and patuxentriver@ccamd.org. son to come back,” he said. By Virgin-

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Companion Animals Granted Amnesty Week

Thursday, November-2009

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St. Leonard Creek Joins Oyster Recovery Project

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Middleham Celebrates 325 Years

Hesse

ia Terhune (info@somdpublishing.net)

Legislative Requests Issued from County

ach year the Board of County Commissioners for Calvert County has a meeting with the local delegation to the Maryland General Assembly to present a list of legislative recommendations for the upcoming session. This year the meeting was held on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 at the Calvert Pines Senior Center in Prince Frederick. The meeting was open to the public and was attended by all 5 members of the BOCC and Senators Miller and Dyson and Delegates Kullen, Proctor, Vallario, and myself. Below are the five recommendations submitted to the delegation for our consideration. I would be very interested in hearing from Calvert County residents regarding their opinions or questions pertaining to these 5 matters. These items are requests and are not guaranteed to be submitted by the delegation. The last item on the list is actually a notice that the Calvert County Compensation Review Board will be submitting recommendations for salary adjustments for local elected officials to the delegation prior to the legislative session. 1. Request: Authority to enact a noise control ordinance. The enabling legislation would permit the BOCC to establish maximum noise levels throughout the county, establish procedures for the measurement of ambient noise, authorize the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office to enforce levels, provide that a violation of the ordinance is a civil offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000, and to enact such other measures as are reasonably necessary to protect the citizens of Calvert County from excessive, unnecessary, and unreasonable noises. 2. Request: Amend Title 4 of the Public Local Laws of Calvert County (Special Taxing Districts) to provide for refunds of any tax revenues remaining at the termination of a special taxing district by adding the following as Section 4-103 (d): Any funds remaining in a special taxing district at the termination of the district may be applied to a future special taxing district created for the same subdivision or may be returned to the property owners of the district. If the County Commissioners elect to return the funds to the property owners, the funds shall be returned proportionally to the owners of record at the termination of the district by way of credit against future property tax bills or by refund, as shall be determined by the County Commissioners. 3. Request: Amend Chapter 661, Laws 2009 by deleting Section 2, which prohibits counties from assessing new fees and taxes on instant bingo machines. Section 2 of Chapter 661 was added to HB193 by way of amendment in the 2009 legislative session. Originally, HB193 made several modifications to existing law that phased-out the use of certain instant bingo machines. The amendment to HB 193 deprives counties of the right to impose additional fees and taxes on the machines. 4. Request: Bonding authorization for the following projects: Amount Issuance Dates College of Southern Maryland* 4,630,000 FY2011-FY2012 PF Sewer Line CMH to CMS 1,285,000 FY2011-FY2013 PF WWPS Upgrade 720,000 FY2011 PF Sewer Relining 772,500 FY2011 Solomon’s WWTP Upgrade 1,181,500 FY2011-FY2012 Solomon’s WWPS 1,000,000 FY2011 Hunting Hills Water System Upgrade 816,000 FY2011 Lakewood Water System Upgrade 870,000 FY2011 Total Request $11,275,000 *Contingent upon State funding approval. 5. Request: Compensation Review Board request will be forwarded in the near future. As always, feel free to contact my local legislative office at (410) 326-0081 or email at anthony.odonnell@house.state.md.us with questions, comments or concerns regarding these items or other matters.

Calvert Museum Staff Authors Book

he Calvert Marine Museum is announcing the publication of its newest book on the building and builders of wooden boats in Southern Maryland. Boats for Work, Boats for Pleasure: The Last Era of Wooden Boatbuilding in Southern Maryland is co-authored by Richard J. Dodds, curator of maritime history, and Robert J. Hurry, museum registrar. Building wooden boats in Southern Maryland is a tradition that goes back almost four centuries. Today, the art and skill of

building wooden boats has almost died out in the region. The book serves as an overview of the last generation of wooden boatbuilding, a period of about 70 years from the 1930s until the first years of the twenty-first century. Boats for Work, Boats for Pleasure: The Last Era of Wooden Boatbuilding in Southern Maryland is for sale in the museum store for $19.95. For more information about the publication, please contact Richard Dodds at 410-326-2042, ext. 31 or Robert Hurry at 410326-2042, ext. 35.

Thursday, November-2009

Red, Yellow and Gold By Joyce Baki

Chamber Holds Annual Awards Dinner

he Calvert County Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Oct. 28, at the Holiday Inn Solomons. Awards were presented in the following categories: Small Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Home-based Business of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year, Ambassador of

the Year and John C. Smith Public Service Award. This year’s award winners were: •John C. Smith Public Service Award – Posthumously, Sam Young (Tyler Fadely accepted the award) •Ambassador of the Year – Barbara DeHenzel • Chamber Member of the Year - Amber Hernandez • Home-Based Business of the Year – Silpada Designs,

Barbara Huber • Small Business of the Year – Dickinson’s Jewelers • New Business of the Year – Running Hare Vineyard The event was sponsored by Constellation Energy Group, Dominion, SMECO, Holiday Inn Solomons Conference Center & Marina, PNC Bank and Show Place Arena, College of Southern Maryland and Comcast.

: g n i r i H w o N Md Environmental Service has a vacancy for an Environmental Systems Supervisor at the Point Lookout facility. Responsibilities include supervising and assisting in the operation, monitoring and maintenance of one or more water, wastewater or industrial wastewater treatment systems. Wastewater experience required. For complete job description, required qualifications, visit http://www.menv.com/ career_800152.shtml. Send resumes Attn: 800152 to MES HR, 259 Najoles Rd, Millersville, MD 21108, or fax to 410-729-8235, or email to resumes@menv.com

Thursday, November-2009

he leaves are beautiful shades of red and gold, the air is crisp. Fall is upon us and winter is not far behind. Enjoy some great things to do in Calvert County in this beautiful time of the year. Saturday, Nov. 7, the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse will host its 9th Annual Step-by-Step 5K Fun Run/Walk. Runners and walkers (and strollers!) are welcome. Be at the Calvert Marine Museum for registration and check-in at 8 a.m. Advance registration is $20, but you can register the day of the Run/Walk for $25. Get out in the brisk air for a great cause! The Calvert County Office on Aging invites veterans to a special ceremony on Nov. 10, “Remembering Courage and Honoring Sacrifices.” Wear your old military uniform, bring in photos or just come to be honored. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the Southern Pines Senior Center, 90 Appeal Lane, Lusby. All veterans and guests will receive lunch and a gift of thanks. Preregistration is required, call 410-586-2748. Remember our servicemen and service women on Veterans Day. A National Veterans Day Ceremony is held Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Arlington national Cemetery. A color guard, made up of members from each of the military services will render honors to those lost during war in a traditional ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The ceremony takes place inside of the Memorial Amphitheater at 11 a.m. Closer to home there, will be a ceremony on the lawn of the Calvert County Courthouse. Honoring our war dead will be units from American Legion Posts and Veterans of Foreign Wars throughout the county, as well as units from the county

Arise! Cry Out! Moms In Touch International, in celebration of 25 years of praying for children and schools, is hosting a unique prayer and fasting event called Arise! Cry Out! On this day women around the world will unite with one heart, one voice and in one spirit for a worldwide day of extraordinary prayer for children and schools. Please join us at Southern Calvert Baptist Church’s Fellowship Hall 12140 H.G. Trueman Road, Lusby, (www.scbcmd.com) on Nov. 14, from 9 am - 1pm. For more info contact Erika Hugh at 410-3263398 or visit www.MomsInTouch.org to register.

high school R.O.T.C. squads. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Enjoy Texas-style blues and power rock sounds with The Fabulous Thunderbirds will perform at the Calvert Marine Museum on Friday, Nov. 13. General admission is $45. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Beer, wine, soda and water will be available. For more information, call 410-326-2042 or visit their website, www.calvertmarinemuseum.com. Nov. 7-29, Artworks at 7th, an artist’s coop in North Beach, will feature the works of Betty Leppin and Suzanne Nawrot. For more information call 410-286-5278 or visit their website at www.artworksat7th.com. CalvART Gallery, located in the Prince Frederick Shopping Center, will feature a gallery showing New Works, featuring Abbey Griffin and Mimi Little, Nov. 11-22. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (www.calvartgallery.org) You’re invited to the Southern Maryland Style Fair hosted by the Republic Women of Southern at the Holiday Inn Solomons on Friday, Nov. 13, from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Enjoy a variety of vendors, New York fashions, music, entertainment and hors d’oeuvres. Advance admission is $30, $35 at the door. For more information e-mail Melissa Bless at mbless@chesapeake.net. Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Alpaca Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 21-22. The Finca Serena Alpaca Ranch will offer an array of Alpaca accessories, hand-made items and products for the entire family, all made from the fleece of their Alpacas. Stop by and meet the Alpacas and the llamas from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Finca Serena Alpaca Ranch is located at 1930 Rosemary Lane, Port Republic. For more information call 443-498-8476.

Calverton School Parents Holding Basket Bingo Join The Calverton School Parents Association for a Holiday Basket Bingo on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 at The Calverton School’s Leitch Memorial Gymnasium. Doors open at 12 p.m. with early-bird games beginning at 1 p.m. Prizes include over $5,000 of Longaberger baskets and Vera Bradley products filled with gift items. Admission is $20 per person for 20 regular games and $5 for each additional game packet. Seating is limited and everyone attending the event must have a paid admission ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance and held at the will call box. Credit cards are accepted. Children are admitted at the admission cost and must be

accompanied by an adult. Door prizes and raffles will be available. Raffle prizes include “Dream Seat” tickets to a Washington Redskins game and a Longaberger basket filled with Williams Sonoma gourmet food and cookware, valued at over $1,400. Raffle tickets may be purchased for $5 each or 5 for $20 before and during the event. Refreshments and snacks will also be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit The Calverton School, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, visit the school website at www.calvertonschool.org or contact Pat Jenkins at The Calverton School, 410-535-0216 or pjenkins@calvertonschool.org.

COSMIC Begins 7th Season COSMIC Symphony Orchestra, Southern Maryland’s community orchestra, opened its 7th season on Nov. 1 at Huntingtown High School with “Heartstrings,” a concert that included Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concert, Op. 35, featuring world-renowned violinist Jose Cuerto, left, who is joined in the photo with David Kung, who has a day job as a mathematics professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. COSMIC Symphony, directed by Vladimir Lande, is a community orchestra, based in Southern Maryland, which presents three full programs per year as well as special, seasonal events. For more information, go to www.cosmicmusic.org.

Spooktacular Success at Halloween in the Garden

Info Sought for 2010 Visitors Guide and Calendar

he Calvert County Department of Economic Development is currently compiling information for the 2010 Calvert County Visitors Guide and Calendar of Events. The Visitors Guide section provides free promotion for museums, dining and shopping destinations, hotels, inns and recreational boating organizations with locations in Calvert County. Forms are available by calling 410.535.4583 or 800.331.9771 or online at www.ecalvert.com/content/visitorsguideforms/index.asp. Sites that were included in last year’s Visitors Guide are requested to submit a new form only if there are changes. New

sites and those that wish to note changes should use the online form and fax it to the Department of Economic Development no later than November 15, at 410.535.4585. The 2009 Visitors Guide is available online at www. ecalvert.com/content/tourism/ visitorsguide. Information for the 2010 Calvert County Calendar of Events is being gathered online at www.ecalvert.com. The online entry system allows organizations to update listings throughout the year with the latest information.

Photo By Sean Rice

Community groups, civic organizations, churches, visitor sites, cultural and arts societies, or other associations producing an event in Calvert County are encouraged to submit 2010 events for inclusion in the online calendar free of charge. Instructions for entering events online are available on the Web site.

110-Year-Old Tennison Wraps Up 30 Years of Cruising

he Wm. B. Te n n i s o n , Calvert Marine Museum’s historic tour boat, recently completed 30 years of cruising, since acquired by the county government in 1979. It was 110 years ago that the Tennison was first launched at Crab Island, in Somerset County. Constructed with nine large pitch-pine logs, the sixty-foot former buyboat holds 47 passengers and is designated as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built as a two-masted oyster-dredging bugeye for brothers B. P. and R. L. Miles, she was converted to a motor-powered oyster buyboat in 1906-07, and spent most of her early years in Virginia. The Tennison was purchased by the J. C. Lore & Sons oyster packing house in 1945, and served both as a buyboat and dredge boat on their leased oyster beds until the company closed in 1978. Since 1979, the Ten-

nison has carried almost 200,000 passengers on her regularly scheduled runs and charter trips during May through October. For many visitors to Calvert County, the Wm. B. Tennison provides the only opportunity to get out on the water and

Submitted Photo

experience the beautiful Patuxent River. The current crew is shown above on the deck of the Wm. B. Tennison. From left is Capt. Don Prescott, Bill Nichols, a relief captain and mate, Marvin Coon, mate, and Bill Keefe, relief captain.

Submitted Photo

“Halloween in the Garden” at Annmarie Garden in Solomons was a success, reports the arts center, with more than $3,300 raised for the Holiday Food Basket Program. “This is our best year to date. I wish that you could witness firsthand the difference that these food baskets mean to them,” said Phyllis Lester, Coordinator for the Holiday Food Basket Program. “My hope is that some day there will be no need for programs like this one because everyone will have enough food.” More than 5500 people attended the event on Saturday, Oct. 24, estimating that approximately 3,000 children filled their trick-or-treat bags with wonderful and fantastic delights. The weather was eerily spooky and spectacular. The award winners for the golden pumpkin for best overall booth display were presented to: Dominion Cove Point LNG, Sherry’s Dance Center and Solomons Day Care Center. More than 50 community organizations and local businesses decorated their spaces and wore costumes to hand out candy and treats to children of all ages. The Leomonaders, from Annmarie Garden’s summer camp, made $200 to donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The hard work of the Leomonaders will benefit children from all over. The event was made possible by sponsors including: Dominion Cove Point LNG, Solomons Town Centre, BAHR Insurance Agency, Brothers Johnson, Community Bank of Tri-County, Gateau Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Jan Kleponis/ O’Brien Realty, SMECO and World Gym.

Thursday, November-2009

Spotlight On

Students Receive AP Scholar Awards

hree hundred eighty three (383) Calvert County public high school students received awards from the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program Exams. One hundred sixty one students (161) earned the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3, 4 or 5. Seventy eight (78) students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. One hundred twenty four (124) students qualified for the AP Scholar with

Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Twenty (20) students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of 4 or higher on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. According to the College Board, the AP Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging, college-level courses while still in high school and to receive college credit, advanced placement credit in college, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. Students took the AP exams in May 2009 after completing AP courses in their Calvert County public high schools.

Photo by Sean Rice Emma File, left, Neil Winston, and Matt Schlogel are members of the Patuxent High School Jazz Ensemble, which performed Oct. 28 to kick off the Fall Preview Concert at the high school.

‘Speak Up’ Survey Under Way

alvert County Schools is participating in the “Speak Up” Survey again this year. This is a voluntary survey that is used for students, teachers, administrators and parents (in both English and Spanish) to share their opinions and perspectives regarding technology in our schools. Speak Up is an annual national research project facilitated by Project Tomorrow. The purpose of the project is to: • Collect and report the unfiltered feedback from students, parents and teachers on key educational issues.

Thursday, November-2009

• Use the data to stimulate local conversations. • Raise national awareness about the importance of including the viewpoints of students, parents, and teachers in the education dialogue. All schools in Calvert County have been registered. The Speak Up 2009 survey will be open from: Oct. 19 – Dec. 18, 2009. To access the survey during these dates students, parents, teachers and administrators will need to use the URL www.

speakup4schools.org/speakup2009 Use the password: ccps

The Spiggy Bobble Head Has Arrived

he long awaited “Spiggy Bobble” has arrived just in time for Christmas! It’s taken 6 months, but this past Friday, three pallets with 1,000 of these little guys arrived here at Hog Heaven, nicely packaged and ready to put under the Christmas Tree. They are being sold at the “Sports Paradise” store in St. Mary’s Square in Lexington Park and at the “Lighthouse Furnishings” store in the Lusby Town Center next to Food Lion. They are priced at $25 each and include a Certificate of Authenticity signed by me. Each Bobble is serialized. As of now 200+ of them have been promised to various benefactors and friends of the Hogettes. You will see one on the “Mike & Mike” Show on ESPN. Several sportswriters have requested their own “Spiggy” and Coach Zorn displays them on his desk at Redskins Park. Please note, ALL the money we earn from selling these little dudes goes to Children’s Hospitalwe do not make a penny! A great

firm in DC covered the costs for having these guys made and covered the costs for packaging and shipping them to us. I am the fourth Hogette to be honored with my own bobblehead and I have to tell you, it is a little bit of a “rush” to see this little “mini me” sitting on the dash of my RV! [Did I say he was “cute”???] Finally, let me leave you with this thought - you don’t have to be a Redskin Fan to buy one of these, but by purchasing one or more, you will be helping very needy families whose children are receiving wonderful life saving care at Children’s Hospital over the Holiday period. Think about it, how many gifts can you buy where all of the money goes to a great charity such as this! P.S. One of the neat things about these little guys is that they always “nod” yes! All my life I have tried to always say yes and really have tried to avoid the word “no” Thanks for listening. Your buddy in a dress! Dave “Spiggy” Spigler Lusby

Toys For Tots in Full Swing, Help Needed

here are only a few weeks until Christmas but there is still time to support the 2009 Calvert and St. Mary’s County Toys for Tots campaign. The mission of the Calvert and St. Mary’s County Toys for Tots Program is to collect new and unwrapped toys, and accept cash donations for the purpose of purchasing toys during the months of October, November and December. These toys will be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in Calvert and St. Mary’s County. You can support the local campaign by donating a new unwrapped toy to your community’s Toys for Tot campaign, volunteering your time to assist your community’s Toys for Tots campaign, donate service support to your community’s Toys for Tots campaign, allow Toys for Tots to place a toy collection box at your company/business or make a tax deductible donation to Toys for Tots through our local website www.calverttoysfortots.com. This year, there are more than 20 drop-off sites in Southern Maryland, according to Jerry Kepich with the American Legion Post 206 in Chesapeake Beach, which is sponsoring the local drive. Please help Toys for Tots deliver a message of hope to needy children in Calvert and St. Mary’s County. For more information, visit www.calverttoysfortots.com or for Calvert County contact PO1 Jerry Kepich at 301-379-1557 or jerrykepich@hotmail.com and St. Mary’s County contact GySgt David Trantham at 301-342-7776 for assistance. If you are a Calvert County resident and would like to request toys for your family, please contact one of the approved local Toys for Tots distributors: Catholic Charities at 410-535-0309 or Children’s

Aid Inc. at 410-414-4998. St. Mary’s County residents should contact GySgt David Trantham. Here are locations to take toys for the program: Dunkirk: Town Center BP; North Beach: Palm’s Day Salon; Chesapeake Beach: American Legion Post 206, Calvert County Public Library, Roland’s Market; Owings: Southern Maryland Automotive, Calvert County Public Library; Huntingtown: Lord Calvert Bowling Center, Power Sports Inc.; Publisher Prince Frederick: Bayside Associate Publisher Chevrolet Toyota, Calvert Editor County Public Library, Office Manager Applebee’s, Educate CelGraphic Artist ebrate, Radiology Imaging Advertising Associates; St. Leonard: Email Calvert Self Storage; LusPhone by: Calvert County Public Library, American Legion Staff Writers Guy Leonard Post 274; Solomons: PNC Andrea Shiell Bank; Waldorf: Babies Chris Stevens R Us, Toys R Us, Three Brothers Italian RestauContributing Writers Tony O’Donnell rant; LaPlata: Three BrothJoyce Baki ers Italian Restaurant. Gerald Clark The deadline for dropJ. Brown ping off toys is Dec. 18. Jerry Kepich American Legion Post 206, Chesapeake Beach

Thomas McKay Eric McKay Sean Rice Tobie Pulliam Angie Stalcup Preston Pratt info@somdpublishing.net 301-373-4125 Government Correspondent Community Correspondent Sports Correspondent

Southern Calvert Gazette P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636

Southern Calvert Gazette is a bi-weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Southern Calvert County. The Southern Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every other Thursday of the month. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. Southern Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. Southern Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers.

Thursday, November-2009

We’re stuck on helping our communities stay healthy.

P ages P

ast

Drum Point Lighthouse By Joyce Baki

Dominion supports health outreach programs that educate communities about wellness.

at Dominion, it’s our job to provide reliable energy that helps our customers stay safe, happy and healthy. But we’re not content to leave it there. as committed members of the communities we serve, we also play an active role in supporting programs that promote

healthy habits, teach disease prevention and lead to better, more productive lives. to learn more about how we’re putting our energy to work keeping our communities fit and healthy, visit www.dom.com, keyword: health.

Thursday, November-2009

ear the shoals of the northern approach to the Patuxent River where a number of ships had grounded, the Drum Point Lighthouse began operation on August 20, 1883. The structure was prefabricated and took thirty-three days to build, at a cost of $25,000. The first lighthouse keeper was Benjamin Gray, who had worked at the nearby Cove Point Lighthouse as assistant keeper. Forty-two cottage-style screwpile lighthouses were built on the Chesapeake Bay. Of these, only four survive today. It is a white hexagonal cottage sheathed in clapboard siding. The Allentown Rolling Mills of Philadelphia provided the wrought iron piles for the foundation, which were ten inches in diameter and bored directly into the sandy river bottom. On the main level of the one-and-ahalf story structure there is a gallery deck, first level sitting room, dining room, kitchen and a bedroom for the keeper. Extending through the center is a wooden support column with a spiral staircase winding around the pole to the second story, which provides an extra bedroom and space for the fog bell. Another staircase goes up to the lantern room. The original light was a fourth-order Fresnel lens that displayed a red light which could be seen at a distance of eleven nautical miles. Manufactured by the French firm of Henry LePaute, the light was made to shine over only 270 degrees of a full circle because the remaining light would have been cast over land. The light was later changed to a fixed white light with three red sectors. The octagonal lantern is painted black, and is made of wood sheathed in metal. Rung in foul weather, the fog bell was produced by the McShane Bell Foundry of Baltimore and weighed 1400 pounds. It had a 30-pound bell hammer which struck a double blow four times a minute. One of the duties of the keeper was to wind the 600-pound weights that powered the fog bells. Done every two hours when the weather obscured visibility, the keeper was allotted two minutes to rewind the striking mechanism once the weight was completely unwound. The complete logbooks exist (1883-1943) and provide an excellent glimpse in the life of a lighthouse keeper. While generally uneventful, a few incidents stand out. A sloop dragging its anchor would strike the lighthouse in 1885. It was believed that the boat’s crew was drunk. In 1886 an earthquake that hit Charleston, South Carolina was felt at the

lighthouse, shaking the fog bell machinery. During a cold winter in 1895, an ice floe from the river struck the station, knocking over chairs, but doing little damage to the lighthouse. James Weems was the keeper of Drum Point from 1891 to 1919. He had requested a transfer to a lighthouse on land to be near his family and his sick daughter, Mary. Normally a keeper’s family would not live on a screwpile, but an exception was made because Drum Point stood only a few hundred yards from shore. Sadly, Mary would die in1893. A granddaughter, Anna, was born at the lighthouse in 1906. Change occurred in the 20th century. In 1909 the red chimney was replaced with three red panels, showing red in three sectors and white in two, which allowed ships to navigate the river entrance by following the white lights. In 1919 a phone was installed. A severe storm in 1933 would sweep away the station’s motor boat, some weather equipment and flooding the first floor. The keeper, J.J. Daley, swam to shore to report the damage. Electricity came to the lighthouse in 1944 and became fully automated in 1960. The lighthouse would be discontinued in 1962. The last civilian keeper was John Hansen who would serve from 1943 – 1959. With the help of the Calvert County Historical Society, grants and the timely assistance of the B.F. Diamond Construction Company (whose barge would help with the move), the lighthouse was moved to the Calvert Marine Museum in 1975, restored to its early twentieth century appearance, and opened to the public on June 24, 1978. Anne Weems Ewalt, granddaughter of Keeper James Weems, oversaw refurnishing of the light, and even donated the original china used by the Weems family.

NOAA Photo

Bo lyp Ca in

Sweet Dreams Relocates to St. Leonard

Photo by Sean Rice Bonnie Blackwell holds one of the giant lollypops she has for sale at Sweet Dreams Candy Shoppe, which is in a new location in the St. Leonard town center.

fter five years in business at two other locations, Bonnie Blackwell has relocated her Sweet Dreams Candy Shoppe to the St. Leonard town center. “St. Leonard, it’s almost like coming home to me, because when I was a teenager, my father ran a grocery store where the sub shop is now,” Blackwell told The Southern Calvert Gazette. Sweet Dreams is now located a few doors down from her father’s old store, in a house at 4902 St. Leonard Road. She opened the doors in midOctober. Blackwell now has more space to work with than either of her previous locations, which she plans to use for special events, meetings, birthday parties, movie nights, game nights and other fun things she is still developing. “I have board games, free Wi-Fi, so customers can come in, sit down, eat some candy, watch a movie or play a game,” she said. Blackwell started the business at Calvert County Market in Prince Frederick, where the Green Turtle is now located. “When they closed the market, everybody had to find different places, I found a tiny house in North Beach.” She said North Beach worked out

well for a while, but with the downturn in the economy, and another candy store in town, it got to be a little expensive. “Now I’m closer to home, in a better location. I like being in the middle of the county,” she said. “I’m just trying to get the word out still.” And the word is that Sweet Dreams stocks just about every type of candy one could think up, from gumballs, giant lollypops and giant Jaw Breakers to hard-to-find Asher’s Chocolates, and even an old-fashioned penny candy section. “Though it averages out to about 6 cents now,” Blackwell said. Blackwell hopes her new centralized location will bring in customers from both ends of the county. The store is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Nonetheless, running a small business is in her blood, she said. And it’s also in memory of her husband, Michael Blackwell, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2001 while he was jogging. “I decided to open the store and call it Sweet Dreams, because whenever we went on vacation, he had to find an old-fashioned candy store and buy Boston Baked Beans,” Blackwell said. BY SEAN RICE (SCG) (info@somdpub-

“Hi, my name is Garth and I’m a beautiful approximately three year old male German Shepherd Dog. I’m very smart and always try my best to please. I’m presently living in a foster home with children and lots of other dogs both large and small. What I REALLY love is to ride in the car and do road trips! Now, I’m looking for that perfect person like YOU to give me the home I deserve. I’m up to date on vaccinations, neutered, house and crate trained and identification micro chipped. For more information, please call SECOND HOPE RESCUE at 240-9250628 or email lora@secondhoperescue. org. Please Adopt, Don’t Shop!”

Garth

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Would You Eat What’s Swept Up Off The Floor? By Ann Bowman

f the seven dogs we have cared for in our family through the years, three have died of cancer. The dogs we owned had been bred by individuals who cared passionately about the breed (Pembroke Welsh Corgis) and wanted to ensure that only the best were reproduced to continue the line. And yet many of these initially healthy dogs succumbed to the devastating affects of cancer. With hindsight I know the importance of diet in good health. I blame myself for not paying more attention to the diets of my dogs back then, and I blame the commercial dog food I was feeding my dogs. I trusted the manufacturers, not realizing that they were more concerned with profit then the good health of my pets. After World War II, great strides were made in all areas of industrialization in the United States, and this was evident in the food industry. Large companies who manufactured food for people realized that they could use the byproducts left over that were deemed unfit for human consumption and make food for dogs and cats. Grain was used as a binder for the food that could withstand the high temperatures and long cooking required in the manufacturing process. By adding chemical preservatives, the highly processed pet food would have a long shelf life. By adding chemical food enhancers, flavorings, and color, the manufacturer made the basically worthless food product palatable. Since dogs were often given nothing else to eat and dogs are by nature scavengers, they ate the food

provided. And because the manufacturer added needed vitamins and minerals to the recipes, the lives of the dogs and cats were sustained. However, many dogs and cats are now suffering from diseases rarely seen by veterinarians in the past. Fortunately, there are manufacturers of dog and cat food who see the link between food, nutrition, and health. Manufacturers of high quality petfood brands use whole food ingredients certified as safe for human consumption. No growth hormones, antibiotics, or artificial flavorings are found in these foods. They are naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols such as vitamin E. Toxins such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, chemicals that have either been banned or are heavily regulated in food for humans because they have been proven to be carcinogenic, are not used. We follow guidelines provided by The Whole Dog Journal: Look for foods that contain a lot of high-quality animal proteins; Reject any food containing meat by-products or poultry by-products; Reject foods containing fat or protein not identified by species; Look for use of whole grains and vegetables; Eliminate all foods with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives; and Eliminate all foods with added sweeteners. By following these guidelines in making educated, informed decisions about which type of food is best for our pets, we can avoid compromising their health and focus on providing excellent nutrition as the foundation for good care. Bowman is owner of Clipper’s Canine Café on Solomons Island

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rowing up in the grips of the Great Depression, Ed Miller always wanted to be a newspaperman. “I wanted to get into the newspaper business ever since I was a little kid. I wanted to be a big shot reporter. But it just didn’t work out,” said the 85-year-old Miller from an easy chair in the living room of his bay-view home in Drum Point. After serving in the U.S. Army for three consecutive wars (World War II, Korea and Vietnam), Miller has earned that easy chair. His life wasn’t easy, and he’s not taking it easy now either – staying busy with more responsi-

1 Man, 3 Before being shipped overseas, he had a good year of training – which began in Fort Myer, Va. and took him to South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, Death Valley, back to Virginia, then to California. At long last he was on a ship in early 1944 heading thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean to battle Japanese troops for the islands and territories they took since attacking Pearl Harbor. “We landed in Hawaii on April Fools Day, 1944, and I said, ‘Boy this is a joke’,” Miller recalled. That day began a long career in the Army for Miller, facing harrowing situations but also

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Thursday, November-2009

bilities, civic groups and clubs than most men half his age. In his teenage years in the 1930s, he had a cousin he was very close to who was in the Army stationed in Panama. That relationship, combined with the news of a surprise 353-warplane attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec, 7, 1941, ushered in Miller’s second calling in life. “I was on my mother and father something God-awful, ‘I wanna get in there. I want in there!’” he recalled. But he was only 17, his mother secretly didn’t want him to go, and the young Georgetown native had recently started his dreamed-of newspaper career with the Washington bureau of the New York Daily News. (a field which he never returned to) Two months after he turned 18 in 1942, the Army began accepting 18-year-olds and Miller was down at the recruiting station signing up.

providing an avenue for him to tour the world, meet lifelong friends and start a family. “I wouldn’t like to go through all of it again, but I enjoyed it when I had to … I got into a lot of different things. I don’t regret a bit of it,” Miller said. “Through it all, I just had a good time. I lived life to the fullest,” he said. “I never knew whether I was going to be alive or dead the next day, and I was going to have fun while I was at it.” The infantryman saw his first serious combat when his unit, the 77th Infantry Division, landed on Guam to help the U.S. Marines liberate the former U.S. possession from the Japanese. Like many veterans who saw the worst of the worst in battle, Miller readily like to talk about the death toll of war. “They say war is hell, and it is. There’s no getting around it, war is hell.”

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On The Cover

he Solomons World War II Monument, “On Watch.” is an eight-foot tall bronze statue at the end of Dowell Road created by Maryland artist and sculptor Antonio Tobias Mendez commemorating the people and work done at Amphibious Training Base, Solomons during World War II. This, the nation’s first amphibious training facility, was active for four years, from 1942-1945, and its effect on the area continues to be felt today. Over 68,000 servicemen trained there, and many of the local population worked there. The men who trained there formed the major components of the amphibious forces that served in both the European and Pacific Theaters of War - at places such as North Africa, Guadalcanal, Luzon, Sicily, Bouganville, Anzio, Iwo Jima, and Normandy. They served their country in some of the fiercest and most famous of America’s campaigns of World War II.

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The day came when Miller wasn’t sure if it was his last. After liberating Guam, he wound up on the islands of Okinawa in April 1945, an island chain that was the last stepping-stone before the planned big invasion of Japan (which never occurred due to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Japan’s surrender). Miller’s unit was one of the first to land on the islands that make up Oki Okinawa, and he was island- Miller, receiving one of his two Army Commendation medals. hopping with the 77th, easily taking the smaller said. “We had PX’s, we had Officers’ clubs, islands in the chain. “I must have been on 10 of them suck- NCO clubs and people were playing money games, They were sliding money out.” ers,” he said. There were only 15 people doing the inThey faced staunch resistance on the vestigations Miller was involved in, and he island of Ie Shima. The day Miller was struck with a mor- trained them all. They became good friends tar blast (his only injury in three wars), he and traveled the world. When he went into a had been sleeping behind a small wall on new location to investigate suspect theft, the the beach when he woke up to a familiar men working next to him were not aware he voice talking to his commanding officers – was an investigator, until of course when arit was the famous wartime battlefield news news- rests were made. “I was very fortunate. I went through three man, and friend of Miller’s, Ernie Pyle. His battlefield articles were syndicated in an wars and only got hit that one time,” he said. “I estimated 350 newspapers at the time, and got through the rest of them with no problem.” During his career he earned two Bronze Miller knew him when they both worked in Stars, two army commendation medals and the the news business in D.C. “So we were standing there talking Purple Heart, among other recognitions. The end came when his father-in-law died about that time when the Japanese opened up on us,” Miller said. And he got hit with and his wife wanted him home. To continue his a machine gun and killed him, and I got hit Army career, he had three choices – move the family to Germany or Hawaii, or take a job in with a mortar shell.” The battle for Okinawa was one of the the Pentagon. “Every time I came back to the States, I deadliest battles of WWII, leaving more dead than possibly the two atomic bomb bomb- wound up in the Pentagon,” Miller said. “And I ings, with more than 250,000 Japanese didn’t like that five-sided squirrel cage.” So he retired on Dec. 31, 1970, at Fort troops, American soldiers and civilians killed in Okinawa. The Japanese used an Meyer, Va., where his Army career began “28 estimated 1,500 kamikaze planes on the years, two months and 19 days” before. If he were 18 years old again today, would 1,600 Allied ships that surrounded Okinawa. After recovering, he rejoined his unit Miller be eager to enlist again to fight in in the Philippines, which was lined up to be Afghanistan? “No, I don’t think so. Not with the feeling among the first divisions to lead the invasion of Japan. After the war ended, Miller’s unit en- I have right now anyway.” “I just feel bad about those kids over there tered Japan not far from where he would have getting killed,” Miller said. “I think it’s a waste landed during the invasion. “It was estimated that the first 10 waves of bodies. A waste of the youth of this counwould have been totally wiped out on the land- try. It’s politics and money, and the two of them ing, and I was in the first wave to go in,” he don’t mix.” “But, I’m well pleased with what has hapsaid. Months later, Miller was back in the States, pened with me. I can’t fuss. I had two good to begin the second portion of his military ca- wives. I have eight great kids and 20-somereer. He spent years in two more war zones – thing grandkids.” Miller had four children with his first wife Korea and Vietnam – but he didn’t take part in any more combat. He spent his time working as in Italy, and four more with his current wife, a top-secret financial investigator, answering Carol, with whom he celebrates 40 years of marriage this month. directly to the Adjutant General of the Army. “Eh, she’s a sweetheart,” he said. “She “The last 18 years of my time I spent traveling around finding people that were playing puts up with me.” BY SEAN RICE (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net with money, I guess you could call it,” Miller

Photo By Sean Rice

410-474-5816 FREE ESTIMATES

Thursday, November-2009

Virginia Lee Adams, 76 Virginia Lee Adams, 76, of Lusby, MD, passed away peacefully at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Freder ick, MD on October 29, 2009. Mrs. Adams was born on September 23, 1933 in Takoma Park, Maryland to the late Virginia Crawford Payne and John Edward Payne. Mrs. Adams worked for numerous Doctors offices as a Medical Assistant and also with Veterinarians. Virginia loved being surrounded by her family and friends and her beloved animals especially her devoted companion Zachary. She is survived by her son James R. Adams of Lusby, MD; daughter Kari Wotton of Melborne, FL; granddaughter Kelli Clark of Aquasco, MD and her grandson Steven R. Adams of Lusby, MD. Mrs. Adams was preceded in death by her beloved husband Carlton R. Adams. The family received friends on Monday, November 2, from 6 to 8 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD. Where funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 3, at 1:00 PM with Pastor William Davis officiating. Interment followed in Solomons United Methodist Church Cemetery, Solomons, MD. Should friends desire contributions may be made in her memory to Calvert Hospice, P. O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, Donations are

encourage on-line at

calverthospice.org.

www.

James Thompson Briscoe, III, 80 James Thompson Briscoe, III, 80, of St. Leonard, MD, passed away peacefully at his residence on October 29, 2009. Mr. Briscoe was born December 21, 1928 in Calvert County, Maryland to the late Jeannie Parran Dawkins Briscoe and H. Clare Briscoe. Mr. Briscoe was a life long resident of Calvert County, MD, who attended the public schools there. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. Degree. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Japan and returned home to join his father on the family farm. He served on various local and state committees. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church where he served as registrar and vestry member, a member and past president of the Southern Maryland Society and vice president of the founding Board of Directors of the Calverton School. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cassandra Parran Briscoe, a daughter Shannon Briscoe Campbell and two sons, Crofton Briscoe and Parran Briscoe, all of St. Leonard, MD. He is also survived by five grandchildren. Mr. Briscoe was preceded in death by his two brothers Dr. Philip Briscoe and John D. Briscoe. The family received friends on Monday, November 2, from 4 to 7 PM at “Stonesby” 7210 Parkers Wharf Road, St. Leonard, MD. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, November 3, at Christ Episcopal Church, 3100 Broomes Island Road, Port

Republic, MD, with Father John Howanstine officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Philip Briscoe, John Briscoe, Thomas Briscoe, James McNatt, Barton Ewalt and Marshall Bacot. Inurnment followed the services in the church cemetery. Should friends desire contributions may be made in his memory to The Calverton School, 300 Calverton School Rd., Huntingtown, MD 20639, www.calvertonschool.org or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Port Republic, MD.

Ruth Marie Hendricks Denton, 68 Ruth Marie Hendricks Denton, 68, of Broomes Island, MD passed away October 22, 2009 at the Asbury~Solomons Health Care Center. She was born January 17, 1941 in Martinsburg, WV, daughter of the late Bessie and John W. Hendricks. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles W. Denton. She graduated from Shepherdstown High School in 1958 and Shepherd College in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. She taught music education in the Baltimore City Schools and Calvert County Maryland Schools. She was a secretary for many years and was Choir Director for 40 years at Trinity United Methodist Church in Prince Frederick, MD. While at Trinity United Methodist Church she received much inspiration, fun, fellowship, and lasting friendships with fellow members, choir voices, and handbell members.

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Thursday, November-2009

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In addition to her love of music she loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with friends, as well as planning and hosting trips. She is survived by a son Mark Denton of Austin, TX; a daughter Julie Denton of Edgewater, MD; a brother John Hendricks of Shepherdstown, WV and a sister Mary Catherine Handzo of Summerville, SC. The family received friends on Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 2 – 5 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, Port Republic, MD. Funeral Services were held Monday, October 26, 2009 at 11AM in Trinity United Methodist Church, Prince Frederick, MD with Rev. Charles Harrell officiating. Interment followed in the Christ Church Cemetery, Port Republic, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Choir Fund, 90 Church Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 and / or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202

Anne Digges Vaughan, 94 Anne Digges Vaughan, 94, of Prince Frederick, MD died of pulmonary hypertension on October 19, 2009 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Freder ick, MD. She was born in Baltimore, MD on July 2, 1915 to the late Dr. Francis Henry Digges and Nina Chesley Bond. She married E. Stuart Vaughan

in 1949, and they moved to her mother’s family place, known as “The Reserve,” near Prince Frederick, a 500-acre farm which was an English land grant in the 1600’s, and renovated the 17th century house one room at a time. Mrs. Vaughan worked in real estate with her husband for many years. At one time they operated a nursery with stock from the Carolinas. She was an avid horticulturalist, growing camellias and azaleas, and an active member of the Calvert Garden Club for many years. Artistic and skilled in genealogy, she painted coats-of-arms and did pastel portraits. She was a member of the Central Committee of the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage, since 1989, arranging tours of Calvert County houses, and an active member of the Calvert County Historical Society. An original member of the Calvert County Architectural Review Committee, which approves designs of new commercial buildings, she served for 20 years and received an outstanding service award when she retired in 2008. She was an active communicant at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church from 1949 until recently when her health failed. Mrs. Vaughan is survived by her daughter, Anne-Steuart Vaughan Palmer (husband Charles H. Palmer, III) of Roland Park, MD and their daughters, Mary, Emily and Julia Palmer, and her son, Henry S. “Hal” Vaughan (wife Jacqueline Vaughan) of Huntingtown, MD and their children, Sarah Vaughan and James B. Whitney. Her husband predeceased her in 1994. She is also survived by her first cousins, Sarah W. Geary of Alexandria,, VA, and Dr. Robert B. Welch of An-

napolis, MD. The family received friends on Friday, October 23, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 Church Street, Prince Frederick, MD where funeral services were held on Saturday, October 24th at 11:00 AM. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or to the Calvert County Historical Society, P. O. Box 358, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Arrangements by the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Port Republic, MD.

Annabelle Horner Glascock, 76 Annabelle Horner Glascock, 76, of Solomons Island, MD, died at home on October 18, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. B o r n in Somerset County on March 30, 1933, she was the daughter of Luther and Ruth Horner of Mt. Vernon, MD. She married Bedford C. Glascock on December 31, 1992 and moved to Solomons. After graduating from Washington High School in Princess Anne, she attended college and trained as an X-Ray technologist. Her twenty-plus year career in this field at the Peninsula General Hospital, in Salisbury, MD, was a source of pride and satisfaction throughout her life. Annabelle was preceded in death by her father, Luther. She is survived by her husband, Bedford: her mother, Ruth, of Manokin Manor: daughter, Lisa Sherman and husband Jon, of Dallas, TX: son, Wayne Layfield and wife Elizabeth of Westover, MD: stepson, Bill Glascock and wife Kathleen, of Solomons: stepdaughter, Beth Wyrough and husband Page, of Lothian, MD, as well as five grandchildren. Pallbearers were Alton Kersey, Terrence Gibson, William Glascock, Page Wyrough and Leroy Gardner. Honorary pallbearers are Donald Smith and Edward Adams. Visitation was held at the

Rausch Funeral Home, P.A. in Lusby, MD on Thursday , October 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM, Friday, October 23 at Middleham Chapel in Lusby, MD, with internment following the service. Memorial contributions can be made to Calvert Hospice, www.calverthospice.org, or P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Hortense Virginia Wilson, 76 Hortense Virginia Wilson, 76, of Chesapeake Beach, MD departed this life from under the sun on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis Mar yland. She was born in Prince Freder ick, MD on June 24, 1933 to the late Caleb Sherbert and Mary Geneva Hicks. Hortense fought a long hard battle but never once complained. She had been a resident of the Heritage Harbor Rehabilitation Center in Annapolis, MD. She attended and graduated from William Sampson Brooks High School in 1950. In 1959, Hortense married Robert Louis Wilson, Sr. From this union, she mothered two stepchildren, Joan and Randuullah (Sterling). Hortense worked for the late Louis L. Goldstein, the Calvert County School system as a Teacher’s Aide and retired from the Department of Veterans Administration as an Executive Assistant. She was a lifetime member of Mt. Olive United Methodist Church in Prince Frederick, MD and was also a lifetime member of the Eastern Star, Chapter 28. She was well known for being one of the members of the Wayward Travelers Gospel Singing Group and also as a member of the Christ Calling Crusaders. Hortense was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Louis Wilson, Sr. and beloved brothers, John “Olandus” and Charles Parran. She leaves to cherish her memories step-children Joan R. Smith-Sharps (Norman),

Randuullah Islam “Vanessa”, Claudia Wilson (Oscar), Joyce Wilson, Robert Sylvester Wilson (Earline), and Robert Louis Wilson Jr.; three brothers Walter Parran (Jill), Wilson Parran (Roberta), Oliver Parran (Ava), two sisters June Parran and Ruby Neely; two more sisters-in-law Marie Parran and Marydell Jones; close cousins Oliver “Pete”, Rosalie, Vivian, Wilson Jr., Ann, Rosalie, Thelma and Carrie . She also leaves nine step-grandchildren and nine step-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, one godson Ronald Freeland and other relatives to cherish her memory. Funeral service was held on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 11:00 am at Mt. Olive UM Church, Prince Frederick, MD with Pastor Patricia M. Berry, officiating. The interment was at Mt. Olive UM Church Cemetery, Prince Frederick, MD. The pallbearers were Barry Parran, David Parran, Hamilton M. Parran, II, Wilson Parran, Jr., Melvin Sherbert and Oliver Sherbert. Funeral arrangements

provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

Susan Helen Barton, 53 Susan Helen Barton, 53, passed away at her home on Friday, September 25, 2009 after a brief illness. Susan was born June 18, 1956 in Cheverly, MD. She was a graduate of the University of Maryland and was a lifelong Maryland resident. Susan had worked for her beloved Wa sh i ng t o n Redskins, The Calvert Independent, The Washington Post and Carey Int e r n a t io n a l , Inc. She is survived by her daughter, Brianne Alexandra Barton, who was the center of her life. She is also survived by her brothers, Ric Barton and wife of Cleveland, OH and Dr. James Barton and wife of Williamsburg, VA; her sister, Sally Barton of Wil-

liamsburg, VA; her stepmother, Dorothy Barton of Huntingtown, MD; and five nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard E. Barton, Sr., her mother, Mildred Helen Barton, grandparents George E. and Helen E. Barton of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Stanley and Anne Rinkunas of Bethlehem, PA. Services were held to remember and honor Susan’’s life at 11 a.m., Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church, 13025 Good Samaritan Dr., Waldorf. The family received friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Susan to The Eric and Cara Thorn Memorial Scholarship Fund http://www.bcf.org/ scholarships/scholarshipdetail. aspx?sid=11 or The International Wolf Center http://www. wolf.org/wolves/support/give/ memorial.asp

Starting a Community of faith in LuSby

Are you interested in learning about and participating in a new community of faith in Lusby? If so, you are invited to a six week Bible study that will meet every Saturday evening from October 17 – November 21 at 7:00PM in the Boardroom at the Holiday Inn Solomons, 155 Holiday Drive, Solomons, Maryland. Each study will last one hour, using the Bible to teach the God given mission and purpose of a Church. Find out more about The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Lusby by going to www.cmamad.org/Lusby.

Solomons, 155 Holiday Drive, Solomons, Maryland. Find out more about The Alliance in Lusby by going to www.cmamad.org/Lusby

Thursday, November-2009

9545 H.G. TRUEMAN RD., P.O. BOX 1893, LUSBY, MD 20657 (Located across from BGE Ballfield)

Home • Auto • Life • Health • Boat • Cycle • Business

410-394-9000 Fax: 410-394-9020 ronald@jetmoreinsurancegroup.com

Ronny Jetmore Independent Agent

Representing Over 20 Leading Companies

CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate You will love this beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath town home that sits right on the Chesapeake Bay and gives you a panoramic view of the water, the cliff shoreline, and wildlife. Recently remodeled, it has a large brick fireplace for auxiliary heating in addition to the central heat-pump system, french doors to the bedroom and french doors to the double sink bath room, Konecto simulated oak wood floors, a kitchen island for entertaining guests as you cook in the kitchen on your Jenn-aire stove, washer/dryer upstairs, and it has been freshly painted in beach ambience colors. Enter via your new Larson hideaway screen door and new front door and immediately you see the oceanfront through the rear Pella patio doors inviting you to come outside. Just 55 minutes from Rt. 495 in Washington, DC or Rt 695 in Baltimore. Why fight the bridge traffic to Ocean City when this is so close by and such a great getaway. Price just reduced! Do you need closing help--call to discuss, and we will try to accommodate you. Agents welcomed. Call 301-254-8723. Price: $385,000

Real Estate Rentals Great 3 BDR, 1BA home in Drum Point. Move in today! House has fresh paint, large eat-in kitchen, detached garage, and flat lot in quiet Drum Point neighborhood. Short commute to PAX or DC. Pets are welcome with pet fee. Call or e-mail to arrange your walk-through! 410-495-8139 or tfiore1@verizon.net. Price: $1,200.

t n a r u Resta

Waterfront Solomons Landing 2 BR, 2 BA ground-floor condominium--25 min. from NAS Patuxent River, 25 min. from Calvert Cliffs. Convenient cul-de-sac parking steps away from front door. Complex includes swimming pool, marina, tennis courts, recreation pavilion. Stacking washer/dryer in unit. Unit includes back deck overlooking Back Creek, wood fireplace, and whirlpool spa tub in master bath. Bike or walk to excellent restaurants and shopping on Solomons Island! Contact Cannon Real Estate Development in Solomons, MD, for showing unit (410) 326-3666. Rent: $1400.

Locally! aces to Dine Find Great Pl

Vehicles

Up for sale is a 1993 Ford Mustang GT with a bone stock 5.0 engine. Everything on this car is original, never been raced or drove hard. Normal wear and tear is all. A must see to appreciate kinda car. Newer tires, new exhaust and radiator. For more information call Patty at 410-474-4365. $5000 OBO.

2006 Polaris Hawkeye 4x4, 299 cc, green and black, 850 hours. Excelent condition for both the body and mechanically. Equipped with tow winch and trailer hitch. Recently purchased, just do not have the time nor the land to accomidate. $2700 / OBO. Serious inquires only please. 410-474-5972.

$ 18

Thursday, November-2009

The Southern Calvert Gazette will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The Southern Calvert Gazette reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The Southern Calvert Gazette. 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. To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: classifieds@somdpublishing.net or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The Southern County Gazette is published each Thursday.

Out About

‘Hearts Fall Apart’

n Tuesday, Nov. 10, Calvert Library Prince Frederick will host Patuxent Pearls from 4:30 – 5 p.m. in the Café where they will entertain with a collection of patriotic songs. This will be followed by a pre-Veteran’s day program at 7 p.m. This 90-minute program, Hearts Far Apart, will be opening with a panel of six military veterans or spouses of different war experiences talking about what it was like to be separated from loved ones during their war years, what they missed, and letters from home that meant the most. This is not about the combat experience, but the human side of war years. Speakers will include George Owings III, retired Judge Thomas Rymer, Peter Weeks, Rosalie Safreed, Carolyn Graessle and Jim Zegal. The second half of the program will be open to public sharing of similar war era experiences. Please come to honor our veterans, their families, and their sacrifices in this evening of colorful reminiscence and respect. This is an excellent opportunity to show your family part of the real meaning of Veteran’s Day.

Free Estate Planning Workshop

he Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) will host a free Advanced Estate Planning Workshop, the second in an ongoing series of four workshops on Estate Planning specifically designed to benefit the region’s agricultural and farm business community. The Advanced Estate Planning Workshop is a follow up to the Estate Planning seminar held earlier this year and will be a more in-depth discussion covering the key elements of advanced estate planning strategies. The Advanced Workshop will stress the importance of estate planning to protect the family farm and financial assets from excessive taxation. Topics will include selling or keeping the farm business in the family, transferring assets within the family, preparing the family for the transfer of assets, including business structures, protecting and growing your money, philanthropy, and selecting your financial team. Anyone interested in the topic of estate planning is invited to attend. Forthcoming SMADC workshops will feature sessions on Insurance and Long Term Care on December 7 and Retirement Planning and Investments on January 11, 2010. The Advanced Estate Planning Workshop is free to the public and will take place on Monday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. in the SMECO Auditorium located at 15035 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville.

Saturday, Nov. 7

Saturday, Nov. 14

• Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse’s 9th Annual Stepby-Step 5K Fun Run/Walk Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons. 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Runners, walkers, strollers welcomed. Registration and check-in at 8 a.m. $20 advance registration; $25 day of race. $10 in advance for students, CBRC and CAASA members. 410-535-3733

• New Works, featuring Abbey Griffin and Mimi Little CalvART Gallery, located in the Prince Frederick Shopping Center, will feature a gallery showing New Works, featuring Abbey Griffin and Mimi Little from Nov. 11-22. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. www.calvartgallery.org

Tuesday, Nov. 10 • Remembering Courage and Honoring Sacrifices Calvert County Office on Aging, 90 Appeal Lane, Lusby, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wear your old military uniform, bring in photos, or just come to be honored. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. All veterans and guests will receive lunch and a gift of thanks. Preregistration is required. 410-5862748

Thursday, Nov. 12 • Manga Night at Calvert Library Illustrator McNevin Hayes will be teaching a manga workshop here at the Calvert Library Prince Frederick at 7 p.m. Manga is the popular Japanese-style cartooning so rabidly popular in the United States. If you are an artist, young or otherwise, looking to appeal to the teen audience or just expand your horizons, this is the workshop for you. Registration is required, so sign up soon! Teens and anime fans of all ages are welcome. For more information please call Calvert Library at 301-855-1862 or 410-535-0291 or visit us online at http://calvert.lib.md.us.

Saturday, Nov. 21-22 • Alpaca Christmas Bazaar Finca Serena Alpaca Ranch, 1930 Rosemary Lane, Port Republic. Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Alpaca Christmas Bazaar. The Finca Serena Alpaca Ranch will offer an array of Alpaca accessories, hand-made items and products for the entire family, all made from the fleece of their Alpacas. Stop by and meet the Alpacas and the llamas from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call 443-498-8476.

• Annual Ornament Show & Sale Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Find one-of-a-kind orna-

Tuesday, Nov. 24– Feb. 14, 2010 • GLOW Annmarie Garden Scuplture Park & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD Let there be light! During the darkening months of the year, light artists will set the Arts Building aglow with their work. www.annmariegarden.org or 410-326-4640

Wednesday Nov. 25 – Jan. 3, 2010 • Gifts for a Lifetime CalvArt Gallery, Prince Frederick Shopping Center. Gallery showing of all artists. Opening reception Saturday, December 5, 2009, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. www. calvertarts.org or 410-257-7005

Friday, Nov. 27 – 29

Nov. 24, 2009 – January 2, 2010

be m e v o

ments created by talented artists from across the region. www.annmariegarden.org or 410-326-4640

• Festival of Trees Calvert Hospice, Huntingtown High School. Over 70 beautifully decorated trees. Preview gala, vendors, gift shop, entertainment, breakfast and lunch with Santa. www.calverthospice.org or 410-535-0892

r 13

Friday, Nov. 13 • Republican Women of Southern Calvert Style Fair Holiday Inn Solomons Conference Center & Marina, 155 Holiday Drive, Solomons. Enjoy a variety of vendors, New York fashions, music, entertainment and hors d’oeuvres. Advance admission $30; $35 at the door. E-mail

mbless@chesapeake.net

• The Fabulous Thunderbirds Calvert Marine Museum, 14150 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Enjoy Texas-style blues and power rock sounds of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. General admission $45 (additional service fees apply). Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Beer, wine, soda and water available. www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or 410-326-2042

Thursday, November-2009

Patuxent Takes Two Tough Losses

t was a tough two weeks for the Patuxent High School football team as they took two tough losses to Westlake and Chopticon ending their 2-A playoff hopes. On Friday Oct. 23 they headed to Waldorf and faced a very tough Westlake team that had already clinched a playoff birth and the Wolverines took the victory 41-14. After a scoreless first quarter, Frank Taitano started the scoring in the for Patuxent breaking a 89-yard run for a touchdown to start the second quarter. It was all Westlake after that as Antoine Reese scored twice in the second, with scoring runs of one and four yards. The Westlake attack was very balanced as five players rushed for over 50 yards and the Wolverines totaled 390 yards on the ground. Julian Blair scored on a 61-yard pass from Chris Istvan to begin the second half.

Istvan finished his day completing 4 of 11 passes for 93 yards. Taitano scored again for Patuxent on a one-yard run in the fourth quarter and finished the night with 138 yards rushing on 10 carries as well as 40 receiving yards. Reese scored on a one yard run ending his night with 60 yards on 15 carries and three TDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Staff Photo Kendall Jefferson led all Westlake runners with 78 yards rushing. The Patuxent High School Panthers line up against the Chopticon High School Braves during their match up on Oct. Desmond Betts finished the scor- 30. The Braves squeaked out a 7-6 win. ing with a 68-yard TD run late in line kept Star Running back Frank Taitano ties that were lost as the Chopticon defense the game. in check holding him to 90 yards rushing kept coming up with big plays to stop drives. Last Friday, it was Senior Night in Lus- and no touchdowns. Chopticon got its only Patuxentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defensive unit was led in both by and the Chopticon Braves spoiled the par- points on a third quarter TD pass from new games by Marquez Stewart, totaling 21 tackty with a 7-6 win. The Braves knocked the QB Tyler Hayhurst to Michael Gilmartin for les and 17 assists. Panthers out of the playoff picture in a very 15 yards. Zach Hagelin had the only score Patuxent will finish their season tomortough defensive battle. Nick Landavazo, Vir- for Patuxent and the extra point was missed. row night with a trip to Baltimore to face gil Dickerson and the Braves defensive front Patuxent had a few second half opportuni- Eastern Tech. Game time is 7 p.m.

Thursday, November-2009

St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge #2092 Supports the Wounded Warrior Project

2009/2010

UpCoMing EvEntS:

To Benefit Wounded Warrior Project

Nov 14th & 15th November 21st th Fishing tournament Charity Ball

November 14 5K Walk/Run

Location – Buzz’s Marina Ridge, Maryland @ buzzsmarina.com Date – November 14th & 15th Times – Dawn to 3:30PM Entry Fee - $125.00 Cash Prizes

Location – Cheeseburger In Paradise Registration at 7:00 a.m. Start time 8:00 a.m.

Pre-register @ bpoe2092.org Call Buzz’s for more details at 301-872-5887

Special Guest Speaker 1st Lt. Denis Oliverio USMC (ret) - Wounded Warrior Project Dinner: Lobster & New York Strip Roast 6:00 p.m. Presentation: 7:00 p.m.

Thanks for your support in 2009!

Happy Holiday’s

All pavement course closes at 9:15 a.m.

$25 entry fee

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Thursday, November-2009

here’s something to be said for the classics, whether you’re talking Ludwig Van Beethoven or “Roll Over Beethoven”, each seems infused with its own sense of charm, and whether you lived through the era that produced such sounds, they still make you nostalgic. Such may have been the fervor that led to guitarist and singer Ronnie Joyner starting up what may be the only rockabilly band in Southern Maryland, the Flea Bops (the name inspired by “The Lord Flea Band” featured in a campy 1957 rock-n-roll B-movie called “Bop Girl Goes Calypso”), harkening back to that blend of rock and “hillbilly” music that made fashionable the likes of Elvis, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and later emulators like the

‘Flea Bops’ Share the Rockabilly Bug Stray Cats. And as a genre rockabilly is anything but subtle. It oozes nostalgia. Ronnie wrote in an email interview that the conversation that led him to his band mates was over a hairstyle, of all things. At a small rockabilly show in Oxon Hill in 1992, “I was approached by a guy wearing a Sun Records t-shirt. Sun Records is the legendary label that put out the seminal recordings by guys like Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash to name a few … that Sun t-shirt grabbed me right away. Looking at my hair (which was styled in a “piled-high slicked-up pompadour”), he asked me if I was a rockabilly fan.” From there Ronnie said he was invited to come see a band called Go Cat Go, where he met their drummer, “a stylish Gene Krupal o o k-

ing guy named Lance LeBeau (drums). His wife, Wendy (stand-up bass and vocals), and his younger brother, Preston (lead guitar).” During a break the trio, who had been stealing glances at Joyner’s 50s-inspired hairdo, asked him if he’d be interested in singing in their new band, and for the last 17 years, that’s exactly what he’s been doing, though he did admit it had been difficult for him to adjust. “My singing had always been relegated to showers or stairwells where the natural acoustics elevated my ‘talent’ -- so I’d never performed in public before,” but after performing their first awkward show at the Laugh Laughing Lizard Lounge in Alexandria, Va., and meshing more often at Lance and Wendy’s house as the band practiced, a comfortable dynamic emerged. Since then they’ve played shows all over D.C., Arlington and Baltimore, also making appearances at Rockabilly tribute shows like the Rocka Rockabilly Rave in Las Vegas, where they debuted their third release on Vinylux Records, a 10-inch 33-RPM vinyl-only 6-song EP called “Gotta Bop”. As for local gigs, Ronnie said that most that occur within the tri-county area are “oddball” gigs, “like the Cobb Island gig we have coming up at The Drift Away Inn … for the most part we do not play too many local gigs. There are not a lot of local venues that cater to our niche.” Still, it’s a niche this group fits in many more ways than one. “To us, the “old school mentality” applies to all aspects of our craft. Our original songs are written to the same tried and true themes of the pioneers of the genre -- love, heartbreak and regular down-home life issues,” wrote Joyner. “When we play our songs, we keep it simple and in line with the basic blueprint that was laid down in the 1950s. When we record, we do it the way it was done ‘back in the day’ -- live in studio to one track (tape) with no overdubs.” Such an approach makes for an interesting blend of “slap-back” echoing sound – defined as a characteristic of the genre, this same sort of re reverberating sound that characterized surf music in the 1960s, and which highlights Ronnie’s singing, a blend of vocal styles echoing Elvis and Buddy Holly, among others. And of course, the nostalgia still oozes freely. The Flea Bops will be playing next at the Drift Away Inn at Cobb Island on Friday, Nov. 6. For more information on the band and copies of their albums, go to http://vinylux.com/fleabops. ht htm m. BY ANDREA SHIELL (CT) info@somdpublishing. net

Thursday, November-2009

On the

Water

Affinity – Making the Connection By Sherrod Sturrock

ne of t h e bu z z words in museums these days is “affinity groups” as in, getting people who share a common interest to use the museum as a meeting place. Here at the Calvert Marine Museum this is not a new concept, but one that has grown and evolved quite naturally over the 39 years of the museum’s existence. In essence, our mission is grounded in community and built on the concept of affinity. So, what does that mean? Well, one of the first museum ‘affinity groups’ dates back to the earliest days of the museum’s history when Pepper Langley started the Carving Club and invited anyone interested in traditional maritime carving to join him in the shop on Saturdays. The Patuxent Small Craft Guild is another affinity group that has grown up with the museum. Working with Boatwright George Surgent, these boat enthusiasts come together twice a week to build, repair, or refinish traditional wooden boats. The Solomons Island Model Boat Club is another affinity group with a thriving membership. The notion of ‘boys and their toys’ comes to mind watching these men “play” with their carefully crafted radio controlled model boats in the basin behind the museum. They take their play very seriously, and have a wonderful time doing it. And then there is the

Canoe and Kayak Club whose members gather throughout the spring, summer, and fall to explore the creeks and back waters of the area in their canoes and kayaks, as well as helping novices learn new skills in the museum’s boat basin. Not to be outdone by the boat-oriented affinity groups, we have the Fossil Club. These enthusiastic hunters comb the beaches and by-ways searching out rare fossil clues from the distant past, which they hold dearer than precious metals. Working with the museum’s paleontologist, Dr. Stephen Godfrey, they publish “The Ecphora” a quarterly newsletter, hold quarterly lectures on topics of interest, and go on fossil hunting excursions. And then there are the lighthouse people. Being an institution that boasts two lighthouses, we are a natural spot for these folks to alight. They come twice a year, for the September Lighthouse Challenge, and in January for Chesapeake Lights, a day that highlights lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay. Not as closely linked to us as the other clubs, they make up for it in the intensity of their dedication. Perhaps our largest, most diverse, and most active affinity group is our volunteer corps – individuals who have found friends and purpose here while using their skills and talents in a way that gives back to the community. The museum is in the unique position of being able to bring people together to do things they are passionate about in an atmosphere of support and encouragement. It is reminiscent of childhood, when you shared your collecting passion with like-minded friends. So, if you’re looking for an affinity group, check us out. We’re all about making connections. Sherrod Sturrock is the Deputy Director of the Calvert Marine Museum. She can be reached at sturrosa@ co.cal.md.us.

Thanksgiving Buffet

Thursday, November 26th, served 12 noon to 6 pm

Roast Turkey, Honey Glazed Ham, Baked New England Cod,

Carrot-Ginger Orange Soup, Oyster Stew, Scalloped Oysters, Sweet Potato Casserole, Mashed Potatoes and gravy, Traditional Bread Stuffing, Cornbread Dressing, Brussels Sprouts, Green Bean Casserole, Butternut Squash Ravioli, Corn Pudding,Tossed Salad, Ambrosia Salad, Waldorf Salad, Broccoli Salad and Red Potato Salad Plus: Apple Crisp, Mini Fruit Tarts, Cheese Cake, Mince Meat Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Bread Pudding, Carrot Cake and more...

$28.95 Adults  $15.95 Children 5-10 $8.95 Children 4 & under

Limited Menu available 11 am to 9 pm Complete Family Meals To-Go! (with 72 hours notice) Contact our Sales Department for details.

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4160 Mears Avenue, Chesapeake Beach Reservations: Local 410-257-2735  DC 301-855-8351

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American Legion Post 274 H G Trueman Rd in Lusby

Bull & Oyster Roast November 14th 2-6 pm

Las Vegas Night starting at 3 pm $25/person advance/$30 @ the door Public Welcome Call 410-326-3274 for details

Lusby Shell

“Good Service Is Our Way Of Life” 11550 Harry Truman Rd. Lusby, MD 20657 • 410-326-9883

Brake Special

Plus Tax *per axle

Pad RePlacement rotor replacement extra.

Not valid with any other offers. Inquire for details. Expires 12/31/09.

Thursday, November-2009