Gazette
Southern Calvert
December 2009
Priceless
Everything Solomons, Lusby,
AnnmAriE GArdEn HArvEstinG CulturE PAGE 12
Census to Hire 600700 Locally Story Page 5
Highway Safety Office May Merge With A. Arundel Story Page 6
Your Paper... Your Thoughts Does the Southern Branch of the Calvert Public Library in Lusby suit your needs?
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December 11-13th
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Tilapia Fillets
Colossal Sea Scallops
$4.98 LB.
Tuna Steaks Fresh Wild Caught
Farm Raised IQF
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Flounder Fillets Fresh Wild Caught
Fresh Local Oysters
Red Snapper Fillets Fresh Wild Caught
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Fresh USA Wild Caught
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Pasterurized Lump Crab Meat
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Frozen Lobsters
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Patuxent Plaza • 13920 Solomons Island Road • South Solomons, MD Phone: 410-326-3999 • Store Hours: Mon – Sat. 8am – 9 pm • Sun. 8am - 7pm
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“It works great for me,” said Frank Allred, who recently moved to Lusby. “I like to come here and get on the computer and check my email and things. It’s a nice environment. If there’s any problem they always help me.”
“I think it should be more like the Prince Frederick Library, because I do a lot of stuff online, so I request stuff online and have to wait for it to get here,” said Latosha Miller, of Lusby. “It would be nice if I could just come here and get it, instead of having to wait for it to come from another library.” Miller said when she brings her children, there is always a wait to get on a computer. And, with only two checkout lines, there is often a wait to check books out. “The self-checkout they have in Prince Frederick is really helpful,” she said. “It would be really nice to have this remodeled, and something bigger and better,” Miller said. “It seems like all the other libraries around are much nicer.”
“I’ve been bringing them up here since [my daughter] was about 2 for story time, which they do in another room here,” said Jen Magee, of Lusby. “We love the library.” “She’s the primary user of the family.” Jen Magee said of her daughter, Leyna, 17. Leyna said she never has a problem finding what she wants at the library, and if they don’t have it, they ship it there. “They have a lot of activities. There’s something for everybody,” said Liam Magee, 11. Jen Magee said they have been to the new library in Prince Frederick, and “it’s enormous, like scary enormous.” “I’ve never had a problem getting on a computer,” Jen Magee said. “It’s kind of small but they pack a lot into it.”
On T he Cover
Stacey Hann-Ruff, director of Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and Arts center, puts the finishing touches on a display showcasing this month’s exhibits – Garden in Lights and Glow.
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community
Executive Director of Calvert Hospice, Lynn Bonde, center, cuts through a ceremonial ribbon at the new Burnett-Calvert Hospice House on Nov. 21. SEE PAGE 9
d y o e y ’s If y
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Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans said the DARE program benefits from the Calvert Alliance’s mini-grants. SEE PAGE 4
out & about
FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 19 IN OUT AND ABOUT
New Patuxent High School boys’ basketball coach Lou Bruno said he has a hard working group that respect each other, which is key. SEE PAGE 20
nd December 4-6 2009 a h g i H es d i T w Lo Day
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Local News
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Delegate Column
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Community
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Education
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Letters
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Cover Story
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History
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Entertainment
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Obituaries
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Business Directory
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Out & About
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Sports
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Locals
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LOCAL NEWS
Grants Available For Substance Abuse Prevention
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alvert County’s major subCAASA has operated in Calvert stance abuse prevention group County for two decades promoting alcohol is putting out a number of small and drug-free lifestyles through education, grants to schools and other organizations to training, events and fundraising as well as fund programs to keep people away from partnerships with local law enforcement. drug and alcohol addiction. The organization also sponsors Project Candice D’Agostino, director of the Graduation, which ensures that teens avoid Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, alcohol during their celebration of graduatsaid that about $3,500 in funds from the or- ing from high school. BY GUY LEONARD (CT) info@somdpublishing.net ganization are now available for dissemination to groups that apply for the money. Groups who apply for the funds are required to show how they would use the money and show the effectiveness of their program. D’Agostino said that programs at the local schools have been some of the most effective, with schools like Dowell Elementary School using the money to fund public service announcements created by students to be broadcast over the school’s announcements channel All the school had to use the money for was to buy a camera and a microphone to record the announcements, D’Agostino said. “It’s amazing how much somebody can do with a little money,” D’Agostino said. Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans called the money that CAASA has provided over the past 15 years effective in combating substance abuse, “especially the programs in the schools.” CAASA money also helps fund the sheriff’s office DARE program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), which now instructs middle school students. Evans said that about $200 to $300 goes to each of the county’s middle schools to help round out the program’s costs. “Anything you can do to get them Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans to just say no [to drugs] an early age, you’re ahead of the game,” Evans said.
Info Sought on Credit Card Fraud
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n Sept. 11, unknown suspects used a stolen credit card at the Wal-Mart store in Prince Frederick. The above pictures were released by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and are believed to be the suspects trying to use the
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credit cards at the Food Lion in Charlotte Hall, St. Mary’s County. Anyone who can identify the suspects or has additional information is asked to contact Det. Cari Ray of C.I.T. at 410-535-1600 x2595 or hallcs(at) co.cal.md.us.
Upward of 700 to be Hired Locally for Census
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he U.S. Census Bureau opened up its Southern Maryland regional office last week in La Plata, and officially began its recruitment of workers to conduct the 2010 official count. Sylvia Ballinger, a media specialist for the Census Bureau, confirmed that the La Plata local
Census office will be hiring 600 to 700 people to work in St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles, Anne Arundel and southern Prince George’s County. The new office is located at 101 E Charles Street in La Plata. Households will begin receiving census questionnaires in midMarch. “We are thrilled to open this office in La Plata. This community has taken a very proactive approach in collaborating with private and public organizations to help raise awareness about the importance of participating in the 2010 Census,” Fernando E. Armstrong, Regional Director, Philadelphia Regional Census Center, said in a press release. A grand opening event was
commissioners
held on Tuesday, which was attended by census officials, media and local officials including state Sen. Thomas Middleton, of Charles County. Ballinger said more than 100 organizations have signed formal partnership agreements with the Census Bureau in the five counties and more than 30 “Complete
Count Committees” are operating in support of the Census. The decennial Census questionnaire is one of the shortest in history. It asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. All responses are used for statistical purposes only, and all responses are strictly confidential. The Census Bureau is now recruiting for census taker positions. Census takers will visit households that did not return a questionnaire. Interested applicants are encouraged to call 1-866-861-2010 for details on how to apply. For more information, visit the 2010 Census Web site at www.2010census.gov BY SEAN RICE (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net
SMECO Picked For NASA Study
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LOCAL NEWS
outhern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has been selected as one of only two electric utilities to participate in a pilot study using NASA data for load forecasting. This pilot project will test methods for improving load forecasts for electric and gas utilities by making use of the weather data that NASA collects though satellites orbiting the earth and analyzes with its developmental models. If the project is successful in improving SMECO’s ability to forecast its need for power supply and reducing the co-op’s power supply costs, NASA’s data and model results will be made available to utilities around the country. The goals of the project are to determine whether NASA satellite weather data will improve load forecasting; to conduct real-time testing and demonstrate improvements in load forecasts; to make data and improvements to load forecasting tools available to utilities nationwide; and to identify how the data and projection tools can be used for long-term planning. Currently, SMECO uses weather data from three sites located at An-
Have a Business? Then Join the Club
By Gerald “Jerry” Clark, County Commissioner, District 1
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olomons Business Association (SBA) was founded in 1987 to promote economic development in the Solomons Island area “by working with other merchants, civic and fraternal organizations, county, state and federal government to obtain ideas and funding which will develop and support business growth while maintaining ecological and environmental stability.” The group is instrumental in organizing and promoting annual events that serve to draw thousands of tourists to the small waterfront village. A Taste of Solomons in March brings foodies out to explore the ever-changing tastes of Solomons’ many fine restaurants; the July 4th Fireworks are enjoyed by thousands all around Bay country; and the Solomons Christmas Walk each December celebrates the spirit of the holidays with candlelit streets, holiday decorations and activities. Of course, these events – and the numerous others that occur in and around Solomons throughout the year – do not happen without a great deal of planning and organization. And that’s where SBA comes in with volunteer coordination, marketing and publicity. The recently formed Lusby Business Association (LBA) “was founded for the purposes of providing a local forum for businesses in Lusby, Maryland, to strategize and partner with fellow local businesses to improve and stabilize the local economy by participating in collaborative endeavors that include . . . community events, cooperative advertising, promotions, and special events.” LBA also has a strong commitment to educating the community about the importance and benefits of shopping locally – both for the businesses and the residents who live near the many shops and restaurants in the area. Both associations constantly seek ways to promote each other’s businesses, highlight the distinct attractions that make them unique and learn from each other. Most meetings of these associations are spent talking about and planning for upcoming events, sharing information and news, networking and updating each other on their individual business successes, specials or cooperative advertising opportunities. The groups continue to add members and welcome business owners who are interested in sharing ideas and information for the betterment of their individual communities. Opportunities exist at both associations for volunteer work and leadership roles, however, those who simply wish to attend meetings, share information and hear what’s happening locally are welcomed, too. The SBA meets monthly on the first Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Naughty Gull Restaurant. For more information on the Solomons Business Association, visit online at www.solomonsmaryland.com. For information on the Lusby Business Association and their upcoming meeting schedule, visit online at www. shoplusby.com/. drews Air Force Base, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. NASA’s model-analyzed satellite data are provided by 16 grid points in and around Southern Maryland. In addition to temperature, the data include relative humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, cloud cover, and solar energy. Because current load forecasts use data from just a few landbased weather stations, they fail to capture larger patterns and microclimates across the area. Refining the weather data with NASA inputs could lead to substantial cost savings. The project, funded by NASA Applied Sciences, is a partnership between Battelle, Ventyx, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and NASA Langley Research Center.
Bicycles Stolen A victim on Catalina Drive in Lusby advised Calvert County Sheriff’s Dep. James Norton on Nov. 24 that unknown suspects stole two bicycles from his backyard. It is unknown when the thefts occurred. The bikes are described as a blue and chrome Mongoose, valued at $90 and a burnt orange Huffy, also valued at $90.
Three Teens, Three Blunts On Nov. 24 at 1:23 p.m. after stopping a vehicle for a traffic violation at Gunsmoke Trail and Geronimo Road in Lusby, Calvert County Sheriff’s Dep. James Norton found the driver, later identified as Mark James Andreas, Jr., 18 of Lusby, to be in possession of suspected drug paraphernalia. Andreas was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after he failed several field sobriety tests. He was also charged with possession of CDS paraphernalia, three partially burnt marijuana cigarettes, a “blunt” (a cigar with the tobacco leaves removed and replaced with marijuana) and a clear plastic bottle with burnt marijuana residue. Two juveniles in the vehicle, a 17-year-old female of Tampa, FL., and a 14-year-old male of Arnold, were each charged on a youth report with possession of drug paraphernalia and released to parents.
$1,850 in Camera Equipment Snatched Calvert County Sheriff’s DFC John Harms is investigating a theft from a vehicle that occurred on Nov. 23rd at around noon. The victim advised that he ran errands at various shopping centers in Lusby and when he returned home, he noticed that a camera bag was missing from inside his vehicle. He believes that he had locked the vehicle every time he left it in a parking lot. Stolen are a Cannon EOS 40 D camera body, valued at $600, a Cannon EF 28-135mm IS USM lens, valued at $600 and a Cannon EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM lens, valued at $650. Anyone with information is asked to contact DFC Harms at 410-535-2800.
Powdery Baggie Found After conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle on southbound Md. Rt. 4 near White Sands Drive in Lusby on Nov. 25 at 8:42 p.m., Calvert County Sheriff’s Dep. Christopher Waldron arrested a passenger in the vehicle, Clarence West Jr., 35 of Lusby, and charged him with possession of cocaine and use of drug paraphernalia, a plastic baggie used to store cocaine.
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LOCAL NEWS
Navigational Highway Safety Office May Radio System to Merge With Anne Arundel be Terminated T
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land-based navigational radio system, Loran-C, which has been used for 65 years to help seafaring vessel captains locate their position, is slated to be shut down in favor of satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS) as soon as Jan. 2010. James Moore, a public information officer with the Solomons Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla 23-2, stated that a defense budget signed by President Barack Obama in late October had effectively ended the use of coastal radio stations to fix latitude and longitude for vessels in favor of GPS technology. The Loran-C system had been in use since the World War II era, Moore said, and had at one time been the gold standard for maintaining navigation of vessels in the event of an emergency.
The latest decision means that vessels will be likely be solely dependent on GPS navigational aids, which many believe is a more vulnerable system than land-based radios. “The decision to shut it down has been going on for about a decade,” Moore said. “There’s not going to be a backup for GPS, we’re going to be relying on satellite information. There will not be any Loran-C ground based information.” Moore said that the system could have been phased out several years ago with the advent and acceptance of GPS technology but many commercial as well as private boaters had invested in the older system of radio fixing navigational coordinates. The 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Act signed by President Obama states the Loran-C system will be dismantled after the Coast Guard Commandant and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security sign off that the termination of the system will not adversely impact the safety of maritime navigation and it is not needed as a backup to the GPS system. See page 7 for a letter from the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security stating the Loran-C system is needed as a backup for the GPS system. BY SEAN RICE (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS Southern Calvert Real Estate Transactions
The following real estate transactions for home sales were recorded in the last two weeks and are on file at the Calvert County Circuit Court: • Steven T. King and Jackwelyn R. Raley-King purchased 1023 Leeward Way, unit 1031, Solomons, in the Solomons Landing Condominium subdivision, for $227,900 from Terese Givens. A mortgage was secured from First Home Mortgage Corporation in the amount of $182,275. • Shafquat Meraj purchased 860 Whispering Pine Circle, Lusby, in the Chesapeake Ranch Estates, for $225,000 froom Eleanor E. Reid. A mortgage was secured from George Mason Mortgage in the amount of $168,750. • Deborah Grinder purchased 1085 Fort Sill Trail, Lusby, in the Chesapeake Ranch Estates, for $209,900 from Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Documents state the property was a previous foreclosure. A first-time buyer affidavit was filed. A mortgage was secured from First Home Mortgage Corporation in the amount of $253,975. • David and Audrey D. Ellis purchased 530 Swaggers Point Road, Solomons, from Frank R. and Mary Lee Roebuck for $500,000.
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A mortgage was secured from Wells Fargo Bank N.A. in the amount of $372,000. • 451 Deer Lane, Lusby, was deeded to Leigh Ann Langley, from her father, Tommy Langley, for zero dollars. A first-time buyer affidavit was filed. A mortgage was secured from Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company in the amount of $160,000. • Wesley Alden Fancher purchased 11554 Tomahawk Trail, Lusby, in the Chesapeake Ranch Estates, for $240,000 from Lori M. and James Pixton Jr. A first-time buyer affidavit was filed. A mortgage was secured from 1st Mariner Bank in the amount of $244,896. • Sondra A. Cloud purchased 704 War Bonnet Trail, Lusby, in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, for $199,000 from Mark A. Shadwell, on behalf of the estate of Charles H. and Cathern J. Shadwell. A first-time buyer affidavit was filed. A mortgage was secured from George Mason Mortgage in the amount of $204,998. • Craig M. Fritz purchased 2735 Diamond Court, St. Leonard, for $258,900 from Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. A first-time buyer affidavit was filed. A mortgage was secured from 1st Mariner Bank in the amount of $264,181.
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he office responsible for high- programs has remained relatively stagnant way and traffic safety awareness over the years but administrative costs conprograms in Calvert County tinue to grow. may be merged with the corresponding ofGianni said that if the proposals went fice in Anne Arundel County, state officials through that each regional coordinator of confirmed. the new offices would be responsible for The move could be part of a larger, creating traffic safety programs unique to overall strategy to consolidate offices each county’s needs. from 23, one for each county, to just nine “We’ve taken great pains to ensure throughout the entire state. each county would remain autonomous… There are also proposals to merge there would be a strategic plan for each the St. Mary’s and Charles county Community Traffic Safety Program offices, local officials there have said, though that decision has not been finalized. “From what I understand that is the plan, but the details aren’t finalized yet,” said Debbie Jennings, who runs the Calvert County traffic safety program office. “The focus would be one person working with the two county’s officials.” These offices issue small program grants to law enforcement, schools and other community groups that promote traffic safety such as the use of seatbelts, avoiding drunken or drugged driving and preventing aggressive driving. Tom Gianni, deputy chief of the Maryland High- Calvert County Traffic Safety Council Coordinator Debbie Jennings, is shown with county commissioners Linda Kelley, left, and way Safety Office said that center, Susan Shaw. the proposal was being taken seriously in management circles at the state level, especially since a county and the regional coordinator would recent National Highway Traffic and Safety oversee that,” Gianni said. Administration report showed that the adAll of the coordinator positions would ministrative costs of maintaining one traf- have to go up again for competitive hiring, fic safety office per county were too high. however, if the proposal was approved GiGianni said that federal funding, anni said. BY GUY LEONARD (CT) guyleonard@countytimes.net which is the main source for money, for the
Solomons Town Center Plan Wins Award
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he Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) has selected the Solomons Town Center Master Plan as co-winner of its Outstanding Plan Award. The Garrett County Master Plan shares the honor, which was presented at the Maryland APA award ceremony in Annapolis on Nov. 4. Conducted every two years, the Maryland APA awards recognize plans, projects and individuals contributing to the improvement of the quality of life for Marylanders. The Solomons Town Center Master Plan award was in the category of outstanding plan in jurisdictions with populations of less than 100,000 residents. The award was presented to the Calvert County Planning Commission and staff. The planning com-
mission and the board of county commissioners extended a special recognition to the citizens of Solomons for their work. At the awards ceremony, the Maryland APA also honored Jenny PlummerWelker, principal planner with the Calvert County Department of Planning and Zoning, for outstanding service to the chapter. Plummer-Welker is a past president of the Maryland APA. More information about the Maryland APA is available at www.marylandapa.org. For information on the Calvert County Planning Commission, visit www.co.cal.md.us/ business/planning/planningcommission. For details on the Solomons Town Center Master Plan, visit www.co.cal.md.us/ residents/building/planning/TownCenters/ SolomonsTownCenter.
Common Sense Health Care Reforms
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n my last column, I expressed my concerns that the current health care reform proposals in Congress would blow big holes in our state’s operating budget by shifting new burdens onto the state taxpayers for a new welfare entitlement program. In my opinion, these bills in their current form will place large pressures to increase state taxes even more and pass a larger burden to pay for these new welfare programs onto the backs of our children and grandchildren well into the future. This column will be devoted to giving some ideas on what I believe are common sense reform proposals that won’t cost a lot of money in new welfare entitlements while still making advances in containing health care costs and opening up more accessibility to health care. I believe one of the bigger hidden costs in our healthcare system is the fraud waste and abuse in the current system of Medicaid. All sides of this debate admit that there are potentially hundreds of billions of dollars to be saved in the current Medicaid system of expenditures. So before we embark on a huge expansion of this entitlement program, I believe it is imperative that government demonstrate it has the ability to stop this waste of billions of dollars in the current system first. This will give the American people confidence that yes we can realize these savings before we proceed to opening the coffers to even more fraud and abuse in a greatly expanded system. The government’s track record is not good here and it is not credible to me to come to the American people and admit we haven’t stopped this waste yet ask them to dump more of their money into these programs with a “trust us” approach. I say demonstrate first and we’ll talk about expansion afterwards. This has the potential to provide additional money for health care while not blowing big holes in our struggling budgets. Another area of hidden costs is that resulting from abuse in the legal system for medical malpractice. Sometimes lawsuits are justified and necessary and all too often they are not. By implementing common sense reforms we can preserve the rights of patients while minimizing the costs associated with those that are the unnecessary ones. Although expenses in the legal arena are often described as making the costs of malpractice insurance for providers too high, I think the real cost saving potential is in another area.
That is the practice of “defensive medicine” that causes providers to order more expensive and often medically unnecessary tests and procedures as a defense against being sued. Again it is estimated that there are billions of dollars that can be saved by implementing common sense tort reform to minimize the practice of defensive medicine. The current bills in Congress do nothing to address this problem in our current health care delivery system. Another improvement that we should consider for increased coverage and cost containment in health care is by setting up a system that allows coverage to be purchased across state lines. In the current system there is no interstate competition for these health insurance products. If we start allowing products that meet our needs as consumers and employers to be purchased from providers in other states we will allow for the purchase of cheaper health care insurance and reduce in-state monopolies which have a tendency to drive costs higher. Again, this idea is not contained in the bills proceeding through Congress. Lastly, I think we should establish reform proposals that allow for individuals, small businesses, and trade associations to pool together to acquire health insurance coverage at lower prices than are currently available. This makes sense to me and is not experimental but is a proven cost savings proposal. This type of purchasing power has worked well for large corporations and trade unions to reduce the costs of providing health insurance for their employees. By extending this capability to individuals, small businesses and trade associations, more people could be covered for lower costs and again would reduce pressure to provide more taxpayer subsidized health care. I believe the above proposals will allow for more people to be covered at lower costs, will save taxpayer dollars by reigning in fraud and abuse, and will avoid shifting tax burdens onto state budgets during this most difficult economy. Once these reforms are allowed to take root and expand coverage we can focus on even more refined reform proposals going forward, actually improving on what does not currently work while not trashing the entire system. I believe the above ideas can be implemented without causing small businesses to cut jobs at a time when we sorely need to be creating private sector jobs. I also believe we can do this without sacrificing the high quality we enjoy in our actual health care and not have a government takeover of about 16% of the U.S. economy as envisioned in the current proposals before Congress. 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.
LORAN is Needed as a GPS Backup The following is a letter from the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Dear Secretary Napolitano: The fiscal year 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act that the President signed into law last week allows you to make a certification “that the LORAN-C System infrastructure is not needed as a backup to the Global Positioning System (GPS) or to meet any other Federal navigation requirement” and to then terminate the LORAN program. The LORAN-C infrastructure would, in fact, serve as a cost effective backbone for a much-needed backup to GPS; therefore, we urge you to refrain from making such a certification. It is vital that you have the input of critical infrastructure users of GPS before deciding on this certification and the Department’s survey of these users has not been completed. Over the past 10 years, approximately $160 million has been invested to modernize the LORAN-C network equipment and infrastructure. This investment represents progress toward the full deployment of Enhanced LORAN, also known as eLORAN, as a backup to GPS. In January 2009, an Independent Assessment Team, commissioned jointly by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Transportation (DOT), released a report that unanimously concluded that eLORAN should serve as the national backup system for GPS and that the LORAN-C infrastructure should be maintained until full eLORAN deployment. Without a backup, there is serious risk that GPS may be disrupted, compromising the operation of critical infrastructure and transportation networks that rely on GPS for position, navigation, and timing information. Consequently, GPS’s loss would detrimentally affect cell phone networks, ship movements, and air traffic - to name only a few. The Independent Assessment Team estimated that the cost of deploying eLORAN technology would be approximately $100 million, which is about the same cost as dismantling the current LORAN infrastructure. To put these costs into even greater perspective, full deployment of eLORAN as a robust nationwide backup to GPS would cost about one half the amount of placing one new GPS satellite in orbit. And in July, another report jointly commissioned by DHS and DOT, a cost-benefit analysis of upgrading to eLORAN, concluded that the benefits of eLORAN exceed the costs by a factor of about 13:1 if in 15 years eLORAN backs up just one high-impact GPS outage. The GPS signal broadcast by satellites is extremely weak by the time it reaches a GPS receiver on earth, far below the strength of many radio transmissions. As a result, the GPS signal generally requires a line-of-sight to the satellite to be received, and is vulnerable to interference or jamming. LORAN,
conversely, transmits a high-power signal that is resistant to interference and can penetrate obstructions and be received where GPS cannot, e.g. , under foliage, inside buildings, and underground. A Government Accountability Office report published on May 7, 2009, Global Positioning System: Significant Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Widely Used Capabilities, raised concerns about the near- and long-term health and reliability of the GPS network, noting that there is a “high risk” that the Air Force will not meet its schedule for deployment of GPS satellites. As a result of this delay, the Department of Defense predicts that over the next several years many of the older satellites in the GPS constellation will reach the end of their operational lives faster than they will be replenished, and that the number of satellites will most likely decrease, potentially resulting in inadequate coverage. Aside from signal interference and limitations related to depletion of the GPS constellation, there is also the danger of intentional actions to destroy, or jam the signal of, GPS satellites. In the July/August 2009 issue of the journal Foreign Affairs, Andrew F. Krepinevich, Jr., observed “the Chinese military has shown that it can neutralize or destroy satellites in low earth orbit (where most satellites are located) by launching anti-satellite ballistic missiles or firing ground based lasers. As China’s lunar exploration program matures, the PLA [People’s Liberation Army] will likely acquire the ability to destroy the Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation ...” Given the vulnerabilities of GPS, LORAN must be maintained and enhanced as a vital backup to GPS for various critical infrastructure users. It therefore would not be wise to certify the decommissioning of LORAN infrastructure. This position is consistent with the Senate Commerce Committee’s Coast Guard authorization bill that authorizes continued funding for LORAN and requires a plan for a transition to eLORAN, which was reported out unanimously in July. Finally, we would like to inquire about the status of DHS’s survey of all 18 critical infrastructure sectors to determine whether a backup to GPS is needed. DHS officials, including Deputy Secretary Jane Lute and Assistant Secretary for Policy David Heyman, committed during their confirmation hearings that the Department would provide this survey by July 30, 2009. Three months after its due date, that survey has not been completed. Any decision to certify the decommissioning of LORAN infrastructure should be delayed until this report is provided to and reviewed by Congress. Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please have your staff contact Jason Yanussi on the Committee’s Majority Staff at (202) 224·2630 or Rob Strayer on the Committee’s Minority Staff at (202) 224-5571. - Joseph I. Lieberman, Chairman, and Susan M. Collins, ranking member
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Tis The Season By Joyce Baki
PRAD Float Contest Winners Announced
The picture perfect weather on Oct. 11, for the annual PRAD parade drew approximately 50 non-profit contestants and was a delight for all that attended, the Calvert Marine Museum reports. The winners for the 2009 PRAD Parade Float Contest were: First Prize to Girl Scout Troop #5147 with the Rainbow Fish. The girls from Port Republic adorned their float with over 1,000 balloons. Second Prize was awarded to the Calvert County Nursing Center with their great representation of the bountiful resources of the Patuxent River. Some of the lucky residents got to ride in the parade! Third Prize went to the Boumi Temple Shriners with the “Legion of Honor” float. The parade would
not exist without the hard work from these and many other local non-profit organizations. The Arts and Crafts show this year was the biggest ever. The Calvert Artist Guild works very hard to ensure that this show is one of the best in the area. Every year they award a Best in Show and the winner of that receives a free space the following year. Congratulations are in order to Marvin Somerville of Lusby. This was his first year participating in the Arts and Crafts show and his folksy Americana pieces crafted from old cabinets and barns was outstanding. Mark Oct. 9 and 10, 2010 on your calendar and enjoy Patuxent River Appreciation Days at the Calvert Marine Museum.
Kick Christmas Off With Santa egin your holiday celebrations Cosmic Flute Choir, and the evening will close
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with the annual Solomons Christmas Walk on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 – 5, from 6– 9 p.m. In addition to all of the attractions on the island, from the Garden in Lights to the lighted boat parade, the Calvert Marine Museum is serving up its own smorgasbord of holiday delights for visitors of all ages. On Friday evening, replacing the normal First Free Friday activities, the museum will host a trio of Patuxent performers. Starting at 6 p.m. is the Patuxent High Chamber Choir, then at 7 p.m. the Patuxent Voices, and at 8 p.m. the energetic Patuxent Pearls will take the stage. On Saturday evening, the entertainment kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with the Patuxent High Jazz Ensemble, followed at 7:00 p.m. by the
with The Good Stuff. Santa will be on hand both nights to hear the children’s secret wishes, and of course, the museum’s Otter will make an appearance. Kids can create a holiday craft to take with them. Enjoy punch and cookies on Friday, and on Saturday, Santa’s Coffee House will be open with complimentary hot tea, coffee, hot cocoa, and holiday cookies. Plan on doing your Christmas shopping too. The Museum Store will be open both nights and is stocked with gifts that will delight everyone on your list. For more information about the 25th Annual Solomons Christmas Walk, visit http:// www.solomonsmaryland.com/solomonschristmas-walk.html.
Join artists, members and staff for an opening reception on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 5-7 p.m. to view the exhibit GLOW at Annmarie Garden. During the darkening months of the year, light artists will set the Arts Building aglow with their work. Artists have long been fascinated with capturing the illusory and symbolic qualities of light. GLOW is on exhibit through Feb. 14, 2009. This spectacular exhibit is the perfect accompaniment to Garden In Lights which begins Dec. 4, Annmarie Garden said in a press release. GLOW offers opportunities to engage with the art at an emotional and sometimes hyper-visual level through the use of light. As technology advances, artists have increasingly turned from the mere illusion of natural light to the real application of artificial light in their work. The use of technological advances such as plasma screens, LCD displays, lasers and multimedia projections advance the use of artificial light and bring it to the forefront of this genre. The opening reception on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, from 5pm-7pm is open to all patrons; regular admission rates apply. Compliment your holiday season with a visit to Annmarie Garden and the newest exhibit, GLOW.
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Thursday, December-2009
Don’t let the holidays slip by without enjoying some of Calvert County’s special events and seasonal celebrations. Begin your holiday celebrations at the Solomons Christmas Walk, FridaySaturday, December 4-5. Stroll the candlelit streets, browse unique shops, try one of the many great restaurants, and enjoy art, music, entertainment and a puppet show. Welcome Santa on Friday night with carols and a tree lighting ceremony at the Pavillion on the Riverwalk. Don’t miss the lighted boat parade Saturday at dusk. (www.solomonsmaryland.com) The Calvert Marine Museum will provide a smorgasbord of holiday delights for visitors of all ages. Friday, December 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the museum will host the Patuxent High Chamber Choir, the Patuxent Voices and the Patuxent Pearls. Saturday, entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with the Patuxent High Jazz Ensemble, followed by the Cosmic Flute Choir and The Good Stuff. Santa will be on hand to hear children’s secret wishes and making a special appearance – the museum’s Otter. The Museum Store will be open both nights and is stocked with gifts that will delight everyone on your list. (www.calvertmarinemuseum.com) Annmarie Garden hosts “Garden in Lights.” Surround yourself with colorful one-of-a-kind creations as you walk the ¼ mile loop. Mythical creatures, spectacular wild animals, illuminated works of art, hidden beasts and more delights all ages. New this year - golf cart tours, pet night, and special discount nights for military, police and others. Enjoy a hot drink and entertainment in the Arts Building as you visit the Ornament Show and Celebrations Glass exhibit. Check their website, www.annmariegarden.org, for dates, times and admission fees. Tens of thousands of holiday lights twinkle in Chesapeake Beach to make it the Brightest Beacon on the Bay. Ride throughout the town to see the magical light displays and the many homes decorated for the season. The display runs through January 3. (www.chesapeakebeach.md.us) Saturday, December 5, head to North and Chesapeake Beaches. At noon North Beach hosts the annual Holiday Parade and Christmas on the Beach. Lisa Baden of WTOP/WJLA will emcee. Arriving by fire truck is the main attraction - Santa! Santa plans to stay so the children can share their wish lists. Enjoy hot apple cider and roast marshmallows around a roaring fire on the beach. Visit the stores along the North Beach Loop to find unique gifts and services. (www.ci.north-beach.md.us) The Chesapeake Beach Garden Club hosts “Designs on the Holidays” at St. Anthony’s Church Hall, North Beach. Garden Club members will demonstrate beautiful designs for your home from noon to 4 p.m. Bid on fabulous silent
auction items, take a chance on raffle items, or purchase fresh greens for your home. Light refreshments will be served. (Admission fee) At Chesapeake Beach Town Hall visit the Christmas Marketplace from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Christmas greens, unique gift ideas and crafts will be available to help with your holiday shopping needs. Mark your calendars for the Annual Holiday Parade at Fox Run Shopping Center, Prince Frederick on Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m. The annual holiday parade features high school bands, floats, our Volunteer Fire Departments and heralds in the main attraction – Santa Claus. The parade is sponsored by the Calvert County Optimists and the Calvert County Fair Board. On Friday, December 18, story tellers will bring “Polar Express” alive for both children and the young at heart at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum. Truly a way to make holiday memories. Refreshments are provided. (www.cbrm. org) The American Chestnut Land Trust will host its annual Greens Sale and Beach Hayride on Saturday, December 12. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. you may purchase freshly cut evergreens, wreaths and garland for your holiday decorations. Bring the family to enjoy a hayride on the beach while you drink hot cider. (www. acltweb.org) Bring the kids to Pancakes with Santa at Patuxent High School on Saturday, December 12, 8 a.m. to Noon. Hosted by the Patuxent High School Band, a hearty breakfast of pancakes and sausage will be provided. A photographer will be available to capture the moment. Call 410535-7806 for reservations and costs. Celebrate a classic Christmas concert with COSMIC Symphony and Community Chorus on Sunday, December 13, as they present Handel’s Messiah. Hosted by the Crossroad Christian Church, St. Leonard, the concert begins at 5 p.m. Visit www.cosmicmusic.com for more information on locations to purchase your tickets.
Ribbon Cut at Hospice House
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aturday, Nov. 21 marked the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony for the long-awaited Burnett-Calvert Hospice House. The ceremony began with a prayer by former Calvert Hospice Chaplain Pastor Willie Davis followed by the song “Just One Dream” sung by the Chesapeake Community Chorus. Delegate Sue Kullen presented a plaque to Barbara Burnett in recognition of her generous donation of 2.5 acres of land on which the Burnett-Calvert Hospice House is now located. Executive Director of Calvert Hospice, Lynn Bonde thanked the numerous people who have contributed to the project and recognized Gary Luckett, Bob Taylor, and Jay Webster for their unstinting patience and dedication to the House. “The Hospice House is the result of years of effort on the part of so many of you, the residents of Calvert County. Today we express deeply heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for bringing this desperately needed resource from a dream to a reality,” Bonde said in a press release. The ribbon cutting was accompanied by the release of several white doves representing the peace the Hospice House will embody. The Hospice House will be a home-
away-from-home, available to anyone in Calvert County living with a terminal illness for whom care at home is not an option. The six-bed residence will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of the individual’s abil ability to pay. Trained, professional Hospice caregivers will serve the needs of patients around the clock. Hospice House Manager Tiffany Gaines, CRNP, explains, “Our team will support individuals and families just as it would in their own residence with the full range of Hospice services, including medicines, oxygen, equipment, and medical supplies. In recent years, Hospice has been caring more and more for folks who live alone, with elderly or frail caregivers, or with family members whose lives are already filled with the responsibilities of work and family. Often times, institutional placement is the only option but now we have a comfortable home-like alternative.” A Fund for the BurnettCalvert Hospice House has been established which will provide for the long term operation of the residence. This support will help ensure that the Hospice House will be available to meet the needs of those living their final days. To contribute to The Burnett-Calvert Hospice House Fund or for more information about Calvert Hospice and the many services they provide call 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226 or visit www.calverthospice.org.
Patuxent Voices Performs for the Holidays
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his season give your family a special musical treat. Local a cappella singing group, Patuxent Voices, offers a holiday concert rich in traditional carols, popular favorites, and classical masterpieces. Both entertaining and moving, it is a performance for the whole family. The performance combines popular favorites like Jingle Bells and I’ll Be Home for Christmas with the stirring beauty of Magnificat and O Magnum Mysterium, closing with a haunting rendition of Silent Night. You can hear Patuxent Voices in concert at Middleham Chapel’s Great Hall, Lusby, on Saturday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m. and Trinity Church, St. Mary’s College, on Sunday, December 13, at 3:00 p.m. The concerts are free; donations accepted. You can also hear Patuxent Voices at the Solomons Christmas Walk on Friday, December 4, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Calvert Marine Museum, and at Garden in Lights on Monday, December 21, starting at 6 p.m. at Annmarie Garden in Solomons. Check www.patuxentvoices.com for program, directions, and additional information.
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than $20 million and 100,000 volunteer hours in programs that help make life brighter— from preserving valuable wildlife habitats and enhancing math, science and technology instruction, to supporting food banks and homeless shelters and underwriting outreach programs in the performing arts. To learn more about how we’re putting our energy to work for our communities, visit www.dom.com, keyword: foundation.
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very day, Calvert County citizens can take action to improve the health of the local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Have you ever wondered what you can do to help the environment? Are you interested in the “eat local-grow local” movement? Did you know that alternative energy sources are used in local schools and homes? Did you know that you can report your bluebird data to a local agency? CHESPAX, the environmental program of the Calvert County Public Schools, in partnership with a number of environmental agencies, will be presenting a workshop series that will help to answer these questions and many more. The programs are designed for teachers, students and community members and will explain how individual citizens can have a positive impact on the health of the environment. In this series, participants will learn practical ways to make a difference in their own backyard for the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Workshops in the series include: The Bounty of Our County: Eat Local/ Grow Local – Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 Agriculture has long been a part of Calvert County’s heritage. The movement to eat foods that have been grown closer to home has culinary, economic and environmental benefits. Join us to find out how your food choices can support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint one tomato at a time! Barstow Elementary 6:30-8:15pm. Free, but please register at
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Third Annual Green School Community Workshop Series
Alternative Energy: Energize your home and school – Wednesday, January 20th 2010 Energy costs have become an ever increasing part of our household and school system budgets. Production of electricity through the burning of fossil fuels has been a major contributor to global climate change. This workshop will feature some alternative energy production and conservation strategies for school and home that will help the environment and the budget. Windy Hill Elementary: 6:30-8:00pm. Free, but please register at daubonm@
calvertnet.k12. md.us
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Thursday, December-2009
Citizen Monitoring is for the Birds! Be part of something Big: Citizen Bird Monitoring – February 11, 2010. Birds are
an important part of our local and our global environment. Many bird species have begun a serious decline because of habitat loss and climate change. There are several programs in which citizens, even very young ones, can become involved in the scientific monitoring of birdlife. Please join us at Mutual Elementary School: 6:30-8:00pm. Free, but please register at daubonm@calvertnet.k12.
md.us
From the Bering Sea to the Chesapeake Bay Using 21st Century technology to bring science research to your desktop and classroom- Wednesday, April 14, 2010 The work of environmental scientists seems remote from our every day lives. Through an exciting teacher-researcher initiative, the inner workings of the scientist in the field will come to life in this workshop. Join us for a look at two programs, one local and one in Alaska and learn about resources for bringing environmental science to the classroom. Calvert Elementary School: 6:30-8:00pm Free, but please register at daubonm@
calvertnet.k12.md.us
2nd Annual Calvert County Green Expo– Green School Presentations and Bluebird Box Building – May 2, 2010. Calvert County Green Schools will showcase their work at this countywide event. Workshops, displays and activities, including bluebird box building will highlight this green event. Jefferson Patterson Park: 10am – 4:00pm 15 Free kits will be given away, but please register for the bluebird box building at daubonm@calvertnet.k12.md.us Workshops are free of charge and open to the public. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Michelle Daubon at the CHESPAX office at (410)535-2960 or through e-mail at daubonm@ calvertnet.k12.md.us. Workshop details available at www.calvertnet.k12. md.us. This workshop series is funded in part by the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
Harvest Fest A Success
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c t o b e r brings with it colorful leaves, crisper weather, and shorter days causing most Southern Marylanders to begin thinking of the winter cold ahead or the holiday season around the corner. However, for two southern Calvert elementary schools, October means Harvest Fest time! For over five years Patuxent Elementary PTA
has planned and provided a Harvest Fest celebration for its families and three years ago Appeal Elementary PTA joined forces with Patuxent to offer a joint event for both schools. These two schools represent a unique situation in Calvert County because they are a combined school campus with an early elementary population (Head start thru Grade 2) being served by Patuxent Elementary and an upper elementary population (Grades 3-5) being served by Appeal Elementary. This event is one of two annual events that are planned jointly between the two schools and their PTAs to allow the students, staff, and parents the opportunity to join together as a school community. This year’s beautiful temperatures allowed record numbers of parents and children the opportunity to attend the festivities Friday, October 23rd. Event includes carnival games, dancing to a DJ, a pumpkin patch, the ever-popular Cake Walk, and of course, food. This FREE event is sponsored by the two PTAs in addition to numerous community businesses including: Godwin Pumps, Upper Marlboro; Apex Theater, Prince Frederick; Horsemon Farms, St Leonard; Jake and Al’s Restaurant, Lusby; The Frying Pan, Lusby; Lowes Theater, Lexington Park; Food Lion, Lusby; Top Hat, Huntingtown; Bowie Produce, Landover; Hatcher Supply, Huntingtown; and the Judy Center at Patuxent Elementary School. Generous donations from the staff members and parents of both schools also make the event possible every year.
Third Grader Kassidy Watts, left, of Appeal Elementary and Emma Kerns, first grader of Patuxent Elementary, enjoy the festivities at the annual Harvest Fest celebration held Friday, October 23 at Patuxent and Appeal Elementary School.
Sherry Mervine, Patuxent Elementary School PTA
Grinch! North Pole Irked At End To Santa Replies
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Starry-eyed children writing letters to the jolly man at the North Pole this holiday season likely won’t get a response from Santa Claus or his helpers. The U.S. Postal Service is dropping a popular national program begun in 1954 in the small Alaska town of North Pole, where volunteers open and respond to thousands of letters addressed to Santa each year. Replies come with North Pole postmarks. Last year, a postal worker in Maryland recognized an Operation Santa volunteer there as a registered sex offender. The postal worker interceded before the individual could answer a child’s letter, but the Postal Service viewed the episode as a big enough scare to tighten rules in such programs nationwide. People in North Pole are incensed by the change, likening the Postal Service to the Grinch trying to steal Christmas. The letter program is a revered holiday tradition in North Pole, where light posts are curved and striped like candy canes and streets have names such as Kris Kringle Drive and Santa Claus Lane. Volunteers in the letter program even sign the response letters as Santa’s elves and helpers. North Pole Mayor Doug Isaacson agreed caution is necessary to protect children. But he’s outraged North Pole’s program should be affected by a sex offender’s actions on the East Coast _ and he thinks it’s wrong that locals just learned of the change. “It’s Grinchlike that the Postal Service never informed all the little elves before the fact,” he said. “They’ve been working on this for how long?” The Postal Service began restricting its policies in such programs in 2006, including requiring volun-
teers to show identification. What will change are the generically addressed letters to “Santa Claus, North Pole” that for years have been forwarded to the Alaska town. That program will stop, unless changes are made before Christmas. Losing the Santa-letter cache is a blow to the community of 2,100 people, who pride themselves on their ChristPublisher Thomas McKay mas ties. Huge tourist Associate Publisher Eric McKay attractions here include Editor Sean Rice an everything-ChristOffice Manager Tobie Pulliam mas store, Santa Claus Graphic Artist Angie Stalcup House, and the post ofAdvertising Preston Pratt fice, where visitors can Email info@somdpublishing.net get a hand-stamped Phone 301-373-4125 postmark on their postStaff Writers cards and packages. Guy Leonard Government Correspondent Another issue Andrea Shiell Community Correspondent raising the hackles on Chris Stevens Sports Correspondent some locals is another Contributing Writers recent change. AnchorTony O’Donnell Southern Calvert Gazette age _ 260 miles to the Joyce Baki P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636 south _ is processing Gerald Clark the thousands of out-ofJ. Brown state requests for North Southern Calvert Gazette is a bi-weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Pole postal cancellation marks on Christmas Southern Calvert County. The Southern Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every other cards and packages; 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 Fairbanks, just 15 miles espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters away, had long done so. 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, December-2009
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Cover On The
Schedule and Special Nights Garden in Lights is open 6-9 p.m. nightly from Dec. 4 to Jan. 2, but closed the following nights: Dec. 7, 8, 14, 16, 24, 25. This year Annmarie Garden has included special nights for our patrons. Wednesday, Dec. 9 & Wednesday, Dec. 30 - Golf Cart Tours - Golf cart tours will be available for those guests unable to walk the path. Sunday, Dec. 13 - Pet Night - Bring your pet to Garden In Lights! $1 per pet, all other admission rates apply. All pets must be on a 6 ft or shorter leash. Pets lacking in manners will be asked to leave. Please note: pets are not allowed on any other nights of Garden In Lights. Dec. 31, January 1 and 2 – New Year’s Activities- Participate in New Years activities as you celebrate the New Year at Annmarie Garden. Fun for all ages. Also new this year, Ammarie Garden will honor our community with $1 Discount Tuesday Nights for select groups with valid ID. “Thanks” for all you do for us! Tuesday, Dec. 15- Police, sheriff, EMT, & firefighters Tuesday, Dec. 22- Active duty military Tuesday, Dec. 29 – Public school teachers Admission to Annmarie Garden, including Garden In Lights and the Arts Building, is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors; $2 for children ages 5-12; kids under 5 are free; AMG members are free. See www.annmariegarden.org for more information.
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outhern Maryland is transitioning from an area founded by farmers and watermen to an area at the forefront of technology and engineering. Numerous government and academic studies show Southern Maryland has a problem attracting and keeping qualified individuals in the thousands of positions at industries supporting Naval Air Station Patuxent River. One of the most common reasons listed for this is the “there’s nothing to do around here” factor. Tucked away on 30 acres off Dowell Road in Solomons, Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park is quietly fighting that notion, providing a one-ofa-kind artistic experience, where art meets nature, that rivals destinations found in cities up the road. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, Annmarie Garden art center is anchored by an 18-month-old Arts Building that is considered a work of art in itself. The two-floor building features themed exhibits that change throughout the year. In addition to permanent sculpture created solely for Annmarie Garden, the center features many sculpture works on loan from the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and from the National Gallery of Art. What sets Annmarie apart from other art centers is the quarter-mile path that meanders through the 30-acre property and past meticulously placed sculptures. “[People] really like the way that our sculpture fits with nature here. It’s not as if you just see a piece of sculpture. We take great care to place them properly,” said Kathy Magiera, marketing coordinator at the center. “The Smithsonian affiliate really uses us as a model of how to get things done and how to collaborate,” she said. One would have to travel to Washington D.C. to see artwork of a similar caliber of that at Annmarie Garden, but its infusion with nature is unmatched by any arts center in driving distance. Donated by Francis and Ann Marie Koenig, who passed away in the 1990s, the center was intended to be a gift to Southern Maryland that would last in perpetuity as a place where visitors can explore the Chesapeake
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Thursday, December-2009
Garden in Lights, Glow
Bay region the couple loved, in a setting where And the facility is not only for Calvert Cou “It’s all-inclusive, for everyone,” Magiera fine art so close to us.” One of Annmarie’s annual events that is visits is Garden in Lights, running nightly, 6-9 p
On The Cover ow Exhibits will Illuminate Annmarie Gardens
ing where art and nature commingle. alvert County residents. ” Magiera said. “It’s wonderful to have
nts that is sure to please everyone who ghtly, 6-9 p.m., from Dec. 4 to Jan. 2.
Garden In Lights is a walking tour that takes visitors on an illuminated trip on the wooded path to see dozens of light sculptures that are handmade by the staff at Annmarie Garden. Guests will be surrounded by mythical beasts, wild animals, pirates, illuminated works of art, and other fantastical creations. This is the second year the program as a walk-through event. In the past it has been a drive-through attraction. “Last year we got a lot of positive feedback from it,” Magiera said. “It’s more of a community event, and you can take your time. It’s very magical.” As visitors pull into the entrance of Annmarie, it will be all illumined out front. On the walkway, it is lit up just enough to see the walkway and still enjoy the lightshow in the woods off the path. “It takes all the staff and many volunteers weeks to coordinate all this,” Magiera said. “These are all hand-made. There is nothing commercially bought in our show, and it changes year after year.” “We have many small vignettes throughout the Garden in Lights, and we’ll have a few things up above eye level,” she said. “We try to keep it relevant and newsworthy. This year we have a star appearance by the King of Pop … We’re always thinking of new ideas.” They are also trying out other new features to compliment the event, including a “Holiday I Spy” game for kids to play while taking the walk and several special nights for teachers, police, fire and military personnel, and even a first-ever pet night on Dec. 13. “They must behave. Unruly pets without etiquette will be asked to leave,” Magiera said, adding that pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Garden in Lights guests will enter through the main entrance and be treated to Glow, the featured exhibit in the main gallery in the Arts Building, which runs through Feb. 14, and features the illusory and symbolic qualities of light in artwork. Also in the Arts Building is the second annual ornament show and sale, with more than 20 Christmas trees on display with hand-made ornaments for sale. Local choirs and singing groups will fill the building with sound, Magiera said, and Dunkin Donuts of Lusby will be selling yummy treats and warm drinks in the Café Gallery. “We have several new things this year, and we’re excited about that,” Magiera said. BY SEAN RICE (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net
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The Story Behind Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer By Joyce Baki
D
uring the 1930’s Montgomery Ward, a large department store based in Chicago, would purchase coloring books as holiday gifts for their customers. In 1939, in an effort to save money, the company asked one of their employees to create a book for them. Robert L. May wrote the story of a reindeer with a usually large red nose that gave off its own light. The reindeer was teased and ridiculed by the other reindeer. On Christmas Eve, Santa was grounded by inclement weather, which threatened to stop him from delivering toys to deserving boys and girls. Rudolph came to the rescue. The light from his nose was powerful enough to guide Santa and his team through the thick fog, saving Christmas. That Christmas more than 2.4 million copies of “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” were given away. The story was based in part on “The Ugly Duckling” and on Robert May’s own experience. As a child he was small and frail and was often taunted by other children. May considered the names of Rollo and Reginald but settled on Rudolph as the name for the misfit reindeer. May wrote the story in verse as a series of rhyming couplets, and tested the story on his 4-year old daughter, Barbara, who loved the story. Around the time he created Rudolph, Robert May’s wife died, leaving him deeply in debt. He was able to talk Sewell Avery, the corporate president of Montgomery Ward, to give him the copyrights to the story in 1947. This secured May’s financial well-being. The story was printed commercially in 1947. In 1948 a nine-minute cartoon was created and shown in theaters. The cartoon was produced by Max Fleischer for the Jam Handy Corporation and was sponsored by Montgomery Ward. What galvanized the story was the creation of the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” In 1948, May’s brotherin-law songwriter Johnny Marks, wrote the
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Thursday, December-2009
lyrics and melody. Harry Brannon, a popular singer, first sang the song in a live format on a New York City radio station that broadcasted coast to coast. After several singers turned down the opportunity, the song was originally recorded by Gene Autry in 1949. It was Autry’s wife who had urged his to do it. The song sold two million copies the first year. It would be re-recorded by many musical artists after that. It is one of the best-selling holiday songs of all time, second only to “White Christmas” recorded by Bing Crosby. Golden Books published an illustrated storybook in 1958. The story was adapted by Barbara Shook Hazen and illustrated by Richard Scarry. Although no longer in print, a revised Golden Book has since been issued. In 1964 Rudolph’s story became a television special. The story aired on NBC, narrated by Burl Ives. This version would be shown annually for many years, and would be released on video and DVD. The story remains a holiday favorite to this day, and Rudolph is a much-loved Christmas icon.
LAUREL (AP) - A 9-year-old from Virginia found a fossil at a dinosaur park near Laurel and the bone is going to the Smithsonian. The park’s only been open to citizens who want to go digging for dinosaur bones for two weeks. But Gabrielle Block of Annandale, Va. found the vertebra from a raptor’s tail while visiting with her parents and younger sister Saturday. “I looked on top (of the dirt), got a handful and sorted through it,” she said. She took her mom, Karin Block, what she found. “It did look like something,” the girl’s mother said. “It had little holes, like the marrow part of the bone.” The family was scouring through debris washed out of an ancient deposit near an old clay mine and brick factory. Gabrielle’s sister Rachael said she’s the paleontologist of the family and hopes to find something when the family goes back Dec. 5 to look for more fossils. David Hacker, an amateur paleontologist who’s spent years digging through and studying at the Muirkirk site said it’s a big deal that Block found the half-inch around fossil. “It’s a big deal in that this little girl, who has never hunted for fossils before, found something. I didn’t find my first vertebra out there for several years,” he said. “How important it is to science is yet to be determined.” The Smithsonian’s experts keep and analyze all significant fossils found at the park. Most fossils found at the site are from the Cretaceous period, buried about 110 million years ago beside slow-moving rivers and lakes filled with turtles, crocodiles and fish. Experts say the 7.5 acre park and the land surrounding it would have resembled a bayou.
I
Chamber Orchestra Rings in Holidays with a Big Hallelujah!
t happens every year. Lights go up and flyers for holiday concerts start peppering the county with advertisements and promotions. Before the first note is played, Southern Marylanders are humming familiar tunes in anticipation. This year one holiday mainstay, the Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland In Concert (COSMIC), who normally feature Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite during the winter holiday season, will instead be performing George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah”, arguably one of the most famous and recognizable oratorios (pieces featuring a chorus, orchestra and soloists) ever produced. The concert will feature 50 singers from across Southern Maryland performing Handel’s piece under the direction of Vladimir Lande, who has been the musical director for COSMIC since 2003. “It appears to have been quite successful,” remarked Lynn Keates, Secretary for the COSMIC Board of Directors, in an email to the County Times discussing the change of holiday programming. “I have been to every rehearsal and seen the evolution of the music and just recently enjoyed the orchestra and choir rehearsing together. While the music alone is grand and majestic, hearing the
powerful words put to that music was a wonderful experience. I never tire of it!” Keates said this year’s piece was chosen less for its notoriety than for its price, explaining that The Nutcracker had become too expensive for the non-profit to produce. “The financial commitment would have been too risky. The Nutcracker became too costly to produce and would have required an increase in ticket prices, and in this economy we were unable to do that,” wrote Keates in an email to the County Times. Feeding into the change of programming have been cuts to the group’s grantors including the Maryland State Arts Council, and the loss of some of the group’s corporate sponsors, which Keates explained had become regular contributors to COSMIC in recent years. “We lost significant funding from sources (Target Stores and SAIC) we’d come to expect and that was devastating. We are currently working vigorously on finding other sources. It is always a challenge,” she wrote. COSMIC will perform Handel’s Messiah featuring the COSMIC Community Chorus on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. at Patuxent Presbyterian Church in California, and on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. at
Crossroad Christian Church in St. Leonard. Tickets are $10 for individuals and $8 for seniors, students and military personnel. Tickets may be purchased online at www.cosmicmusic.org/purchaseTickets.
php or by cash or check at the door at no additional cost. For more information call 301-373-5277 or email orchestra@cosmicmusic.org. BY ANDREA SHIELL (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
TICKET PRICES: $8 - Seniors, Students $10 - Regular Admission Tickets: 301-373-5277 orchestra@cosmicmusic.org www.cosmicmusic.org
Sat, Dec. 12, 2009, 4:00 pm Patuxent Presbyterian Church California, MD
Sun, Dec. 13, 2009, 5:00 pm Crossroad Christian Church St. Leonard, MD
Thursday, December-2009
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Eddie J. Allen, 84 Edward J. Allen (Eddie) passed away unexpectedly on November 21, 2009 at Calvert Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 24, 1925 on a farm in Ritchie, Maryland to the late Edward Leonard and Leah Allen. He was preceded in death by a sister Marjorie A. Williams. Eddie is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jean; daughter Bonnie; son Bruce; six grand children and seven great grand children. He graduated from Upper Marlboro High School in 1941 and attended the University of Maryland. Eddie was very agriculturally oriented. He was very active in 4-H and bought his first tractor at age 14. He farmed in partnership with his father growing tobacco, produce, chickens, grain, and livestock. When Washington D.C. threatened to challenge farming, they started looking for another farm. In 1955 they bought Spider Hall Farm in Barstow, Maryland Calvert County. Eddie and Jean then took over the management of the farm. They built a cattle lot and grew tobacco, corn, soybeans, and small grains. Eddie was very active in agricultural organizations. He was elected President of the Calvert County Farm Bureau in 1976 and went on to be a Maryland Farm Bureau Officer, serving as President in 1990-1991. In 1985 he received the state wide Service to Agriculture Award. He served on the Maryland Crop Improvement Association and helped organize the Mid-Atlantic Soy Bean Association, serving as its first Vice-President. Eddie was a board member of the Maryland
Soy Bean Board and The Maryland Grain Producers and he represented the Maryland Farm Bureau in the Maryland Agricultural Commission. Eddie helped organize the Calvert County Agricultural Land Preservation Program and served as the chairman of the board for two terms. In 1980, he and Jean sold their development easements to the state of Maryland to ensure Spider Hall Farm will remain in active farm production for infinity. He was a lifelong Episcopalian and attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Prince Frederick. There he served as a member of the vestry, a Sunday School Teacher, and the Administrator of Sunday School Programs. Eddie was also a member of the Prince Frederick Rotary Club for 42 years. In 2004, Eddie and Jean retired from farming and moved to Asbury-Solomons Continuing Care Facility and sold the farm. The family received friends on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD. Funeral Services were offered Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 10AM in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Prince Frederick, MD with Rev. Julie Wizorek officiating. Interment followed in the Epiphany Episcopal Cemetery, Forestville, MD.
George William Allred, Sr., 80 George William Allred, Sr., 80, of St. Leonard, MD passed away on November 19, 2009 in Prince Frederick, MD. He was born
August 16, 1929 in Guilford Co., North Carolina to the late George Dewey and Annie Jane Allred. Mr. Allred was a member of the Iron Workers Local 201 Union for 61 years. His hobbies include Hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Leslie B. Allred, father of Renae A. Gibson of St. Leonard, MD, Cheryl L. Phipps of Conway S.C. and George W. Allred, Jr. of Henrico, NC. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Services are private. Arrangements by Rausch Funeral Home, PA, Port Republic, MD.
Jason Edward Beavers, 41 Jason Edward Beavers, 41, of Port Republic, MD passed away on November 22, 2009 in Prince Frederick, MD. He was born September 7, 1968 in Silver Spring, MD to Joanne E. and the late James T. Beavers. Jason was an avid sportsman, he liked NASCAR, hunting, crabbing, fishing, being outdoors and most of all his Harley. He is survived by his wife, Jessica L. Beavers, father of Wyatt Christopher, Jessica Elizabeth and Shane Robert Beavers all of Port Republic, MD. He is also survived by his mother, Joanne E. Beavers of Avenue, MD, a brother James Patrick Beavers of St. Leonard, MD a sister Jeannete Elizabeth Hatchel of Chesapeake Beach, MD and many other loving relatives and friends. The family received friends at the Rausch Funeral Home, 4405 Broomes Is-
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Thursday, December-2009
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land Road, Port Republic, MD on Wednesday November 25, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM where services were held on Friday November 27, 2009, 11 A.M. Interment followed in Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens, Port Republic, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Robert Carleton Burns, 83 Robert Carleton Burns, 83, of Lusby, MD and formerly of Temple Hills, MD, passed away, peacefully, on November 14, 2009 at his residence. He was born on February 10, 1926 in Washington, D.C. to the late Thomas Burns and Gertrude Shoup Burns. He was the beloved husband of Jean M. Burns, whom he married on December 19, 1947 in Washington, D. C. Robert attended Eastern High School in Washington, D. C. and left high school to join the United States Marine Corps in 1943. Mr. Burns took part in the World War II Pacific Campaign, as a gunner and mechanic on PBJ’s with VMB-433. He also served on active duty during the Korean Conflict. Robert retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1965 as a Master Sergeant. He worked for PEPCO for thirty six years, and retired in 1986 as Roving Maintenance General Foreman. In 1983, Robert and his wife moved from Temple Hills, MD to Lusby, MD, where he built a waterfront home. Robert was a member of Marine Bombing Squadron VMB-433, Marine Air Group 61, Marine
Corps Aviation Association and the VFW. Mr. Burns loved wood working and was well known for both his extensive wood shop and his abilities while in it. He was also an avid gardener. He leaves three children, Robert C. Burns, Jr. of Leonardtown, MD and San Diego, CA, Karen Keysar of La Plata, MD and Steven T. Burns, Sr. of Lusby, MD. Grandfather of Julie M. and Steven T. Burns, Jr., Paul and Greg Keysar and Shea Riniker. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary K. Burns and his grandson Robert C. Burns, III. The family received friends at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD on Wednesday, November 18th, from 2-4 PM and at 6:00 PM until the time of the service at 7:30 PM, with Pastor Bruce Wietzke officiating. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 10:00 AM. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions to be made in memory of Robert to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Donations are encourage on-line at www.calverthospice.org.
Irene Juanita DiGiulian, 72 Irene Juanita DiGiulian, 72, of Lusby, MD passed away on November 26, 2009 at Calvert County Nursing Center. She was born on May 22, 1937 in Washington, DC to the late William L. and Thelma Pruitt. She was the beloved wife of
Joseph L. DiGiulian, Jr. whom she married on December 5, 1960 in Washington, DC. Irene graduated from Bladensburg Senior High in 1955 and moved to Calvert Co. in 1976 from Landover, MD. She loved doing crafts, playing bingo, and dancing. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Catherine Nicholson of St. Leonard, MD and Charles Pruitt of Huntingtown, MD. Irene is survived by her husband of forty eight years, Joseph L. DiGiulian, Jr. of Lusby, MD; children, Kenneth DiGiulian and wife Anna of Berlin, MD, Brenda DeGroot and husband John of St. Leonard, MD, Joseph DiGiulian, III and wife Sherry of Speedwell, TN, and Laurie Lago and husband Tom of Sunderland, MD; twelve grandchildren, and one great grandchild. The family received friends on Monday, November 30, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-7 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD where a funeral service was held at 7PM with the Rev. William Ticknor officiating. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Irene to the Solomons Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 189, Solomons, MD 20688 and / or the Calvert Co. Animal Welfare League, 1040 Theater Drive, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
Ellen Doornekamp, 87 E l l e n Door nekamp, 87, of Solomons, MD passed away peacefully on November 15, 2009 at Georgetown University Hospital, Wash-
ington, D. C. She was born on March 11, 1922 in the Netherlands to the late Willem Slagter and Imke Boonstra Slagter. She was the beloved wife of the late Dennis Doornekamp who preceded her in death in 2003. Ellen loved to read and knit. Her life revolved around her family and her precious cat Mackie. She will always be known as a caring, generous, good hearted person. She is survived by her daughter Amy and her husband John McHenry of Solomons, MD. Her grandchildren Kara and her hus-
band Brad Sysol of Kalamazoo, Mich, and Tripp McHenry of Island Pond, VT. Great grandmother of Katelyn, Brandon, Lauren and Ashlyn Sysol. Sister of Saak deVries of the Netherlands. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. The family received friends on Sunday, November 22, 2009 from 1~2 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD. Memorial service followed with Pastor Ruth Dixon officiating. Interment is private. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made in Ellen’s name to the Oyster Bay Condo Association, c/o Amy McHenry, P. O. Box 199, Dowell, MD 20629.
Brice Lee Elliott, Sr., 81 Brice Lee Elliott, Sr., 81, of Broomes Island, MD passed away on November 20, 2009 in Prince Frederick, MD. He was born January 10, 1928 in Broomes Island, MD to the late James Emerson and Marion Estelle Mister Elliott. He is also predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Mae Elliott. In his younger years, Brice was an avid drag racer all over the East Coast. He won the “Presidents Cup” at Budds Creek several years. Brice served in the Army from 1946- 1947 receiving the WWII Victory Medal. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Lions Club and Boumi Temple all in St. Mary’s County and the National Guard in Annapolis. Father of Brice L. Elliott, Jr. of Broomes Island, and Deborah Wood, of Vidor Texas. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Danielle Nicole Burgan of Prince Frederick, MD. The family received friends at the Rausch Funeral Home, PA, 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD on Saturday November 28, 2009 from 10:30 AM to 12 noon where services were held at 12 noon. Interment is private. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area, 11240 Waples Mill Road,Suite 402, Fairfax,VA 22030 Arrangements by Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Port Republic, MD.
Norman Guinn Green, 80 Norman Guinn Green, 80, passed from this life on November 17, 2009, with his loving family by his side. Born in Lenoir City, Tennessee, on April 28, 1929, Norman settled in Calvert County in 1946 with his mother, Louise, and his brothers, Raymond and Wayne. Having somewhat of a late start, Norman entered Calvert High School at the age of 17. An avid athlete, Norman played football for the St. Leonard Hornets and was a member of Calvert High’s first basketball team. As class Vice-President and member of the National Honor Society, he graduated with honors in 1950, delivering his commencement speech, “What Has Happened to the Family and Home.” Upon graduation, Norman enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as Airman First Class, and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in Texas, Keesler AFB in Mississippi, Hill AFB/Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, Pusan AFB in South Korea and Andrews AFB in Maryland. During the Korean War, Norman gladly and faithfully served his country as an air traffic controller in Pusan, South Korea. In 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Marie Weems, in La Plata, MD. Civic and community involvement was close to Norman’s heart. For three decades, he served on a number of church boards and as a Sunday school teacher at Christ Church in Port Republic, MD. As President of the Calvert County Optimist Club, Norman became instrumental in forming a new Optimist club branch during his tenure. Norman’s leadership and caring disposition was further demonstrated in his great love for umpiring and coaching for a host of local baseball and softball leagues for over twenty years. Norman’s professional career spanned from his positions at Safeway Supermarkets to Calvert Fire Insurance and Allstate Insurance Company, ultimately retiring as a Regional Insurance Claims Adjuster with USAA in 1992. Norman is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth, of 56 years & their children, Arlie Guinn Green (Lisa), Ruth Lenoir Green , Lisa Faith Green Moore (Dale),
Lynn Hope Green Guinn (Shawn), Kimberley LouAnne Green Wilson (Jeff) and Susan Gayle Green (Lorre). Norman is also survived by his grandchildren: April Danielle Green, Carla Jean Kossuth Gross, Kathleen Marie Gross Bradshaw, Lindy Jill Green Forrest, Andrew Robert Hall, Dustin Dalen Moore, Lenna Ruth Guinn Williams, Jared Ryan Guinn, Ashleigh Michelle Cox, Jennifer Nicole Buck, Michael Edward Moore, Brandyn Aubrey Guinn Robertson, Alexis Chelsea Brown, Matthew Ryan Wilson, Julia Renee Wilson, Jacqueline Danielle Wilson, and Camden James Green; great-grandchildren: Nicole Marie Bradshaw, Alexis Taylor Tesh, Megan Grace Forrest, Trinity Rain Williams, Macie Jade Tesh, Collin Gage Forrest and Samuel Gehrig Kastor. Additional survivors include his brothers, Raymond Lee Green, Thomas Wayne Green, Sr., and Joseph Gilbert Kirby, and sister, Zeta Louise Kirby Brady. Norman was predeceased by his mother, Louise Greene Kirby and his grandson, Samuel Ray Gross. Visitation was held at Christ Church, Port Republic, MD from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, November 21, 2009. A memorial service immediately followed. Interment will be private. The family kindly requests in lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to either of the following: Calvert Hospice, 238 Merrimac Court, PO Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 www.calverthospice.org. Or, Christ Church, 3100 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD 20676. www. christchurchcalvert.org/
Dorothy L. Smith, 70 Dorothy L. Smith, 70, of Prince Frederick, MD peacefully departed this life on November 19, 2009 at her home, where she wanted to be surrounded by her loved ones. Dorothy Lee Smith, known to many as Lee, was born on August 13, 1939 to the late Howard Long, Sr. and Ethel Long in Calvert County Maryland. Dorothy was a graduate of Brooks High School. She loved going to church, She worshipped at many churches throughout the county. She found a home at Brooks United Methodist Church under the leadership of
former pastor, Rev. Kay F. Albury. She attended faithfully until her health began to fail. “Lee” was loved by many people. She was a loving mother to her kids and other kids as well. She was a mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, auntie, friend, but most of all, she was a child of God. She loved to cook, bake and babysit. She was a member of the C.C. Crusaders singing group. One of her favorite songs to sing with the C.C. Crusaders was Holding My Saviors Hand. She also loved Sending Up My Timber and Ride Out the Storm. Dorothy’s loved ones who preceded her in death were: her parents, Howard and Ethel Long, Sr.; 4 brothers, Howard, Jr., Robert, Jack known as Duck and Carlton Jacks, known as Jim; 4 sisters, Ann Mackall, Viola Gibson, Lillie Mae and Ernestine Holland; 1 brother-in-law, Eugene Holland; 1 son, Timothy W. Smith. Dorothy had a very close devoted friend, Elmer (the piano man) Mackall who also preceded her in death. “Lee” leaves to cherish her memories: 2 sons, Kenneth L. Smith (Collette) and Dwight C. Russell; 5 daughters, Patricia D. Smith (Elwood), Paula E. Russell, Thelma Keyes (Lorenzo), Jackie Smith and Lorraine Johnson (Troy); 9 grandchildren, Brad Rawlings, Timothy W. Smith, Jr., Kaleb Smith, Travis Smith, Jayde Butler, Marquis Smith, Lashawn Smith, Linna’ Jenkins and William Jenkins, Jr. (WJ); 3 great grandchildren, Javontee’ Smith, Timothy W. Smith, III and Kayla Smith; 1 sister-in-law, Mazie Long-Holland; 1 brother-in-law, Elmer Mackall; 4 sisters, Ethel Burroughs, Ollie Wallace (James), Rose Holland and Carolyn Chew; 1 brother, Gene Long (Catherine); and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Brooks UM Church, St. Leonard, MD with Pastor Jason L. Robinson officiating. The interment was at Brooks U M Church Cemetery, St. Leonard, MD. The pallbearers were Eric Freeland, Eric Murray, Thomas Murray, Barry Parran, Corey Russell, and Kenny Smith. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Thursday, December-2009
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CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate
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
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Representing Over 20 Leading Companies
Located on a private, wooded, double lot this well maintained home with tiered decks, spectacular wooded views,seasonal lake views and lake access from lot, is updated and priced to sell. A huge master suite with sitting room. walk in closet and bath. Two additional bedrooms, baths, and family room. The open flow of the spacious livingroom with a cathederal ceiling, adjoining dining room and updated kitchen, makes entertaining a breeze! Newer windows, HVAC, laminate wood floors. Be home for the holidays! Price: $250,000. If interested, please email trish. lea@c21nm.com.
Real Estate Rentals 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1 Den luxury condo at Oyster Bay for rent! Contemporary kitchen with granite countertops, stainless, appliances, and breakfast nook. Gas fireplace in living room, large master bedroom/bathroom suite, washer and dryer in unit, free access to tennis courts, exercise facility, swimming pool, boat slip, and more! $1500/month + utilities. $1500 security deposit required. Call Gloria or Mary Ellen at 410-3264251. ** Ask about our furnished unit for $1700/ month + utilities and $1700 security deposit **
t n a r u Resta
This 3 bedroom 1 bath freshly painted single story rambler is located in the community of Drum Point (Lusby) about 20 minutes to PAX River and 15 minutes to the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant. The house is approximately 1050 sf. The home has CENTRAL heat/air, includes a WASHER and DRYER, a LARGE two-car garage capable of storing boat(s), and a fenced back yard with swing set. School bus stops in front of house. The community of Drum Point has a private beach on the Chesapeake Bay and a private boat launch. Pets negotiable. Available Nov 15, 2009. $1300.00 month + security deposit, and pet deposit if applicable. Strictly a non-smoking home. Call Janice 410.610.1459 or email jijacks@comcast.net.
Locally! aces to Dine Find Great Pl
Employment
Greenfield Engineering has an opening for an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Engineer at PAX River. Successful candidate will have a Bachelors degree in an Engineering Field and minimum 1 year experience with IFF equipment. Working knowledge of IFF principals, Interrogator and Transponder Technologies for Naval platforms required. Flight test and data collection methods desired. Candidate must be a US citizen and capable of obtaining a security clearance. Greenfield Engineering offers great benefits including company paid health care and retirement fund, in a professional environment. Email resume for immediate consideration. weston_lisa@greenfieldeng.com.
$ 18
Thursday, December-2009
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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 every other Thursday.
Out About Friday, Dec. 4, Saturday, Dec. 5 • Solomons Christmas Walk Begin your holiday celebrations at the Solomons Christmas
Walk. Stroll the candlelit streets, browse unique shops, try one of the many great restaurants, and enjoy art, music, entertainment and a puppet show. Welcome Santa on Friday night with carols and a tree lighting ceremony at the Pavillion on the Riverwalk. Don’t miss the lighted boat parade Saturday at dusk. (www.solomonsmaryland.com)
Friday Dec. 4 – Jan. 2 • Garden in Lights, Annmarie Garden Surround yourself with colorful one-of-a-kind creations as you walk the ¼ mile loop. Mythical creatures, spectacular wild animals, illuminated works of art, hidden beasts and more delights all ages. New this year - golf cart tours, pet night, and special discount nights for military, police and others. Enjoy a hot drink and entertainment in the Arts Building as you visit the Ornament Show and Celebrations Glass exhibit. Check their website, www.annmariegarden.org, for dates, times and admission fees.
Saturday, Dec. 5 • Gingerbread House Workshop Calvert Library Southern Branch, 20 Appeal Way, Lusby. For 1st thru 7th graders. Come and celebrate the holiday season by building a small gingerbread house. Each child is asked to bring a bag of candy to share
with the group for decorating the houses. Two Times: 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. Call 410-326-5289.
Saturday, Dec. 26 Tuesday, Dec. 29 • Toys of Olde Calvert Marine Museum, 14150 Solomons Island Road, Solomons. Join our interpreter for a special holiday tour of the Drum Point Lighthouse that highlights the life of the children who lived there and their toys. These 30-minute tours will be offered at 11:00 a.m., 1:30, and 3:00 p.m. Sign up will be at the admissions desk. You’ll also have an opportunity to try your hand at some of the traditional games and toys.
• Wreath Workshop Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, St. Leonard Come make a holiday wreath from the beautiful greens of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum’s Point Farm gardens Natural products from the garden include magnolia, boxwood, holly, pines, pine cones and magnolia seed pods. A grapevine base, bows and ornaments are included in the price of the workshop. Class size is limited, call 410-586-8501 or email jppm@mdp.state.md.us for costs and reservations.
Sunday, Dec. 6 • Annual Holiday Parade Mark your calendars for the Annual Holiday Parade at Fox Run Shopping Center, Prince Frederick at 2 p.m. This annual holiday parade features high school bands, floats, our Volunteer Fire Departments and heralds in the main attraction – Santa Claus. The parade is sponsored by the Calvert County Optimists and the Calvert County Fair Board.
Wednesday, Dec. 9 • Yes, You CAN Use a Computer Calvert Library Southern Branch, 20 Appeal Way, Lusby Learn how to use COSMOS, databases and other on-line resources the library offers. 2-3 p.m. Call 410-326-5289.
Thursday, Dec. 10 • Winter Holiday Evening Storytime Calvert Library Southern Branch, 20 Appeal Way, Lusby. Family storytime for preschoolers. Program includes books, songs, and flannelboard stories. 7-8 pm. Call 410-3265289 for more information.
Saturday, Dec. 12, Sunday Dec. 13 • COSMIC Symphony Presents Handel’s Messiah Celebrate a classic Christ-
mas Concert with COSMIC Symphony and Community Chorus as they present Handel’s Messiah. Performances are Saturday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m. at Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, and Sunday, Dec.13, 5 p.m. at Crossroad Christian Church, St. Leonard. More info at www.cosmicmusic. com. Seating is limited; purchase tickets now at Stevens Studio, Allegro Music, Pax River MWR in St. Mary’s and Educate & Celebrate, Martens Jewelry and Gifts in Calvert. Individual tickets $10, students, seniors, military, special needs, $8.
Thursday, Dec. 17 • Southern Book Group: Any book by Laura Lippman Calvert Library Southern Branch, 20 Appeal Way, Lusby Baltimore author of many books. Her mystery series features Tess Monaghan, Private Investigator. 2-3:30pm. Call 410-326-5289.
Wednesday, Dec. 23 • Holiday Ornament Workshop Calvert Marine Museum, 14150 Solomons Island Road, Solomons. Join us to make your choice of a salt dough ornament, a pine cone ornament, or a “punched tin” ornament. Workshops will be on-going from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the classroom. There is a suggested donation of $2 per child. Space is limited; sign-up at the admissions desk to ensure your spot.
Sunday, Dec. 27 • Gingerbread Lighthouse Workshop Calvert Marine Museum, 14150 Solomons Island Road, Solomons. A seasonal favorite, you don’t want to miss our gingerbread workshops! Design and create your own gingerbread lighthouse and decorate it any way you wish. A $2 fee is charged for supplies. Space is limited. Workshops are scheduled from 11:00 -12 noon; 1 – 2:00 p.m.; 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. No pre-registration; sign up at the admissions desk.
• Handling History: Maritime Hall Calvert Marine Museum, 14150 Solomons Island Road, Solomons. If you have visited our Maritime Hall, you know we have a lot of cool stuff, but it’s all behind glass. This is an opportunity to hold, touch, and explore some of our maritime artifacts hidden in our Exploration Boxes. Join an interpreter in the Maritime History Hall and dive into history. Tours will start every hour on the hour from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the entrance of the Maritime History Hall.
Wednesday, Dec. 30 • Digging Up the Past Calvert Marine Museum, 14150 Solomons Island Road,
Monday, Dec. 28 • Eco-Invaders Calvert Marine Museum, 14150 Solomons Island Road, Solomons. Join us for a special interpreter led tour of our Eco-Invaders exhibit and learn all about these invaders from afar. Featuring the infamous snakehead, you’ll learn how these plants and animals were introduced and what you can do about it. Join us for this special 15 minute tour every hour on the hour from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. And be sure not to miss the Aqua Invaders Game at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium – open to all ages.
Solomons. Fossils are ancient clues to the past, but you have to know how to read them. Join an interpreter in our Paleontology Hall to learn the language of ancient bones, teeth, and shells. Discover why there are layers in the cliffs, and what amazing creatures roamed these shores millions of years ago. These special 30-minute tours will start every hour on the hour starting at 1:00 p.m. Sign up at the admissions desk. Also try your hand at preparing real fossils bound in matrix in the classroom at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, December-2009
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New Patuxent Boys’ Hoops Coach Excited For Coming Season
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ith the season starting next week, Patuxent boys’ basketball will have a new leader roaming the sidelines. A junior varsity coach and varsity assistant for the previous four seasons, Lou Bruno moves to the head chair on varsity this season, replacing John McGuffin. “I am really excited about this season and the kids are too,” Bruno said. “Being that this is my first year, I really don’t know what to expect yet, we will have to see.” Bruno, who also coaches JV softball and freshman football at Patuxent, describes coaching as his passion and hopes the newcomers to the basketball team will mesh well with the three returning players. “We have a lot of new faces but the chemistry is great,” he says. “The strength of our team will be the fact that we have kids that will do anything to get better and will not give up. The group I have is hard working and get along really well. They respect each other and that is key.”
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The three returning players, senior guards Cody Sears, and John Walker along with senior forward Quinn Trudo, will be called upon to lead this young team on and off the court this season. “All 3 are great leaders and hard workers,” Bruno said. “They will play a big role in getting the new kids ready.” In an ultra-competitive conference like the SMAC, Bruno hopes his team will compete night in and night out. “All I want is for us to be competitive and respectable. I haven’t thought too much on how we are going to do but I do know that we are going to come to play every night,” he said. “I don’t know what to expect, we will have to see. The SMAC is tough and if you aren’t ready to play you will get beat. I respect every team in this league and the talent is outstanding. You can’t take a night off. There are no easy games,” Bruno said. The Panthers first game of the season in Dec. 8 vs. Lackey. BY CHRIS STEVENS (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
l a i c Holiday Spe F REE Purchase$100.00 in gift certificates and receive $10.00 gif t certificate Free. nd a s e t a c ifi t r e c t if 0 in g Purchase $500.0 ertifcate Free. ift c XXX receive $75.00 g y Market lt ia c e p S t e m r u o Woodburn’s G P.O. Box 1150 68 8 Solomons, Md. 20 410.326.3999 titles This Certificate En alued at To Merchandise V Presented By
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Calvert You Are Beautiful Awards
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What to Buy The Pet Lover on Your List By Mary Beth Gates
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here are many great gifts out there for your friends and family. A large array of pet related gifts items makes it a challenge to buy for pet lovers. Here are some practical ideas you may not have thought of. For someone on a tight budget, consider a gift of annual pet insurance. Or make arrangements with a veterinarian to provide necessary shots along with one wellness visit. Consider making arrangements with a pet shop to pay a year’s worth of good quality food or treats. You may offer to pay for a dog training class or pet sitting services. Or for the spay or neuter of a puppy or kitten. Of course, a gift certificate to their favorite local pet shop is always appreciated by pet lovers! For people that have everything, consider a donation to an animal rescue group or shelter in that person’s name or in memory of a pet they lost. Surprising a loved one with a gift of a pet is not a good idea. Many of those “gifts” end up at shelters soon after the holidays are over. If a friend or family member is interested in adopting a four legged companion, it is best to let them to choose the pet and/or let the pet choose them! To help, you might go to www.petfinder.com and find animals that may suit their lifestyle and then take them to meet the possible new additions to their family. Or perhaps you could accompany them to local pet adoption events or kennels. It may take awhile to match the feline or canine companion to the human but think of the joy it will bring them to find the perfect match! Mary Beth Gates is the owner of Pepper’s Pet Pantry
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he Calvert County Board of County Commissioners honored 26 outstanding community volunteers during the county’s annual Calvert You Are Beautiful program. Chesapeake Beach resident JoAnn Adams was named Volunteer of the Year for her work with a variety of Calvert County organizations over a period of more than 40 years. The Calvert You Are Beautiful nominees touched the lives of county residents in myriad ways. They were recognized for dedicating countless hours to working for local causes while juggling the demands of everyday life. Below are snippets from some of the nomination entries for volunteers from the southern end of Calvert County. Winner- Volunteer of the Year JoAnn Adams
Nominated by: Margaret McLaughlin, Joan Clarke, Douglas Weems, Tecora Evans, Larrissa Jones, Thelma Lee Howard and Leslie A. Andrecs JoAnn Adams has made Calvert County her home since 1965 when her family moved to Chesapeake Beach. This is also the area where JoAnn began her career as a volunteer. In 1967, she and her husband started the Twin Beach Youth Group. Shortly after, with the assistance of Stallings-Williams Post 206 American Legion sponsorship, JoAnn established the Legionettes Majorettes & Drum Corps. She was the backbone of this organization for its entire 25 years. She gave hundreds of youth opportunities that they may have never had. She made sure if a child wanted to be a part of this family, whether they had black shoes or not, there would always be a spot in the performance for him/her. In the ‘80s, JoAnn completed training at the Abused Person Program. She volunteered as an advocate for APP and would accompany clients to court and respond to calls for an advocate in the middle of the night. She volunteered as an advocate for about five years. In 1997, JoAnn began working with the ARC and became very attached to the people she served. She often would have planned parties and take trips, a lot of which were at her own expense. While working with ARC, she began visiting the “On Our Own” Drop-In Center. After some time, JoAnn was asked to be on the board as a volunteer. During this time, she planned parties, trips, picnics, and other special events. Like the other periods of volunteering, JoAnn’s main objective was to make sure she provided others with as many opportunities as possible. Jo, as some call her, has been president of the board for the last two years. Since she has taken this position, she has provided many others with opportunities and experiences with events such as the Annual Luau. About 150-200 clients and staff of ARC and On Our Own enjoy an evening of good food, Hawaiian atmosphere, music and door prizes. On a daily basis, Jo has does much for the On Our Own clients such as taking them to workshops, trips to Ocean City, camping, picnics, movies, into the community. She also schedules speakers to talk to them about issues of health, safety and their feelings.
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Other Nominees
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Linda Lee Bracey Nominated by: Crystal Lynn
One of Calvert’s Most Beautiful People is my mother, Linda
Lee Bracey. She has always been an inspiration to me and many others. While I was growing up my mother worked full time and still found time to be actively involved in all activities for my brothers and me. When I became a Cadet Girl Scout, there were a handful of us who wanted to continue scouting even though our leader was leaving. My mom took on the task, along with my dad who was the assistant leader. She helped us earn our Silver Award, which is a high honor in Girl Scouts and very difficult to obtain without complete support of the leader. My brother and I played ball for the Calvert American Little League, and my father coached. The President of the organization quit and no one wanted to take the position, but my mom did. My mother has given so much of herself to family and so many others in Calvert County, she is truly the most beautiful person I know, giving so freely of herself to anyone in need. Betty Goldstein Nominated by Scott A. Goldstein I realize that choosing to nominate my wife, Betty Goldstein, for this honor is an obvious show of bias. But I cannot think of another person who makes Calvert County a better place to live. If you know Betty, and many people do, she has made your life better. Betty Goldstein has been a gifted elementary school teacher for more than 15 years. Her insistence on excellence, her commitment to children, her creativity, and her sense of fair play are evident every day in her classroom. As a high school teacher I meet students all the time who share with me the impact that Betty has made on their education and life. Betty spares no expense or amount of time in her efforts to teach children. At the drop of a hat she will drive one hundred miles to purchase books for her classroom. Betty also finds time to volunteer at both of our children’s schools. She cooks, bakes, shops, sells tickets and food at the concession stand, and walks miles at Relay for Life. In other words, she is always there for everyone. If you know Betty and you are in need, you are in luck. She dropped her life to care for her ailing father last year for weeks. It is just her nature. Each and every day in Calvert County is beautiful because of Betty Goldstein. Her every action and very existence exude beauty. Anne Harmon Nominated by: Betty Jane Reynolds
Anne Harmon is a wife, mother, grandmother and employee of the Bank of America and a very special person. I had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Harmon over 22 years ago at the Calvert Country School. Her youngest son Danny (who is now 25 years old) was a student in the preschool program. Danny was born with Downs Syndrome. This was a challenge that presented a lot of hard work and dedication to the family. The Harmons also had four other children. Mrs. Harmon touched my heart in many ways because of her positiveness and willingness. She soon got involved in the activities of Danny’s class. She became mother to the class and a good friend to the staff. I never heard her complain about what her son couldn’t do. She always praised what he did regardless of how small or large the accomplishment was. Her visits to the classroom were always pleasant. She greeted
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every child with a smile and “That’s a good job. Keep up the good work.” Mrs. Harmon has been involved in Special Olympics of Maryland Calvert County for a number of years. She realized that her child and other children with special needs could “do” if given the opportunity. The Calvert County Parks and Recreation, ARC of Southern Maryland, Board of Education, People First and their families work closely together to provide programs for these individuals. Mrs. Harmon has put in endless hours serving the Special Olympics program. I don’t know when she finds the time to sleep. I admire her for the strong desire she has to serve. She is also a faithful member of the Church by the Chesapeake on Broomes Island Road. There she volunteers in the nursery and participates with others in passing out baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her banking skills have allowed her to help the American Cancer Society with the funds collected for the Relay for Life Calvert County. Her famous words are “I just do what I can.” Jean Moyer Nominated by Gladys Nehf Jean Moyer has dedicated countless hours to Our Lady Star of the Sea (OLSS) Catholic Church and the OLSS School in Solomons. Jean is the unofficial living historian of the OLSS and Jean was raised in the Lusby/Solomons area. When Jean was a child, she attended the school along with her siblings. Later, she married and raised her family as parishioners to the church as well as students in the school. Along the way, Jean has collected photos, newspaper clippings and other artifacts about the history of OLSS as well as Calvert County. This year OLSS School marked its 75th Anniversary. Jean spent countless days, weeks and months making this celebration meaningful. She made bulletin boards monthly that showed the school’s history. And if that were not enough – she created a huge scrapbook for future generations to remember the past. She dedicated so many countless hours and poured in so much love it was hard to believe that she also had time to assist the 08-09 kindergarten class. Jean helped with special projects, art class and field trips throughout the year.Jean also volunteers with the needs of the church and documents all the changes that it undergoes. Jean Moyer made the OLSS’s 75th Anniversary a successful celebration of Catholic school education. She is a lady who never complains, no matter how busy or tired she gets. She never asks for anything in return and truthfully how could we ever repay her for her time, talents and dedication to the OLSS community? She is PRICELESS and for that I would like to dedicate Jean Moyer of Lusby, Maryland as Calvert County’s 2009 Most Beautiful People Award. Bob and Pam Platt Nominated by Sherry Reid for Calvert Marine Museum Bob Platt has been volunteering at the Calvert Marine Museum since 2001 and Pam since 1998. They have both spent the majority of their time in the Paleontology Department preparing, cataloging and collecting fossils, and working with children to teach them about fossils. Pam also participates in the Education Department’s distance learning program, teaming with staff as the “expert” for the fossil program. Pam took it upon herself to put together a collection of fossils to enrich the examples we had on hand, and then Bob was given the job of pulling together a similar sampling from our own collection. Bob logged 460 volunteer hours and Pam logged 470 volunteer hours at CMM during 2008.
Bob and Pam do not limit their volunteer work to the Calvert Marine Museum. Bob leads nature walks at the One Room Schoolhouse in Broomes Island and Pam delivers meals to those who are shut in through the Meals on Wheels program. In the summer, Pam volunteers at the Museum of the Rockies while she is on vacation doing paleo preparation. Bob and Pam work together to assist the local land trust by volunteering for the spring clean up, doing a fossil sandbox for their family day, and participating in their regular activities. Both Bob and Pam are extremely giving of their time and talent to help enrich the lives of others. Leah Rayburn Nominated by Sara Volk Leah Rayburn is a beautiful person inside as well as out. She works as a Calvert Therapeutic Riding Center instructor. Leah works with kids as well as adults with a variety of disabilities. She has saved my life and over time has become a mentor role model and a hero; helping me cope with my major depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder through the most tough times of the year (winter). Through her own experiences and faith she led me to a path of hope and taught me that we are all children of God and that, no matter what, God will always love us. Through the community she worked with plenty of different people and those people can strongly agree that she is a very strong and inspiring person. Even without the money to pay for lessons, she has given her time and energy for those in need. I don’t think it was just an act of kindness, but a love from her heart, from the knowledge that all people are people, no matter who they are or what disability they may have. Over the years, Leah has been an active participant in Middleham and St. Peter’s Church in Lusby. Leah Rayburn is a mother, a friend, and a hero – she is one of Calvert’s most beautiful people. Spiggy & Friends Committee Nominated by Dave Spigler
r un Sile nt Auctions, obtain gifts, seek donations, attain sponsorships, plan and run all aspects of the golf event, provide audio/video equipment, and just about anything else asked of them. Last year’s fundraisers grossed more than $60,000 and much of the money was distributed to local Calvert County charities. You should know through the efforts of these beautiful volunteers, we were able to make the hile you may first significant contribution to the Department equate "green" of Social Services for “Calvert’s Child” last with the warmer fall and have provided $2,500 for her care so weather, the winter season is perper far. haps the ideal time to take some It is a privilege for me to call these beaugreen initiatives in and around the tiful people my friends and my neighbors! house. They have a long history of volunteer serIn many households, the bulk of vice to improve the quality of life for our energy is consumed during the coldcitizens and are truly the perfect candiweather months. That's because heat dates for recognition by this program. is often running all day long to keep the home comfortable, heavier clothes are worn, which take longer to wash and dry, less time is spent cooking outdoors and more time is geared around firing up the kitchen stove. Making some changes -- in a green way -- can be beneficial, especially in terms of monetary savings. Here are a few steps to take.
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8 Green Ways to Winterize
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1. Douse drafts: Drafts can drive up energy usage. Caulk around windows and doors, or consider replacing drafty windows all together if it's in the budget. There are many energy-efficient options available. Another way to stop drafts is with a "draft snake." It's simply any piece of fabric (even a rolled up towel) that's placed at the bottom of doors to pre prevent drafts. You can use scraps of fabric, sew them in a tube shape and fill with sand or kitty litter. Kids can customize theirs with eyes and tongues from craft store supplies.
2. Replace furnace filters: Clogged furnace filters compromise the flow of air through the system and can cause the unit to work harder. That equates to more energy use. Replace filters at least once a month. An even greener option is electo electostatic filters. They trap around 88 percent of debris, and are much better at controlling the bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen that cause illness and irritation. They will be more costly than standard filters, however.
It is with great pride that I nominate my entire “Spiggy & Friends Committee” as the 2009 recipient for the 3. Turn down the water heater thermostat: Many thermostats are set to heat the water to 140 F. “Calvert You Are Beautiful VolunThat level of warmth is often not needed. Turning down the thermostat to 120 F can save con conteer Award.” I have taken this unsiderable energy ... and money. precedented step as this entire group of 34 Calvert Countians 4. Watch the thermostat: Statistics show that for every degree you lower the thermostat during heat heathas, for more than16 years, ing season, you'll save between 1 and 3 percent of your heating bill. Use a programmable thermostat to volunteered countless hours automatically keep the heat at the desired temperature, whether you're home or not. of their time and energy to produce the highly 5. Cozy up to save: Keep the thermostat a little successful “Spiggy lower and dress warmer. A sweater worn around & Friends Celebrity the house can save you money. Also, don't forget Golf Tournament” to don slippers or warm socks. A lot of heat is lost and the popular anthrough the feet and head. nual “Spiggy & Friends Children’s 6. Beef up insulation: Add more insulation to the home Hospital Benefit.” and insulate pipes for added energy savings. These two large events, held here 7. Switch ceiling fan direction: Enabling ceiling fan blades each fall, have to spin clockwise will draw warm air trapped near the ceilceil realized more ing down to the living area. This can improve comfort and than $500,000 save money on heating. for sick children and needy 8. Use an eco-friendly ice melter: Ice melters typically dede families of the stroy surrounding vegetation where they are applied and area. can be harmful to wildlife. Seek out a green product that T h e s e will be safer for the environment. wonderful volunteers from all over Calvert come together weeks in advance to plan these fundraisers, make arrangements, order material, set up advertising, prepare foods, set up and decorate the American Legion Hall, sell raffle tickets,
Thursday, December-2009
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