January 2010
Priceless
Gazette
Southern Calvert Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard
A Community on the edge 90+ homes in dAnger of fAlling into BAy PAge 12
Oyster Open House Set Story Page 5
Now 3 Cops Patrol School Hallways Story Page 6
Tobacco Barn Summit Reconvenes
Story Page 9
Your Paper... Your Thoughts What are your thoughts on the plight of landowners on the cliffs in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, who are prohibited from protecting their homes from the eroding cliff face due to an endangered tiger beetle? “I think that it’s wrong that they can’t do nothing about it, there should be something you can do to help control the loss of the land that they’re having,” said Dave Nickey, of Chesapeake Ranch Estates, who lives across the street from homes in danger of falling down the cliff. “I feel sorry for my neighbor, he put a lot of money in his house … geothermal, the new environmental-friendly septic system, he’s trying to do everything right, and now he’s losing his property, it’s just not fair.”
“They should be able to protect their homes. I grew up on the water in Chesapeake Beach, and we actually lost 15 feet of land during that last hurricane, Isabel. I think people should be able to protect their homes,” said Jake Rupard, a Ranch Club resident. “I’m all about endangered species, I’d like for them to be able to protect them, but I can’t imagine loosing an investment like a home … I’m sure there’s some kind of medium there that won’t destroy the habitat of the beetle.” “I live in the Ranch Club and I feel so bad for those people,” said Sheila Dillon. “The people who approved those permits to allow those homes to be built should pay for it. They approved it and now they’re just letting those people loose their houses.” As for the tiger beetle, Dillon asked why couldn’t they be moved up the shoreline near the protected land b y Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant? “I don’t know why they can’t move them to another cliff, another habitat, they move endangered species all the time.”
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Thursday, January-2010
On T he Cover
A home owned by Bill Carmichael saw its Jacuzzi platform fall off the cliff face after a 15-foot landslide on Thanksgiving. The platform is seen halfway down the cliff under the home on the left. Photo courtesy of Tony Vajda.
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education
Second grade students took part in Our Lady Star of the Sea’s school-wide effort to reach out to the less fortunate in Calvert County. SEE PAGE 10
Patuxent’s Tiana Forbes looks to pass while Dani McLoughlin (34) and Kate Finkleston of Leonardtown apply defensive pressure. SEE PAGE 19
out & about
FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 20 IN OUT AND ABOUT
land s I s n o Solom eport Tide R
entertainment
Stephen Rumpf (Nick) is helped by his family after collapsing in the Newtowne Players’ production of “Over the River and Through the Woods.” SEE PAGE 22
January 22-24 2010 Day
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January 29-31 2010
Also Inside
Local News
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Delegate Column
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Community
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Education
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Letters
12
Cover Story
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Locals
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History
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Obituaries
18
Business Directory
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Sports
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Out & About
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Entertainment
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On The Water
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12:19 AM 6:31 AM 1:18 PM 8:08 PM
0.7 7:13 AM Set 6:38 AM 97 -0.5 5:25 PM Rise 5:01 PM 1.4 -0.1
Sa 30 30 30 30
High Low High Low
1:15 AM 7:32 AM 2:09 PM 8:50 PM
0.9 7:12 AM Set 7:18 AM 99 -0.5 5:26 PM Rise 6:19 PM 1.4 -0.2
Su 31 31 31 31
High Low High Low
2:10 AM 8:30 AM 2:57 PM 9:32 PM
1.0 7:12 AM Set 7:52 AM 99 -0.5 5:27 PM Rise 7:35 PM 1.4 -0.2
Thursday, January-2010
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LOCAL NEWS George Owings, a former Calvert County state delegate and Secretary of Veterans Affairs under the Robert Ehrlich administration, formally announced he is running in the Democratic primary to unseat Gov. Martin O’Malley. Owings made his announcement at the Calvert County courthouse complex and quickly took to criticizing what he called the O’Malley administration’s bent for taxation, spending and attacking business interests. “The time to return to a day of good government is upon us,” Owings said to a crowd of about 100 supporters and media. “The phrase often repeated ‘Government that works has turned into a veiled and empty promise.” Owings said that tax increases implemented by O’Malley’s administration in its early days had the opposite affect on the state budget it had expected. “It killed business,” Owings said, adding that if elected governor he would institute a budget process that would focus “our eyes
Owings Running for Governor
on necessities and not luxuries.” Owings key example of this was O’Malley’s pressure on the Public Service Commission to examine the deal between power provider Constellation Energy and Electricite de France to construct a new reactor at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. Local officials in favor of the deal said that O’Malley’s insistence on rate concessions for BG&E customers could have scuttled the deal. “That would have cost Southern Maryland 4,000 construction jobs,” Owings said. Owings candidacy comes at a time when O’Malley’s popularity seems to have weakened; according to a recent Clarus Research Group poll only 39 percent of residents polled wanted to see him remain governor, while 48 percent wanted someone else as Maryland’s chief executive. “Governor O’Malley is now below 50 percent across-the-board in the triple crown of re-election poll metrics: trial heat, generic reelect, and job approval,” said Ron
Faucheux, president of Clarus Research Group in a statement of the late 2009 poll. “O’Malley faces two major problems that are dragging him down. First, his issue ratings are lackluster, especially on economic and fiscal matters. Second, he’s polling only 34 percent of independents against [former Gov. Robert] Ehrlich.” Some politicos around the state have speculated that Ehrlich will once again make a run for governor in 2010. Todd Eberly, a political science professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland said he did not believe Owings could beat O’Malley because the incumbent had a solid base in the Democratic party establishment in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties as well as Baltimore City, but Owings candidacy could appeal to the more conservative elements in Southern Maryland, the Eastern Shore and in Western Maryland. This could have the affect of boosting a Republican challenger like Ehrlich should he choose to run.
Photo By Guy Leonard George Owings during his announcement at the courthouse in Prince Frederick.
“O’Malley would certainly be the front runner in the primary… but in no way would I say O’Malley’s seat is safe,” Eberly said. Owings, 64, of Dunkirk, said that he could not promise there would be no tax increases in coming fiscal years — government had its costs, he told reporters —
but there were things in the state budget that needed to be removed to save money. One example, he said, was in duplication of services in agencies like the Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources. By Guy Leonard (CT) guyleonard@countytimes.net
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LOCAL NEWS
Celebrity Chef Spices Up Southern Maryland
When Jim Seymour, owner of Catamaran’s Restaurant on Solomons Island, took a close look at his establishment, he decided he needed to make some serious changes. The place had “lost its way” and become more of a nightspot than a fine dining destination, and sales were slumping as a result. “Sales were not good, the place wasn’t doing enough business, and we were really hurting,” he said. And that was when he decided to bring in celebrity Chef Robert Hesse to breathe new life into the place. Hesse, formerly known for his spot on season five of the Fox network reality show, “Hell’s Kitchen,” accepted the job, explaining that he wanted to work in an area with personality and potential, so his meeting with Seymour (who had been looking for a new chef for over a year) proved a great boon for both of them. It is also helping Hesse to expand his fine dining repertoire, which also includes his four-star restaurant in the Hamptons called “Georgica,” to creating upscale casual dining, which features a modern spin on classic “comfort” dishes. Hesse would never call himself privileged though, having grown up enduring a violent and troubled childhood. He described his path to becoming a formidable contender in the world of cooking as a long but rewarding one. “I won’t lie, I had problems,” said Hesse. “I’d been involved with drugs and gangs and I was really messed up … and cooking got me out of that, it turned things around for me.”
But it was his personality more than his cooking that got him noticed by producers during a casting call for Hell’s Kitchen, said Hesse, explaining that upon seeing the long lines of eager and well-dressed would-be contestants in front of him, he knew he would have to do something unique to stand out. “I ran around to the side of the building and got some masking tape … and I spelled out on my shirt ‘I beat anorexia,’” he said, laughing. “They really liked that … one of the people with the show saw me and laughed, and they moved me to the front.” Unfortunately for Hesse, chest pains and a diagnosis of pericarditis (a swelling around the sac around the heart) forced him to leave the show after becoming one of the top five contestants. In the time since, the chef says he’s content to keep two home bases, one in New York and one in Solomons, where he plans to stay in charge Chef Robert Hesse at Catamaran’s for some time. And for him, the limelight is just of experienced chefs and transformed the an afterthought. “I didn’t get on the show to make my ca- menu, replacing the old offerings with modreer,” he said. “I’d already started doing that. ern interpretations of classic dishes. It’s not I got there to show them what I do,” he said. fine dining, but it’s at least several steps above what it used to be, he said, “and that’s “I cook, that’s what I do.” And what Hesse does in the kitchen what this area needs.” By Andrea Shiell seems to be working. He brought on a staff (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Oyster Open House Coming to Solomons The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold an open house from 12-8 p.m., Jan. 26 at the Solomons Volunteer Fire Department to provide information on Maryland’s proposed Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan, announced by Governor Martin O’Malley in December. The open house, one of four being held, is designed to inform citizens and serve as the formal scoping meetings for the plan, DNR said in a press release. Since 1994, the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population has languished at 1 percent of historic levels; quality oyster bars have decreased 80 percent (from 200,000 acres to 36,000 acres) and the number of harvesters has dwindled from 2,000 in the mid 1980s to just over 500, DNR said. Today there are 18 remaining oyster processing companies in Maryland, down from 58 in 1974. “This plan … is designed to enhance oyster restoration for ecological purposes and encourage the development of aquaculture businesses, while continuing to support a more targeted and sustainable public oyster fishery,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. Each open house will consist of a 60-poster display that will take citizens through the elements of the plan. Members of the DNR Shellfish Program team will be on hand to answer questions and solicit comments. The sessions will run for 7 to 8 hours during the day and evening allowing ample opportunity for the public to attend. The public is welcome to come at any time, and stay as long as they need. Visitors should anticipate it taking about 1 hour to review the displays. As proposed, DNR says the plan will: • Increase Maryland’s network of oyster sanctuaries — from 9 percent to 24 percent of remaining quality habitat. • Increase areas open to leasing for oyster aquaculture and streamline the permitting process. This is based on the legislation
Governor O’Malley sponsored in 2009 and unanimously approved by the General Assembly, and will include the opening of 95,524 acres of natural oyster bars and hundreds of thousands of acres on the lower Eastern Shore to leasing. • Maintain 167,720 acres of natural oyster bars for the wild oyster fishery, including 76 percent of the Bay’s remaining quality oyster habitat. This will allow for continued support of a more targeted, sustainable, and scientifically managed public oyster fishery. A copy of the open house material is available at www.dnr.state. md.us/fisheries/oysters. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net.
Knocking But You Can’t Come In
On Jan. 2 at 12:11 p.m., Trooper Logsdon responded to the 700 block of Planters Wharf Road in Lusby for a reported suspicious person. A homeowner discovered an unidentified male in his home and ordered him to leave. Police investigation revealed that Lucas A. Johns, 24 of Lusby, entered the home after knocking and thinking no one was home. He was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.
Car Stolen
On Jan. 7 at 9:40 p.m., Trooper Parker responded to the 500 block of Barnacle Lane in Lusby for a report of a motor vehicle theft. The victim reported that a black 1996 Nissan Maxima was stolen from the driveway.
Handgun Taken
Unknown suspects stole a black Walther .22 caliber pistol valued at $350 from an unlocked vehicle while it was parked outside a home on Buffalo Road in Lusby overnight between Jan. 7 and 8. Calvert County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Lord is investigating.
Entertainment System Gone
Two RCA 7 inch screens to a mobile DVD system worth $250 were stolen from inside an unlocked vehicle outside a home on Dry Creek Court in Lusby between 5:45 p.m. on Jan. 8 and 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 9. Anyone with information is asked to contact DFC Aaron Locke at 410-535-2800.
GPS Snatched
On Jan. 10 at 2:00 p.m., Trooper First Class Hunt responded to the 12600 block of Deerfield Road in Lusby for a reported theft from a vehicle. A GPS system was stolen from the vehicle.
County Seeks Leading Edge Award Nominations
The Calvert County Economic Development Commission is currently seeking Calvert County Business of the Year Award nominations for the 2010 Leading Edge Awards. Founded in 2001, the College of Southern Maryland’s Leading Edge Awards program is designed to recognize the dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by businesses in Southern Maryland. Nominations must be re-
ceived by Friday, Jan. 29, and the winner will be announced by the College of Southern Maryland in May 2010. Winners will be presented with their awards at the annual awards dinner on June 23, in Waldorf. Nominees must: • Have a permanent business location with employee(s) in Calvert County; • Be a business in good standing (properly licensed, up to date on all statutory state and
local tax liabilities and with no outstanding regulatory issues); • Have been in operation for a minimum of two years; and • Submit a nomination package that addresses the award criteria. For complete nomination instructions and additional information, visit online at www. ecalvert.com or contact Danita Boonchaisri at 410-535-4583 or by e-mail at danitab@co.cal. md.us.
Thursday, January-2010
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LOCAL NEWS
Budget Work in Annapolis Will Dominate Session
Southern Calvert County’s representaStormwater management regulations tive in the Maryland House of Delegates says passed by the state in 2007 and pressed into the top challenge for the legislature in An- adoption by local jurisdictions have raised napolis this year will be tackling the budget concerns that costs of development will be shortfall that at best tallies up to $2 billion significantly increased. and at worst puts the state $3 billion in the “It has the potential to stop all develophole. ment in the Chesapeake Bay Cuts are in order, said watershed,” O’Donnell said House Minority Leader Anof more stringent measures thony O’Donnell (R-Dist. they would consider in An29C), and no particular part napolis. “Hopefully we’ll be of the budget is safe, which able to turn that around.” means that local government While the legislature can expect money enough will be forced to make drasonly to get by. tic cuts, O’Donnell said, “We’re beyond certain the spending of Gov. Marprograms being at risk,” tin O’Malley’s administraO’Donnell said. tion coupled with recent tax He said that cuts to hikes in the past several years Photo By Frank Marquart helped to swamp the state’s education, public safety and nearly every other budget House Minority Leader Anthony economy. O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C). item were on the table. “I think that overspend“You’ve got to cut somewhere, you can ing… has placed all of our priorities in jeopeither raise taxes or make cuts.” ardy,” O’Donnell said, adding that cutting O’Donnell said that legislators must the state budget was drastic and reactionary. also take a close look at storm water manage“That’s an irresponsible way to govment regulations that the federal government ern,” he said. “Massive tax increases made is pressing that he said could restrict devel- the state’s problems worse.” By Guy Leonopment more than regulations currently do ard (CT) guyleonard@countytimes.net now.
With Grants Gone, Youth Shelter Hopes Fade The door was shut on a small crisis facility for tri-county youth in Calvert County recently when the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners officially closed out a state grant of $182,000 that would have been used to run facility, which closed its doors in September. Bennett Connelly, director of St. Mary’s Department of Human Services, which helped administer the shelter in Calvert County, said that given the dire fiscal situation at the state level, the chances of getting the three-year-old plan a new life were poor. “I wish I could say yes but given the fiscal picture in Maryland you can’t predict when that’s going to happen,” Connelly said. The program was a cooperative venture between the three Southern Maryland counties that allowed young people who were in crisis that did not have security issues to have a safe place to stay. When it was started in 2006, Connelly said, it was the only crisis facility of its type in the region; before that young people had to be transferred by referral to a facility in Frederick or Baltimore. Young people will have to go to one of those facilities again, Connelly said. By Guy Leonard (CT) guyleonard@countytimes.net
Two Stabbed on Solomons Island At approximately 1 a.m. Jan. 8, Troopers from the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack and Deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a fight at Catamarans Restaurant on Solomons Island. Investigation revealed two people were stabbed during the incident and were taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Mary’s County by friends of the victims. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and reported the finding of the two victims. Steveland Stewart, 24, was stabbed in the upper right chest and was reported after the incident to be in critical condition. Andre Brothers, 21, was stabbed in the lower back and was in stable condition after the injury. Both victims reside in St. Mary’s County Maryland. No arrests have been made as of this release. The investigation is ongoing by TFC Greggs of the Calvert County Investigative Team (CIT). Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the CIT at (410) 535-2800. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net.
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Thursday, January-2010
Third School Liaison Officer Added Calvert County Public Schools recently signed formal agreements with the Maryland State Police and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office to continue the School Liaison Officer program in the public schools and to add a second Sheriff’s Deputy to program. The agreement brings the total of School Liaison Officers that rotate through county schools to three – one from the Maryland State Police and two from the Sheriff’s Office. “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding will build upon the strong foundation that has already been laid to support the positive relationship between the police, the schools, and the children in our community,” Lieutenant Randy Stephens of the Maryland State Police said in a press release. The School Liaison Officer program began in 1982 with one Trooper, and was expanded to include a Sheriff’s deputy in 2004. Stephens said School Liaison Officer Sergeant Larry Titus has worked in his role for the last 21 years to ensure the safety and future success of the children he served. “It has been very rewarding as a law enforcement officer to see the immediate benefits of my labor throughout the many years of working with hundreds of families from the county during their times of need,” Titus said. “The ultimate goal is to build relationships with students, families, and the school staff.,” said Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans. Evans said the new deputy, Vaughn “Jay” Johnson, was selected by school sys-
tem and Sheriff’s Office staff. Kim Roof, Director of Student Services for Calvert County Public Schools, said when liaison officers form bonds and relationships with students and families, problems can be prevented. The liaison officers stay current on issues facing students in both the school and community. When problems do arise, the liaison officers serve as a resource to school officials to help resolve the issues in ways which support the student, family, and school. “Although years of experience have allowed me to have a firm understanding of legal issues as they relate to our students, the ability to access information from our liaison officers gives me another reliable resource when it comes to creating a safe and orderly school environment,” said George Miller, principal of Northern High School in Owings. Nancy Highsmith, principal of Patuxent High School in Lusby, agrees with Miller. She said the knowledge the liaison officers gain through their relationships with students helps build respect. This, in turn, enables the officers to work hand-in-hand with the school administration when behavior issues arise. She said it is helpful to have School Liaison Officer Deputy Glenn Libby available as they jointly explain to students and parents what to expect from both the school and law enforcement. “Calvert County is still a relatively small community with a small school system, so it is easy for school administrators and law enforcement officials to work together to be proactive rather than just reactive, Roof said. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@ somdpublishing.net
SMECO Urges Members to Monitor Energy Use Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is reminding customer-members that the recent cold temperatures will affect energy bills. The sub-freezing temperatures that were prevalent in late December and continued into January will directly translate into higher energy usage, which results in higher energy bills, SMECO officials said in a press release. For customer-members who want to save money on their bills, the Co-op provides the following information on how to reduce energy use when the weather is cold. • Heating systems account for a significant portion of a residential customer’s energy use, so wear warm clothes inside and turn down the thermostat, which SMECO recommends setting at 68 degrees. • Make sure to clean or replace the filters on your heating system monthly. • Keep window blinds and curtains open during the day to let in sunlight, but close them at night to keep cold air out. • Do not set your heat pump to run in emergency heat mode or auxiliary heat mode, because the resistance heat elements cost more to operate. • Avoid changing your heat pump ther-
mostat. Find the coolest comfortable setting and leave it there. Moving the thermostat setting up and down will cause your heat pump to operate less efficiently and will cost you more money. • Use bathroom exhaust fans only when needed. They pull warm air and humidity out of the house. • Keep snow and leaves away from the outdoor unit of your heat pump. • Have your heating system professionally serviced on a regular basis to keep it operating at its peak efficiency. “It has been reported that we are on track for one of the coldest winters in decades,” said Tom Dennison, SMECO spokesperson. “To help customers manage their energy use, SMECO posts information on its website located at www.smeco.coop and in our monthly newsletter. We encourage customers to take the steps listed above as we continue to endure these record-low temperatures.” Customers who need assistance with paying their energy bills can contact the Office of Home Energy Programs at 301-2744474. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing. net
427th General Assembly Session Underway
The Maryland General Assembly convened for its 427th session on Wednesday, January 13, 2010. The legislature will be in session per the Maryland Constitution for 90 days and, barring any extraordinary special session, will adjourn on Monday, April 12, 2010 at midnight. The legislature will consider changes to Maryland’s laws and pass the state government budget during the 90-day legislative session. The Maryland General Assembly is a bi-cameral body which means it consists of two chambers. One is the Maryland House of Delegates and the other is the Maryland Senate. The House of Delegates has 141 members, 104 Democrats and 37 Republicans, and is presided over by the Speaker of the House. The Maryland Senate has 47 members, 33 Democrats and 14 Republicans, and is presided over by the President of the Senate. Any legislation that is proposed to change Maryland law must pass through the legislative process in both chambers within the 90-day session for presentation to the Governor, or the proposal “dies” until it can be presented in the next year’s session. Maryland has what is called an executive budget process, which means the dominant force in setting the state’s budget priorities is the Governor or chief executive of the state. The Governor is required to submit his state budget proposal to the legislature for consideration in accordance with the state constitution by a date certain which this year was Wednesday, January 20, 2010. The legislature will then begin review and adjustment to the state budget and must pass it by the end of the session. Since Maryland has an executive budget process, the legislature can only reduce portions of what the Governor has submitted but it cannot increase any portion of the budget. Most observers believe Maryland’s Governor has the most sweeping budgetary authority of all 50 state governors. The state operating budget was about $32 billion last year. In December and prior to the legislative session the General Assembly makes a non-binding recommendation to the Governor called the Maryland Spending Affordability recommendation. This recommendation to the chief executive tells the Governor what the majority of members of the legislative Spending Affordability Committee believe that the state can afford to fund in its upcoming operating budget. This year the Spending Affordability Committee
recommended to the Governor that he can submit a budget to the legislature that has zero growth from the previous year. This may sound good to most of us, but because the economy has deteriorated the state’s tax collections so dramatically, the recommendation for zero growth is inadequate to balance the budget at this point. Unfortunately, this recommendation allows for the Governor to submit a budget proposal that may be about one billion dollars more than the revenue projections are predicting the state will be able to pay for in the upcoming fiscal year. This means that if the Governor follows the limitations of the recommendation, the legislature must either cut an additional $1 billion from his submittal, or raise additional taxes to cover the shortfall. As a minority member of the Spending Affordability Committee, I voted against this year’s recommendation to the Governor. I along with 4 other minority members of the committee voted to recommend that the Governor submit an even smaller budget more in line with what revenue projections indicate we will be able to pay for. The motion to ask the Governor to submit a budget within our revenue projections was defeated along party lines. As I had written in my last column, many believe the Governor and the majority party in the legislature is hoping for more bailout money from the federal government to make up for the one billion dollar shortfall. I believe this is short-sighted fiscal management and will relieve the pressure on state government to reign in the growth in state government spending. I also know that the federal government cannot possibly sustain the level of spending it has embarked upon. I believe when the federal bailout monies run out, Maryland may be in a more precarious budgetary position than it is now. I also know that those federal bailout monies will need to be repaid by us, the taxpayers, and will contribute to the tax burden carried by our children and grandchildren in the future. It also may be a big gamble with Maryland’s fiscal stability going forward should tax revenues decline even further due to the real possibility of the nation experiencing a double-dip recession. The spending affordability recommendation sent to the Governor relies on what I believe to be overly optimistic revenue growth projections in the next year. For this and other reasons I believe the state is not tightening its belt as it should be in these tight fiscal times, and is being set up for massive tax increases in the near future. As always, feel free to contact my local legislative office at (410) 326-0081 or email at anthony.odonnell@house.state.md.us with questions, comments or concerns regarding these items or other matters.
Santa Didn’t Give Us All We Need The Southern Maryland Chapter American Red Cross thanks you Southern Maryland community members, who gave their time, money, and blood to our cause. It has helped provide lodging for more than a 100 families of men, women, and children that would otherwise have nowhere to go after their home became unlivable due to fires. It also helped us serve meals and provide clothes to these innocent victims. It provided lifesaving training through our Health & Safety programs. It saved countless lives with the blood we collected. It provided emergency communication to our men and woman around the world in our Armed Services. And the list goes on! To continue to provide vital services, programs and training, the Southern Maryland Chapter needs your continued support. Below you’ll find our wish list that Santa did not fill and we need for the New Year: • Volunteers to help with the design, planning, capital campaign, and construction of a new Chapter House. •Someone to paint our donated vehicles with the standard Red Cross Red & White colors. • A serviceable cargo van for disaster and Health & Safety programs. • Corporate/ organizational sponsors to underwrite the purchase of cold weather outerwear for our volunteers who brave the elements responding to disasters around the clock. • Volunteers to be trained to respond to disasters and teach first aid and CPR. • A serviceable, towable trailer (like a garden trailer) to be used by the Red Cross communicators to build a portable antenna tower transport that would be used to establish critical emergency communications in remote locations in the event of a major disasters. • Digital trunking public service scanners for the disaster operations center and each of the Southern Maryland RC regional offices. • Volunteers to support our life saving mission in Southern Maryland. To man our Emergency call center, teach community disaster education programs in our community, to drive our emergency vehicles, and many other opportunities. • Cash donations to supplement the Local Operations & Emergency Response Fund. These funds maintains our ability to help victims of disaster, whether it is food, clothing, or shelter and keep our local offices open The Southern Maryland Chapter American Red Cross strives to be there when you need us. It is in our mission as: “... a community organization led by volunteers and guided by its congressional charter and the fundamental principles of the international Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.” On behalf of the thousands of people we’ve touched locally, the employees, volunteers, and volunteer Board of Directors of the Southern Maryland Chapter, we wish you the best New Year ever. If you would like more information on volunteering or to address any of our wish list items needs, please contact the chapter at 888 276 2767. Mike Zabko, Chief Executive Officer, SO. Md. Chapter American Red Cross Serving all of Southern Maryland
Thursday, January-2010
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Two Bereavement Programs Starting Southern Maryland Farm Grants Available The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is offering a round of farm viability grants to farms in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties. These funds are being made available as a continuation of the Agriculture Commission’s ongoing Southern Maryland Farm Viability Enhancement Grant Program. This program was established to increase the sustainability of existing farms and encourage the development of continuing and new farming enterprises in the five county region of Southern Maryland. The Farm Viability Enhancement Program has been strategically important in assisting in the transition from growing tobacco to establishing other commercially successful farm enterprises in the Southern Maryland region. With the assistance of a team of experts, program participants develop
farm viability plans which may include the addition of agri-tourism activities and other enhanced farm operations and practices. “The grant process has introduced farmers to emerging technologies with an eye towards aiding marketing and production,” Christine Bergmark, executive director of SMADC, said in a press release. Since inception of the program, 23 farms have been impacted and over 3,000 acres with an agricultural covenant. Program eligibility is based on owning at least five acres of land in agricultural use. All grant awards require matching funds supplied by the farm owner. Applications for the Farm Viability Grant are due to the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission by Feb. 22, 2010. To acquire a grant application visit: www. SMADC.com, or contact the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission office at (301) 274-1922
Healing After a Loved One’s Suicide
Calvert Hospice will offer “Healing After a Loved One’s Suicide,” an 8-session group for those experiencing a loss by suicide. This group will provide a gentle and supportive atmosphere in which to express your thoughts and find a way to live with and move forward with your loss. The group begins Feb. 4 and continues each Thursday until March 25 from 6– 7:30 p.m. at the Calvert Hospice Office located at 238 Merrimac Ct. in Prince Frederick. Experiencing a loss by suicide can be traumatic and complex, as many times there are unanswered questions, confusion, feelings of guilt, shame and a sense that somehow one could have prevented it. While losing someone you love is very sad under any circumstances, the complicated nature of a suicidal death can make the grief process a particularly painful and often lonely experience. This group will include expressive activities, relaxation and coping techniques, information about grieving a loss by suicide, and the opportunity to be with others who are faced with similar challenges. The group will be offered again April 15June 3, and October 14-December 2. Residents
of Calvert County are welcome to attend any or all of these 3 sessions at no charge. Please call 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226 to register or for more information.
The Loss of a Child
Time to Heal is a series of specialized grief support groups for adults. This group brings parents together who have lost a child. It doesn’t matter if your child was a baby or 60+ years at the time of his/her death. Parents never expect to outlive their children and facing the death of your child can bring with it profound life altering grief. Most say the death of a child is the worst imaginable pain. The program will begin Feb. 9 and will continue until March 30 on Tuesday evenings 6-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Church St. Prince Frederick. Registration is required. Call (410) 5350892 or (301) 855-1226 for more information or to register. All Calvert Hospice bereavement programs are available to Calvert County residents at no charge. Donations are greatly appreciated. For more info visit www.calverthospice.org.
I’ll Get My Man The Alumni Players present “I’ll Get My Man” on Feb. 5, 6, 12, & 13 at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Solomons. A $30 ticket buys admission to the show and a dinner catered by Thompson’s Seafood. Call (410) 326-3008 for information.
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Therapy Dog Has Miles Under His Three Paws Kaneeka Ingram, activity assistant at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, couldn’t believe that Clyde Chick, known as Doc, was out of his room and enjoying himself. “Doc always says ‘no’ when I ask him to come out and enjoy any of the activities we have here,” Ingram said. “Sometimes I can do one-to-one things with him, but unless it is his family visiting, he doesn’t participate much.” Chick agreed that he doesn’t get involved with life at the Veterans Home much. “I mostly just lay in bed and stare at the walls, unless my wife comes to see me,” Chick said.
Photo By Joany Nazdin Clyde Chick enjoys Tractor’s company at the Charlotte Hall Veteran’s Home.
All that changed when Chick had a visit from Hippy, Birdie and Tractor. Steven “Hippy” Hietpas and his wife Sheree, also known as Birdie, brought their 10-year-old Sheltie named Tractor for a long-promised visit to the man who had bonded with the dog when Chick was a patient at Calvert Memorial Hospital. Chick, 84, who is from Dunkirk, served in WWII as an anti-aircraft gunner, and is a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. “Tractor is my friend,” Chick said. What makes Tractor special is that besides being a patient, loving and willing to make-friends-with-anyone sort of dog, he was born with three legs. It may have been his first visit to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, but Trac-
Comedy Invasion Coming for Project Graduation The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA) announces an invasion of comedy featuring nationally known comedian, Ralph Harris, and local talent, Julie Fox. Mr. Harris is one of today’s hottest comedians and acting talents. He made his feature Ralph Harris film debut in DREAMGIRLS. He followed this performance with a role in EVAN ALMIGHTY, starring Steve Carell and Wanda Sykes. Ralph’s jump to the big screen comes after years of successful television work, including appearance Photo By Joany Nazdin on Seinfeld, Parenthood, Living Single, and In LivClockwise from bottom left is Alishia Gray-Pratt, Hippy, Siena Hesbach, Bonnie Stone, and Cameron Everton with Tractor at the Child Development Center at Calvert Memorial Hospital. ing Color. He is no stranger to late night and has been featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno and tor has put many miles under his his head and when he does, it just breaks Late Night with Conan O’Brien. However, Ralph is probably best known for his three paws in his life. Tractor, in my heart every time,” Hietpas said. “But starring role in the ABC-TV sitcom “On Our Own.” his role as a therapy pet, regularly Tractor just gets up and goes.” Ms. Fox is making a visits Calvert Memorial Hospital’s Tractor makes friends with everyname for herself in comedy. Transitional Care Unit and the one, young and old alike. Since taking on the challenge hospitals on-site day care. Tractor On a recent Wednesday, Tractor of Nick at Nite’s Funniest is also the mascot for the areas am- made an early-morning visit to the Child Mom in America where she putee support group. Development Center at Calvert Memowas a regional finalist, Julie Hietpas, who is a Navy veteran rial Hospital to visit with the children and performs regularly all over and currently out on disability after teachers there. Maryland and DC. In Annapserving for 17 years, adopted Tractor Bonnie Stone, director of the Child olis, she won the Ram’s Head from a no-kill shelter in Baltimore. Development Center, has always thought Tavern’s first ever “Sit Down “I wanted to adopt an animal with of Tractor as special. for Stand Up” Contest. a disability,” Hietpas said. “I thought it “We love Tractor here because of his Julie Fox The comedy show will would inspire me while I was struggling temperament, his patience, compassion with my own disability. Tractor has been and gentleness,” said Stone. “A lot of pets be held on Saturday, Feb, 20 at the Huntingtown High nothing but an inspiration to me, and he would react differently than Tractor to a School Auditorium at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the show benefit Project Gradnever complains about anything. I just group of excited children, but Tractor is wanted something to take the focus off just happy. He doesn’t over-react. He can uation, an alcohol-free and drug-free celebration for the graduating seniors from Calvert, Huntingtown, of myself when I got Tractor, and I am acclimate to any situation.” not one to sit around and feel sorry for The first visit of Tractor’s day was Northern and Patuxent High Schools. With a program myself.” to a group of 2-and-under children. The budget of $32,000, the “Comedy Invasion” event is One of the ways that Tractor has in- imaginative children pretended Tractor the most important fundraiser for the program. Tickets are currently on sale at the following spired Hietpas is the fact that even with was a boat, and climbed all over him, petlocations: one leg missing, Tractor does every thing ting him and making motorboat noises. • CAASA Office (30 Duke Street , Prince Freda normal Sheltie would do. As Tractor was leaving, their teacher “When I ride my bike, Tractor runs asked the kids to describe how Tractor erick) - Cash and check only. • Educate & Celebrate (Prince Frederick Village right along beside me, trying to herd me,” felt to them. Hietpas said. “Shelties have been used as Shouted-out answers of soft, fluffy Shopping Center) - Cash and check only • Richard’s Bayside Florist (North Beach) - Cash herders for years. If I try to turn my wheel, and warm came from the kids. he will knock my front tire straight..” One little girl, Olivia, just thought and check only. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door Hietpas pointed to a small scab on for a second. the left side of Tractor’s head. “Tractor feels happy,” she said. By the night of the performance. For further information “He is always falling down when Joany Nazdin (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net regarding the show, please contact the CAASA Office at 410-535-3733. he runs and bumping that one spot on
Tobacco Barns Summit Reconvenes After 5 Years The public is invited to attend an afternoon presentation and discussion about the past, present and future of the many tobacco barns in Southern Maryland. The three hour meeting will take place on Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Calvert County Library in Prince Frederick beginning at 1 pm. There will be presentations on the history of the barns and on the efforts that have been made to save
and restore some of them. The meeting will be convened by the core group that has kept the initiatives moving forward, The Southern Maryland Heritage Area, The Maryland Historical Trust, Preservation Maryland, as well as Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince Georges and St. Mary’s Counties. There will be updates on the initiatives and accomplishments the group has achieved
and a brainstorming session about the future of the barns – please come prepared to share your thoughts and ideas. The library is located at 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick. Phone contact for the library is: 410-535-0291 or 301-8551862 and their web site is: www.calvert. lib.md.us. The inclement weather date is Sunday Feb. 14, same time. The mission of the Southern
Maryland Heritage Area Consortium (SMHAC) is to enhance the economic activity of Southern Maryland through combining quality heritage tourism and small business development with preservation, cultural and natural resource conservation and education. Contact the Consortium at 301-274-4083, or by email, SoMdHeritage@tccsmd.org.
Thursday, January-2010
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Seminar for Potential Board of Ed Candidates
Spotlight On
FAFSA Line by Line Workshop A Line by Line discussion of the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA) will be offered on Saturday, January 23, at Calvert High School Auditorium, by the Executive Director of Southern Maryland College Access Network (SoMD CAN). This is an excellent opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have regarding the FAFSA, as well as gain an understanding of why certain questions are asked. The workshop will run from 9:30 am – 12 p.m. SoMD CAN is a nonprofit organization providing direct services to junior and senior high school students with regard to the selection, application, and financing of higher education options. SoMD CAN also provides financial aid seminars to parents/guardians of high school students throughout the Southern Maryland tri-county region.
The Calvert County Democratic Central Committee, and the Calvert County Republican Central Committee have scheduled an information seminar for potential Calvert County Board of Education candidates. The seminar, which is also sponsored by the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, will include information about the role of the Board of Education, the time commitment required of Board members, and practical information about the election process. Calvert County residents who are interested in learning more about running for election to the Calvert County Board of Education in November, 2010, are invited to attend, though participation in this seminar in no way obligates an individual
to run for office. Two at-large Board members will be elected in November, 2010. To be eligible to file as a candidate for this office, individuals must have been registered to vote in Calvert County as of Jan. 1, 2009. Also, individuals must not be employees of Calvert County Public Schools or be subject to the authority of the Calvert County Board of Education. The event will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Brooks Administrative Building, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick. For more information contact Bob Gray at 410-535-3377, or Chris Reynolds at 410-535-9220.
Our Lady Star of the Sea – Reaching out to Calvert County
Blue Ribbon Art “Bringing detail back into the world of art.”
stuffed with personal care items. Grade 3 students adopted a Calvert County angel. They collected enough funds to purchase all the items on the angel’s list and donate their extra funds to a mission in Madagascar to help build wells. Students in Grades 4 and 5 collected over Submitted Photo 100 items for Second grade students at Our Lady Star of the Sea. baby and mother for the CareNet The students from all grade Pregnancy Center. levels at Our Lady Star of the Sea Finally, students in Grades 6, 7, and 8, in Solomons reached out to needy through SMILE, overwhelmed three Calvert residents of Calvert County for County families in need with an unforgettable Christmas, reports Sister Carolyn kind of Christmas. Marie, principal. Our Lady Star of the Sea has been sharGrades K and 1 collected aping Faith, Values, and Academic Excellence in proximately 150 articles for the the Solomons area for 75 years and is still goProject Echo homeless shelter. ing strong. For more information about OLSS, Students in Grade 2 surprised check out their Open Houses on Feb. 3 and April each resident in assisted living 14 from 9-11 a.m. Call 410-326-3171 for more at the Hermitage with a gift bag information.
Board of Education Elects New Officers
Place: Annmarie Gardens Café
Date: Till End of January • Tuesday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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The Calvert County Board of Education elected new officers for calendar year 2010. Effective Jan. 1, Board of Education officers are William J. Phalen, Sr., President, and William R. Chambers, Vice President. The remaining members of the five-member board are Rose C. Crunkleton, Eugene M. Karol, and Tracy H. McGuire. Justin Astafanous, a junior at Calvert High School, will continue as the Student Member until his term expires on May 31, 2010. The Board elects officers annually during the December meeting; officers serve one-year terms.
When Will the Board of County Commissioners Take Action?
When will the 5 commissioners sit down with DPPOA and settle on a new STD operating agreement for 2010? When will they reaffirm the truths of the past 12 years of STDs at Drum Point? The first step is to stop listening to erroneous letters and accusations from dissident members of the community who continue their lies totally unsupported by history or fact. Maria Miller (et al) continue to expound upon figments of their imaginations about the purpose of STD. For 16 years, I have volunteered thousands of hours on the road committees and board of DPPOA. What have any of the dissidents ever volunteered except disparagement? There were never any goals, much less conditions for takeover of the roads by the county. The BOCC by their recent actions appear to accept those misconceptions as truth. By the way, we are no longer under STD I or STD II and it is unclear whether there is an STD III amended or not. STD IV certainly never happened. The BOCC is at risk for not properly handling public hearings regarding the passage of STD III (amended) or its negotiations over a new budget. There is certainly no current agreement governing STD funds at this time. There are no legitimate guidelines or contracts or budget as to what can or cannot be done by Drum Point. Why don’t we discuss the present and not the past? Ms. Miller refers to halftruths by DPPOA. This is a total lie on her part. DPPOA newsletters, BOD meetings and memberships meetings (and directors) have freely conveyed all essential
information to the community, repeatedly. Documented surveys were conducted to receive property owner input on numerous issues. Ms. Miller (et al) circulate vague and even false information to gather ridiculous (and unacceptable) petitions against such things as lake access or beach improvements for which the whole community would benefit. Others have abused voting procedures by door to door soliciting of absentee balloting in order to achieve malicious bylaw amendments. Others have violated the privacy of residents by revealing confidential and individual voter results. These are not responsible people. They do not deserve the attention they receive! DPPOA has never been charged with any misuse of funds or lack of proper management of the STD or the community. No one, particularly Maria Miller, has any basis to accuse DPPOA or any of its past 40 plus directors, of violating any law or ethical behavior toward the STD, the community or its property owners. There are many recorded votes of the community disputing the very charges Ms. Miller continues to assert. When will Ms. Miller be required to place her proof upon the table? When will the BOCC declare their justification for micro managing the STD? The Maryland STD law and all previous agreements with the county clearly state the purpose and use of funds for community projects. It is very simple reading. There has never been any statement that any of the Drum Point roads would ever be turned over to the county. The latest county dictate that Drum Point surrender (some of) its best roads to the
county is offensive. The BOCC would leave Drum Point with no funding for the remainder of its other “unacceptable” roads. The county staff and departments have officially approved all expenditures of STD funds for over 12 years without cause for concern or accusation. That is fact. Ms. Miller et al, are so blinded in their misbelieve that they would welcome a potential $2 million road district (assessed at over $1500 per lot) instead of the $50 STD to support the entire community. With (some of) the roads turned over, would they then attempt to remove themselves from the DPPOA and leave the “others” to fend for themselves. How egalitarian of them. How stupid can they make themselves appear. By any standard, $50 per year per lot is definitely no burden to the Drum Point taxpayer for the continued maintenance of the entire community! The BOCC must immediately sit down with the Drum Point association and the community and discuss the current situation, (not confused with the past) and the current lack of acceptable operating agreement. The BOCC must disassociate themselves from the dissidents by providing justification for disregarding state law, mandating turnover of roads and for dictating the execution of any approved STD budget.
Scam Alert: SMILE Does Not Solicit Funds It has come to our attention that there is an individual or individuals who are telephoning people asking them for monetary contributions, part to go to SMILE. SMILE Ecumenical Ministries HAS NEVER SOLICITED FUNDS BY PHONE OR MAIL and never will. Please be aware of this scam and if you have been contacted, please let us know by calling 410-326-0009 during our business hours (Wed-Fri, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.). Ask for Doris Harris or Shirley Havelka. We are grateful for monetary donations and memorial gifts that can be sent by mail to SMILE Ecumenical Ministries, Inc, P.O. Box 1276, Solomons, MD. 20688-1276. Thank you for your cooperation. Doris Harris, President Board of Director, SMILE Ecumenical Ministries
Max Munger, resident, taxpayer and Friend of Drum Point. Publisher Associate Publisher Editor Office Manager Graphic Artist Advertising Email Phone
Thomas McKay Eric McKay Sean Rice Tobie Pulliam Angie Stalcup Preston Pratt info@somdpublishing.net 301-373-4125
Staff Writers Guy Leonard Andrea Shiell Chris Stevens
Government Correspondent Community Correspondent Sports Correspondent
Contributing Writers Tony O’Donnell Joyce Baki Gerald Clark J. Brown
Southern Calvert Gazette P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636
Southern Calvert Gazette is a bi-weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Southern Calvert County. The Southern Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every other Thursday of the month. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. Southern Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. Southern Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers.
Thursday, January-2010
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Cover On The
In Lusby the Chesapeake Ranch Estates development is among the largest in the region, with about 4,000 homes and 67 miles of roadways all maintained as part of a private community. But part of that community is in danger of falling off the shoreline cliffs and right into the Chesapeake Bay. About 90 homes are at the frontline of the erosion problem along Calvert County’s shoreline, say officials of POACRE, the ranch club’s property management board, but federal and state mandates prevent those homeowners from finding ways to harden the shoreline and slow the erosion, which has been happening for thousands of years, because of a tiny inhabitant in the cliffs known as the Puritan tiger beetle, they say. Named in the federal and state endangered species laws the beetle has been singled out for protection — it needs the eroding cliff habitat to continue its life cycle, but that means that property
owners at the ranch estates may see their homes fall over the cliff edge eventually, says the organization’s president. “We are prevented any means from bracing this shoreline,” John Eney, president of POACRE said, adding that numerous meetings with officials to try and ameliorate the problem have met with resistance. “All I’ve seen is their dedication to preserving the beetles and not one ounce of sympathy for the property owners,” Eney said, who added that residents are considering suing the federal government for impeding them from taking action to reinforce the cliff face. According to an Oct. 9, 2009 letter from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources an application for stone revetment construction along Taos Trail to Monterey Road was rejected because it would disturb the habitat of the Puritan tiger beetle. “Grading and stabilization of the cliff face as proposed in this application would adversely impact the Puritan tiger beetle by
On The Cover Chesapeake Ranch Estates Battling Beetles and County Government
Photo By Guy Leonard Golden West Way in the Ranch Club is closed due to cliff erosion.
destroying the cliff habitat that is essential for larvae… therefore the project would appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival or recovery for this species and it would not meet criteria noted above.” The letter goes on to state that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concurred with the state’s assessment. But that’s not the only problem the community is facing.
They are also embroiled in a lawsuit with Calvert County and the Calvert Marine Museum, one of the biggest attractions for the area, over a whale skeleton scientists dug out of the cliff face back in 2008 after consulting one of the property owners at the ranch club. When other members of the ranch club found out, they tried to get the scientists to stop the excavation for numerous reasons,
Photo By Sean Rice
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including that it disturbed the beetles’ habitat and created more danger of erosion. But perhaps their biggest claim, according to court filings, was that the landowner the museum consulted was not in actual possession of the land at the cliff face; the property belonged to the ranch estates as a whole. In their lawsuit, the ranch estates claimed what is known as “conversion” or the taking of property without express permission, court filings state. The lawyer defending both the county and the marine museum in the suit, Daniel Karp, said that the suit has dragged on and will be making its rounds in court again. Court filings show that POACRE’s initial attempts at getting an injunction against the removal of the whale skeleton back in 2008 were rejected because it had already been accomplished by the time of trial. Mediation ordered before a Prince George’s County judge also failed, Karp said. “We were unable to settle,” Karp said. Now, according to association newsletters written by Eney, the ranch club is suing for compensation of attorney’s fees and they also want “relief from prohibitions against construction of stabilization systems needed to stop the cliff erosion.” Karp said that the lawsuit POACRE currently had on file was not the way to save part of their community from going over the cliff’s edge. He even said that the court case could reveal that the marine museum mistakenly took the skeleton without the property board’s permission and may have technically committed trespass, but not maliciously. “It’s probable POACRE does own that land,” Karp said without conceding the point. “But this is the tail wagging the dog. They believe the county and state have the obligation to fix it [the cliff erosion problem] or let them fix it themselves. “Eventually things are going to erode and fall on the beach.” The relief they need can be found in the legislature and even the ballot box, Karp said, and not in the courtroom. “This lawsuit is not the way to do it, it’s a waste of time,” Karp
said.
House Minority Leader Tony O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) would not speak on the impact of the whale skeleton case, but he did say that the erosion problem goes far beyond the Chesapeake Ranch Estates and extends all along the western shore of Maryland where the cliffs are prominent. He said that legislation he offered in 2005 that was passed that would have allowed residents to take action, but so far the state has resisted any measures to slow the problem, except wave breaks off shore that O’Donnell believed to be ineffective at stopping the erosion. Kevin Smith, director of Restoration Services with natural resources, said that off shore structures like breakwaters and artificial reef constructs could work. “Breakwaters can be effective in halting erosion altogether,” Smith said. “They’ve been very effective in reducing erosion.” While the problem has gotten worse for the Lusby community O’Donnell said, it has also been found farther north in St. Leonard where the endangered beetle is not an issue; there, too, he said, the state has resisted measures that would directly slow the erosion of the cliffs. “The bureaucratic intransigence is incredible,” O’Donnell said, adding that it would take more residents from outside the ranch club to come together around the problem to get any action from government. “We’ve got to help these people save their homes.” If home do fall off the cliffs and into the bay, O’Donnell said, it would actually hurt the environment of the state’s most important
marine resource. Not only would the rubble and debris from the collapsed homes harm the bay, O’Donnell said, but the continued sediment leaching off the cliffs and the shoreline piles up the nutrient load in the bay, which kills off marine plant and animal life. “It’s part of the downward spiral of the bay,” O’Donnell said. Eney said that the two controversies the community faces, the beetles on the one hand and the excavation of the skeleton on the other, have taken their toll. “It’s an aggravation of an already open wound,” Eney said. “We feel rejected and abandoned by the county and ignored by the federal government.”
A home owned by Bill Carmichael saw its Jacuzzi platform fall off the cliff face after a 15-foot landslide on Thanksgiving. The platform is seen in this summer picture, and shown halfway down the cliff in the inset photo.
By Guy Leonard (CT) guyleonard@countytimes.net
Patuxent
Wine & SpiritS
LocaLLy owned & oPerated By Mike Hart
Local wines available
Large SeLection of Beer
443-404-5919
Located in Lusby Commons Shopping Center Mon – Thurs: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. • Fri & Sat: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. • Sun: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, January-2010
13
L
This Doctor Makes House Calls
Darnell’s Mobile Veterinary Service Debuts in Calvert County
“Hi, my name is Scooter and I’m an adorable seven year old male Pomeranian/American Eskimo Dog mix. I get along wonderfully with older children and other dogs of all sizes. Now, I’m looking to become a cherished family member in a home where I can stay for the rest of my life. I’m up to date on vaccinations, neutered, house trained, crate trained, and identification micro chipped. For more information, please call SECOND HOPE RESCUE at 240-925-0628 or email lora@secondhoperescue.org. Please Adopt, Don’t Shop!”
Scooter
When Spot or Fluffy get a cold or are due for their yearly checkup, the last thing most pet owners want to do is take off work, put them in the car, drive to the veterinarian’s office and wait for an appointment. Besides the hassle and time, the ordeal can also be traumatic for the animal. Now there is an alternative – have the veterinarian come to you. Dr. Kristina Darnell, owner of Darnell’s Mobile Veterinary Service, operates a house-call veterinary practice for dogs and cats in the Southern Maryland area of Calvert, St. Mary’s, and southern Anne Arundel counties. Dr. Darnell offers the convenience of quality veterinary care without the stress associated with traveling to the veterinary clinic, such as pet anxiety, motion sickness, traffic, inclement weather, a crowded waiting room, aggressive pet-to-pet interaction and the potential for disease transmission. “Many pets are traumatized by visiting a vet’s office,” Dr. Darnell said in a press release. “The added stress of being shuttled to a clinic and having to wait in a strange building with other animals and the unusual smells only adds to their anxiety. There are also instances when pet owners are unable to get to a vet because of transportation or childcare issues. So, I can now come to you.” Dr. Darnell graduated from the VirginiaMaryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Prince Frederick, for 11 years. She established Darnell’s Mobile Veterinary Service in response to numerous inquiries for a mobile vet in Southern Maryland. “I like being able to take time to get a complete medical history, do a thorough physical exam, and tailor any vaccines, tests or treatments to each individual patient as needed,” she said. “I also enjoy
working with owners who love and care for their pets wholeheartedly.” Dr. Darnell believes in offering personalized and compassionate home veterinary care and is an especially strong advocate of at-home euthanasia. “When a treasured pet has to be euthanized, the comfort and compassion that is offered in an athome setting is priceless,” she says. In addition to sick visits, Dr. Darnell also offers wellness checks, vaccinations and a variety of testing options. Services are designed to assist in routine preventive care for young, healthy pets, early detection and treatment of disease as pets age and medical care as necessary during his or her lifetime. Dr. Darnell and her crew were on hand at Calvert Animal Welfare League’s 16th Annual Pet Walk at Annmarie Garden in Solomons, promoting her new business and distributing helpful information for pet owners. The Pet Walk is CAWL’s biggest fundraiser of the year. For more information on Darnell’s Mobile Veterinary Service, visit online at www.darnellsmobilevet.com, call 443.975.2495 or send an e-mail to dkstallings@yahoo.com. For more information on CAWL visit online at www.cawl.us. For more information about the Calvert County, Md., Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com, or visit online at www.ecalvert. com. By Danita Boonchaisri, Calvert County Marketing/Communications Specialist
DID YOU KNOW?? 1) The cat’s sense of smell is 30 times better than that of a human. 2) Cats and dogs are typically right or left pawed. 3) Cats have a total of 24 whiskers, 4 rows on each side. The upper two rows can move independently of the bottom two rows. A cat uses its whiskers for measuring distances. 4) A dogs whiskers are touch sensitive hairs called vibrissae. They are found on the muzzle, above the eyes and below the jaws and can actually sense tiny changes in airflow. 5) The expression “Three Dog Night” originated with the Eskimos and means it is a very cold night. So cold that you need to bed down with 3 dogs to keep you warm! 6) 94% of pet owners report their pet makes them smile more than once a day.
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Thursday, January-2010
Become a Calvert Hospice Volunteer It’s a new year! Many of us are reflecting on last year and setting goals for 2010. I personally hope to spend more time contributing to our community by volunteering this year. From working with Hospice, I know how easy it is to make a difference. I see volunteers touch lives on a daily basis. If you too, are looking to do more volunteering this year, here are some opportunities at Calvert Hospice: • Volunteer with the Families we Serve Sit with a patient, offer gentle support, accompany family members on their journey. • Offer Bereavement Support Work with the surviving members of a family, participate in adult and/or children’s support groups, be a “buddy” at a summer camp for children who have lost someone close. • Help in the Office
Assist with reception, bulk mailing, recordkeeping, correspondence, filing, word processing. • Help with Fundraising Plan or assist with upcoming events or staff the Hospice booth at the Calvert County Fair, health exhibitions and career events. *New* - Contribute to our Legacy Program Collect information and/or pictures and memorabilia from patients and families for a finished project that will be cherished for many years and by many generations. The opportunities are endless! If you’re interested in volunteering for Calvert Hospice, call Ann Lavezzo at 410-535-0892 or email alavezzo@ calverthospice.org. Volunteer Training begins Jan. 23 from 9am3pm, and continues Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m. through March 24. By Janel Muir, Media Manager, Calvert Hospice
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Calvert Library Fit, Fun & 51 By Joyce Baki In 1912, Calvert County’s first library opened. The small library was not public. It was located next door to the Calvert County Court House and held a collection of books owned by Judge Duke. Forty years later a group of citizens, headed by Mrs. Hilmer Nelson who was president of the Calvert County Council of Parents and Teachers, began discussing plans for a public library. Calvert County’s population at this time was approximately 12,000 people. After consulting with the state library, a bookmobile was recommended which could be borrowed from the St. Mary’s County library system. The Board of County Commissioners reviewed the plan and, unfortunately, decided that the County could not afford a library or bookmobile. Congress passed the Library Services Act and it was signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 19, 1956. The Act provided incentive funds to establish rural library services. Two years later Calvert County became the third member of a cooperative library system with Charles and St. Mary’s Counties. The cooperative allowed the counties to meet requirements of the Maryland State Library Law and receive aid from the State. A Board of Library Trustees was selected by Governor Theodore McKeldin in 1958. The group includes Mrs. Earl Hicks, Mrs. Edwin Ward, Mrs. R.B. Smoot, Mr. T.H. Williams, Mr. Arthur Dowell, Mrs. Carl Breland and Mrs. Lola Parks. A year later the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association was created and included Calvert, St. Mary’s and Charles counties. Judge Duke’s library building was donated for the site of the new library and was open every Friday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The librarian was Mrs. Mildred Hairston. A bookmobile provided service to the northern and southern ends of the County. The library grew quickly and it was not long before more space was needed. In 1961 the library was literally lifted off its foundation, moved down Fourth Street (now Duke Street) and put onto a newly built basement on land donated by Grace and Shemwell Parran. This building still exists and houses the Calvert County Extension Service and Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse. By 1964 the library would triple its space with a new wing. Still growing, the library added a new wing in 1973. The wing allowed separate reference, fiction, non-fiction and children’s departments in the building. A microfiche reader and microfiche plates were available to show the holdings of every large library in the State. Patrons found it easy to use the interlibrary loan and borrow books from libraries across the State. The Children’s Department took on a life of its own, becoming child-friendly with small chairs, tables and short bookcases that made reading fun and easy. In 1981 it was determined that there was a need for a library in the northern end of Calvert County. The population has grown and now needs more service than the bookmobile, which only comes every two weeks, can provide. The first branch, Twin Beach Library opened in the Twin Beaches Community Center, Dayton and 4th Street. Also that year, the library would open a second branch in the old Fairview Elementary School. This branch also holds a visitor center and substation for the Sheriff’s Office and State Police.
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Featuring: The southern part of Calvert County was also growing. In 1988 the southern branch of the library opened in the Southern Community Center. That Saturday, February 27, 2010 same year the old bookmobile would be replaced by a new vehicle and “Rolling Tomes” would begin service 8:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. that included licensed day care providers. The Twin Beaches branch celebrated its 10th An(doors open at 7:30 p.m.) niversary in 1991 and moved to a new larger space in Chesapeake Beach. Holiday Inn Solomons The following year the computerized version of Tickets: $30 per person the card catalog went into use. COSMOS, Collections 155 Holiday Drive Pick up tickets at “will call” of Southern Maryland On-line System, included bar Solomons, MD 20688 Proceeds benefit the HSCC coding of all books which made the delivery of interlibrary loan materials faster. Calvert Library staff re* discounted rooms for overnight guests ceived training on the internet in 1993. This new tool * food & drink available for purchase helped them to answer reference questions faster and with more efficiency. * silent auction & raffles COSMOS underwent many changes over the late 90’s. With upgrades, librarians and customers To order a custom poodle skirt could now view eleven Southern Maryland libraries with your favorite breed, and see if items were on the shelf. Customers could call Jill at 410-353-7670 also request books and materials, review their library accounts for due dates and renew items themselves. Computers were added and made available for public access. Librarians spent time helping their customers use the internet and the on-line catalog. Maryland now had a statewide interlibrary loan system called For more event information, vist www.humanesocietyofcalvertcounty.org or call 410-286-2679 MARINA which allowed users to request materials from public libraries over the internet. Calvert County continued to grow and in 2004 over 44,000 Calvert County residents had library cards. The small library on Duke Street had outgrown its space. A new library was planned and in 2006, Calvert Library’s Serving Southern Maryland for 30 years main branch moved to a beautiful new location at 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick. The grand opening was held on Halloween 2006. More computers are available for public use and computer classes are offered. Free WIFI is • available throughout the library. Ample shelving was added to allow for the growth of books and materials. The mezzanine holds a special children’s area and includes a story room. Throughout • the building you find lots of seating and quiet study areas. The Friends of the Library have a space for gently used book sales and a gift shop. Meeting facilities are available to the public. • The library celebrated its anniversary in 2009 – it is Fit, Fun & 50! If you would like to support your library, consider joining the Friends of Calvert Library. This group serves as an advocate for library programs and promotes *Kendall Jackson Chardonnay not included the library within the community. For more information visit Ph. 410-326-2525 14090 H G Trueman Rd www.calvertlib.md.us or call Solomons, MD 20688 410-535-0291.
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Marjorie Cornelia Harrod Brooks, 95 Marjorie Cornelia Harrod Brooks, 95, of Prince Frederick, MD passed away on December 22, 2009 at her residence. Marjorie Cornelia Harrod Brooks was born on April 15, 1914, on Neeld’s Estate in Plum Point. She was the fourth of eleven children born to Ethel “Nair” Purvey and George William Harrod. She was known to all as “Momma.” Marjorie attended Calvert County Public Schools. As a young woman, she attended St. Edmonds United Methodist Church. On December 20, 1932, she was joined in holy matrimony with the late Albert David Brooks of Dares Beach. They both became members of Plum Point United Methodist Church. The marriage would span sixty years, producing a daughter and five sons. After the loss of her love, Albert, in August 1992 there was no other man for her, and we know she is safely in his arms
today. Marjorie was the matriarch of the Brooks Family. Although the oldest living member of Plum Point United Methodist Church, Marjorie was an active fundraiser for several local churches. For years, however, the Annual Brooks’ Day rally was her primary fundraising focus. She was a loving homemaker and domestic to many prominent families on Dares Beach. Also, Marjorie and Albert worked the land together, side by side, raising tobacco and harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables into their late years. She was a great storyteller who readily shared her faith and wisdom with her legacy. She treasured spending time at home, daily participating in a vast telephone ministry with Hazel, Geneva, Cousin Dorothy, Brother Reynolds and Alice. Like her family, in her leisure time Marjorie was an avid baseball fan. Marjorie will most be remembered for her deep love and devotion to children. She and her husband opened their hearts and home to many relatives’ children including Faye (deceased), Barbara, Velma, Dwight, Roxy, Dean, Derrick, and infant Sharon (deceased), her late sister Emma’s children. They also considered as “sons” Bill Washington, Billy Brooks and Little Dennis Brooks among others. Much later,
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she would be adopted by her “son, James Moseley and daughter, Louise Harris.” Marjorie and Albert received numerous awards and citations on the local, state and national levels for their strong position on children’s advocacy. In 1977, they received a citation from Governor Marvin Mandel for outstanding foster care. In 1987, Governor William Donald Schaeffer named them Calvert County’s Most Beautiful People in the pilot “Maryland You Are Beautiful” campaign. Thereafter, she and her husband founded a scholarship fund awarded to select Calvert High School seniors. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Chancy; daughter, June “Mickey”; son-in-law, Oswald; and daughter-in-law, Shirley. Carrying memories forward are her sons Albert (Gertrude), Langston (Vernice), Sidney and Kermit “Chuck” (Maxine) of Prince Frederick; three daughters, Gail “Peaches” of Prince Frederick, June “Dinah” of Washington, DC and Ari (Alazar) of Silver Spring; a brother George “Broome” Harrod of Huntingtown and sister Weltha “Birdie” Pegues of Chesapeake Beach; 19 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren; 12 foster children; 25 nieces; 13 nephews; and a multitude of other relatives and friends. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at Plum Point UM Church, Huntingtown, MD with Rev. Tunde E.O. Davies officiating. The interment was at Plum Point UM Church Cemetery, Huntingtown, MD. The pallbearers were Shawn Brooks, Sr., Sidney Brooks, Jr., Steven Brooks, James Brooks, Vada Brooks, and Charles Harrod, Jr. The honorary pallbearers were Anthwan Brooks, Sr., Samuel Brooks, John Mackall, James Moseley, and Alazar Woldeab. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
John Wesley Gross, 76 John Wesley Gross, 76, of Prince Frederick, MD passed away on December 4, 2009 at Prince George’s Hospital Center, Cheverly, MD. John Wesley Gross Jr. (affectionately known as Big Wes) was born on July 8, 1933 to the late John Wesley Sr. and Sarah Saunders Gross. Big Wes received his education in the Calvert County Public Schools until 1946. He stopped attending school for other commitments and obligations. However, at the age of 69, one of his greatest accomplishments was that he graduated valedictorian with his Maryland High School Diploma on June 30, 2000.
Thursday, January-2010
In September 1952, Big Wes enlisted in The United States Army. He served in the Korean War and returned home on May 11, 1954. Big Wes entered the Masonic Victory Lodge 71 in June 1972. He was a Past Master and a 32nd Degree. Big Wes was a Business Agent for Local 832 Labor Union. He worked as a Security Guard for Seagull Beach, he worked as a well digger and he helped build the Calvert Cliff Nuclear Power Plant. Big Wes loved watching the Dallas Cowboys defeat the Washington Redskins. He loved playing cards, watching Bill O’Reilly (The O’Reilly Factor), visiting family and friends and driving people around. From May to October, Big Wes loved to hold court on the front porch of The Office. He loved talking to people; he loved giving advice for everything and to everyone. He had a love for teaching and learning new things. Most of all, Big Wes always had encouraging words for everyone. Big Wes married his beloved wife Mary S. Boome on November 14, 1958 and recently celebrated 51years of marriage on November 14, 2009. In this union, they had nine children. Mary Frances Harrod (Earl), William Randolph Kyler, Warren Thomas Claggett (Nina), Gloria Jean Foster (James), John Wesley Gross III, Carrie Elizabeth Gross, Charles Wilson Gross and Lyndon Baines Gross (LB) (Amanda); fifteen grandchildren, sixteen great- grandchildren and 1 great great- grandchild; He also leaves one sister, Marion Russell and a special niece Florence Howard (Emmaline); two sister’s in-law, Angeline Boome and LeAudrey Boome. Preceded him in death; one son James Claggett; two brothers Wilson and Charles Gross; three sisters Mary Palmer, Troby Hodge and Sarah Simon. He also leaves a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and two devoted friends; William (Buncie) Bourne and Harry Gray. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Olive UM Church, Prince Frederick, MD with Pastor Patricia Berry officiating. The interment was at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. The pallbearers were members of the Masonic Victoria Lodge #71. The honorary pallbearers were members of the American Legion Post #220. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Ernestine E. Johnson, 93 Ernestine E. Johnson, 93, of Port Republic, MD passed away on November 24, 2009 at her residence. Ernestine Eisman (Gray) Johnson was born on July 1, 1916 to the late
Thomas Sr. and Helen Gray. Ernestine grew up in Mutual, Calvert County, Maryland and attended the old public school there. She began working at the age of twelve years old as a domestic worker cleaning house for the Latimer’s family. Ernestine was a nanny for many children. She also worked shucking clams, oysters, and crab picking. Then God open the door were she got the job of her choice as a Dietary Aide at Calvert Memorial Hospital. Ernestine retired after twelve years of service with honors and came home to join her husband in retirement on June 30, 1981. You could always find them outside, “daddy would be cleaning off land for mama to plant trees and flowers”. She was united in Holy matrimony to John Albert Johnson, Sr. for 67 years and from this union eight children were born, 4 sons and 4 daughters. She was a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who raised her children in the church because of the way she was raised. She was never ashamed to praise the Lord. She was a member of the Brooks Chorus and Senior Choirs and attended church faithfully until her health failed. She loved singing songs of praise. She always sung at home and prayed all the time. Anyone that came into her house was prayed for before they left. All through her sickness was Alzheimer’s, the one thing she did not forget was how to pray. She read her bible every night before going to bed, reading herself to sleep. Ernestine never forgot how to sing her favorite hymns, “His Eyes is on the Sparrow”, Jesus Keep me Near the Cross”, “Precious Lord Take my Hand”, Just a Closer Walk with Thee”. and “If I Could Hear my Mother Pray Again”. She leaves to cherish her sweet life four daughters, Eliza Gantt (William), Susie Johnson, Mamie Jones (Herbert Sr.) and Annie Reddic; one son, Thomas Johnson (Lois Jean); a daughter-in-law, Amelia Johnson. She also leaves one devoted sister Mary Bourne and two brothers, Thomas Gray and Harry Gray (Christine). She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; 3 sisters, Sarah Bourne, Sadie Parker, and Annie Ridgely; three sons, James, John, and Benjamin; a son-in-law, George Reddic; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn; a Great grandson, Rodney Gray, Jr; a great-great grandson, Anthony Plater. She also leaves behind 55 grandchildren, 104 great grandchildren, and 51 great great grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her life many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Seven grandchildren that she helped to raise: Jimmy, Paula, Keith, Sharlene, Dale, and Charnice who stayed at home with her during the day until the end. Special great grandson, Tremayne who gave up his time to stay in the house after school, evenings, and weekends to watch to keep her safe. Tremayne was a blessing and very devoted to his grandma. Thank you Gilbert (grandson) who would say “Pretty Girl, Pretty Girl” to mama and great grandson Darius who always made her laugh with their presents. To Pastor Joshel McArthur for you many phone calls
and prayers with her over the phone. Ernestine’s favorite scripture that was marked off in her bible was Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 11:00 AM 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 Antonio Gantt, Keith Gantt, Dale Johnson, Dwan Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Jr., and Gilbert Jones. The honorary pallbearers were Joshua Booker, Jr., Ralph Broome, Jr., Thomas Broome, Jr., Marco Gantt, Richard Hicks, Sharlene Hicks, and Darius Weems. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Cecil Alberta Parker, 85 Cecil Alberta Parker, 85, of Fairmont Heights, MD passed away on December 10, 2009 at Doctor’s Community Hospital, Lanham, MD. Mrs. Cecil Alberta Parker, daughter of the late Herbert and Pearlie Taylor, was born December 17, 1923 in South Hill, Virginia. Cecil was called to celebrate eternal life on December 10, 2009, while at the Doctor’s Community Hospital, Lanham, Maryland. Cecil attended the public schools of Lunenburg County, Virginia. At an early age, she was baptized and joined the Flat Rock Baptist Church, located in Kenbridge, Virginia. As a young adult, Cecil relocated to Prince Georges County, Maryland, where she met and later married the love of her life, the late William E. Parker. Following their marriage, Cecil and William made Fairmont Heights, Maryland their permanent residence. Although Cecil entered into Holy Matrimony, she was always a strong advocate for working and helping to provide for her family. She was employed by the Pentagon and Montgomery Ward, prior to becoming a housewife at the request of her husband. Cecil was a fun-loving person, blessed with quick wit and a great sense of humor. She enjoyed music and tried to play an instrument, but was not successful. However, in the spirit of cohesiveness, Cecil dubbed herself a ‘go go girl’ for the family band. She was a family-oriented person that always looked forward to and enjoyed visitation of family, whether local or out of town. She also loved entertaining, opening her home and welcoming everyone. Cecil enjoyed cooking and only needed a little notice to prepare her delicious potato salad, fried chicken and homemade cakes from ‘scratch’. She made sure that no one left her house on an
empty stomach. Over the years, Cecil also enjoyed fishing, gardening and traveling with her family. When not on the water, gardening or traveling, Cecil would find the time to relax on the porch, taking in the sun rays and sharing stories with family and friends. She also enjoyed playing bingo and visiting casinos. Cecil was a very unselfish and caring person, always willing to lend a helping hand. A testament of her love for others speaks volumes when Cecil, while in rehab, took the initiative to feed an elderly person who could not feed herself. She was a very soft-spoken person that was quick to make a concession and never had a ‘cross-word’ with anyone. Cecil was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Parker; three children; William Clifton, Clarence Edward and Herbert Elzia Parker. She leaves to cherish her memory, four daughters; Joyce Stafford (Harold) of Clinton, Maryland, Milda Williams of Fairmont Heights, Maryland, Alberta Nichols (James) of Washington, D.C. and Rochell Hawkins (Alphonso) of Huntingtown, Maryland; three sisters; Nannie P. Cade of St. Leonard, Maryland, Ola Alexander of South Hill, Virginia and Eunice King of South Hill, Virginia; one sister-in-law; Alice Kellibrew of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; one brother-in-law, Robert King of South Hill, Virginia and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She also leaves an extended family that adopted her as “Momma”; John P. Jenkins, H. Kay Bradby, Tony Bradby, Beverly Robinson, Jackie Carter, Tony Pratt, Wanda James, Sharmelle Williams, Alton Dixon and Burkett Lyburn. Funeral service was held on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Kettering Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro, MD with Pastor Bucas Sterling, III officiating. The interment was at Harmony Memorial Park, Landover, MD. The pallbearers were Angelo Johnson, Eliza Johnson, Nathaniel Johnson, Tony Pratt, Carliss Smallwood, and Anthony White. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Chuck Swaniger, Jr., 55 Charles William “Chuck” Swaniger, Jr., 55, of Lusby, MD, formerly of Beltsville, MD passed away at his residence on January 3, 2010. He was born on January 15, 1954 in Youngstown, OH to the late Charles William Swaniger, Sr. and the late Delores Jean Reed. Chuck graduated from Duval High
School in Lanham, MD and went on to retire in 2005 after working for over 25 years as an Auto Mechanic. He moved to Lusby from Beltsville in 2005. He loved baseball, football, NASCAR racing, and bowling. Chuck is survived by his siblings, Pam Garner and Terry Swaniger both of Lusby, MD; nephews, Joe, Charles, Austin, and Gary; and great nieces and nephews, Joe, Derek, Natalia, Cowan, Love, Shyre, Mary, and Cam. A Memorial Service was held on January 9, 2010 in the Rausch Funeral Home Chapel, Lusby, MD with Pastor Steve Fehrman officiating. The family request in lieu of flowers for contributions to be made in Chuck’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, ATTN: National Call Center, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311, or to Calvert Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 1660, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
Lynette Thomas, 35 Lynette Thomas, 35, of Bowie, MD passed away on December 23, 2009 at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. Lynette Herbert Thomas, daughter of Robert and Gloria Herbert was born February 23, 1974 in Baltimore, Maryland. Lynette received her education in the Calvert County Public School System. She enjoyed reading as a young child and always excelled in school. Lynette graduated from Northern High School, Owings, MD. Upon graduation she enrolled in college at Towson State University, Towson, MD. She majored in English and received her Bachelors degree. Because Lynette valued education she received her Master’s degree as well. Lynette taught High School until her illness forced her to retire. Lynette was joined in marriage to Enoch Thomas III, the love of her life on August 8, 1998. And from this union a son was born, Elijah. She gave her life to Christ in 2006 and was active in her church until her illness prevented her from serving. Lynette was preceded in death by her grandparents, an uncle and aunt. She leaves to cherish in her fond memory her beloved husband, Enoch Thomas III and son Elijah Steven Thomas. She also leaves her parents, Robert and Gloria Herbert; one brother Robert T. Herbert (LaSonia); four nieces, one nephew; motherin-law Annie Lee Jackson, father-in-law Enoch Thomas; sixteen aunts, seven uncles and a host of cousins, relatives and friends. The Memorial service was held on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Bishop Darnell Easton officiating.
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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 **
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.
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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.
Panthers Hold Off Leonardtown For Second Win When senior guard Tiana Forbes hit the first of two free-throws in the final minute of Friday night’s Southern Maryland Athletic Conference girls basketball game at Patuxent High School, you could hear Panthers second-year head coach Chris Turlington breathe a sigh of relief. “Two things that have been an
their pressure well,” Turlington said. “It’s very, very difficult to know that you’re going to go up against a pressure defense that’s athletic, and it showed.” After Leonardtown got out to that huge lead, the Panthers found creative ways to break the press and get easy looks at the basket and led by
Photo By Frank Marquart Patuxent’s Tiana Forbes looks to pass while Dani McLoughlin (34) and Kate Finkleston of Leonardtown apply defensive pressure.
Achilles’ heel all year for us have been turnovers and free throws,” Turlington said after the Panthers edged Leonardtown 42-39. “I was very pleased to see us knock some down because it changes the way the game is played.” Forbes’ free throw was key because it gave Patuxent a six-point lead with 35 seconds to go, forcing Leonardtown to go for three-pointers on every possession coming down the stretch. The Panthers (2-9 on the season) got 12 points from Amy Samilton and 10 from Megan Sears as they rallied from an early 10-1 hole to take the lead and hold off the Raiders and their aggressive pressure defense. “We settled down and handled
as many as eight points in the game’s final minute. Another key was the Panthers’ ability to not panic when forward LaChrisha Hill and center Kaitlyn Lloyd were hampered by foul trouble. “I thought we had five decent shooters, so it was point and counterpoint,” Turlington said as Lloyd and Hill played with four fouls late in the game. “We went small, which created some match-up problems for us but we had quickness.” Lloyd came back in with four fouls, and the Panthers, in Turlington’s words, were able to “hide” her in the middle and she pulled down crucial rebounds and scored on a layup with 1 minute left to give Patuxent
Photo By Frank Marquart The Panthers’ LaChrisha Hill leaps for the jump ball to start Friday night’s girls basketball game against visiting Leonardotwn.
a 41-33 lead. The quest to improve continues for Patuxent, who have already won more games this season (two) then they have in the last three seasons (one). “It makes coming to practice a little easier because everybody feels good,” Turlington said. “People are starting to get excited now.” By Chris stevens (Ct) info@somdpublishing.net
Photo By Frank Marquart Amy Samilton scored 12 points to lift Patuxent to a 42-39 victory over Leonardtown Friday night.
Thursday, January-2010
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Out About Friday, Jan. 22
• Chicken Noodle Soup Cook-off Southern Community Center, 20 Appeal Lane, Lusby, starting at 10 a.m. We are in search of the best chicken noodle soup around town. If you think you’ve got it then bring it on! Please include your recipe with the delivery of your soup. Great prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners. For more information call 410-586-1101.
Saturday, Jan. 23 • Vine Vindicator Work Day The American Chestnut Land Trust You can explore American Chestnut Land Trust’s selfguided hiking trails or join one of their guided experiences throughout the year. Saturday, January 23 the group will hold “Vine Vindicator Work Day.” Members of the organization will be on hand to identify and remove non-native invasive plant species and would love your help! Bring work gloves and loppers or clippers if you have them. Please register by calling 410-414-3400 or visit their website at www. acltweb.org.
Friday, Jan. 29
• A Fashion Show – Project Runway Southern Community Center, 20 Appeal Lane, Lusby, starting at 7:15 p.m. So you’ve got that New York City style and you rock that “hip-hop” fashion. This event is designed just for you! High school, middle school and college students – this is the event to show off your fabulous fashion sense. For more information call (410) 586-1101.
Thursday, Jan. 28 • Portraits in a Book with Truffles, Fudge and Hot Chocolate Southern Community Center, 20 Appeal Lane, Lusby, starting at 1 p.m. This event is designed for seniors. Join us for a winter craft and an afternoon of superb desserts. Create a special keepsake item for yourself or give away as a gift. Beautiful portraits outlined in a book. A one-of-a-kind spectacular creation! For more information call 410-586-1101.
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Friday, Feb. 5, 6, 12 and 13 • “I’ll Get My Man”
Saturday, Jan. 30 • United States Navy Band
• Follow on the Water: A Celebration of the Bay’s Life in Story and Song
The United States Navy Band performs at Patuxent High School, Lusby, on Saturday Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Come early and enjoy the dessert table provided by the Patuxent High School Band Boosters. Visit the band website at www.patuxentband.com or call the band office, 410-535-7806, for more information.
Wednesday, Jan. 27 • Poetry Café Join other poets and lyricwriters in a convivial session of discussion, editing and support. 7:00-8:30pm. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way. For more information, call 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.
erick, on Friday, Jan. 29 from 7. – 9 p.m. Tickets are $25. What a great way to support your library, with a festive evening of conversation, music, food and drink. For more information or to buy tickets visit your local branch of the Calvert County Library.
The Alumni Players next production, “I’ll Get My Man”, is Feb. 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th. Dinner catered by Thompson’s Seafood. Tickets are $30 per person. For reservations, please call 410-326-3008 and leave your name, phone number, date of show and how many in your party. We will call you back to confirm your order. Ticket includes dinner and show. Located at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Solomons, MD. (410) 326-3008.
Sunday, Feb. 14 • Fathers and Sons Valentine’s Day Serenade
Sunday, Jan. 31 Will be performed live on Friday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the Calvert Marine Museum indoor auditorium. Celebrate the life and work of Tom Wisner with Mac Walter, John Cronin, Teresa Whitaker, and Frank Schwartz. Tickets are $20/advance and $25/door and may be purchased at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or at the Development Office at the museum. For more information, call 410-326-2042 ext. 32. • Books and Bubbly Like great food, good wine and entertainment? The Friends of the Calvert County will host “Books and Bubbly” at the Calvert County Library, 850 Costley Way, Prince Fred-
Thursday, January-2010
• Southern Maryland Barn restoration Calvert County historically was a rural farming community. You are invited to attend a presentation about the past, present and future of the many tobacco barns in Southern Maryland on Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Calvert County Library, 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., hear presentations on the history of the barns and efforts that have been made to save and restore some of them. The meeting is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Heritage Area, Maryland Historical Trust, Preservation Maryland, and Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince Georges and St. Mary’s Counties.
programming for teens, as well as, suggest materials that would interest teens, 3:30-4:40pm. This is volunteer work that counts towards community service hours. If you are a teen interested in making a difference for other teens in your community, please contact Rachel Hummel. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410535-0291 or 301-855-1862. • Next Steps for a Sustainable Calvert The Good Life without the Commute: Are you interested in changing your lifestyle to support a sustainable community? Join us to talk about the possibilities, pitfalls and promises. 7:00-8:30pm. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.
Saturday, Feb. 27 • The Fabulous Hubcaps Fundraiser Do you like a little bit of Rock-N-Roll and have a passion for animals? The Fabulous Hubcaps will be hosting a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Calvert County February 27th at the Holiday Inn Solomons from 8 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $30.00 each and can be purchased at the Fishing Creek Kennel, 2210 Dalrymple Road, Sunderland. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. There will also be a silent auction and raffle items. For more information on this event, please contact 410-286-2679 or visit their website www.humanesocietyofcalvertcounty.org.
Saturday, April 18 Valentine’s Day is coming up (hint, hint darling husband). Want to make a big splash with your sweetheart? For a donation of $50 to Calvert Hospice, the quartet Fathers and Sons will serenade your sweetheart at home, work or any other venue in Calvert County. For less than the cost of a dozen roses you receive your choice of two songs plus a rose and candy that will be presented to your special someone. For more information visit www.calverthospice.org.
Tuesday, Feb. 23 • Tacos Meeting Teen Advisory Council of Students meets with Calvert Library staff to help plan and market
• 25th Annual Opening Day Celebration, Discovering Archaeology Jefferson Patterson Park, St. Leonard, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join us as we celebrate our 25th season of activities and education at JPPM. Discover the where, what, and how of archaeology, as we highlight our new exhibit “The FAQ’s of Archaeology”. Tour the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory. Learn about archaeology through educational walks, activities, and demonstrations. For additional information call 410-586-8501, or email jppm@mdp.state.md.us. Free admission.
Out&About It May Be Chilly Out, But There’s Lots of Warm Things To Do By Joyce Baki
The American Chestnut Land Trust was founded in 1986 to save a small parcel of land containing the state’s largest American chestnut tree. This small parcel has grown to a 3,000 acre preserved area surrounding the beautiful watersheds of Parkers Creek and Governor’s Run along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. You can explore ACLT’s self-guided hiking trails or join one of their guided experiences throughout the year. Saturday, January 23 the group will hold “Vine Vindicator Work Day.” Members of the organization will be on hand to identify and remove non-native invasive plant species and would love your help! Bring work gloves and loppers or clippers if you have them. Please register by calling 410-414-3400 or visit their website at www.acltweb.org. Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood, hosts Legends and Lore Tours Saturday, January 23. Take an eerie after-hours Mansion tour with spirit sighting stories of past and present. Hear legends and unexplained occurrences at Sotterley Plantation. Ask those questions that you have always wanted answers; or perhaps you have an unexplained experience. Reservations are required. Call 301-3732280 or visit www.sotterley.org for more information. Like great food, good wine and entertainment? The Friends of the Calvert County will host “Books and Bubbly” at the Calvert County Library, 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick, on Friday, January 29 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25. What a great way to support your library, with a festive evening of conversation, music, food and drink. For more information or to buy tickets visit your local branch of the Calvert County Library. Friday, January 29, celebrate the life and work of local artist Tom Wisner with a live concert at the Calvert Marine Museum – “Follow on the Water: A Celebration of the Bay’s Life in Story & Song.” Wisner has dedicated his life to chronicling the rich traditions of our regional waterways. He will be joined on stage by local musicians and long-time friends and associates, including Frank Schwartz, Teresa Whitaker, Mac Walter, and John Cronin. Seating is limited, and I guarantee this concert will sell out, so call now – 410-326-2042, ext. 32 – to get your tickets. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Visit www. calvertmarinemuseum.com for more information.
The United States Navy Band performs at Patuxent High School, Lusby, on Saturday January 30 at 7:00 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Come early and enjoy the dessert table provided by the Patuxent High School Band Boosters. Visit the band website at www.patuxentband.com or call the band office, 410-535-7806, for more information. Calvert County historically was a rural farming community. You are invited to attend a presentation about the past, present and future of the many tobacco barns in Southern Maryland on Sunday, January 31 at the Calvert County Library, 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., hear presentations on the history of the barns and efforts that have been made to save and restore some of them. The meeting is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Heritage Area, Maryland Historical Trust, Preservation Maryland, and Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince Georges and St. Mary’s Counties. The first Friday of every month is the First FREE Friday program at the Calvert Marine Museum. The museum is open free to the public from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Each month special entertainment and activities will be featured. Performing In February is the Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition. Visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com for details. Valentine’s Day is coming up (hint, hint darling husband). Want to make a big splash with your sweetheart? For a donation of $50 to Calvert Hospice, the quartet Fathers and Sons will serenade your sweetheart at home, work or any other venue in Calvert County. For less than the cost of a dozen roses you receive your choice of two songs plus a rose and candy that will be presented to your special someone. For more information visit www.calverthospice.org. Do you like a little bit of Rock-NRoll and have a passion for animals? The Fabulous Hubcaps will be hosting a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Calvert County February 27th at the Holiday Inn Solomons from 8:00 p.m. 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $30.00 each and can be purchased at the Fishing Creek Kennel, 2210 Dalrymple Road, Sunderland. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. There will also be a silent auction and raffle items. For more information on this event, please contact 410286-2679 or visit their website www.humanesocietyofcalvertcounty.org.
Conserve and Contribute Conserve Energy
to Save Money on Your Electric Bill
Contribute to Project Match
to Help Local Families Heat Their Homes As we face the coldest winter in 20 years, it will be more important than ever to conserve energy and reduce the impact on your utility bills. SMECO reminds you to conserve energy to save money. Most customers know to turn off appliances and other energy users that they see around the house, such as lights and televisions; but they often forget about their major energyusing appliances. In most households, the major energy-using appliances are heating and cooling systems, and water heaters. Following these tips can help reduce your energy bill: • Set your thermostat at 68 instead of 72 degrees to save more than 20 percent on heating costs. • Keep the water heater temperature set between 120 and 125 degrees and use cold water when possible. • Clean or change heat pump filters monthly; do not block room registers. • Have your heat pump professionally serviced at least once a year. • Keep ductwork sealed and insulated. • Keep fireplace dampers closed when the fireplace is not in use. • Keep snow cleared away from the outdoor unit of your heat pump to ensure air moves freely. For some families in need, conserving energy may not be enough. Together, we can help our Southern Maryland neighbors heat their homes. Contribute to Project Match today. Just send a separate check made out to Project Match along with your electric bill payment. SMECO will match donations through April 15 up to a total of $50,000. CONSERVE and CONTRIBUTE— you’ll help yourself, and you’ll help others. Visit www.smeco.coop/ save for more energy-saving tips.
Thursday, January-2010
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‘To Grandmother’s House We Go’ Newtowne Players Tackle Faith, Family and Food You can’t choose your family. And for someone like Nick Cristano, the main character in “Over the River and Through the Woods,” this is both a blessing and a curse, and the Newtowne Players have worked hard to bring both sides of the issue to Three Notch Theater in their production of Joe DiPietro’s comedy, which starts on Jan. 22 in Lexington Park.
Photo By Sean Rice John Giuseppe Giusti (Frank) and Stephen Rumpf (Nick) share a family moment in the Newtowne Players’ production of “Over the River and Through the Woods.”
Nick Cristano, a single 29-year-old marketing executive working in Manhattan – whose only close relatives are his two sets of grandparents in New Jersey – is a faithful and long-suffering grandson, eating dinner with his relatives every Sunday, but he swears he must have been adopted.
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Thursday, January-2010
Both couples are a the picture of Italian-American hilarity. Frank is an old-school Italian immigrant who won’t admit he’s a bad driver, and his wife Aida is constantly running to and from the kitchen because she always thinks her guests look hungry. And the other set, Nunzio and Emma, are “the loudest people I’ve ever met,” as Nick puts it. His story picks up as he announces that he’s been offered a dream job in Seattle, and from there things get more twisted than rotini as the grandparents draft a scheme to get him to stay. Of course Nick struggles with the question of what’s to keep him so close to his relatives. After all, these are people who never turn on the air conditioning but always keep the oven working, who enjoy debating pointless anecdotes and hassling the youngsters about settling down and getting married, and who never let any visitor leave without taking home some leftover veal. They are loud, obnoxious, nosy and overbearing. You know the types – old and adorable. In fact, if you grew up near New York or New Jersey, Newtowne Players director Tom Esposito will swear that you have run into a family just like this one, and he said he relished the idea of bringing these famous old stereotypical Italian-American archetypes to life. Stephen Rumpf plays an anxious and exasperated Nick, and does well conveying his character’s insecurities (though you’d think that a character like Nick would be a little less functional and a little more neurotic), and Joanne McDonald is sure to remind everyone of their own grandmother – you know, the one that’s always trying to feed the guests, even when they aren’t hungry. One person to watch is Dawn Weber, who plays the
Photo By Sean Rice
loud and lively Emma with a great Jersey drawl. Playing her husband Nunzio is James LePore, who does well playing a character struggling with his own announcement to the family. All told, the story makes for a good laugh, but hidden within its lines are a lot of pressing questions, said Esposito, who’s making his directorial debut with this production. “The show gives a lot of laughs, and that’s the vehicle that the play uses to deliver a very powerful and poignant message, and one that we all have to deal with, regardless of nationality,” he said. “What do we owe our parents and our grandparents, who spent a lifetime of devotion raising us, and where do we draw the line in repaying their devotion to us and making our own life.” Universal questions, to be sure, but the play delivers this message with a great balance, stressing both the hilarity and horror of dealing with relatives, and the warmth and glory of just having them around. “Tengo famiglia!” By AndreA Shiell (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
“Over the River and Through the Woods” will be showing at Three Notch Theater in Lexington Park from Jan. 22 to Feb. 7. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 301-737-5447 or go to www.newtowneplayers.org.
On the
Water
Musings from the Museum By Sherrod Sturrock
“The simplistic premise that informs my work is that the job of the scientist is in revealing the truth of the workings of the world, the job of some artists is to weave those revelations into the modern fabric of our lives. They put the revelation into song, into stories and paintings. Artists have the power to bring the stories to life.”
We all die – one of the ineluctable truths of life. The question is, how do we live? In the case of Tom Wisner and my mom, the answer comes in the hundreds of whose -Tom Wisner in an interview with Joe Norris people lives have been February, 2009 touched by theirs. Both of them, in their In the last issue, the Gazette ran an article about Tom Wisner, our lo- own way, have made a difference. cal bard of the Chesapeake. Tom is Tom wrote songs, recorded voices of dying of lung cancer, and instead people telling of now faded traditions of sinking into depression or rag- before it was too late; he continues to ing about the unfairness of fate, he bring people together and to make us is working very hard to ensure that ‘see’ this place in a new way. My mom people remember his life’s work – his inspired those around her, showed absolute commitment to this place people - especially women - that they that he loves. He is facing death very could achieve anything, encouraged much the way he faces life – with them to accomplish more than they a philosophical matter-of-factness ever thought possible. “Face into the and a sense of curiosity about what wind”, she said, “take it a step at the time.” Tom said, “I call it ‘carrying it comes next. This strikes a particularly poi- on’ – taking the lessons I learned and gnant note with me. On January 5, teaching others to care.” There are as many ways of taking I lost my mom, Martha Turnage. up that challenge as there are people Although she died unexpectedly of a massive stroke, in the last few – but I know one thing for certain. It’s months she seemed to be meditat- not about accumulating wealth or posing on the final adventure to come. sessions or power. It’s about building Alzheimer’s had chewed away her relationships, and having the courage brilliant mind and forceful personal- to act on your convictions. Every ity, leaving a docile elderly woman one of us carries the capacity to– as I hardly recognized. My mom who one friend put it – create islands of strode through life, facing into the decency: to make a difference in our wind, courageous in the face of prej- homes, our neighborhoods, our comudice, bigotry, tragedy, and hard- munities. It’s really about living, in ship; this woman who broke barrier the end, isn’t it? Sherrod Sturrock is the Deputy after barrier in her field, and left evDirector of the Calvert Marine Museery place better than she found it - is um. She can be reached at sturrosa@ gone. co.cal.md.us.
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Thursday, January-2010
23
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