April 2010
Priceless
Gazette
Southern Calvert Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard
SolomonS ISland on The map paGe 12
Ranch Club to Appeal Whale Fossil Judgment Story Page 4
O’Donnell Sees Tax Increases Coming Story Page 5
Your Paper... Your Thoughts What Are Your Thoughts on the Annual Tiki Bar Opening Day, Will You Attend? “Oh yeah. I’m definitely going … I go every year. I think it’s a lot of fun,” said Tiffany Mosler, of Lusby. “I already have plans for my kids to be taken care of so I can go for the whole weekend.” Mosler said she has a relative with a house “right on the island, so I don’t have to worry about parking or anything. And I can crash there.” “It’s too crowded. Not our age group. Not our thing to do,” said Lisa Creason, of Lusby. “We’ve been to the Tiki Bar opening before … If they have great weather, it will be fun for the people who want to go.” Although she doesn’t like standing being elbowto-elbow at a bar [or even at the recent Cherry Blossom Festival in DC], Creason said the event is a great benefit to the community. “It’s great for that economy. It’s great for Solomons Island, and great for the hotels in the area,” she said. “It brings people from all over. It’s amazing where people are coming in from on their boats and stuff … It puts Solomons Island on the map.”
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“No I don’t think so,” 18-year-old Stephen Norris of Lusby said about attending the opening weekend “I’m not of age yet, but in a few years I’m looking forward to it.” His brother just turned 21 and it looking forward to going, said Norris [like Chuck Norris, he said, just not related]. “It’s actually really good for down here. It gives us a little popularity, and all the people coming in,” he said, adding, “It dries up nice down here,” in the off season.
Thursday, April-2010
On T he Cover
As many as 30,000 people are expected to attend the opening weekend for the Tiki Bar on Solomons Island, and hotels, restaurants and other shops are feeling the effects.
Also Inside
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local news
Steve Waugh, right, candidate for Maryland state senate, was one of the politicians spotted at Solomons’ boardwalk pavilion April 10 during a “Maryland Tax Day Tea Party” organized by Americans for Prosperity a conservative advocacy group. SEE PAGES 4 and 7
Singer Liz Chambers, 17, of Lusby, after a performance greets one of her fans, Kayleigh Coppins-Dutton, 4, of Lusby. SEE PAGE 14
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
local news
Solomons Island’s Kim’s Key Lime Pies new owners Kelly Guilfoyle, left, and Amanda Comer. SEE PAGE 5
April 16-18 2010
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April 23-25 2010
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LOCAL NEWS Kim’s Key Lime Pies, a popular destination on Solomon’s Island has opened with new owners: Kelly Guilfoyle and Amanda Comer, a pair who have been friends with former owner Kim Mowrer for years Mowrer, who opened the shop in 2003, is fighting off a second bout with cancer, after surviving breast cancer in 2005. “She’s just resting and focusing on her family,” Comer said. “And it was time for her to pass it on, and we were so happy to take it over … the opportunity came up at the right time.” Comer has known Mowrer since 2007, when she took over the Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, located behind Kim’s. Guilfoyle met MowPhoto by Sean Rice rer nearly 10 years ago Kim Mowrer, founder of Kim’s Key when they both worked at Lime Pies on Solomons Island. the Dry Dock restaurant.
Kim’s Key Lime Pies Under New Ownership “We’re carrying on the tradition of her desserts, and you can still find all her recipes here,” Guilfoyle told The Southern Calvert Gazette. Guilfoyle and Comer, operating as a partnership named Lotus Kitchen, LLC, officially opened Easter weekend. The name is staying the same, but they are giving up “Riverwalk Gifts” aspect of the business. “We took out a lot of the retail, except for the coffee and tea, and we’re just focusing more on food right about now,” Guilfoyle said. “We don’t know so much about retail,” said Comer. Comer is a chef who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and Le Cordon Bleu in ParPhoto by Sean Rice is. She said their food “focuses on simple, fresh Kim’s Key Lime Pies new owners Kelly Guilfoyle, left, and Amanda Comer. sandwiches, soups salads, all that good stuff.” The pair hopes to receive their liquor license the first week of May. With the removal of the gift shop section, Kim’s Key “We’ll be doing wine, microbrews … and probably Lime Pies now has additional dining space. The second close around 8 or 9,” Comer said. downstairs room is being used for more dining space and “We don’t want it to be a bar, just a place where people the upstairs rooms that used to house gifts are used for storcome for light fair,’” Guilfoyle said. age until a demand arises. “A glass of wine and a salad on the way home, a little “We’re going to evolve organically … we’re just playcharcuterie and cheese,” Amanda added. “It’s just a nice ing it by ear,’ Comer said. “Hopefully we can get busy comfortable space for people to hang out and eat … We’re enough that we have to hire a bunch of staff and move upexcited about it.” stairs too.” By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net
Ranch Club Board to Appeal Whale Fossil Judgment The property owners association of Chesapeake Ranch Estates in Lusby won their lawsuit last week against the Calvert Marine Museum for its trespassing on their land back in 2008 and taking a whale skeleton that was encased in the cliff side, but the judgment was unsatisfactory, according to the board’s president. “It was a hollow victory,” said John Eney of the $10,000 they received for the supposedly 10 million-year-old whale skeleton and $1 award for the trespass. “The damage award was an absolute insult.” Circuit Court Judge Warren Krug made his decision after both
sides had presented their case over a two-day trial, Eney said, who said that the skeleton was valued between $8,000 to $20,000. “The losing side was celebrating,” Eney said, who confirmed they would appeal the judgment. Joseph Cunningham, a Virginia-based lawyer representing the ranch club, said they would take their case to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. “The award of damages was inadequate,” Cunningham told The Southern Calvert Gazette. “There was a significant degradation of the cliff side where the whale dig took place.” Last week’s judgment was
the culmination of two years of legal wrangling between the ranch club board and the marine museum, with the board claiming that museum scientists and excavators trespassed on ranch club property for five months to extract a whale skeleton found deep inside the cliff face. The museum staff claimed during the dig that they had permission of a single property owner who they believed had claim to a portion of the cliff face where the skeleton was lodged, but later it was determined that the ranch club owned the property. Daniel Karp, attorney
for the marine museum, said that the ruling was fair. “The ruling was proper in every respect,” Karp said. “The marine museum acted in good faith. “It was an innocent mistake.” Karp said that excavators had signed a release with the ranch club stating that their dig would not harm the puritan tiger beetle, an endangered species which lives in the cliff face. Eney still claimed that the excavation caused the cliffs to weaken and posed a dangerous liability to the ranch club if an accident occurred.
Residents of the club have been trying to find legal ways to strengthen the cliff face and stop erosion, which threatens to topple homes into the Chesapeake Bay, but have been rebuffed by state and federal officials because the species and its habitat are protected by law. “They judge did not shortchange them in any way, shape or form,” Karp said. “They couldn’t prove any damage flowed from the trespass.” By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
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Thursday, April-2010
Photo by Sean Rice Steve Waugh, right, candidate for Maryland state senate, was one of the politicians spotted at Solomons’ boardwalk pavilion April 10 during a “Maryland Tax Day Tea Party” organized by Americans for Prosperity a conservative advocacy group.
LOCAL NEWS
Wisner: A Life and Death on the Chesapeake
The following interview was conducted and published by The Southern Calvert Gazette in early June, 2009. Wisner, 79, who dedicated his life to writing and singing about the Chesapeake Bay, died of lung cancer on April 2 while living at the Burnett-Calvert Hospice House Tom Wisner sat down at his table and held his hand over a cup of black coffee, flanked by shelves lined with books and CD binders, paintings, sketches and photographs, including one impressive shot of a female crab he affectionately called “Priscilla.” He poised his hands over his keyboard as he talked, as though he were preparing to illustrate his words with songs, as is his habit. But several months ago, Tom was not smiling or painting or singing. He learned that he was dying of cancer, and since then the folk singer, artist, scientist, educator and activist has been trying to adapt to a slower pace. “When I learned I was going to die, and they said very soon, I kind of got down into this cave. To think about it, it reminds me of a deep black hole in the earth somewhere,” he said. “I looked at death like that and it was very scary … and through a period of time I got to a place where I thought, well, I’m still alive, so I’ve got to live.” And living, according to Wisner, is a thing best done through creation. “If I weren’t actively making something every day, then I wouldn’t be alive,” he said. “I paint, I draw, I used to dance a lot, I make songs, and I play drums. I’m always making something.” Wisner, whose career has spanned more than four decades, was awarded a
citation in 1965 from the Washington D.C. Academy of Sciences for teaching, and later he earned the 1988 Excellence in Teaching Award. He has written more than 100 songs, and his first album, “Chesapeake Borne”, was cut in 1979. His first three albums are part of the National Smithsonian Folkways collection. During an interview with The Southern Calvert Gazette, Wisner remember a secondgrade student that once pondered: “I wonder if people wonder what it’s like to be a crab?” “Now she became a lawyer, but she was dealing with justice issues even then … but who answers the prayers of the fishes?” he said, adding that the crab in particular had become his muse over the years. Tom Wisner Photo “For darn near 40 Tom Wisner at a 1990 Bernie Fowler “Wade-In”. some-years, I’ve been writing songs about, singing about, and dancner’s archives of songs, art and research, ing and prancing with blue crabs, and to be preserved for future generations. therefore I’ve fallen in love with them,” “Tom is kind of an icon of the Chesahe said. But, “we’re getting to the place peake, certainly through his stories and where maybe we won’t have as many songs,” said museum director Doug Alves. crabs,” he said. “We throw a lot of junk in “He’s helped expose, to the general public, that river.” the beauty of the Chesapeake, as well as An effort has been underway by the the need to preserve it and clean it up.” By Calvert Marine Museum to collect Wis- Andrea Shiell (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Businesses See 400 Percent Increase in Unemployment Insurance Tax The recession has nearly wiped out the state coffers that were set aside to provide unemployment insurance for those who lost their jobs, and now the state has approved a 400 percent increase in how much businesses must pay into the fund to replenish it. The new tax rate for most businesses statewide will be set at 2.2 percent, which is up from just 0.6 percent for 2009. House Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell (D-Dist.29C) said that the insurance tax increase could be a job killer, because employers will have to payout more profits that could have been used to hire employees. “I voted against it,” O’Donnell said.
“It was a bad business vote at a bad time. “It just shows Maryland’s hostility to business.” According to The Tax Foundation, a group that supports transparency and educating the public in understanding tax policies and their impacts, listed Maryland recently as among the 10 worst states in the nation for its level of business taxes. Currently Maryland ranks 45th out of 50 states for its overall tax climate for businesses in The Tax Foundation’s estimation. Dan Rebarchick, owner of Lenny’s Restaurant in California, said that the hefty increase he and other business owners face could have something of a reverse
affect than what law makers intended: the tax increase could cause employers to shed workers, thus increasing the drain on jobless benefits. “Any tax on labor can be a potential job killer,” Rebarchick said. “Maybe a business has five employees and they’ll do it with four.” But in the end equation, Rebarchick said, the consumer will have to bear the brunt of the increase, which could force them to reduce their spending. “What it does is it’s a tax that gets passed on to the consumer,” he said. “You wind up raising prices.” By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
O’Donnell: Budget Will Force Tax Hikes Next Year House Minority Leader Anthony J. O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) believes that the budget that passed the House and Senate last week in Annapolis means that the state’s money problems will continue for the foreseeable future. It also means that the state and counties will likely have to raise taxes to compensate for lagging tax revenues, he said. “We did little to nothing to solve the state’s overspending problem and reliance of federal aid dollars,” O’Donnell said of overall efforts in Annapolis this year. “Massive tax increases are being planned by the majority and they’re also planning to shift the burden of teacher pensions to counties which will force them to raise taxes.” The fiscal 2011 budget passage was predicated on the state getting a projected 3.6 percent increase in revenue, the Southern Calvert County state delegate said. “It’s highly unlikely that will materialize,” he said. But Del. Sue Kullen (DDist. 27B) said that the budget, about $32 billion with $2 billion in deep cuts, was “responsible and forward-looking.” Kullen said that every budget year is different, and that it is difficult to speculate on the state’s fiscal standing in 2011. She does believe that this year’s budget would necessitate having to raise taxes. “I don’t see it that way,” Kullen said. “We may need to make deeper cuts next year.” Kullen said that in voting for the budget, she and other delegates rejected some of the deeper cuts that Republicans wanted to make in education and public safety. “We held fast to our priorities,” Kullen said. “Those areas to me are sacrosanct.” Kullen said that voting to cut those critical budget areas would have been “short sighted.” By Guy Leonard (CT) info@ soomdpublishing.net
Thursday, April-2010
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LOCAL NEWS
Spyro’s Expanding To Much More Than Bagels
Since receiving new owners just last year, Spyro’s Bagels in Solomons Island has expanded to a second location in Solomons, and to a location across the Patuxent River in California. Now re-branded as Spyro’s Bakery and Café, the store is expected this week to open a full-scale bakery within Woodburns of Solomons, confirms Jim Bland, general manager. “That means we’ll be the only grocery store in Southern Maryland that has an honest-to-God, fromscratch bakery in it, where everything you get is made right on the premises. And that’s a big, big difference from something that was made someplace else with Photo by Sean Rice a lot of preservatives and Spyro’s General Manager Jim Bland holds a batch of fresh bread, made from scratch at the café. frozen for who knows how long and then thawed out,” scratch,” said Bland, adding that includes of breads. Bland told The Southern Calvert Gazette. “I think it will be a very good compliall their cakes and pastries to homemade “Everything that we make is from butter cream and their 15 different types ment,” he said. “We’re known for a brand
Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can’t be wrong!
of very, very high quality, which will fit well into the Woodburn’s model, which is also known for very high quality food.” Bland said this is his first retail business, and things are going extremely well. Spyro’s opened a branch on Route 235 in California shortly after founding owners Stephanos and Stella Markakis sold and retired. Due to a brisk lunch crowd and Spyro’s growing reputation as a popular breakfast and lunch caterer to the areas defense contracting industry, the company is working on opening a larger location in California as well, Bland confirmed. “We are in negotiations now for a very large location in California, right down the street from where our temporary location is. It will be a full-scale bakery with about 150 seats inside,” Bland said. “There’s a big lunch crowd over there, and people love our gyros our Rueben and our lunch sandwiches.” You can taste the difference when eat fresh food, Bland said, but baking from scratch isn’t easy. “We knew that they had a very good reputation for a great bagel, and a great bagel sandwich, and we wanted to leverage that into a full scale from-scratch bakery and café,” he said. “It takes a lot of discipline. We got a crew back there, honest-to-God bakers … It’s a process that’s a lot different that having a bunch of frozen stuff that you stick in the oven.” By Sean
Rice (ScG) info@somdpublishing.net
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Thursday, April-2010
‘DUI is for Losers’
As the summer travel season nears it is once again time to remember that the number of motorists will increase as many folks take to the roads to go on vacation, visit historic sites, or just enjoy a weekend ride. More motorcycles and bicycles will be joining cars on the roadways of Calvert County. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office reminds all drivers to be courteous towards fellow motorists and remain vigilant when operating their vehicles. In the month of April Calvert County will host many events that will attract visitors from all over the United States. The events such as the Tiki Bar Opening Weekend in Solomons, Celtic Festival in St. Leonard are just the highlights of the busy month in Calvert County. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office participates in the Checkpoint Strikeforce initiative and will be conducting a DUI checkpoints as well as continued DUI enforcement and patrols between April 15 and April 30. The Sheriff’s Office will distribute information about Maryland laws and penalties for driving while intoxicated or while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Motorists who are driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs will be caught, arrested and prosecuted, the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release. Many county residents are motorcycle riders and enjoy riding on Calvert’s and Southern Maryland roadways. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office continues enforcement efforts to ensure motorcycle safety. Remember, that operating a motorcycle takes additional coordination and fine motor skills that are impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. “I would like to remind our residents and visitors that traffic safety remains our top priority”, said Sheriff Mike Evans, “We do not take drunk driving lightly in Calvert County, the enforcement will continue to be aggressive and those who choose to drink and drive will face the consequences.” The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office asks you to report drunk driving by calling 911. If you see a drunk driver on the road, call police as soon as possible and be sure to provide a description of the vehicle including its make, model, tag number, color, location and direction of travel. Additional information can be found on the Maryland Impaired Driving Coalition’s new website “DUI is for Losers,” which is designed to raise awareness of the negative outcomes from the decision to drive drunk. To learn more about the “DUI is for Losers” campaign, visit www.DUIisForLosers.com.
April 15 Tax Filing Deadline a Poignant Reminder
Every year about this time, millions of American’s across the nation race to make sure their federal and state tax filings for the previous year are complete and timely filed. Some U.S. Post Offices even offer extended operating hours on this date to accommodate last minute filings. The day often becomes a poignant reminder of how much we pay to sustain the cost of government services at various levels of government. Let there be no doubt that we enjoy many good things that make our country our state and our community stronger and safer which are paid for, in whole or in part, by our hard earned tax dollars. Public safety initiatives including police protection and fire and rescue and emergency medical services are easy examples. Good schools and universities, good roads and transportation systems, good public health services and a strong national defense system are some other examples of the many services our collected tax dollars pay for. As long as these dollars are spent wisely and sparingly, most people are willing to pay their share or contribution. The problem many people have with government spending and related tax collection is when people feel there is an unchecked raid on their hard-earned tax dollars by various levels of government who seem to forget where those dollars come from. Often times spending becomes a social effort to redistribute hard earned monies from one group of earners to other groups who did not earn those monies. This type of unfair taxation and redistribution goes right to the motivation for us creating our own country and breaking from England. The creation of our own system of self-governance, private property protections and free enterprise in the latter parts of the 18th century was largely fueled by a sense of the people that the government at the time (England) was unfairly taxing and redistributing those taxes back to the government without the consent of the governed. Today I sense a similar rise in the anxiety, and outright anger, of the people that government at various levels, especially at the state and federal level, are spending money without restraint and redistributing that money in a way that is unfair and harmful in the long run. As people find it increasingly difficult to make ends
meet, with gasoline prices and food prices and electricity prices through the roof, people do not want government spending to continue increasing in ways that make additional tax increases a certainty. Job creating small businesses either are not hiring, reducing positions, or worst of all are closing their doors because they cannot afford the tax burden in a down economy. There are indications that Marylanders are actually relocating to other states with a more tax friendly state government. Just three years ago we were told by Governor O’Malley that the state needed to dramatically increase our state taxes to pay for government programs and put our fiscal house in order. This included increases in sales taxes by 20%, increases in income taxes, increases in car excise taxes, and tobacco taxes and many others. Yet today Maryland state government is in a worse situation than it was just three years ago with respect to its budget. When the bailout of the state with federal tax dollars ends, and it must due to federal over spending and redistribution policies, Maryland simply will not be able to pay for its obligations created in large measure by continued over spending. In 1995 the state operating budget was about $13 billion. Last week, the Governor and General Assembly passed a state operating budget of over $32 billion. This means the state budget is almost 150% larger than it was just 15 years ago. Current spending levels indicate state budget deficits far in to the future. This type of government spending growth is simply not sustainable by the taxpayers. There are almost certain tax increases planned by the majority in Annapolis next year, conveniently after the elections, to pay for this unchecked and unrestrained level of growth in state spending. The only way to end this cycle of tax and spend is to send a message to our state and federal government that we can’t afford unrestrained government spending. Although April 15th may present the taxpayers with a poignant reminder of our tax burden, we also reserve the right to send government its own little reminder. In November we can emphatically demonstrate that we feel over taxed, we don’t want our money “redistributed”, and that ultimately the people will make changes in the make-up of the government if it can’t change its spending habits on its own. This was another right of the people included at our country’s founding back in the late 18th century. 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.
Tea Partiers Are Downright Angry The Maryland Republican Party hit the streets this week for a series of town hall meetings, hoping to position itself as the party that’s willing to listen to voter frustration and anger going into a contentious 2010 election cycle. Audrey Scott, the Maryland Republican Party chairwoman, invited audiences to tell her what the party is doing right, what it’s doing wrong and what it can do better. During two stops Thursday near the end of the nine-stop tour called “Take Back Annapolis and Washington Week,” attendees took her up on her request with honest -- and often loud -- criticism. Though some are expecting a Republican swing this year due to a poor economy and an unpopular health care bill, angry Marylanders made it clear they don’t want to return the same old Republican Party to power. At a meeting in Waldorf that drew a crowd of about 200, Southern Maryland conservatives spoke out about their views of a party that lost power by straying from its principles. “The Republicans blew it!” shouted Ken Carkhuff, a former candidate for county commissioner in St. Mary’s County. “We got comfortable with power and no longer did what the citizens say matters.” Mark Cizler, an army veteran from Mechanicsville, said that things had been “jacked-up” in Washington for a long time and that Republicans had become complacent. “We know that and we’re gonna change it! That’s why I’m here!” Scott responded. Earlier that morning, Scott took questions and comments from a much older crowd of about 50 at the Leisure World retirement community in Montgomery County. John Erzen, a retired contractor, said the Tea Party movement can help Republicans put forth a clear vision of what the party stands for instead of what it stands against. “The issue is the Republican Party is not coming up with a roadmap or vision of the future. We’re just talking about how bad these other guys are and it’s better to vote for the Republicans,” said Erzen. “We need to take an offensive structure, go for the moral high ground.” Erzen later stood up and lectured a Democratic Party staffer who was filming from the back of the room, telling him he should go take pictures of the effects of Marxism in Russia. Scott welcomed the call to align with the Tea Party movement, saying that Republicans have the “exact same ideology” of limited govern-
ment, lower taxes and individual responsibility. The governor’s race and the congressional race in the Eastern Shore’s 1st District will likely be the highlights of the upcoming political season. Both are expected to be competitive rematches featuring candidates already familiar to voters and each other. Former Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich officially announced last week his bid for a rematch with Gov. Martin O’Malley, and state Sen. Andy Harris is the Republican favorite to win a shot at unseating Rep. Frank Kratovil, D-Stevensville, in the 1st District. Though Maryland Republicans can sometimes feel powerless in a state where Democrats outnumber them 2-1, Scott said there is reason for optimism this year. “The glimmer of hope has been almost nonexistent. And so it would have really taken someone who wanted to be a sacrificial lamb to step forward and say ‘I’m running as a Republican,’“ Scott said. “Not any longer. That glimmer of hope has become a lightning bolt.” In an interview after the meeting in Waldorf, Scott said the town hall tour had shown her that voter enthusiasm and anger are still high. “People are upset. And people want a government that listens to them.” said Scott. Kim Jorns, the party’s executive director, said the state GOP had gotten more requests for town hall meetings than it could handle, and that more events will be scheduled in the future. Dave Schwartz, the Maryland director for the free-market advocacy group Americans for Prosperity, said it’s “en vogue” to host political events that let voters vent, but the best thing Republican candidates can do to win Tea Party votes is to espouse freemarket principles. Scott said she’s a pragmatist who knows that her party probably can’t take back a majority in Annapolis or Washington, but she wants Republicans to have a seat at the table and break the “monopoly” of Democratic control. GOP strategist Don Murphy, who attended one of the town halls, said he saw some anger so strong that a mere seat at the table wouldn’t be able to fix it. “I think they want to break the table into little pieces and use it for firewood and burn the place down,” Murphy said. By Graham moomaw (Capital News Service)
Thursday, April-2010
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WWII Army Air Corps Vet Recalls History Imagine keeping an entire room full of teenage boys engaged while talking about your day at work. Unless you are an astronaut, a cowboy or a fighter pilot, it may be hard to do. Some local students were lucky enough recently to have just that experience. The Chopticon High School Air force JROTC had a chance to be present recently when Wes Simpkins, a volunteer at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home (and himself a retired Air force aviation mechanic), held an oral history seminar with Nicholas Nonnenmacher, an 89-year-old resident of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Nonnenmacher flew the big P47 fighter plane as a member of the US Army Air Corps and also the Brazilian Air force during World War II. The kids hung on to every word as Nonnenmacher did a playby-play of the day he shot down a German Messerschmitt Bf109. “The P47 was a fighter plane with no equal,” said Nonnenmacher, who came to the Vet’s Home from Anne Arundel County. “I wouldn’t be alive today if
I was flying another fighter or bomber that day.” “We looked for troops, flight towers, trains and anything that could hurt us, and we shot them up,” Nonnenmacher said. “I had a ball shooting targets on the ground.” What Nonnenmacher didn’t reveal to the students that afternoon was that just like in every job, it has its ups and downs. The very next day, Nonnenmacher was himself shot down and had to parachute out of his plane. Although he lived, he spent the next two years recovering form his injuries. Simpkins, who shoots video of the oral history seminars, said that there is a sense of urgency involved with getting these stories. “There aren’t that many World War II veterans left now. I want to archive it while I can,” Simpkins said. “I think it is important for our kids to be able to have one-on-one interaction with our veterans. There is lots of living history in this place, it just needs to be recorded and passed on.” By Joany nazdin (SCG) info@ somdpublishing.net
The Spring Fling Season is Upon Us! By Joyce Baki This month, Earth Day celebrations will be held throughout the county. Annmarie Garden will host ECO Weekend, Saturday
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April 17 through Monday, April 19. There will be a variety of Earth-friendly activities available in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day. (www.annmariegarden.org) An Earth Day Celebration and cleanup is sponsored by the American Chestnut
Thursday, April-2010
Photo by Andy Phillips Brian Miller, Aerospace Science Instructor with Chopticon High School Air Force JROTC, pins a set of Army Air Corps wings on World War II Army veteran Nicholas Nonnenmacher, while cadet look on. From left is Cadet/Airman 1st Class Kellen Polk, Cadet/Airman 1st Class Adam Harden, (Seated) Cadet/Technical Sergeant Christopher Young, Cadet/Airman 1st Class Travis Meador and Cadet/Staff Sergeant Joshua Sonntag.
Land Trust (ACLT) on Saturday, April 17. Volunteer crews will work along roadsides and on selected projects. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the ACLT south side trailhead barn off Scientists’ Cliffs Road, Port Republic. Lots of volunteers are needed – and all will be rewarded for all their hard work with a picnic at noon. (www.acltweb.org) Have you ever wondered what archaeologists do? Join the staff of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum on Saturday, April 17 for the opening of their 2010 season with Discovering Archaeology Day. Learn the where, what and how of archaeology through demonstrations, tours, displays and hands-on activities for all ages. (www.jefpat.org) The Calvert Marine Museum features two new additions to its Speakers Series this month. On Saturday, April 17, at 3 p.m., Dr. William Ruddiman speaks on The Impact of Early Agriculture on Global Climate, and will discuss his hypothesis of how, from very early on, farming caused the release of carbon dioxide and methane that has had measurable effects on global climate. On Friday, April 23, the Calvert Marine Museum and the Leagues of Women Voters of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties invite you to explore To the Last Drop: Our Looming Fresh Water Crisis. Dr. Robert Summers, Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment, will deliver the keynote address. A panel discussion, posters and displays will also be available. (www.calvertmarinemuseum.com) The 32nd Annual Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland will be held on Saturday, April 24. It is the oldest Celtic celebration in Maryland, highlighting the heritage of the Scots, Irish, Welsh, Manx, Breton, Cornish and British. More than 50 clans and societies will have information to share. Three performing stages offer continuous music and dance featuring internationally known recording artists and groups. Enjoy craft and country dance demonstrations. Listen to storytellers weave their tales while harp
and Scottish fiddlers play in the background. Competitions will occur throughout the day including pipers, fiddlers, highland dancers, athletes, drummers, pipe bands and Celtic harpers. After closing ceremonies there will be an evening ceili. (www.cssm.org) On Saturday, April 24, American Chestnut Land Trust hosts two guided hikes. A leisurely guided walk along Gravatt East will allow you to view wildflowers and early migratory birds. Bring binoculars and meet at 9 a.m. sharp at the south side trailhead barn off Scientists’ Cliffs Road. The hike will be held rain or shine, unless thunderstorms occur. At 10 a.m., bring the kids and enjoy a guided hike along the south side trails. The hike will last approximately two hours. For information or to register for an event at ACLT visit www.acltweb.org or call 410-414-3400. Celebrate Southern Maryland traditions at the Calvert Marine Museum’s Annual Maritime Festival on Saturday, May 1. Taste traditional foods, learn how to pick crabs and shuck oysters like the pros. Enjoy local gospel and old time music. See world-class water fowl carving and Chesapeake Bay retriever trials in action. Watch model boats skim the waters of the boat basin and talk with traditional crafts people as they demonstrate their skills. Kids will enjoy traditional games, races, toy boat building and more. (www. calvertmarinemuseum.com) The Lusby Business Association will host a Spring Fling on Saturday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All four shopping complexes will provide fun for the entire family, including a moon bounce, facepainting, scavenger hunt, car show, live music, food samples, wine tasting, sidewalk sales, demonstrations and giveaways. For more information, visit www.shoplusby.com and learn the importance of “shopping local.” Visit www.ecalvert.com for more great events happening in Calvert County! Joyce Baki is a Tourism Specialist with the Calvert County Department of Economic Development.
Are We Running Out of Fresh Water? Scientists predict critical water shortages within our lifetime right here in Southern Maryland. To the Last Drop: Our Looming Fresh Water Crisis, a public forum sponsored by the Calvert Marine Museum and the Leagues of Women Voters of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, invites you to explore this critical issue with area and regional experts on Friday, April 23 from 1-5 p.m. at the museum. Southern Maryland appears to have nearly as much water as land according to Google Earth, but we don’t bathe with or drink surface water. Fresh water comes from aquifers collected inside porous rock millions of years ago, and it’s disappearing. Get educated and get involved. Water is essential to life, and yet we act as if the supply is endless. Come and learn how we can help preserve this most precious natural resource. The keynote address will be given by Dr. Robert Summers, deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment. Dr. Summers has served the citizens of Maryland for nearly 24 years in various capacities within Maryland’s progressive and nationally recognized environmental programs, with emphasis on scientific and technical issues related to water pollution control, drinking water protection and federal, State and local government environmental laws and regulations. Representatives from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties, as well as the Maryland Geological Survey and the former director of Metcom, will participate in a panel discussion focusing on specific concerns and impacts. Posters, displays, and additional information will be available in the museum lobby. Visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com for more information or call 410-326-2042 ext. 32.
Sweatin’ For Hospice Calvert Hospice invites the public to join in Saturday, May 1 for the 10th Annual Robbie Miles 5K Family Run & Walk, which will start and finish at the Calvert Hospice Office at 238 Merrimac Court, Prince Frederick. Registration is $35 for individuals, $25 for students (elementary school through college with ID), $25 for seniors 65 and older, or $75 per family. Race day registration is $40, so save some money and register today. Check-in is at 7:30am, with the run beginning at 9 a.m. Strollers and dogs are
Visitors will get an in-depth look at the growing green revolution at the second annual Calvert County Green Expo on Sunday, May 2, 2010, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard. The Green Expo, to be held on the heels of the 40th anniversary celebration of Earth Day, is the place to learn about the latest in healthy and sustainable living. The family event will feature displays of earth-friendly products and a host of exhibits, programming, guest speakers and experiences. Visitors will find a wide variety of ecofriendly products and services and discover engaging ways to learn about being and going green. The event is organized by the Calvert County Citizens Green Team, an active and enthusiastic group of county residents working to promote green initiatives. Interest has taken off since the first expo in 2009 and the event has grown into a celebration of the environment, healthy living,
community and social consciousness. More than 65 vendors and exhibitors will be on hand for the event. Guest speakers will give presentations on a variety of topics related to being green and saving money. Locally sourced food will be available, while the Girl Scouts will host a Kids Zone and Chespax will exhibit public school green projects. Admission is free and open to all ages. Exhibit space for vendors is still available for a registration fee of $50, or $10 for 501(C)(3) non-profit organizations. A table (two feet by six feet) and two chairs will be provided if needed. The Calvert County Green Expo is sponsored by Dominion Cove Point LNG, Constellation Energy and Complete Home Solutions, LLC in partnership with The Friends of Jefferson Patterson Park. To learn more, visit www.calvertgreenexpo. org or e-mail calvertgreenexpo@gmail.com.
SMECO Linemen Compete in Rodeo Competition
welcome. All proceeds benefit Calvert Hospice. For more info, visit: www.calverthospice.org.
Empowering Youth to Make Healthy Relationship Choices The Patuxent High School Parent Teacher Student Association is sponsoring ‘Real Choices: Empowering Youth to Make Healthy Relationship Choices’ on Tuesday, April 20th from 6-8 p.m. The presenter will be Dari McGinnis, Director of the Real Choices Outreach Program funded by CareNet Pregnancy Center. This non-secular program will educate youth on the risks of early sexual activity, emphasize reasons to wait un-
Go Green With The Annual Calvert County Green Expo
til marriage, give strategies to cultivate healthy relationships. Teens will meet with Dari in the auditorium and parents will meet in the media center. The parent presentation will focus on how parents can best discuss the program material with their children. There will be a BRIEF PTSA general membership meeting prior to the program in the auditorium for both teens and parents for the purpose of nominating 2010- 2011 officers.
“Man climbing” rang out as linemen Jeremy Green and Brian Rawlings maneuvered up and around the top of a utility pole, changing its cross arm. On the ground, Brian Thomas delivered parts and tools to the two linemen using a rope. Will Robertson counseled Thomas to stay one step ahead of the team on the pole, so they always have the equipment they need. Although the official time limit for completing the changeout was 20 minutes, the group challenged itself to finish five minutes sooner, and there were smiles when they wrapped up at just under 15 minutes. The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) linemen were practicing for the annual Gaff ’n’ Go Rodeo, where utility workers from the region’s electric utilities have an opportunity to test their skills against those of their peers. Two teams of journeyman linemen and six apprentices will be competing in the rodeo. Last year SMECO won nine individual awards in the obstacle course, hurt-man rescue, cross-arm relocation, and dead lift competitions, SMECO said in a press release. Robertson, a journeyman lineman, has represented SMECO at the Gaff ’n’ Go each year since the annual event began in 2003. “I haven’t missed one yet,” he said. He has competed in 15
lineman’s rodeos, including the Mountain States event in West Virginia each year and one appearance at the international competition in Kansas. Robertson, who chairs SMECO’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, said the Submitted rodeos have enhanced the Coop- Photo erative’s training for apprentices working toward journeyman rank. “One thing we learn from the rodeos is that we can use different ways of doing things on the poles,” he said. “We explain to the apprentices that the skills they learn are the things they would see in the rodeo.” “This is a fun event and we’ve made many great friends SMECO lineman there over the years,” Robertson Jeremy Green climbs a utility said. to practice The Eighth Annual Gaff ’n’ pole for the Gaff ‘n’ Go Go was held Saturday, April 10, Lineman’s Rodeo. at the Meadow Event Park, home of the Virginia State Fair, in Doswell, Virginia near King’s Dominion. For more information, visit www.gaff-n-go.com.
Happy Hour Daily 11am-5pm
PTSA Clothing Drive Seventh-grader Erik Moon takes a bag of clothes from eighth-grader Abby Fahenstock on April 10 outside of Mill Creek Middle School, during the school’s Parent Teacher Student Association’s second annual clothing drive. Last year the fundraiser raised $529 for the group, after 4,000 pounds of clothing was collected and sold for $0.13 a pound. The PTSA will find out later this week how many pound of clothes were collected last weekend.
Photo by Sean Rice
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Thursday, April-2010
9
On the
Water
Get Ready, Spring Fishing Time is Here!
By Capt. Sonney Forrest With all those cold windy days and snow behind us, all are ready to enjoy Spring. With that comes the starting day of Trophy Striped Bass fishing in Maryland. It is always by law the third Saturday of April which is the 17th this year. Starting at 5 a.m. there will be anglers heading out into the main portion of the
Bay to try their skill at catching a big Striper. First time anglers and those without boats may want to call one of the local charter operators in the County to get firsthand knowledge on catching these big fish. A trip out with a seasoned professional will pay handsomely when you try on your own. They know it all, seriously, they are experts that have honed their skills and make a living ensuring you a great opportunity to catch fish. They know what works day in and day out. They know where to fish and when to be there
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Thursday, April-2010
on the right tide. They network while on the water, working different areas of the Bay they find the fish and stay with them daily. This ensures they satisfy their angler customers and provide them many memories. So call or contact the Calvert County Tourism Office for a flyer on Charter Boat Captains or any local Tackle Shop, they know the best in the area. Seasoned anglers have been planning opening day months ahead. Getting the rods ready, servicing the reels and adding new line. Putting on the best lures to catch those impressive Stripers. Researching past records of the fish they caught and where at and it what time or tide. These are true sportsman who will be catching those trophy Stripers and telling all their friends what they are so excited about when Spring fishing gets here. They also ensure that the vessel is ready and safe. It is important to be ready for the fishing but need to have a safe platform as well. The waters are only in the lower 50 degrees and a person in the water only has minutes to survive. A recent report from the Boat Owners Association of The United States, which combs through the files from Boat U.S. marine insures claims filed. Found import accident trends that identified five major reasons for springtime vessel sinking. Yes, it is a sad fact but these boats sank while safely tied up at the dock! The top five reason given for boats sinking in the springtime: 1. Missing or damaged hose clamps: The clamps are often removed in the Fall of the year for winterization or draining of systems aboard. They are placed back over the thru hull intakes, but not tighten back in place. Placed in the water hull pressure pops it off and down it goes. Space in engine rooms can make checking or seeing this difficult. Clamps also deteriorate, rust and break loose. Always check thru hull clamps before launching and be sure that the values will close/operate in case of an emergency. Water works best outside the boat, where it can be kept under control. 2. Unsecured Engine hoses can sink the boat quickly. They can be fine when you start the engine but when the power comes on, the hose pops off. Test runs while observing the engine is a good thing while near shore, help and assistance. Hose on engines deteriorate due to the heat from the engine and the hot water so look for condition of all hoses. Have a professional check them if you don’t trust your own judgment. 3. What may look like spring rain water may have been ice. Ice can freeze hard enough to break steel pipes, plastic scuppers and openings at or below the water line during winter. Check all opening in the hull to ensure that ice did not break open piping to pumps or tanks that can sink the boat. Hoses inside can break at scuppers near the water line and only leak inside while underway. 4. Check the sea strainer to the main engine, air conditioner and generator to ensure that over the winter it did not freeze and crack allowing it to drain a trickle until it over comes the bilge pumps limits. 5. Leaking stuffing boxes on inboard
engines with shafts can dry out over winter and leak, bad at times. They need spring time service and adjustment. Capt. Sonney Forrest One drop per minute is the right amount, no more. To help boater commission their vessels and be ready BOAT U.S. has created a free Spring Commissioning Checklist, just visit www.boatus.com/seaworthy/spring_checklist.asp to get a full listing so we see you on the water and not in it. With all that gear, tackle and vessel ready the Captain can safely put the crew on the fish. If using Planner Boards, those innovative devices that extend the fishing lines out beside the vessel, much like out riggers do on ocean fishing vessels. Please remember that according to U.S. Coast Guard Recreation Boating Safety Office and Maryland Department Natural Resources, “ a vessel according to the rules of “Right Of Way” has no special status.” It is the responsibility of the recreational vessel operator employing the planner boards to keep these out of the way of other vessels as they are not afforded any special consideration in the navigation rules. With that said, it comes down to courtesy to reduce conflict and best practices to use. Remember that only until recent years did we use them. Mariners traveling our coast lines and inland shore did not know what these things where and how to navigate them safely. The Bay Pilots had to be educated on what they were and how used. That smaller vessels “towing” planner boards may move slower than before. A few good practices to consider to avoid conflict. Color the boards international orange, which is proven the best day time color, it helps all to see and avoid them in time. White gets lost in the choppy Bay seas. Tow lines of the same color helps also. Flags on the boards extends the visibility, bright orange is noticeable. Those small triangular orange bicycle flags on a short pole work well. Tow line length, consider limiting it to three times the length of the towing vessel. Smaller and lower vessels are hard to see and whatever they are towing way out to the side even harder. This will help the operator maneuver better as well. Tow line breakaways, attached at the boat for safety should be a breakaway wire tie with a strength of 100 to 150 pounds. Should you hang a crab pot, another planner board or need to dump all the lines on one side in an emergency. All the fishing lines will slip down the tow line and fall behind the boat allowing for retrieval. You can circle around to retrieve the planner board, hook it back up, reset the lines and return to safely fishing. It is a safety issue. These will help to make your day a fun day and less stressful if considered. Capt. Sonney is a charter member of Solomons Charter Captains Association. He is also owner of Reel Relief Charters, based out of Solomons Island.
Wedding Dreams Being Dashed By Zoning Issue As a resident of southern Maryland for over twenty-five years, I have marveled at how the tri-county region has grown. Most of our growth has been well managed and we as residents have been able to take advantage of the wonderful amenities, improved roads and life in the Land of Pleasant Living. My family lives and works in St. Mary’s County; however, we spend a huge amount of time in Calvert County and enjoy the benefits of Solomons Island, the waterways and restaurants along the Patuxent River. Of note, one of our favorite locations is the Point on Broome’s Island. My wife and I were fortunate enough to have our wedding reception there last May. We planned and coordinated our event six months in advance and brought 120 guests to Calvert County for three days. Our reception was an absolute delight for us and everyone still contacts us with pictures and fond memories of their weekend in Calvert County. More than a few of our guests have asked us to host a one-year anniversary in the same location and still others are making plans to spend some of their vacation time in Calvert
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County this summer! If the present issue with the Point at Broome’s Island was being debated this time last year; our wedding reception plans would have been ruined. I cannot imagine the unfortunate families that presently have reservations for their events at Broome’s Island and what they and their guests are going through at this time. I would ask the Calvert County Commissioners to find a way to compromise and allow the property in question to remain open while Stoney’s has an opportunity to meet the demands required of the property classification for an “intense development area.” We all believe in sound development, environmental protection of our waterways and smart growth; however, a fine balance is always critical. Place yourselves in the predicament of the families with upcoming plans for their special events at Broomes Island and find a way to satisfy all parties involved! Scott J. Belanger, California, MD
Are You Paying Attention? Anyone who is paying attention knows that this GREAT Country is headed in the wrong direction. Out of control government spending and massive debt are pushing this Country toward BANKRUPTCY. Government take over of the Banks, Insurance Companies, Car Companies, and now Healthcare is against the Free Enterprise System that made this Country great; and, we see policies of redistribution of wealth and a spiral into SOCIALISM. Cap and Trade will make us less competitive in world markets and raise energy prices for all citizens. Our Politicians have little regard for our
Constitution and engage in unfair backroom deals to pass Healthcare reform that the majority of Americans don’t want. The List goes on. I urge all of my fellow citizens to get involved. Come out to the rally sponsored by Americans for Prosperity from noon to 3pm on April 10 (See Page 4) at the Pavilion at Solomons to hear what you can do, and to hear conservative candidates speak. We need to take back our Country in the next election. Please, get involved.
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It’s said that it takes a village to raise a child and, at the seventh annual St. Mary’s Ryken Spring Gala, “All Aboard the Orient Express,” I saw our village. More than 380 parents, alumni, community leaders and friends attended our one, major fundraiser for the year, raising almost $100,000 for tuition assistance, which provides talented students the opportunity to receive the Catholic education they desire. Our supporters truly understand the importance of our mission of Catholic education – that we are educating the students of St. Mary’s Ryken – our leaders of tomorrow – not only in academics, but also in the values of compassion, simplicity, humility, trust and zeal. Thank you to our many sponsors: our Diamond Sponsors - J.F. Taylor; Brandywine Companies; Burch Oil; CMI General Contractors; Community Bank of Tri-County; Compass Pointe Real Estate Development; DCS Corporation; Old Line Bank; Paragon Properties; Saber Systems; Mrs. Marion Sterling & Family; Whiting-Turner Contracting Company; and to all of those who wish to remain anonymous. Our Platinum Sponsors - Bob Taylor Engineering; the Knights of Columbus – St. Mary’s County Council No. 1470; Shah Associates MD, LLC; and Taylor Gas Company. Our Gold Sponsors were AMELEX; Law Office of Rudolf Carrico, Jr.; Carruth & Son, Inc.; Mrs. Pritzi L. Miedzinski Ely; Great Mills Construction, Inc.; Guy & Guy Masonry, Inc.; Dr. & Mrs. David D. Heavner; Printing Press,
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Inc.; Rubeling & Associates; Technology Security Associates, Inc.; Tennyson Wealth Management Group; Travel Leaders/Action Travel Tours; F.W. Thompson, Inc.; and W.M. Davis General Contractors, Inc. Our Silver Sponsors – Mr. & Mrs. Gary E. Bell; Bridgett, Mock& Associates, P.A.; C.H. Attick Electric, Inc.; Dirt Works Excavation & Crane, LLC; Franzen Realtors, Inc.; Howard W. Phillips & Company; Kelly Generator & Equipment; Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr.; Mullen, Sondberg, Wimbish & Stone, P.A.; Office Care, Inc.; Redgate Farm Enterprises, Inc.; and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. Our Patron Sponsors – Bay Books; Mr. Eric L. Best; Mr. & Mrs. Donald B. Burch; Classy Décor Flooring & Furniture, LLC; Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Grubaugh; Home Builders, Inc.; Jesus the Good Shepherd Church; Mid-Atlantic Lube Equipment, LLC; Pink Beach; Mr. & Mrs. Albert J. Rudman; Towne Dentistry; and Zekiah Technologies, Inc. Thank you all for your generosity and support. I would like to thank the parent and alumni volunteers – too numerous to mention here – who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the St. Mary’s Ryken Spring Gala our most successful event, yet. If you missed this year’s Gala, please mark your calendars for next year – Saturday, March 26, 2011. Mary Joy Hurlburt, President St. Mary’s Ryken
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, April-2010
11
On The Cover
Cover On The
Annual Tiki Bar Opening Signals Kick Off of Summer Tourism Season
On Friday afternoon, April 16, the Tiki Bar in Solomons Island officially opens its doors for a 30th season as one of the island’s top tourist destinations. The club’s owners expect 30,000 people will stop by the bar on
Friday and Saturday. “We got a couple special things that are going to happen throughout the night, but you got to be here to see what they are, it’s going to be spectacular,” said Terry
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Kurley told The Southern Calvert Gazette. “So that’s our goal, to at least make that,” Clarke added. “We’re still close with the old owner, John Taylor. He calls to wish us luck every year, and every once in a while he’ll give us a little tidbit like that to show how far we’ve come,” Kurley said. Clarke said the annual opening day has even come a long way since 2005, when he and Pat Donovan took ownership. “I think it’s grown each year … The clientele has definitely changed, for the better,” he said. When Taylor bought the property it was only a hotel until he added a small bar to the front of the property. At the back end of the property, flanking the Tiki courtyard, the doors to the former hotel rooms are still there, but Clarke said they have no plans to rent them out for lodging. “That doesn’t fit with the ambiance of what we want,” Clarke said. “Our goal is to turn them into little gift shops.” For the last few years, Clarke and Don-
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Clarke, co-owner of the Tiki Bar. “We’re going to do some things to celebrate, and thank the people who have been here for 30 years,” added General Manager Joe Kurley. “There’s one small surprise we can give you; the Tiki King is going to ride around the island on a team of Clydesdales.” As evening approaches on the typical Tiki opening day, the “Tiki King” would float ashore on a pontoon boat to grace the crowd, while the king’s subjects throw down a bed of rose pedals for the king to walk on. Kurley said: “There’s definitely a buzz this year, after the long cold winter and our 30th anniversary … We want to make sure it’s about the people.” “It’s the day after taxes are due, so you’re celebrating that you didn’t have to pay that much, or you’re drinking for your sorrows because you had to pay too much,” Clarke said. The spectacle of the Tiki Bar opening has come a long way in 30 years. The original owner made “$43 dollars and 50 cents,”
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ovan have transformed the rear area into a Tiki paradise, with sand and palm trees and Easter Island statues. “When you’re sitting back here, you can almost escape Solomons for a while and think that you’re somewhere else,” Clarke said. Some customers who experienced the Tiki bar in its early days 30 years ago still come to the bar, Clarke said, in addition to tourists from across the country and world. “We got one couple coming in from Guam this year that sent us an email. We’ve got people who come down from New York … Philly,” Kurley said. The nearby military installations have also helped spread the popularity of the Tiki Bar and Solomons Island. “As people move away from here and go to other places, they tell everybody about the Tiki Bar and how big it is,” Kurley said. “Terry was walking down the street one time in San Francisco and saw a Tiki Bar T-shirt.” On the streets in Solomons Island, there’s no denying that the Tiki Bar opening weekend has an effect on nearby businesses, and nearby shop owners surveyed say a great majority of them support the Tiki Bar. “All the businesses on Solomons help each other, we’re all here as a family. There’s no competition, there’s no bad blood. Everybody is excited. We just look forward to helping each other,’ said Janel Baki, manager at Solomons Pier, adding that that weekend is also the kickoff for rockfish season. “We are very supportive of each other. Jeannie Stone (the owner of Stoney’s) and Joe Kurley are working together on several charitable events,” Baki said. Restaurants and hotels stand to the see the most extra business from the event. With 326 guest rooms at Holiday Inn Solomons, General Manager Jeff Shepherd said: “We are booked full for Friday night,
but not quite yet for Saturday night.” Shepherd had been at Holiday Inn for 20 years, and said it’s pretty typical that they sell out, and he’s heard the same goes for other hotels in the area. “If the weather is nice it’s our anticipation that we’ll sell out for Saturday night as well,” he said. Amanda Comer, owner of Blue Heron Bead and Breakfast, and co-owner of Kim’s Key Lime Pies, said it gets “like summer vacation down here,” on that weekend. “It’s crazy, it’s a nuthouse. But I really think it’s fascinating, it’s a phenomenon,” she said. “I think it’s a fantastic thing for the local economy,” she said. “As they say, it puts Solomons on the map.” It’s not only tourism and seasonalbased businesses that feel the benefits of the Tiki Bar opening. “I think it benefits everybody because it does bring so many out of town people here,” said Mary Beth Gates, owner of Pepper’s Pet Pantry. “I see that it brings a lot of people to this area that would otherwise not be coming here.” Gates, who is going into her third year owning the shop, said she gets customers who come in that are traveling with their pets and found out from her store’s Web site that Pepper’s carries certain types of pet food. “I really didn’t know the owners or anybody that worked there,” she said of when she first opened. “But I have a whole different perspective of it now because now I them and I know that they are really professional there too.” Clarke and Kurley said they strive to keep the event safe and under control, and with the help of local police, they think they “have it nailed down pretty well,” Clarke said. “It’s amazing, at the end of the night we have 15,000 people here and within 10 minutes they’re all gone.”
“In the last five years we’ve stepped up the game for everybody to not only have fun but to have fun safely,” Kurley said. The bar will be holding its designated driver promotion again this year, which had 600 participants last year. “We give a grand prize vacation and well as other door prizes for people who sign up,” Kurley said. “Plus is a booth out front where you can get information at the end of the night if you need a safe ride home.” The Tiki Bar also tries to give as much back the community as possible throughout the year, Clarke said. “In a typical season, we either donate or raise at least $100,000 for charitable organizations. We try to help them out where we can,” Clarke said. “I think we’re definitely more of a benefit than anything negative.” By Sean Rice (ScG) info@somdpublishing.net
Photo By Sean Rice Partiers at last year’s Tiki Bar opened take a second from dancing to pose for the camera.
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Thursday, April-2010
Thursday, April-2010
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L
Calvert Country Diva Makes Good
Several musicians took to the stage recently to lift their voices at My Brother’s Place, a Christian community center in Waldorf, in a concert to benefit the Southern Maryland Food Bank. One of these voices belonged to Liz Chambers, 17, of Lusby, whose performance along with the likes of Scattered Leaves, the Waldorf SDA Singers and Russ Dean, echoed area talent with a spiritual edge. Taking the stage at such a venue just seems natural for Liz, as she said she’s pretty much been training for a singing career since her earliest days. “I sang in chorus, I sang in middle school, and I sang solos every now and again, and national anthems. And then it just kind of hit me that this is what I wanted to do with my life,” she said, going on to describe her current career as a mix of national anthem performances (she’s a regular at local stadiums across the region), performances with the band Scattered Leaves, and her own solo stylings, which she said are heavily influenced by country. “I love Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. I really love country music and I sing a lot of their stuff,” she said. As for what made Liz jump into a career in music, she said it had always been a dream of hers, ever since she was 2 years old. When asked why she wanted to focus on Christian music, she said that part of her inspiration
had come from a bout of illness she suffered when she was younger. “When I was younger I got diagnosed with Addison’s disease – a very mild form of it – and it gave my whole family a scare,” she said, adding that more recently she’d had a staph infection which spread to her spine and kept her out of school for several weeks, during which time she said her mother gave her some good words to live by. “I couldn’t really do anything, so I would just lay there,” she said, “and my mother said ‘you won’t get better laying there on your own. You’ve got to give it to God.’ Well at the time I didn’t really know what that meant, but after a while I realized you don’t have control over everything that happens to you, so it’s in God’s hands.” After that she said it had been a natural decision for her to make faith an integral part of her songwriting. “God has been a huge part of my life, ever since I was 7 years old,” she said. “He’s just always been a part of my life and when something happens in my life I always relate it back to God, and he’s just always there. So why not sing about God?” Liz, who is a student at Patuxent High School, said she would be taking her musical mission on with her to college, and she’s currently searching for scholarships and a school that will help her flourish. “I hope to make this a career, because I’ll be starting to apply for colleges in the
fall, and I’ve been looking at Belmont University right outside of Nashville,” she said, explaining that their musical program stressed a flexibility with styles other than “just classical,” a fact that made the school all the more attractive. “I’m hoping that will provide me some opportunities and I want to pursue it into a career, but if that doesn’t happen I have a fallback plan,” she said, explaining that she plans to major in communications in college “just in case.” In the meantime Chambers said she’s been happy to collect her credentials across the region. She has performed at the Calvert County End Hunger concert for the last two years, and she regularly appears with Scattered Leaves on their tour dates. And even though she’s
Photo By Lisa Dutton Liz Chambers
been performing for a long time, Liz said she still has some anxious moments just before each show. “I don’t usually get nervous until a few minutes before I’m about to go on, and then I start getting the butterflies and the clammy hands,” she said, “but when I start singing Photo By Lisa Dutton and getting into it, that’s when the Singer Liz Chambers, 17, of Lusby, after a performance greets nerves just go away.” By Andrea Shione of her fans, Kayleigh Coppins-Dutton, 4, of Lusby.
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Thursday, April-2010
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By Joyce Baki April 22 will mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Founded in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisconsin), it is a day to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Senator Nelson, an environmental activist, conceived the idea after touring the site of a horrific oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, located in Southern California, in 1969. The source of the spill was blow-out on an offshore oil rig owned by Union Oil. Over 80,000 barrels of crude oil spilled into the channel and on to the beaches of Santa Barbara County and more than 10,000 birds were killed in this ecological disaster. Senator Nelson announced his idea of Earth Day on September 20, 1969. The idea was to use the day as an environmental “teach-in.” The teach-ins would be modeled after the highly effective Vietnam War teachins. Dennis Hayes was tapped by Senator Nelson’s staff to organize the first Earth Day. Hayes was a graduate student at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University when he was asked to lead this cause. He had gone to Stanford University, where he received
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40th Annual Earth Day Coming Up his undergraduate degree in history. While at Stanford, Hayes was president of the student body and an activist against the Vietnam War. The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970, marking the beginning of the modern environmental movement. It had participants in two thousands colleges and universities, about ten thousand primary and secondary schools and hundreds of communities. Coastto-coast rallies were planned. Colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment, including polluting factories, toxic dumps, the use of pesticides and the loss of forests and wildlife. The date for Earth Day was chosen to maximize participation on college campuses. Senator Nelson felt that this time of the year would not fall in spring breaks and it was well before final exams. It should not conflict with Easter or Passover and would be late enough in the spring that the weather should be good. It should also be noted that April 22 is the birthday of Julius Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day. Arbor Day, started in 1872, is a national tree-planting holiday. April 21 is the birthday of John Muir who founded the Sierra Club. Earth Day 1990 gave a huge boost to
recycling efforts worldwide. It also helped NASA photo to pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Senator Nelson and Bruce Anderson, the lead organizer in New Hampshire, formed Earth Day USA which coordinated efforts until 1995 including the launch of EarthDay.org. After the 25th anniversary in 1995, the coordination was taken over by Earth Day Network. Dennis Hayes agreed to head the 2000 Earth Day campaign. The focus was on global warming and clean energy. Now the group had the Internet which linked more than 5,000 environmental groups and hundreds of millions of people in 184 countries. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The largest Earth Day to date was in 2007 with an estimated one billion people participating in places like Kiev, Ukraine; Caracas, Venezuela; Tuvalu; Manila, Philippines; Togo; View of the Earth as seen by the Apollo 17 crew Madrid; London and New York. Earth Day is now observed in 175 traveling toward the moon. countries and is coordinated by Earth Day ronmental education, public environmental Network, www.earthday.org. Founded by campaigns and organizing national and local Dennis Hayes and the organizers of the first earth day events to promote activism and enEarth Day, the organization focuses on envi- vironmental protection.
Make a Statement with Exotic Wood Flooring (oak, maple, hickory and ash), wood from species like bamboo, cork, beech, Santos mahogany, teak, walnut, and Brazilian cherry are rapidly becoming popular hardwood flooring choices. These unique wood floors set the ambiance of a room, giving it a different look and old world type elegance. Leading wood flooring manufacturers, such as Mercier Wood Flooring, now feature a full line of exotic wood flooring options from sought after regions around the globe such
as Brazil. “Our exotic wood products use South American wood species selected for their rich tones, beautiful grains, and superior hardness,” explained Michel Collin, Marketing Director of Mercier Wood Flooring. “These unique products delight even the most demanding homeowners by adding an original touch of refinement and the exotic to their decor.” Mercier’s impressive line of exotic wood flooring also includes engineered options such
as Brazilian Cherry and Santos Mahogany in 41/2” boards. Ideal for basements and condos, these beautiful floors can be floated or glued onto subfloors or concrete slabs. “These two additions follow an increasing consumer demand for exotic engineered wood floors,” added Collin. “Perfect for wide open spaces and prestigious rooms, these two species are offered in their natural colour, revealing the warmth and richness of our Exotic species, naturally coloured in red tones.”
Like other exotic species, these two will color mature after installation to red tone and display more contrasted boards. The color-maturation can take from between three months to one year according to the amount of light present in the room. Regardless of your choice, exotic wood flooring offers unmatched durability and unique, rich natural color for your decor. More information on exotic wood flooring is available at www.mercierflooring.com.
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Puddin’ Gross, 74, Lothian Leroy Gross, 74, of Lothian, MD departed this life, after a long illness, on March 28, 2010 at his sister’s residence in Annapolis, MD. Leroy Gross, affectionately known as “PUDDIN”, was born on October 15, 1935 to the late Edward Gross and the late Mary Elizabeth Gross Cleveland. Leroy was educated in the Anne Arundel County Public School System. Leroy worked for Bob Hall Distributing Company for over 30 years. After retiring, he worked for a car auction yard in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He later volunteered at the food pantry in Lothian, Maryland. Leroy also enjoyed being around family and friends, telling jokes and entertaining for fun. In his early years, he enjoyed hunting and playing softball. He liked watching the Baltimore Orioles’ baseball team on television. Also, he attended sandlot baseball games. Leroy enjoyed playing checkers as a past time. Leroy leaves to cherish his memories Ann Franklin, his three children,
Thomas, Nathaniel, and Frederica; ten grandchildren; one aunt, Mary Jones; three brothers, Lemuel (Ruth), Theodore (Clarice), and John Jr.; one sister, Alice Thompson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert and his sister, Mary Frances. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Blessed be those who dwell in the House of the Lord. Funeral service was held on Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Elder Daniel Jones officiating. The interment was held at St. Edmonds Church Ernestine Jones Cemetery in Chesapeake Beach, MD. The pallbearers were Eldrick Brown, Calvin Gross, Charles Gross, Leslie Gross, Lovell Thompson, and Sean Thompson. The honorary pallbearers were Calvert Burley, Ernest Hutton, and Charles Sharps. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home of Prince Frederick, MD.
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Tammy Eells, 29, Hyattsville Ta m a r a Jean Eells “Tammy”, 29, of Hyattsville, MD formerly of Lusby, MD passed away on March 16, 2010 at Prince George’s Hospital Center, Cheverly, MD. Ta m my was born on August 28th, 1980 in Patuxent River Naval Hospital, Lexington Park, MD to Vanetta Wright and Harold Pospisil. Tammy grew up in Calvert County, where she attuned Calvert High School. Tammy worked for Premier Books for the last three years as an Office Clerk. Tammy was preceded in death by her beloved son Christian Pospisil. Tammy is survived by her parents Vanetta Wright of Yuma, Az and Harold Pospisil of Hollywood, MD; her children Bradley and Maren Eells of St. Leonard, MD; her sisters Sabrena Aldridge of Lexington Park, MD and Shelly Fowler of Prince Frederick, MD; her brother Joel Pospisil of Hollywood, MD and her husband Michael Ells. The family received friends at Crossroads Christian Church, St. Leonard, MD on Monday, March 22, 2010 with Pastor Shawn Holcomb officiating. Interment followed at St. John Cemetery, Barstow, MD.
Anthony Elliott, 59, Broomes Island George “A n t h o n y ” Elliott, 59, of Broomes Island, MD passed away on Feb. 19, 2010 in Lusby, MD. He was born November 23, 1950 in Prince Frederick, MD to the late Edward Elliott and Annie Marie Elliott. Anthony graduated from Calvert High School and went on to attend Anne Arundel Community College. He made his career as an Automotive Technician until his retirement in 2001. Anthony is survived by his mother, Annie Marie Elliott of Broomes Island, MD; children, Tracy Sears and husband Billy, Krista Elliott both of Lusby, MD, and Lucas Elliott of Odenton, MD; siblings, Edward Elliott, Jr. of Washington State, Brenda Durnbaugh, Dwight El-
liott, Robert “Bobby” Elliott, Richard “Ricky” Elliott, and Steven “Stevie” Elliott all of Broomes Island, MD, and 5 grandchildren. The family received friends on Feb. 22, 2010 at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 at the funeral home with Rev. William Davis officiating. The family requests memorial contributions to be made to Hospice of Calvert, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 or www.calverthospice.org.
Jim Harrington, Sr., 73, U S Army Vietnam Veteran James “Jim” William Ha r r i ng ton, Sr., SGM U. S. Army Retired, 73, of Lusby, MD passed away on March 31, 2010. He was born on January 22, 1937 in Ticonderoga, New York to the late Earl C. Harrington and Harriett Howe Harrington. Jim graduated from Mount Upton Central High School, Mount Upton, NY in 1955. On June 14th, 1958 Jim married his beloved wife Jean C. Klabel Harrington in Mount Upton, NY. Jim was a Retired Sergeant Major in the United States Army, after serving his country for thirty two years as an Enlisted Aide. He was stationed in Germany; Paris, France; Ft. Polk, LA; Ft. Myer, VA; Ft. Shafter, HI and Quarry Heights in the Panama Canal Zone. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Campaign and the Granada Campaign having served his country from July 30, 1955 to September 30, 1987 when he was honorably discharged. Jim received the following decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons during his career; two Legion of Merit awards, Meritorious Service Medal, five Army Commendation Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon and two Overseas Service Ribbons. He was a member of the American Legion Post #274, Lusby, MD and the Veterans of Foreign War Post #2632, California, MD. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Jean C. Klabel Harrington of Lusby, MD; his five children James W. Harrington, Jr. of Navasota, TX; Christine Oster of Torrance, CA; Betsey Bartley of Leesburg, VA; Linnett Benson of Brunswick, GA and Michelle Tucker of Port
Charlotte, FL; his four brothers Clayton, Jack, Lynn and Earl Harrington all of Ticonderoga, NY; and five grandchildren. The family received friends on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, at the American Legion Post 274, , Lusby, with Rev. Ludwell Brown officiating and the Calvert County American Legion Chaplain John Mackel offering a fraternal service. Inurnment will be on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010 at 11 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA with full military honors rendered. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions to be made to the American Legion Post #274, 11820 H. G. Trueman Rd., Lusby, MD 20657. Arrangements were provided by the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD.
‘Captain Mac’ McGahey, 94, Solomons Joseph Leo McGahey “Captain Mac”, 94, of Solomons, MD passed away peacefully on March 16, 2010 at Asbury~Solomons Health Care Center, Solomons, MD. He was born on July 16, 1915 in Washington, D. C. to the late John McGahey and Catherine Kappel McGahey. Captain Mac grew up in the DC area going to McKinley High School where he played basketball. He worked for the railroad and was Train Master at Union Station in Washington, D. C. He retired early to pursue his life long dream as a Charter Boat Captain on the Chesapeake Bay. His boat, the “Tricia” a 47 ft. classic Chesapeake deadrise which he built himself was well known for over 40 years on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Pfautz and her husband David of Venice Florida, two grandsons, John Fetty of Olney, MD and Brooke Pfautz of Parkton, MD. He was the proud great grandfather of five great-grandchildren, Matthew Fetty, Andrew Fetty, Hope Fetty, Mason Anne Pfautz and Riley Emily Pfautz. The family received friends at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD on Friday, March 19, 2010 with Deacon Robert Connelly officiating. Interment followed at Southern Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Dunkirk, MD. The family requests memorial contributions to be made in his memory to Asbury~Solomons Benevolent Care Fund, 11100 Asbury Circle Solomons. Maryland 20688.
Evelyn Parker, 81, Saint Leonard Evelyn Parker, 81, of Saint Leonard, MD passed away on February 25, 2010 at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C. On February 22, 1929, when the birds were singing sweetly in the trees, the late Hattie Parker and Daniel Watts, of Calvert County, Maryland produced a song by the name of Evelyn M. Parker who her family passionately called “Ammie” and her friends called her Ms. Evelyn. Ms. Evelyn demanded respect where ever she was present. She was a right wing fighter who believed in the old school principles, respect for other, respect for self, and honor thy GOD, commitment to family, commitment to your job, and most of all show love in your actions. Although Ms. Evelyn chose to be a quiet woman, she spoke out when someone spoke inaccurately. She would immediately say “you do not know what you are talking about”, and then she would give them the correct answer or explain the appropriate way something occurred. Ms. Evelyn worshipped and was spiritually fed at Carroll Western United Methodist Church, in Prince Frederick, Maryland. Before her illness, Ms. Evelyn appeared in church faithfully every Sunday. Members who sat in the back knew to leave Ms. Evelyn’s favorite seat clear. Ms. Evelyn was educated in the Calvert County, Maryland public schools and she used her knowledge, wisdom, and common sense to educate her family and friends. As stated above, Ms. Evelyn was a right wing fighter, and she showed her unconditional love by encouraging all to use their God given gift, which was to “think”. Ms. Evelyn was very proud of her family, and you knew this, because when she spoke of her son’s and daughter’s accomplishments a smile appeared on her face that lit up the whole room. When Ms. Evelyn smiled everyone smiled because everything was GOOD. Ms. Evelyn came in this world as a strong and passionate woman and “SHE DID IT HER WAY”, while never losing sight of the importance of teaching her family and friends how to love, respect, and honor God, self and others. She understood the true character of a person by their actions not their words. Ms. Evelyn was a devoted mother and friend who was loved and respected by all. She was a wonderful homemaker who enjoyed raising her children and mothering her grandchildren. Everyone knew she was someone you could count on in the time of need. Her service to God and steadfast faith
was what she did best. She leaves to cherish memories to nine children, Clifton Gross, Kathy Johnson, Leo Parker, Tracey Parker, Patty Earland (husband Vincent Earland), Darlene Parker, Sharon Parker; Bridgette Mason (husband Garland Mason), and Lynn Taylor (husband Dwight Taylor), three children who preceded her in death, Faith and Tony Parker and Delores Hawkins (husband Sherman Hawkins). Thirty-one grand-children and nine great-grandchildren. As well as one grandchild who preceded her in death, Toshawna Parker. Ms. Evelyn was the youngest of three sisters, and four brothers. She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Willett (husband John Willett), brother, Bishop Robert Watts (wife Beulah-Betty Watts). Deceased brothers and sisters include: George, Charles, and Warren Parker; Bertina Greene, and Catherine Parker. She will be remembered by a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Funeral service was held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Carroll Western Methodist Church, Prince Frederick, MD with Pastor Roland Barnes officiating. The interment was held at Carroll Western United Methodist Church Cemetery in Prince Frederick, MD. The pallbearers were Allen Boyd, Benjamin Boyd, Leonard Green, Timothy Jacks, Milton Willet, and Sylvester Willet. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home of Prince Frederick, MD.
Franklin Delano Sievert, 76, Charlotte Hall Fran klin Delano Sievert, 76, of Charlotte Hall, MD, formerly of Beltsville, MD, passed away on March 12, 2010. H e was born on January 30, 1934 in Germany to the late Louis Earnest Sievert and the late Mary Christena Gerstner. He married Betty Jo Haut on May 8, 1961 and they divorced in 1980. Franklin joined the Army on August 9, 1956 and was honorably discharged on July 25, 1958. He went on to work for 33 years with Giant Food Inc. as a Truck Driver and retired in 1990. He enjoyed woodworking, swimming, puzzles and models. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, ex-wife, daughter Peggy SievertWilliams, and siblings, John Sievert and
Henrietta Pritchard. He is survived by his son Louis Sievert of Lusby, MD; sister, Barbara Myron of Springfield, IL; five grandchildren and one great grandchild. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 7 p.m. in the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD with Pastor Steve Fehrman officiating. Interment will be private.
Gloria Torrell, 61, Lusby Gloria J. Torrell, 61, of Lusby, MD formally of Bowie, MD passed away on March 30, 2010 at Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, MD. Gloria was born on July 30, 1948 in Ambridge, PA to Frances Bevacqua Rocco and the late Joseph “Joe” Rocco. Gloria graduated from Duval High School in Seabrook, MD. Gloria was employed as Secretary for the Letter Carriers Union in Washington, D.C. and also as a Secretary for the Prince George’s County Health Department. Gloria loved the outdoors and spending her free time talking to folks and taking long walks in our beautiful natural surroundings. Gloria loved spending her free time with family and friends watching television and was known as the world’s greatest “I Love Lucy” fan. Gloria enjoyed giving her free time to do volunteer work for the Right to Life Movement and she also volunteered at the Southern Community Center in Lusby, MD. She was preceded in death by her father Joseph “Joe” Rocco, her uncle George Villella and her aunts Teresa Hill, Margaret Petersen and Anita Lewis. She is survived by her beloved daughter Marie Torrell of Bowie, MD; her devoted mother Frances “Fran” Rocco of Lusby, MD; loving sister of Ronald “Ron” and his wife Neca Rocco, of Lusby, MD; aunt of Lindsey and her husband Justin Johnson; Courtney Rocco; Ryan Rocco; great aunt of Nora Jane Johnson; niece of Mary Villella of Fair Oaks, PA; Ida Bevacqua of Ambridge, PA; Shirley and her husband Curtice Wink of Buckeystown, MD and Paul “Ben” Lewis of Ambridge, PA. On Tuesday, April 6th Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Solomons, MD at 10 a.m. with Father Richard Gardiner officiating. Interment was private at St. John Vianney Catholic Church Cemetery, Prince Frederick, MD.
Thursday, April-2010
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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.
Patuxent High School Sports Schedule Thurs., Apr. 15
Thurs., Apr. 22
Girls’ Lacrosse Calvert at Patuxent, 6:30 p.m.
Girls’ Lacrosse Patuxent at Huntingtown, 6:30 p.m.
Fri., Apr. 16
Fri., Apr. 23
Baseball Patuxent at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.
Baseball Thomas Stone at Patuxent, 4:30 p.m.
Boys’ Lacrosse Patuxent at Calvert, 6 p.m.
Boys’ Lacrosse Patuxent at Huntingtown, 6:30 p.m.
Girls’ Lacrosse Huntingtown at Patuxent, 6:30 p.m.
Softball Thomas Stone at Patuxent, 4:30 p.m.
Softball Patuxent at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.
Tennis Patuxent at Thomas Stone, 4 p.m.
Tennis Patuxent at Great Mills, 4 p.m.
Mon., Apr. 26
Sat., Apr. 17
Baseball Calvert at Patuxent, 4:30 p.m.
Boys’ Lacrosse Patuxent at Northern, 6:30 p.m.
Boys’ Lacrosse Great Mills at Patuxent, 6:30 p.m.
Mon., Apr. 19
Softball Calvert at Patuxent, 4:30 p.m.
Girls’ Lacrosse Patuxent at Chopticon, 6:30 p.m.
Tues., Apr. 20 Boys’ Lacrosse Chopticon at Patuxent, 6:30 p.m. Track and Field Patuxent at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 21 Baseball Patuxent at Northern, 4:30 p.m. Softball Patuxent at Northern, 4:30 p.m. Tennis Northern at Patuxent, 4 p.m.
Tennis Patuxent at Calvert, 4 p.m.
Tues., Apr. 27 Girls’ Lacrosse Patuxent at Great Mills, 6:30 p.m. Track and Field Chopticon at Patuxent, 4:30 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 28 Baseball Patuxent at La Plata, 4:30 p.m. Softball Patuxent at La Plata, 4:30 p.m. Tennis La Plata at Patuxent, 4:30 p.m.
Panthers Drop Close Game to Leonardtown
Photo By Chris Stevens Patuxent’s Jacob Robertson fouls off a pitch during Monday’s baseball game at Leonardtown.
LEONARDTOWN – Through six and two-thirds innings, Patuxent baseball coach Keith Powell felt the Panthers were doing everything they could to win – except keeping their nerves calm. “We tightened up at the end,” Powell said after a 2-1 lead became a 3-2 loss to host Leonardtown Monday afternoon. “We’re a young team and we’re going to get over that, but we played kind of scared at the end.” Patuxent received a strong pitching effort from senior Donnie Holtzclaw, who pitched the entire game. Holtzclaw had a no-hitter going into the sixth inning until the Raiders’ Brady Jameson broke through with a solid single with one out in the frame. Holtzclaw ended up striking out nine hitters and allowing just three hits in taking the hard-luck loss. “Donnie is one of the hardest working kids I’ve been around, coaching or playing,” Powell said in praise of his senior leader. “He’s been a four-year starter here and he is a winner.” The Panthers also got help from the bottom third of their batting order, as freshman Brian Portillo, a call-up from junior varsity and batted in the eighth hole, smacked an RBI single in the top of the fourth. That hit scored sixth-place hitter Daniel Castro, who tied the game with an RBI single of his own two innings earlier. “We really haven’t been hitting,” Powell admitted. “Our pitching and defense has carried us, but the bottom of order did well.” Powell felt the team missed an opportunity in the top of the seventh with the bases loaded and a chance to put some insurance on the board. Raider pitcher Will Pagliarulo fought his way out of the jam to keep the score 2-1 going into the bottom half of the seventh. “We had our hitters up and we just couldn’t get the ball out of the infield,” Powell said. The Raiders tied the game on a sacrifice bunt and Jonathan Beam hit an RBI single into right center field two batters latter to cap the comeback. Powell hopes it’s forgotten quickly, as the Panthers have several games this
week due to prior rainouts. “It’s tough when you have to play make-up games,” Powell said. “There’s nothing I can do as a coach. They have to get through it.” BY CHRIS STEVENS (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
High School Scoreboard Thurs., Apr. 1
Wed., Apr. 7
Baseball Chesapeake 7, Patuxent 2
Baseball Huntingtown 14, Patuxent 3 (six innings)
Sat., Apr. 3
Softball Huntingtown 10, Patuxent 0 (six innings)
Baseball Patuxent Classic St. Mary’s Ryken 9, Patuxent 0
Tues., Apr. 6 Baseball Calvert 2, Patuxent 0 Boys’ Lacrosse Patuxent 15, Great Mills 4
Tennis Huntingtown 6, Patuxent 3
Sat., Apr. 10 Boys’ Lacrosse Leonardtown Tournament Leonardtown 12, Patuxent 4 Patuxent 11, Lake Braddock 8
Thursday, April-2010
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Out About Saturday, April 18
• 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.
Saturday, May 1 • Maritime Festival Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate Southern Maryland traditions and taste traditional foods, learn how to pick crabs and shuck oysters like the pros, enjoy local gospel and old time music, see world class water fowl carving, see Chesapeake Bay retriever trials in action, watch model boats skim the waters of the boat basin and talk with traditional crafts people as they demonstrate their skills. Kids will enjoy traditional games, races, toy boat building and more. www.calvertmarinemuseum.com • Lusby Business Association Spring Fling Lusby Town Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy moonbounce, facepainting, scavenger hunt, car show, live music, food samples, wine tasting, sidewalk sales, screenings, demonstrations and giveaways at our town center-wide event. www.shoplusby.com • Maker’s Market Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center, Solomons, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Annmarie Garden hosts Maker’s Market on the first Saturday of the month, featuring vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts and products. www. annmariegarden.org • Herb & Wildflower Sale Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Prince Frederick, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Over 30 types of herbs will be available for purchase along with cultivated native wild flowers from Lower Marlboro Nursery. www.calvertparks.org
Saturday - Sunday, May 1-2 • Sail Solomons / Solomons Yachting Center Opening Weekend 255 Alexander Avenue, Solomons, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join us at Solomons Yachting Center on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for free seminars, exhibits, demonstrations and door prizes. Free BBQ lunch, happy hour and live music at Solomons Yachting Center pool bar. Set sail on Sunday – introductory and brush-up sailing courses with Sail Solomons ASA instructors – just $50 per person for 3-hour sessions. www.sailsi.com
Sunday, May 2 • Green Expo Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, St. Leonard, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come enjoy this event dedicated to creating a “greener” Calvert County. Informational displays, demonstrations, and lectures ongoing throughout the day. (Sponsored by Calvert County Citizens Green Team) www.calvertgreenexpo.org • Sunday FunDay Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center, Solomons, from 1-3 p.m. Annmarie and the United Way are teaming up to present an afternoon of healthy and creative programs for all ages - take a walk, play with clay in the Ceramics Studio, and enjoy other fun family-friendly programs! www. annmariegarden.org
Wednesday, May 5 • Point Farm House & Garden Tour Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, St. Leonard, from 2-3 p.m. Join us for a guided tour of Point Farm, estate home and retreat of the late Mr. & Mrs. Jefferson Patterson. Built in 1932, this Colonial Revival brick house by noted female architect Gertrude Sawyer. The gardens are being faithfully restored based on the original plans by landscape architect Rose Greely. Reservations
Thursday, April-2010
are required. Fee: $10 per person, $8 seniors (55+). www.jefpat.org
Friday, May 7 • First Free Friday Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, from 5-8 p.m. The first Friday of every month will feature our First FREE Friday program. The museum is open free to the public from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with special entertainment and activities each month. Please visit the website for complete details. www.calvertmarinemuseum.com
Saturday, May 8 • Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum Celebration of National Train Day 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, Chesapeake Beach, from 1-4 p.m. Come celebrate National Train Day with special activities. www.cbrm.org • Calvert Wine & Arts Fest All Saints Episcopal Church, Sunderland, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The juried show features some of the best artisans from Calvert, St. Mary’s and Charles Counties. Included will be Calvert County’s five wineries: Cove Point, Solomons Island, Friday’s Creek, Perigeaux and Running Hare. Guests wishing to taste the wines will receive a commemorative wine glass for just $12. Musicians, dancers, children’s activities, baked goods and other great food add to the festivities. Tours will be available of this historic 1692 church and its labyrinth. www.allsaints1692.org • Master Gardener Plant Sale 8:00 a.m. - Noon Calvert County Community Resources Building, Prince Frederick, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Buy from Master Gardeners who know and grow these vegetables, herbs, native plants and houseplants. Get answers to your questions about existing plants and problems, landscaping and soil requirements. Featuring the new “Garden Fair” – learn “Grow It, Eat It,” composting, building rain barrels and salad boxes and much more. http://extension.umd. edu/gardening/mastergardeners/ local/calvert/
• Guided Canoe Trip American Chestnut Land Trust, Port republic, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Depart from Warrior’s Rest and enjoy a scenic tour of Parkers Creek from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Reservations are required. Please call 410-414-3400 or email info@ acltweb.org for more information. Please note: Canoe trips are physically strenuous, requiring paddling for three hours (frequently against wind and tides), and may require participants to help carry a canoe for up to one-quarter mile over sand to access the creek. www.acltweb.org
Sunday, May 9 • Mother’s Day Cruises aboard the Wm. B. Tennison Onboard the “Wm. B. Tennison, Calvert Marine Museum, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. Your choice of two special Mother’s Day cruises aboard the Wm. B. Tennison. The brunch cruise is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Mother’s Day evening cruise runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres served. Preregistration required by Wednesday, May 5. For fees and registration call 410-326-2042, ext. 41. www.calvertmarinemuseum.com
Thursday - Sunday, May 13-23 • Solomons - Paint the Town Exhibition & Sale Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center, Solomons, daily from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Over the first three days, May 13-15, Plein Air artists will create works “in the open air” drawing inspiration from the scenery around the town of Solomons. Join the Calvert Marine Museum, Annmarie Garden and other sites throughout Solomons for special activities on Saturday – Sunday, May 15-16. An exhibition and sale of the art will occur Sunday – Sunday, May 16-23 at Annmarie Garden. Join Annmarie Garden for a special Annmarie After Hours on Friday, May 21 to view the art, enjoy great music, sample foods from Solomons restaurants and enjoy the company of friends! www.annmariegarden.org
Constructed Place- Juror’s Talk and Docent Led Tour Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center presents a talk from Constructed Place juror, Megan RookKoepsel; followed by a docent-led tour of Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park on Sunday, April 25, beginning at 2 p.m. Constructed Place is an exhibit of artistically built places and invented spaces, featuring works by the Washington Sculptors Group. Performance artist, Meaghan Harrison, will also perform her mixed media performance, Trust. Annmarie Garden and the Washington Sculptors Group organized the exhibition to showcase artworks that form environments or works that are in themselves, environments, a press release states. Constructed Place is on view now at Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center through May 8. Admission to Annmarie Garden, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors; $2 for children 12 and under; children under 5 are Free. AMG Members are always FREE. Hours for the Arts Center are Wednesday-Monday 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rising Country Star Playing at Calvert Museum ‘Why Don’t We Just Dance’ all night long with a live performance from Josh Turner at the Calvert Marine Museum at 7:30 p.m. May 30. Known for hits that include Your Man, Would You Go with Me, and of course, his current chart topper Why Don’t We Just Dance, this will be an impressive evening of soulful country music, the museum said in a press release. Tickets for the show are $48 for premium seats and $38 for reserved; additional service fees apply. Members of the museum can purchase tickets beginning Tuesday, April 13. Remaining tickets will be available to the public, Tuesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com, by phone at 1-800-787-9454, or in person at Prince Frederick Ford/Dodge. To become a museum member and get your tickets in advance, please call 410-326-2042, ext. 16 or visit the museum’s website. Gates open at 6 p.m., with show time at 7:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available, chairs and coolers are not allowed. For additional information, please visit the CMM website at www.calvertm a r i ne mu s e u m . com.
Thursday, April-2010
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Down River Band Goes From Downtown to Motown Billy Mendez, singer and guitarist for the Down River Band (named for the nickname given to the south side of Detroit, where he grew up), said the worst thing he could see when he played was indifference. “The worst experiences I’ve had performing was when people seemed indifferent to what I was doing,” he said, sipping a Corona while taking a break from his gig at Vera’s White Sands on Easter Sunday. He went on to explain though that his best days and nights onstage were always in the midst of crowds dancing and calling for requests, and since teaming with his long-time drummer Ron Chambers and keyboardist Jim Bertoglio, he said there have been plenty of enthusiastic crowds. And at this stage, he said he can play pretty much anything from “Frank Sinatra to Kid Rock,” at times even playing both in the same set. Such is a useful skill for a performer whose gone from playing in Washington D.C., where rock is dominant, to Southern Maryland, where Mendez says country music is king. “People around here really love their country music,” he said, smiling, “so I try to include that when I play here … but I started playing a long time ago, so I’ve got a lot of background in Motown,” a style to which his voice seems particularly suited. Drummer Ron Chambers, 61, a credit manager from Upper Marlboro, began his career as a drummer – oddly enough – because his mother insisted on it. “It’s really ironic because when I came home on my eighth birthday, my mom said ‘I have a surprise for you … I went to the music store today and bought you a drum set,’” he said, laughing, explaining that his mother wanted him to learn an instrument, “but I didn’t want to play drums … I wanted to play accordion!” And that he did, earning some notoriety for his skill with the instrument, but when he joined band at his middle school, and he found there was no place for his first choice, the drums started sounding better, and he’s been playing them ever since. Keyboardist Jim Bertoglio was ab-
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Thursday, April-2010
Billy Mendez and Ron Chambers from Down River Band.
sent from Sunday’s gig, but Mendez and Chambers filled his space well enough with a computer generated backing track, which may be good or bad, depending on your point of view. There’s always a place for sequencing programs that generate strings and back-up vocals, but it almost seems like overkill for two guys who could probably sound just as good – if not better – with a simple set of drums and one acoustic guitar. Even if they’re missing a member, they can play, so they don’t seem to need all the extras. But we’ll leave that to them. After all their years of experience onstage, they seem to know what they’re doing. Down River Band usually plays every Sunday at Vera’s White Sands Beach Club in Lusby, either starting at noon or 2 p.m. It is suggested you call the venue to confirm their scheduled play dates. The band does not yet have a website, but you can get more information and booking details by emailing billymendez@comcast. net. BY ANDREA SHIELL (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
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