Gazette
Southern Calvert
June 2010
Priceless
Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard
New Habitat Home Brings Hope For Jones Family PAGE 12 Owings Faces Uphill Battle in Gov Race Story Page 4
St. Leonard Groups Butt Heads Over Growth Story Page 5
School Officials Sign Contracts Story Page 10
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On T he Cover
The Jones family, Crystal, left, Amber and Chris (daughter Sarah is not pictured) are working on the site of their new home being built in the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity’s first-ever “Women’s Build” project.
Also Inside
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local news
Residents of St. Leonard are divided over a proposal to amend the town center’s “master plan” with provisions that would enable growth in the town. SEE PAGE 5.
A Patuxent High School sports year in review is featured. Here, the Patuxent volleyball team is shown defeating Calvert High School in their last victory of the season. SEE PAGE 14.
out & about
local news
FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 20 IN OUT AND ABOUT
land s I s n o Solom eport Tide R
Bill Burton casts a tagged rockfish into Maryland waters in this DNR file photo. The 5th annual Maryland Fishing Challenge kicked off this month. SEE PAGE 6.
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Community
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Education
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Letters
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Cover Story
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Sports
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Obituaries
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Business Directory
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Locals
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Out & About
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Entertainment
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On The Water
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LOCAL NEWS Workshop Offers Tips on Doing Business With The Navy Local entrepreneurs got a chance to network with officials from Patuxent River Naval Air Station during a “Spotlight on Small Business” event held last Thursday at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center in Hollywood. Dozens of independent business owners joined in a panel discussion with representatives from various local organizations geared at connecting independent contractors and subcontractors with government contracts. Panelists included Linda Craven, a counselor with the Small Business Development Center in Lexington Park (www. sbdchelp.com); Mary Lee Kolich, with the Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Program (www.mdptap.umd.edu); Marjorie Wilkins, with the Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov); Ken Carkhuff, representing the Naval Inventory Control Point (www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/ navicp); Janet Harouch, with Naval Facilities Engineering Command (www.navfac.navy.mil), and Emily Harman, representing Naval Supply Systems Command (www.navair.navy. mil/osbp) All speakers offered information on how they could help business owners search for contracts with the Navy, and tips on how they can compete for jobs.
Owings Faces Uphill Battle For Recognition in Governor’s Race Democratic candidate for governor, former state delegate and Secretary of Veterans Affairs George Owings, says that it’s tough to get his name and his message out to voters this election cycle. That’s mostly because the media attention for the past several months has focused squarely on the incumbent George Owings Democrat Gov. Martin O’Malley and GOP hopeful and former governor Robert Ehrlich. Reporters have written articles comparing O’Malley and Ehrlich’s records as governor and have reported with relish the barbs both campaigns have flung at each other. O’Malley and Ehrlich, paired in an apparent grudge match, have been made out as the frontrunners with virtually no mention of their competition. “I think that’s… what sells newspapers,” Owings told The Southern Calvert Gazette. “At least I had some measure of recognition.” Owings served as majority whip for the Democratic party in Annapolis and then for Ehlrich’s administration. Now he’s come out with an anti-O’Malley message criticizing the governor for higher taxation rates, out of control spending and hostility towards state businesses. Even with the anti-incumbent mood nationwide, political observers say, O’Malley still looks to be the odds on favorite to win his party’s nomination. “I don’t think he was ever able to tap into a larger
message,” said St. Mary’s College of Maryland political science professor Todd Eberly. “I haven’t seen much growth from that campaign.” Eberly said that Owings, a Calvert County resident, needed to tap into voter anger, but was drowned out because of his announcement to run during the legislative session and the entrance of Ehrlich into the race None of the three men have formally filed for governor. Owings said that his first major push to raise funds, an event at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department May 22, netted about $15,000. He said getting that much at a small event was encouraging, but he realized that O’Malley, firmly entrenched behind the ramparts of the state Democratic party, “had all the money.” “Without money nobody’s going to know who he is,” Eberly said. “He needs money.” Owings has his greatest strength among veterans and especially in Southern Maryland, but faces O’Malley who has his power stemming from the Democratic machine in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties and Baltimore City. Eberly said he could not see a replay of the 2002 election, where Ehrlich triumphed, when Democrat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend lost 30 percent of the primary vote to relative unknown Robert Fustero. Democrats have much more confidence in O’Malley than Townsend, he said. “There was so much discontent with Kathleen Kennedy Townsend there was only one way to express that dissatisfaction,” Eberly said of Fustero’s showing. “I thought that if Owings broke 20 percent [in the primary] that would mean O’Malley had some trouble. “I don’t think Owings will break 20 percent.” Owings said that he has campaigned in Southern Maryland, Cambridge and the Lower Eastern Shore as well as in Frederick County, but invitations to talk with Democratic clubs have been few. “You could say that,” Owings said. “When invitations come up I accept them.” Still the Democratic underdog said he would continue his campaign and look for veterans, Southern Marylanders and anti-O’Malley voters to cast ballots for him. “That’s what’s out there for me,” Owings said. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Stimulus Funds Helping Pave Northern County Roads
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The Calvert County Department of Public Works will oversee a $1.34-million project to pave more than four miles of county roads beginning the week of June 14. More than $1.3 million in Federal stimulus money is being used on the projects, Calvert County’s public information office reported. Approximately 4.3 miles of various Calvert County roads will be resurfaced and treated to new pavement markings. The following road sections are part of the project: • 5th Street in North Beach from Boyd’s Turn Road To Greenwood Avenue
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• Brickhouse Road from Ward Road to 900 feet south of Chaney Road • Emmanuel Church Road from Stinnett Road to Wilson Road • Huntingtown Road from Hunting Creek Road toward Holland Cliffs Road The resurfacing project is expected to last four to six weeks. It is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act stimulus package. Motorists may experience delays during construction. Residents who have questions may contact the Calvert County Department of Public Works at 410-535-2204.
St. Leonard Groups Butt Heads Over Growth
For a small community where controversy seldom seems to pop up, tensions are building in St. Leonard over about 80 acres of undeveloped land and whether or not the county should install water and sewer. One side in town wants the water and sewer infrastructure to bring in more residents that would support small businesses and economic development, while the other says that water and sewer could bring low income housing that would destroy the traditional character of St. Leonard. The St. Leonard Vision Group’s leader, Tim Grover, says that water and sewer is the infrastructure necessary to bring in more people to St. Leonard, which could support more “mom and pop” type shops that would make the community a pedestrian friendly place where residents did not have to drive to other areas to get what they want. “We have to drive to Prince Frederick everyday to get our needs met,” Grover said. “We can buy milk and beer but every day needs aren’t being met.” Grover said that the vision group’s push for water and sewer fits with the county’s master plan for St. Leonard as a minor town center, and that the new infrastructure would allow more small businesses along with the ability to keep the small town feel. “We want to look like a small village town,” Grover said. But members of the St. Leonard Business Association oppose the Vision Group’s ideas. They say that county zoning would allow the 80 acres to accept up to 800 townhomes as a maximum density if water and sewer were installed and
that Grover is pushing the idea to make land owned by his family members more valuable for eventual development. Grover denied that his family had any plans for development on the 10 acres, though leaving it as a field would not be “healthy” for the town economically, he said. Steve Weems, president of the local business association, said that the group was not against economic development, but that it could be accomplished without water and sewer like it had been in Dunkirk farther north. “It’s being pushed and this is the push back,” Weems said of opposition to new infrastructure. “No one is trying to stifle growth.” Dale Weems, a local builder and member of the business association, said that the potential to have 800 townhomes in St. Leonard, which Grover claimed was an unrealistic figure, was based on county planning projections. “The potential is there, according to the county in black and white,” Dale Weems said. The county’s planning and zoning authority has said that there are no proposals to actually build 800 town homes in St. Leonard, and that the maximum density that would allow such a large number is not recommended by county government. The decision to bring water and sewer would be made by the Board of County Commissioners, information on the county’s Web site stated, and only after a feasibility study funded and set for 2012. County planning and zoning information also states that the draft master
plan calls for lots to be big enough to accept a number of homes that allow the use of wells and septic systems approved by the county health department. “I’ve seen too many times where small groups… get things done that affect the majority of people and they don’t know what’s happening,” Dale Weems said. He defended the association’s move to put up signs claiming that 800 townhomes was a distinct possibility. “It’s gotten people to look listen and get involved,” Dale Weems said. Townhomes in St. Leonard, he said, could bring in higher crime rates and social problems that come with a higher density of population. “I’d rather drive to the crime in Waldorf than bring it back here,” Dale Weems told The Southern Calvert Gazette. Both groups are pushing petitions to alternately support or reject the coming of water and sewer in St. Leonard, while on-line Facebook pages maintained by each side carry on the back and forth battle over the pros and cons of the issue. Both sides claim that misinformation from either camp surrounds the issue. Grover said that the SLBA’s motives were to stifle competition from new businesses that could come as an eventual result of water and sewer in St. Leonard and that the claim of 800 townhomes was a scare tactic. “800 townhomes is bunk,” Grover said. “If you want to kill townhomes , then kill the townhomes , not the infrastructure.” By Guy Leonard (CT) info@som-
dpublishing.net
Gulf Oil Spill Might be Boon for Local Seafood Industry Local watermen and seafood retailers say that the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has spewed into southern waters for more than 40 days with no signs of relief may be a chance for Maryland’s seafood industry to get a boost. And as they summer season progresses the demand and price for seafood favorites such as hard crabs and shrimp is likely to rise, they say. Tommy Zinn, head of the Calvert County Watermen’s Association, said that he has heard of buyers lining up at Baltimore Washington International Airport to get as many crabs off of transport planes as they can before much of the gulf’s seafood industry is shutdown. “They’re still shipping some up but that eventually might dry up,” Zinn told The Southern Calvert Gazette. “We should get a better price or at least a stable price this year.” Watermen have been hopeful that this season could be one of the best for
local crabs, since the O’Malley administration has touted increased numbers of crabs counted in the Chesapeake Bay. A great deal of the region’s seafood supply comes from the Gulf of Mexico, Zinn said, and with the sheer size of the environmental catastrophe there still unknown, the Chesapeake Bay’s seafood could be in demand for some time to come. “That oil’s not going to go away anytime soon,” Zinn said. Environmental activists and scientists say that the likelihood of any of the oil spilled in the gulf reaching the Chesapeake Bay is low, but government officials say they are keeping watch just in case. Beth McGee, a water quality specialist with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said that wildlife both in the sea and on the surface could be badly harmed if any of the contaminants come into an already polluted and stressed bay. McGee said that as the leak goes
unplugged, perhaps leaching millions of gallons of oil into the gulf over a period of weeks, it could be a long time before Maryland sees any environmental impact. “As long as there’s oil in the gulf… the potential for us to see it could be months away,” McGee said. “It’s a moving target.” Jim Carton, chairman of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at the University of Maryland in College Park, said that the chances of oil making its way into the gulf’s loop current, around the cape of Florida and up into Mid-Atlantic waters in the gulf stream was unlikely, but a strong storm this summer could change all that. “For the Chesapeake Bay [to become contaminated] it’s a very outside chance,” Carton said. “I think the only way is if you have a severe weather disturbance … It’s entirely possible we could get a large storm.” By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
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LOCAL NEWS
commissioners Aquatic Center Is Open to Public
By Susan Shaw, County Commissioner
On June 8th the Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center at 130 Auto Drive (behind Bayside Toyota) in Prince Frederick opened to the public at 3 p.m. (Go to www.co.cal.md.us and click on Parks and Recreation for details.) Like many in Calvert County, I can hardly wait! I have been working toward this goal for the last 16 years straight. Others have waited even longer. I just kept trying to find a way or make a way. It took years to come to consensus, find the money, and get it built. Like most major projects, challenges (and rumors) have abounded. However, the ready-to-swim Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center is breathtaking! It is a veritable cornucopia of water activities. It consists of a 50-meter competition pool, with a movable bulkhead that can divide it into two pools, a therapy pool that will be heated to 92 degrees, a spa with a handicapped lift, and a leisure pool with slides, palm trees and squirting fountains. Some who do not believe that they will use the pool see it as a hugely expensive, unnecessary project. I see it as a lifesaving and a life-enhancing amenity for my County. Life-saving? Yes! Every resident of Calvert County, which is a peninsula surrounded by water, should know how to swim and have drown-proofing skills. Life-enhancing? Yes! When you, or your loved one, are suffering from pain that is relieved by healing warm water exercises, you will be grateful that you do not have to travel outside Calvert County for that relief, as many do now, or forego it altogether. Our swim teams will not have to travel such long distances to practice and to compete. An observation deck overlooks all the pools, for those who wish to stay dry. There is a party room, a workout room, and a conference room. Edward T. Hall was a long-time, respected and admired, state senator from Calvert County who championed the rights of those with disabilities before it was commonplace to do so. How fitting that this zero-entry, handicapped-accessible jewel will carry on his name! I hope to see you there: swimming, competing, relaxing, unwinding, stretching, exercising, playing, strengthening, and enjoying! As my daughter says, “It is all good!”
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LOCAL NEWS
CCA MD Begins Third Phase of Oyster Restoration
The Patuxent River Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) this week began the third phase of its oyster restoration project, which will result in the placement of a half million adult oysters on sanctuaries by the end of the summer. “When we started our restoration program three years ago, our initial aim was to educate our members about the value of aquaculture and the techniques for raising oysters,” said Scott McGuire, oyster committee chair, Patuxent River Chapter. “In the second year we reached out to more than 250 homeowners and assisted them in raising oysters at their piers. Now we are seeing the fruits of those efforts with the placeCalvin Davies ment of those oysters on protected areas. The oysters which have been raised from spat during the past year will be placed on several pro- be moved July 10 and from St. Leonard and Island tected areas, one near Hellen Creek and others main- Creeks July 31. “We will be providing additional spat to particitained by the Southern Maryland Oyster Cultivation pating homeowners later in the summer to continue Society. Works began Sunday with the placement of 300 our restoration efforts,” McGuire said. McGuire praised Calvin Davies, a Patuxent High bushels of oyster shell on the Hellen Creek site to preSchool sophomore, for his leadership as creek captain pare bottom for the oysters. The shell was purchased from a shucking house in Maryland and dried for one of the Mill Creek work. Davies has used the project as his Eagle Scout service project for Troop 427 in year, a press release states. CCA MD volunteers using a pontoon boat pro- Solomons. Davies also used research from his work vided by Randy Beckwith of American Boat Lift- to take first place in the 2010 Calvert County Science ing Systems will transport approximately 200,000 Fair. Another scout working on his Eagle Scout projoysters that were grown by property owners on Mill ect for Troop 427—Solomons will assume leadership for the second year of the Mill Creek effort. Creek to sanctuary Saturday, June 12. Dominion Resources provided a $25,000 grant The following Saturday volunteers plan to transport another 150,000 adult oysters from Hellen and last year, and more than 2,000 volunteer hours have Mears Creeks and Spring and Sam Able Coves to been given by CCA MD volunteers toward the project, protected sites. Oysters from Hungerford Creek will McGuire said. By Sean Rice info@somdpublishing.net
Calvert Police Looking For Sex Assault Suspect Calvert County detectives are asking the public’s help in identifying and finding a man they believe is responsible for the sexual assault of a woman at the Fox Run business park in Prince Frederick last week. Police say that on the morning of June 1 at about 5:45 a.m. there was a break-in at a business on Steeple Chase Drive and an employee at that establishment arrived while the burglary was in progress. The employee was sexually assaulted, detectives with the Calvert Investigative Team state, and fought off the attacker. Lt. Steve Jones, commander of the investigative section, said that the victim bit her assailant during the fight and left him with bite marks on right forearm. Police describe the suspect as standing 6 feet tall with a thin build and being clean shaven. The white male is believed to be between 25 and 30 years of age and at the time of the assault was wearing blue jeans and a long sleeve shirt. The suspect also had a dark hair, according to the police description. Jones said that police had been canvassing the area in response to the attack in hopes of turning up leads on the suspect.
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Detectives and patrol both had been out in the early morning hours sweeping the area to catch him, Jones said. Jones also said that Marrick Properties, the owners of the site, had agreed to install additional surveillance cameras as a precaution against similar incidents in the future. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this burglary and assault to contact Jones at (410)535-1600 ext. 2462 or Detective Joseph Hollinger at ext. 2457 of the Calvert Investigative Team. Any information that is provided that results in an arrest will be eligible for a reward from the Calvert County Crime Solvers. A private citizen has also offered a $5000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Annual Fishing Challenge is Underway Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff kicked off the 2010 Maryland Fishing Challenge featuring Diamond Jim last week by releasing specially tagged striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay at several locations throughout the State. The sixth annual challenge encourages Marylanders to enjoy the State’s recreational fishing
DNR Fisheries Biologists Beth Versak and Lisa Warner release tagged rockfish near Annapolis.
opportunities and offers a $10,000 prize for the angler who catches a specially tagged striped bass named Diamond Jim. Up to 200 specially tagged striped bass including imposters and one genuine Diamond Jim were released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The actual tagged Diamond Jim is worth $10,000 if caught in June, $20,000 in July and $25,000 in August. Diamond Jim imposters are worth $500 each for the duration of the contest, which ends Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2010. Additional tagged fish will be released throughout the summer. The Diamond Jim component of the 2010 Fishing Challenge was originally created in the 1950s. One rockfish (striped bass) was specially tagged and whoever caught this lucky fish was given a $10,000 prize. Although the 1950s contest was short-lived, DNR revived this fun family event five years ago, aiming to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize angler efforts and inspire natural resources stewardship, a press release states. As featured in previous contests, any angler who catches an award-qualifying fish and enters the challenge becomes eligible to participate in the grand prize drawing, which in the past has included a boat and trailer package from Bass Pro Tracker Shops and thousands of dollars in fishing gear and trips from Bill’s Outdoor Center. New sponsors for the 2010 challenge include the World Fishing Network and Under Armour. “We are very grateful to our sponsors and our recreational fishery stakeholders,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Without their continued support, this contest would not be possible.” More than 60 species of fish are eligible for the grand prizes, including large and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, musky and panfish in the freshwaters of Maryland; rockfish (striped bass), bluefish, drum, sea trout and perch in the Chesapeake Bay; and tuna, marlin, flounder, kingfish and sea bass caught in Maryland waters off the Atlantic Coast. Grand prize winners will be randomly selected at a closing ceremony during the 43rd annual Seafood Festival on Sept. 11, 2010 at Sandy Point State Park. Complete rules are available online at: www.dnr.maryland. gov/fishingchallenge
Small Business Cobb Neck Trying to Go ‘Off The Grid’ Drives Maryland Economy
We know that most Marylanders earn their living through employment with small business. Small businesses are the engine that drives Maryland’s economy. When the small business community in Maryland is growing and thriving we know that our state’s economy is doing well. Therefore it is important for our state to maintain a business climate that encourages the creation and development of small businesses. The legislature must be careful not to pass laws or state spending authorizations and tax policies that tend to impede a healthy business climate. Unfortunately, there seems to have been an increasing hostility towards maintaining a healthy business climate in state government over the last 3 years. This hostility seemed to become evident in the special session of the legislature in November of 2007. At that time the warning signs that the state’s economy was on the leading edge of an economic downturn were apparent. State tax revenues were beginning to show signs of decline from what was previously projected. Home mortgage foreclosures were beginning to rise and economists were beginning to sound warnings of a pending economic correction and downturn. The last thing Maryland small businesses needed in the fall of 2007 were large tax increases which would further erode consumer spending and further dampen the business climate. Sadly, massive tax increases were what was given to Marylanders that fall. This included a 20% increase in the state sales tax and large increases in a variety of income taxes, car titling taxes, corporate taxes, and tobacco taxes among others. All of these decisions by the state government were harmful to Maryland’s business climate at a time it was already entering a period of stress. Prior to the tax increases proposed by Governor O’Malley and passed by the legislature in the special session of 2007, Maryland was ranked as the 24th best business climate of all the states by the independent Tax Foundation. This middle-of-the-pack rating of 24th was not great but as we see it can get a lot worse. This same ranking organization, the Tax Foundation, placed Maryland’s business climate at 47th after the special session tax increases in 2008. In 2009
and again in 2010, Maryland is ranked as 45th in business climate mainly due to hostile tax policies. We are among the worst ten business climate states in the entire nation. Yet another example of Maryland government’s seeming hostility towards small businesses was evidenced by two pieces of legislation supported by Governor O’Malley and passed by the legislature in 2009. No longer receiving warnings of an economic downturn like in the fall of 2007, when these two bills passed Maryland’s economy was in a full blown recession and our unemployment was at historic highs. At the worst possible time for small businesses in Maryland the legislature passed HB-310 and HB-740 which increased unemployment insurance benefits to part-time workers and also provided large increases in maximum benefits. This has resulted in small businesses being saddled with more massive tax increases to help fund an already depleted Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The irony is more pressure was placed on small businesses to lay more people off in order to be able to be able to pay the increased UI surcharges as a result of these policy changes. When more people are laid off by small businesses more pressure is placed on the Trust Fund and the cycle continues to deplete the fund. Is it any wonder that Maryland has had over 3000 small businesses close their doors over the last few years? We have also lost some major corporate job creators when they moved or they decided to locate their headquarters in our nearby competitor states. It is time that Maryland state government quit looking at small business operators as a source of revenue for its insatiable government spending appetite. Maryland policy makers must once again view Maryland small businesses for what they actually are. Small businesses are job creators. When jobs are created, the economy improves. When the economy improves, more people can be employed and more revenue flows to the state’s general fund. If the business climate improves enough by ending Maryland’s seeming hostility to small business we may even get to a point of being able to roll back some of those ill-advised tax increases of 2007.
The State of Maryland has installed an anemometer as the first step towards turning the Cobb Neck peninsula into the first wind-dependent community in the mid-Atlantic. The digital device was installed on top of a 30 meter (just under 100 foot) tower on the highest point on Cobb Neck. It will provide data over the next year to determine if the site produces enough wind to make a turbine feasible. “You need specific wind speed data before embarking on such an ambitious community-based initiative,” Andrew Gohn of the Maryland Energy Administration said in a press release. Located three miles northeast of the Windmill on the Potomac, which was the first residential wind turbine in Southern Maryland, the Cobb Neck wind turbine, if constructed, will generate between 1 and 2.4 megawatts of electricity. The Windmill on the Potomac has been producing a significant amount of electricity for its owners Sheryl Elliott and Ken Robinson. “We have seen a significant reduction in the amount of electricity we need to use from SMECO, the local energy provider since our wind turbine went on line in March, 2009,” according to Robinson. Robinson, who was President of the Swan Point Property Owners Association,
approached neighbors in nearby communities to see if they would partner on this project. The land for the anemometer and perhaps a future turbine is owned by Newburg resident Wayne Lindstrom. “This is a community effort to locally explore alternatives to fossil fuel-based electricity. We see this project as a way to maximize both environmental and economic benefits,” said Mr. Lindstrom. Mr. Lindstrom volunteered his construction expertise to supervise The Windmill on the Potomac project. Cobb Neck currently has about one thousand residential units in the communities of Cobb Island, Swan Point, Mount Victoria, Issue and Newburg. “The community is excited about this,” says Swan Point resident Cathy Warfield. “Almost everyone I have spoken with is curious to see if we can take Cobb Neck off the grid.” Data from the anemometer will be read monthly over the next year. The anemometer was installed by the Maryland Environmental Service which is charged by the state with providing communities with the ability to create sustainable, costeffective, and innovative “green” solutions to energy problems. The Cobb Neck peninsula is bordered by the Potomac River on the west and the Wicomico River on the east.
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.
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257th Army Band Putting on Free Concert “The Band of the Nation’s Capital” will be appearing at the Calvert Marine Museum on Solomon’s Island for a free Independence Day weekend concert. As a special feature during the July First Free Friday program, “The Band of the Nation’s Capital” will delight and educate all ages with patriotic music, marches, and entertainment. Bring lawn chairs, a picnic supper, and join the fun for this free outdoor concert with the 257th Army Band. For this Free concert Warrant Officer Sheila M. Klotz, assembled a program which includes patriotic fare, entertaining show tunes, vocal selections and more are sure to inspire some serious toe-tapping. There will be featured instrumental soloists in addition to Sergeant Vicki Golding, the band’s featured vocalist, a press release states. A special invitation is extended to area veterans and those currently serving in our Armed Forces. The band always pays a special tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. The museum is open and free to the public from 5-8 p.m. with docents in every gallery during the monthly First Friday events. Hop aboard the historic Wm. B. Tennison for a free 30minute river cruise sponsored by M&T Bank. The 257th Army Band operates under the command of Chief Warrant Officer Sheila M. Klotz. The commander studied percussion at West Virginia University. The band boasts a proud lineage going back to an organizational lineage that includes the legendary Corcoran Cadets, the DC militia that inspired John Philip Sousa to compose his march of the same name. Noteworthy performances include musical support for the Inauguration of President Obama, burial of the Unknown
Soldier in 1921, state funerals of Presidents Harding and Kennedy, overseas deployments to Greece and Panama. For a complete listing of activities and programs at the Calvert Marine Museum, visit the Web site at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), Calvert County Chapter, will meet on June 17 at 12 p.m. at the Cove Point Park, Cove Point Road, Lusby. Meet and greet fellow federal employees and neighbors and enjoy a summertime meal of chicken or BBQ. Members, non-members, current federal employees and guests are welcome. Bring a side dish, veggie or dessert to share. Contact Roger Cronshey at (410) 535-4576 for more information on the meeting or for NARFE membership.
glow-in-the-dark golf balls, which we provide; glow sticks that outline the greens; and tiki torches that light your way around the par-3 course. Hole sponsorships are available for $75 each. Anyone interested in sponsoring a hole can contact the CAASA Office at 41 0-535-3733. The event will raise funds for Project Graduation, an alcohol-free and drug-free celebration for the 2011 graduates from Calvert, Huntingtown, Northern and Patuxent High Schools. The Calvert County Division of Parks and Recreation is handling registration. For further information, please contact the CCPR Sports Office at 410-535-1600 ext. 2227 or 2229, or the CAASA Office at 410-535-3733.
Openings Available With 4-H ‘Camp on Wheels’ Are you and your kids looking for some summer fun? Join Calvert County 4-H as campers learn about the world around them, right here in Calvert County. Space is still available for the University of Maryland Extension Calvert County 4-H Camp on Wheels. Participants must be ages 8-12 by July 1. Camp on Wheels is scheduled for July 26 thru July 30, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Campers will travel to differ-
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ent destinations, including Port Discovery, Chesapeake Beach Water Park, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, and Museum of Natural History. The camp is open to all regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. For $150, participants can enjoy all activities for the entire week. Campers will need to be dropped off and picked up each day at the Community Resources Building, 30 Duke Street, Room 105,
Thursday, June-2010
By Alice Hall On the evening of June 1, you could find many of Patuxent High’s graduating class in the school auditorium, attending the 11th annual Baccalaureate Service. Graduating seniors led their classmates in a wonderful time of worship – celebrating with songs, prayers and scripture lessons during the program, which was planned by the senior council under the guidance of Alice Hall, the coordinator of Ecumenical Worship Committee (EWC) of SMILE Ecumenical Ministries, Inc.
NARFE Meeting and BBQ in Cove Point
Glow In The Dark Golf to Benefit Project Graduation The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA) and the Calvert County Division of Parks and Recreation (CCPR) are sponsoring a Night Golf Tournament on Friday, June 18 at Mellomar Golf Course in Owings. The event will take place on the nine-hole par three course. The cost is $35 per adult and $15 per person 17 years and younger, which covers the cost of dinner, green fees, snacks and beverages. Pre-registration through Parks and Recreation is required. Check-in begins at 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 8 p.m. Tee time is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. or dusk. Come enjoy a night of fun. If you can play putt-putt golf, you can play in this tournament. The course is illuminated by
Patuxent High Celebrates Annual Baccalaureate Service
Prince Frederick. All campers must bring a bag lunch each day. Camp information, brochure and registration form can be found on the Calvert County Extension website under 4-H Camp on Wheels, www.calvert. umd.edu/CamponWheels.cfm. If you have questions about the Camp, or other 4-H programs contact the 4-H office at 410-535-3662 or 301-855-1150.
From left is Sister Barbara (Our Lady Star of the Sea), SMILE Ecumenical Worship Chairman Alice Hall, Pastor David Brown (speaker), Class President Emily Sikorski and Pastors Steve Fehrman and Phil Coffman (Southern Calvert Baptist) and Dr. Phil Logan (Solomons United Methodist).
The students plan their service, lead the service, and carry out all portions of the service for their classmates, family and friends in attendance. Led by the clergy of SMILE to their place of honor, front and center, they were greeted by the Color Guard of Patuxent High School. Following the placing of the Colors, the Senior Concert Choir sang the National Anthem. The central theme they selected for this year was “Make A Difference”. Three Points were addressed starting with the Past. A former graduate of PHS, Rachel Dean, spoke to this. A student of the graduating class, Sydney Morgan, addressed the second point, the Present. The final point, the future was covered by the keynote speaker, the Rev. Dave Brown of Severna Park Baptist Church, who spoke to the seniors about their futures and their need to love God, how this love will lead to compassion and concern to ‘make a difference’. Following his message, a Candle Ceremony “The Rite of Passage” symbolizing the turning of the spirit of PHS from the graduating class into the keeping of the junior class was presented by the presidents of the Senior and Junior Classes. The Rev. Dr. Phil Logan, pastor of Solomons United Methodist Church, closed the service with the traditional prayer for graduates from the UM Book of Worship. Family and friends then had time to ‘meet and greet’ the Class of 2010 for a time of fellowship and refreshments. SMILE Ecumenical Ministries feels very honored to be allowed to sponsor this annual Baccalaureate Service for our local high school. Our mission is to serve our community in the ways that will show the love of God. We feel it is important for our youth to see that love in their lives, too. Alice Hall is a member of the Bd. of Directors of SMILE and serves as Coordinator of the Ecumenical Worship Program. She is Lay Leader of SUMC and serves as Chair of Nurture and the Worship Committee.
History of Fathers’ Day By Joyce Baki On June 20th we will celebrate Father’s Day. The idea for creating a day that allowed children to celebrate their fathers belongs to Sonora Smart Dodd. While listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909 at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church in Spokane, Washington, she wanted her dad to know how very special he was to her. Her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran, lost his wife during the birth of their sixth child and was left to raise the children by himself. Sonora realized the sacrifices he made and wanted a celebration to honor all fathers like hers. Dodd enlisted the aid of the Spokane Ministerial Association to develop a celebration of fatherhood in Spokane. William Smart had been born in June, so Sonora felt a date in June would be a fitting way to honor him. On June 19, 1910, the members of the church’s YMCA arrived at church wearing roses – red roses to honor fathers who were living and white roses to honor fathers who were deceased. It is said that Ms. Dodd traveled throughout the city that day to carry gifts to shut-in fathers. Father’s Day would not become official for many years. A bill was introduced in Congress in 1913 to give the holiday national recognition, but many in Congress resisted. Although there was support from churches, the YMCA and the YWCA, many people saw it as a way to fill the calendar with mindless promotions. The local newspaper, the Spokesman-Review, ran columns filled with jokes about the celebration. President Woodrow Wilson went to Spokane in 1916 to speak in a Father’s Day celebration and to show his support to make it official, but Congress still felt that the celebration was more of a commercial promotion. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended that the day be observed by the nation, but he stopped short of issuing a national proclamation. A National Father’s Day Committee
was formed in 1926 by the Associated Men’s Wear Retailers (which would be renamed the National Father’s Day Council). The goal of this group was to legitimize the holiday in the minds of the people and manage the holiday as a commercial event, which would boost sales. Ms. Dodd had no problem with this commercialization and endorsed several promotions. This was very different from the views of Anna Jarvis, who was credited with founding Mother’s Day. Ms. Jarvis actively opposed all commercialization of Mother’s Day. The National Father’s Day Council used the satire and parody of the holiday to their benefit. Although the advertisements mocked the holiday, people still felt they needed to buy gifts to honor their fathers. The group calculated in the late 1930s that one father in six received a Father’s Day present. In the 1980s the Council determined that the one-day event had become “a three-week commercial event, a second Christmas.” It is believed that without the efforts of the Council and the groups that supported it, Father’s Day would have disappeared. Father’s Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. Margaret Chase Smith, Senator from Maine, wrote a proposal in 1957 in which she accused Congress of ignoring fathers for 40 years while honoring mothers, “(singling) out just one of our two parents.” President Lyndon Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers in 1966, designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day signing it into law in 1972. Father’s Day is a celebration to honor and commemorate all good fathers. It is a day to celebrate parenting with gifts, special dinners for dad and family activities. Celebrate your dad with a BBQ, dinner out, a fishing trip or some other type of activity where the entire family can have fun!
NRP and Rita’s Say ‘Be Cool, Wear-It’ The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) teamed up with Rita’s Italian Ice to promote the wearing of life jackets while boating. Throughout the year, NRP Officers will be giving away coupons to kids wearing life jackets. These coupons are good for a free Rita’s Italian Ice at any Rita’s location in Maryland. Also, coupons will be given out wherever the “Wear-it, Maryland” truck is on display. “We are please to have Rita’s Italian Ice as a sponsor for this important message about boating safety. The wearing of life jackets is the single most important tool in preventing boating deaths,” Colonel George F. Johnson IV, Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, said in a press release. Last year, Maryland had 16 fatal accidents, resulting in 17 deaths, up from a 5-year average of 12 fatal accidents. NRP reports that 16 of the 17 victims were not wearing life vests. Alcohol and drugs were a contributing factor in 7 of the fatal boating accidents. Boaters are reminded that a new law was signed by Governor Martin O’Malley on April 13, effective immediately, that requires children under 13 to wear a Personal Flotation Device while underway on a vessel under 21 feet in length. Additionally, if a child is under 4 years of age, the life jacket must be equipped with an inflatable headrest collar for added buoyancy, a web handle for gripping and a strap that is secured between the child’s legs to fasten the front and back of the jacket together. For more information on safe boating in Maryland, visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr. state.md.us/boating.
Teen Raises Money to Give Second Hope to Local Animals Spencer Jones laughed as he described one girl at his school who likes to buy Nutter Bones, his very own homemade dog biscuit recipe which he’s been selling to raise money for Second Hope Rescue, a Southern Maryland dog and cat fostering and adoption group. “This girl has bought a bunch of them just so she can snack on them in class,” he said, smiling as he handed out his treats to patrons at the Petco store in California, where he met Second Hope volunteers to present them with a check for $640, all raised from his line of treats in the last few months. “I was expecting to make $200 or so,” he said, “but they just kept selling,” so he plans to keep making and selling them, all the while donating the money he earns to local animal charities. Choosing a group to support had been something of a challenge, said Jones, an 8th grade student from Annapolis who said it had been difficult to find charities closer to home to sponsor him for his project. “All these other places didn’t really let
me sign up with them,” he said. “I’m not sure why, but that’s one of the reasons I came to Second Hope.” “When he decided to do this project, he checked into a bunch of different rescues in and around Anne Arundel County, and they were not as enthusiastic to sponsor him,” said Spencer’s cousin Karen Wood, a volunteer with Second Hope Rescue, “so he knew we did rescue work as well, so he talked to us and we told him we’d help him out … he’s really interested in the bully breeds and why people discriminate against them.” To raise money, Spencer concocted a hearty recipe of all-natural ingredients he’s come to call “Nutter Bones,” which he’s been selling at school and Second Hope functions. “He created the name, and he created his own slogan, which I love – ‘Give a dog a Nutter chance’ – and he makes them and he’s been selling them for $2 a pack. He’s raised a lot of money for it … it’s going to end up helping us with vetting and rescuing more animals,” said Wood. “He really educated himself a lot about
homeless animals, not just in our county, but in our whole country, and how it’s really impacted people having to give up their animals because they just can’t afford to keep them either because they’re losing their homes or losing their jobs,” said Kathy Lazor-Knott, Vice President of Second Hope Rescue, adding that she was encouraged to see his interest in combating Spencer Jones, an 8th grader from Annapolis, is pictured at Petco preprejudice against bully senting a check for $640 to volunteers from Second Hope Rescue. breeds, who are banned by some communities placing 258 dogs and 28 cats in permanent and routinely euthanized in shelters instead homes. All animals are currently in the care of offered for adoption. “We think it’s really of foster families affiliated with Second important that children, who are the future of Hope Rescue, but more volunteers are always our society, be educated on these issues,” she needed. Anyone interested in fostering dogs added. or cats, or in volunteering for Second Hope, Since January 2009, Second Hope Res- can find more information at www.secondcue has rescued more than 320 dogs and cats, hoperescue.org.
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School Board, CASA Revise Contract
Spotlight On
Superintendent Signs New Contract The Calvert County Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools signed a new employment contract for a four year term beginning July 1, 2010. The contract was the result of a unanimous decision of the Board on Feb. 25 to reappoint Dr. Jack Smith as Superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools. State law requires that local school superintendents’ terms be four years. “I thank the Board for its continued confidence in the work I do with them, the school system staff, and the Calvert community,” said Smith in a press release. “Despite the current difficult economic times, I know that together we will continue to make progress toward meeting the learning needs of all of our students.” Smith’s salary will remain at $169,000 for
the third consecutive year. According to the contract, Smith recommended that his salary remain at $169,000 because of the financial issues facing the school system. Even though the contract is for four years, the Board reviews the Superintendent’s salary and benefits annually. In addition to salary, other significant terms covered in the contract include professional certification and responsibilities, professional growth, community outreach, benefits, expenses, professional liability, goals and objectives, evaluation, and termination of the agreement. The text of Dr. Smith’s employment contract is posted on the school system’s Web site: www. calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/administration/staff/jsmith.asp
Career Student Of The Year Awarded
Calvert Career Center Students of the Month from 2009-10 are, from front row left, Jillian Aranda, Jordan Stearns, Hanah Izzi, and Cadie Foresta, and in the back row Toby Rineer, left, Harleigh Reese, Patrick Miller, Kiah Brooks and Courtney Horsmon.
The annual Student of the Year Luncheon was held on May 14 to recognize each of the 2009-2010 Students of the Month and their guests. Hanah Izzi was selected Student of the Year. Hanah is a senior Cosmetology student. Hannah’s goal this year was to take her MD Cosmetology State Board exam early. She completed the required 1,500 hours of instruction, completed 32 review tests, learned eight skill procedures and passed her State Board exam in late March. Hannah is now a Maryland Licensed
Professional Cosmetologist. Hannah has been an active Calvert Career Center student. This year, she placed first in the local SkillsUSA Cosmetology contest. She has participated in all Cosmetology Salon Day Fundraisers, including the fundraiser for the John Hopkins Pediatric Cancer Ward, which raised $1,500 to buy wigs for children receiving cancer treatments. Hannah is looking forward to attending Towson University, where she plans to study Business Management.
Calvert County Public Schools and the Calvert Association of Supervisors and Administrators (CASA) announce that on Thursday, June 3, the school system’s administrators and supervisors ratified a revision to the final year of their current three-year employment agreement. The agreement will be presented to the Board of Education for its consideration and ratification on June 17. The two groups agreed to renegotiate the contract because the revenue for the school system for FY 2011 will be significantly less than what was anticipated when the contract was originally negotiated in 2008, according to a joint press release. This is the second consecutive year the supervisors and administrators have renegotiated their contract. “Our administrators and supervisors recognize that the current economic times require us to work with the Board of Education so we can continue to provide quality educational services to students,” said
Calvert First County to Have 100 Percent ‘Green Schools’ On June 4, at Sandy Point State Park, the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) publicly certified the 12th cohort of Maryland Green Schools and Maryland Green Centers. “Interest and participation in the Maryland Green School Program has hit critical mass. With 76 newly certified schools in 2010, the percentage of certified Maryland Green Schools jumped from 10% to 16% of all Maryland schools. Such significant growth represents a true paradigm shift,” MAEOE Executive Director, Bronwyn Mitchell, said in a press release. Among the newly certified schools were Calvert County schools Mutual Elementary, Southern Middle, Northern Middle and Barstow Elementary – bringing 100 percent of Calvert County’s schools under MAEOE ‘green’ certification, a first in the state. The Calvert Career Center is working towards obtaining “Green Center” status. Becoming a Green School is no easy feat, according to a Calvert County Public Schools press release. A rigorous application and screening process ensures that only those schools demonstrating the highest standard of environmentally sustainable practices are selected for this certification. The schools receiving the 2010 Maryland Green School Award have created a culture of learning at the school and in their community, the MAEOE reports. Using the Maryland Green School framework, which includes teacher training, curricular integration, student-led environmental best management projects, community engagement and celebration; these schools have figured out that “green” learning is more than just a few environmentally friendly projects. “The Maryland Green Schools Program provides a map for schools and their stakeholders to develop a culture of learning that is compelling and creates a desire to learn,” said Ryan Pleune, the Maryland Green Schools coordinator. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net
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Thursday, June-2010
Annette Lagana, President of CASA. The highlights of the revisions are: • A 0.5% salary adjustment for supervisors and administrators for 2010-11 (the original agreement called for a 4.5% adjustment); • All eligible supervisors and administrators will receive step increases in January, 2011 instead of in July, 2010; • Supervisors and administrators who have more than 25 years experience will receive one additional day of annual leave; • Supervisors and administrators will receive one additional day of personal leave; and • Supervisors and administrators, in certain catastrophic situations, are able to receive up to 50 transferred sick leave days from other employees. Pending Board of Education approval on June 17, these revisions will go into effect on July 1.
CSM Raises Tuition for Fall 2010 Beginning with fall 2010 semester, tuition at the College of Southern Maryland will increase $5 per credit hour for residents of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. In-county residents will now pay $105 per credit and the comprehensive fee will remain 23 percent of tuition. For a full-time student enrolled in 12 credits, the increase in tuition will amount to $60. Tuition for other Maryland residents outside of the tri-county region will increase to $183 per credit and for out-of-state residents, $237 per credit. CSM’s budget is primarily supported by funding from the state, the three counties of Southern Maryland and tuition and fees. The budget reflects an overall increase of 3.8 percent over FY10, a CSM press release states. In presenting the recommended budget to the trustees, CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried advised funding included in the budget will provide support for the new Wellness and Aquatics Center to open in the fall at the Leonardtown Campus and the launch of the nuclear engineering technology program at the Prince Frederick Campus. The budget reflects flat-funding by the state, which has been reduced in previous years. County support increases overall by 5.18 percent in this budget as Calvert and St. Mary’s counties increased by 10 percent and 16 percent respectively and Charles County’s aid remained even. “All of the increase in Calvert County and about half of the increase in St. Mary’s County is attributable to legislatively mandated funding,” said Gottfried. CSM’s tuition and fees may be paid over a fourmonth period through CSM’s Tuition Payment Plan which is available to students enrolled with six or more credits. Since the plan is not a loan program, there is no debt, no credit search and no interest or finance charge assessed on the unpaid balance. The only cost is a $50 per semester non-refundable enrollment fee. The college also offers an online program that helps students to easily identify and apply for potential scholarships. The CSM Scholarship Finder helps Southern Maryland students match their backgrounds and financial needs to dozens of local scholarships in a wide variety of academic programs. To use CSM’s Scholarship Finder visit http://www. csmd.edu/financial/scholarships/. For information on scholarships and financial aid assistance at CSM, call 301-934-7531 or 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499 or 443-5506199, Ext. 7531.
Solar Is The Way To Go I encourage all who have an opportunity to consider installing solar electric energy systems. The environmental and financial benefits are there for the taking. While Southern Maryland is not the best for solar, the area does well. In the 12 months since installing our 6 kilowatt, 500 sqft roof-mounted residential system, it has generated 8,700 kilowatt-hours. This is almost all our electrical needs and has saved $1,220 in electrical costs. We also are receiving approximately $2,000 in Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) per year. As the installation costs are substantial, most of us take a year or two to find, beg and borrow the capital required. After the federal and state incentives, our net installed costs were $30,000. The payback period is approximately 10 years, it is even better for businesses as they should also get accelerated depreciation on the investment. At our home, we will likely incur almost no electrical costs the rest of our lives. While there are several technologies being developed, none seem to match panels for production per sqft and simplicity. Panels can be installed on a variety of roof styles, shingled, metal or flat, on main buildings or out-buildings. Installations are typically guaranteed for 25 years. The system has to be designed and installed correctly to be successful. The technology is uncomplicated, but mistakes need to be avoided. Direct sunlight on the panels needs to be approximately from 9 am till 3 pm. Shading on the panels must be minimized, or better, eliminated. Your roof should have at least 15 years of reliable life. The slope of the roof can be flat to about 45 degrees, facing primarily south. To qualify for the RECs the installation must be an approved system, permitted and inspected by local authorities and the power company. The installation has multiple environmental benefits. No coal, no oil, no pollution, and no international tensions involved. Even after 25 years the panels will be productive, but at a gradually degrading rate of production. Maybe it is time to move to this next level of energy production in a significant manner. To install a system, some intestinal fortitude is required. However, a proper design produces results that are very predictable and the significant investment yields a substantial return. Mike Thompson Hollywood, MD
How Much Do We Have to Pay for Emperor Obama?
Does anyone have even the slightest idea of how many of our hard earned tax dollars are spent to provide Emperor Obama with the transportation he believes he deserves? I was provided with some info on his travel arrangements regarding his recent trip to the G-20 summit. This info came from foreign news service our nationalized media either didn’t feel it worth publicizing or didn’t want to produce a negative reaction to it. Would you believe he arrived at the summit with a staff of 500, including 200 Secret Service agents, six doctors, four speech writers and 12 teleprompters, and the White House Chef and kitchen staff with the President’s own food and water? I’ll bet he has his own food taster, too just in case, you know. He had 33 vehicles in all, along with the presidential helicopter. This included a fleet of identical vehicles to get him from Point A to Point B. I just have to ask the question even knowing he is the PRESIDENT (Emperor, King, what have you) of the United Socialist States of America, does he really need to take 500 people with him to a meeting? Am I stupid, or is this overblown dude taking overweening advantage of his temporary position to milk it to the absolute utmost? Or is he simply trying to outdo his wife and her 22 assistants? Someone give me an answer. I’d like to start a lottery in which the winner who guesses closets gets to attend on Obama beer fest. What’s the lottery? Simple; How many of our hard earned tax dollars have been spent since his election to flit him around the world? James Hilbert Mechanicsville, MD
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Send to: P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, MD 20636 Make sure you include your name, phone # and the city you live in. We will not publish your phone #, only your name and city
Congressman Steny Hoyer Truly Serves His Constituents Congressman Hoyer has critics who say his leadership position leaves him little time for his District. I disagree in the strongest way; he is personally engaged in activities, sponsors special events for his constituents, and ensures that his District Office staff provides excellent personal service. My family and I have been recipients of such service. My parents were lifelong residents of Congressman Hoyer’s District; they lived there last 25 years in LaPlata, MD. We have always been proud of him and his growing stature in the House of Representatives. But Congressman Hoyer has remained dedicated to the people who sent him to Congress and committed to the needs of his constituents. Several years ago my father passed away, leaving my mother distraught and unable to deal with the issues that typically accompany terminating federal benefits and filing paperwork. I visited Congressman Hoyer’s Waldorf District office and was welcomed by professional caseworkers who took on our family’s
burden and helped us navigate the appropriate government channels. I will never forget how grateful my mom was for this assistance; it relieved her of overwhelming stress at a most difficult time. A few months ago my mother passed away. As I went through her papers in settling the estate, I found correspondence from Congressman Hoyer regarding my dad’s case. His care and concern was so evident in his words, as well as the service he ensures his District Offices provide. She had saved that letter as a reminder of Steny Hoyer’s personal dedication to each and every person in his 5th District. I moved away recently, but I remain a lifelong supporter of a Congressman who made such a positive impact on my family. Shirley Clark Clayton, NC (Former resident of MD 5th District)
Incumbents Responsible for Gulf Oil Spill Everyone is upset about the Gulf oil spill and some of the most vocal critics of the oil industry are our elected officials. (I’d like to say our elected leaders but leadership is a quality that has escaped most of our elected officials, a case in point is how they regulate the oil industry). We were all, including our elected officials, aware that the Bush administration was soft on regulating oil exploration and in fact weakened the existing regulations. All but a few of our elected representatives have been in office for more than a year and did not have more stringent regulation of the oil industry on their radar screen before the spill but now they are screaming at the top of their lungs about more restrictions and safeguards. Effective leaders lead the way to avoid problems and don’t rely on Monday-morning-quarterbacking events that they stood by and watched
evolve. Our political system is broken and I hope the voters are willing to do something about it. The incumbent politicians were asleep at the switch or too busy counting their campaign contributions to prevent the current oil disaster and it is time to get fresh blood into the system. If those who feel so helpless to do something about the demise of our environment really want to do something to protect it in the future, they should cross all incumbent politicians off their list unless the incumbent has only demonstrated the rejection of the present political process with its earmarks, political favors, and special interests. If not, the voters deserve what they get and are part of the problems. David Ryan Hollywood, MD
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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, June-2010
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Cover
On The Cover
On The
Women’s Build Giving Joneses a New Home
Crews are still busy putting together Patuxent Habitat for Humanity’s greenest and most ambitious home to date, which is taking shape at Chesapeake Ranch Estates as more and more women
Photo By Andrea Shiell Workers volunteer their time at the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity’s first-ever “Women’s Build” project in the Chesapeake Ranch Estates, Lusby. The home building project is supported by a $55,000 grant from Lowe’s home improvement stores.
sign up to volunteer. As the area’s first “Women’s Build”, Patuxent Habitat secretary Barbara Zeiller said it has been one of the group’s most successful builds so far. “We have a female electrician that’s done all of our electric work, and she’s been fantastic,” said Zeiller, “but really this has been a great build, very popular. We’ve had a lot of women come out, especially just in the last two weeks … and a lot of couples are coming out, too.” Though the build was only launched on May 8, a lot of progress had already been made as of Saturday, when the last of the electrical work was slated for completion along with stairs and windows. Up-and-coming homeowner Crystal Jones, a caregiver who moved to Southern Maryland from Nebraska in February 2000, described the new house as a blessing for herself and her husband Chris, who have lived in a tiny rented space with their daughters Sarah and Amber for the last several years. “We came here to try to make a better life for my kids and myself. My mother had passed on just a few months before, and my brother and sister were out here, so we decided to get together,” she said. “We’ve just been living in a small place … no bedrooms, but it’s got a loft,” she said, laughing as she explained the work that was going on that afternoon, where volunteers were expected to finish early. “They’re putting the windows in today and finishing the wiring,” said Crystal, “and they’re putting the stairs in today. All of the framework is pretty much done.”
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“Today we’re installing doors and windows,” said her husband Chris, who said his 26 years of construction experience have helped him construct his family’s home. “The volunteers are doing great. They’re great listeners, so we’re doing what we need to do.” All told, Chris said the most unusual part of his experience with Habitat for Humanity had been the number of people who had offered to help. “That’s unusual, just having all this help,” he said, laughing. “But it’s wonderful to have it.” The Women Build program, underwritten by Lowe’s, brings women from all walks of life together to learn construction skills and then use those skills to be part of the solution to poverty housing. Patuxent Habitat for Humanity received a $55,000 grant from Lowe’s to build the house, which is located in the Chesapeake Ranch Estates development in Lusby. Photo By Andrea Shiell T h e The Jones family, Crystal, left, Amber and Chris (daughter Sarah is not pictured) W o m e n are working on the site of their new home being built in the Patuxent Habitat for
Photo By Andrea Shiell
Build in Calvert County is receiving great support from the community, and large groups of volunteers are expected until the house is complete, organizers say. Because the building lot is in an established neighborhood in Chesapeake Ranch Estates there is very limited parking. Participants are asked to park at Appeal Elementary School, where shuttles will take people to the build site starting at 8 a.m. For more information on Habitat for Humanity, or to register to volunteer for the Women’s Build, call 301-863-6227 or email info@patuxenthabitat.org. By Andrea Shiell (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Humanity’s first-ever “Women’s Build” project.
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Thursday, May-2010
Thursday, May-2010
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Sp rts Fall Sports See Success for Panther Teams The 2009-10 High School sports season kicked off with fall sports, and every team at Patuxent made their move towards regional playoff success with state championship dreams. The Patuxent boys’ socFile Photo cer team won 10 regular season games in 2009, as well as a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over Gwynn Park in the 2A South Regional q u a r t e r f i n a l s. They would fall short of the regional title game, losing to eventual 2A State champ Marriotts Ridge 4-0 in the region semifinals. The Panther The Panthers football team struggled in 2009 after mak- girls also won a ing the playoffs the previous two seasons. 2A South playoff game, edging county rival Calvert 1-0 in the 2A South quarters, but fell to state seminfinalist Glenelg 5-1 in the regional semifinals. On the football field, the Panthers struggled as a team, but running back Frank Taitano emerged as an individual star, running for 1,469 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns on the season. The outstanding season helped Taitano earn a scholarship to Fairmont State University in West Virginia. Teammate Francis Baker also earned a trip to college for his excellence on the gridiron, as he’ll be attending Valparaiso University in Indiana. The Patuxent field hockey team claimed its third consecutive SMAC title and made an appearance in the 2A South championship game. The Panthers dominated Hammond 8-0 in the quarterfinals and defeated Calvert 4-1 in the semifinals, but lost to Glenelg 2-0 in the regional championship game. By Chris Stevens (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Photo By Sean Rice The Patuxent volleyball won 9 games in the fall before losing to Glenelg in the 2A South playoffs.
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Cold Winter Didn’t Stop Patuxent’s Improvement In one of the coldest and snowiest winters the entire region has ever seen, the sports teams at Patuxent High School did their best to warm things up. In individual competition, freshman wrestler Zach Pilkington came away with a conference championship, defeating Brandt Leadbetter of Northern 5-0 in the 103-pound finals of the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference tournament at North Point High School in late February. The youthful Panthers nearly Photo By Frank Marquart cracked the top half J.R. Pilkington and the youthful of the SMAC meet, Patuxent wrestling team took seventh compiling 123.5 in the SMAC meet in February. team points which was good enough seventh place out of 13 teams. Indoor track saw Amina Smith claim her final indoor conference and state championships in the high jump competition. Smith broke her own conference record (previously 5 feet, 6 inches) by clearing 5’8 on the bar and coming so close to reaching 5’10. Kristina Kendrick also claimed gold for the Panther girls, winning the long jump crown. On the basketball court, the Panther boys and girls suffered growing pains, but with coaches Lou Bruno and Chris Turlington leading the way, Patuxent basketball maybe on the way up. Prior to Turlington’s arrival in 200809, the Panther girls had not won a game in the previous two seasons. After one win in ‘08-’09, the Patuxent girls pulled out three wins, including a memorable 38-36 win over 3A South contender Lackey and a 42-36 win over Leonardtown that saw them assert their dominance on the defensive end. In their 2A South first round game, they lost to Southern High
School (Anne Arundel) 48-40, but with much of the team returning, hopes are high for 2010-11. The Panther boys also picked up a victory after a winless 2008-09, but fell short in their 2A South Regional playoff game, losing to Long Reach 50-37 in the first round. By Chris Stevens (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
LaChrisha Hill led the Patuxent girls’ hoops team to three wins in 2009-10 after winning just one game in the previous three years.
Photo By Frank Marquart
Photo By Sean Rice The Patuxent boys’ team, led by forward Quinn Trudo, gave their best effort and showed rapid improvement throughout the season.
Patuxent High Panthers Shine in Spring Time School SMAC Spring Honors The Patuxent High School spring sports teams busted out with one of the more memorable seasons in school history as teams competed for championships and athletes in the individual sports won a few.
Sp rts
Baseball Second Team Second baseman Jeffrey Morgan, sophomore Pitcher Donnie Holtzclaw, senior
Photo By Chris Stevens Eric Brauner and the Patuxent boys’ lacrosse team won eight games this spring.
Boys’ Lacrosse Second Team Midfielder Michael Adams, senior
Girls’ Lacrosse First Team Attacker Michelle Denny, senior Midfielder Claire Ganoe, senior Second Team Defender Alex Tierney, senior Defender Amy Samilton, sophomore
Softball Second Team Utility Player Kara Holtzman, senior
Tennis Boys’ Most Outstanding Player Justin Tabor, sophomore First Team Singles Justin Tabor
Photo By Chris Stevens Jacob Robertson and the Panthers’ baseball team made the regional finals before falling to Hammond.
The Patuxent baseball team had a memorable run to the 2A South regional championship game, engaging in a memorable 12-inning battle with Glenelg High School of Howard county in the semifinal game. Mike Sknerski’s single up the middle scored Chapin Cofod with the winning run in a dramatic 5-4 win. The Panthers fell short of making the state tournament, losing to top-seeded Hammond High School 13-0 in the 2A South title game. On the softball team, the Panthers overcame a slow start to finish their regular season strong and made some noise in the playoffs as well. Patuxent edged county rival Calvert High School 2-1 in the 2A South opening round, then punished second-seeded Frederick Douglass 14-0 in the quarterfinals. The Panthers fell short of the title game, losing to state semifinalist Glenelg 7-2 in the region semifinals.
meet at Morgan State University in Baltimore. Smith won her eighth high jump state title (combined indoor and outdoor) with a jump of 5 feet, 7 inches and also took home her first triple jump crown, leaping 37 feet, 5 ¾ inches. The Patuxent boys’ 4 by 100 meter relay team also won the conference championship, sliding by North Point by just .2 seconds. Francis Baker won the boys’ shot put title as well, edging out Huntingtown’s Eddie Shields by an inch on his winning throw. On the tennis court, mixed doubles tandem Cari Hopson (the SMAC girls’ player of the year) and Justin Tabor (boys’ player of the year) advanced all the way to the state championship match, falling in three sets (6-3, 3-6, 1-6) to Audrey Cheng and Nathan Huber from River Hill High School in Howard County. By
only get better with time. The Patuxent boys also had a successful season, finishing with a winning regular season record (86), but they were edged out in the 3A-2A East first round by James M. Bennett High School by a score of 8-7. On the track, Amina Smith closed out her SMAC career with another high jump championship and took two Photo By Chris Stevens state championships at the 2A Amina Smith won state championships in indoor and
Chris Stevens (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
outdoor track in the high jump this season.
Girls’ Most Outstanding Player Cari Hopson, senior First Team Singles Cari Hopson
Boys’ Track and Field First Team 400 meter relay: senior Frank Taitano, senior Brandyn Taylor, sophomore Jasper Savoy, junior Tyler Austin Shot-put: Francis Baker, senior Discus: Francis Baker, senior Second Team 800 meters: Tommy Scott, senior 300 meter hurdles: Tyler Austin, junior
Girls’ Track and Field First Team High jump: Amina Smith, senior Triple jump: Amina Smith, senior
Photo By Chris Stevens Claire Ganoe and the Patuxent girls’ lacrosse team made history by advancing to the regional finals.
In lacrosse action, the Patuxent girls (10-5 in 2010) made a regional final for the first time in school history, reaching the 3A2A East championship game. Seeded second in the region, the Panthers made the most of home-field advantage, as they pounded Baltimore City 19-1 in the quarterfinals and edged Northeast of Anne Arundel County 17-14 in the semis. The Panthers’ run came to an end in the title game, as Stephen Decatur defeated Patuxent 14-3, ending a journey for a young team that coach Anthony Barone feels can
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James M. Atkinson, Jr., 75
Gary Otto Himmighoefer, Jr., 32
James M. “Junior” Atkinson, Jr., 75, of Fayetteville, NC, formerly of Drum Point, MD passed away on May 24, 2010 in Fayetteville, NC. He was born on October 28, 1934 in Fayetteville, NC to the late James and Eunice Atkinson. He married Patsy Ann Knowles on November 22, 1970 in Washington, DC and she preceded him in death on March 5, 2008. Junior graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1949 and went on to serve in the Navy from 1949 to 1975 when he was honorably discharged. He then went on to work for the Capitol Hill Police Department and retired in 1989 after 15 years of service. Junior was also a devoted Mason. Junior is survived by his two brothers, Frank Atkinson of Fayetteville, NC and Gerald Atkinson of Durham. NC. A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, May 27, 2010 in the Rausch Funeral Home Chapel, Lusby, MD with Rev. Michael R. Jones officiating. Entombment followed in Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD.
Loving husband, father, son and brother, Gary Otto Himmighoefer, Jr., 32 passed away in Anchorage, Alaska on May 17, 2010. The world became a brighter and better place on September 26th, 1977 when Gary was born in Fulton, Georgia to Gary O. and Grace Janet Himmighoefer. He grew up in this area, graduating from Great Mills High School in 1995. Gary served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, deploying twice to Iraq. Most recently, he was pursuing a degree in elementary education at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Throughout his life, Gary always displayed a great capacity to love. He looked after his family, his siblings, and his Marines. He always put their well-being before his own. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband and father.
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Thursday, June-2010
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Gary is survived by his treasured wife, Christy, and beautiful daughters Haven and Zoë; step-parents Carolyn and Rey Johnson; siblings Gwen Wells (Dean), Wanda Holder (Kevin), Nila Elliott, Jared Himmighoefer (Evin), Ryan Himmighoefer (Asha), Caitlyn Himmighoefer, Erin Herche (Doug), Ashley Johnson (Julie), Hyrum Johnson (Sarah), Merinda Johnson-Schaff (Jörg), Janessa Campbell (Evan), Jonathan Johnson (Polly) and brother-in-law John Garcia; 47 nieces and nephews and 19 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gary Otto Himmighoefer Sr. and Grace Janet Moreland. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a scholarship fund for Haven & Zoe in care of Christy Himmighoefer, at Alaska USA Bank, P.O. Box 196613, Anchorage, AK 99519-6613. Arrangements were with Rausch Funeral Home in Owings.
Mary Lou McCarter, 80 M r s . Mary Lou McCa r ter, 80, died June 1st, 2010 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Fr e d e r ic k , MD. She was born in Meadowland, PA on June 24, 1929 to the late Emerson Dunbar and Audra Clella Dunbar nee Harbert. She married her beloved husband Ernest “Mac” Martin McCarter, Jr. on March 27, 1947 in Ellicott City, MD. Mac passed away on April 26, 1998. Preceding her in death were her siblings Nile Dunbar, Martha Lee Fink, Donald Dunbar and Don Lewis Dunbar. Mary Lou loved gardening, spending time with her family, stamp collecting, arts and crafts and her fond love of books. She is survived by her beloved children Nancy Jean McCarter Tinsley of Lusby, MD and Ernest Martin “Marty” McCarter and his wife Carol Lynn of Lusby, MD; her sisters Connie Koltz of Linthicum, MD and Gina Tamarello of Baltimore, MD; her brother Jimmy Dunbar of Titusville, FL, her grandchildren John and his wife Judi of Valley Lee, MD, Christopher and his wife Andi Tinsley of Lusby, MD, Misty and her husband Gary Foster of Bellevue, NE, Blake and his wife Heather McCarter of Overland Park, KS, Michelle and her husband Duane Brewer of Callaway, MD, David Bean, Jr. of Lusby, MD, Laci McCarter of Ulysses, KS, Jimmy
Bean of Lusby, MD, Jessica McCarter of Lusby, MD and Carly McCarter of Lusby, MD; her great grandchildren Drew Tinsley of Camp Jejune, NC, Jordan Tinsley of Valley Lee, MD, Meghan Tinsley of Valley Lee, MD, Cole Tinsley of Valley Lee, MD, Tyler Stamps of Lusby, MD, Savannah Stamps of Lusby, MD, Christopher Tinsley of Lusby, MD, Nathaniel Tinsley of Lusby, MD, Kaylea Foster of Bellevue, NE, Christian Foster of Bellevue, NE, Colin McCarter of Overland Park, KS, Noah Brewer of Callaway, MD, Naomi Brewer of Callaway, MD, Adam McCarter of Ulysses, Ks and Hailey Bean of Lusby, MD. The family received friends at the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD on Friday, June 4th until the time of the funeral service at 12 p.m. with Father Greg Syler from St. George Episcopal Church, Valley Lee, MD officiating. Interment followed at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers were Drew Tinsley, Christopher Tinsley, David Bean, Jimmy Bean, Mark McCarter and Jack McCarter. Honorary pallbearers were Jack McCarter, John Tinsley, Blake McCarter, Gary Foster and Duane Brewer. Should friend’s desire, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Solomons Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, 13150 H. G. Trueman Road, P. O. Box 189, Solomons, MD 20688. Arrangements by the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD.
Constance Clayton Oliver, 55 Constance Clayton “Connie” Oliver, 55, of Great Mills, MD formerly of Warminster, PA passed away on May 24, 2010 in LaPlata, MD. She was born on October 30, 1954 in Abington, PA to C. William Clayton and the late Lucille Martin. She was the beloved wife of David C. Oliver whom she married on September 4, 1993 in Hatboro, PA. Connie graduated from Upper Moreland High Scholl in 1973 and went on to graduate from Northeastern Christian Junior College in 1975. She moved to Great Mills, MD in October of 1996 from Warminster, PA. Connie is survived by he husband David C. Oliver of Great Mills, MD; father, C. William Clayton of Birdsboro, PA; brothers, William Clayton of Virginia Beach, VA and Robert Clayton of Austin, TX; and six special cats, Kimberly, Nymph, Molly, Snickers, Misty, and Chelsea. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 from 3-4 PM at the Patuxent Presbyterian Church, 23421 Kingston Creek Road, California, MD where a Memorial Service will be held at 4 PM with Rev. Michael R. Jones officiating. Inurnment will be private. Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD.
Pauline Elfrieda Rose, 89 P a u line Elfrieda Rose, 89, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at The Hermitage at St. Johns Creek, Solomons, MD. She was born on November 23, 1920 in Eibelstadt, Germany to Karl and Maria Holder. Although her legal name is Pauline, co-workers called her Marie, and to friends and family who loved her she was “Oma.” She was married at the age of 19 in Schweinfurt, Germany to Rudolf Bauer who passed away in WWII. Marie emigrated to the U.S. from Sommerhausen, Germany in 1948 with their son Edmund to start a new life. Due to her extremely organized nature, she quickly began her career as a cafeteria manager in the Anne Arundel County School system. That is where she first met the love of her life, Lew. On June 27, 1959 she married Lewis Rose, who is known to all as “Opa.” He is a retired Army Master Sergeant from Baltimore, MD and a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Although they lived in Fayetteville, NC for many years, they made their home in Lusby, MD in 1998 so they could be surrounded by family and friends. For years their dachshund, Heidi, traveled with her everywhere she went. She loved dancing and German music - polkas in particular -- and if she heard one playing she was hard pressed to keep her toes from tapping and most times would get up to do a step or two. Oma and Opa were a marvel on the dance floor. Oma’s German heritage always shined through with her love of beer, brats, and especially her pumpernickel bread! Oma and Opa celebrated their 50th anniversary last June. He has been a wonderful husband and friend,
and took exceptionally loving care of Oma until the day she drew her last breath. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Leonard, sister, Beata, Onkle Michel and Tante Emma. She is survived by her son, Edmund Bauer (Virginia), her five grandchildren, Mark Bauer (Karen), Edgar Bauer (Susan), Virginia Pontzer (Andrew), Edith Hoover (Thomas), Chris Bauer (Linda), and her six great-grandchildren, Samantha, Joseph, Eddie, John Paul, Andrew, and one little girl due any day to Chris and Linda. She is also survived by her sisters in Bavaria, Hedwig and Olga. The family received friends to celebrate Oma’s life on the morning of Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Rausch Funeral Home in Lusby, MD, followed by a funeral service at noon.
Judy Skinner, 60 Judy M Skinner, 60, of North Beach, passed away May 14, 2010 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD after a lengthy illness. Judy was born July 12, 1949 in Odenton, MD to Clarence J. “Smokey” and Helen Hetterly Weaver. She was raised in Seat Pleasant, MD and graduated from Central High School, class of 1967. After high school she worked as a clerk at the G.S.A. in Washington, D.C., and was also a homemaker. Upon moving to Calvert County, she worked as a billing clerk at Calvert Memorial Hospital from 1985 until 1988 when she became a Communications Officer at the Calvert County Control Center in Prince Frederick, retiring in 2007 due to illness. Judy married Dennis C. Skinner on September 28, 1985 and they
made their home in Chesapeake Beach and later in North Beach. She was an active member of the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department and their Auxiliary, and was a member of North Beach Union Church. Judy was also a longtime advocate against domestic abuse and violence. She enjoyed reading her Bible, was fond of crafts and flower arranging, working crossword puzzles and travel, and loved and doing things for her grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, Judy is survived by her husband Dennis C. Skinner, a son Timothy J. Newman and his wife Stacy of Prince Frederick, daughters Joy A. Dalrymple and her husband Timothy of St. Leonard and Angela H. Cowan of Windham, CT. She is also survived by grandchildren Ashley Newman, Cody and Tiffany Dalrymple, Zachary Longfellow and Miranda and Hunter Cowan, and by a sister Sylvia Gordon of TN. Memorial Contributions may be made to the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 86, North Beach, MD 20714.
Theresa Regina Smialek, 91 Theresa R. Smialek, 91, formerly of Tantallon, MD died peacefully on May 25, 2010 at The Hermitage at St. Johns Creek, Solomons, MD. She was born October 11, 1918 in Everson, PA to Jacob and Frances Kulczak the eldest of 5 children. She attended a Polish Catholic elementary school and a high school in that area. She married Joseph W. Smialek in November 1942 in Baltimore and together raised 4 children. She enjoyed the love of 12 grandchildren, 7 great-children and was awaiting the 8th. After living in Baltimore, D.C., and Hyattsville they became one of the original owners in Tantallon on the Potomac, MD.
Theresa enjoyed raising parakeets, watching squirrels, butterflies and gardening. She was competitive and liked playing Yatzee, cards, bingo, and scratchoffs. She was an avid Orioles fan and loved family holiday celebrations. She had latch-hooked 40-50 rugs and was known for her Polish cooking, baking, specially decorated cakes, and panoramic sugar Easter eggs. She had a generous spirit.The past 3 plus years have been happily spent with her new friends and devoted staff of the Hermitage where she fully participated in activities and special events. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years; her parents; a brother, Thomas Kulczak of MD; and a sister, Gertrude Loper of NV. She is survived by two brothers, Valentine of MD and Robert of PA; her four children: Lawrence (Beverly) of Port Republic, MD; Richard (Carolyn) of Dublin, OH; Kathleen Simone of Huntingtown, MD; Timothy (Darlene) of Ashburn, VA; her grandchildren: Joseph (Jennifer) and Jacob (Chris) all of Calvert County, Matthew of CA, Jerome (Tara) of VA, Christopher of PA, Nicholas (Kristin) of GA, Sarah of FL, Katy of OH, Jessica (Kevin) of MD, Michael (Nick) of MN; Eric (Ashley) and Joshua all of VA; her great-grandchildren: Drew, Chad, Emma, Ty, Elle, Ethan, and Mikayla; friend, Patricia Young; and a number of nieces and nephews. The family received friends at Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD on Thursday, May 27, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, May 28, 11 am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Prince Frederick, MD, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD. Donations in her name may be made to The Hermitage at St. John’s Creek, P. O. Box 1509, Solomons, MD 20688; attn: Ms. Connie Himmelberger.
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CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate Very well kept Split Floyer located in Chesapeake Ranch Estates. Hardwood floors, new lighting fixtures, berber carpert, new electric stove Den/4th bedroom and French Doors leading to walk-out basement. You don’t want to miss this. Not a short sale or foreclosure no waiting!!! This is a must see!! Fore more infromation, call 410-326-0814. Price: $190,000.
Beautiful 2-story colonial with 2 car garage and fully finished daylight basement. Large fenced yard on a cul-de-sac. Wrap around front porch and large back deck. Main level has 9 foot ceilings and hardwood floors. Kitchen has island, 42 inch cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Dining room has crown moulding and chair rail. Gas fireplace in family room. Convenient upstairs laundry. Master suite has bath and separate shower, double sinks and walk in closet. A must see! Realtors: We are offering a commission upon the completed closing! For more information, call 410-326-1139. Price: $385,000.
t n a r u Resta
Real Estate Rentals Located withing walking distance to EVERYTHING in SOLOMONS! Great location on C St but not in the middle of all the crowds. Very large, Level yard. In addition to the 2 BR’s you have a Living Room, Family Room, Office and kitchen has table space. Can rent Furnished or unfurnished. Email for mroe infromation, Karrie.g @ comcast.net. Rent: $1500.
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Huntingtown - Detached apt for rent.Furnished. Private fenced yard,Large deck, washer/dryer. Furnished..Just bring your TV and laptop.. All utilities- BASIC Cable and Wireless internet included. Stand up corner shower unit. Lots of privacy. $1000.00 deposit plus 1st months rent. Pet can be discussed. e-mail for pictures and/or call 410-610-1281 or email lkdement@yahoo. com. Rent: $1300.
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$ 18
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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.
What Do Crabbers Do Anyway? By Capt. Sonney Forrest There are two different styles of commercial crabbers on the Chesapeake Bay. There are crab pot crabbers, those that set out individual crab traps baited to collect crabs. Then there is the trotline crabber who sets a long line out with baits attached so he can dip the crabs. Both are crabbers but while a crab pot will cost about $40 each to manufacture and rig or about $12,000 for a maximum of 300 pots. A trotline costs rigged about $200 per thousand feet, (most are only two to three thousand feet long) so start up costs are much smaller and the catch, of course, is limited. Trotline crabs are normally more expensive as they are individually selected. There is an Unlimited Tidal Fish License which cost a whopping $300 and Maryland has about 2,000 users in the state. These are the hard working crab potters you see on the Bay proper pulling crab pots alongside the boat one at a time. Limited Crab Catchers are the trotliners who pay $50 for a license. They are more numerous with about 3,000 licensed users. This includes a lot of weekend crabbers that do it only when they can and on a smaller scale. The State of Maryland has had a buyback program to reduce this number and have bought about 600 licenses back. Tommy Zinn in Lusby has lived in Calvert County for 55 years and says he’s still an outsider. He started on the water some 50 years ago, working with his brother. He was working shift work on the Prince George’s (P.G.) County Fire Department that allowed him time on the water. He was oystering in the 60’s and started crabbing in the 70’s because of the economics of the oyster industry, he said. In the 60’s there were 4 to 5 oyster houses on the Patuxent River alone. Most weeks you could find two to three hundred commercial oyster boats from all over the state here on the river. Buy Boats, were coming every day from other states, like Virginia, to buy oysters. Smith Is-
land waterman came here for weeks at a time; living aboard their boats and supporting our local economy. Each boat would catch 50 to 70 bushels a day. They were paid $3 to $5 dollars a bushel, which was hard earned money back then to support your family back on the Island. A few Hurricanes’ in the 70’s changed all that. Much of the local oyster bars got covered over with silt and pollution from upstream. The Pollution caused the Health Department to close most of the oyster areas. Many of the watermen had to oyster on the Eastern Shore waterways. This caused Tommy Zinn to seek different employment with P.G. Fire Department to support his family. To stay locally Tommy took up trotline crabbing and has done so for years. Tommy Zinn works the water. A typical day for a craba day and only allowed to work six days ber like Tommy is to wake at 3:30 a.m., dress, get coffee, load the truck a week, taking either Sunday or Monday off. That is working 8 to 10 hours on the and be at the boat by 4 a.m. Crabbers are allowed to start crab- water every day and in the summer it is bing one hour before sun is up each day. very hot on the water. The weather can Cruising in the boat to the site by 4:30 determine how long you can work on the a.m. where he deploys his crabbing gear. water with heat and storms. The crabs do The trot line is 2,000 feet long, about a not like it hot, so they must be kept cool 1/3 of a mile long; this takes him about so they don’t spoil. After Tommy completes his long day 20 minutes. At one hour before dawn he starts working the line. It is important to on the water, it is not ever close to over. know that he gets there early to mark his He must go directly to the buyer to deliver spot because others must stay clear of his his catch which may take 1-2 hours drivgear. He must set it in the right depth of ing time. Back at the crab shack he must water, the right bottom conditions, near prepare for the next day’s trip. Taking out vegetation, no obstructions to catch his all the gear from the truck, he takes each line and in good water oxygen lev- basket full of about 1,000 feet of trot line. els. He hopes to have a food source He must inspect each bait, about 200 of there and good habitat to hold the them and replace the bad or half eaten crabs. Most crabbers stay in baits with new ones. There are normally the same location because of two or three baskets to do. If he is using the right habitat. When the eels cut up for bait or chicken necks for crabbing conditions change bait they must be salted down as he does s o do the crabbers. The crabs each one. Should he be using Clams for migrate just like fish. If they move bait they must be refrigerated so they away there is a reason, figuring it out don’t spoil before the next days’ trip. With the gear ready he still must tend takes years of watching the signs and to the vessel, his work horse of the sea. weather. To run a 2,000 foot line takes about He cleans the boat up and refuels the tank 20 minutes time. Tommy then culls the and does the maintenance, as something crabs or sorts them out. Then moves breaks every day it would seem. Now he back up the line to do it all over again. can turn to doing all the home stuff that Crabs must be 5 inches tip to tip until needs doing. Tommy Zinn is the current President July 15th when it changes to a bigger crab size of 5.25 inches. They have no of the Calvert County Waterman’s Aslimit on how many bushels of males so sociation and has been for the past eight long as they are proper length. They are years. Representing over 50 watermen in also allowed two bushels of mature fe- Calvert County alone, that are full and males a day. But they are limit- part time watermen. He directs monthly ed to 10 hours crabbing time meetings and attends other meetings for
his members. They include meetings on regulations, oyster committees, Maryland Waterman’s Association meetings, all that takes up 3 to 4 evenings a week. His phone never stops ringing until 11 p.m. at night when it is turned off until 4 a.m. Then it all starts over again. These Watermen are hard working, community orientated and close family based. They support many events in this county helping other organizations make it work. The Calvert County Watermen’s Association provides a scholarship award of $1, 000 each year to the Chesapeake Biological Lab to give back to the community. They themselves are involved in the following events coming up in which you should attend: • On June 13 at 1 p.m., the Senator Bernie Fowler “Wade in at Jefferson Patterson Park Museum” • On Aug. 28 and 29, all day they are working at the North Beach Bay Feast, North Beach Pier cooking Shrimp and Crabs for your feast. •On Sept. 26,they have the biggest and best Boat Docking Contest that no one should miss starting a 12 p.m. • On Oct. 9 and 10, to end the year they do it at our local Patuxent River Appreciation Days held at Calvert Marine Museum here in Solomons. So set the dates on your calendar and come out to support those that support you from the Waterfront. Tommy said that with the regulations on watermen today that “all” watermen should join their local associations to have a better voice in the government.
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Out About
Save The Date – Save The River
By Joyce Baki
In the company of friends, fun foods and drinks learn to construct decDon’t miss the party of the season! orative raku wall tiles with floral Go Green with Annmarie Garden on Sat- impressions. This two-class series urday, June 12, at their 3rd Annual Spring is on June 14 and 21 from 6:30 to Gala when they unveil their new exhibit, 9:30 p.m. Bring a small bouquet of GREEN. The exhibit will feature art with your favorite summer flowers and the earth in mind. This year’s gala will learn how to capture their beauty showcase breathtaking works of art in the in a unique artwork. Sign up with Arts Building and will spill outdoors into a friend and make it a true girls’ the Garden, where guests can enjoy the night out. Or learn to loosen up with lovely lighter ambiance of a garden party, acrylic paints on June 16 as you excomplete with heavy hors d’oeuvres, live plore the fluidity of the medium with music, an open bar, a silent auction and painted “sketches” at “Loose and more. The gala runs from 5 to 10 p.m. and Juicy Acrylics.” This fun and intickets can be purchased online at www. formative class is for beginners or painters looking for new approaches annmariegarden.com. Set aside some time for “Knit in Pub- to their work. For more information lic Day” sponsored by the Southern Mary- on classes at Annmarie Garden visit land Folk Art Center. Join us to Knit, Cro- online at www.annmariegarden.org. chet, or Spin - anything fibery that makes you happy! (inside if it rains!) The event will be held Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 10 a.m. - 143 Central Square, Prince Frederick, Md Join a tradition at the 23rd Annual Patuxent River Wade-In at Jefferson Patterson Park on Sunday, June 13. Senator Bernie Fowler started this event in 1986 to bring attention to the declining health of a natural resource near and dear to him. Growing up in Calvert County, Senator Fowler waded in the Patuxent River searching for crabs and using a net, he scooped up crabs in the clear water while it lapped past his waist. Senator Fowler was moved to action and public service when pollution began to muddy the waters and he could no longer see the bottom when only knee deep. The Wade-In is from 1 to 4 p.m. and will feature speakers, displays and environmental activities. Wear your
overalls and white sneakers! (www.jefpat. org)
It is “Girls’ Night Out: Wine and DISH!” at Annmarie Garden.
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Chef Jack Batten of DiGiovanni’s Dock of the Bay offers summertime brunching on Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 10 a.m. with breakfast items served until 2 p.m.; sandwiches and salads available until 5 p.m. Enjoy the smooth voice and easy-listening style of contemporary guitarist Larry Tierney on Friday, June 11; Thursday, June 17; and Friday, June 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. On Thursday, June 24, enjoy the monthly wine dinner, “Tuscany,” featuring an Italian five-course menu paired with wines for only $69.95 per person. For reservations, call 410-394-6400. (www. digiovannisrestaurant.com) Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum continues its Archaeology Speakers Series on Thursday, June 17, at 7 p.m., with “Tenements, Tailor Shops and Ladies of the Night – Life at Five Points.” Lecturer Tebecca Yamin, of John Milner Associates, using archaeological results from several sites within this notorious district in 19th century New York City, will paint a picture of this complex place that challenges accepted views of the past and raises questions about how we judge similar places in the present. (www.jefpat.org) Bring the whole family to Annmarie Garden’s wildest yearly event! From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on June 19 enjoy Father’s Day Fling. Dress for the mess as you explore catapults, slingshots, paint
Thursday, June-2010
rockets and a variety of zany tools for mark-making. Each family comes away with a catapult, a large painting on canvas and some rather colorful children! Families of all shapes and sizes are welcome. Payment and registration are required in advance. Café open for lunch. (www.annmariegarden.org) Dad and Granddad will also enjoy the Tobacco Trail Antique & Classic Car Meeton Saturday, June 19, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Annmarie Garden. Enjoy the automobile as art at this annual gathering with food, activities and exhibits. (www. annmariegarden.org) The 15th annual African American Family Community Day will be held at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum on Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Calvert County branch of the NAACP, is a celebration of black culture and history. There are activities for the whole entire family including live entertainment, exhibits, displays, food and merchandise vendors, children’s arts and crafts, games, prize drawings, a moon bounce and a bike safety demonstration — two bicycles will be awarded to two participants in the bike safety activity. Treat dad on Father’s Day to a special river cruise aboard the historic Wm. B. Tennison departing from the Calvert Marine Museum. Built in 1899, the Tennison is the oldest Coast Guardlicensed, passenger carrying vessel on the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy sights, sounds and delicious food aboard this National Historic Landmark. All cruises are open to the public, and sold on a first-come, first served basis. To purchase cruise tickets, please e-mail Melissa McCormick at mccormmj@ co.cal.md.us or call 410-326-2042, ext. 41. Reduce, Reuse, Recreate – Bring your old T shirts, plastic grocery bags, old jewelry, and out-of-date sweaters, and learn how to recreate them into a new useful item. This event,
sponsored by the Southern Maryland Folk Art Center, is Wednesday, June 23rd at 5 p.m. The Calvert Marine Museum Summer Maritime Concert Series begins Friday, June 25, with Lee Murdock, hailing from the maritime tradition of the Great Lakes. Grounded in a work song tradition drawn from the rugged days of lumberjacks and wooden sailing schooners and with a deep understanding of the folk process, Lee’s repertoire combines historical research and contemporary insights, making folk music relevant for the modern era. The concert, sponsored by the Purring Family and the Holiday Inn Solomons, begins at 7 p.m. in the museum auditorium. A $5 per person donation is requested. Also available for purchase beginning at 5:30 p.m. are affordable and delectable sweets, treats and light supper fare by Lotus Kitchen, LLC, along with water, lemonade, wine and beer. (www.calvertmarinemuseum.com) “Here’s Your Sign” to laugh all night long with comedian/actor Bill Engvall live at the Calvert Marine
Museum, Saturday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a night of music, food, and comedy. The evening’s line-up will include the Sam Grow Band and guest comedian, Gary Brightwell, with performances beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 for premium seats and $40 for reserved seats; additional service fees apply. Purchase tickets at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 1-800-787-9454. Gates open at 5 p.m. – plan to come early!
For more events, visit www.ecalvert.com.
Thursday, June-2010
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REEd
SaturDay
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The King of California When I first asked California Bob what his real name was, he laughed and said he’d never tell, but he gladly described his stage moniker as a natural extension of his Los Angeles roots. Though he’s a whole land-mass away from home, Bob seemed comfortable as he strummed his guitar and sang 60s classics at the Ruddy Duck on Tuesday, just as he’ll be doing in Southern Maryland well into next month before moving on to the next city on his list, whether he’s strumming and singing in D.C., Baltimore, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, Pensacola, New Orleans, Lake of the Ozarks, Branson, Denver, Cheyenne or San Francisco. It’s a routine he’s stuck to for many moons, he said, noting the waxing bright spot in the sky during one of his breaks between sets and describing how he got started playing music. “I first touched [a guitar] when I was about 12,” he said, “and I guess I’ve been influenced by thousands of great musicians” including Smoky Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Peter Sinfield (of King Crimson) and Jethro Tull, all of whom have made their way to his set list at one point or another along with Greg Allman, Joan Baez, The Beatles, Chubby Checker, the Clash, Moby, Pink Floyd and Frank Zappa. Since he started performing as a soloist in 1979, he has amassed thousands of his own recordings that feature him on the many instruments he’s learned to play. His latest conquest has been the piano, he said, explaining that his songwriting now stems from his writing for piano, which he then transcribes to guitar, bass, and whatever other instruments he has within reach. “Sometimes a rhythm will come first, but then a melody and a chord structure,”
Photo By Andrea Shiel
he said, describing his orchestral sense of layering chords, split chords, bass lines, piano parts, “a saxophone part, a second saxophone part, and a horn section,” making for a truly never-ending creative process that may belie touch of compulsivity on his part. That may be part of the reason that his hundreds of original songs never make it into his bar sets. You can almost hear the complex orchestral divinations with 20 or 30 parts that he said he doesn’t have the technology to play by himself with just a guitar and a voice. Judging by his descriptions, he’d literally need an entourage to bring those tunes to the stage. But Bob said he doesn’t let that bother him. Whether he’s singing Elvis Presley in Piney Point (his latest favorite spot in St. Mary’s), or the Temptations in Timonium, he’s bound to bring a little California charm with him. For more information about California Bob and a list of upcoming show dates, visit www.californiabob.com. By Andrea Shiell (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
The Best Lure on the Bay By Keith McGuire We all have one lure that we profess to be the absolute best lure known to man. Yet, in the hands of another, the lure never seems to live up to our accolades. I have a few ‘best lures’. For flounder, nothing beats a baited Uncle Josh Swing Hook Bucktail™. For breaking fish, the best is a Hopkins Smoothie™. For casting to a rocky shoreline, the Smack-It Jr. ™ popper by Stillwater Lures has no equal. If forty people read this article, there will be forty different best lures for each situation, and your local tackle shop has more top-of-the-line, fish-catching lures than you can ever afford to buy. There is an answer to this conundrum, which is revealed below. After a run of massive numbers of cow-nosed rays last weekend fishing settled down to the usual early spring catch of smaller stripers and lots of croakers. Lots of anglers fishing from shore encountered the thrill of seemingly hooking the stern of a boat going away only to learn that they had the fortune of hooking one of these “skate,” as they are commonly known. After the onslaught, the rays seemed to diminish in number, leaving a few to aggravate fishers hoping for table fare. Fishing from boats wasn’t a lot better when the winged creatures made their “shock and awe” arrival. They left us all a little shell-shocked as the onslaught ebbed. Such was the case with Ed Lewis. This past Wednesday, he was bottom fishing off Second Beach Ed Lewis with light tackle, a #2 hook, and baited with shrimp, when he felt an unrelenting pull on his Ugly Stik™ spooled with 12 pound test braided line. He was sure it was a skate and tried to intentionally break the line early
On the
Water
in the fight. But the line wouldn’t break, and soon what appeared to be a monster croaker surfaced in the water next to his boat. He netted the fish and discovered that he had caught a 26 pound, 33.5 inch black drum. When I last spoke with Mr. Lewis he was still looking for a good recipe for the fish. In Last week’s column, I indicated that I had not met any person who has caught a keeper flounder this season. That has changed. I encountered one individual, named Trevor, who did indeed catch a 21” flounder last week. He caught it along the Calvert County shore of the Bay while jigging for rockfish. I’ve heard one or two unsubstantiated rumors of keeper flatfish, but no evidentiary confirmations. Based on these observations, we should expect to see more flounder in the next 2 or 3 weeks, perhaps enough to make it worthwhile to spend the day fishing for them. To confirm that the bigger rockfish have departed the area, I had a conversation with Captain Phil Langley of the Chesapeake Charm this past weekend. He fishes the Chesapeake Bay and lower Potomac River areas. He said that he’s catching lots of 18 – 26 inch stripers when chumming, plenty of croakers when bottom fishing from anchor, and an occasional undersized flounder when drift fishing. A discussion with Mike Henderson at Buzz’s Marina noted that there are plenty of spot in the creek. Also, he said some bluefish in the 3 pound class have just begun to show up. Folks fishing St. Clement’s Bay and Breton Bay are now catching good numbers of white perch. Bloodworms, night crawlers, small spinner baits and tiny crank baits should do the job. So, what’s the best lure on the Bay? The one that gives you the most confidence, of course! Keith has been a recreational angler on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for over 50 years, he fishes weekly from his small boat during the season, and spends his free time supporting local conservation organizations.
Thursday, June-2010
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