Gazette
Southern Calvert
July 2010
Priceless
Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard
Diving Into Summer PAGE 12
Photo By Frank Marquart
Solomons to Host National Boat Race Story Page 4
Why Calvert’s Elections Are The Way They Are Story Page 5
‘R U Calvert’s Next Idol’ Competition Returns Story Page 21
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Thursday, July-2010
On T he Cover
David Rice, 16 of Brandywine, takes a flying dive off of one of the diving boards at Cove Point Park Pool in Lusby last week when the temperature outside reached 95 degrees.
Also Inside
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community
Calvert Marine Museum was swamped with children and families for the annual SHARKFEST! Event. SEE PAGE 9.
An osprey over the Patuxent River, loses its grip on an large fish, and a bald eagle swoops in to catch the dropped dinner in the next photo by Michael Roane. SEE PAGE 22.
out & about
FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 20 IN OUT AND ABOUT
land s I s n o Solom eport Tide R
local news
Calvert County received $96,000 in Heritage Area Grants, including $90,000 for the Cove Point Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters. SEE PAGE 5.
July 23-25 2010
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F 23 High 12:56 AM 2.1 6:01 AM Set 3:34 AM 23 Low 8:07 AM 0.6 8:24 PM Rise 6:54 PM 23 High 12:42 PM 1.3 23 Low 6:30 PM 0.4
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Sa 24 High 1:43 AM 2.1 6:01 AM Set 4:33 AM 24 Low 8:49 AM 0.6 8:23 PM Rise 7:34 PM 24 High 1:35 PM 1.3 24 Low 7:22 PM 0.4
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Su 25 High 2:24 AM 2.0 6:02 AM Set 5:33 AM 25 Low 9:25 AM 0.6 8:22 PM Rise 8:08 PM 25 High 2:23 PM 1.4 25 Low 8:09 PM 0.4
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July 30-August 1 2010 Day
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Local News
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Politics
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State News
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Community
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Letters
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Cover Story
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Locals
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Sports
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Obituaries
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Business Directory
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History
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Out & About
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Entertainment
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On The Water
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% Moon
F 30 High 5:09 AM 1.7 6:06 AM Set 10:24 AM 87 30 Low 11:40 AM 0.4 8:18 PM Rise 10:15 PM 30 High 6:01 PM 1.7 30 Low 11:58 PM 0.9
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Sa 31 High 5:41 AM 1.7 6:07 AM Set 11:21 AM 80 31 Low 12:07 PM 0.4 8:17 PM Rise 10:41 PM 31 High 6:45 PM 1.7 Su 1 1 1 1
Low High Low High
12:57 AM 1.0 6:08 AM Set 12:20 PM 6:18 AM 1.6 8:16 PM Rise 11:09 PM 12:38 PM 0.4 7:30 PM 1.8
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Thursday, July-2010
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LOCAL NEWS
Epa Announces Proposed Pollution Load Limits for Chesapeake Bay
Solomons to Host National Boat Race
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uring the weekend of Oct. 1-3, Solomons Island will be the host of the National Championship Race for the 2010 Offshore Powerboat Association Racing Series. GEICO has teamed up with Bayside Toyota/Chevrolet, the Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association and other sponsors to secure a knockdown, drag-out race course in front of the main sea wall at Solomons Island. Spectators and fans will find upclose viewing of some of the worlds Photo courtesy of geicogarage.com fastest boats on the water today, racing The Miss GEICO is one of the fastest offshore powerboats in the for the Championship, including the world. It is powered by twin Lycoming T-53 and T-55 turbine enWorld Famous Miss GEICO, accord- gines, hitting speeds in excess of 200 mph. Miss GEICO will be at Solomons Island on Oct. 1-3. ing to race director Mike Yowaiski. A weekend of activities are walk” for a Key West style street party. Also on planned aimed at keeping the whole family Saturday, for boaters, the Chesapeake Bay will entertained. be holding it’s Offshore Heroes Poker Run. On Saturday, spectators and fans will be On Sunday, Race Day, spectators can grab able to tour the Race Village/Pits area where a spot at the sea wall and watch the boats fly by they can see the boats up close, meet the race at unbelievable speeds. teams, buy souvenirs and shirts, grab a bite to More information about the Solomons eat and much more. Offshore Grand Prix can be found at www.soloOn Saturday evening, all of the race boats monsrace.com. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpuband teams will be lined up down by “The Board- lishing.net
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Thursday, July-2010
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he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposed cap on the amount of phosphorous and nitrogen that can make its way into the Chesapeake Bay each year as the first step in the agency’s sweeping effort to clean up the troubled body of water. The plan will limit the amount of the two nutrients that can come from each of the six states that make up the Chesapeake Bay watershed, information from the EPA states, which includes 64,000 square miles. The proposed limits include no more than 187.4 million pounds of nitrogen and 12.5 million pounds of phosphorous each year from the combined watershed. “Restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries will not be easy,” said Shawn M. Garvin, regional administrator for the EPA. “While we all realize that every jurisdiction in within the watershed will have to make very difficult choices to reduce pollution, we also recognize that we must collectively accelerate our efforts if we are going to restore this national treasure as part of our legacy for future generations.” Dawn Stolzfus, spokeswoman for the Maryland Department of the Environ-
ment, said that the guidelines the federal government wants to impose were close to what the state expected; the state was in a good position to fulfill those goals because of stringent new measures regarding waste water treatment plant upgrades, animal feed operations and storm water management systems. “We’ve got some things underway but we’re going to have to do more,” Stolzfus said. The state is already working on the first phase of a watershed restoration plan that is due to the federal government by Sept. 1. Individual counties and jurisdictions will have to have similar plans by November of 2011, she said. Most of the work to meet these goals, Stolzfus said, about 60 percent, must be completed by 2017 by the federal mandate. The total load for both phosphorus and nitrogen, according to EPA information, in the Patuxent River basin is a little more than 3 million pounds in a year. For the Potomac River basin’s portion from Maryland the count is a little more than 16 million pounds of both nutrients. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
LOCAL NEWS
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Calvert Gets $96,000 in Heritage Area Grants
he Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium (SMHAC) announced that all five of the projects submitting grant applications for Fiscal Year 2011 will receive funding from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. The funds are made available to non-profits and government organizations inside the Heritage Cove Point Light House and Keeper’s Quarters Area that seek to promote heritage tourism and eco• $6,000 to Charles County for the nomic development. Heritage tourism Interpretation of Benedict. is defined as traveling to experience the “We are so honored to have this supplaces that authentically represent the port for every single one of our projects stories and people of the past and present here Southern Maryland,” Executive Di– including historic, cultural and natural rector of the Heritage Area Roz Racanello resources. said in a press release. “We continue to be The Southern Maryland Heritage a source of support for projects like these Area funds both capital and non-capital so that visitors as well as residents can enprojects for sites that support cultural heri- joy our history and heritage.” tage activities across the three counties of The SMHAC office also received Southern Maryland – Calvert, Charles and funding for support of the Heritage Area St. Mary’s. office in the amount of $54,000 for the The awards in Southern Maryland are: year. The total of all grants awarded for • $90,000 to Calvert Marine Museum Fiscal 2011 in the region will be $256,100. for the Cove Point Light House Keepers’ These are six of the 55 grants the MHAA Quarters; funded statewide. • $6,500 to Calvert Marine Museum For more information about memfor a Regional 1812 Map & Guide; bership or future grant offerings contact • $9,600 to Historic Sotterley for the the Consortium at 301-274-4083, or by Implementation of Living History; email, SoMdHeritage@tccsmd.org. Addi• $90,000 to St. Mary’s County for tional information is also available online Phase VI of the Three Notch Trail; and at www.SouthernMdisFun.com.
Candidate Prompts Drug Bust
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“
e were out knocking on doors, talking to voters, and at one house I was shocked when an older guy with blood on his face answered the door. He seemed really out of it, incoherent, and was wearing only boxer shorts. I thought maybe he was hurt or sick. I told my dad and we decided to call 911,” says Sonia Fisher, daughter of candidate Mark Fisher of Owings. Fisher is one of three GOP candidates hoping to face Delegate Sue Kullen for her seat in District 27-B in the fall election. It turns out the Fishers unwittingly prompted a drug bust. Calvert County Sheriff’s deputies investigated, and later issued this statement: On July 14, Mark Fisher and his daughter Sonia Fisher were in the area of Morning Dove Court in Huntingtown. They were knocking on doors and meeting residents as part of his campaign for the House of Delegates. Sonia Fisher knocked at a residence and was greeted by a man who appeared unkempt and had blood on his face and clothing. Sonia
advised her father who in turn called the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived and spoke with the resident who still had blood on his face and clothing. While speaking with him, deputies observed what appeared to be marijuana plants inside one of the rooms. Deputies notified the Calvert Investigative Teams Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU). Detectives responded, and based on their observations, applied for and received a search and seizure warrant for the residence. The search warrant was executed and five suspected marijuana plants and approximately an ounce of cured marijuana was located and seized. The resident was taken to Calvert Memorial Hospital on an emergency petition. Charges are pending in reference to the suspected drugs that were recovered. A Calvert Investigative Team spokesman said officers typically file for an emergency petition when they believe a person is mentally unstable. By Diane Burr (CC) info@somdpublishing.net
It’s All Political
Why Calvert’s Election Districts Are the Way They Are
By Nick Garrett
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e cannot help but notice the recent appearance of signs beside our roads and people standing on the northbound side of Route 4, waving at cars. This can mean only one thing: it’s election time. From candidates handing out bottled water at the ballparks with his or her name on the label, to bananas and coffee for everyone at Park-and-Rides each morning, tactics for name recognition seem to get more and more creative. Discussions around the kitchen table begin to include two words that are seldom spoken between bites of bacon and sips of coffee, “County Commissioner.” Perhaps at no other time during our year do we think that much about them; much less know what their names are. Every four years, individuals vie for the job by campaigning diligently. Incumbents and new candidates alike make efforts to share his or her experience and knowledge of the job in the hopes that their words will inspire us enough to vote for them. For decades, new Calvert residents preparing to vote have asked the natives in their communities, “What’s up with the way we elect commissioners?” The answer typically compels us to cordially nod while receiving fragments of information from what has become a multi-generational oral tradition about how the election districts really work. In the 1960s, families in Calvert were having kitchen table discussions much like ours today. By the end of that decade, the county was mostly farms and bayside communities; however, with a growing population of over 18,000, the government began to explore the issue of Charter Government as their neighbors in surrounding counties had done. Essentially, Charter Government would give Calvert more authority to enact its own local laws without having to petition the State Legislature as it had up to that point, and currently does. By the mid to late seventies, successive commissions had compiled studies and provided recommendations on the issue to the Board of County Commissioners. In 1974, the question of Charter Government had failed as a ballot question before voters. At that time, Delegate Tom Rymer and State Senator Ed Hall reviewed several of the findings from the Commissions’ studies. Of particular note was the suggestion that Calvert County raise its number of Commissioners from three to five based on population. Senator Hall, for whom Calvert County’s new aquatic center is aptly named, introduced a bill in the State Senate that provided for a five commissioner election system that would allow candidates to run county-wide for President of the Board, Vice President of the Board, and then other candidates would run for one district seat for each of the three districts. At the same time, Delegate Rymer introduced a bill in the House that would create a five commissioner system as well. In his bill, of the
five available seats, the top vote getters in each of the three election districts would win the district seat, with the other two candidates winning at large (county-wide) seats. As Calvert County’s population grew, it did not grow evenly and population centers sprouted only in certain areas. How could they create the system to accommodate five commissioners instead of three while still making sure that each district had equal representation? The ideas presented in Senator Hall’s bill were popular with some constituents, but left three challenges unresolved. If a candidate can run for President of the Board and the other candidates that win do not get along with the new President, it would be difficult to accomplish the work of the public. Delegate Rymer could recall situations in other parts of the country where this had occurred. Further, how do you prevent the most popular candidates from all running for President and Vice President of the Board and no one for the other seats? Delegate Rymer’s bill provided that the Board President and Vice President would be selected from the new commissioners once the voters had elected the five, much like is done today with a Board of Trustees or Board of Directors in private enterprise. The bill also made it so that each of the county’s three districts would be represented. By the end of the 1977 legislative session, a letter of support from The Chamber of Commerce for Delegate Rymer’s bill led Senator Hall to pass it in the Senate. There are some who like the current system, many who don’t understand it, and some who believe it is time to change it. Regardless of our opinions on the matter, it is clear that this story highlights a process that is missing and is sorely needed in today’s politics. Senator Hall and Delegate Rymer, a Republican and a Democrat, began this journey with different ideas about the issue. They discussed amongst themselves, presented their views to constituents, solicited input from local community groups, and finally came together to do what was in the long-term best interest of the county. 1) As the population continues to grow, our system ensures that each candidate has to run countywide, 2) each candidate has two chances to win and, 3) each of the three election districts ends up with an advocate on the Board of Commissioners. It seems to me that as the fall primary approaches, we should not only look at who is running, but we should continue to have the timeless kitchen table discussions within our family about which candidates will protect the traditions, heritage, and history that has made Calvert County one of the best places in the Country to live. About the Author: Nick Garrett is the owner of The Garrett Music Academy in Owings, published author, former candidate for commissioner. Nick wrote this article with background from his grandfather, Judge Thomas A. Rymer ret., former States Attorney, Delegate from 1970-1987, and Circuit Court Judge from 1987 through the early 2000’s, who was the author of the Election District Law that we now follow.
Thursday, July-2010
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LOCAL NEWS
Sheriff’s Office Warns of Elaborate Telephone Scam
Watermen Say Power Dredging is Answer to State’s Oyster Problem
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outhern Maryland watermen continue to oppose Gov. Martin O’Malley’s plan to establish oyster sanctuaries in the waters of the Patuxent River and other tributaries, which they say would shut down the few remaining productive portions of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed that keeps them in business. They say that power dredging operations have helped clean up the bottom of the river in some portions and contributed to the resurgence of oysters there. They say power dredging should be pursued rather than sanctuaries. Tom O’Connell, head of the state’s Department of Natural Resources fisheries division, said that the governor’s sanctuaries plan would help bring back the scare population back from near extinction. He also said that though the state wanted to take about a quarter of the productive water bottom for sanctuaries, it would only reduce the oyster harvest by about seven percent. The oyster harvest was only a fraction of what it was decades ago, he told citizens at a public hearing on the project at Leonardtown High School. “Now we’re down to about 150,000 bushels a year,” O’Connell said. O’Connell said the state was pursuing a study of power dredging, and that it had proven
to be somewhat effective. But the resurgence of they oyster was not dependent on dredging, he said, and sanctuaries could help build natural disease resistance in the species that has decimated its genetic stock in recent years. “When you power dredge… that increases the opportunity for increased spat setting,” O’Connell said. “But oyster didn’t establish reefs by power dredging. It’s not a cure-all.” Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Watermen’s Association, said that oysters sanctuaries in other jurisdictions have a poor record of success because they became silted over and inhospitable to oyster spat to set in and grow. Oysters bars had to be worked and cultivated, Zinn said, and the state should consider paying watermen to do the job if they move ahead with the sanctuary plan. “Dredging cleans up the bottom so oyster spat can attach to something,” Zinn said. Joe Anderson, president of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, said that the oyster sanctuary program was key to cleaning up the river, which still had some pollution problems. “It’s a beautiful river… but the middle of the river is dead,” Anderson said. “We’re all in this together.” By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Campaign Season in Full Swing
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s the July 6 filing deadline for the 2010 primaries drew closer, many candidates took time during the 4th of July holiday weekend to connect with voters and campaign while they celebrated. At St. Mary’s College during their “Summon the Heroes” program on July 2, Republican Congressional candidate Charles Lollar could be seen talking with voters for much of the evening, and he told The Southern Calvert Gazette that his holiday weekend would be full of campaign events. “I have two events tomorrow, three events on the fourth, and then two more events on the fifth,” he said. “I’ve got to speak at Severn Church on the 4th to about 2,000 people there. I’m going to be in the parade in Anne Arundel County, then the festival in La Plata, and I’ve got to be at a
couple of picnics in Charles County, so it’s very busy for me.” Republican Collins Bailey, who is also running against Rep. Steny Hoyer for Maryland’s 5th district, said his holiday weekend had been centered on church and family activities. In an email, he said that the 4th was his 22-year-old son’s birthday, and that he would be going to Cheltenham Youth Facility for Bible studies, followed by a stint of preaching at Camp Springs Community Church in Clinton. Bailey said that the rest of his holiday was spent between his mother-in-law’s house and Benjamin Stoddert Middle School in Waldorf, where he attended a public fireworks display with his family. Congressional incumbent Steny Hoyer made appear-
Detectives Still Seeking Solomons Bank Robber
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etectives of the Calvert Investigative Team are still seeking the suspect in the armed bank robbery that occurred on February 11 of this year at the Maryland Bank and Trust in Solomons. A white male, about 30 years old, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing beige canvas work pants, a beige canvas hooded jacket, a camouflage face mask and a black stocking cap, robbed the bank at gunpoint. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. J. Ewig of C.I.T. at 410-535-1600 ext. 2596. For additional information please contact D/Sgt. Matt McDonough at 410-535-1600 ext. 2418 or Sgt. Sciana Roach at 410-535-1600 ext. 2455. For a possible reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect, call Crime Solvers at 410-535-2880. Callers can remain anonymous.
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Thursday, July-2010
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nvestigators with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office are warning residents to beware of fraudulent telephone calls perpetrated by an imposter claiming to be an agent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, sometimes threatening residents with repercussions if they do not hand over money. Det. Matt McDonough, of the Calvert Investigative Team, said that the suspects are attempting to get credit card or bank account information from residents. “They’re trying to gain access so they can clean out an account,” McDonough told The Southern Calvert Gazette. So far, McDonough said, no residents have complied with handing over money to the extortioners. McDonough said that once reports began to come into the sheriff’s office about the suspicious calls the investigation was handed over to the FDA. McDonough said that if residents receive such a call they should try to gather as much information as possible and report it. The suspects are posing as FDA Special Agent Barbara Riggs, with an identification number of 2177, police reports state, and are telling residents they are under investigation for varying types of crimes.
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The suspects have told residents that they must give them a credit card number in order to pay pre-trial fees; if victims refuse, police reports state, they are threatened with law enforcement action and even extradition to the Dominican Republic. Police report that the callers have also threatened to have parents’ children placed in foster care until the problem is resolved. Information from the FDA shows that the scam has continued in various areas of the country since at lease late last year. The suspects often call victims who have purchased drugs over the Internet, FDA information stated, and are told that this transaction is illegal. The fines that victims are threatened with range from $100 to $250,000. Victims also have false transactions placed against their credit cards, the FDA warns. The suspects attempt to have the money transferred by wire, often to the Dominican Republic, FDA information stated. The telephone number used to call citizens is 209-207-6099. Residents who receive this phone call are asked to call the FDA’s investigations section at 1-800-521-5783. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing. net
ances at the River Concert Series on Friday, attended the Herrington Harbor Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, and on Monday had a series of meetings in St. Mary’s where he talked with veterans, seniors, business owners and others. Campaigning activities will increase with the passing of the July 6 filing deadline, and those running for office strive to increase their presence with the public, but facetime has become a rule of thumb for many on the trail already, as was evident when Lollar commented on the dizzying pace of campaigning, and his hopes that his public appearances would help him win votes this November. “It’s constant … always every day, but it’s the price you’ve got to pay if you want to win this race,” he said. By Andrea Shiell (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
New Security Measures at Calvert Schools
alvert County Public Schools will be using KeepnTrack for visitors and volunteers to signin and sign-out of all schools and facilities. Beginning this month, all visitors and volunteers will sign-in at a designated computer and the driver’s license or other approved ID of the visitor and/or volunteer will be scanned using the KeepnTrack screening system. KeepnTrack will compare information from visitors and volunteers against the National Sex Offender Registry. All visitors and volunteers will be screened each time
they enter a Calvert County Public School or Facility. Anyone wishing to volunteer in any of our schools or facilities will need to complete an online application at least two weeks prior to beginning service as a volunteer. Online applications are now available and can be accessed on www.calvertnet. k12.md.us from any Internet connection. If completing an application online is not possible, paper applications are available in all schools. Applications can only be submitted after the perspective volunteer has completed all parts of the application process.
State May Temporarily Lift Ban on Female Crab Harvest
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fter two years of heavy restrictions on crabbing throughout the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland officials are considering eliminating one restriction watermen say is particularly harmful to their livelihoods. The state may lift the ban on harvesting female crabs from Sept. 26 to Oct. 4 this year, said Brenda Davis, blue crab program manager for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The decision will be made by the department secretary and may come within the next few weeks. Fisheries scientists have determined that because of increased numbers of crabs in the bay this year, the department may be able to make small adjustments to the 2010 harvest regulations “while still maintaining safe harvest levels,” said Darlene Pisani, director of communications for DNR. It’s unlikely any other restrictions on crabbing will be lifted anytime soon, Davis and other state officials said. Larry Simns, president of the Maryland Watermen’s Association, said the change is one he and other watermen have been seeking. They are not asking the state to ease any other crabbing restrictions - which include limits on the number of crabs watermen can catch each day, where they can harvest and what time of day they can fish. Female crabs are abundant during that late September-early October period, and crabbers in the lower bay depend on female crabs to make a living, he said. “That would be a big help to our people,” Simns said. “Once you close up for two weeks, the market goes and finds crabs somewhere else. We want to hang on to our markets.” Watermen would still be limited on how many female crabs can be caught each day, and they would not be able to harvest any female crabs after Nov. 10. Pisani said eliminating the short closure in 2010 would help the crabbing industry maintain its established markets for female crabs. Maryland and Virginia partnered in 2008 to impose restrictions aimed at cutting the harvest of female blue crabs by a third. The idea was that more female crabs would produce more baby crabs, jump-starting the bay’s population of the iconic crustacean. The restrictions were imposed after a decade in which the crab population in the bay stayed relatively low, without the highs of a few years earlier. From 1998 to 2008, the population averaged 309 million, according to data provided by DNR. After the restrictions were imposed in 2008, the crab population rebounded almost immediately. The annual winter dredge survey in January 2009 revealed a sharp increase in the population of Chesapeake blue crabs, followed by another big increase in the 2010 dredge survey. The total number of crabs in the bay this winter was estimated at 658 mil-
lion -- its highest level since 1997 -- according to the 2010 dredge survey. Eric Johnson, a fisheries ecologist with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, said it’s premature to say whether the population surge will last. “It’s probably too early to claim victory,” Johnson said. “The party line ... is two points do not a trend make. That’s the right strategy. I don’t think we know exactly what’s going on.” Tom Miller, a professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Chesapeake Biological Lab, said many factors impact the crab population each year, including weather and currents. Female crabs spawn near the mouth of the bay, and the larvae are swept out to sea. The baby crabs must make their way back into the bay, where they often use underwater grasses for shelter. Weather conditions and currents at key times can have a devastating effect in a particular year, Miller said, so it News21 photo by Jason Lenhart is crucial that there are enough adults left to Maryland blue crab await processing at The Crab Claw restaurant in St. Michaels, Md., in June. Watermen can sell their daily catch directly to the restaurant, which sits on the water at Navy Point in St. Michaels. rebuild the population the following year. But although pollution and the decline “These guys are not rich. It’s difficult to year, how they’re going to pay their mortgage of sea grasses used for shelter also impact this year.” By Jennifer Hlad News21 (This story was crabs, Miller said the speed at which crabs convince them that short-term pain is nec- produced by the News21 team at the University of Maryessary for long-term gain. They’re worried rebounded once the harvest restrictions were land’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism.) about how they’re going to feed their kids this enacted strongly suggests the major problem was overharvesting. “We were catching far too many,” he said. John Bull, a spokesman for the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, said the state wants to see crab population numbers where they were in the early 1990s, when Maryland and Virginia began doing yearly winter dredge surveys. The surveys showed highs of 828 million in 1991 and 852 million in 1993. Once the numbers return to that range, Virginia officials want to see the numbers stay there for three years to make sure the spike is not just temporary before making any major changes to harvest restrictions, Bull said. Virginia and Maryland imposed different restrictions to meet the same goal -keeping more than half of the female crabs in the Chesapeake Bay. And as resources officials have gotten more information, Virginia has made similar minor tweaks to their regulations, Bull said. The important thing is to not make any changes that could have a major negative impact on the female crab population, he said. “We don’t think the time is now to take our foot off the gas,” he said. “We’re convinced we’re on the right path.” Still, cutting the female crab harvest so significantly in 2008 and keeping those restrictions largely in place is not easy, Bull said. “It’s difficult when you hear a waterman, a crabber, say, `You’re cutting back my harvest – my income – by 34 percent,’” Bull said.
Thursday, July-2010
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Free Things to Do in Calvert County By Joyce Baki
Take the Buy Local Challenge
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hat if you could make one simple change every day for a week that would have a positive impact on your health, your local economy and the health of the planet? Join the thousands across Maryland taking the Buy Local Challenge (“I pledge to eat at least one item from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week”) from July 17 - 25 and enjoy food that’s fresh and nutritious while you support local farmers. The Buy Local Challenge (always the last full week in July) celebrates its fourth anniversary in 2010. One of several Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) programs geared to boost the local farm economy, the Challenge was designed to highlight the environmental, health and economic benefits farms provide. Participants are encouraged to shop at farms, farm stands, farmers’ markets and grocers that offer locally grown food and wine, and dine at restaurants that include local farm food and wine in their menus. “The Buy Local Challenge is gaining incredible momentum,” said Christine Bergmark, executive director of SMADC. “It’s easy for anyone to make this simple commitment; individuals, families, even businesses and institutions”, she said. “But our goal is also to remind people that local farms need consumer support to thrive and ensure they survive for future generations. We see this Buy Local Challenge concept spreading beyond Maryland and continuing to fuel the growing trend toward healthy choices for ourselves and our planet.” The Buy Local Challenge Web site www. buy-local-challenge.com includes an interactive feature that allows participants to make a more official commitment to ‘take the challenge and be counted’ by adding their name
to the up-to-the-minute tally of people who have pledged to eat local during the 2010 Buy Local Week. Those who take the official pledge receive a personalized, downloadable certificate. There are many ways to get involved in the Buy Local Challenge beyond taking the pledge and shopping for locally grown food during Buy Local Week. Many restaurants and stores are featuring ‘local’ menus and locally grown foods and wines, and businesses and organizations are encouraging members to take the challenge as a group. Close to one third of Maryland’s hospitals participated in the 2009 Buy Local Challenge offering locally grown food in their cafeterias and hosting farmers’ markets on their premises during Buy Local Week. To learn more about additional programs and resources from SMADC, visit www. smadc.com. By Diane Burr (CC) info@somdpublishing.net
CCA Opposes Rockfish Plan
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alling it a short-sighted approach to one of the Atlantic Seaboard’s most important resources, the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) opposed a proposed change to the Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan that would increase the amount of striped bass coastal commercial fishermen could harvest. “This is simply the wrong time to think about raising anyone’s allowable catch of striped bass,” Scott McGuire, chairman of the CCA MD government relations committee said in a press release. “Scientists have told us that the striped bass population in the Chesapeake Bay is experiencing significant problems with Mycobateria that will likely be a serious threat to the entire stock.” McGuire made his comments last week before a hearing on Addendum II to Amendment 6 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan. ASMFC is accepting public
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Thursday, July-2010
comment on the proposal until October. “If this proposal is enacted, we may raise the mortality rate to a level the population can’t sustain,” McGuire said. “This short-term gain will threaten everyone’s future and could force dramatic steps to protect the fishery. “Additional concern comes from scientific research that shows Mycobateria, a fatal disease, has infected from 60 to 80 percent of the striped bass population in the Chesapeake Bay, the primary nursery for striped bass. The impact of this disease is not fully understood, but natural mortality has already increased. “Raising the allowable harvest in a shrinking fishery is dangerous by itself,” McGuire said. “Once you add the current situation of Mycobateria, the risk skyrockets. CCA MD, a group of approximately 1,700 recreational anglers, urged the ASMFC to maintain the existing Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.
T
he dog days of summer are upon us and I am sure that many of you are looking for something to do with the kids or visiting family or friends. Calvert County is full of free things to explore, see and experience. The Bayside History Museum, located in North Beach, has three exceptional exhibits this year. The 100th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of North Beach highlights the founding of this beautiful seaside resort. The Celebration of Captain John Smith the Explorer showcases the recent acquisition of a copy of Captain John Smith’s journal which held his notes from his exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. Celebrate 100 years of Scouting with an exhibit featuring Maryland’s first permanent Boy Scout camp, Camp Theodore Roosevelt. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. (www.baysidehistorymuseum.org) The first Friday of every month the Calvert Marine Museum hosts “First Free Friday” when, from 5 to 8 p.m., the museum is free to the public. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the exhibits and displays and there is always free entertainment. (www. calvertmarinemuseum.com) Sharing the story of the Chesapeake Beach Railway and Amusement Park in the early 20th century, the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum is full of photos and artifacts showing summer crowds enjoying the beach and railroad. It is the only surviving station from the old railway and is open daily through October from 1 to 4 p.m. Check their Web site, www.cbrm.org, for a list of free “Summer Fun Day Programs” offered for children. The museum also offers free “Bay Breeze Concerts” showcasing local talent. Chesapeake Biological Laboratory was founded by zoologist Reginald Truitt in 1925. It is the oldest state-supported marine laboratory on the East Coast. Part of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitor Center allows visitors to experience the scientific atmosphere of the research facility and learn about the ecology and natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and contributions made by the lab scientists to our environmental heritage. Through December 17, the CBL Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (www.cbl.umces.edu) Experience, discover, learn and just have fun at the State’s museum of archaeology, Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. Over 70 archaeological sites have been identified reflecting over 12,000 years of human occupation. There is a visitor and exhibit center, hiking trails, re-created Native American village, canoe and kayak launch and a picnic area. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the park also offers various special programs at nominal fees. Throughout the year, a special Archae-
ology Speakers Series is offered free of charge. (www.jefpat.org) Explore the outdoors at one of our many parks and recreation areas. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp is a 100-acre ecological sanctuary that includes the northernmost naturally occurring stand of bald cypress in America. A nature trail features an elevated boardwalk and in the Nature Center you will find live animals and exhibits. Classes, demonstrations and special programs are offered throughout the year. (www.calvertparks.org) Kings Landing Park offers a variety of activities on its 260-acres. A site for environmental education, the park features pastures, woodland and wetlands. Here you can find a wetlands boardwalk, hiking trails, a fishing pier and launch area for canoes and kayaks. Wayside exhibits help you learn about the significance of the river and the wildlife that depends upon it. You will also find picnic shelters with tables and grills. (www.calvertparks. org) Calvert County boasts two historic schoolhouses. The Old Wallville School was built in the early 1880s and remained in use until 1934. It is the oldest standing one-room schoolhouse for African Americans in Calvert County. It is located on Dares Beach Road next to Calvert Elementary School. There are exterior interpretive signs and an interior viewing can be arranged by appointment. Port Republic School No. 7 has been in a shady grove of trees near Christ Church on Broomes Island Road for more than 100 years. Authentically preserved, the schoolhouse is filled with memorabilia. On August 29 and September 24, the schoolhouse will be open from 2 to 4 p.m.; special visits may also be arranged. Looking for a free event? Consider the free “Movies on the Beach” offered in North Beach and “Movies on Main Street” offered in Prince Frederick. Or enjoy a free campfire on the beach at North Beach. Visit one of the many Farmers Markets offered throughout Calvert County. On Thursday evenings, the Solomons Farmers Market, located across the street from Our Lady Star of the Sea, is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Dally a while to watch the small boat races sponsored by the Southern Maryland Sailing Association. The boats meet in front of the Solomons Gazebo; races begin at 6:30 p.m. On Friday nights, visit the North Beach Farmers Market and Classic Car Cruise-in, located at 5th Street and Bay Avenue. The market begins at 6 p.m. Stroll by the classic cars and visit some of the unique shops and restaurants found on the North Beach Loop. On Saturday morning, great produce and a flea market can be found at the Prince Frederick Farmers Market located at the Calvert County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to noon. The column is too short to list all of the free things to do here in Calvert County. But visit online at www.ecalvert. com for a complete list of attractions and events.
Crowds Show up for Sharkfest 2010
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n July 11, Calvert Marine Museum was swamped with children and families for the annual SHARKFEST! Event. Spectators waited in line for hours for an opportunity to pet live sharks at the “SharkPoole”, sponsored by The Poole Foundation and Mercury Marine. The SharkPoole is the brain child of Mercury Marine Saltwater Pro-Staff Douglas Poole of Solomons. “SharkPoole is a way to teach children the facts about sharks – not the myths of man-eaters devouring every human they encounter – and that they need our help and respect,” Doug Poole said in a press release. As an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, Poole believes that hands-on experiences with his exotic pets are the most impressive way to reach and teach kids to be passionate about the outdoors and to be better stewards for the planet. Mr. Poole carefully monitors the children at the SharkPoole and shows them how to properly touch and hold the animals so as not to injure or harass them. In addition to being able to touch the rough hide of a shark in the shark touch tank, visitors had the opportunity to take a picture in the jaws of a Giant Megalo-
Get Involved!
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Photo By Diane Burr
don shark skeleton, and watch a slideshow on monitors to learn amazing facts about shark habits and habitats. There was also fish face painting, a hands-on fossil exploration area on the boardwalk, shark crafts in the Discovery Room Loft, fossil displays by the Fossil Club, and shark mural painting with the Color and Light Society. For more information on events at the museum, visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com. By sean rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net
Transportation Provided to Cancer Gala
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his year, those attending the 29th Annual Celebration of Life can take advantage of complimentary local transportation to and from the event, made available by the generosity of Mr. Reid of Reid’s Bus Service. The Gala will be held on Thursday, Aug. 5, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant in Chesapeake Beach. Here is the schedule for free bus transportation traveling to the Rod ‘N’ Reel: 5:30 p.m. Solomon’s (Our Lady Star of the Sea) 5:50 p.m. Broomes Island (Christ Church) 6:15 p.m. Prince Frederick (Court House) 6:30 p.m. Huntingtown Park & Ride (Baptist Church) 6:45 p.m. Sunderland Park & Ride Return service is also provided at the end of the event. For more information, call Reid’s Bus Service at 410-535-3415 or visit www.RodNReelCancerGala.org. Shuttle service will also be available from various satellite parking areas within Chesapeake Beach. The Gala is the largest cancer fundraiser per capita in Maryland. In 1982, the first event raised $5,300. Since then, combined earnings have reached nearly $4 million and continue to grow. Residents, businesses and politicians are working together to sell tickets and solicit corporate and private donations to make this year’s Gala even more Honorary Chairs Delegate Sue and Steve Kullen successful. The Honorary Chairs this year are Delegate Sue shrimp, oysters, clams, mussels, crabs, and fresh fish, as and Steve Kullen. Please consider joining them in hon- well as roasted pig, filet mignon, barbeque ribs, grilled oring the memories of our loved ones and to celebrate chicken, steamship round, and desserts galore. Enjoy an open bar, live music, and dancing inside and out. the lives of all cancer survivors. Advance tickets are $125 per person and $150 on This year’s event promises to be another fun-filled evening with a menu that includes Maine lobsters, the day of the event. By Diane Burr (CC) info@somdpublish-
alvert County Board of Commissioners seeks residents for a variety of different committees. Applications are available at the commissioners’ office at 175 Main St., Room 205, Prince Frederick; by calling (410) 535-1600, Ext. 2214; or at http://www.co.cal. md.us/references/getinvolved, or at any public library. Southern Maryland Pets-on-Wheels needs volunteers and their gentle pets to visit and cheer up residents of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. For more information: (301) 392-0155 or http://www. ccpetsonwheels.com. Calvert County 4-H Club is looking for volunteers to teach robotics skills to children. Contact Elaine Bailey at 410is under the leadership of Larry W. Blum, M.D. 535-3662, 301- We offer trusted neurological care for patients and their families 855-1150 or el- serving our community for 21 years in the areas of Clinical ConElectroencephalography (EEG), Electromyography, bailey@u md. sultation, (EMG), Nerve Conduction Study (NCV) and Infusion Therapy edu. Training (IVIG, Tysabri, Remicade, Steroids). and materials Specializing in: are provided. Are you • Headaches • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) an artist or • Parkinson’s Disease • Migraines crafty person? • Dizziness • Strokes Calvert Coun• Numbness & • Seizures ty Senior CenNerve Pain • Dementias including ters would like • Neck and Back Pain Alzheimer’s new ideas and • Muscle Weakness & • Carpal Tunnel Problems Walking Syndrome volunteers to teach arts and crafts. Contact Keri Lipperini at (410) 5354606 or (301) 855-1170. American Red Cross would like to find volunteers to help Bryan D. Walker, MHS, PA-C; Larry W. Blum, M.D.; in their SouthLisa M. Fox, PA-C; ern Maryland John H. Lossing, M.D. offices. BaBoard Certified Physicians in Neurology sic computer Neurologically Trained Physician Assistants tasks included. Call (888) 2002 MEDICAL PARKWAY, SUITE 430, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401 PHONE: 410-266-2740 FAX: 410-266-2758 276-2767.
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Thursday, July-2010
Guest Editorial:
Legislators Need Financial Literacy By Marta Mossburg Oklahoma Republican Sen. Tom Coburn recently told the hosts of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that he did not know who the 23 percent of Americans were who trusted Congress, referring to a poll. I wonder what the numbers are for the Maryland General Assembly, whose members are incredibly adept at pushing tough decisions to future years and blaming others for their own poor choices. One of the funniest attempts--by members to deflect attention from themselves was a task force created in 2008 to recommend steps to improve “financial literacy” among the state’s school children to prevent a repeat of the housing collapse and ensuing financial crisis. As a result of the report, Maryland school children will be required to take financial literacy courses starting in 2011, according to a recent announcement of the State Board of Education. While the curriculum may benefit students and their families, they are not the ones who have been underfunding pensions for state workers for almost a decade and issuing debt to pay for road and other projects that were supposed to be paid for in cash. Leadership is so in denial about the pension issue that House Speaker Michael Busch has not yet chosen people to sit on yet another task force created by the General Assembly in the most recent session to analyze ways to improve the system. Worse, as one retiring legislator, Del. Murray Levy, D-28, told The Gazette, “I don’t know what this group is going to come up with that we haven’t already discussed.” Students were also not the ones who passed a massive boost to state spending on public education in 2002 known
as Thornton with no way to fund it and hikes to teacher pensions in 2006 with no way to pay for those either. And students did not promise that huge across the board tax hikes passed in 2007 would solve the “structural deficit” permanently and then say more taxes will be necessary to balance the budget two years later. (The structural deficit is the difference between what the state spends each year and what it collects in revenue.) To remedy the situation, legislators should require of themselves the same things they recommended to students. Economists from the University of Maryland should develop a curriculum for legislators that can be studied online when they are not in session to give them a basic understanding of budgets, accounting, taxes, supply and demand, statistics and incentives, with regular tests they must pass. The curriculum could also include a reading list, updated yearly. Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff’s “This Time is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly,” a road map for understanding how debt and financial crises develop, would be a great summer pick. Legislators would also have the benefit of being able to ask Reinhart, a professor at the University of Maryland, to speak to them. While a better understanding of economics may not prevent poor decisions, it will make legislators more aware of how their laws will impact residents and more accountable for their mistakes. If it is so important for students to know how to balance a checkbook, how much more essential is it for those charged with stewarding taxpayers’ scarce resources to understand state finances? Marta Mossburg is a senior fellow at the Maryland Public Policy Institute. mmossburg@mdpolicy.org.
Let’s Restore Ethics to Politics My name is Ralph Jaffe. I am a political science teacher. When I first started teaching in 1964 I told my students that Maryland was one of the most corrupt states in the Union. Fast forward to 2010 - nothing has changed. This is why I am now a candidate for governor in the September 2010 Democratic primary. I want to put a stop to the moral bankruptcy in Maryland politics and replace it with a new word, ETHICS. My platform is based on 5 principles. #1 - I will not accept campaign contributions because they are disguised bribes. #2 - I will have no dealings with paid professional lobbyists. #3 - I will serve one term only. This way I’m not in the campaign for power, fame, or personal wealth, but rather I want to be a good public servant. #4 - I will tell the truth all of the time, not some of the time.
#5 - I will serve free. I will set aside the $150,000 annual salary of the governor for the purpose of trying to hire a combination of three teachers, firefighters and/or police officers. These 5 principles must be adhered to if we are ever going to get true, ethical politicians. I am not a politician; rather, I am a teacher. Electing me as the next governor in the state of Maryland would mark a major step in the movement to compel future politicians to comply with the above stated principles. Yes - this s a peaceful revolution to get rid of money and corruption out of politics. I’m asking you to join this movement and make this goal a reality. Please call me at 410-764-2409 and help bring about true, ethical reform in our political system. Ralph Jaffe, Democratic candidate for Governor Pikesville
What is your Vision for America? Steve Waugh is a friend of mine running for State Senator, Maryland District 29. I was inspired by his campaign message for the 4th of July and wrote the following words provided below. His message included this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence that declares, “When in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.” As a people we did not want to be treated as children anymore. We realized we had an intrinsic greatness that was suppressed so long as the colony relationship with Britain was maintained. The issue was similar to what happens to any normal, healthy child as it approaches adulthood. It is very appropriate and natural for a child to want to grow up and become independent of their parents. This independence does not make the child an enemy of the parent but separate, equal and free to perform and accomplish according to his or her own will. Good parents prepare their children for independence. Even though we won our independence in 1781 we have a long history of friendship and maintain a strong alliance with Britain. We have been stronger than Britain since the late 19th Century. In two wars of the 20th Century America willingly came to the aid of Britain to help her win victories that could have been defeats if a weaker, dependent American colony existed at the time. This nation is fighting a New War of In-
dependence. This time it is a war within our selves. There is one group that remembers and wants to retain the original legacy of our great nation according to the will of our Founding Fathers, and a second group that wants us to climb back into the colonial womb. Think about it, Liberalism is in effect a rejection of our independence from Britain. It is an attempt to deny our freedom and independence and replace it with government mandated wealth and prosperity distribution schemes. The mercenary soldiers that served in the British Army were amazed at the order and prosperity of the colonial German communities that existed in Southeast Pennsylvania in the late 18th Century. These soldiers of Hess knew from their own experience that the citizens that came from their country to America were the poorest and least educated that Germany had to offer. But in the American colony they were able to convert individual freedom of opportunity for the creation of prosperity that was not possible in Europe. The wealth and prosperity of the Pennsylvania Dutch (or Deutsch, meaning German) was not a product of a government plan, but of human liberty. Although it is attempted and re-tried many times, prosperity cannot be legislated or decreed by a government. Wealth and prosperity is the product of a self-motivated people with the freedom and opportunity to create according to their own personal will. Redistribution plans can only destroy wealth, not create it. What is your vision for America, do you want the freedom to create according to your own will, or do you want America to climb back into womb? Donald R. Statter, Jr. Lusby
Publisher Associate Publisher Editor Office Manager Graphic Artist Advertising Email Phone
Thomas McKay Eric McKay Sean Rice Tobie Pulliam Angie Stalcup lisadutton@countytimes.net info@somdpublishing.net 301-373-4125
Staff Writers Guy Leonard Andrea Shiell Chris Stevens
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Contributing Writers Tony O’Donnell Joyce Baki Gerald Clark J. Brown
Southern Calvert Gazette P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636
Southern Calvert Gazette is a bi-weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Southern Calvert County. The Southern Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every other Thursday of the month. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. Southern Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. Southern Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers.
Thursday, July-2010
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Cover On The
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ot surprisingly, attendance is up this year at all three county-owned pools in Calvert County – Cove Point, King’s Landing in Huntingtown and at the new aquatics center in Prince Frederick.
To Beat The Heat, Crow slides and a crowd of certified lifeguards working to keep everyone safe. Last Friday, when the thermometer reached the vicinity of 95 degrees, the pool was teeming with children and families – and not only with locals. The Southern Calvert Gazette talked with families from St. Mary’s County, Northern Calvert and even some from as far away as Benedict and Nanjemoy in Charles County. “I looked at my thermometer and it said 107, and there was just no way I was going to do anything around the house,” said Cathy Heberle of St. Leonard, who came by the pool with her two nephews (Nathan, 15, and Christian, 5) and their two friends. “I came down because of the heat and because of the jelly fish,” she said. “We live on the water and the jelly fish are coming in just about now, so it makes it
Photo By Sean Rice “I’m from Washington where it’s usually 60 degrees all the time, so this is hot,’ said Terrah Howard, who lives near Seattle and is visiting her friend Shannon Harris, a new Lusby resident who moved from Washington 9 months ago. Howard was at the pool last Friday with her son Dylan, 3.
“The hotter and dryer than normal conditions have left people looking for a place to get relief – and what better place to find relief than in a pool?” said Danita Boonchaisri, Marketing and Communications Specialist for the county. “It gives people someplace fun and cool to spend the day,” Boonchaisri said of the Cove Point pool in Lusby. “We see all kinds of people, from families to couples to day-trippers. There are a lot of Lusby residents who use the pool regularly.” The Cove Point Pool, now open for it’s fifth season, is open 12-9 p.m. every day of the week, holidays included, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. “It’s a nice opportunity for family and friends to meet and exercise and have a good time,” Boonchaisri said. “It’s part of a healthy community having recreation programs like pools, whether they’re indoor or out.” The Cove Point Pool, which cost $6 a day for adults and $4 for most children, houses a high dive, kiddie pools,
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Thursday, July-2010
Photo By Sean Rice “We came a long way to beat the heat,” said Sherri Windsor, of Nanjemoy, who was there with her mom, sisters and nieces, all of them from Charles County. “It’s great, they have a little pool for the kids, a medium pool and then a larger pool … We come every summer.” From left is Sherri Windsor, Anne Morgan, Shelby Windsor, Janice Garner, Mary Windsor, Casey Harris and up front is Briana Garner.
kind of hard to swim right now. Heberle said her nephews like the kiddie pool and the high dive, and she like the fact that there are so many life guards that she doesn’t have to watch her nephews like a hawk while at the pool. “So I can sit back here and not feel like I have to have my eyes on them 24/7, because there is a lifeguard everywhere. It’s the safest place you could imagine,’ she said. “They won’t let them out that door without an adult if they’re that size, so it works out perfectly; It’s a very comfortable place to go.” Assistant pool managers and lifeguards Zach Cecil and Helene Aulisio, said the life guards down want to be looked at as babysitters, but they agreed there are plenty of lifeguards to assure everyone is as safe as can be.
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we only hit it like twice.” Cecil said. “This summer’s been extremely hot so far.” When the pool reaches capacity, they have to shut the gate until some people leave, which results in “a lot of angry people,” Aulisio said. “It’s funny the street address for the Cove Point Pool is 815 Fun Way, I think that’s appropriate,’ Boonchaisri said. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net
Photo By Sean Rice Assistant pool managers and lifeguards Helene Aulisio and Zach Cecil. Photo By Frank Marquart
“We usually have 14 or 15 lifeguards here and then there’s two or three managers here. So we have plenty of eyes watching everybody,” said Cecil, of Port Republic. “And all our life guards are actually all Red Cross certified.” “I feel it’s comforting to have so many lifeguards, and we’re not freaking out trying to see what’s going on,” said Aulisio, of Prince Frederick. “It’s fun. It’s something that Calvert County provides for us and people are going to use it … It’s something for the kids to do and the stay at home moms and dads.” Both Aulisio and Cecil have worked at the pool since it opened five seasons ago, and they said this has been one of the busiest seasons so far. Photo By Sean Rice “This year we’ve hit capacity, which is “It’s a great place to come watch the family,” said lifeguard Dylan Cook, of Port Republic, who takes the op800, four or five times already. Last summer portunity to jump in the pool “every chance I get.”
Photo By Sean Rice Emily Rice, of Brandywine, came down to see Ryan Moon of Lusby, at right, “There’s nothing this nice up there … I hate cold weather.”
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Knights Donate $42,000 For Portable Sonogram
Photo by Mel Washington, State Council photographer From left is Joe Murtha (District Deputy 2, MD State Council), Dale Trott (State Warden-elect, MD State Council), Peter Davio (State Deputy-elect, MD State Council), Mary Ann Dale (Clinic Director, CNPCSM), Cheryl Keen (Executive Director, CNPCSM), Christa Lopiccolo (Executive Director of Life Issues, Archdiocese of Washington), Anne Powers, Cindy Fehrman (Calvert Center Director, CNPCSM), Jocelyn Beckman (Leonardtown Center Director, CNPCSM), Chris Powers (District Deputy, District 8), Pat Siejack, Dick Siejack (State Deputy, MD State Council), and Tom Cavanaugh (Board of Directors, CNPCSM)
T
he Southern Maryland Councils of the Knights of Columbus partnered with Councils from all over Maryland to raise $21,000 in order to purchase a portable sonogram machine for the Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland. Those funds were matched by the Knights’ national organization for a total of over $42,000, a press release from Care Net
says.
The Maryland State Council has set a goal of raising 10 of these grants over the next year in order to purchase sonogram machines for other pregnancy resource centers in Maryland. The portable sonogram machine will be used in Care Net Pregnancy Center of SoMD’s branch offices in Lusby and Leonardtown. For more information about Care Net Pregnancy Centers see www.care-net.org.
Stovy Brown Installed as Rotary Club President
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Thursday, July-2010
eorge “Stovy” Brow n , of St. Leonard, was recently installed a President of the Rotary Club of Prince Frederick. Martha Canfield will serve as Vice President, Ed Burkhart, Secretary, and Mike Hammond, New officers for Rotary Club of Prince Frederick. Left to right: Warren Prince, Treasurer. The in- Area Governor, Stovy Brown, President, Paul Summers, International Chairman, Jean Geletka, Past President, Martha Canfield, President-Elect, Ed Burkhart, Secstallation ceremony retary, Philip Yeats, Community Service Chairman, Dave Elkinton, Club Service was held on June 28. Chairman, and Al Schwencer, Sgt. at Arms. Brown succeeds Jean Also serving for the coming year are: Gelatka, who becomes Past President. Stovy Brown is widely known in Cal- Dave Elkinton, Club Service; Philip Yeats, vert County and within the Rotary District. Community Service; Paul Summers, InterA member of the Calvert County Democrat- national Service; Gene Karol, Vocational ic Central Committee since 2006, Brown’s Service; and Al Schwencer, Sgt. at Arms. The Rotary Club of Prince Frederick is passion is sailing. He serves as President the local affiliate of Rotary International, the of the Southern Maryland Sailing Foundation which has supported youth sailing since oldest international service club. Rotary club 1999. He is the Director of the Sailing Center members are business and professional leadChesapeake, a new subsidiary of the Sailing ers who volunteer in their communities and Foundation that provides access to sailing promote world understanding and peace. Rotary’s 31,000 clubs in more than 165 and boating skills to the community. countries and regions encourage high ethical Brown has served Rotary at the district level, coordinating international programs standards and carry out humanitarian projincluding Group Study Exchange teams. ects to address such issues as poverty, health, He has previously served as President of the hunger, education, and the environment. The worldwide eradication of polio has Prince Frederick Club, and has been awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship. He will continue been Rotary’s flagship program. Working together with the United Nations, the World to serve as the Club’s Webmaster. Brown retired from the Asia-Pacific Health Organization, and the Bill and Melindivision of IBM, where he was involved in da Gates Foundation, among others. The Rotary Club of Prince Frederick business development in public sector enmeets every Monday at Stoney’s in Prince terprises. A native of Baltimore, a graduate of Yale University, he is married to Anne Frederick. For further information, contact Dave Elkinton at 410-535-6139. Brown.
Blue Crabs
Quade Romps to Convincing Kirkland Homers Three Times as Blue Potomac Late Model Win Crabs Earn Series Win Over Patriots
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ridgewat e r, N J – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs defeated the Somerset Patriots 5-2 before 5,303 fans at TD Bank Ballpark on Sunday evening, July 18. The Blue Crabs took a 1-0 lead on a lead off home run by second baseman Kody Kirkland (9) to start the game. Somerset tied up the game with a run in the bottom of the second inning. Designated hitter Josh Pressley singled and later scored on an RBI groundout. Southern Maryland regained the lead with three runs in the top of the third inning. Kirkland led of the inning with his second home run of the game (10). Right fielder Jamal Hill singled and advanced to third on a single by third baseman Patrick Osborn. Both runners would come home to score on a two-run triple by first baseman Eric Crozier for a 4-1
advantage. The Patriots cut the lead to 4-2 with a run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Second baseman Elliott Ayala singled and later scored on an RBI single by left fielder Joe Burke. Kirkland answered in the top of the seventh inning with his third home run of the game (11) to give the Blue Crabs a 5-2 lead. Southern Maryland starter Kenny Rayborn (7-4) picked up the win after allowing two runs on six hits in 5.2 innings pitched. Somerset starter Justin Jones (4-6) got the loss, allowing four runs on seven hits in six innings pitched. Jim Ed Warden got his 15th save of the season after tossing a scoreless ninth inning. The Blue Crabs return to Regency Furniture Stadium Thursday evening to host the Long Island Ducks. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
By Doug Watson Potomac Speedway
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UDDS CREEK – Mechanicsville’s Matt Quade prepared for the upcoming “Three State Flyers” series event next weekend in a big way as he dominated last Friday night’s action at Potomac Speedway. Ronnie DeHaven Jr. and Deane Guy were the original front row for the start of the event. However, after two aborted starts, Matt Quade found himself on the front row for the start of the 25-lap feature. At the drop of the green, Quade shot into the race lead with Daryl Hills in tow. Hills applied heavy pressure to Quade before retiring from the event on lap 11. 17-year old Kyle Hardy, who started 11th, then took up the chase and would get close to Quade on several occasions, but Quade was not to be denied as he would score his second Potomac Late Model feature win of the season piloting his Rocket No. 47. “I can’t thank my Dad and all the guys on the crew enough,” Quade stated. “The work hard on this race car and the results are starting to show.” A two-hour rain delay in the program drastically changed track conditions. “I think the rain helped us a little,” Quade said. “There was a nice cushion around the top of the track and I was able to lean on that and keep up my momentum.” Hardy would hang on to second, Dale Hollidge was third, Ronnie DeHaven took fourth and David Williams competed the top-five. Heats went to Williams and Jamie Lathroum.
Sp rts
In the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature, Waldorf’s Kenny Moreland scored his second feature win of the season. Moreland drew the pole for the feature and made the most of his good fortune as he would eventually lead every lap of the event. Eighth-starting Kyle Lear took runner-up honors on the last lap, while Ed Pope settled for third, current point leader Derrick Quade was fourth and Winchester regular Leon Lloyd rounded out the top five. Tommy Wagner Jr. won the heat. In other action, Eric Erwin rolled to his second win of the season in the 20-lap Modified feature, Rusty Alton captured his first win of the season in the 25-lap championship event for the Hobby Stocks and John Hardesty annexed his second win of the season in the 20-lap Strictly Stock feature.
Late Model feature results (25 laps) 1. Matt Quade 2. Kyle Hardy 3. Dale Hollidge 4. Ronnie DeHaven Jr. 5. David Williams 6. Jamie Lathroum 7. Allan Brannon 8. Jeff Pilkerton 9. Deane Guy 10. Roland Mann 11. Daryl Hills 12. Barry Lear Sr.
Limited Late Model feature results (20 laps) 1. Kenny Moreland 2. Kyle Lear 3. Ed Pope 4. Derrick Quade 5. Leon Lloyd 6. Tommy Wagner Jr. 7. Chappy Knaack 8. Chuck Cox 9. Paul Cursey 10. PJ Hatcher
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Shirley Barletta, 75 Shirley Ann Barletta, age 75, of Prince Frederick, MD., passed away on July 9, 2010. Shirley was born on April 1, 1935 in Washington D.C. to David and Elizabeth Wilson Kaplan. Shirley had many activities that brought her joy, but most of all she loved to make her porcelain dolls, sewing, making beaded jewlery; and arts and crafts in general. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Samuel F. Barletta. She was also preceded by her father David Kaplan. She is survived by her mother Elizabeth Wilson Kaplan. Her children Angela Catloth of Beverly Hills, FL., David Barletta of Homasassa, FL., Donna Howard of Prince Frederick, MD., and Elizabeth Cave of Bryantown, MD. She was also survived by 10 grandchildren and soon to be greatgrand-child as well as her brothers; Melvin Kaplan of Port Republic, MD., Frederick Kaplan of Port Republic, MD. And Robert Kaplan of Mechanicsville, MD. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday July 15 in the Burnett Calvert Hospice House located at 4559 Sixes Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
Bernard Carson, Sr., 81 Bernard Lloyd Carson, Sr., 81 of Lusby, MD passed away on July 11, 2010 in Washington, DC. He was born on March 16, 1929 in Oklahoma City, OK to the late Chester B. and Kathleen Carson. He married his beloved wife Helen W. Carson on August 26, 1949 in Washington, DC. Bernard also known as “Boy” and “Bernie” joined the Marines in 1948 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He went on to graduate from the Emerson Institute in 1955 and then went on to work for Gener-
al Electric Co. as an Appliance Technician and retired in 1991 after 30 years of service. Bernie belonged to the St. Paul United Methodist Church and was a member of the Seat Pleasant Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Ann Payne. Bernie is survived by his wife of 60 years Helen W. Carson of Lusby, MD; children, Janis K.C. Jarvis of Annapolis, MD and Bernard L. Carson, Jr. of Lusby, MD; siblings, Bernice Boynton of Pompano Beach, FL, Kathleen Carson of Eustis, FL, and Jo Ann Massey of Hughesville, MD; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The family received friends on Thursday, July 15, 2010 in the St. Paul United Methodist Church, Lusby, MD with a Masonic Service offered at 7 p.m.. Funeral Services were held Friday, July 16, 2010 in the church with Rev. Ron Collier officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made in Bernie’s memory to the St. Paul United Methodist Church Youth Group, 11000 H.G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657. Arrangements made by the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD.
his wife Shirley Cranford of North Port, Fl, Charles E. and his wife Shirley Cranford of Boynton Beach, FL and the late Joseph E. Cranford, William A. Cranford and John M. Cranford; sisters M. Marie and her husband James Chaney, Jr. of Bridgeville, DE, Dolores and her husband Johnny Drake, Sr. of St. Leonard, MD, Joan and her husband James Fittro of Ocala, FL, Catherine and her husband Alvin Dressler of Ocala, FL, Carolyn and her husband Forrest Drummond of Ft. Meyers, FL, Diana and her husband Charles Diana of Brandywine, MD and the late Mary L. Brown; sister-in-law of Mary Ann Cranford of Port Charlotte, FL and Linda Fraser of Sewell, NJ. She is also survived by sixteen nieces and eleven nephews. The family received friends on Wednesday, July 14, at the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby. Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 15, 2010 in the Rausch Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.
Barbara Fraser, 65
Theodore Grant, Ph.D., 80
Barbara Cranford Fraser, 65, of Lusby, MD passed away on July 8, 2010 at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D. C. She was born on May 19, 1945 in Upper Marlboro, MD to the late William Mortimer Cranford and Edna Mae Cranford nee Wheatley. She worked in Human Resources for the United States Air Force at Andrews Air Force Base. She is survived by her loving husband Edward H. Fraser of Lusby, MD; daughter Kimberly Daugherty, step-daughter Maria Fraser; two grandchildren Chelsea and Kristen Dougherty; brothers Carl E. and
Theodore F. Grant, Ph.D., 80, of St. Leonard, MD, died suddenly on July 10, 2010. Theodore was born on May 18, 1930 in Barcelona, Spain to Theodore and Helen Grant. He is survived by his beloved wife Deborah R. Matthews. Children include Winslow and husband Brad Wacker, Lauren and husband Ed Haggerty, Christopher and wife Pamela, and Thomas Grant. He has three grandchildren, Nikolai, William, and Allison Rose. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Grant, and preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Helen as well as his sister, Elizabeth Grant, and nieces and nephews. He was highly respected Clinical Psychologist who integrated multiple disciplines into his work. A remarkable thinker and analyzer, Ted surrounded himself with volumes of books of diverse interests. In recent years, he devoted his energies to working with the Department of Aging in St. Mary’s County, where he facilitated a group for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s, as well as a group on developmental aging. He immensely enjoyed teaching psychology and sociology at the College of Southern Maryland. In private practice for 40+ years, he presented numerous workshops for colleagues. He was an active member of EATGA (European Association for Transcultural Group Analysis) and made a yearly trek to Europe for training. Highly involved in the Maryland Psychological Association, he is
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credited for developing and implementing the first political enclave of psychologists who “charged” Capitol Hill and the General Assembly of Maryland, to lobby their congressman, state senators, and delegates. Ted was a superlative mentor to countless persons, from the young to the mature. He believed in an existential lifestyle. Always an attentive listener, he always reserved judgments. He will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him. Services were held at the Middleham and St. Peter’s Episcopal Great Hall in Lusby, MD on Saturday July 17. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Charles County P.O. Box 1015, Waldorf, MD 20604 or the Army War College Foundation, Inc. 122 Forbes Avenue, Carlisle, PA 17013- 5248.
William Prillaman, 82 William Gary Prillaman, 82 of Lusby, MD formerly of Bryans Road, MD passed away on July 14, 2010 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. He was born on September 6, 1927 in New Howard, West Virginia to the late Gerry Ivan Prillaman and Gladys Irene Prillaman nee Lester. He married his beloved wife Barbara Allen Prillaman on December 31, 1963 in Suitland, MD. William also known as “Bill” joined the United States Navy in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1946. He worked for Scriptomatic as a Service Manager and retired in 1984. Bill was involved in the Forestville Boys and Girls Club and Bryans Road Little League. Bill is survived by his wife of 46 years Barbara A. Prillaman of Lusby, MD; children, Lisa and her husband Dave Spencer of Heathsville, VA; Theresa and her husband Bryan Shipman of Lusby, MD; Sandra and her husband Ed Yeager of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Lora and her husband Wayne Rodrigues of Livermore, CA; Deborah Forrester of Glen Burnie, MD; Brenda Foor of Stevensville, MD and Michael Sparks of Leonardtown, MD; sister Lois Haynes of Williaston, FL; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The family received friends on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 in the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Daniel L. Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD at 2:00 PM with military honors provided by the United States Navy. Memorial Contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to C.A.W.L. (Calvert Animal Welfare League), P. O. Box 1660, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Arrangements made by the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby. www.rauschfuneralhomes.com.
Mary Reuter, 93 Mary Cornelia “Connie” Reuter, 93, passed away on July 11 at Solomons Nursing Center, Solomons, MD. Mrs. Reuter was born in Baltimore, MD and grew up in New Jersey and Massachusetts. She resided in Lusby, MD for the last 28 years. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and was active in her church. She was preceded in death by her husband James Reuter. She is survived by her daughters Betsy Dodge of Lusby, Md., Margy Martin of New Bern, NC and Kathy Friedman of Poughkeepsie, NY, four grand children and 10 great grandchildren. The family received friends at Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, on July 15, 2010. A funeral was held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Solomons, on Friday, July 16, with Father Richard Gardiner officiating. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church Building Fund.
Ronald Schmid, 70 Ronald Ray Schmid also known as Ron or Ronnie, 70, of St. Leonard, MD passed away on July 11, 2010 at his residence. Ron was born on March 11, 1940 in Alliance, Nebraska to Phillip G. and Lucille M. Schmid. Ron attended Rock Springs High School and graduated with the class of 1958. He moved to Southern Maryland in 1988 from Olney MD. Not too long after high school Ronald joined the United States Army on May 17, 1964 he traveled the nation and was stationed on many bases such as Ft. Huachuca, AZ, Ft. Carson, CO, Ft. Bragg, NC. Ron’s time in the Army may have been short lived, separating on April 30, 1969, but the one
thing that stuck with him was the sense of duty and to help your fellow “man”. He would volunteer his time to help many organizations such as the Optimist Club, Vista Volunteer for Calvert Health Care Solutions just to name a few. When he was not volunteering his time he would love to cast a couple of lines hoping to catch that big one then tell the tale of how it got away. Boating and hunting were also great outdoor activities that he enjoyed immensely. When not spending time outdoors Ron would love to do carpentry work. Ronald is survived by his wife of 46 years Janice M. Schmid. They were married on August 3, 1963 in Chevy Chase, MD. He is also survived by his two children, Cheryl Marshall of Gaithersburg, MD., and Michael Schmid of Mt. Airy, MD. Ron is also survived by his two siblings Phillip G. Schmid, Jr., of Iowa City, Iowa, and Glendle Reeve of Liberty Lake, Washington. Ron leaves behind 4 grandchildren & 1 great grandchild to cherish his legacy. Ron was preceded in death by both his parents Phillip and Lucille Schmid also by his sister Linda Kesselring. The family received friends to celebrate Ron’s life on Friday July 16, in the Rausch Funeral Home, Port Republic. The interment will be private. Donations in the memory of Ronald Schmid may be made to Calvert County Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Arrangements made by the Rausch Funeral Home, Port Republic.
William Trollinger, III, 86 William Jasper Trollinger, III, 86, passed away on July 11, 2010 at his residence in Lusby, MD. He was formally from Ft. Washington, MD. He was born on June 17, 1924 in Richmond, Virginia to the late William Jasper Trollinger, Jr. and Mary Alice Trollinger nee Jefferys. He joined the United States Army Air Corp on July 16th, 1942 and was stationed at New Guinea, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe; he was honorably discharged on September 9th, 1945 from Ft. George G. Meade, MD as a Staff Sergeant. He worked for the Washington, D. C. Fire Department for twenty eight years, having served on Rescue Squad #1 until his retirement in 1973. Mr. Trollinger was a sixty year Life member of the Oxon Hill Masonic Lodge and a member of the Oxon Hill Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. He was the former Chief of the Rescue
Squad and a member of the Dive Rescue Team. He is survived by his wife Peggy Trollinger of Lusby, MD; son W. Jasper Trollinger, IV of Hollywood, MD; daughters Mary Trollinger of Charlotte Hall, MD and Alice and her husband Ron Posey of Nanjemoy, MD; six grandchildren Lacy, Tara, Billy, Jason, Aaron and Jesse; two great grandchildren Ashley and Heath. He was preceded in death by his two brothers and three sisters. The family received friends on Friday, July 16, at the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Father Joseph Trollinger officiating. Interment was private. Should friends contributions may be made in his memory to Calvert Hospice, P. O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, donation are encouraged online at www.calverthospice.org or to the American Heart Association, 415 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201,or online at www.heart.org.
William Vaughn, 79 William Richey Vaughn, 79 of Port Republic, died July 5, 2010, at Washington Hospital Center. He was born on April 23, 1931, in Oil City, PA to Von Verle and Belle Jane Ebersole Vaughn. The Vaughn family resided in Dunkirk, NY where Billy graduated from Dunkirk High School in June, 1948. He began his college years at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. His higher education was interrupted by his military service in the U.S. Army. He entered the Army in January 1953 and was honorably discharged in January 1955 with a rank of Corporal. Returning to Slippery Rock University, he received his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1955 and later attained his Masters in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1963 and his Doctor of Education from West Virginia University in 1975. He spent his professional life in various field
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of education and administration serving as Director of the YMCA in New Kensington, PA (1955 -1957), taught in the Kiski Area School System in Vandergrift, PA (1958 1964), was the College-Union Director at Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, WV (1964-1972) and was Coordinator of West Virginia University’s Graduate Center at West Liberty College, West Liberty, WV (1975-1988). Upon retirement from WVU, Billy worked for Piedmont/U.S. Airways as a customer service agent and briefly substituted for Calvert County Public Schools. Preceding him in death were his mother Belle, father Von Verle and older brother Verle (Buck) Vaughn of Indianapolis, Ind. He was a member of Patuxent Presbyterian Church in California, MD and enjoyed the fellowship of his Tuesday Morning Bible Study group. He was also a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels in Calvert County. Billy was an avid supporter of West Virginia University and their athletic teams. He was a member of the West Virginia University Alumni Association and enjoyed building model airplanes. Billy is survived by his wife, Edna (Jody) Gillis Vaughn and seven daughters: Lynda, wife of Bill Hart, Nashville, TN, Leslie, wife of Mike Byers, Nashville, TN, Pam, wife of Nick Johnson, Fairfield, PA, Paula Kit Vaughn of Huntingdon, WV., Dawn, wife of Ed Campbell, North East, MD, Kelly, wife of Roberto Soave, Kent, England and Tracy, wife of Randy Cononge, McDonough, GA. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Adam and Aaron Loovis, A.J. Boarman, Sharon Peterson, and Perry and Donovan Cononge. His five greatgrandchildren are Seth and Alivia Loovis, Brittani and Brandon Peterson, and Abigail Boarman. Also remaining are several inlaws and nephews and nieces. Billy will be sadly missed by his wife, Jody, his family and friends and the multitude of individuals whose lives he touched. Funeral services were held at the Rausch Funeral Home, Port Republic, on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. Interment will be at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Prince George’s County. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Billy’s memory to Patuxent Presbyterian Church, 23421 Kingston Creek Road, California, MD 20619 to help the food pantries, (SMILE and HOPE) and the Three Oaks Men Shelter.
Gazette
Southern Calvert
Thursday, July-2010
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CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate 2600 sq ft contemporary rambler. Open floorplan w/cathedral ceilings in living rm, kitchen & breakfast area. Separate dining rm w/pergo flooring & vaulted ceiling. Fully finished basement w/family rm, 4th b/r or optional work-out space, study. 1 car garage on almost acre. Room for shower/tub in 3rd b/a, new heatpump, new carpet, tile baths. Deck overlooking private almost 1 acre lot, shed garage This is not a foreclosure or a short sale, it is just priced well and shows really, really wonderful! Sellers are crying the blues and really want a loving family for their home. $259,999. Call 301-672-0840 if interested.
NEW CARPETS!!! 2 Master Suites, 3.5 baths, Eat-in kitchen, formal dining area. Low Maintenance, deck and patio, 1 car garage, View of Patuxent River, sunsetter awning, 2 9ft patio doors. Community pier, pool, tennis court, B Ball Ct, exercise room, trash pickup, snow removal, lawn maintenance, 2 play grounds, community center, street lighting and close to Solomons & NAWCAD. You have waterview, and close to the pool and rec center. Price: $259,750. If interested, call 301-862-2222.
t n a r u Resta
Real Estate Rentals Large 1BR, 1BA Basement Apartment (1200 sq ft). Kitchen includes stove, refridgerator and microwave. 2 living areas, one with built-in book cases and one with a gas fireplace. Clean, bright, and airy. Large storage area also within apartment. Private entrance and parking spot. Quiet neighborhood. RENT INCLUDES electric, cable internet and direct TV. $825 month rent plus one months security deposit. Non-smoker, No pets, singles preferred. References required. Call Dave at 410-474-9209. Rent: $825.
Locally! aces to Dine Find Great Pl
Employment
Busy, independent insurance agency in Lusby seeking qualified, licensed customer service rep to service client needs and assist agents. Must be experienced with servicing in independent agencies and be licensed in P&C. License in L&H is a plus. Must be experienced with agency management systems and computer savvy. Must be a people person and have excellent phone and communication skills. Must be hardworking and able to work independently as well as in a group setting. Must have a flexible schedule and be reliable. Please email resumes to melissa@jetmoreinsurancegroup.com or fax to 410-394-9020.
$ 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.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church By Joyce Baki
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ince 1722, Prince Frederick has served as the county seat of Calvert County. The courthouse was built on a plot of land known as “Williams Old Field.” It is believed that the town was named for Prince Frederick, the son of King George II, who was the Prince of Wales at that time. The original courthouse was completed in 1732, but fell many times to fire. During the American Revolution the town was burned by the English and during the War of 1812, the British again burned down the courthouse as they plundered their way to Washington, DC. But it was not until 1840 that it was felt a church was needed in Prince Frederick. By March 1, 1841, a new church was organized and a vestry was elected. The name chosen for the parish was St. Paul’s Church. The land where the church would sit belonged to Dr. Benjamin Williams, part of the same parcel, “Williams Old Field,” which held the courthouse. Under the supervision of Dr. James Duke, construction began in 1842. The brick nave-plan church faces the northwest. The nave is the central and principal part of a church which extends from the entrance to the aisle in front of the area set aside for the altar, where the congregation sits. The building is four bays long, each holding a round-headed arched window and corbelled brick cornice. At the rear of the building there is a rectangular apse, which is now surrounded by a brick addition. The bricks used in the construction were fired in a kiln on the site. On Christmas Day, 1842, the first service was held. The Rt. Rev. William R. Whittingham, fourth Bishop of Maryland, consecrated St. Paul’s Church on October 10, 1848. In 1856, a Rectory and glebe (land used for the maintenance of the church) of ninety acres was purchased. According to
“Our Infant Zion,” written by Ailene W. Hutchins, the first funeral was Col. Thomas Billingsley in February 1842. In the same book it is noted that the first baptism was the son of Dr. Thomas C. and Mary Hance, Young Dorsey Hance, on February 21, 1860. Stained glass windows were added around the turn of the century. The original front or façade included three bays, with a rose window in the gable. In 1885, Charles Parran donated money to build a tower in the front of the building and the addition of the tower makes it difficult to see the rose window. The five-course American bond brick base of this tower has a dentillated cornice and a hipped roof. The surmounting wooden section has a pierced and sawn balustrade, chamfered posts, woodshingled and louvered lantern and a wood-shingled polygonal steeple. The Great Fire swept through Prince Frederick on March 3, 1882, when children playing with matches started a fire in the church and it burned down. A strong northwest wind swept the blaze the length of Main Street turning 14 buildings to ashes. A new Methodist church had been built and was to be dedicated the following Sunday. The court-
house was destroyed and a courthouse was set up in the Rectory. In June of that year, a second fire destroyed the Rectory. Miraculously, the direction from which the wind was blowing saved St. Paul’s Church from harm. These fires left St. Paul’s as the oldest public building in Prince Frederick. St. Paul’s Church is surrounded by a cemetery with graves dating from before the Civil War. The entire church yard is enclosed by a Gothic iron fence believed to have been added in the 1890s. In 1992, St. Paul’s Church celebrated its 150th anniversary. At that time, Ailene W. Hutchins, one of Calvert County’s most beloved historians, wrote “Our Infant Zion,” chronicling the history of St. Paul’s Church dating from the time of construction. Ms. Hutchins gives credit to a committee formed by the church that included Margaret Craft, Margaret Prouty and Margaret Young for research that included “digging up all the materials and information they could get their hands on from the Hall of Records at the Diocese in Baltimore.” Copies of this book are still available on Amazon.com.
Thursday, July-2010
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Out About
Welcome Summer!
By Joyce Baki
Go on Safari this summer! Annmarie Garden presents Summer Safari for GREEN. Working with their new summer exhibit, GREEN: Art with the Earth in Mind, Annmarie Garden challenges you to visit safari
sites all over Calvert County to answer nature-related questions. Those intrepid explorers who answer all the questions correctly will be entered into a grand prize drawing to win a Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa Family Fun Package. The package includes overnight accommodations at the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa for two adults and two children, four Chesapeake Beach Waterpark passes, two large one topping pizzas from Papa John’s, four passes to the public beach in North Beach and four Smokey Joe’s milkshake vouchers. Pick up your passport at Annmarie Garden and start your safari today! (www.annmariegarden.org)
Learn how artifacts recovered from archaeological sites are restored with a special “Behind-the- Scenes Tour” of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation (MAC) Lab at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum on Friday, July 30. The hour-long tour begins at 3 p.m., and will focus on Native American history. After your tour visit the park and museum. The tour is free, but reservations are required. Email kconcannon@mdp.state.md.us. (www.jefpat.org)
On Friday, August 6, join the Circle of Angels Initiative for a family-friendly, free summer event honoring those who served this country in WWII and other periods. The World War II USO Remembrance Day will be held at the Solomons Boardwalk Pavilion from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy live and original music from that era, dancing, donuts and coffee and a wreath-laying ceremony. (www.circleofangels.org) Calvert Marine Museum hosts “First Free Friday” on Friday, August 6, with the museum open free to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy free half-hour cruises on the “Wm. B. Tennison” sponsored by M&T Bank. Hear the smooth sounds of the Navy Cruisers at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, featuring eight of the Navy’s most dynamic performers playing music ranging from jazz, rhythm & blues, classic rock, adult contemporary and pop, as well as original material. (www.calvertmarinemuseum.org) Saturday, August 7, the Calvert Marine Museum celebrates National Lighthouse Day. Celebrate the Cove Point Lighthouse and Drum Point Lighthouse with special activities, crafts and musical performances. The museum
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store will feature special lighthouse items for sale. Cove Point Lighthouse will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and free access will be provided to the Drum Point Lighthouse.
available. Admission is $6 for adults. (www.aiitco.com) On Sunday, August 8, Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum presents another program in their History for Young Children series – Natural Dyes. As they hike around the park, children will discover how Native Americans and early colonists used natural plants to dye wool for clothing. They will also get the chance to dye their very own shirt using natural plant dye. The program runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and is suggested for ages 4-7. The cost is $5 per participant and registration is required. (www.jefpat.org) Then on Saturday, August 14, the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department Concert Series presents Foreigner at the Bayside Toyota Pavilion. Foreigner will play favorites like “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Cold as Ice,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” The opening act is One Louder, playing 80s rock. Gates open at 5 p.m. and proceeds benefit the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department. Ticket information can be found at www.slvfd.com.
On Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8, gather at the Calvert County Fairgrounds for the 25th an-
On the weekend of Sept. 18-19 visit ARTSFEST ‘10 Fine Arts Festival at Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center. Recognized as Southern Maryland’s finest outdoor arts festival, Artsfest offers a weekend of art, music, food, wine, fine brews, and free art activities for all ages. 10 am - 5 pm. www.annmariegarden.org/Events/Artsfest/index.htm
nual AIITCO PowWow. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy American Indian dancers from across the country, listen to the sound of their drums and learn about Native American culture. Craft vendors with jewelry, pottery, books, music and native foods will be
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, stop by Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum for the The War of 1812 Reenactment. Discover and experience the site of Maryland’s largest Naval engagement! All ages will enjoy this living history event with American and “British” Reenactors demonstrating battle reenactments and camp life. Historic craft demonstrations and hands-on activities.
For more things to do this summer, visit online at www.ecalvert.com.
So You Think You’ve Got Talent? Two Summer Opportunities to Lift Your Voice By: Jonathan Pugh
I
n the nine seasons since American Idol began in 2002, the number of people auditioning around the country for a spot in the annual group of contestants has risen to over 100,000. The longest serving judges — meanie Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul — have become household names. All contestants receive national attention via the TV show and many of the winners have gone on to successful music careers. It’s no wonder this con-
test has encouraged many young people to explore their vocal talents and start singing. If you think that young audiences are the predominant viewers of the Idol shows, however, you’re wrong. In fact, the largest age demographic (at 29%) of those tuning in is between 35 and 49 years of age. This is one reason why the show has become such a cultural phenomena—Americans love music and witnessing the birth of new musical stars! And this love of rising (or shooting) stars has trickled down to the local level. Community talent shows also draw big crowds who enjoy seeing young people perform and sing. Fortunately, in Calvert County, we have two wonderful events this summer that provide just this type of opportunity. In this edition of Music Notes, I’m pleased to highlight these contests where beautiful voices can be heard.
2009 RU Calvert’s next Idol Winners (L to R) Andre Jones (Tween category), Delaney Guldseth (Youth category), and Jacqueline Pleasant (Teen category).
(August 20th)
About the Author: Jonathan Pugh is an independent management consultant who enjoys many styles of music and has played guitar since high school. He looks forward to the time when he can quit his day job and bang on a guitar all day!
Registration line: August 13th
Registration deadline: July 23rd
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Hundreds of spectators jammed the Calvert Library in Prince Frederick for the 2009 RU Calvert’s Next Idol contest.
Lori Pellock – Chorus Director. Lori serves as Chorus Director at Plum Point Middle School Music. Last year’s talented winners of the R U Calvert’s Next Idol contest were: Delaney Guldseth (Youth category), Andre Jones (Tween category), and Jacqueline Pleasant (Teen category). The Current had an opportunity to speak recently with Mrs. Gladys Jones, mother of Andre Jones, and ask about the impact of her son’s win at the 2009 Idol contest. First she said, “It was a tremendous boost to his confidence.” “Music remains his love, and Andre says he always has a beat in his head.” After his win last summer, Andre performed in October at the “End Hunger” concert at the Calvert County fairgrounds singing, “It’s a Wonderful World.” This year, he has sung at Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro for the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Tournament, and at the annual Louis
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R U Calvert’s Next Idol? (July 30-31st) ponsored by the Calvert Library and Garrett Music Academy, this vocal contest is a follow-on to last year’s very successful inaugural event that drew over 50 contestants. The event takes place this year on two successive nights (Friday and Saturday) at the Calvert Library in Prince Frederick. First round judging takes place on Friday, with final judging of the semi-finalists on Saturday. The winners will receive a free demo recording in a state-of-the-art recording studio and a professional photo shoot to accompany the recording session. There are three age groups in the competition: Youth (ages 7-10), Tween (ages 11-14), and Teen (ages 15-17). All contestants must be Calvert County residents. Singers can perform on an instrument or bring a CD with the karaoke track of the song they will be performing. Once again, Nick Garrett will serve as emcee for this exciting event. A panel of four judges, all with strong music backgrounds, will select the winner in each category. They are: Tom Dahrens – Nashville producer and writer. Tom has produced dozens of artists in Nashville and worked in that city’s most prestigious studios. Paul Christensen – Professor of Music, acclaimed songwriter and Grammy nominee. Paul has over 35 years in the music industry and has written musical scores for movies, commercials and documentaries. Charles Harris – Sixes Production. Charles is a film producer and has worked on shoots for P Diddy, Dennis Rodman and Wil-e.
Show Off Your Talent
Goldstein dinner at the Rod-N-Reel restaurant in Chesapeake Beach—singing a very moving version of our National Anthem. Andre is finishing up an original composition for a song called “Time for the World to Come Together and Change.” He plans to record this in the near future as part of his prize for winning the Calvert Idol contest. Now 11 years old and entering 7th Grade, Andre says his future plans are to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and become a singing FBI Agent who cracks down on crimes in the music industry. Register online at www.calvert.lib.md.us For more information, contact: Calvert Library Garrett Music Academy 410-535-0291 410-286-5505 301-855-1862
ponsored by Sacchetti Music in Huntingtown, this event returns after a hiatus of several years. New for 2010, the talent show will take place in North Beach at the Friday night Farmers’ market beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the boardwalk bandstand on Bay Avenue between 3rd and 5th Streets. Pete Sacchetti says this event is not so much a contest as it is just an opportunity to have fun. Contestants are not limited to singing; they can also showcase their talents by playing a musical instrument. There’s also no age restriction, so it’s a great opportunity for people of all ages to perform in a fun public forum. Both individual and group performances are encouraged to ensure there will be something for everyone. The first place talent winner will receive a $100 Sacchetti Music gift certificate. Second and third place winners will receive $50 and $25 gift certificates respectively. Judges for the talent show are in the process of being finalized and will be announced in the near future. For registration and more information, contact: Sacchetti Music 410-257-7620 www.sachettimusic.com
Thursday, July-2010
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On the
Water
Area Photographer Captures Amazing Shots
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ou might say Michael Roane has a bird’s eye for photographing our feathered friends. Judy, his wife of 41 years, says he often gets lost in capturing just the right shot. “I came home one day and Michael had a clothesline with humming-
A proud osprey, while on a victory lap after catching a large carp in the Patuxent River, loses its grip. Photographer Michael Roane says, “I swear I could almost make out a smile on the fish’s face!” Top Right: A Bald Eagle sees the osprey drop the fish, and swoops in to recover it.
bird feeders strung across the yard and there he was, rolling around on the ground under them, trying to get the perfect shot.” Michael laughs, “Yeah that didn’t work so well. It turns out that hummingbirds from the bottom up weren’t quite what I was looking for.” Judy says he also can get lost on the Patuxent River. “He can be out there for eight hours or more, just waiting for birds to fly by. I think he loses track of time.” Michael says he has gotten serious about photography in the past five years. Although he does have some stunning photographs he’s taken with his Canon 40-D on the Chesapeake Bay, Michael admits that the Patuxent is his favorite spot. “On a pleasant summer morning, the things seen on the river can be described as ‘lyrical.’ It is almost as though there is music playing just a little too softly for the human ear.” Roane, who lives in Dunkirk but likes to shoot at Flag Ponds and Calvert Cliffs, can catch that split second of taking off and landing on the water when even gawky herons look graceful. The light and reflections his lenses freeze are incredible. Recently, he was fortunate enough to catch a very interesting interaction between two of the most fearsome, top-of-the-food chain predators in our area: an osprey and a Bald Eagle. “The osprey had caught a carp that would have made a banquet feast. It was so proud of its catch, taking a victory lap. Then, disaster! It lost its grip and the fish headed back down to the water. I swear I could almost make out a smile on the fish’s face! The osprey was about 50 feet in the air as the fish dropped and hit the surface, where it was stunned and floating.” Michael kept watching, with his shutter clicking. “Enter the opportunist who had been ‘waiting in the wings’ for just such a moment. The act of stealing a fish is called ‘kleptoparasitism.’ Here is the moment just before that a bald eagle swooped in to snatch that osprey’s catch. The Bald Eagle flies away with the stolen prey, while the osprey See how he stretches his protests in the background. wings behind him so he A Green Heron won’t get wet and extends photographed his talons in front? Unlike at Calvert Cliff’s the ospreys, eagles are unState Park able to regain flight if they ‘dances’ with land in the water.” its dinner. Another stunning shot was taken at Calvert Cliffs, where he was looking for wood ducks to photograph. He didn’t see any that day, but was captivated by three green herons that flew in to a beaver pond. One stayed, and Roane managed to snap an incredible shot at the moment the green heron caught his dinner. Roane’s photos are on display during the month of July at Sea Scapes at 4105 7th Street in North Beach. Photos By Michael Roane
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Thursday, July-2010
Intergenerational Bonding By Sherrod Sturrock
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ne of my favorite summer programs here at the museum is the intergenerational Elderhostel program, now known as the Road Scholar Program. Called Fossils, Fins, & Fun, it is a CMM sampler of the best we have to offer for the grandparents and grandkids who hail from all parts of the country.
They arrive on a Monday afternoon and over the course of the next five days, they get to build toy boats, operate radio controlled boats, paddle kayaks, and take a cruise on the Wm. B. Tennison while learning all about oyster innards from a biologist. They get the director’s special behind-thescenes tour, our paleontologists’ perspective on our spectacular fossil collection, and our historian’s take on the Cove Point Lighthouse. They visit other local sights like Cypress Swamp and Annmarie Garden, and comb local beaches to collect fossils. They cook out at the Corbin Pavilion and are entertained by local chantey singers. It’s all great fun… but it’s not what the program is really about. During those four nights and five days the intergenerational bonds between grandparent and grandchild are strengthened as families build memories across the generations that they will always cherish. New friendships are formed that, we have been told, flourish well past the week spent here. Our guests learn – not only about
Southern Maryland, but also about such places as Los Angeles, California; Johns Creek, Georgia; Fairfield, Connecticut; and Huntsville, Alabama. Shared experiences become shared stories that will forever be part of each person’s personal history. The staff person who leads this intensive program does so with a virtual brigade of volunteers supporting her. Many of them grandparents themselves, they set tables, lay out food, clean up, teach skills, lead activities, and provide support at every turn. Their participation and interaction create another facet in the multidimensional experience that defines this program. Watching these folks learn and play, work, sweat, and laugh together is a reward in itself. It is exactly the kind of experience I hope to one day share with my granddaughter. Musing about this idea, I recall other references in this column to building relationships and the museum’s role in fostering those opportunities; about making memories and sharing stories. In the museum world today, there is
On the
Water
much wringing of hands and shaking of heads: admissions are down, revenues are down, and endowments are shrinking. The dreaded question, “Are we obsolete in today’s world?” is discussed in convention halls and conferences from coast to coast. But those institutions that are “…redefining their missions in relation to people” to quote Stanford University professor Jim Phills, are finding ways to thrive. This program illustrates that dictum beautifully. Using our collections, our exhibits, our mission to provide a platform for personal growth and exploration renders this museum both relevant and meaningful. The late Susan Sontag once wrote, “Existence is no more than the precarious attainment of relevance in an intensely mobile flux of past, present, and future.” For this moment, with this program, during this sticky summer of our discomfort, I think we’re there.
Sherrod Sturrock is the Deputy Director of the Calvert Marine Museum. Send comments to: sturrosa@co.cal.md.us.
‘I’d Like to Phone a Friend’
By Keith McGuire
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o here I go on another angling adventure on the Chesapeake, armed with reputation, the right tackle, the right bait and the right company. I’ve checked the weather, winds, tides and currents, and planned the trip to coincide with the absolute best conditions. My fishing partner has done his part to make sure that I have adequate ice, drinks, gas and food. I’ve scanned fishing reports in local print media, the Internet, and e-mails from my friends. Basically, I’m now ready to catch, clean and eat fish. I am absolutely filled with optimism! But on this particular adventure, the fish have a different idea and the “Ordinary” in my column title takes center stage. The wind is blowing harder than it was forecast and it’s coming from a different direction. The tidal currents are weak. The fish aren’t where they’re supposed to be. My fish finder is showing a blank screen. Undaunted and knowing that things are seldom perfect, I bait the right tackle with the right bait and encourage my doubting fishing partner to do the same. We get a bite or two from fish too small to take the hook but big enough to steal the bait. We are falsely encouraged. We bait-up again and catch one or two of the bait stealers and use them for bait. Nothing else happens. What went wrong? Where did the fish go
that were here the last time? What about all of those reports? What should I do now? “Well Regis, I would like to phone a friend!” I picked up the phone and called a Charter Captain friend of mine. He was on the water and was bailing fish across the bay. He said the fish had moved and encouraged me to head in his direction, which I did. I got there, saw him fishing, and moved nearby, but not too close to crowd his action or scare the fish. That saved the day! We caught and later cleaned and ate fish! One of the best ways to learn how to fish any area is to take a few charters, or fish with a couple of the local guides. The most important aspect of fishing in any region is the “how” to catch them. The “where” to catch them is only important when you apply what you’ve learned. I have taken many charters and fished with several guides. The advice I can give you is to be a good learner and client for the trip. You don’t need to steal the coordinates of where they go if you learn their methods. Get their phone numbers, recommend their services to others and repeat your business if your means allow. Make a friend! Understand that they will have good days and bad days like everyone else. The next time you’re out and find lots of fish in a particular location give one of them a call and tell them where you are. They just may be
there for you when you need to “…phone a friend!” Fishing continues to be good, and will only get better in the coming weeks. Big croakers are still abundant and hard to pass up. Although it is a late and slow start for flounder, people are beginning to find them at Cornfield Harbor and the Eastern Shore channel edges. Acres of breaking rockfish and bluefish can be found on the Bay in the early mornings
and late evenings. White perch are attacking small spinner baits in the shallows. Life is good! Have you got a current fish picture and a story of a great catch? If so, send an email to riverdancekeith@hotmail.com. 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, July-2010
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