Gazette
October, 2010
Priceless
Southern Calvert Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard
World Class Racing Comes To Solomons PAGE 12
Where the Candidates Stand on Issues Story Page 4
CSM Starts Nuke Training Program Story Page 7
Learn About The Serious Side of PRAD Story Page 23
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Thursday, October-2010
On T he Cover
Some of the fastest racing boats in the world will come together this weekend in Solomons Island for the Solomons Offshore Grand Prix.
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Also Inside
Local News
7 Community
local news
A girl wets her feet in the waterman sculpture at Annmarie Garden during the sculpture park’s annual Artfest event last weekend. An estimated 15,000 visitors stopped by. SEE PAGE 7
9 Education 10 Sports 11 Letters 12
Cover Story
15 Locals 16 Obituaries
Scott Begovich, along with Marc Granet, pilots the 4,000 horsepower Miss Geico powerboat, which can reach speeds exceeding 200 mph. SEE PAGE 12
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19 History 20
out & about
FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 20 IN OUT AND ABOUT
Patuxent defender and team captain Josh Howe makes a move on Northern’s Casey McConkey. SEE PAGE 10
Day
High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time /Low Time Feet Sunset Visibl
F 1 1 1 1
Low High Low High
3:32 AM 8:14 AM 2:01 PM 9:01 PM
Sa 2 2 2 2
Low High Low High
4:26 AM 0.8 7:03 AM Rise 12:50 AM 9:19 AM 1.4 6:47 PM Set 3:29 PM 3:17 PM 0.5 10:04 PM 1.9
42
Su 3 Low 5:14 AM 0.6 7:03 AM Rise 2:01 AM 3 High 10:24 AM 1.5 6:46 PM Set 4:05 PM 3 Low 4:35 PM 0.4 3 High 11:04 PM 1.9
31
0.8 7:02 AM 1.3 6:49 PM 0.5 2.0
% Moon
Set 2:47 PM
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High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time /Low Time Feet Sunset Visibl
% Moon
F 8 High 2:25 AM 1.7 7:08 AM Rise 8:09 AM 8 Low 8:37 AM 0.2 6:38 PM Set 6:53 PM 8 High 3:11 PM 2.2 8 Low 10:01 PM 0.5
0
Sa 9 High 3:11 AM 1.6 7:09 AM Rise 9:23 AM 9 Low 9:16 AM 0.1 6:37 PM Set 7:34 PM 9 High 4:02 PM 2.2 9 Low 11:01 PM 0.5
1
Su 10 High 3:59 AM 1.5 7:10 AM Rise 10:35 AM 10 Low 9:58 AM 0.1 6:35 PM Set 8:21 PM 10 High 4:54 PM 2.2
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On The Water
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21 Entertainment
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October 1 - 3 2010 land s I s n o Solom eport Tide R
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Thursday, October-2010
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LOCAL NEWS
Southern Calvert Gazette Election Coverage – Listen to Full Interviews
The Southern Calvert Gazette is beginning it’s coverage of candidates on the ballot in November’s General Election in Southern Calvert County. In this issue we are profiling the candidates in state races based with one-on-one interviews with each candidate. Readers can visit www.somd.com/elections2010/ to listen to the full 10-15 minute interviews with each candidate.
Dyson: Taxes and Fees Are Waugh: Cut Taxes, Create Jobs Profile of Steve Waugh (R) Candidate for Maryland State the Same Thing Senate Dist. 29
Profile of Roy Dyson (D) Candidate for Maryland State Senate Dist. 29
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hether the Maryland General Assembly calls it taxes or fees, it is all the same in the mind of incumbent Maryland State Senator Roy Dyson (D-Great Mills). “They are all robbing the people of Maryland from money in their pocketbooks,” Dyson said in an interview with the Southern Calvert Gazette. Dyson points to his record of consistently opposing tax or fee increases across both Republican and Democratic administrations. He voted against raising automobile registration fees under Governor Robert Ehrlich and against sales tax, flush tax and a number of other fee increases under Governor Martin O’Malley. Maryland’s constitution mandates the legislators pass a balanced budget every year. Dyson thinks this is a benefit to its citizens. “It forces us to make the kind of cuts that brings about fiscal discipline needed today in government,” he said. One way to balance the next budget is to freeze departmental growth within the state. Stating government tends to grow at a certain percentage every year, Dyson suggests stopping that kind of growth is necessary because “we just can’t afford it.” The integrated regional transportation plan for St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert counties is one of the bills Dyson said he had a hand in passing. The plan provides a blueprint for the infrastructure necessary to keep highways mov-
ing within the region. The TriCounty Council has listed the Thomas Johnson Bridge and light commuter rail as top priorities, which Dyson supports. He also introduced a bill to build the second companion expansion to the bridge, which did not pass. Dyson is optimistic that the recession is ending and the economy will continue to grow, providing jobs that will increase revenues. This is a time to cut the state budget and not increase taxes and stall the growth, he said. He is excited about the Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) to bring thousands more jobs to Maryland next year. While these jobs are not coming to Southern Maryland, they are jobs in the defense industry, which will hopefully encourage people to stay. Dyson believes Maryland’s highly ranked education system is the reason BRAC moved jobs to Maryland and why people will stay in Maryland. Finally, Dyson believes is record of support for small business needs in Maryland has consistently won him the backing and high marks of a number of small business groups over the years. By
“J
obs are the issue, taxes are the problem and spending is the cause,” says Maryland State Senator candidate Steve Waugh (R-Lusby). If elected, his top legislative agenda is to reduce taxes across the board so businesses and entrepreneurs can make more money and hire more people. “I think it is time to roll it (taxes) back to where it was. And see what we can do to boost the economy,” Waugh said. “Once you get the economy growing the revenues will come in.” In addition to cutting taxes, Waugh would like to find efficiencies in the current state departments, some more than others. “It’s all about finding efficiencies. We have to teach government how to improve its tooth to tail. Reduce overhead just like a business does, just like a family does on a budget. That’s my approach,” he said. A state senator should support the counties priorities and needs when it comes to transportation issues, Waugh said. He pointed out that the Tri-County Council is reviewing the region’s needs and integrating them into one plan, which will be integrated into the state’s overall transportation plan. Having said this, he does think bringing light rail to Southern Maryland and addressing the Thomas Johnson Bridge should be high priorities. “Most importantly that bridge is a huge, huge artery for Southern Maryland. Just the other day it wasn’t even closed it was just restricted for inspection and it virtually shut down two counties,” he said. “We can’t afford one day to wake up and have the bridge
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fail inspection to start planning the next bridge. We need to get going on that right now.” As summarized in his political mantra, creating jobs and reducing unemployment needs to be the singular focus of Maryland over the next four years, according to Waugh. “I think right now Maryland has become one of the worst business climates in the United States and its running businesses out of business. We’ve lost 3,000 businesses in the last couple of years.” More important than trying to attract large businesses to the state, Waugh believes small businesses are the backbone to the economy. “I was talking to a guy who is the 6th or 7th largest employer in Calvert County. He has 70 employees. That’s not a really big business. There are thousands of small businesses down here. If we can set the condition so that each one of them hires one person, our unemployment problem is solved,” Waugh said. The way to improve the conditions, according to Waugh, is to make Maryland competitive again by cutting taxes and restraining spending and restraining regulations. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublish-
Thursday, October-2010
410-394-6858
LOCAL NEWS
Davies: Improving TJ Bridge O’Donnell: ‘Absolutely Necessary’ ‘Regulations Are Profile of Chris Davies (D) Candidate for Maryland House of Delegates Dist. 29C Strangling Industry’
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acilitating a third nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs is critical to the economic health of Southern Maryland in the opinion of State Delegate candidate Chris Davies (D-Solomons). “The third reactor will be one of the largest construction projects in the history of the state of Maryland, bringing over 4,000 jobs to the region over a five to six year period,” Davies said. “Think of how that can help local business and housing and all aspects of our community during that time period.” After completion there will be approximately 800 permanent jobs on site and hundreds and hundreds of supporting jobs such as restaurants and retail, according to Davies. It will also help with the current problem of over 600 home foreclosures in the area. Although he would like to see light rail come to Southern Maryland, Davies would rather see more high-paying and high-quality jobs here so that families can enjoy the quality of life available here. Not being a businessman himself, he talked to hundreds of small business owners who all agree reducing the bureaucracy, red tape and permitting process would increase the business friendliness of the state. Davies would like to see the county commissioners work with the state to streamline processes for small and large businesses. Improving the Thomas Johnson Bridge is “absolutely necessary” for both the health and public safety of both Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. He pointed out that addressing the bridge 15 years ago would’ve cost $350 million, which he agrees is a lot of money, but is less than the total projected
costs if the state starts start now. He doesn’t want to see the state leg i sl at u r e study it for another 10 years either. He promises to be diligent in making the bridge a reality. In general, Davies is optimistic about Maryland’s current economic state. He believes the nation has passed through the hardest financial times; however, he would like to see the state continue to see the times as an opportunity to make smart growth moves with the priorities resting with safe schools, safe town centers and safe neighborhoods. One way to guarantee public safety, Davies said, is to continue giving resources to the all-volunteer first responders in the counties – the resources fire, rescue and emergency medical services will need to keep up with the growing communities. Davies is proud of Maryland’s commitment to public education. But as a fiscal conservative, he does not believe that spending more on education means citizens are getting a better education. He points out a number of initiatives between the business and schools which don’t require additional funds. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@ somdpublishing.net
Profile of Anthony O’Donnell (R) Candidate for Maryland House of Delegates Dist. 29C
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ncumbent Maryland Delegate Anthony “Tony” O’Donnell (R-Lusby) is passionate about what Governor Martin L. O’Malley’s administration and the Maryland Department of the Environment have done to the Stormwater Management Act passed by the state legislature in 2007. “I am not opposed to regulation. But it should be common sense regulation. But the O’Malley administration and the Maryland Department of the Environment have crafted regulations which are strangling industry.” O’Donnell spoke to a priest recently who wants to add a $14,000 expansion to the current food bank; however the $20,000 engineering study and potential $80,000 in property upgrades takes the project off the board. This is only one example of how such regulations are shutting down the construction industry around the state, according to the delegate. “We need jobs. We need the revenue those jobs supply,” he said. However, a lack of revenue in the state is not what has made the budget the most challenging thing facing the legislature over the next four years. “We don’t have a revenue problem as much as we have a spending problem in the state. I think spending cuts are indicated. The Maryland state budget has increased from $28 billion a year to $32 billion a year,” O’Donnell said. “It’s a massive increase and we can’t continue take federal bailouts like we’ve been doing the last two years.” Like some of his Republican colleagues running for state office, O’Donnell believes spending reduction doesn’t necessarily lead
to cuts in services. He suggests that a 100 percent audit of M a r y l a n d ’s Medicaid program could recover nearly $200 million in billing errors. Currently, Maryland only audits 1 percent of the current bills submitted for payment, he said. Another area is to return to the standard that mass transit should recover 40 percent of its cost from collecting fairs. According to O’Donnell, the O’Malley administration did away with that requirement thus heavily subsidizing the program and putting a strain on transportation projects such as the Thomas Johnson Bridge. “He needs to quit raiding the transportation trust fund to pay for operating costs in other areas. It continues to happen and that’s why we don’t have the money to move forward with the projects like the Thomas Johnson Bridge,” O’Donnell said. If re-elected, he hopes to continue moving the bridge forward. He would like to see nearly $200 billion set aside over next few years to start the right-of-way land acquisition and engineering necessary to improve the bridge. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net
Quinn: New Bridge is Not Top Priority
Profile of Shawn Quinn, Libertarian Candidate for Maryland House of Delegates Dist. 29C
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ibertarian Party candidate for Maryland State Delegate Shawn Quinn (Solomons) stands out from his opponents when it comes to his position on the Thomas Johnson Bridge. “The bridge is right in middle of my district. The problem with the bridge is there is really no place right now to build a bridge. They’d have to build on the existing site or they’d have to steal land from people who live down there,” he said. He is not in favor of the government exercising its right to eminent domain to take property from individuals for the greater good of the public.
“Eminent domain is a bad thing. People work hard for what they have and the government is just going to come in and say ‘too bad, we want that land and we are going to sell it for this price.’ They don’t even give them what the land is worth, just what they say it is worth,” Quinn said. A more serious transportation issue resides in the largest community in the southern end of Calvert County, according to Quinn. The Chesapeake Ranch Estates (CRE) is home to approximately 4,000 people whose homes are still on dirt roads. Quinn has personal experience over the last few years attempting to transport snowbound nurses to and from work. He’d rather see paved roads in CRE before concentrating on the bridge. When it comes to the main issues facing Maryland over the next four years,
Quinn has similar answers as other candidates. High state taxes, uncontrolled spending and lack of jobs are important. He’s not in favor of increasing taxes to balance the budget. In fact, he’d rather “find out where we are spending our money. I don’t think our government knows where it spends its money.” He does not feel 87 state funded departments are necessary. He believes some overlap exist in responsibilities. For example, he thinks the state police, Department of Natural Resources and state corrections department can be made into one department with one administration while still allowing for all the separate duties and functions of law enforcement. Bringing jobs to Maryland is a matter of reducing or eliminating business taxes, according to Quinn. He pointed out that
Delaware has no corporate taxes and they are receiving all the new jobs. “If we don’t get jobs into Maryland we won’t have a strong enough tax base to pay for all these programs we have now, much less anything we might need in the future. Stimulate jobs rather than stimulate economy,” he said. The large number of regulations imposed upon businesses is also hurting Maryland’s economy. “You can’t even start a business unless you have $5,000 in your pocket by the time you get through all the permits and the red tape and the regulations just to open your doors,” Quinn said. “You haven’t even done sale one yet. There is something wrong with that. We need to repeal so many regulations.” By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpub-
lishing.net
Thursday, October-2010
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LOCAL NEWS Biological Lab Gets Grant for Pier Repair
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he pier extending out into the Patuxent River from the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) on Solomons Island was built in 1936 and is showing signs of wear and damage after years of exposure to the elements and heavy storms, but help is on the way to keep it structurally sound. The National Science Foundation has awarded the biological lab $1.7 million to rebuild the 750-foot pier, according to a press release from the lab, which plays a vital part in the scientific research done their including collecting data on the Chesapeake Bay’s health and the wildlife that calls it home. “Rebuilding the research pier is critical to the laboratory being able to continue it’s cutting-edge environmental research,” said Margaret Palmer, CBL director. “The pier’s large experimental tanks are critical to
conducting research on how best to restore fisheries and its historic locations provides needed access to graduate students and local teachers seeking to learn more about the Patuxent River.” The award from the National Science Foundation is funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money, and marks a total of $3.3 million that has come to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, which oversees the lab’s work. “In addition to advancing science, this project also advances Southern Maryland’s economy, said Amanda Grimes, CBL’s associate director. “We anticipate the construction phase of the pier reconstruction will employ a number of local residents.” By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Watermen Feel Slighted by Oyster Decision
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he state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finalized boundaries for oyster sanctuaries in the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries, but have not compromised with watermen who wanted more of the productive bottom freed for harvesting. In a letter to presidents of the Maryland Watermen’s Association and the Chesapeake Bay Commercial Fisherman’s Association, DNR Secretary John Griffin stated that many of the different county’s suggestions were rejected because it did not meet the requirements the state had, including not reducing sanctuary area and ensuring that oyster producing bottom was traded for equally productive bottom elsewhere in the estuary. The state’s overall oyster sanctuary program calls for increasing the amount of productive bottom restricted from all harvesting to 24 percent. In Calvert County, Griffin’s letter stated, their proposal that would have kept more of the Patuxent River open resulted in a 6 percent loss of oyster habitat in the sanctuaries. Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Watermen’s Association, said that the state’s call to watermen for proposals with a Sept. 2 deadline was never meant to be taken seriously. “They had no intentions of making any adjustments they just did it has a front,” Zinn
said. “It’s a shame that they do business that way.” Griffin went on to state that the entirety of the counties’ proposals reduced the oyster sanctuary habitat by 9 percent and did not substitute productive bottom for similar underwater acreage. “This is a complex problem that has not been addressed for over 100 years,” Griffin stated in the letter. “There are no easy solutions and there will be some transitional impacts.” In his letter, Griffin stated that the proposals from St. Mary’s County watermen actually decreased the amount of oyster habitat in the sanctuary areas to the tune of about 30 percent and substituted productive river bottom with non-productive ground. Robert T. Brown, president of the St. Mary’s County Watermen’s Association, said that the new sanctuaries could put watermen out of business, particularly smaller boats that are being pushed farther out towards the bay by the restrictions in the St. Mary’s River. “It has crippled the smaller boats they can’t work out in the bay,” Brown said. “Especially when there are 20 to 25 mile-an-hour winds.” “This is the only time all the counties [watermen’s groups] all agreed on anything,” Brown said. “They [the state] want to stack the deck.” By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
REWard
Reward Boosted for Info on Police Homes’ Shooting
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$20,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the recent shootings in the Chesapeake Ranch Estates that apparently targeted the homes and vehicle of two law enforcement
officers. Anyone with information is asked to contact D/Sgt. Matt McDonough of the Calvert Investigative Team at 410-5351600, extension 2418, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office at 410-535-2800 or the Maryland State Police at 410-535-1400.
Youth Forum For Candidates Set
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Thursday, October-2010
oung people from the Calvert Crusade for Children will have the opportunity to have their voices heard at the Youth-Oriented Candidates Forum. The Calvert Crusade for Children will be hosting a youth forum at the Prince Fredrick Fairgrounds Oct. 26 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The forum will consist of a panel of seven high-school aged students asking questions of candidates for positions in the Board of Education, the County Commissioners Board and the State of Maryland Legislature. “There will be a lot of good people around,” said Marie Andrews, the president of the Calvert Crusade for Children. The questions at the forum will focus on issues important to youth, children and families.
Andrews said the forum was a way of healing young people to have their voices heard too. “Youths can’t vote, so someone else has to speak for them,” Andrews said. The first hour of the youth forum will involve a light supper and some student presentations, and the next two hours will be devoted to the candidate forum, Andrews said. “Our children are our future and we are our children’s future,” said Andrews, quoting the motto for the Calvert Crusade for Children. For more information, call 401-2868300, e-mail calvertcrusade@chesapeake. net or visit www.CalvertKids.org. By Sarah
Miller (CT) sarahmiller@counytimes.net
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CSM Opens New Nuclear Training Institute
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he College of Southern Maryland last week held the grand opening of their new Center for Nuclear Energy Training. “The nuclear energy world has gone through major changes,” said Jeff Tjiptura, chair and professor of the College of Southern Maryland’s Business and Technology division. A reason for these changes is the fact that there has not been a new nuclear plant built in the United States for more than 20 years and, because of that, the training requirements for people working in nuclear plants have “increased significantly.” A large component of the training requirements is a three-year period of in-house training that new hires at the plants have to go through before they can work alone in the plant. “They have to pay people who aren’t being fully productive,” Tjiptura said. Another problem is that each plant has it’s own training program, so people have to go through training every time they take a job at a different plant. To help address the problem, the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) started the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum program, which would take the requirements from the plants all over the country and make them into one cohesive program. Tjiptura said the NEI chose seven schools to test the new curriculum at and the College of Southern Maryland was one of those schools. The college had to put a lot of effort forth before they could house the new center, Tjiptura said. They had to get grants for
new equipment and find a home for the new center. The Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant also helped the College of Southern Maryland get the program off the ground by donating scholarships and even sending their own employees to the school as adjunct professors. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) also donated money and scholarships to the program. At the end of their first year of classes, students will be able to get an internship with Calvert Cliffs. After two years the students will graduate with an Associate’s Degree, Tjiptura said. After their graduation, Tjiptura said students are almost guaranteed a job at Calvert Cliffs because of how closely they will be working with people there. “It’s almost like a two year interview process,” Tjiptura said. An exciting thing for students is the probability that they will get to work with Calvert Cliffs when they build their third reactor, which will be happening as soon as they get funding for it. The new reactor will be the first planned and built in the United States in over 20 years and will require approximately 4,000 people to build it and between 300 and 400 people to work in it once it’s operational. Tjiptura said the center will be housed in a temporary building until the new facilities for it at the Prince Fredrick campus are finished, but it’s time noe for the center to open. “We are ready to unveil the new center for nuclear energy at Prince Fredrick,” Tjiptura said. By Sarah Miller (CT) sarahmiller@county-
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Photo by Sean Rice
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Artsfest ’10 Award Winners Announced
nnmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center in Solomons presented the following awards at Artsfest ’10 on Saturday, Sept. 18. Over 150 artists presented their works in mediums such as jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and photography during the wonderful weekend event that attracted more than 15,000 visitors with record attendance on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19. The Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award was presented to Richard W. Toft, from Accomac, Virginia. His traditional egg tempera work explores coastal life and traditions of contemporary realism.
now on tap...
The Dom & Sue Raino Merit Award was presented to Deborah Lovelace, glass artist from New Market, Maryland for her out of the ordinary glass jewelry and fused glass pictures. The Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens Best Demonstration Award was presented to Betty Seifert, Fiber artist from Lusby, Maryland. Her wonderful demonstration of spinning and weaving techniques enthralled visitors of all ages during her first appearance at Artsfest. The Zahniser’s Emerging Artist Award went to Katrina Dill, a photographer from Prince Frederick, Maryland, for her photos of natural landscapes and unexpected scenes. Her designs, creative mattes and mounts also won praise from the judges. The Jan Kleponis O’Brien Realty Best Display Award went to Cindy Blackburn, returning jeweler from Baltimore, Maryland, delighting visitors with her enchanting display of her spectacular jewelry. More than 15,000 visitors stopped by Annmarie Garden on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19 to see more than 150 artists presenting their works in mediums such as jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and photography.
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www.RuddyDuckBrewery.com Thursday, October-2010
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Rita’s Italian Ice Doing Well in Southern Maryland
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The County Fair is Underway
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he Calvert County Fair runs from Wednesday, September 29 to Sunday, October 3. Visit the 4-H Building and watch the faces of the children who have entered exhibits see their first ribbon. Tour the Homemakers Building to view some of the finest
Photo by Debbie Jones, Windy Willow Farm
needlework, home crafts, art and cooking in the area. Enter the pieeating contest, and watch the antique tractor pull. Enjoy entertainment throughout the days, including our own “Rockin’ Elvis” Jim Godbold, the Grandpa Cratchet Show, and Kachunga & the Alligator. Enjoy the carnival rides and savor tasty Southern Maryland cooking at one of the many food vendors. The Calvert County 4H Livestock Auction will be held Saturday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the Livestock Show Ring. Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. Come out and support 4H members by bidding on lambs, goats, steers, and hogs. You can send the animal off for processing to have some great tasting locallyproduced meat for your freezer, donate the animal back, or take it home on Sunday evening. For more information, please contact the Calvert County 4H Livestock Committee at (410) 535-0026.
ita’s Italian Ice has been growing steadily since it’s founding in 1984 in Philadelphia. According to the website, www.ritasice. com, the entire idea for Rita’s Italian Ice came from Bob Tumolo, a firefighter in Philadelphia who used the restaurants to augment his income. The first restaurant was in Bensalem, Pa. and named after Tumolo’s wife Rita. Since the founding of the first Rita’s, it has become a franchised restaurant – with new locations popping up all over the East Coast. This is what local brother and sister duo Cassie Bishop and Jeff Tiburzi have done. In 2008, they purchased the Rita’s branch in Solomon’s Island and, earlier this year, they opened another branch in Lexington Park. “The second store in Lexington Park was unexpected,” Tiburzi said. According to him, the original owners of the Lexington Park Rita’s went out of business early in the summer and the people from Rita’s asked him and his sister if they would want to take it over. “We had no prep time. We literally just threw the doors open,” Tiburzi. That branch has already been shut down for the winter months, but it will be re-opened in the spring at the same time as the Solomon’s Island branch. “We’re different than a regular ice cream shop,” Bishop said. They make their Italian Ice like ice cream, which makes it unique from other types of Italian Ice. According to Bishop, it was Tiburzi’s idea to begin operating a Rita’s branch. “He sucked me into the Rita’s vortex,” she said. Tiburzi was working in Philadelphia when he discovered Rita’s. “I liked the product more than anything,” he said. Before he ever thought about owning one, Rita’s was his treat of choice, Tiburzi said. When he came back to St. Mary’s County, Bishop was thinking about going into a business, so he suggested Rita’s.
Bishop and Tiburzi acquired the Solomon’s Rita’s because the rest of the branches in the area were already owned. Bishop attributes Rita’s success to the “fresh, high quality product” they serve. “You get hooked on it,” Bishop said. “You really get addicted.” That addiction keeps people coming back for more. Rita’s closes in the winter, so by the time they open in the spring, people are ready for it. “People go crazy. They need their Rita’s fix,” Bishop said. The normal crowd in Rita’s is varied, with a lot of families and children and everyone else besides. Much of their business comes from repeat customers. “Once they try it, they come back,” Tiburzi said. Nobody foresees Rita’s going anywhere anytime soon, and there are thoughts of opening branches further out west. According to the Rita’s webpage, Rita’s is now allowing people in Arizona and Texas to open branches. “Everybody loves Rita’s,” Tiburzi said. By Sarah Miller (CT) sarahmiller@countytimes.net
Jeff Tiburzi serves Quintin McQueen at the Rita’s Italian Ice shop on Solomon’s Island on Sept. 9. Tiburzi co-own this and the Rita’s in Lexington Park with his sister Cassie Bishop.
St. Mary’s Hospital
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
What others promise, we deliver. 8
Thursday, October-2010
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Pax River School Liaison Officer Helps Students and Schools
Dawn Simpson, School Liaison Officer, and Capt. Steve Schmeiser, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, visit classes on the first day of school. Simpson stepped into her position in August.
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Photo by Frank Marquart
aval Air Station Patuxent River recently acquired a new School Liaison Officer. Dawn Simpson began working in her new position in August, near the start of the new school year. “It’s a relatively new position here,” Simpson said. The person who had held the position previously had been there a year, and the program has only been on base for two years total. Simpson is a civilian who works for the Navy, which means she is not actually enlisted in the Navy, but she is contracted to do work for them. So far, Simpson said she
has been doing meet and greets with the people in the St. Mary’s County School district and determining what kind of groundwork her predecessor left for her to work with. One of the functions the School Liaison Officer performs is to help children and their families during the transition from one school to another and helping families to choose a school, Simpson said. “We want to make sure and try the best we can to ease that transition,” said Captain Steve Schmeiser, the Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station. Some parents opt to home school their children in order to keep their schooling consistent in spite of all the moves they make. Other parents send their kids to private, parochial, charter schools or public schools. Some families move so often that the students attend a new school every three years or so, and the students can attend up to nine different schools before they graduate. Part of what parents need to take into account is whether they will be living in base housing or living off base. The on-base housing is only zoned for certain schools, with the school busses for those schools allowed to come on base for student transportation. “We also provide information on documentation,” Simpson said. Schools from state to state can have different requirements of students and the documentation required to enroll them in school. She also provides families with information about programs the students can get involved in. She also works with the schools and tells them about deployment schedules and what possible effects the disruption of their home life can have on kids and their performance in school. Some children will not perform as well as they normally would while others will act up until their
Spotlight On
home life settles down again. Other students will not show any change in their performance or behavior. It all depends on the nature of the individual child. One program to help students during their transition from school to school is the Student 2 Student Program. “It’s there to help new students confront the challenge of transition,” Simpson said. There are Student 2 Student Programs in Leonardtown, Great Mills, St. Mary’s Ryken and Patuxent High School. The program advisors and students in the program attend training sessions in San Antonio, Texas. “They need friends and people they can talk to,” Simpson said. The School Liaison Officer position was started because there was a gap between the school districts and the military base and the families. “There was a need to help support the families while service men and women were deployed,” Simpson said. Even more important is making sure “military children still get a good education in spite of the number of schools they attend.” Simpson’s position is also important from a Public Relations standpoint, according to Schmeiser. She’s helping to build relationships on and off base with everybody from school superintendents to the teachers and councilors in the individual schools. Schmeiser said it’s important to help ease the transition form school to school not only for the children, but for the members of the family who are also in the Navy. “When their family is happy, the sailor is happy,” Schmeiser said. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Calvert One Of The 100 Best Communities For Children
Submitted Photo
Pictured is the delegation from Calvert County who attended the America’s Promise recognition of Calvert County as one of America’s 100 Best Communities for Young People on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at the National Mall. The group represented the Calvert Crusade for Children, Inc., Calvert United Way, Calvert County Board of Education and Public Schools, Even Start Program and Calvert Association of Student Councils, Departments of Social Services and Health, Calvert Library, Tri County Youth Services Bureau, the School Success Center at Yardley Hills, the Circle of Angels Initiative, Emmanual United Methodist Church, Prime Time Children’s and Youth Activity Center, and Concerned Black Men and Women.
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Hansen, Coaching Staff Looks to Mold Patuxent Soccer
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t has been an interesting season for the Patuxent High School boys’ soccer team. The Panthers are currently 4-4 on the season, and are learning and growing under a new head coach. Brett Hansen is the new head coach and with a knowledgeable staff on hand, he believes the program can make moves in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference – and beyond. “Switching to a new program and style of play for those that played previously is not necessarily easy; there is definitely an awkward period where coaches and players are trying to learn about each other,” Hansen said. “I think we quickly got through that phase and it has been exciting and rewarding to watch the team progress through each game and come together and play with what we have given them in practice … they are a good, talented group of players – both JV and Varsity.” Hansen has been playing indoor and outdoor soccer for 30 years and began his coaching career in youth leagues seven years ago. He also has a daughter that currently attends the school and a son who graduated from Patuxent previously. “I also know the previous head coach, Greg McMinn, who was immensely helpful and supportive of me applying for this position,” he said. Hansen’s staff is comprised of experienced soccer players and
coaches who are bringing their knowledge to a team that finished in the top 5 in SMAC in 2009. “Without Randy Sapp and Arthur Vale, my start as head coach would have been immensely more difficult,” Hansen said. “Randy also has a lifetime of soccer experience and 4 years of coaching experience with travel teams; he has taken on coaching of our JV and helps with the varsity. Arthur Vale played at the semi-pro level and has been coaching for 32 years and holds an Advanced National Soccer Coaching (B) license; he has concentrated on assisting with varsity but also assists with the JV. We all love the game and share similar outlooks on the game, I think the instruction has been consistent between the three of us and will make for a balanced program between JV and varsity.” Hansen feels that with the players and coaches working well together, the Panther boys could really be a force to be reckoned with in the near future. “The short-term goals are coming to fruition, getting 35 players to recognize each other as the PHS soccer team and then to play on JV or Varsity as a team,” he says. “This short-term goal is the foundation of our long-term goal, to build a soccer program that can sustain and produce a consistent high-level of play.” By Chris Stevens
(CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Panthers Hang Tough, But Fall To Patriots Head coach Brett Hansen, left, and assistant coach Arthur Vale observe the game. Photo by Frank Marquart
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he Patuxent High boys soccer team fought back from an early deficit, but were unable to overcome county rival Northern as the Patriots held on for a 3-2 win at Panther Stadium on Thursday night. “Our team played very hard on Thursday night and executed
what we had asked them to do; we (all three coaches) are very excited and proud of their play,” first-year head coach Brett Hansen said. “JV and varsity both picked themselves up in two days from some discouraging play on Tuesday night against La Plata, the desire and want to play and win was in both teams,’ Hansen said. “We came back from a 2- nil deficit at half-time, hung in there and kept playing to the very end. Losing by that one goal was hard but it was a great game and was well played.” Kieran Koppers and Abraham Armendarez each scored goals for Patuxent, who dropped to 4-4 on the season. The coach hopes a close battle with one of the top teams in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference will go a long way in building the Panther boys’ program to conference and state success. “The players keep building off each game, recognizing and incorporating lessons learned, and increasing their desire and want to be successful,” he said. By Chris Stevens (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Andrew Moe establishes position against the Patriots’ Evan Norfolk Photos by Frank Marquart
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Thursday, October-2010
Patuxent defender and team captain Josh Howe makes a move on Northern’s Casey McConkey.
osh asey
Republican or Democrat: How About Hoyer is Crucial to Neither? Protecting Pax
In reflection of your hopeful Letter to the Editor entitled “Republican or Democrat – which are you?” I admit to being neither Republican nor Democrat. Older parts of my family ran Democrat, but neutral in thinking is all that I’ve ever known. So, when I am asked “What do you believe in?” and the question is framed by having to choose between being a Republican or Democrat, I feel dizzy but I also see more neutral thinking standards evolving before our eyes. Let’s talk seriously about term limits because, as some incumbents nurse their tenures, they do so not necessarily with the regard and benefit to the general public that we need to expect. They then tend to become harder to vote out of of-
fice due to the roots they’ve grown in the business and county government communities. Look at how Marion Barry’s popularity still has a heart beat in Washington DC. It does indeed seem that our politics are changing for the good. Youth is represented in this election but we need to try harder. Neutral thinking from both old and young are needed to safely navigate the waters that are our times but many governments are full of older career politicians. I feel we should look to hone a more youthful election class this season. Greg Morris Chesapeake Beach, MD
Don’t Bite on Dyson Double-Talk
In this 2010 election we have a choice for our District 29 Senate Seat between Steve Waugh and Roy Dyson. Both are considered conservative. For the last 16 years, Mr. Dyson has a history of locally saying what is wrong with those crazy people in Annapolis, but singing a different tune when there. He has long cultivated a local reputation as a legislative “aginner” while mostly only pushing through minor local issues. This “aginner” reputation may still be valid to many voters, however reality is very different. As of four years ago, with his crucial stem cell funding vote, Dyson became an ally of Senate President Mike Miller and much more of a Democrat team player. Mr. Dyson has a track record of mostly voting against tax increases, but for the last four years he has voted to approve Governor O’Malley’s budget supported by those tax increases. I guess you can have your cake and eat it too. The special tax session in 2007 and the generous federal stimulus used to balance Maryland’s budget in 2009 and 2010 are over. The only way to continue Maryland spending is to increase taxes. Times are changing. Steve Waugh will support Governor Ehrlich. Steve Waugh and Ehrlich will work to block adding to costly state programs, work to block adding regulations and work to block more tax increases. If you recall, in Ehrlich’s administration, the budget, spending and taxes in Maryland were get-
ting under control. Ehrlich says he needs Waugh elected to help block predictable legislative excesses and says this is a serious election that will dictate Maryland’s direction for the next 10 years. Steve Waugh recognizes state taxes are driving out businesses and taxpayers. Jobs and strong businesses are vital. The additional service taxes being considered will drive more businesses out of business and out of state. It is generally understood the “millionaire” income tax increase passed in the 2007 special session succeeded in driving enough of our most productive citizens to other states that the net revenues from that segment went down significantly. The most recent quietly enacted excessive increase is unemployment taxes. Sales taxes need to be reduced to the more acceptable 5%. Steve Waugh will treat businesses and taxpayers as partners, not sources of revenue. As Steve Waugh says, “Jobs are the Issue, Taxes are the Problem, and Spending is the Cause.” Please support and vote for Steve Waugh as our next senator in District 29 representing St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles Counties. To learn more, visit his website at Steve Waugh for Maryland Senate 2010. Mike Thompson Hollywood, MD
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Send to: P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, MD 20636 Make sure you include your name, phone # and the city you live in. We will not publish your phone #, only your name and city
As election time approaches for Maryland and the nation, I am writing this letter in support of Steny Hoyer. In way of introduction, my family has a short but robust history of naval officers, which continues to this day. I enlisted as a Seaman Recruit in the U.S. Navy Reserves when I was 17 along with my six brothers who also served in the military, all but one having served in Viet Nam. My three daughters are also Navy officers. After attending the Naval Academy, I was privileged to serve for 36 years in various ships and stations around the world before retiring as Commander of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet in 2003. One of my assignments included a three-year tour as Chief of the Navy’s Congressional Affairs in Washington. It was in that assignment that I came to know and work closely with your representative in Congress, Steny Hoyer. During my work with Congressman Hoyer I came to respect and admire him enormously for his competent, hard working and no nonsense approach to issues affecting our nation’s military and his district. Whether it was one of the many BRAC years in which Bases around the country were being closed or a DoD downsizing, it was obvious in the Pentagon and in the Halls of Congress, that Steny Hoyer had a handle on the process and the outcome. I can state from my significant military experience that Steny Hoyer is as good a representative as you will find in the U S Congress. He is tenacious and he knows how to improve and protect his military installations better than anyone I have ever met.
Since retiring from the Navy, I have dealt with many communities who are fighting to prevent cuts at their military bases, and I can tell you that the advocacy provided by Steny Hoyer to protect Pax River is envied by all of them. I for one would view this quality in your Representative as of paramount importance today. As the November election approaches, I know a lot of citizens and voters are angry at all incumbents. And I count myself as one of those voters. Having said that, I know we have to be judicious and thoughtful when it comes time to cast our ballots. I can tell you that if I could, I would vote for Hoyer and I would do so without hesitation. Losing Steny Hoyer would make some other military communities very happy as the competition for DoD work tightens. Hoyer was critical in making Pax River what it is today, and he is critical to ensuring that it continues to grow. Patuxent River has a great reputation in Washington as a partnership community between the Pax River civilian community, the Base and your Congressman Steny Hoyer. You have a formidable combination when it comes to retaining and growing the community and the Base. I urge you to keep it; I urge you to reelect Steny Hoyer. Admiral Robert J. Natter, US Navy, Retired Ponte Vedra, Fla.
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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.
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Cover On The
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ome of the fastest racing boats in the world will come together this weekend in Solomons Island for the Solomons Offshore Grand Prix, the first race of its kind in Calvert County in about two decades. The race, put on by the Offshore Performance Association (OPA) and the Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association (CPBA), will feature as many as 50 boats of various sizes and speeds spread across nine different classes of vessels for one day of intense racing competition. “The boat with the most points in that class wins,” said Mike Yowaiski, one of the events organizers. But more than a race, the grand prix, the national championship for the OPA as part of a racing series, is designed to expose residents of a region known for their love of motor sports to offshore power boat racing. The pits where racers and their crew prepare to compete will be open to the public, Yowaiski said, and people can attend the race free of charge. “You can put your hands on [the boat] and meet the team and the drivers,” Yowaiski said. “It’s a little bit of a festival. “Motorsports has a huge following here,” said Yowaiski, who grew up in Southern Maryland racing land vehicles and soon graduated to boat racing. “It’ll be great to see a different kind of racing. “It’s taken a year’s worth of planning to get this done.” Yowaiski said he expects as many as 5,000 to 10,000 people to come out and watch the races, which will be televised nationally, that take place on Sunday. Spectators can come out over the weekend though, he said, and watch the crews prepare and test their boats. The champion boat in the turbine division is Miss Geico, with twin engines taken from a helicop-
Solomons Offshore Gr ter that push the 50-foot boat at a top speed of over 200 miles an hour in optimum conditions. Both driver Marc Granet and his throttle man, Scott Begovich, look more like combat aviators climbing into a sophisticated fighter jet than boat crew, wearing flight suits and aviator flight helmets complete with oxygen masks. “We start off as drivers and we quickly become pilots,” Granet said of piloting Miss Geico. “We can reach 150 miles per hour in a matter of seconds. “I think you’ll see us exceed speeds of 180 miles an hour with conditions in the bay.” When racing in the event’s unlimited class, Granet said, the boat achieves speeds when coupled with its catamaran design that allow to actually ride on a cushion of air, propelled by 4,000 horsepower’s worth of thrust. “There are about 10 boats in the world that can match our speed,” Granet said. “She’s the fastest race boat in the world right now.” That means, as the world’s fastest, the crew of Miss Geico has to be ready to always defend their title against all comers. “We are always on queue,
ready to race any other boat,” Granet said. “We cant’ ever let our guard down.” That includes being ready to deal with the potentially lethal conditions that such a fast level or racing incurs. “It’s controlled chaos really,” said Begovich, who controls the speeds while Granet mans the helm. “It’s awesome to have 4,000 horse power at your fingertips.” With racers expecting relatively calm waters the day of the race, which will be visible from the Solomons Island boardwalk, it’s a time when crews must be especially careful. “It’s going to be a calm day so it’s going to be a fast turning course,” said Begovich of the race that will go right up to the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge. “They’re the most dangerous races, the deadliest accidents happen in calm waters.” The calm water is what allows boats like Miss Geico to reach their maximum speeds, and at such speeds there is little to no room for error. Begovich laid out the hazards facing power boat racers with a mathematical formula he devised, comparing the death rates of power boat races with those of crews who work on commercial fishing boats like those on the Discovery Channel reality program Deadliest Catch. Two captains featured on the show, Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, will also be at the races, but, Begovich said, in conferring with those captains, he still believes power boat racers face more danger than even crews who scour the seas for king crabs. According to statistics he gathered, Begovich claims that death rates for racers is about 368, per 100,000, while the mortality rate for commercial fishermen is just 1.68 deaths per 100,000 while on the job.
Marc Granet, left, and Scott Begovich together pilot the 4,000 horsepower Miss Geico powerboat, which can reach speeds exceeding 200 mph.
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On The Cover
Grand Prix Opens This Weekend
“Our job is 368 times more dangerous,” Begovich said. Ted Ginnity, president of the CPBA, said that his organization started back in the early 80’s with local races in places like Solomons Island but now the race has grown after events in places like Cambridge and other Eastern Shore venues. “It’s the biggest event we do all year,” Ginnity said. “But we’re bringing a much bigger show, it’s actually international.” There are two boat teams coming all the way from Qatar in the Middle East to compete, Ginnity said, and should provide a glimpse of some really world-class racing. But the race is not open to just professional racing teams with corporate sponsorship, but to pure enthusiasts who sacrifice time and treasure for their love of speed. Many of them are known as Class 5 boats that may only go as fast 75 mhp or more, but they
make up the bulk of the racing fleet and can be just as fun to watch because they are so evenly matched. “A lot of these guys are gentlemen racers,” Ginnity said. “They’ve got a pickup truck and a 24 or 25 foot boat, but that’s some of the best racing you’ll see.” All the spectacle and racing over the threeday event is also giving rise to hope – hope that the race can help enliven the tourist-centric economy of Solomons Island. “We are hoping this will generate tourism because it is such an important race,” said Joyce Baki, tourism specialist for Calvert County. “I think everyone’s been hit by the [slow] economy, and businesses are looking for the additionally revenue. “We’re hoping that people who would not normally have come will see it’s a very vital community.” By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
iss eeds
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Spider Hall Farms Open For Business
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pider Hall Farm in central Calvert County has been going through some changes. “It’s not really an overhaul, it’s more of an addition,” said Catherine Cox, who runs the farm with her husband David. She recently started Spider Hall LCC, which will offer agricultural education and agricultural tourism to local schools and the community. The grand opening for Spider Hall LCC, will be Friday, Sept. 30. Part of Spider Hall LCC will be the Friends of the Classroom program, where students can get out of the classroom for some hands-on learning. “I’ve always wanted to teach the young students about agriculture,” Cox said. The problem she’s encountered with that is teachers, for the most part, can’t center an entire curriculum around agriculture. She said younger children are the best students because “that’s where the energy is.” Cox called herself the “business background” of the program. She doesn’t teach, but she helps plan the lessons for the students who come to visit and over sees the day-to-day operations of Spider Hall. Her mother, Susan was a teacher for 31 Submitted Photo years and helps with the actual teaching aspect of Spider Hall. Cox said the thought about teaching, but it wasn’t her calling. She ended up majoring in biology and minoring in archeology at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. In the late summer and fall months, Cox said they will have children who come to Spider Hall can go through a corn maze and a pumpkin patch as well as learning about agriculture. Admission per student for the Friends in the Classroom field trips are $10 per child. In the winter, Spider Hall becomes less active, but they don’t stop teaching the kids. A character named Mrs. Moo, played by Susan, will go into the classrooms and teach students about agriculture. Cox said the first part of the lessons will involve hands on activities for the children and the second part will allow the kids to give small presentations about what they have learned. “It’s a field trip that we take into the classroom,” Cox said. “It’s a field trip on wheels.” Mrs. Moo goes into classrooms for up to four hours and instructs students. The price for these visits varies depending on the size of the classroom and the amount of time Mrs. Moo will be there. In the spring, students can take field trips to Spider Hall to learn about gardening and planting as well as the life cycle of plants. For more information about Spider Hall Farms or the Friends of the Classroom Program, go to spiderhallfarm.com, e-mail info@spiderhallfarm.com or call Catherine or Susan Cox at 410-610-0094. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Local Singer Hopes to Take Calvert Idol Crown Photo by Sean Rice
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yron Dickerson, a native of St. Mary’s County, has been working for the last couple of years to further his career as a singer. One way Dickerson has tried to achieve this goal is by auditioning for American Idol. He went was sent to Orlando, Fla. by his sponsor, Wawa, and members of his family and choir. Unfortunately, his experience at American Idol wasn’t what he hoped it would be. “It sucked,” Dickerson said bluntly. “It’s a not like what you see on TV.” He didn’t get to meet Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell or any of the rest of the American Idol panel, but he can’t tell you anymore about the experience, because he signed a confidentiality agreement. Dickerson was also at the St. Mary’s County Fair last weekend with the Southern Maryland Community Gospel Byron Dickerson Choir, a group based out of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church in Leonardtown. He said he was approached by somebody form the choir a couple years ago and told he should join the choir because he sounded like a singer. Going to that choir for the first time was a bit strange for him. “Have you ever seen Sister Act? Yeah, it was like that,” Dickerson said. At the age of 20, Dickerson is the youngest member of the choir. Singing isn’t the only think Dickerson does. He also plays tennis. A couple of years ago, Dickerson was ranked number four in the Untied States Tennis Association, but he hasn’t played in a while and said he thinks he’s ranked around eightieth now. He plans to take tennis back up toward the end of this year and play in a couple of exhibitions. Dickerson also plans to go back to school next year. He wants to go to the College of St. Mary’s for a year, and then transfer to the University of Maryland or University of Mary Washington. He wants to go into Paralegal Studies. He wants to move to Florida or California. “There’s not a lot to do around here,” Dickerson said. Dickerson can be found next at the Calvert County Fair as a contestant in the Calvert County Fair Idol competition. His first selection is “Don’t Stop Believing,” by Journey. If he makes it into the second round, he plans to sing another song by Journey, “open Arms.” His third and final selection will be “A Song for You,” by Donny Hathaway. Dickerson’s cousin LaShawn Sorbes will also be performing in the Calvert County Fair Idol. “I think I’ll either be first or second,” Dickerson said. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Photo by Sean Rice
Submitted Photo
Thursday, October-2010
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Madeline Brooks, 81
Tera DeMent, 62
Madeline Brooks, 81, of Baltimore, MD passed away on August 8, 2010 at St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, MD after a brief illness. Madeline was the daughter of the late Rosena and Fillmore Brooks. She was born April 26, 1929 in Calvert County, Maryland, where she received her formal education. Madeline was one of 10 siblings! Many years ago she moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and resided there until her passing. Madeline gained many friends as a resident at the East Monumental Apartment complex. She enjoyed their company and many social gatherings they shared throughout the years. Siblings preceding her in death: Arnita, Fillmore, Geraldine, Milton, Cecilia, Allen, and Clarice. Madeline was a very loving and giving person whom we will never forget. She leaves to cherish her memories: one devoted sister, Angela Bishop; one brother, Donald Brooks, one sister-in-law, Zelma Brooks; one adopted-daughter, Sharon Williams; four nephews, Herbert White, Alexander Briscoe, Ronald Clark, and Donnell Brooks; two nieces, Rosalee Washington, and Vera Gaines; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Funeral service was held on Saturday, August 14, 2010, at 11:00 AM at St. John United Methodist Church, Lusby, MD with Reverend Dr. Samson Y. Nortey officiating. The interment was held at St. John United Methodist Church Cemetery in Lusby, MD. The pallbearers were family and friends. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Tera Gaschler DeMent, 62, of St. Leonard, MD passed away peacefully September 22, 2010 at her residence in St. Leonard, MD. Tera was born November 15, 1947 in Washington, D.C. to James Francis Hampson and Theresa Fox Hampson. She married Lawrence “Larry” Dement and they made their home in St. Leonard, MD. Tera was employed by the Calvert County Department of Social Services as a social worker. In her leisure time Tera loved spending time with her family. She also enjoyed knitting, woodcarving, painting and riding motorcycles. Tera was preceded in death by her parents, and by a sister Claudia Isbelle. She is survived by her devoted husband Larry, and three sons Domonic Stanley and wife Cynthia of Lawrenceville, GA, Vance Gaschler and wife Virginia of Dover, DE, and Brett Gashler and wife Laura of Orlando FL., eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is also surrived by two sisters Nell Young, and Bernadette Basile of Conyers, GA, and one brother Clifford Stanley of Alexandria, VA. A memorial service for family and friends was held Sunday September 26, 2010 at Christian Fellowship of Calvert with Pastor Don Bennett. Arrangements were provided by the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A. 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD 20676. Expressions of sympathy in Tera’s name may be made to the Hospice of Calvert County, P.O. Box 838 Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
George Ernst, 83 George Blake Ernst, 83, of Lusby, MD formerly of Beltsville, MD passed away of September 21, 2010 in Takoma
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Park, MD. He was born on January 22, 1927 in Galesburg, IL to the late Arlo M. and Anna Fox Ernst. George is the beloved husband of Lillian Ernst whom he married on April 9, 1947 in Fort Madison,
Iowa. George graduated from Fort Madison High School in 1944 and went on to serve his country in the Army during World War II from May 7, 1945 till January 30, 1947 when he was honorably discharged. After returning home, George went on to attend the University of Nebraska and graduated in 1951. He worked for the Naval Air System Command as an Engineer from 1952 – 1983 when he retired. After retirement George moved to Calvert County from Beltsville, MD. He was a member of the American Legion and a Mason for 60 years and enjoyed 10 pin bowling. He was preceded in death by his parents and one child, Carol Ann Matters. George is survived by his wife of 63 years Lillian Ernst of Lusby, MD; children, Michael George Ernst of Winchester, VA, and Robert Paul Ernst of Chesapeake Beach, MD; brother, John Blake of Galesburg, IL; 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. The family received friends on Sunday, September 26, 2010 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD. Funeral Services were held on Monday, September 27, 2010 at 10 AM in Olivet United Methodist Church, Lusby, MD with Rev. Faith Lewis officiating. Interment followed in Popular Springs United Methodist Cemetery, Mt. Airy, MD.
Demond Johnson, 33 Demond T. Johnson, 33, of Port Republic, MD passed away on the morning of August 29, 2010 at Southern Maryland Hospital, Clinton, MD. Demond Tilman Johnson, son of Josephine Johnson and the late Edward Johnson, was born on November 6, 1976 in Prince Frederick, Maryland. Demond departed this life to receive his healing and began his new life in Glory. Demond was a graduate of Calvert High School’s Class of 1994. He continued his education at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland where he received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Science with Academic Honors. He was employed at Morgan State University in the computer field while attending Morgan and for several
years after completing his degree. Demond became a member of Brooks 4-H in 1983 and became a lifetime member of the Maryland 4-H All Stars in 1993. He developed superior cooking skills through his involvement making some of the best bread! Demond, AKA Daemone, had a great love of music. He was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). He released several CD’s that he wrote, produced and performed locally in the Baltimore area. His music could be heard on the local stations of Baltimore. Demond became a member of Brooks United Methodist Church at an early age. He could be heard echoing the sermons of Rev. Joseph Collins during morning worships. He was baptized in February of 1977 and confirmed his faith in 1988. He was an acolyte and an active member of the Church School. He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted mother, Josephine Johnson, brother Lynn Johnson, sister Tammy Fowler, sister-in-law Harriet Johnson, brother-in-law Craig Fowler, eleven aunts Maude Bourne (Godmother), Charlotte Bright, Mabel Johnson, Roberta Andrews, Iris Harris, Iris Johnson, Mae Harris, Josephine Harris, Ellen Johnson, Mazie Johnson, Sylvia Jean Johnson; nine uncles Lester, Ford, Gordon and Odell Harris; Clinton Bourne, Enoch and Wilson Johnson, John Brooks, Sydney Andrews, one great aunt Georgia Jones, one great uncle Daniel Brown; one niece Elizabeth Johnson, two nephews Lynn Johnson and Cedric Fowler and a host of other relatives, friends and acquaintances. Funeral service was held on Friday, September 3, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Brooks UM Church, St. Leonard, MD with Pastor Jason L. Robinson officiating. The interment was at Brooks UM Church Cemetery, St. Leonard, MD. The pallbearers were Marcus Parker, Rondell Nolan, Langford Dyson, Josephus Harris, Jr., Donald Barnes, Jr., and Corey Johnson. The honorary pallbearers were Charles Harris and Chavenson Johnson. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Ryvell Jones, 17 Ryvell Jones, 17, of Lusby, MD passed away on July 14, 2010 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick, MD. Ryvell Jones, son of Preston and Tucksandra Jones, was born in Prince Frederick, Maryland on September 23, 1992. He was preceded in death by his loving grandparents: Samuel Richard Parker,
Marie Elizabeth Parker, Mervin Jones Jr., and Elizabeth Mae Jones. Ryvell was educated in the public schools of Calvert County, Maryland and graduated from Calvert High School on June 10, 2010. He was to attend the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore in August. During this years’ summer vacation, he practiced with the basketball team at Chesapeake College, Wye Mills in Maryland which he thoroughly enjoyed. Ryvell attended Community Church of Praise, formerly King’s Apostle Holiness Church, where he gave his life to Christ. As a member, he attended Sunday school, participated in the Youth Choir and the Adult Choir (Gospelettes) and was a member of the Usher Board. As he continued to grow in the Lord, he was called to serve as a Jr. Deacon. As Ryvell faithfully attended Sunday school, his teacher, Ja-Nel James, recognized his gift of knowledge of the scriptures and inspired him to periodically teach the other youth in the church. During Ryvell’s teenage years, he and his family joined Vineyard Deliverance Evangelistic Church and he participated in various activities. Ryvell loved basketball. He played for the Prince Frederick Eagles at an early age and became one of their star players. He played for Calvert Middle School in multiple positions. As he matriculated to high school, he played on the Calvert High School Cavaliers Varsity Basketball team. He played in a center position and numerous other positions. He was an all-around athlete and loved the #23, which he wore proudly on all of his uniforms. In his senior year, he was the team captain. During summer vacations, he played for the AAU Summer Leagues. As a result of Ryvell’s achievements in this league, he was chosen as one of the “Best Basketball Players of AAU in the United States” and his name is to be published in their 2010 Inaugural Edition. He also played during the Annual Holy Convocation in Virginia Beach, of the King’s Apostle Church World Ministries representing his church, Community Church of Praise. Whenever a basketball game was in progress in his presence, you would know for sure he managed to be a player in the game. Ryvell departed his life on Wednesday, July 14, doing what he loved, playing a scrimmage basketball game with his family and friends at the Chesapeake Beach Community Center. Ryvell Jones leaves to cherish his memories to his loving parents; Preston and Tucksandra Jones, Lusby, Maryland; Godmother; Josephine Wallace, Prince Frederick, Maryland; God-sister; Monesha Briscoe; his favorite cousin; James Savoy, who was like a big brother; and a dear friend; Alexis Smith, who he considered as his little sister; six aunts: Mabel Harrod (Oliver), Velma Scayles (Howard), Barbara Wheatley (Billy), Mable Wheatley (Preston), Josephine Wallace (Kenney), and Gloria Hicks; six uncles: Alvin Parker, George Jones (Delores), Donald Jones (Lavata), McKinley Mackall (Joy), Carlton Jones (Marcel), and Tyrone Jones;
great aunts, cousins, and a host of relatives and special friends. Funeral service was held on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at 11:00 AM at Crossroad Christian Church, Saint Leonard, MD with Co-Pastor Judy D. Carter officiating. The interment was held at Young’s Church Cemetery, Huntingtown, MD. The pallbearers were VaShawne Gross, James Johnson, BerJerone K. Mason, Casey Reed, Corey Reed, and Patrick Smith. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Cemetery, Lusby, MD. The pallbearers were Marvin Stewart, Nathaniel Buck, Jr., Steve Buck, Theodore Washington, George Daniels, and Thomas Johnson. The honorary pallbearers were James Foote, Sr., Raymond Lankford, Sr., William Blake, III, William Gross, Raymond Barnes, and Lowell Blake. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Andrew Stewart, 80
Archie L. Willett, 54, of Savage, MD passed away on August 11, 2010 at University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Archie Linwood Willett was born in Calvert County, Maryland on July 30th (or perhaps the 31st?) 1956. Actually, Archie celebrated his birthday on July 31st for numerous years until he later learned that his date of birth was in fact July 30th, and so he decided to celebrate both days. He often claimed to be younger because he was sick for two years. He was the son of the late Herbert and Mabel Willett. He was the fifth and often called himself the “favorite” of thirteen children. Archie, known by many as “Linwood” and “Line”, was a wonderful, hard-working husband; father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. After graduating from Calvert High School in 1975, Archie later attended and graduated an apprenticeship program in the carpentry, HVAC, plumbing and sheet metal trades from the Associated Builders and Contractors Virginia Chapter on June 11, 1985. Archie continued to work diligently with his passion for carpentry throughout his career that spanned over 30 years. Among many of the construction site jobs, Archie worked for the DC Government in places such as Defense Mapping, the DC Convention Center, Lafayette Park, and the Vice President’s Residence. Archie owned his own company, ALW Contracting, for several years where he did various jobs for family and friends which included repairs and renovations. He worked for Pioneer Contracting Company, Inc. for the last three years where he was known for his agility, bright smile, and “signature” Spanish. Archie enjoyed spending time with his family; especially his brothers. The Willett family would take annual vacations in the month of August to reconnect. He also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and spending time with his biker friends. Archie loved fishing (when he would take the time to go), along with sitting beside his fish pond to wind down and reflect after a hard day’s work. He enjoyed celebrating birthdays, holidays, spe-
Andrew G. Stewart, 80, of Lusby, MD passed away on September 9, 2010 at his residence. Andrew Gilreath “Gil” Stewart, son of the late Clarence Stewart, Sr. and Violet Thomas-Smith was born January 1, 1930 in Wallsville, Maryland. Andrew was educated in the Calvert County Public School System. He was employed at the Cruise Along and Boat at the Drum Point Shipyard and the Chesapeake Ranch Estates as a laborer and truck driver. He became a member of Eastern United Methodist Church in 1958, which he attended and supported until his health started to decline. Though, he could not attend church, he continued to support in anyway he could with the support of his loving wife. To all that knew him, he enjoyed being around family and friends, but his most special moments were to be in the presence of his wife, Marnett. On December 24, 1958, he married Marnett Ann Blake. From this union one daughter, Marlene Stewart was born. Before Andrew was a father to Marlene, he was a dad to Charles and Walter Kinslow; Marchelle Moore, Jacqueline Blake, William Blake, III and Lorna Gray. He also was preceded in death by his fourteen siblings and is the last to join them. He leaves to cherish his love and precious memories, his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Marnett Stewart; daughters, Marlene, Marchelle, Jacqueline and Lorna, sons, Charles (Jill), Walter and William (Sandra); (11) eleven grandchildren and (5) five great grandchildren; (3) three sisters-in-law; Lucille Stewart, Alverta Buck and Ruth Blake; one brotherin-law, Thomas Gray, Sr.; one devoted and special friend James Foote, Sr., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral service was held on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Eastern UM Church, Lusby, MD with Rev. Dr. George DeFord officiating. The interment was at Eastern UM Church
Archie Willett, 54
cial occasions, weddings, and especially his marriage to Catherine Robinson in 1995. From this union, his girls Arlin and Amoni were born which added to their three sons; Shannon, Sherman, and Christian. Archie and Catherine could often be seen at family gatherings dancing the night away to songs such as “Before I Let Go” and “Baby I Can’t Wait”. His favorite quote was: “Love is a Beautiful Thing, It’s a Beautiful Thing” something he demonstrated with his wife, children, family, and to everyone he knew. Archie had a special bond with his in-laws; Catherine and Herbert, where he learned to communicate in his own special way using “their own sign language”. In 2004, Archie was a positive bone marrow match for his younger sister Renae and in that same year a bone marrow transplant was successfully performed. After the transplant, the bond between Archie and Renae grew stronger as she began to take on his personality. In fact, the family began to think they had two Archie’s on their hands. He was preceded in death by his parents Mabel and Herbert; and his youngest sister Renae Antoinette. Archie leaves behind to cherish is memories: wife; Catherine Ann; three sons: Shannon Linwood, Sherman Lee, and Christian Andrais; two daughters: Arlin Charity and Amoni Caitlin; five grandchildren: Jalen Damon, Maya Renae, Saniyah Ann, Alexis Ann, and Taylor Renae; 11 siblings: Calvin Jerome, Rose Marie, Mary Ann (James), Herbert Shelton (Sharon), Austin Avyon, Marcus Mardell (Wanda), Brenda Lee, Glenda Lee (Kim), Sheila Yvette, Leon Douglas (Shedina), and Zera Vannessa; mother and father-inlaw; Herbert and Catherine Robinson; six aunts: Elizabeth, Estella, Loretta and Gertrude Willett, Celesta Mackall, Queenie Kyler; one sister-in-law; Maureen Woods; four brother-in-laws: Emmanuel, Herbert, Stephen, and Willis Robinson; one godson: Kevin Manning; one goddaughter: Nia Burley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral service was held on Thursday, August 19, 2010, at 11:30 AM at Greater Mount Zion Church, Prince Frederick, MD with Reverend Dr. Alicia D. Byrd officiating. The interment was held at Carroll Western United Methodist Cemetery in Prince Frederick , MD. The pallbearers were Ben Boyd, Leon Jones, Stanley Stewart, Herbert Willett, Leon Willett, and Marcus Willett. Honorary pallbearers were Delbert Mack, Calvin Willet, and Austin Willett. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
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Must be a graduate from an accredited and approved professional nursing program with a minimum of 3 years experience in long-term care. Must be currently licensed and registered as an RN in the State of Maryland with previous experience in Quality Assurance, JCAHO, Utilizaiton Review, and related areas.Computer experience in Microsoft Word and Excel preferred Must possess ability to work well with others. A complete job description is available for review. To apply, please email resume to lyounger@ccncmd.org. Busy marina in Solomons looking for weekend help. Desired candidate must be trustworthy and reliable, able to work well with customers, and multi-task Position may involve a wide variety of duties; grass cutting, maintenance, fuel dock, etc Applicant's must apply in person at Calvert Marina 14485 Dowell Road Dowell, MD 20629.
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.
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Did You Know……….. By Joyce Baki
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n 2009 the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that Calvert County had approximately 89, 212 people living within its borders. The smallest county landwise in Maryland, Calvert County is approximately 214 square miles. Did you know………
• In 1800, the U.S. Census recorded by Benjamin H. Mackall for Calvert County was 8,297. • In 1900, the population of Calvert County was 10,223. • By 1930, the population of Calvert County would drop to 9,528. • In 1960, the population of Calvert County had grown to 15,826. • By 1990, the population of Calvert County had grown to 51,372.
Calvert County’s first residents were an Algonquin tribe known as the Patuxent Indians. They built villages along the Patuxent River. During his explorations of the Chesapeake Bay in 1608, Captain John Smith and his crew met these Native Americans and recorded his encounter. Calvert County was established in 1654 by Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. It was called Patuxent County until 1658. Calvert County was much larger at that time. In 1695, Calvert County would be partitioned into St. Mary’s, Charles and Prince George’s Counties, making the new boundaries much of what they are today. The earliest recorded court proceeding with a jury of twelve was on January 31, 1637, at Mettapient, St. Mary’s County. The jury reviewed the death of John Briant and determined that his death was caused by a tree that fell on him. The first jury in Maryland composed en-
tirely of women was convened for the trial of Judith Catchpole, who had been accused in the murder of her child. The jury composed of eleven women, seven married and four single, was ordered by the Generall Provinciall Court at Patuxent on September 22, 1656. Mrs. Catchpole was acquitted. In 1650, Reverend Robert Brooke arrived in Maryland with his family from England. With him were his prized English fox hounds. It has been said that the American foxhound was descended from his dogs. The American foxhound is the Calvert County dog. A medium-sized dog that runs fast, they are used for hunting foxes, a sport that has been popular since colonial times. The original county seat was at Calvertown, also known as Calvert Town or Calvert Towne. It was located on the Patuxent River. This site was very inconvenient, so in 1722 by an Act of Assembly, the county seat was moved to “Williams’ Old Field,” where a courthouse would be built. The town would be named Prince Frederick. The courthouse was completed in 1732. Calvert County was invaded by the British twice. The first time was in 1780 during the Revolutionary War. The second time was during the War of 1812. The British were on their way to Washington, DC and encountered a flotilla led by Commodore Joshua Barney. Barney’s flotilla played a prominent part in slowing down the British. You can learn more about this battle at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. The battle occurred in the waters of the Patuxent in front of the Park. Margaret Mackall Smith was born on September 21, 1788 at St. Leonard, Calvert County. Her parents were Major Walter Smith, who had fought in the Revolutionary War and Ann Mackall, who had lived at “Godsgrace” in Calvert County. Margaret Mackall Smith married Zachary Taylor on June 21, 1810. Zachary Taylor would become the 12th President of the United States on March 4, 1889. The Star-Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814. Key had been chosen by President Madison to go with John Stuart Skinner, a prisoner-of-war exchange officer, to meet with the British to arrange the release of Dr. William Beanes. John Stuart Skinner was from Calvert County. He was born in 1788 what is now considered St. Leonard, probably off Mackall Road. He became an attorney at the age of 21. In 1819, Skinner established “The American Farmer,” one of the first agricultural journals in the United States. Skinner also published the first “American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine” in 1829. In 1845 Skinner began the “Farmer’s Library and Monthly Journal of Agriculture” which would be followed by the “Plough, the Loom, and the Anvil.” Skinner served with Joshua Barney and would be known as “Maryland’s Paul Revere.” Cecilius Calvert
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Out&About
Autumn is here, the leaves are starting to change. Get out and enjoy an event in Calvert County this month!
Offshore racing fans can look forward to the 1st Annual Solomons Offshore Grand Prix 2010 sponsored by Bayside Chevrolet. Fans and spectators will be to get a firsthand look at the boats as they tour the pits Thursday – Friday, October 1-2, in Glascock Field across from the Calvert Marine Museum. Trials will be held Saturday, October 2. Races will occur on Sunday, October 3. Up to 50 boats will compete in this amazing race. Races can be viewed from Solomons Riverwalk. (www.solomonsrace. com) Annmarie Garden hosts Maker’s Market on Saturday, October 2, from 9 a.m. – noon. The Maker’s Market is a farmer’s market and more. It is THE place to find handmade, homemade or homegrown products including arts and crafts, hanging baskets, organic skincare products, cut flowers, batik and fleece clothing, handmade soaps and candles, herbal teas, ornaments, folk art, handmade gifts and more. Find special treasures – or begin your Christmas shopping early! More than thirty vendors participate. Admission is free. (www.annmariegarden.org) Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum will also provide tours of Point Farm House & Garden on Wednesday, October 6 and Sunday, October 10 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Point Farm was the estate home and retreat of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Patterson. The Colonial Revival brick house and many of the outbuildings were designed by noted female architect Gertrude Sawyer. The gardens are being faithfully restored based on the original plans by landscape architect Rose Greely. I have taken this tour and it is great! The fee is $10 per person; $8 for seniors 55 or older. Special arrangements can be made for small groups like garden clubs and Red Hat Ladies. For more information on this and other programs at Jefferson Patterson Park, call 410-586-8501 or visit www.jefpat.org. Enjoy an artful evening at Annmarie Garden on Friday, October 8, from 6 – 9 p.m. with Annmarie After Hours: AAH! Annmarie Gar-
den unveils their hot new exhibit, The Art of the Hot Rod. This spectacular exhibit of “art on wheels” features photographs of hot rods taken by race car driver and photographer Peter Harholdt. Featuring live music, complimentary appetiz-
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Thursday, October-2010
ers by Expressions Catering and special sales in the gift shop, this is a perfect stop before or after dinner. Check their Web site for more information - www.annmariegarden.org. Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) marks its 33rd anniversary on Saturday and Sunday, October 9-10. PRAD was created to raise the awareness of the economic, cultural and historical impact the Patuxent River has on our community. The festival offers a wide variety of events - children’s activities, an arts and crafts show, musical performances, an open house at the Calvert Marine Museum and on Sunday a parade at 2 p.m. New this year – taste the bounty of the Patuxent in the Corbin Pavilion with local wineries, local produce and other goodies. Free harbor cruises are offered on board two historic vessels: the bugeye Wm. B. Tennison and the sailing skipjack, Nathan of Dorchester. Come hungry – there is a great variety of food vendors! Admission is free. (www.pradinc.org) The College of Southern Maryland will begin their Ward Virts Concert Series on October 10 at the Prince Frederick campus with classical pianist, Brian Ganz. A graduate of the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, Ganz has performed with numerous orchestras such as the St. Louis Symphony, as well as annually with the Ward Virts series. The Ward Virts Concert Series is presented by Edward and Patricia Mehosky, St. Clair and Mary Tweedie, Gerry Van De Velde and Rene Cunningham and CSM. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. There is open seating and it is free to the public. (www.csmd.edu/Arts) Celebrate centuries of agriculture in Calvert County on Sunday, October 17, with the Calvert County Farm Tour. Spider Hall Farm, Fridays Creek Winery, and Fresh Meadows will open their doors to allow visitors to get a closer look at farming. The Calvert County Farm Tour is designed for family fun and learning. Visit with October 17 - American Indian Lifeways Festival farm animals; enjoy hay rides, corn 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum • www.jefpat.org maze, exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and much more. The event Saturday, October 23 - Calvert Marine Museum 40th Birthday Party will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Calvert Marine Museum • www.calvertmarinemuseum.com more information and get directions to the farms, visit www.calvertag.com. Saturday, October 23 - Patuxent Wine Festival Noon – 6 p.m. • Wineries throughout Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties • www.maryl andwine.com
Add these great events to your calendar:
Saturday, October 23, 2010 - Halloween in the Garden 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center • www.annmarie garden.org Saturday, October 24 - Guided Canoe Trip 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. • American Chestnut Land Trust • www.acltweb.org
Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010 - Youth-Oriented Candidates’ Forum 5:30–8:30 p.m. • County Fairgrounds, Prince Frederick Sponsored by CALVERT CRUSADE FOR CHILDREN, INC. A light meal provided at 5:30 pm. Free. Everyone welcome, especially youth. For more information please contact calvertcrusade@chesapeake.net, 410 286-8300 or www.CalvertKids.org
“Rumors” – An Aptly Named Production sets the pace for the rest of the play- the people watching are thrown into the middle of the action. The people in the audience are not alone in this situation though. The first people on the stage are at a parPhoto by Sarah Miller ty, and have to deal The cast of “Rumors” on stage at the end of the play. The play opened Sept. with the rest of the guests as they arrive. 24 will run until Oct. 10. The guests who he lights come up on a nervous come in are given various cover stories, woman in a blue evening gown mostly spur of the moment explanations standing in the living room of that nobody remembers ten minutes later, what looks like a very nice house, with a when the next guest arrives. Because of staircase and to doors on a second level. this, everybody gets a different story and The first lines out of her mouth are “Oh, nobody really knows what exactly is going my God.” A man appears from behind a on, but everyone suspects something. door upstairs and asks “did he call yet?” In the end, what is the truth and what As the opening scene unfolds, it be- is falsehood is up to anybody’s guess and comes clear that there is a man bleeding the culmination of all the insanity is more upstairs and the “he” in question is a doc- than fitting. tor. But the big question is unanswered“It’s slapstick fun,” said John Giusti, what happened? who plays Ernie Cusack in the play. He The opening for “Rumors”, by Neil said one of the highlights of the show is Simon, the newest play to hit the stage at that “everybody has a major role.” “RuThree Notch Theatre in Lexington Park mors” has a core cast of eight people and
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two policemen who show up near the end of the play and further complicate an already muddled situation. There are also two characters, Moira and Charlie, who are often mentioned but never seen. The work that went into this play started over a year ago, according to Dawn Weber, the director of the play and a member of the artistic council. A year ago, the play selection council met to go over scripts and decide what could work logistically on the stage at Three Notch Theater and what would be fitting for the theatre. After the plays are selected, the directors and producers are chosen and they in turn select the crews for lighting, sound and costuming. Then the cast is chosen during two nights of open auditions. James LePore, who plays Glenn Cooper in “Rumors,” said the auditions include cold reading, where a person walks into the theater and is given a script to read. It’s not necessary to have read the script before the auditions, LePore said. Everybody takes turns reading the various characters and gets paired with different people at different times, and the person who chooses the cast selects the people who they think will work best. “You don’t always get the role you
thought you would,” LePore said. “Rumors” marks the opening of the seventh season for the Newtowne Players. The play began Sept. 24 and will run until Oct. 10. People who want to get further involved with the theatre are always welcome. “We’re always looking for volunteers,” Weber said. If a person isn’t really keen on being on stage, in front of the audience, they can help with building the set, or costumes and makeup or even work at the box office on play nights. There is always something to do for anyone who wants to get involved with the Newtowne Players. People are not even limited to one job or role with the group. Lee Hammett, one of the men who plays a police officer in the end, also helped design and build the set for the play. To reserve a seat or volunteer for Three Notch Theatre, go to www.newtowneplayers.org or call 301-737-5447. By
Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
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October 2 & 3, 2010
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2010 Solomons Offshore GrandPrix Prix is presented byby Bayside Toyota/Chevrolet The 2010 The Solomons Offshore Grand presented Bayside Toyota/Chevrolet
Thisis event is the OPA National Championship, to GEICO you by and GEICO The Chesapeake BayBoat Power Boat Association. This event the OPA National Championship, brought brought to you by Theand Chesapeake Bay Power Association. See the fastest offshore race offshore boats in race the world for acompete Nationalfor Championship on the Patuxent right in River, front of Solomons This will be See the fastest boatscompete in the world a National Championship on River, the Patuxent right in front Island. of Solomons the second to last stopsecond for thetoseries and for with a title onand the with line, aracing willthe beline. awesome to will saybe theawesome, least! Island! This will be the last stop the series title on Racing to say the least! FRIDAY: FRIDAY:
7:00 Registration forat the “Stroke of Hills Luck Against Alzheimer’s” Golf Tournament / 8:00 am tee off at Chesapeake Hills 7:00 amam Golf Tournament Chesapeake Race Teams to arrive in Glascock’s Field (open public viewing) Race Teams to arrive in Glascock’s Field (open to to thethe public forfor viewing) SATURDAY: 11:00 am “Offshore Heros” Poker Run / Race Boat Testing the all day / visit Race Village Dry Pit area at Glascock’s Field SATURDAY: 5:00 pm—7:00 pm Solomons Yachting Center—Meet Captains of the Time Bandit, Jonathan & Andy Hillstrom 6:00 pm—8:00 pmDiscovery SolomonsChannel’s Yachting hit Center—Meet the Captains of the Time Bandit, Jonathan & Andy from the show, The Deadliest Catch. from/ the Discovery DeadliestField Catch RaceHillstrand Boat Testing 12 noon PokerChannel’s Run / DryhitPitshow, area The at Glascock’s open to public all day SUNDAY: 12 noon Race Begins(Dry / Visit Raceat Village Dry Pit areaopen at Glascock’s SUNDAY: 12 noon Race Begins Pit area Glascock’s Field, to public)Field For detailed information and schedule events visit www.solomonsrace.com For more information visitof www.solomonsrace.com G&H Jewelers
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Diamonds & Fine Jewelry Since 1965 Rt. 235 California MD 301-862-1100 www.gandh.net
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Thursday, October-2010
e C s t O y t a S i t r j n t a
Restaurant
Water
Transition By Keith McGuire
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risk mornings, falling leaves and the colors of fall are just around the corner. September marks a time of transition in Southern Maryland that is embraced by many sportsmen. As I sat on my deck this past Saturday evening I could hear distant gun shots as local hunters poked holes in the sky at mourning doves flying over their fields. Doves, squirrels, deer (archery), and some ducks are in season now. Dual-purpose sportsmen mark this time to perform final maintenance on boats and fishing gear for winter storage, and then perform pre-season ATV maintenance, fetch the dog, and pick up their guns and bows to head for the woods and fields for terrestrial game. Last week, Curtis Thompson of Mechanicsville braved summer-like opening day conditions to harvest a beautiful 19-point, 150 lb. buck near Budds Creek to affirm his start of the archery season. Many avid anglers who hunt in the fall and winter months prefer to wait for the first frost to avoid mosquitoes, chiggers and ticks that stalk forest and field for fresh hosts. The early hunting season can be very productive, but au-
tumn fishing is some of the best of the year. Now is a great time to fish for stripers. At this time of year many methods are successful. On the Bay, it is relatively easy to find breaking fish: schools of stripers and some bluefish chasing bait fish. Light tackle jigs, spoons and top water plugs cast into this frenzy are sure to produce a very exciting time. When the breaking fish aren’t around, jigging over bottom structure can usually produce heavy fall stripers. On calm mornings and evenings – especially during the first fall of the outgoing tide – nothing beats top water plugs cast toward the shore or near surface structures and rock formations. Anglers who like to troll won’t be disappointed by autumn fishing either. Now is the time to rig tandem rigs for “bottom bouncing” in local rivers. Fish the channel edges and changes in bottom contour – like oyster bars – to find sure hook-ups. Hold off on the big lures and heavy trolling gear until late October or early November when the Atlantic migration of bigger stripers into the Bay begins. White perch is another fall favorite. These tasty pan fish have been around all summer, especially in the local rivers and creeks. They can be caught around shorelines and dock pilings with small spinner baits, or by bottom fishing with bloodworms, peeler crab or night crawlers. As cooler temperatures move in, these fish will school up in deeper areas near oyster bars and other bottom structure. It is a period of transition, but not the end of fishing for our area. The croakers are beginning to leave the area and the bluefish won’t be far behind. Decide
The Serious Side of PRAD By Sherrod Sturrock
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he end of summer means many things: school starts, and clusters of children materialize at the side of the road like mushrooms after a rain; the light begins to fade earlier each evening and is slower to brighten the sky each morning; odd leaves turn yellow and the quality of the evening light begins to soften and slant with that undeniable golden glow of September. Festivals crowd the calendar and we celebrate, storing the last vestiges of summer warmth deep in our bones against the ineluctable change of the seasons. I count it as a blessing that each day I can enjoy the light playing on the surface of Back Creek, with sail boats skimming across the surface and gulls wheeling overhead. What troubles me, however, is what lurks beneath. On my daily walk around Solomons Island yesterday, I was suddenly gripped by a nostalgic longing to dive headfirst into the water, as I used to do growing up on the York River. Sadly, I no longer feel confident about diving into our local waters, knowing too much about the problems caused by pollution, run off, acid rain, wastewater, etc. etc. etc. The beauty I enjoy is deceiving - only ‘skin deep.’ Like Bernie Fowler, I want to turn back the clock to a time when we trusted that the water was clean and the seafood safe to eat. On Friday, October 8, the museum will host the 2010 State of the River Summit, what I like to call the serious side of PRAD. Each year we examine the issues, policies, politics, and problems plaguing the river and discuss
what we, as concerned citizens, can do about it. This year, we will discuss what President Obama’s Executive Order for the Chesapeake Bay means to those of us who live here. The implications of this action are sweeping and dramatic – and little understood. This act has the potential to greatly enhance water quality, and change the way we live in the watershed…or not, depending on how it is implemented and funded. To help all of us understand this complex mandate, we have lined up some impressive presenters: Will Baker, President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Jim Edward, Acting Director of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Ann Swanson, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, Dr. Robert Summers, Deputy Director of the Maryland Department of the Environment, and Greg Bowen, Director of Calvert County Planning and Zoning. To ensure that this is more than very articulate talking heads, we have set aside an hour and a half for a ‘conversation’ between these experts and the audience. It is a rare opportunity to speak and be heard; to listen and learn. To love the place where you live is more than feasting on its beauties with your senses; it carries with it a responsibility to be good stewards, to take up the burden that love requires, to work at keeping this place safe and clean. I will look for you on October 8, from 1 – 5, because I know that you, too, care enough to get involved. Sherrod Sturrock is the Deputy Director of the Calvert Marine Museum. Send comments to: sturrosa@co.cal.md.us.
On the
if you would rather be mosquito bait or a striper snatcher and go for it! Do you have a current fish picture or 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.
Single?
Backyard-Buddies.com Call 410-231-2668 or write info@backyard-budddies.com for more info Sign up for our Speed Dating Event Oct-23 Early registration discounts SIGN UP NOW
Thursday, October-2010
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Spider Hall Farm
Grand Opening:
October 1st
Open until the first week of November Weekends 10:00 - 6:00 During the week, by appointment only
Every Sunday in October We Sell: Petting Zoo by Pony Express, Decorative Corn Stalks, Pumpkins, Deer from 1:00 - 4:00 Corn, Hay Bales, And Much More Great for birthday parties and school field trips. Hay Rides. Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze Hosting the Farm Tour October 17th 1:00- 4:00. Corn maze: $5.00 Join Spider Hall for local crafts, refreshments, Hay rides: $5.00 live band The Unclouded Day, and much more! Combo: $8.00
410-610-0094
www.spiderhallfarm.com
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"Come be a part of Calvert County's Heritage"
Thursday, October-2010