Southern Calvert Gazette -- October 14, 2010 by David Noss

Gazette

October, 2010

Priceless

Southern Calvert Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard

Patuxent River Appreciation Days Summit Focuses on Serious Side of PRAD

Our Lady School in Danger of Closing Story Page 4

Nuclear Plant Expansion in Jeopardy Story Page 5

Page 12

Where the Candidates Stand on Issues

Story Page 4

Photo by Sean Rice

Thursday, October-2010

On T he Cover

Bob Fleming, right, a volunteer with Calvert Marine Museum, sells raffle tickets to Kelly and Sergio Perez of Lusby during the Patuxent River Appreciation Days festival last weekend.

Also Inside

4-9

local news

Local News

Candidate Interviews

10 Community

This Mohawk sporting pooch was one of dozens of dogs that attended the second annual “That Doggone Tiki Bar Family Pet Day” on Sunday, an event benefiting the Patuxent Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Calvert County. SEE PAGE 10

11 Letters 12

Cover Story

14 Locals 16 Sports 17 Obituaries

After losing in the primary election, incumbent Calvert County Commissioner Linda Kelley has launched a write-in campaign for the November General Election. SEE PAGE 9

19 History

out & about

FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 20 IN OUT AND ABOUT

sports

A poker run this weekend will benefit Hunter, a 6-year-old Calvert County boy who has been struggling with brain cancer for more than two years. The event begins and ends at CJ’s Backroom Saloon. SEE PAGE 15

October 15 - 17 2010 land s I s n o Solom eport Tide R

Business Directory

Day

High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time /Low Time Feet Sunset Visibl

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F 15 15 15 15

Low High Low High

3:50 AM 0.8 7:15 AM Set 12:12 AM 8:36 AM 1.3 6:28 PM Rise 2:43 PM 2:39 PM 0.5 9:37 PM 1.7

Sa16 16 16 16

Low High Low High

4:39 AM 0.8 7:16 AM Set 1:12 AM 9:40 AM 1.3 6:27 PM Rise 3:13 PM 3:49 PM 0.5 10:31 PM 1.7

Su 17 Low 5:21 AM 0.6 7:17 AM Set 2:10 AM 17 High 10:42 AM 1.4 6:25 PM Rise 3:40 PM 17 Low 4:54 PM 0.5 17 High 11:18 PM 1.6

October 22 - 24 2010 Day

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F 22 High 1:45 AM 1.4 7:22 AM Set 6:58 AM 22 Low 7:52 AM 0.3 6:19 PM Rise 5:48 PM 22 High 2:34 PM 1.8 22 Low 9:14 PM 0.6

Sa 23 High 2:21 AM 1.4 7:23 AM Set 7:59 AM 23 Low 8:20 AM 0.2 6:17 PM Rise 6:21 PM 23 High 3:09 PM 1.9 23 Low 10:01 PM 0.6

Su 24 High 2:59 AM 1.3 7:24 AM Set 9:01 AM 24 Low 8:51 AM 0.2 6:16 PM Rise 6:59 PM 24 High 3:43 PM 1.9 24 Low 10:48 PM 0.6

Out & About

On Water

23 Entertainment

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

LOCAL NEWS

Our Lady School in Danger of Closing

acing declining enrollments and lagging finances at Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Solomons and St. John’s School in Hollywood, a merger consideration is on the table that would join the two Catholic schools, according to meeting documents from both schools. Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., said that the decision to merge would be left up to the individual parishes. “They need to figure out how to move forward,” Gibbs said, adding that other schools in the diocese have had similar discussions in recent years since the recession hit. “Sometimes it works [to increase enrollment] and sometimes they choose not to go that route [to merge.]” Documents from an Oct. 7 meeting at Our Lady Star of the Sea school state that enrollment at the school has dropped in the past five years from 200 students to 137 students for the 2010-2011 school year. Education costs per pupil are $7,847, the documents state, while the tuition assistance available from the Catholic Archdiocese is just $4,680, the documents show. At Our Lady, documents show that last year the school ended with a $181,745 deficit and the administration expects a deficit of about $120,000 in spite of a teacher salary freeze and tuition increase. “The deficit is greater than our parish reserves,” the documents from Our Lady Star of the Sea state. “We will not be able to pay our bills without special fundraising or taking on additional loans.” Volunteers, parents of students and alumni from Our Lady school immediately began rallying to organize fundraisers to ensure the school stays open in Solomons Island. Parishioners were told a total of $330,000 is needed to keep the school open, with half of that amount needed by Jan. 1 to ensure the school can confidently reach the fundraising goal. There was an announcement and flyers were handed out during Mass this part weekend to alert parishioners to the cause, and teachers stood by the road with signs to alert community members. A fundraising committee has already formed and is planning meetings. With 77 years of history in Solomons Island, parents and alumni are confident that goal can be reached. “Right now nothing’s really organized yet, but they were talking about holding an auction, and my family will help with that,” said Mary Collins, owner of the Lusby Town Square shopping center. “We have a house in Key West that we are going to put up for a week if we’re allowed to have an auction.” “It’s the oldest Catholic school around and it’s such a fixture on Solomons Island,” said Collins. “Of course me being an alumni, it means a whole lot to me.” Collins has two children at the school now. All of her siblings attended the school also, and when they heard the news they were devastated. “They can’t believe this, because it’s such a part of everyone,” she said. Terri Yates has been involved with the school for 24 years, and had her five children go through there, with her youngest in eighth grade now. She also taught there for seven years. “I think its such a service to the community and the parish,” she said. “I’ve seen how my kids have been education, and how great it’s been for the community … it’s a family, and I feel its part of my family.” Yates said she will be helping out any way she can with fundraising, an her daughter, Mary Yates is working on creating a Facebook page to bring in the social networking side of the effort. “A school that’s been open for 77 years has quite an alumni base, and really $300,000 is not a daunting figure in this day and age of social networking,” she said. Another parish meeting is scheduled on the issue for Oct. 27.

By Sean Rice and Guy Leonard (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

Thursday, October-2010

Southern Calvert Gazette Election Coverage – Listen to Full Interviews

The Southern Calvert Gazette is continuing its coverage of candidates on the ballot in November’s General Election in Southern Calvert County. This issue we are profiling the candidates seeking seats on the Calvert County Board of Commissioners, as well as the Calvert County Sheriff candidates, based with one-on-one interviews with each candidate. Readers can visit www.somd.com/election2010 to listen to the full 10-15 minute interview with each candidate.

Mackall: We Will Solve These Problems Together Profile of Kimberly Mackall (D) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner

oung, single, a new face, full of energy and fresh ideas are the reasons Calvert County Commissioner candidate Kimberly Mackall (D-District 1) believes voters should elect her this November. “I’m committed to this county. I am a person who believes bringing people to the table to help solve problems. We are going to solve these problems

together.” Mackall said it’s not going to be just county commissioners it’s going to be the community, and the stakeholders in the community, those people who are a part of the churches, the businesses the non-profits and civic organizations coming together to solve the problems. The major issue facing the county over the next four years is the recent announcement that a third nuclear reactor may not be built. She would like to see the county mount up an effort to diversify the county’s tax base and not rely on one large taxpayer or on property taxes. “I think we need to look at how we are spending our money to ensure that we are looking at not only being fiscally responsible but looking at opportunities. I think tourism is something we really need to look at. Are we

focusing on that for every dollar we spend are we making $36 back?” Besides tourism, she wants to talk to our senators about bringing some Department of Defense offices down to the county, putting component manufacturers into the Patuxent Business Park. The county should be marketing the business park to bio-sciences and green technology. In order to make the county attractive to business, the Thomas Johnson Bridge needs to be improved. Right now, Mackall believes the backups are a deterrent to potential business worried about employees and parts not arriving on time. Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the bus routes within the county is also a need she’s hearing from local citizens. They are saying if they have to be at work by 10 a.m., they have to catch a bus by 7 a.m. As far as property taxes, Mackall would like to look into incentives for entry-level professionals wanting to move into the county. She thinks the Town Centers are one way to attract nurses and schoolteachers currently commuting in from St. Mary’s, Waldorf and Anne Arundel. She’d like to consider waiving impact fees for these young professionals as well. “I just want us to follow it (the comprehensive plan) and get it implemented. When we do we will be able to retain the entry-level professionals. That’s a tax base for us. They will support the businesses.” By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

McConkey: Zoning Needs to Help Businesses

Profile of Kelly D. McConkey (D) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner

wner of Kelly’s Nursery in Dunkirk, Calvert County Commissioner Candidate Kelly D. McConkey (DDistrict 3) is not comfortable with the local economy. He would like to see the local government encourage small businesses by awarding county businesses county contracts. “There should be a preference so that they are creating jobs within our county and keeping money right here,” he said. Furthermore, he would like to see the local farmers get together and provide produce to the local schools and for the county to get together and support one another by buying local. “As a member of the Maryland farm bureau, I’ve been in agricultural business my whole life. I want to protect the farmers. “ He agrees with the current plan to direct commercial growth into the town centers and industrial growth into

industrial areas. However, he would like to see the zoning more flexible. For example, he talked about how an indoor soccer complex is allowed in the town centers, but not in the light industrial. “If we can allow the zoning to help the businesses out it’s going to make a huge difference. The soccer complex can’t afford to go into the town centers but they can afford to make it in the light industrial. It’s something that’s not costing the county anything.” Such flexibility in zoning may also help fill up empty spaces in the light industrial complexes throughout the county, according to McConkey. He agrees most county residents are not pleased with the current property tax structure, which he’s open to reviewing. His main concern is less money coming from the state at the same time property values are going down. “The problem we face is, if we change the tax structure are we still going to have the same quality of life in Calvert County? I don’t mind paying what I’m paying because of the quality of life here.” That being said, he would like to give senior citizens a tax relief after paying taxes their whole life. The Thomas Johnson Bridge is a concern, but he points out construction of the bridge is a function of state government. He’s more interested in finding land for Park and Rides to help reduce commuter traffic. By Corrin M.

Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

LOCAL NEWS

Parran: Calvert Succeeding Despite Poor Economy Profile of Wilson H. Parran (D) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner

orn and raised in the county, incumbent Commissioner Wilson H. Parran (D-District 3) first ran for election because he wanted to manage growth. He believes the rural character is why so many people move to Calvert. Since he began serving on the board, the government has preserved 26,000 acres of their goal of 40,000 acres, or 31 percent, of the county lands. “So preserving the landscape, preserving land in Calvert County is a major, major commitment for me. We are directing a lot of residential growth into the town centers. We want that rural landscape look and not have those congested areas like in surrounding counties.” Although the commissioners looked to reduce property taxes in 2008, Parran is glad they didn’t since the “bottom fell out of the economy” just a few months later. Alluding to the three-year assessment cycle decrease in property values, Parran said “Any adjustment now would be premature.” Also on his mind when planning the budget is the state’s significant reduction in revenues given to the county. He explains the state gave Calvert County $6

million dollars in 2009 but only $250,000 for the current budget cycle. “We’ve been hit twice. First in state revenue and then income taxes (declines).” He feels the formula used for funding education for the last four to five years has been key to the Calvert County Public Schools success. He plans to continue with the formula, which puts the county in the top rank in terms of dollar amounts spent per child. “We are going above what the law requires.” Besides education, local government funds infrastructure, defined by Parran as public safety, traffic, sewers and town centers. He is pleased during his tenure the Southern Connector was completed and significant progress made on the Prince Frederick loop. He chairs the Regional Infrastructure Advisory Committee with the Tri-County Council, which has placed the Thomas Johnson Bridge and bringing light rail to Waldorf at the top of Southern Maryland’s transportation priorities. He believes three counties going to the state brings more clout to the regional issues. Like many of the other candidates, Parran agrees the county could be more business friendly. Currently, the county does have a small business development center to support small businesses, but he’d like to see incentives based upon certain criteria for businesses to fund expansions. He would also like to see the county attract “clean and green” businesses such as consultants and contractors who support Patuxent River Naval Air Station. By

Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

Phalen: Government is Supposed to Serve the People Profile of William J. Phalen (D) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner

“

The purpose of government is to serve the people. When government tries to close down a food pantry because of zoning, that’s not serving the people,” said Calvert County Commissioner candidate William J. “Bill” Phalen (D-District2). This philosophical change has to come from the Board of Commissioners and be passed down from department head to the employees working with the citizens of Calvert, according to Phalen, who said this attitude made him successful the 16 years he served on the Calvert County Public School Board. Phalen had many examples of how he believes the current board doesn’t serve the people well including not being business friendly to small businesses. “I’m not satisfied with how business is treated. In today’s vernacular, we aren’t business friendly and haven’t been for a long time.” As commissioner, he would like to dedicate some of the current staff in planning and zoning to facilitating the process of starting a new business. Ideally the way this would look, according to Phalen, is that a dressmaker who doesn’t know anything about opening a business can walk in and someone would explain the process from beginning

to end. The explanation would included a list of all the other government departments involved and a list of their expectations. Just like the county gives tax incentives to big business like BGE, Phalen would like to see the county give tax incentives to small independent farmers who are willing to take the risk to grow something new and different in Calvert. “There are very few independent small farmers, it’s not profitable. I believe there is another tobacco out there, it’s not called tobacco.” A second concern for Phalen is transportation. “We are headed for grid lock sooner rather than later. I’m concerned and I don’t believe the current commissioners drive up the road between six and eight in the morning.” The answer to traffic congestion on Route 4 is bus transportation. While the county doesn’t put the buses on the roads, the county can provide parking for commuters. Phalen suggested these things haven’t been a priority for the current board. Crediting the school system’s success with looking ahead and planning accordingly, Phalen would like to see county government look ahead and plan for traffic, which includes helping the state get moving on the Thomas Johnson Bridge. As far as taxes are concern, he feels the current tax structure has served the county well. He doesn’t expect to see property taxes change in the next one to two years. Since “county government is dipping into its rainy day fund, now is not the time to change it (property taxes).” By

Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

Calvert Cliffs Expansion in Jeopardy

onstellation Energy, one of the two partners in a multi-billion dollar deal that would bring a third nuclear reactor to the region as well as much needed jobs has pulled out of the application process for federal loan guarantees critical to the project. The project, which is estimated to be nearly $10 billion in potential costs, has hinged on federal Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees to get financing in a down economy, but with Constellation Energy’s withdrawal from the loan process, the project appears to be in danger of falling through. In a press release regarding its decision, Constellation Energy stated that the loan guarantee process was “unworkable.” “The cost of the loan guarantee that is calculated by the Office of Management (OMB) and Budget is unreasonable burdensome and would create unacceptable risks and costs for our company,” the statement read. “There is a significant problem in the way OMB calculates the credit cost. “After repeated unsuccessful attempts to resolve this issue with DOE and OMB, we no longer see a timely path to reaching a workable set of terms and conditions.” Electricite de France, (EDF) the world’s largest operator of nuclear power plants and partner with Constellation Energy in the UniStar venture, has not withdrawn from the process, which requires the partnership to pay for federal loan backing. In a letter to the DOE, Constellation Energy stated it feared that the cost of the loan guarantees would be as high as $880 million. “Such a sum would destroy the projects economics… and was dramatically out of line with both our own and independent assessments of what the figure should reasonably be,” wrote Michael J. Wallace, vice chairman and chief operating officer. House Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) said that it was too soon to tell if the deal would fall through, but the outlook was not good. “It’s absolutely devastating news,” O’Donnell said, castigating federal and regional elected officials for failing to help the deal through and asking high prices of Constellation. “They were strong-arming them and it made it prohibitive,” O’Donnell said. Officials with Gov. Martin O’Malley’s administration said that recent events were a major setback, but there is still hope that EDF would move ahead with the loan process. Federal and state elected officials had been working on the deal for nearly two years, said O’Malley spokesman Shaun Adamec. “That’s what made this so surprising and depressing,” Adamec said. “The governor personally lobbied the White House on this.” The third nuclear reactor project has been touted to have helped solve some of Maryland’s energy problems and would have provided as many as 3,000 to 4,000 construction jobs in Southern Maryland. Gerald Clark (R-Lusby), president of the Calvert County Board of Commissioners, said that there was still hope the region could see the benefits of a third reactor but that was dependent on EDF’s next move. “You never say never,” Clark said. “Calvert Cliffs is a prime place for additional nuclear power.” But the current low prices in other fuel sources, including natural gas, probably factored into Constellation’s decision, Clark said. “The numbers are just not right right now,” Clark said. “If the cost of your product is too high, who’s going to buy it?” By

Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Thursday, October-2010

LOCAL NEWS

Clark: Calvert County is Financially S Very Strong

Stinnett: State Might Lay Huge Burden On County Profile of Barbara Stinnett (D) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner “I’d like to see an old fashion processing plant. We used to have them here. So people who have cattle, goats, and sheep have a place to take them to be processed,” said incumbent Calvert County Commissioner Barbara Stinnett (D-District 3). These processing plants could lead to creating markets within the county for new types of agricultural business. Unless farmers and watermen are able to make money from their businesses they will be forced to sell their lands, Stinnett said. Helping these kinds of businesses is in line with Stinnett’s desire to become less depend upon Constellation Energy Nuclear Group as the county’s largest taxpayer. Providing tax incentives to smaller businesses and encouraging tourism are areas she’s thinking about during the next four years. “Small businesses are the mortar for the foundation for the taxes and keeping a viable county. I don’t want to see huge businesses come in to wipe out our businesses just hanging on.”

The Thomas Johnson Bridge is critical not only to the economic health of the region but also to the safety of residents living in the southern end of the county. Noting how traffic is bottlenecked over a simple auto accident, Stinnett is concerned about the possible need to evacuate the county. She believes it is going to take federal money to see the bridge become a reality. Expanding the Park and Rides is another key to improving the traffic and quality of life in the county. “We will always have people going back and forth to other areas where the jobs are. I think that’s been since the 60s, 70s, and 80s. We don’t have the businesses.” Stinnett has found her time as commissioner rewarding. She believes when she was elected she was “elected to a job of service.” As an “at large” commissioner she gets involved and helps anyone who calls her. “It is mind blogging the way government seems to interfere with its own regulation and its own destiny. Sometimes people just need a little boost. That’s the greatest reward you can get.” Should the state follow through on its threats to hand off funding teacher pensions to the county, this will be the number one challenge facing the next Board of Commissioners because it will become a “tremendous burden” on local government and tax payers, according to Stinnett. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpub-

lishing.net

SAPHRON RESTAURANT at OLD FIELD HOUSE

Profile of Gerald Clark, (R) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner

ncumbent Calvert County Commissioner Gerald “Jerry” Clark, (R-District 1) is optimistic and pleased with the overall condition of the county. “Calvert County is financially very strong, we have not laid off, not furloughed, not cut any services and we have not raised any tax rates in Calvert County at any point in this whole financial crisis. So we’ve navigated very well and will continue to use the same formula and same methods used on a yearly basis going into the next term.” The local government has not raised the property tax rate since the late 1980s “and has served us well” especially considering the values of homes have kept themselves over the years even through the down turn in economy and housing crises, according to Clark. While stating “anything is possible” as far as lowering the current property tax rate, Clark said the commissioners must determine if they can still bring in enough revenue to fund schools, public safety, roads and snow removal. Stating the county’s property tax rate is in the bottom 20 percent of the other counties in the state, Clark believes the pinch of the tax burden is really coming from the state and federal government. Even though he’s pleased with the strength of Calvert’s financial position, he recognizes the biggest challenge facing the Board of Commissioners is approaching the budget conservatively but finding efficiencies, cutting departments and without raising revenue. He points out while he’s been commis-

sioner the county has increased funding to public education, public safety and local road projects. As far as the local economy, Clark said deficit spending by state and national government does more to hurt local businesses. He believes the county has a good track record working with local businesses. “Business owners find ways to make it work. We just need to know what the rules are, what to expect, what the fixed costs are going to be. Let us loose and go out there and do our thing.” Clark thinks the county government has done a good job over the years of preserving the rural character of the county. The percentage of growth has dropped to a manageable one to one and a half percent. The commissioners cut the density of residential lots as well as put over $1 million this past year into preserving land. “We’re preserving more property than developing and on our way to goal of 40,000 acres (preserved).” By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

Nutter: I Want to Hear What The People Say Profile of Pat Nutter (R) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner

ExCEllEnCE & SimPlE ElEganCE One of Southern Maryland’s Favorite restaurants is back! Now called Saphron at the Old Field House, your hosts John and Charleen have moved to a fabulous new location in Old Prince Frederick, previously occupied by the Old Field Inn. Cozier than ever, Saphron will set a new standard for excellence in Southern Maryland fine dining. Come and see for yourself what the “buzz” is all about at the new and improved Saphron at the Old Field House! For Reservations Please Call (443) 975-7560 or E-mail SaphronRestaurant@yahoo.com To view our menu and hours visit us on the web at

www.SaphronRestaurant.com

Thursday, October-2010

e doesn’t claim to have all the answers, in fact, he’s more interested in listening to what the citizens of Calvert County have to say about the challenges facing the Board of Commissioners over the next four years. Pat Nutter (R-District 1) believes one of his greatest assets is the ability to listen to people and respect their opinions. If elected, he plans to be a fulltime commissioner and spend his time speaking to “concerned groups, gathering their input, suggestions and opinions.” One concern raised to him a number of times by the same lady is the inflexibility in the assessment of impact fees. For example, how much does a parent who has lived in the county all her life impact the county infrastructure by moving in her adult child? Why should she pay $7,500 just to expand the house by 900 square feet for a little bit of extra space in the home? Another concern is the need for transportation for after school programs. Nutter believes there is enough interest in attending programs and even enough volunteers to run the programs, but not enough buses to facilitate the children taking advantage of the activities. He’d like to hear some proposed solutions. Nutter encourages people to buy local as much as possible, which keeps money and jobs

in the county. He’d like to see the county provide tax breaks or incentives for the small local businesses to expand and employ some of the 67 percent of those currently commuting out of the county. Maintaining the rural heritage is important to Nutter, he doesn’t want to see the county turn into a suburb. He likes the fact that he can travel anywhere in the county and still run into people he knows. But that doesn’t mean he’s opposed to growth. He’d rather see slow and managed growth. He would also like to see the county maintain tourism and small local businesses as opposed to bringing in big box stores. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

LOCAL NEWS

y Shaw: We Can Hold The Line Without New Taxes Weems: Cut Spending Instead of Raising Taxes

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Profile of Susan Shaw (R) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner

“

A steady hand is needed in these budgetary times. You really need someone who understands the budget inside and out. There is a steep learning curve. I did not think so at first, but I was wrong,” said incumbent Calvert County Commissioner Susan Shaw (R-District 2) Citing declining property assessments and reductions in state funding coming to the counties, Shaw believes the county budget is the biggest challenge facing incoming commissioners over the next four years. “It’s extremely important that we watch our spending and in fact we cut the budget 4.5 percent in this current year and will probably have to do something similar again. Anybody promising something that costs additional money is not being fiscally responsible.” Shaw is concerned about the state government’s threat to pass the responsibility for funding teacher pensions down to the counties. Such a move will increase local taxes by twelve cents on the dollar and bankrupt most of the Maryland counties. “We have to hold the line. And we can. We can maintain the quality of life that we’ve become

accustomed to without raising taxes if the state does not pass the teacher pensions on to us.” Watching the budget has meant deferring approximately $100 - $160 million in capital improvement projects. When money is available again, Shaw has three priorities. First is the Solomons fire house, she states is a fire trap, next the Prince Frederick fire house because of mold and structural issues and finally the Lusby library which is inadequate for the current demand. In the current economy, Shaw feels education is sufficiently funded using the same formula for the last four to five years which has ranked Calvert County among the top funded schools in the state. She is also pleased there are funds available to purchase recreational fields in Solomons. The obstacle has been finding land, which has proper soils and accessibility. The economy has slowed down the Prince Frederick loop project, but hasn’t stopped it completely. Residents should start seeing work begin soon on Armory Road. Other road projects scheduled to begin include upgrading Boyd’s Turn and Dowell roads. Shaw said there is no question about the county’s need to become more business friendly. One way she believes will help is to help local businesses get the word out about where they are located and what kind of product and service they provide. “Signage is an issue. Everybody used to know where everybody was. That’s not the case anymore.” By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublish-

ing.net

Profile of Steve Weems (R) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner

lifelong resident of the county, Calvert County Commissioner candidate Steve Weems (R-District 2) is an advocate for residential growth. “The smart growth initiatives to place development in the town centers is a great concept and I commend the former commissioners for that. What needs to be conveyed is the difference between the major and minor town centers.” Stating growth is going to happen, Weems stands for common sense and being realistic in the county’s approach to growth. “I would advocate for the residential growth. To encourage it. Maybe become a little lax with the transfer of development rights and facilitate the growth there in a balanced manner. They come here for the rural character and they would like for it to remain that way.” Facing a flat tax base over the next four years will make setting the county budget the major challenge facing the new Board of Commissioners, according to Weems. “Therefore we will have to cut spending or raise taxes. I’m in the camp of cutting spending – two to five percent cumulative. We have to stay the course and combat the financial shortcomings on the horizon.” This is the case especially since the state is facing a $2 billion deficit. The county can’t rely on state money to help balance the budget. Weems is one of several small business owners running for a commissioner’s seat. As a local business owner he “is not comfortable

with the environment in which small business owners have to deal with local government.” He was encouraged to hear from the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce that there is a new facilitator assigned to help businesses move from point A to point B. “From a development perspective it shouldn’t become an ordeal. The regulations need to be backed off and sped up frankly. A lot of people get frustrated and basically give up and that shouldn’t be the case. This is a capitalist society at the end of the day and these people should be encouraged.” Weems would like to avoid future controversies with the local teachers over contracted salaries and cost of living allowances. “I would like to emulate St. Mary’s County who did not have this contract dispute. I would like to see contingencies for the next fiscal year – a compromise since morale is low among the teachers.” While the improvement to the Thomas Johnson Bridge is really a matter for the state and federal governments, Weems would like the county to take advantage of the information age by sending alerts to phones and email regarding traffic issues and alternative routes.

By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

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Thursday, October-2010

LOCAL NEWS

Sloughenhoupt: Improve Business by Getting Donnelly: Commissioners Should Take Pay Cut Government Out of the Way Profile of V. Charles Donnelly (I) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner

Profile of Evan Sloughenhoupt (R) Candidate for Calvert County Commissioner

alvert County C o m missioner candidate Evan Sloughenhoupt (R-District 3) has four ideas to improve the business climate by getting government out of the way. First, he would like to implement an ethics code. “If you improve transparency people will get a fair deal when working with the government. You hear complaining about the good ole’ boy network or someone got a job or a contract. These are symptoms.” Next he would like a top down review of all the planning and zoning ordinances looking for “unintended consequences. There have been people hurt actually losing homes because of enforcement of some of the zoning activities and that’s unconscionable. We need to review that and fix that.” Most critical, he would like to introduce some management tools, which allow for efficiencies in government. “When you have greater efficiencies you can afford to have a smaller government, a less expensive government and also you have decisions based on metrics and you can hold people

implementing activities more accountable.” His final idea is to reduce taxes. He believes they are too high in relation to “Anne Arundel, Montgomery and five other counties. Lower the tax rate and you actually encourage people to spend more.” As commissioner he will strive to strike the right balance between preserving the way of life for agriculture and watermen and residential growth. It also means protecting natural resources such as the Chesapeake Bay and rivers. He would like to see the government create a set of blue prints of what the county will look like at build out, which is only about 6,000 homes away. Projecting how many deputies are necessary at build out and knowing how many the Sheriff’s department employees there are now will help the county plan and budget appropriately. The county should hold the state accountable for improving the traffic safety and flow within the county. Slaughenhoupt believes the state needs to close down more dangerous highway crossovers and create more right turn only onto Route 4, along with creating sufficient acceleration and deceleration lanes and legal U-turns. By voting for him, Slaughenhoupt believes citizens will receive a new face, new ideas and a different approach for managing government. He plans to hold county employees accountable to a metric based formula and insist they come to the board with relevant data to justify decisions. By

Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

“

This incoming group of commissioners may be the first ones run out of town in four years on rails with tar and chicken feathers. Because it is going to be hard and it’s going to be tough. That’s just the economic reality,” said Calvert County Commissioner Candidate V. Charles Donnelly (IDistrict 1). Reducing the size of government without sacrificing public education or public safety is the four year challenge for the next Board of Commissioners. Donnelly says it means taking a hard look at government to reduce costs, cut waste and maybe even transfer some functions of government to the private sector. For example, St. Mary’s and Anne Arundel counties have turned permitting and inspections over to a private business. This eliminates approximately $300,000 from the county budget. The service is better and it creates jobs in the community, which generate real property and income taxes. Diversifying the government and creating an aggressive economic development department to attract clean businesses to the area will also reduce the county’s dependence upon real property taxes, about 65 percent of the revenue making up the 2011 budget. Donnelly finds it troublesome from his observation that people are voting with their feet and leaving the county. He feels a disproportionate number of lower income and African American groups are adversely affected by the current real property tax structure. There is something philosophically wrong

when a person works hard, raises kids, pays taxes and is suddenly in position where they have lesser income but rising real property and is forced to sell off waterfront or farm property, according to Donnelly. Even more disconcerting is they are moving to St. Mary’s County because they don’t want to leave the area. He’d like to see a tax exemption made for citizens reaching a certain age and having lived in the county 20 or more years. Commissioners ought to set the tone for painful budget cuts by rolling back their salaries 20 percent. The $50,000 isn’t much but at least they would be leading by example says Donnelly. “This may sound funny coming from a lawyer, but this is the most litigious group of politicians I’ve ever encountered. They’ll fight you over anything. It doesn’t seem to bother them that they have to hire a Baltimore law firm to do it and spend $1.25 million dollars in legal fees, rather than resolve the issues they want to battle with the Tiki Bar.” He wonders how the commissioners can sit down to a meal paid for by taxpayers every Tuesday after they effectively closed down Chesapeake Church’s food pantry over road access which the state highway department has no problem with. By

Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

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Thursday, October-2010

LOCAL NEWS

Brenneman: Let’s Bring the Sheriff’s Office Into the 21st Century Profile of Don Brenneman (D) Candidate for Calvert County Sheriff

alvert County Sheriff candidate Don Brenneman (D) would like to bring the sheriff’s department into the 21st century. “Right now the crime rate is one of the highest I’ve seen in the past eight years. Crime has been on the decline nationwide over 5.3 (percent). Property crimes (down) 4.6 percent. And this county here reported an 18 percent increase in crime last year. Charles County reported a decline. Prince George’s re-

ported a decline.” The way he plans to reduce crime is to put additional deputies on the road and create an intelligence division to listen to the community and understand their needs. Brenneman said Calvert County is unique in its law

enforcement needs because of the wide range of socio-economic cultures living within it. The north and south ends of the county are transient residents moving into the county for a few years at a time because of their jobs in Washington, D.C. or Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Watermen live in Solomons, North Beach and Chesapeake Beach. And teachers and other professional live throughout. Officers who understand their areas know how to patrol them, he said. For example, the northern end of the county is made up mostly of commuters who are gone for long periods during the day, making their residents more attractive for break-ins. Another part of the part of the county with restaurants and bars generates more calls during the weekend nights. Areas heavy with shopping outlets report an increase in vehicle break-ins during the holiday season. Gathering intelligence is something Brenneman has done for 38 years. Even as he’s been campaigning he’s gathering intelligence. “Knowing a problem before it becomes a problem. Don’t ignore it. Document it and understand it. Sit down

Evans: Police Work is in My Blood Profile of Mike Evans (R) Candidate for Calvert County Sheriff

“

The challenge is the deployment of resources when you don’t get additional resources,” said incumbent Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans. Although he did receive funding for three additional deputies last fiscal year, those officers are currently in the police academy. The year before last he did not receive additional funding from the county and his request for federal stimulus money was denied. In the meantime, he’s moved three deputies off road patrol into narcotics, school and domestic violence units. In order to maintain proper coverage throughout the county, the sheriff’s department has gone to 12-hour shifts and divided up the county so there is some overlapping coverage. For example, if an officer in the north is taking a suspect to jail, the officer in the neighboring precinct knows to cover that area. Evans is disappointed that the Calvert County Board of Commissioners didn’t keep up with their commitment to provide funding for additional deputies each year. Currently the sheriff’s department has 1.6 deputies for every 1,000 citizen, which is among the lowest ratios in the state, which averages 2.7 throughout the

counties. However, installing computers in all the patrol vehicles by the end of the calendar year will help keep deputies out on the road instead of coming into the office to complete paperwork. Providing digital cameras to officers in the field will help document domestic violence without having to call additional resources to the scene. “Is it (the Sheriff’s department) funded appropriately? I guess. I would like to have more. I think anybody in command – anybody in the country would say ‘I can do better with more staff.’ And I think we can. Are the commissioners doing their part? Yes. Do I think they can do more in the future? Yes. And I hoping they will regardless of who is commissioner next year. His philosophy on law enforcement is to treat everyone they way you want to be treated. “Call someone back whether you solved their case or not. ‘I worked on your case, we found this ___ but we were unable to find ____, your case will be suspended.’ Keep in touch with the people. They don’t expect you to solve every crime but they want to be notified and that’s important.” Evans has served in Calvert County for over 30 years. His children are here and serving in law enforcement. His grandchildren are here. He’s visible and accessible. Anyone who wants to talk to him just has to call, email or text him. If he’s in the office and a citizen drops by, he wants to be available to hear their concerns. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

and listen to them. Even as I’m door knocking I’m listening. I was in the southern end of the county and hear about drag racing, people working on their cars all night long. They’ll tell you a lot. Then react on those situations.” One neighborhood he visited he learned of break-ins. Since the community was off the beaten path, he quickly surmised there was a “walker,” meaning it was someone in the area committing the crimes. By the time he visited the last house, he was confident he knew where the suspect lived. Brenneman feels the county funds the sheriff’s office very well. He believes the budget could be managed better, possibly even reduced. At the minimum he doesn’t believe he’ll come in over budget as he suggests the current sheriff has done. Citing this year’s email scandal, high-speed calls which resulted in the death of a teenager and fighting over uniforms, Brenneman said he’d like to restore professionalism back to the department. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@

somdpublishing.net

After Losing Primary, Kelley Launches Write-In Campaign

our-term Calvert County Commissioner Linda Kelley has launched a writein campaign in the Nov. 2 election in an effort to keep her position. “The idea was brought to me by supporters, who printed out the directions on how it works and even brought it to my home,” Kelley says. “After giving it some consideration, I figured – why not?” “I only lost the primary by 119 votes – less than one half of one percent,” Kelley says. Kelley said state laws covering write-in candidates say that the name does not have to be spelled correctly but that there must be “intent” for write-in candidates. For instance, if someone simply writes in, “Linda” or “Kelly”, she should get credit for the votes, although final determination of vote validity will be made by the Board of Elections. A second write-in candidate for Calvert County Commissioner is Libertarian Rich Falcone of Chesapeake Beach. Kelley says there will be instructions on at polling places on Nov. 2 on how voters should write in a candidate. “These votes are processed through voting machines, so all you have to do is touch the screen where it says ‘write-in’ and a keypad will pop up and you simply type in the name,” she said. Linda Kelley, 67, of Owings, said she has been the target of numerous politically-motivated attacks on her character, and she believes this was a factor in her loss in the primary. Commissioner candidate Curtis Litten, who also did not make it through the primary, is currently on probation on charges related to incidents against Kelley and Gerald Clark (R) which included mailing parts of a dead buzzard and putting trash and roofing nails in Kelley’s driveway. By Diane Burr (CC) info@som-

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Southern Md Publishng Election Coverage Listen to Full Interviews

Readers can visit www.somd.com/election2010/ to listen to the full 10-20 minute interviews with each candidate.

Thursday, October-2010

Halloween in The Garden Business Awards to Be Handed Out at Annual Chamber Dinner

he Calvert County Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Wednesday, October 20, at the Holiday Inn Solomons Conference Center & Marina. One of the Chamber’s most important functions, the Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner is an occasion when the Chamber can give public tribute to an individual for his or her contributions toward improving the quality of life in Calvert. It is also a venue where the Chamber can recogPhoto by Sean Rice

David Nickey, of Lusby, with Skipper the dog dressed as Elvis, and his granddaughter, Jackie Wakefield, who enjoyed “That Doggone Tiki Bar Family Pet Day” on Sunday. The event benefited the Patuxent Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Calvert County. The Tiki Bar was decked out in pet friendly décor for the event, which featured free food, music, raffles and pet competitions.

nize businesses for their excellence with awards such as Small Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Home-Based Business of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year and Chamber Ambassador of the Year. Sponsors for this year’s Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner are: College of Southern Maryland, Constellation Energy Group; Dominion; Fantasy World Entertainment; Holiday Inn Solomons Conference Center & Marina ; PNC Bank; Show Place Arena and SMECO. The Chamber will honor Gerald Donovan of the Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant with the distinguished John C. Smith Public Service Award for the countless contributions Donovan has made to Calvert County. Comedian Taylor Mason will provide the entertainment for the evening. A Second City Theater alumni as a writer and performer, Taylor has headlined at every major comedy club in the country. With the ability and experience to customize his performance while writing topical and clientcentered comedy material, his performance can cross over into any given situation. The Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. Cost for the event is $48 for Chamber members and $65 for non-members. For more information on the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce, call (410) 535-2577 or email calvertchamber@calvertchamber.org.

nnmarie Garden in Solomons will host the SPOOKtackular Halloween in the Garden on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. More than 65 community organizations and local businesses will don their costumes; decorate their space and hand out goodies, candy and treats down the wooded pathway - free of any vehicles - at Annmarie Garden, to children of all ages. Free ooky, spooky family fun and art activities, as well as devilishly delicious treats will be available. The event benefits the Holiday Food Basket Program, with a $1 donation from each visitor contributing directly to the Holiday Food Basket Program. Annmarie Garden and their staff contribute to this wonderful community day, giving of their time and talents. Parking is FREE and will be located in the field adjacent to the garden—follow signs. No pets are allowed at this event and for your convenience the trickor-treating path is handicap accessible. Halloween in the Garden is proudly sponsored by these area businesses: Personalized Therapy, Solomons Daycare Center, Dominion Cove Point LNG, The Campaign to Re-Elect Sheriff Mike Evans, The JumpYard, and Jan Kleponis/ O’Brien Realty.

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The day to cast our ballots and choose those who will serve is almost upon us. Of all the candidates for Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) I firmly believe the best choice is Susan Shaw. Over the past three years, through her work on behalf of military families and veterans in Southern Maryland, I’ve come to know and respect Susan as a genuine, very smart, hard working woman who has a sincere interest in all Calvert County residents. Susan Shaw has an admirable record of achievements as a County Commissioner including insisting upon and achieving a balanced budget, reining in residential growth and working as a clear communicating, effective member of our BOCC. She also possesses personal qualities that we look for in both a leader and a team player. Susan is resilient. She has experienced tragic loss and bounced back. She is compassionate. Many a child has found love, support and a strong advocate in Susan Shaw. She is a parent who has raised two very fine children. With a master’s degree in social work, Susan is very well trained to deal effectively with the wide range of people and personalities making up our county government. She is deeply involved in our community in wide

range of activities from high school Junior ROTC, Friends of the Calvert Public Library, the local NAACP, the Calvert Farm Bureau, Calvert Hospice, the Calvert Animal Welfare League, the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Chestnut Land Trust, the Calvert Marine Museum, the Chesapeake Railway Museum, Calvert Alliance against Substance Abuse, and the Traffic Safety Council to Ann Marie Gardens and Sculpture Park, Jefferson Patterson Park and the new aquatic center. Susan is industrious and does her homework. She can, and has, explained the intricacies of Calvert Counties coveted AAA bond rating and how we maintain it; she knows which of our county departments are effective, which need improvement and why. Susan is a great listener and a very fair minded person who genuinely cares about others far more than herself. She is humble. We are all fortunate to have Susan Shaw as a public servant but she will need each of our votes to stay in office. Please join me in voting for Susan. You will be very glad you did. Dr. Al Brewster, Lt. Col. USAF (ret) St. Leonard

Thanks For Making Second ‘Jail and Bail’ a Success

TER T E to the Editor

I’m Choosing Susan Shaw

Dyson is the Best Choice The following letter to the editor is strictly my own opinion and in no way reflects that of any other individuals. I have known State Senator Roy Dyson in several capacities. I first met him when he was a United States Congressman and I was a social studies teacher at Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy. I took my eighth graders to visit his capitol office each year. My students were overjoyed as they huddled around his desk and had their pictures taken with him on the capitol steps. Roy loved the students. When Roy became a state senator, my students visited his office in Annapolis. Significantly, he cosponsored the bill that established the Maryland Public Charter School Program. St. Mary’s County’s Chesapeake Public Charter School (CPCS), the first in Southern Maryland, resulted from this law.

This public school currently serves grades kindergarten through eighth grade in a unique program of study. It has a long waiting list and students are chosen by lottery. For more information go to http://schools.smcps.org/cpcs/. Senator Dyson has excellent constituent services. I have sent my family, friends, and the public in general to him when they have concerns. He is everything a person’s representative should be. When my mother in law was in a long-term care facility, an issue arose that could have affected her safety. Senator Dyson was able to obtain a ruling from the state Attorney General that clarified the level of care to which she was entitled. Thank you Roy for the efforts you put forth for all of us! Marilyn Crosby Lexington Park

The Board, staff, and volunteers of the Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland would like to thank everyone who made our 2nd Annual Jail & Bail “fun-raiser” a success! Send us a letter telling us what’s on your mind! St. Mary’s Sheriff Tim Cameron, the event’s co-host, asked Billy and Joyce Cusic and E-mail letters to: info@somdpublishing.net Carl and Patty Morrison to round up the following 25 “criminals” who were charged with “lack of bail”: John Albers Send to: P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, MD 20636 Rev Timothy Baer (Our Lady of the Wayside Church) Trish Billings (O’Brien Realty, Solomons) Make sure you include your name, phone # and the city you live in. John Bohanan (Maryland State Delegate) We will not publish your phone #, only your name and city Jerry Bohle (Heritage Printing and Graphics) Karen Brooks (Century 21 New Millennium) Rev Edd Cathey (Grace and Peace Presbyterian Church) Publisher Thomas McKay Jim Curry (CNPCSM Board of Directors) Associate Publisher Eric McKay Rev John Dakes (St. Aloysius Church) Editor Sean Rice Ed DePiazza Office Manager Tobie Pulliam Kevin Fry (Kings Christian Academy) Graphic Artist Angie Stalcup Rev Doug Hays (Lexington Park United Methodist Church) Advertising suzannep@somdpublishing.net Rev Dave Kelly (Calvary Bible Church) Email info@somdpublishing.net Geri L’Heureux (Bowhead Support) Phone 301-373-4125 Tommy McKay (McKay’s Fine Foods) Sherry Newcomber (Market America) Staff Writers Guy Leonard Government Correspondent Tony O’Donnell (Maryland State Delegate) Sarah Miller Community Correspondent Kim Oliver (Amelex) Chris Stevens Sports Correspondent Dawn Rich (Amelex) Bob Schaller Contributing Writers Joyce Baki Art Shepherd Corrin Howe Curtis Shreve (Bear Creek BBQ) Southern Calvert Gazette Keith McGuire Dane Swanson (CNPCSM Advisory Board) P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636 John Winters (Winters Heating and Cooling) Stephanie Witte (Chick-fil-A) Southern Calvert Gazette is a bi-weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents Special thanks also to Sunshines Catering (thanks Patrick and Cindy!), everyof 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, one who posted bail, the St. Mary’s County Historical Society, Skip Jones, John which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. Southern Calvert Gazette Papier, Rick Tancreto, and all of the volunteers who made the event possible! Cheryl Keen, Executive Director Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland

does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. Southern Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers.

Thursday, October-2010

Cover On The

Annual State of the River S

he fifth annual State of the River Summit was held this weekend to remind people that there is a serious side to the Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD). “We have lost our way with PRAD,” said Sherrod Sturrock, the deputy director of the Calvert Marine Museum. The aim of the summit is to bring the community up to speed on the state of the Patuxent River and other bodies of water in the area. While much of the PRAD celebrations involve entertaining events, like live music and a parade, the celebration began with the summit on Friday and the serious side of PRAD. To know why it is necessary to take action to fix the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay area, it is important to understand some of the history behind the pollution of the river. The speakers at the summit covered topics ranging from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) lawsuit against the EPA and the state of the river in general to the history of the river and the roles of the citizens in keeping the river clean. The summit included guest speakers Senator Bernie Fowler, William Baker, the president of the Chesapeke Bay Foundation, Carin Bisland, the associate director for ecosystem management, Ann Pesiri Swanson, the executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission policy for the bay, Robert Summers, the deputy secretary of the for the Maryland Department of the Environment, and Greg Bowen, the director for Calvert County Planning and Zoning. The CBF lawsuit against the EPA stems from the EPA’s failure to uphold the terms of the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement. According to Baker, the EPA set specific reduction goals which they didn’t meet by any stretch of the imagination. “They missed that goal, not by an inch but by a mile,” Baker said.

The EPA admitted that they had not drafted a plan and would not meet the agreement by the deadline. In May, the EPA agreed to settle the lawsuit out of court. The result of the settlement, Baker said, was the EPA now has a list of goals they are bound by law to meet. The new goals involve reducing nitrogen emissions in the atmosphere, conducting permit reviews to bring places that are not already in compliance with EPA regulations up to code and examining the toxins in the river and coming up with and implementing action plans to take care of them. The EPA has already begun realizing come of those goals. “This is truly a moment in time,” Baker said. One of the things the EPA has done it to determine the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the river and bay. The TMDL is the maximum amount of elements like sediment and nitrogen the river can handle before getting knocked out of balance. “The bay is starting to show systemic signs of improvement,” Baker said. Signs of the improvement the Patuxent River is making include an increased number of Blue Crabs, oysters that have a stronger resistance to parasites, more under-water grasses and the dead zones are not as bad as they should have been according to projections before the effort to clean up the river. Though there are signs of improvement, Baker said the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay area remain systems that are dangerously out of balance and the progress could easily go backwards if people are not careful. Swanson touched on elements of Baker’s presentation, saying that nature could accommodate an incredible amount of pollution, but it could not absorb everything. Swanson’s presentation was what she called a “reality check,” and she gave some history be-

Photo by Sean Rice Former Maryland State Senator Bernie Fowler, left, marched with the American Legion during the annual PRAD parade.

Thursday, October-2010

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hind the effort to improve the quality of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay area. She said the first agreement to study the river and clean it up dates back to the 1970s and Senator Charles “Mac” Mathias who saw that the watermen were getting less catch and decided something should be done. He triggered the first Chesapeake Watershed study, Swanson said. Before that study, there had never been a one to that scale and there had never been recommendations for action, she said. “There was a galvanizing force happening,” Swanson said. It was at this time that the first Chesapeake Bay Agreement was signed, which would become the groundwork for later pacts and actions on behalf of the Patuxent River than the Chesapeake Bay. “We couldn’t be where we are if we hadn’t laid down all those things,” Swanson said. Bowen said the real problems for the water system came in the 1950s, when the economy in the St. Mary’s area became more industrialized and urban. Because of the residential sprawl, much of the forested areas were cleared and the nutrients and chemicals were allowed to wash into the river. The “tipping point” came in the 1960s, when there were sewage treatment plants “popping up” everywhere because of government funding, Bowen said. He said there were three additional things that contributed to the current state of the watershed – septic systems, low-density housing and cropland. The septic systems are an issue because the nitrogen can leach out and into the ground. The low-density housing makes for larger lawns and, as a result, more fertilizers that can be spread. After the speakers’ individual presentations, the floor was opened to the audience for a question and answer session.

One topic that came up during the community discussion was people’s lawns and the impact fertilizer has on the water when it washes away with the rain. The panel suggested people use fertilizers without the additives like nitrogen and phosphates as they are only needed when plants are being seeded and to keep them green. They also suggested the people who live in housing developments band together with their neighbors to stop using fertilizers that contain potentially harmful additives for the sake of keeping their lawns green. They said larger numbers of people acting together can make more of an impact than individuals. The panel said individuals also can make a difference. One member of the audience expressed concern about boat yards and docks expanding in smaller waterways and tributaries. The panel suggested that the people concerned about these things talk to the owners of the docks, as they might not be aware of the damage they could do to the river. If that doesn’t work, the panel suggested getting the DNR Clean Marina’s Program involved, or other government programs. No matter who is doing it, or what effort they are making, the panel emphasized that it is imperative that people make a conscious effort to change their lifestyles to help the environment. “We tend to accept the way we live currently as the acceptable way to live,” Bowen said. Even though there are several challenges on the road to cleaning up the Patuxent River, the speakers at the summit agreed that the last thing people should do is stop trying. “Don’t let discouragement overshadow the need,” Fowler said. By Sarah Miller (CT) sarahmiller@ countytimes.net

Photo by Sarah Miller

The panel at the State of the River summit included William Baker, the president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Carin Bisland, the associate director for ecosystem management, Ann Pesiri Swanson, the executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission policy for the bay, Robert Summers, the deputy secretary of the for the Maryland Department of the Environment, and Greg Bowen, the director for Calvert County Planning and Zoning. The picture above is the panel on stage during the question and answer session.

Thursday, October-2010

Community Members “Jailed” for Fundraiser

group of 25 business owners and philanthropic individuals in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties participated in the second annual “Jail and Bail” fundraising event for the Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland. Participants agreed to be “arrested” on the morning of Sept. 20 and taken to the Old Jail in Leonardtown by 1950s-style black and white police cars. Once at the Old Jail, they faced a judge and later a bailiff to pay a minimum of $1,500 “bail.” A $1,500 donation is equal to the funds needed by the agency to provide services to one pregnant mother, said Rick Tancreto, development director for the local Care Net group. Care Net, based out of Lexington Park, helps

local women explore all their options when facing an unexpected pregnancy. The agency assists clients in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. Billy and Joyce Cusic donated the use of their two classic 1950s police cars to round up participants, even though it was pouring rain Monday and the cars almost never see inclement weather. Tancreto said that is an example of the Cusic’s dedication to the cause. Tancreto said the event this year may raise more than $40,000 after all the donations are counted. Delegate Tony O’Donnell, pictured with St. Mary’s Sheriff Tim Cameron, the event’s co-host, is one of the “criminals” picked up in Calvert County. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

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Hunter’s Hope – Poker Run Will Benefit Sick 6-Year-Old By Dawn Barrett

all medical treatment or have surgery again. Hunter is continuing his fight, and was back in Hunter is a 6 year old boy from Calvert County who the OR at Children’s National Medical Center on March 2. has a type of Brain Tumor called Supretentorial PNET. He The Doctors are pursuing other alternative medicines and was diagnosed in 2008 at the early age of 4, requiring im- therapies – anything that gives Hunter a chance. On June 14, Hunter received another MRI of his brain, mediate surgery to remove the tumor. He has endured Radiation Therapy and countless cycles of Chemotherapy only spine and abdomen. There are now three tumors, all in the to learn that after these treatments, he has had several reoc- same original tumor bed. Children’s Hospital offered them two options; the first, do nothing; the second, try IV meds currences of the tumor and required more surgery. He started Metronomic Chemotherapy for weeks, but that have never been used on his type of tumor before. sadly on February 22, 2010, the relentless tumor returned Hunter’s surgeon does not wish to operate for a fifth time yet again. This brave child faced his 4th brain surgery in because the tumors will continue to come back. Hunter has started a new chemotherapy trial where two years to remove the tumor, devastating the family – again. The family was faced with two options: To stop he takes five medicines at home by mouth and every other Thursday he will go to clinic to receive medicine through his port in his chest and the ommaya in his brain. Every 3 Registration for the Hope For Hunter Poker Run runs weeks Hunter will have to go to clinic 5 days in a row to from 10:30 to 11:59 a.m. Oct. 16 at CJ’s Backroom have meds delivered through the ommaya. He will do this Saloon in Lusby. process for 2 months and then he will have a MRI to check The cost is $20 per driver, and $10 per passenger. This and see if the meds are working. cost includes admission to an after party at CJ’s, featuring It is times like these that we find ourselves coming tofood, door prizes, raffles and music by DJ Rick. Those gether as family members and as a community. Eric, Sandy, wishing to attend only the party can pay $10. There is also Hunter and Hayden not only need our prayers and emotionan option to receive two extra poker cards at $5 a piece. al support to get them through this very difficult time, but they also need our financial support. Both Eric and Sandy Cars and motorcycles are welcome. work full time jobs and one of them will have to be with The cards for the poker hand will be drawn at: 1- Brass Hunter throughout all of the medical treatments he will Rail, 2- Brewski’s Tavern, 3- Seabreeze, 4- Toot’s Bar, need in the coming months, thus causing them to endure a and 5- CJ’s Backroom Saloon. For more information, contact Dawn Barrett at 301-481- major financial hardship. On October 16, 2010 will we be having a Poker Run 0324, or Heather Scott at 410-610-8363. for Hunter and as family members and friends we invite

you to give whatever you can for this family during their time of need. We have been humbled by the selflessness and compassion that has been shown to our family members already and continue to be inspired to fight for this little boy.

2nd Annual Jail & Bail Fun-raiser Benefiting Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland

We gratefully acknowledge the support of everyone who participated in our 2nd Annual Jail & Bail Fun-raiser that turned the Old Jail Museum and Tudor Hall into a fun-filled afternoon for those in attendance. A very special thank you is extended to the following “criminals” and patrons whose contributions directly support Care Net Pregnancy Center. “CRIMINALS” Dane Swanson Rev. John Dakes – St. Aloysius Karen Alford Brooks – Century 21 New Millenium Jerry Bohle – Heritage Printing Ed DePiazza Pastor Edd Cathey – Grace & Peace Geraldine L’Heureux – Bowhead Stephanie Witte – Chick-fil-A John Albers Dawn Deiter Rich – Amelex John J. Winters – Winters Heating & Cooling Pastor Doug Hays – Lexington Park United Methodist Curtis Shreve – Bear Creek Open Pit BBQ

Rev. Timothy K. Baer – Our Lady of the Wayside Arthur Shepherd Bob Schaller Trish Billings – O’Brien Realty-Solomons Tony O’Donnell – Maryland Delegate Pastor Dave R. Kelly – Calvary Bible Kevin Fry – The Kings Christian Academy Tommy McKay – Woodburns Gourmet Market John Bohanan – Maryland Delegate James Curry Sherry Newcomer – Market America Kimberly L. Oliver – Amelex

CO-HOST Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron PATRONS Sunshines Catering SMC Historical Society Printing Press, Inc. Billy & Joyce Cusic Carl & Patty Morrison Carla Norris – Century 21 New Millenium Tom Hodges – Tom Hodges Auto Sales Students at The Kings Christian Academy Students at Mother Catherine Spalding Students at Father Andrew White

Thursday, October-2010

Sp rts

Panthers Get Back on Winning Track, Silence Great Mills

fter two weeks worth of bad sponded with a 66-yard drive ending with losses, the Patuxent football quarterback Eddie Massengil sneaking in team got back on the winning from two yards out to tie the game. Great side of things with a clutch 34-21 win over Mills looked to attack again, but after a host Great Mills Friday night, improving rushing touchdown was called back via to 4-2 on the season and 2-2 in Southern penalty, sophomore Travez Lee made a Maryland Athletic Conference games. “This win was pretty big, we had to show up and show some heart,” junior running back Dakota Edwards said. Edwards led a dynamite Panther rushing offense with 205 yards on 26 carries. As a team, Patuxent ran for 384 yards, no accident according head coach Steve Crounse. “After you lose two games like that, you do some soul searching,” Crounse said after matching 41-7 losses to McDonough and Northern the previous two games. “We made a commitment to Photo by Chris Stevens running the ball this week.” Great Mills jumped out Panthers quarterback Eddie Massengil looks to run by Great Mills’ Dalonta to a 7-0 lead on a 53-yard Mackall. catch and run from Jordan Hurt to Aaron Wilkerson. Patuxent re- great play to intercept a pass from Hurt and the subsequent 61-yard return took the ball well into Hornet territory. Five plays later, junior fullback Chicago Garner scored the first of his three touchdowns on the evening on a seven-yard run and Patuxent was ahead to stay. “We had to find heart and leadership this week in practice,” Lee said. “We worked it out and came out strong tonight.” Garner opened holes for Edwards and Lee (who ran for 99 yards and a touchdown to go along with two interceptions on defense) and was able to run for two touchdowns and convert a short pass from Massengil for a third. Gary Simpson “It’s just working hard and blocking for my backs. When I’m Katie Facchina running, I’m just keeping my legs 7480 Crain Highway moving,” Garner explained. La Plata, MD 20646 The Panthers are now 4-2 and 301-934-8437 still in the thick of the 2A South regional playoff race, but with four games remaining, including a battle with Huntingtown tonight April Hancock at 7 p.m., Crounse prefers to take PO Box 407 An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP it one game at a time. However, he Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Seated: Lisa Squires, Bryans Road, MD 20616 Susan Ennis, Donna Burris is still proud of team’s resiliency. 301-743-9000 “A lot of guys could’ve packed it in, but we had guys step up and it was exciting to see their Auto - Home - Business - Life resolve,” he said. “They got off the mat and they got a huge win.” By Leonardtown & LaPlata • Bus: (301) 475-3151

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Thursday, October-2010

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Betty Banz, 85 Betty “Jean” Banz, 85, of Lusby, MD passed away on September 26, 2010 at Solomons Nursing Center, Solomons, MD. She was born on May 5, 1925 in Ashe County, NC to the late Mattie Lee Harris Combs

and Mason L. Perkins. She was the loving wife of John Henry Banz, Sr. whom she married on April 16, 1977. He preceded her in death on February 21, 1999. Jean was a School Bus Driver for Baltimore County Schools and in 1977 moved from Baltimore County to the Chesapeake Ranch Estates where she worked at the security gate until 1988. She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies Club, loved cooking, working her flower gardens and most of all spending time with her family. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Pauline Martin, Josephine Darce, and Bill Perkins. She is survived by her children, Clara Jewel Beatty and her husband Chester of Lusby, MD, Janice Lee Wiley and her husband Robert of Middle River, MD, John Francis Humphrey of San Antonio, TX, Judith Marie Siwinski and her husband Arthur of Reisterstown, MD, Jennifer Gail Mateycik and her husband Joseph of New Orleans, LA, and Jeffrey Wayne Humphrey of Baltimore, MD; siblings, Clay Perkins of Palm Bay, FL and Edna Latham of Honey Brook, PA; 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandsons. The family received friends on Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD where a funeral service was held at 4PM with Fr. Richard Gardiner officiating. Interment will be private.

Wade McCoy, 73 Wade Arlan “Mac” McCoy, 73, of Lusby, MD passed away on September 25, 2010 at his residence. He was born on October 13, 1936 in DeRuyter, NY to the late Paul and Pauline Wright McCoy. He was the beloved husband of Joanne Mary McCoy whom he married on April 23, 1960 in Ottawa, Canada. Mac graduated from Cortland High School in 1952 and went on to attend Cortland State Teachers College for two years. He joined the United States Air Force in

1955 and retired after 26 years of honorable service in 1981. During his time in the Air Force he was stationed in San Antonio, TX, Biloxi, MS, Westover, MA, Denver, CO, The Pentagon and overseas in Japan, Korea, Turkey, and Canada. The day after retirement from the Air Force, Mac went back to work as a civilian for the Air Force, Department of Defense as a Communications Electronic Systems Manager and retired in 1992. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Graydon McCoy and Olan McCoy. Mac is survived by his wife of 50 years Joanne M. McCoy of Lusby, MD; children, Laureen McCoy of Honolulu, HI, Lisa McCoy of San Francisco, CA, Lindy Lee and her husband Marty of Portsmouth, VA, and Louise Casamento and her husband Philip of Odenton, MD; siblings, Marion Foster of Norwich, NY, and Mahlon McCoy of Spring Lake, NC; five grandchildren and an “adopted” son Kevin Rock. Pallbearers will be Martin Lee, Noel Nicholas, Jason Lee, Philip Casamento, and Kevin Rock. The family received friends on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 2 ~ 4 and 6 ~ 8 PM in the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD. Funeral Services were held on Monday, October 4, 2010 at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel with Fr. Richard Gardiner officiating. Interment followed in the MD Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Nellie Smith, 83 Nellie Marie Smith, 83, of Prince Frederick, MD was called to eternal rest on Sept. 27, 2010 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick, MD. She was born to the late Joseph H. White and Irene Henson White on July 18, 1927 in Adelina, MD. Marie, as everyone called her, received her basic education in the public schools of Calvert County. She furthered her education by enrolling in the Princess Ann College on the Eastern Shore. After college, she worked as a secretary and department sales associate in Washington, DC. She resided in Washington, DC until her parents’ health began to decline. Because of her love and dedication to her parents, Marie moved back to Calvert County to be their caregiver. Marie was united in marriage to the late Julian Stevenson Smith (Bubby). After this marriage, she started her career in the Calvert County school system as secretary to the Guidance Counselor at Calvert Senior High School. She retired in 1989 after 20 years of service. She leaves to cherish her memory

her devoted sister, Oreese W. Stanback of Washington, DC; Regina Artis who she called her daughter; goddaughter, Shellie Henson Beeman; godson, Fred D. Stanback, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Gladys Henson; brothers, Wilson, Charles, Monroe, Oliver, Cederick, and Benjamin White. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Carroll Western UM Church, Prince Frederick, MD with Pastor Roland Barnes, officiating. The interment was at Harmony Memorial Park, Landover, MD. The pallbearers were Marcus Henson, Fred Stanback, Antoine White, Conrad White, Russell White, and Wilson White. The honorary pallbearers were Kevin Henson, Thomas Henson, Keith Stanback, and George White. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

Manya Stoetzel, 70 M a n y a Brooke Stoetzel, 70, of St. Leonard, MD, and Su m mer f ield, FL, died September 13, 2010, at her residence in Summerfield. She was born April 11, 1940, in Houston, TX, to Royce Lynn and Helen Eiker Brooke. After graduation from Hillcrest High School in Dallas, Texas, she attended Rice University. However, it was at Iowa State University where her formal study of entomology, the study of insects, began. She transferred to Wisconsin State University, River Falls, where she met her husband of 48 years, Faran Eugene Stoetzel. Faran accepted a job with Dowell Schlumberger Corp. in 1961 and the newlywed couple moved to Venezuela. Their first son Frank Eiker Stoetzel was

born in October 1962 in Venezuela. Returning to the United States, Faran accepted a job in 1964 for the Bureau of the Census, Commerce Department, Jeffersonville, IN. Their second son Kevin Lynn Stoetzel was born in August 1964 in Indiana. They moved to Maryland where Manya continued her studies in entomology receiving her Bachelors (1966), Masters (1970), and Doctorate (1972) degrees from the University of Maryland. Dr. Manya Stoetzel’s professional career spanned more than 30 years at the Systematic Entomology Laboratory, USDA, ARS, where she provided systematic research and expertise on a variety of insect groups, including specializing in the biosystematics of aphids. She served as President of the Entomological Society of America in 1996. She was proud to be an entomologist and she met wonderful people during her career, including her mentor Louise Russell. Since her retirement in 2002, Manya and Faran split their time between the family beach house they owned since 1976 in Long Beach, MD and their retirement home in Summerfield, FL. She loved being Grandmother to her grandsons, Jack and Nick Stoetzel, and spending holidays with her family. She will be remembered as a very loving and giving person who had a great sense of humor. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and son Frank Eiker Stoetzel. She is survived by her son Kevin Lynn, daughter-in-law Felicia Marie and grandsons Jack Thomas and Nick Joseph (all of Huntingtown, MD). She is also survived by two brothers, James Brooke, Aiken, SC, and Ronald Brooke, Orlando, FL and several nieces and nephews and their families. A memorial service was held on Friday, September 24, 2010, at 1:00 pm, at Christ Church, 3100 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD 20676. Burial was be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Manya’s name to Christ Church at the above address.

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Thursday, October-2010

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.

P ages P

ast

Southern Maryland’s Witches and Ghosts

By Joyce Baki

on a 2,000-acre parcel in the late 1600s by Samuel Chew, it was a well-known destination used as a Quaker meeting house by the Chew family. The first house was replaced by a stone house in the early 1700s. The “ghost” is believed to be Ann Chew, who married Phillip Chew at Maidstone in 1724. A beautiful young woman, Ann died not long after she married Phillip.

aryland did not have the same hysteria about witchcraft as Salem, Massachusetts, but there are 12 documented cases of people accused of witchcraft from the late 1600s to the early 1700s. Only one execution for witchcraft was recorded in Maryland and it occurred in Calvert County on October 9, 1685. Rebecca Fowler was hung after being found guilty for “certain evil and diabolical arts called witchcrafts, enchantments, charms (and) sorceries.” Rebecca, the wife of John Fowler, had been charged with bewitching several people and leaving their bodies “very much the worse, consumed, pined and lamed.” A year later another Calvert County woman, Hannah Edwards, would be acquitted of similar charges. The last U.S. Library of Congress photo. witchcraft trial in Maryland was held in Annapolis. Virtue This lithograph from 1892 is a fanciful representation of the Salem Violl of Talbot County, accused witch trials. of trying to harm the health of a Sighted on moonlit nights, she walks in the neighbor, was found not guilty. In 1652, a tract of 600 acres was ac- gardens wearing a long gray veil and dress quired by William Berry. His son sold the which many believe is her wedding gown. property to Michael Taney, the High Sher- Dubbed “The Gray Lady,” she has been iff of Calvert County. Chief Justice Roger known to be mischievous, knocking a man Brooke Taney was born here. In the early off the couch where he was sleeping and part of the 1800s, Young Dorsey Hance ac- switching pictures that hang in the house to quired the house. A tree stump on the front different walls. Bowen’s Inn in Solomons, partially lawn marks the site of a celebrated duel between Miles Taney V and John Magruder. destroyed in a fire several years ago, is said The men apparently both loved a woman to be haunted. Strange experiences have named Barbara Dorsey. Taney killed John occurred to several employees. While carMagruder and escaped from the house by rying boxes to the third floor one Christa secret passage which led to the river. It mas an employee saw the ghost of a tall, is purported that on the anniversary of well-dressed woman in an old-fashioned the murder blood stains appear at the site outfit. After seeing the vision, he immewhere the body was found. Other strange diately came back down the steps never to events have been witnessed by ghost-hunt- return to the third floor. The woman is believed to have been jilted by her lover and ing experts. While there is no historical record of remains in the house waiting for him to reMoll Dyer’s story, it is legend in St. Mary’s turn. Others have heard odd noises or have County. Moll Dyer’s neighbors believed seen doors open mysteriously. The Grey Fox Inn, now the location her to be a witch. When the authorities did nothing, the townspeople drove her from of Harmon House Shoppes, was the home her house on the coldest night of the year of Dr. Coster, a physician for whom Coster and burned her cabin to the ground. Moll Road in Calvert County was named. The died of exposure and, as the legend goes, building is said to be haunted by a small was later found with her hand frozen to a dog. Built in 1913, the owners had a poorock. Today, the rock sits in front of the Old dle that they buried on the property after Jail Museum in Leonardtown and suppos- it passed away. The dog loves to play and makes appearances flitting across the floor edly still bears the print of her hand. Perhaps the most legendary haunted with his tail wagging. house in Maryland is Maidstone, a beautiHappy Halloween! ful house in northern Calvert County. Built

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9/23/2010 10:21:15 AM

Kelly McConkey For Calvert County Commissioner Political Rally and Fundraiser

 Food and beer  Pumpkins and fun for kids  $40 per person, kids 12 and under free!  Route 4, to Lower Marlboro Rd, to Scaggs Rd

October 30th 2pm-Dark At Mellomar Golf Park

6215 Scaggs Rd. Owings, MD

Make checks or money orders payable to: Friends of Kelly McConkey P.O. Box 403 Dunkirk, MD 20754

To pay with PayPal, visit our website at: www.KellyMcConkey.com

For additional information, please call 301-399-5609

Hosted by: Doc and Peggy Grace

By the Authority of Milton G. McConkey, Jr., Treasurer

Thursday, October-2010

Out&About By Joyce Baki

t is hard to believe that Halloween is now upon us. A family tradition of ours is to visit a local farm for pumpkins to decorate our front porch. Several farms in the area offer pumpkin patches and other fall activities. Start your own tradition with a visit to a farm. To find one near you visit

www.calvertag.com

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 farm animals, enjoy hay rides, corn maze, exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and much more. The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at each farm. For more information and directions to the farms, visit www.calvertag.com. Looking for something SPOOKtacular to do for Halloween? Bring the family to Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and Arts Center for a safe and spook-free daytime trick-or-treating event on Saturday, October 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dress the whole family and enjoy trickor-treating in the garden and unique

photo opportunities with boo-tiful decorations! Children can meander through the woods along the paved pathway, free of vehicles, to receive candy from nonprofit organizations, local businesses and entrepreneurs. Free ooky, spooky art activities provided. One dollar admission benefits the Holiday Food Basket Program. Visit online for more information: www.annmariegarden.org. The Patuxent Wine Trail goes local with a weekend of festivities October 23 and 24. Each winery along the trail will feature local products from Southern Maryland vendors. Visit the wineries from noon to 4 p.m. to sample their wines and buy local products. Perigeaux Winery, St. Leonard, will feature local craftsmen Ch’Naca Fiberworks, BagO-Beads and Wild Willow Soaps. Solomons Island Winery will feature the art of Joan Humphreys. For more information on the Patuxent Wine Trail, visit www.patuxentwinetrail.com. Join the Calvert Marine Museum as they celebrate their 40th birthday party on Saturday, October 23. There will be entertainment, special tours, food and fun including a special dramatic reading of “Solomons, Our History” in the audi-

Tricks and Treat For All This Fall torium at 2 p.m. A gargantuan birthday cake will be cut at 4 p.m. and the event is free to the public! The Sunday Conversations with Chesapeake Authors Series at Calvert Marine Museum will feature Jennifer Keats Curtis and her new book Saving Squeak on Sunday, October 24, at 2 p.m. in the member’s lounge. Saving Squeak celebrates the museum’s own otter, Squeak, and teaches children about otters and the importance of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife that lives among humans. Books will be available in the museum store. Book signings and special appearances by the CMM Otter and Linda Hanna, the aquarist who appears in the book, will follow the presentation. On Sunday, October 31, the Calvert Marine Museum offers a Monster Mash Cruise and Costume Contest. This cruise is for little goblins and their families from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Adults $7, Children 5-12 $5, children 4 and under $4. Preregistration is required. Call 410326-2042 ext. 41 or visit online www.

cars. His skill and talent reveal the breathtaking beauty of each object. The Art of the Hot Rod exhibit at Annmarie Garden features Harholdt’s photographs from the book, The Art of the Hot Rod, written by Ken Gross. In addition to the photographs, you will see a 1931 Ford Model A left front fender, antique fittings and other hot rod souvenirs on loan by Jon Edwards of Town Creek Shop; a 1970 Triumph TR-6 on loan from J.W. Langley and a restored 1934 Ford pickup owned by Howard Pouncey, both of Calvert County. Ray Bracey has loaned memorabilia including a Richard Petty stand up/cut-out and parts. The exhibit will run through January 9, 2011.

www.annmariegarden.org

Join the American Chestnut Land Trust for a fall colors hike at Double Oak Farm on Sunday, October 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Registration is required, www.acltweb. org.

calvertmarinemuseum.com

Annmarie Garden has a spectacular exhibit of “art on wheels” featuring photographs of hot rods taken by race car driver and photographer Peter Harholdt. Using a specially constructed mobile studio, Harholdt developed equipment and techniques for photographing large format objects, including race

1st Annual Monster Rockfish Festival

he Greenwell Foundation presents the 1st Annual Monster Rockfish Festival on Sunday, Oct. 31, from 11am to 5pm at Greenwell State Park in Hollywood. The Festival is being held in conjunction with the first annual Monster Rockfish Tournament, taking place in the Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries on Saturday, Oct. 30. The tournament is a production of BAMM Enterprises in Lexington Park. Festival Highlights include the 1st Annual Rockfish Cook-off featuring restaurants from the greater Maryland area; Rockfish tastings and other seasonal culinary delights; Beer and local wine; Live music; Local crafters and artists will display and sell their work; Pony rides, and horseback, fishing and kayaking demonstrations (weather permitting); Awards ceremony for Monster Rockfish Tournament participants. The Festival is a designated SAFE TRICK OR TREATING ZONE. Vendors will offer candy and other treats to children who come in costume. Other Halloween events will include pumpkin painting, costume contests, hay rides, and a pre-carved pumpkin contest (bring your carved pumpkin to the Festival for judging). The Festival is free to the general public ($3.00 parking fee applies). More information about the Festival, see www.greenwellfoundation.org. For more information about the Tournament, see www.monsterrockfishtournament.

Thursday, October-2010

On the

Water

now on tap...

Trends and Traditions By Keith McGuire

xperience is a wonderful thing. As time goes by, different conditions produce different results and trends become easier to track. Dry summers like the one we’ve just had produce catches that seem unusual for the area. Everyone knows about the bull sharks caught this summer, and anyone who has ventured onto the bay more than a few times have seen bottle-nosed dolphin; spectacles that are usually reserved for coastal regions of the mid-Atlantic. A closer look reveals cutlass fish, puffer fish, sea robins, and other species that seem unfamiliar to anglers who have fished the Bay for just a few years. This is not the first summer that these unusual species of fish have been seen in our area of the Bay. If you catch one and take it to some of the old-timers, you’ll discover more unusual names from days gone by. A cutlass fish is referred to as a ribbon fish, and a puffer is a sand toad; examples of a more colorful – or perhaps tougher – times. The last month has been a tough time for boat anglers. Light breezes have more frequently turned to small craft warnings in recent weeks. A full moon has brightened night time skies and high tides have failed to match typical boating schedules. When outings are possible, though, fishing has been good in spite of less than ideal conditions. Stripers have been found in shallow waters, especially where creeks empty into the Bay or larger rivers. Light tackle jigging and top water lures are producing fine catches. Shallow water trolling is also producing many Richard Everson holds a pair of rockfish caught at Cedar Point last Thursday evening at sunset.

keeper stripers. For those who venture onto the Bay, bait is everywhere. Small bay anchovies – or rain fish – are gathered in large schools in most areas of the Bay. Trolling through these schools of bait fish, or stopping to jig in the schools of fish will certainly produce bluefish most of the time. When the feeding really starts, breaking fish will begin turning surface waters to foam. Stripers and bluefish are possible from these schools. Mike Henderson at Buzz’s Marina reports that big blues up to 8lbs are being caught at the Target Ship by those who troll small spoons and surgical eels. Croakers are beginning to slow, but bottom fishing is producing a few, along with spot and a good number of small red “puppy” drum of less than legal (18 inches) size. Some of the croakers are bigger than the red drum, so be sure to look for the spot on the tail – a dead giveaway that your fish is a drum and not a croaker. Some folks are still reporting really good catches of white perch in the local rivers and creeks. Roger Chen checked in two citations this past week of 14 ¼ inches and 14 ½ inches that he said he caught at the mouth of St. Leonard Creek on peeler crab. I have never seen white perch so big! 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.

Rudd Light: Our first Low Carb Ale, smooth, light wonderfull!!! IPA: Our favorite Hop Head Ale

Oktoberfest: Gold Medal Amber Lager a German Classic! Belgium Trippel: Light Color Strong Ale w/ hint of Spring Flowers

Winner of the 2010 Governor’s Cup

“Best Beer in the State of Maryland”

Belgiun Dubbel: Amber & Smooth traditional Belgium Ale Porter: Full bodied dark Ale w/clean coffee finish Scottish Ale: Smooth refreshing amber Ale

Come and Celebrate Halloween with us, 10/30/10 Great Costume Party with prizes for the best 3 costumes!

AWARD WINNING BEERS

Fresh scratch made Food, Family Friendly atmosphere!

Bring in this ad and you will get FREE Chip Nachos or FREE dessert with the purchase of two Dinners.

Steaks • Seafood • Pasta • Gourmet Pizza SOLOMONS, MARYLAND • Dowell Rd and Route 4

410-FYI-DUCK (410-394-3825)

Check our Live Music Schedule at our website!!

www.RuddyDuckBrewery.com Thursday, October-2010

Thursday, October-2010

24/7 Band Is A Local Hit W

hat is a cover band? Simply put, a cover band is one that plays songs by other artists. The 24/7 band’s sound is pure country. Tim Unkle, the lead singer, has the kind of husky voice that would sound good at a campfire and completely comfortable in a honky tonk. The band started as a jam session in Unkle’s basement. “It’s just something I started doing,” Unkle said. He’s been in other bands over the years, but 24/7 is the first one he started himself. “Things have moved very quickly the last couple of years,” Unkle said. The band consists of Unkle on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Joe Huffman on lead guitar and vocals, Tony Erdolino on bass and Eddie Finch on drums. The lineup has undergone recent changes, with Huffman being added within the last couple of months and Finch having his debut in the band last Friday. Huffman said he was glad to get the opportunity to play with 24/7. “They guys needed a hand and I was available at the time,” Huffman said. “Plus, I like the songs.” The band covers mostly classic rock and classic country songs, though they are working their way into plying top 40 country songs. “We’re a pretty versatile band,” Unkle said. The band plays at a lot of weddings, so they have to be able to play a little bit of something for all age groups. He attributes their popularity to that versatility. 24/7 tries to suit its playlist toward the age group at the venue they’ll be playing at rather than having a set-in-stone playlist that they play no matter where they are. “We try to gear our music to make a wedding party happy,” Unkle said. A wedding party consists of age groups from children to seniors and everyone in between. “We try to please the crowd,” Unkle said. They play everything from Creed to Conway Photos by Sarah Miller

Twitty. The band’s standard playlist consists of between 40 and 50 songs, which they play in four sets with breaks in between each set. Finch said he likes the fact that 24/7 plays more than classic country music as well. “I enjoy playing all styles of music,” he said. Huffman they’re not in it to get famous. “We just like to have fun,” Huffman said. “It’s not a band with egos.” One of the things Huffman said he likes about playing with 24/7 is the fact that they play songs that he hasn’t gotten the chance to play in years. “They’re songs I grew up on,” Huffman said. He’s been playing instruments for 35 years, but never tried to make the jump into the big times. “You have to know somebody,’ Huffman said. “I used to think it’s about your talent, but it’s not.” “We’ve been playing forever, but we’re all old-school people,” Unkle said. All the people in the band are around age 50, but Unkle said they have all been playing instruments since their late teens and early 20s. Unkle himself has been playing since he was 12. The next event 24/7 will be performing at is a private party, but they will be back at a public venue Oct. 16 at 8:30 p.m. They will be performing at Anderson’s bar in Clements. “It’s a small, little place but we have a lot of fun,” Unkle said. 24/7 can also be found at three or four regular venues on a regular basis, Unkle said. One of these venues is CJ’s in Lusby. For more information or Tim Unkle to book 24/7 for an event, contact Unkle at 301-904-3310. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

October Entertainment at The Ruddy Duck, Solomons All Acts Start at 7:30pm. Oct. 12 - The Dave & Kevin Trio, acoustic guitars Oct. 14 - Anthony Ryan Country Music Group Oct. 15 - Just Us acoustic and electric guitars Oct. 19 - 4 (For) Friends Jazz Band Oct. 22 - Hydra FX Acoustic

Oct. 23 - Adrian & The Fine Print and The Young Republic Oct. 26 - Upstroke Patty Carl & Rose

Oct. 30 - The Dave & Kevin Trio, acoustic gui tars. Halloween Costume Party

October Entertainment at the Back Creek Bistro, Dowell All Shows start at 6:30, Reservations are recommended. (410) 326-9900 www. backcreekbistro.com

Oct. 14 – Smoke Creek Rounder (Brian Deere, Billy Thompson, and Gary Rue) Oct. 21 – Diane Daly with Benjie Porecki Oct. 23 – Tom Lagana Trio

Thursday, October-2010

Spider Hall Farm

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

"Come be a part of Calvert County's Heritage"

Thursday, October-2010