The Southern Calvert Gazette -- November 11, 2010 by David Noss

Gazette

November, 2010

Priceless

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

‘Our Lady’ Rallies to Save School Calvert Among 100 Greatest Places for Youth Story Page 15

Pepper’s Pet Pantry Expanding Across Bridge Story Page 6

Lollar Vows To Rally and Charge Ahead Story Page 4

Photo by Sean Rice

Page 12

On T he Cover

The student body of Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Solomons Island stands on the steps of the old church on Monday with teachers and staff. The school is in the middle of a big fundraising drive to ensure the school stays open and independent.

Also Inside

Local News

8 Community 10 Education 11 Letters 12

community

Daniel “Firehawk” Abbott will be at the Calvert Marine Museum on Nov. 13 to share his extensive knowledge of native people and their world in Stone Age America. SEE PAGE 9

Cover Story

14 Sports 15 Locals Calvert County is being honored by the America’s Promise Alliance as one of the Best 100 Communities in the US for Young People. How and why is our area is such a great place for children and families? SEE PAGE 15

16 Obituaries 18

Business Directory

On Water

Out & About

22 Hunting 23 Entertainment

out & about

community

FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 21 IN OUT AND ABOUT

Dee Wunder gives away samples of pepper jelly made from garden produce of the Chesapeake Ranch Estates community Garden during the Dowell Elementary School vender/craft fair last weekend. SEE PAGE 8

Single?

November 12 - 14 2010 Island s n o Solom eport Tide R

Day

F 12 12 12 12

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

% Moon

1:18 AM 0.4 6:44 AM Rise 12:13 PM 6:14 AM 1.0 4:56 PM Set 11:00 PM 12:06 PM 0.2 7:00 PM 1.4

Sa 13 Low 2:03 AM 0.3 6:45 AM Rise 12:41 PM 13 High 7:13 AM 1.0 4:55 PM Set 11:58 PM 13 Low 1:10 PM 0.2 13 High 7:50 PM 1.3

Su 14 Low 2:45 AM 0.3 6:46 AM Rise 1:07 PM 14 High 8:16 AM 1.1 4:54 PM 14 Low 2:19 PM 0.3 14 High 8:37 PM 1.3

November 19 - 21 2010 Day

Backyard-Buddies.com Call 410-231-2668 or write info@backyard-budddies.com for more info

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Thursday, November-2010

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

% Moon

F 19 Low 5:36 AM 0.0 6:52 AM Set 4:47 AM 19 High 12:33 PM 1.5 4:51 PM Rise 3:20 PM 19 Low 7:22 PM 0.3

Sa 20 High 12:13 AM 1.0 6:53 AM Set 5:49 AM 20 Low 6:10 AM 0.0 4:50 PM Rise 3:56 PM 20 High 1:10 PM 1.6 20 Low 8:10 PM 0.3

Su 21 High 12:57 AM 0.9 6:54 AM Set 6:52 AM 21 Low 6:46 AM 0.0 4:50 PM Rise 4:39 PM 21 High 1:47 PM 1.6 21 Low 8:56 PM 0.2

Cliff Homeowners Looking For Swift Action

LOCAL NEWS

n the wake of a draft report that recommended a “In the next two years we’ll have homes in the bay,” two-year study of ways to shore up the eroding face Waugh, who ran an unsuccessful bid for state senator, said of Calvert Cliffs, which puts 20 homes in immedi- Monday. “We do not have two years to wait for a feasibility ate danger of going over the edge in the Chesapeake Bay, study.” homeowners there are looking for the county government Waugh said his property was still about 65 feet away to issue emergency zoning permits to harden the cliff face from the cliff, so he still and others still had more time to on their own. come up with a solution than the Ectors. “We’re really just asking for permits to preserve our “I’m two hurricanes and a deluge from being threatproperty, we’re not asking for money,” said David Ector, ened,” Waugh said. “But the Ectors, they don’t have two whose home on Laramie Lane is a scant six feet from the years.” By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net edge of the cliff. The draft report released in late October by a committee of local, state and federal officials recommended that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers take two years to study the situation at the t approximately 1:30 a.m. Oct. 31, units from cliffs and come up with long-term sothe Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and the lutions to the erosion there; the report Maryland State Police, Prince Frederick Baralso recommended the county aprack responded to Calypso Bay Bar & Grille located at ply for $3 million in grants from the 120 Charles Street in Solomons for a report of a stabbing. Maryland Emergency Management Dep. A. Locke arrived on the scene and made contact Agency to possibly help buy-out and with an employee of the establishment who advised that relocate some of the residents in most his brother had just been stabbed. immediate danger. Dep. Locke observed the victim, Terry E. Bailey, 26 The idea of waiting two years for a of Lusby, sitting behind the bar holding his abdomen with solution from government authorities, a large amount of blood on his pants, police report. The Ector said, was not something he had victim advised he had been stabbed by an unknown black much faith in. male. The victim was transported to PG Shock Trauma “My concern is that they’ll take $1 by Trooper 7 helicopter. million of the $3 million and use it to Det. J. Ewig of the C.I.T. conducted an investigafund the study,” he said. “You’d end up tion and determined a second individual suffered a stab burning money instead of using it. wound to the leg as the suspect descended the stairs while “We don’t have the time. We’re fleeing the scene. That wound was not life-threatening. looking for the county to stand up to Bailey underwent surgery for his injuries. the state and the federal government The investigation is continuing. Anyone with inforPhoto by Sean Rice on this.” mation is asked to contact Det. Ewig at 410-535-2800. Dave and Lidia Ector look over the eroding cliff face that is eating away their back yard. Cliff homeowners, 234 in all, that face eventual catastrophic erosion of the cliffs have been denied permits to seek methods to shore up the cliff face because of the population of Puritan tiger beetles believed to call the cliff face home. The species is named in the federal Endangered Species Act as protected, but homeowners there dispute that claim since the face of the cliff has never been officially designated as habitat for the beetle. But that appears to have changed, said county planning and zoning director Gregory Bowen, because planners now are seeking to help homeowners get through the process with state and federal agencies to declare an incidental Gary Simpson taking of the land where the tiger Katie Facchina beetle resides. 7480 Crain Highway But, Bowen said, that allowLa Plata, MD 20646 ance could be contingent upon 301-934-8437 finding new habitat for the tiger beetle to compensate for their loss of habitat. Homeowners would also have April Hancock to submit engineering plans that PO Box 407 An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP would ensure no more damage to Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Seated: Lisa Squires, Bryans Road, MD 20616 the cliffs would take place due do Susan Ennis, Donna Burris 301-743-9000 to their shoring it up. Steven Waugh, who lives on Laramie Lane next to Ector’s home, said that waiting two years Auto - Home - Business - Life could be an environmental caLeonardtown & LaPlata • Bus: (301) 475-3151 tastrophe as well as a disaster for www.danburris.com homeowners.

Crime & Punishment Info Sought on Halloween Stabbing

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Thursday, November-2010

LOCAL NEWS

Local Man Drowns in Patuxent

he Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) reports that the body of missing boater, Timothy Dale Bourne, 50 from Port Republic, was recovered at 1:30 pm on Nov. 7, approximately 120 yards south from where the vessel sank in the Patuxent River. Recovery was made by members of the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department and the Calvert County Dive team. Bourne has been the object of an intense search by NRP, Coast Guard and area fire companies since his disappearance after a boating accident on Nov. 6, at 6:30 pm. Bourne was a passenger in the vessel that sank when a wave came over the stern of the vessel. NRP report that on Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m., Thomas Eric Johnson, 46 from Hollywood, Md was returning from fishing in his 20-foot Wellcraft when the vessel experienced engine trouble. Johnson anchored the vessel and called a nearby marina for assistance. While Johnson and the other two occupants, Julius Lamond Camp, 37 from Leonardtown and Bourne waited for assistance, the vessel took a large wave over the stern causing it to sink. All three occupants put on life jackets and jumped into the water. A jet skier, who heard the victim’s call for help responded to their location. The skier was able to relay Johnson and Camp to shore. The jet skier could not locate Bourne, who was separated from the others due to the strong current in the river. Johnson and Camp were transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital for hyperthermia. Officers from the Natural Resources Police, Coast Guard, and members from St. Leonard VFD, Prince Frederick VFD, Solomon’s VFD, and Benedict VFD search the area by vessel. The Maryland State Police aviation searched the area by air. Bourne’s body was sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for autopsy. NRP Special Operation Division is continuing the investigation into the cause of the accident.

Lollar Vows to Regroup and Rally Forward “In the Marine Corps we don’t have a word for retreat. In fact, we call it a rally point.”

emocrat Congressman Steny Hoyer our trumpets of victory. And they will be blown kept his place in federal govern- because victory will not escape us.” ment after beating GOP challenger Lollar pointed out that Abraham Lincoln Charles Lollar in one of the most hotly contested lost seven races before winning the presidency. races in the state. In Calvert and St. Mary’s counties Hoyer saw most of his support slip away as Lollar won in those counties by considerable margins. Heavy support in Prince George’s and Charles counties gave Hoyer a comfortable lead and assured the victory. Many Democrats locally were surprised at Lollar’s commanding vote lead. In Calvert County, Lollar took 16,792 votes to Hoyer’s 13,959 votes. In St. Mary’s County, Lollar took 17,151 votes against the incumbent’s 12,523 votes. “Lollar ran very well … in this district, there’s no question about it,” said Todd Eberly, political science professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. “Two years ago Hoyer won by a 50 point margin, Lollar trimmed that to 29 points.” Lollar, who spoke to a crowd of about 200 on election night at Holiday Inn Solomons, said, said this race in not Photo by Frank Marquart over. Charles Lollar talks to a crowd of about 200 gathered at the “In the Marine Corps we don’t have Holiday Inn Solomons, while his wife Rosha looks on. a word for retreat. In fact, we call it a rally point,” he said. “Which means at any given time when something doesn’t “I’m declaring that we have a rally point look it is going the way it should you we need to go back to. I don’t want to show up go back to the rally point, you regroup without anybody there. We’ve got to get there and you press forward. together so we can go forward even stronger,” “No one has come this close to Lollar told the crowd. “We the people will speak. beating (Steny Hoyer) in 30 years,” Whether it is with a whisper or a determined Lollar said. “But that’s not good yell, at the end of the day, people will hear our enough. Delay is not denial. The end voice.” By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpblishing.net is not yet near. We’ve not yet blown

Watermen Leery of State’s Loan Offer for Aquaculture tate agencies are putting up more than $2 million in

loan funds for entrepreneurs and watermen to start aquaculture projects targeted for restoring the state’s struggling oyster population, but leaders of the local seafood harvesting industry say that the risks might make watermen shy away. Aquaculture is the practice of growing oysters from larval seed for later harvesting instead of relying on natural production. Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Watermen’s Association in Calvert County, said that oysters are now commanding about $40 to $45 per bushel basket with traditional watermen bringing up about 10 bushels per boat. By the time oysters reach the market they could sell at retail for close to $60 or $70 a bushel. While watermen who use manually operated shaft tongs are struggling due to sanctuary restrictions, the opening of power dredging on parts of the St. Mary’s River and the Chesapeake Bay could change the outlook for the season, Zinn said. “We’re not sure how that’s going to work out,” he said. Watermen would likely shy away from state loans for aquaculture, Zinn said, because many already deal with debt in keeping and maintaining their boats. “I think it’s very high risk to borrow money to plant oys-

Thursday, November-2010

LOCAL NEWS Finding Singles In Your Own Backyard T here are single people all over Southern Maryland. Debra Thomas has wanted to launch a dating service for a long time, and she’s finally getting the chance to do so. “It’s been on my bucket list, but I kept putting it off, something more important always needed to be addressed,” she told The Southern Calvert Gazette. She said there are plenty of matches for people who live in places like Washington, D.C. or Atlanta, Ga., but there are few options for singles in the Southern Maryland area. She said she thought to herself “you know, there’s a need.” There are other dating sites, but often people are matched with others in areas where setting up an actual meeting is difficult. Thomas said keeping a long-distance relationship is difficult enough, but it’s nearly impossible to get a relationship off the ground if it’s long-distance form the start. “Somebody is always keeping track of ‘it’s your turn to drive,’” Thomas said. This is especially true of people who live in different parts of the country. Thomas has a speed-dating event planned in Southern Calvert County to kick-off Backyard Buddies, which she has pushed back to allow people more time to sign up. “Nobody wants to commit before the eleventh hour,” Thomas said. She said in a speed-dating event, the participants are divided into age groups. While people of all ages are invited to

participate, nobody will be paired with somebody who is significantly older or younger than themselves. Examples of the age groups are people between the ages of 25 and 31, or 45 and 55. Speed-dating events aren’t the only ones “simmering on the pot,” Thomas said. She’s also got New Years events, group volunteer events and weekend trips in the works. “Whatever events people want, whatever people like to do, we’re doing,” Thomas said. Backyard Buddies also offers personal agent services, to help people on a one-to-one basis, for a small fee. And even if people don’t pay for matchmaking, Thomas said she plans to use elements form personal matchmaking services during the events. She said she plans on being the intermediary person to introduce singles to each other and “break the ice” for them. She said often people will be too nervous to introduce themselves to somebody they really want to talk to. She also said if a woman is forward enough to make the first move, men will often be intimidated by them and won’t ask for their phone number. By having an intermediary to introduce the two people, then step back to let them get to know each other, Thomas said both parties get the phone numbers. For more information, or to sign up for the next event, visit www.backyardbuddies.com or call 410-231-2668. By Sar-

ah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

ters,” Zinn said. “There’s too many variables that could wipe out the loan. “The intention was good but the common sense factor would make you reluctant to do it.” Robert Brown, president of the St. Mary’s County Watermen’s Association, said that the oyster harvest is already looking less abundant this season because of the state’s imposition of sanctuaries on some of the most productive bottom. “It’s going to be scarce,” Brown told The Southern Calvert Gazette, one month after the season opened. “It’s definitely a scarce harvest.” Brown said that moving to aquaculture would be difficult for local watermen because of the liability he loans would place on them. The new loan program is designed to ensure that those applying for the money have a reasonable chance of success when using state-leased land, said Mike Naylor, the Shellfish Program director for the state’s Department of Natural Resources. “We’re looking for people with a real business plan and a real production plan,” Naylor said. “This will present a challenge to someone who’s never thought about aquaculture.” Naylor said that the application process for the loans was “pretty elaborate” and no one as yet has completed an application, though some in the harvesting industry have expressed interest. Because they are state-supported loans, grantees will only be required to repay roughly 60 percent of the loan plus interest, Naylor said, with the size of the loan and the term open to negotiation. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Watermen like Tommy Zinn, of Calvert County, are worried that oyster harvests may suffer due to restrictive sanctuary laws that went into effect recently, and many established watermen will not get in the field of aquaculture.

Prescription Drug Assistance Program

Find out how you can reduce your prescription drug costs at a FREE MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN WORKSHOP

The Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) helps qualified individuals with their Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums and “doughnut hole” costs. To qualify for SPDAP, you must: • Be a resident of Maryland • Be enrolled in a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan

• Have a total income of less than $32,490 for an individual or $43,710 for a couple

An Enrollment Workshop will be held at Calvert County

Tuesday, December 1st 9:00am–12:00pm and 1:00pm–3:00pm Calvert Pines Senior Center 450 W. Dares Beach Road Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Please call 1-800-215-8038

to RSVP for the workshop or to request an enrollment application. At the workshops, SPDAP staff can help you complete the application and also provide unbiased assistance in selecting a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan for 2010.

Thursday, November-2010

LOCAL NEWS

Habitat’s First-Ever Women-Build Home to be Dedicated

atuxent Habitat for Humanity (PHH) will dedicate the first Lowe’s/Women Build home built in Southern Maryland at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20. The home is located on Flagstaff Road in the Chesapeake Ranch Estates subdivision in Lusby. The new home-

Peppers Pet Opening New Branch In Callaway

epper’s Pet Pantry is opening a second branch in Callaway in order to better serve people living in St. Mary’s County. Mary Beth Gates, the owner and operator of Pepper’s Pet Pantry in Solomons, said she and her husband Don have been working on getting the new location ready for a grand opening for about a month. The new store will be located at 20865 Callaway Village Way and is scheduled to open Nov. 20. “We’re trying to get it open as fast as possible,” Gates said. She first started the business while she was living in California, and sold items on-line. She said the whole idea started when she began making organic treats for a “stray dog that wandered into my life” named Pepper. Pepper’s Pet Pantry was started in 2002. When Gates and moved across the country to Maryland, she got the chance to own the first “brick and mortar” store. “When this place came available, I inquired and jumped on it,” Gates said. Her new branch will cater to people who live “on the other side of the bridge,” in St. Mary’s County. The idea to open a branch in St. Mary’s County came from All Kinds Veterinary Hospital, which often sends customers to Gates’ store to buy food for their pets. The second branch of Pepper’s will be right next to All Kinds. Gate’s said about half of her clientele comes from the other side of the bridge. The problem is, while many people from Calvert County go to St. Mary’s for shopping and other

reasons, there aren’t as many people from St. Mary’s who travel to Calvert. Running her own store is not easy, but Gates enjoys what she does. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it,” Gates said. Gates also said it’s difficult for small businesses to stay open in the face of larger chain stores, but “a lot of people are coming to realize they have to support small business.” Gates said a lot of the success of her store comes from the fact that she takes the time to get to know her customers and caters to their specific needs. She carries good quality food and pet treats, as well as “pet-lover gift items.” Pepper’s Pet Pantry also gets involved in several fundraisers, such as That Dog Gone Tiki Bar Family Pet Day. “We pretty much work with all the local rescue groups,” Gates said. In addition to the fundraisers, Gates regularly hosts people from the Patuxent Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), who often come into the store with animals who are available for adoption. Emily Conrad, one of the representative form PAWS who was at Pepper’s Pantry on Saturday afternoon, said she likes coming to Pepper’s Pet pantry with the cats. “I think it’s adorable, and it’s a nice environment for the cats,” Conrad said. She said PAWS also brings animals to Petco, but there are dogs there who make the cats more nervous. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Mary Beth Gates, owner of Pepper’s Pet Pantry, talks to a customer on Saturday at the Solomons store. Photo by Sarah Miller

owners, the Jones Family, partnered with PHH and spent many hours working on their home with a team of volunteers from Lowe’s and the community. Representatives of the St. Mary’s County Lowe’s store, local businesses and many dedicated volunteers will join the PHH board and staff at the dedication, a press release states. The predominantly female volunteer team helped construct the new home.

The Jones family, Crystal, left, Amber and Chris (daughter Sarah is not pictured) are working on the site of their new home being built in the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity’s firstever “Women’s Build” project.

The Women Build program underwritten by Lowe’s recruits educates and nurtures women to build – and advocate for – simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities. A national supporter of Habitat since 2003, Lowe’s provided Patuxent Habitat for Humanity a $55,000 grant from Lowe’s to build the house. PHH received extensive support from the employees of the local Lowes Store in California, MD. This home continues PHH’s effort to build greener, environmentally friendly homes, he release states. The entire southern Maryland community is invited to attend the dedication and tour the home. Construction on the home began in May. Up-and-coming homeowner Crystal Jones, a caregiver who moved to Southern Maryland from Nebraska in February 2000, described the new house as a blessing for herself and her husband Chris, who have lived in a tiny rented space with their daughters Sarah and Amber for the last several years. “We came here to try to make a better life for my kids and myself. My mother had passed on just a few months before, and my brother and sister were out here, so we decided to get together,” she said. “We’ve just been living in a small place … no bedrooms, but it’s got a loft,” she told The Southern Calvert Gazette. Crystal’s husband Chris, has 26 years of construction experience which helped him construct his family’s home. All told, Chris said the most unusual part of his experience with Habitat for Humanity had been the number of people who had offered to help. “That’s unusual, just having all this help,” he said. “But it’s wonderful to have it.” For more information on Habitat for Humanity, call 301-863-6227 or email info@patuxenthabitat.org.

By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

Thursday, November-2010

BODY”. Although overstated for humor, I always reflect with a smile on George’s little sign at election time. We should never forget however that our freedom to have self government and to vote in regular and periodic elections have come at a very high price. When we exercise our constitutional freedoms by participating and voting in elections we should remember that these same freedoms have been secured and paid in blood and sacrifice by our United States Military and our fighting men and women for well over 200 years. Since the founding of our nation brave fighting men and women have indeed secured the blessings of liberty for us and for posterity. Delegate Tony O’Donnell This column will be published on District 29C Calvert and St. Mary’s Thursday, November 11. This day every year has been set aside as a national holiy last day, Veteran’s Day, to honor that sacrifice c o l - of all military veterans. Parades will occur u m n in small towns and large cities all across in the Southern our wonderful nation. The precise time Calvert Gazette of our celebration coincides with the end was in an edition of World War One and which officially in early July. As occurred on the 11th hour of the 11th day the filing deadline of the 11th month of the year. Originally, for running for of- what was then known as Armistice Day fice had just passed was later changed to Veteran’s Day so that and the election all military veterans from all of this nacycle was starting tion’s wars could be honored on a regular to crank up to full national holiday. speed, I took a break from writing this colSo as we think about what the recent umn so that full attention could be paid to elections mean to each of us in our own the election process. I also concurred that way, one thing we should all be able to it was only fair to take a break until the agree upon is that the right of free elecelection was over. tions, indeed all of our constitutional liberWell, the election is indeed now over. ties, have been protected by those special men “THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IN STANDING and women of our military. Over the course FOR ELECTION AND SITTING FOR this nation’s history ELECTROCUTION IS THE DEGREE OF of and continuing even SHOCK TO THE MIND AND BODY” today both at home and abroad, these fine men and women have sacriOn November 2, 2010 we exercised our ficed for all of us. We should never forget right and responsibility by electing those this throughout the entire year, but should federal, state, and local representatives give it even more attention and emphasis who will represent us until such time as we on Veteran’s Day. have another periodic election. For U.S. Please go out of your way to acknowlHouse of Representatives and for our other edge the service of a military veteran. You U.S. Senator that next election will occur in might be surprised to learn that a simple, two years from now in 2012. For just about “Thank you for your service,” will mean so all other county and state officials the next very much to our veterans. It is the least election will be in four years in 2014. we all can do considering all that they have In this past election we all know candidates who were successful and others who were not. Credit goes to all who participated as candidates, successful or not, as it a daunting process that is not always kind to the mind or body. My good friend, former Delegate and former Maryland Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs George Owings, a proud United States Marine in his younger years, used to have a little sign in his office that humorously described the election process for candidates. The sign went something like this, done for us. “THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IN STANDAs always, feel free to contact my local legisING FOR ELECTION AND SITTING lative office at (410) 326-0081 or email at anthony. FOR ELECTROCUTION IS THE DE- odonnell@house.state.md.us with questions, comor concerns regarding these items or other GREE OF SHOCK TO THE MIND AND ments matters.

Thursday, October-2010

Finishing Touches Put on This Year’s Festival of Trees

If You Go … .The annual Festival of Trees takes place in Huntingtown High School, and is open to the public 0n Friday, Nov. 26 from 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 27 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. The costs are: Adults $5, Seniors $3, Children (ages 4-12) $1, Chidren 3 and under are free. STAR 98.3’s T-Bone and Heather will broadcast live from the Festival on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Do the Christmas Rock with Rockin’ Elvis, Jim Godbold on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Additional entertainment will be provided throughout the weekend by local churches, schools and community groups. New to the Festival this year is a concert featuring the Sojourner Band, taking place Saturday evening at 8 p.m. at Huntingtown High School’s auditorium. Sojourner will perform popular music from the 1940s to the present including music by Willy Nelson, Hank Williams, The Allman Brothers, Bonnie Raitt and more. Musical surprises are in store for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. Bring your family and neighbors to sing and dance along! Tickets cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for children 4 through 12 and are available at the Calvert Hospice office, located at 238 Merrimac Court in Prince Frederick or at the door. The Festival of Trees invites community member to honor or remember a loved one by purchasing a beautiful poinsettia, which will become part of the lovely multi-tiered poinsettia tree display at the Festival. Poinsettias can be taken home after the event. To purchase a poinsettia or for other information about sponsoring the event, visit www.calverthospice.org or call 410-535-0892.

he small meeting room slowly filled until overflowing with women prepared for the last meeting of the Festival of Trees Steering Committee. More than 20 women sat around the board room table in the Calvert Hospice office, spilling over to a side couch, hastily erected folding chairs and standing along the walls during the 90 minute meeting. Once the meeting started it begged the question where would the other half dozen or so absent committee members have fit? This is the 22nd year of the Festival of Trees and the volunteers conduct their event with the passion and precision of a philharmonic orchestra. This year’s Steering Committee President Jeanne Coonan arrived with aid of a walker. This is one of her first times out of the house since breaking two hips. She sits down at the head of the table, and if one cared to imagine, she symbolically arranges her music in front of her and taps the wooden podium in front of her. She kept the meeting running, limiting unnecessary rabbit trails, giving reports for people not in attendance and recommending a compromise when the meeting started to derail over a minor issue. Coonan points to the business ads committee to hear their solo piece which lists all the large ads for the evening program have been sold, bringing in over $4,500. Next, the conductor Coonan points to the Breakfast and Lunch with Santa group. They announce Southern Maryland Caterers won the contract bid and that students from Northern and Huntingtown high schools and the College of Southern Maryland will help supervise and entertain the kids with crafts. Moving on to the tree decorators, Coonan learns they have 27 volunteers for decorating trees but need to set aside meeting to assign undecorated trees to decorating teams. And so she orchestras the meeting moves along until the final notes. “It’s not going to be perfect. Just be flex-

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

Festival of Trees Crafters who met every Wednesday at Huntingtown United Methodist Church from March to November to make crafts to sell at the annual event.

Local Artists Have a New Place to Show Off

ith refreshments fit for a Queen, Julia Rawlings, owner of Julia & Company in Solomons, hosted the grand opening of their gift shop, “Sundries on the Side”, on Nov. 5, in conjunction with the shop’s annual Happy Hour event. Rawlings circulated among her friends and patrons as they browsed and “Oh’d” and “Ahh’d” over the beautiful displays and diversity of handmade offerings. “It is our goal to meet the changing needs of our clients and the community at large,” said Julia in a press release. When room in her salon/day spa opened up, she realized she could fill a niche in the Solomons area that would not only serve customers but also would support local artists by filling her shop with as many local products as possible.

ible,” Coonan exhorts her team at the end of the meeting. They break with a plan to meet at the high school the day before Thanksgiving to set up for their big event. The Festival of Trees starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs through the weekend. On Friday, Nov. 26 Huntingtown High School turns into a holiday wonderland of 70 uniquely decorated trees, three large rooms of vendor crafts, specialty goods and arts. On Saturday children are invited to eat breakfast or lunch with Santa or have their picture taken with him throughout the weekend. Reservations are required, so visit www.calverthospice.org and click the green Festival tree. The goal of this annual event is to raise $100,000 for the Burnett-Calvert Hospice house general budget and to fund Child/Teen bereavement programs throughout the year. The local hospice care provides “quality, compassionate care for people facing an incurable illness or injury.” This care is provided in patient homes, hospital, nursing homes and/or the Burnett-Calvert Hospice house, which can support six patients at a time. By

Thursday, November-2010

Local artist and jewelry maker, Tammy Vitale, notes, “There is nothing like working with local businesses. It gives me a way both to serve my local clientele between shows and to meet folks I might not otherwise run into. I am always appreciative when a shop owner reaches out to local creatives to expand the opportunity for everyone to buy local and keep Calvert dollars in Calvert County.” Other local artists represented by Sundries on the Side include Mary Blumberg offering her original watercolors, Carol Sampson’s original watercolors and prints, Jul Taylor’s handcrafted purses, bags and pouches from new and recycled textiles and Marianne Varley’s beaded bookmarks. In addition to making art, Vitale teaches other artists how to be successful. She is offering her Sell Your

Art, Keep Your Soul workshop at the College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown, in the Winter Semester (full course) and individual modules of the workshop through AnnMarie Garden. You can see more of her work and get information about her classes and workshops on her website: http://www.TammyVitale.com <http://www.tammyvitale.com/> Julia & Company is a full-service salon located at 14636B Solomons Island Road, S.,Solomons, Md, that had proudly provided expert hair care for over six years. Patrons can count on Julia & Co’s experienced and versatile stylists for individual care to create a personal look. For more information call Julia & Company at 410-394-1222 or friend them at Julia & Co. Salon and Spa on Facebook.

Firehawk To Share Native Knowledge

he Calvert Marine Museum is offering special events focusing on Native Americans in November for visitors of all ages. This is part of a yearlong Spotlight Program on the newly renovated maritime gallery. On Saturday, Nov. 13, the museum celebrates Native American culture with Daniel “Firehawk” Abbott from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Dressed in traditional Algonquian clothing, Mr. Abbott will share his extensive knowledge of native

Holiday Craft Classes Set to Go

Submitted Photo

people and their world in Stone Age America. He will show and talk about his impressive collection of stone, bone, and shell tools, including knives, axes, adzes, drills, awls, scrapers, and razors. See the prehistoric weaponry such as the war club, lance, and spear throwers. Throughout the day, Mr. Abbott will demonstrate his skill with the javelin and bow and arrow. His collection also includes native animal hides, pelts and

robes, baskets, textiles, pottery, gourd and shell containers, stone mortar, and model prehistoric houses. Complimenting Daniel “Firehawk” Abbott’s displays and demonstrations, staff from Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum will be on hand to show some of the archaeological remains from native cultures dating back thousands of years that have been found on their site. This exciting opportunity has been made possible through a grant from The Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, with additional support from Liz Halvosa and The Holiday Inn Solomons. Join the Calvert Marine Museum in celebrating 40 years of excellence in 2010. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and military with valid I.D., and $2 for children ages 5 – 12; children under 5 are free. For a complete listing of museum activities and programs, visit the website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042 for more information.

et ready for the holidays – with a class at Annmarie and create beautiful, unique gifts for family and friends. Whether you are a beginner, a part-time crafter or an experienced artists looking to take your skill to the next level, the gifted instructors at Annmarie can develop your talent and unleash your imagination in a number of art media. • Designing Original Holiday Cards – Saturday, Nov. 13, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Create beautiful and artsy greeting cards with acrylic or watercolor paints. • Girl’s Night Out: Wine and Dish Holiday Platters – Monday, Nov. 15 and Nov. 29 from 6:30 9:30 p.m. Grab a friend and get ready to get festive as we use soft clay slabs and coils to make traditional or whimsical holiday platters. Makes a great gift too. • Party Bracelets – Saturday, Dec. 4, 12 – 4 p.m. Come learn this version of macrame to use a riot of beads-- big and little, even odd shapes--- and create a “party” on your wrist! Great for gift giving.

IN.

When School is OUT, Art is

• All About Pop Art – Wednesday, Nov. 24, - 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., grades 1- 3. Join us for a day of art inspired by things we see every day. Learn all about Andy Warhol and his Pop Art movement, and then make art inspired by your favorite cartoon, your favorite toy, and even your favorite breakfast cereal. Pack a lunch, dress for a mess, and get ready to get creative. • Winter Break Camp - Painterly Printmaking – Monday Dec. 27-31, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Grades 4-6. Join us over your winter break to explore the exciting world of printmaking. From painting, collaging, and carving, learn how to make your printing plate and combine it with inks to create artwork that you can replicate over and over again. Learn how to bind your prints into books, and even swap a few like trading cards with your winter camp friends. For complete details and registration information please visit www.annmariegarden.org

ferin f o now

Vehicle Wraps & Full Color Banners

• Vehicle Wraps • Vehicle Lettering • Banners • Graphic/Logo Design • Decals/Stickers • Screen Printing • Custom T-Shirt Printing

301-769-1177 • www.hollywoodgrafx.com • 410-474-3744 Thursday, November-2010 9

Adult Education Programs Available If you are over 16 years old, out of school, and need a high school diploma, the Adult Education Program can help you. Adult Education Classes, which help you prepare for the GED Test or the External Diploma Program, are offered during the day and during the evening in various sites within the county. To enroll in an Adult Education class, students must participate in an Orientation and Skills Assessment before being assigned to class.

Spotlight On

Learn About the Benefits of STEM Education

he November meeting of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Patuxent River Branch, will be on Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Prince Frederick campus of the College of Southern Maryland in Room 119. The program will be a presentation on preparing pathways to professional careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or STEM. Joann Roberts, STEM coordinator for the Calvert County Public Schools, will moderate a panel of three young STEM professionals working at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station who will share their career experiences. Also, Vincent Hungerford, director of the College of Southern Maryland STEM Institute,

will explain the role of the Institute in advancing the careers in STEM. This free program is open to all students in middle school, high school, and College of Southern Maryland to learn and ask questions about careers in these fields. Parents are encouraged to attend. Professionals in STEM careers and other experts will explain how to pursue professional jobs in these fields. For 130 years, AAUW’s members have been advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. AAUW meetings are open; please join us. For details about this program, call Marie Andrews at 410.394.3441. Check the web-site for information about AAUW: www. aauw-paxriv.org .

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Thursday, November-2010

Orientation will be held on (Saturday) November 20 at 9:00 a.m. The session will be held at the Hunting Creek Annex, 4105 Old Town Road, Huntingtown, MD. For more information and/or to register, please call the Adult Education Program at 410-535-7382 or visit the Adult Education website: http://

www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/ other/adulted/index.htm

Mill Creek School Receives Arts Grant

he Arts Council of Calvert County recently presented a grant check to Mill Creek Middle School in Lusby. This presentation is a part of the Arts Council’s Arts in Education Grant

Program. Over the next several months, the Arts Council will be presenting grant checks to fund 53 arts programs at 21 Calvert County schools, a press release states. These Grants, totaling over $25,000, are made possible through the support of the Maryland State Arts Council. Mill Creek Middle School Teacher Lauren Rivers requested a grant for a Clay Slab Technique demonstration by CalvART Gallery Artist Ray Bogle. Bogle will demonstrate how to roll a clay slab and slip and score edges to create a clay box. Students will create their own box and roll a clay slab to use and decorate as a tile. Tiles will be installed in the art room on permanent display. Targeting 8th grade students, this program will benefit 120 children. “Yet another example of one of our grants providing a unique artistic opportunity for our County’s children,” Arts Council President Bill Chambers said. “These programs, funded by our Grants, produce opportunities that might not have been experienced without our support. The Arts Council is pleased to help fund these programs for the children of Calvert County.” Submitted Photo

Though the Election is over, a response is appropriate to a letter published within the Southern Calvert Gazette, published on-line October 28, 2010 contained a letter to the editor on Page 10. I find it unfortunate that Margit Miller, of Solomons permitted her name to be used as a front for Linda Kelley. Linda indicated to several she would not go quietly and then desperately mounted a failed write-in campaign after losing in the Republican Primary. Such “mud-slinging” is consistent with old style politics; innuendoes and personal attacks, the likes of which turn-off most voters. As one views the listing of candidates attacked in the letter versus those not attacked, it is no coincidence those supported by Linda Kelley include all current County Commissioners except Kelley’s arch-rival Susan Shaw. Of course, no names were given within the letter, but it is easy to determine the targets using just a little knowledge. Yet, coincidences of who is or is not slammed would not be compelling without a

“smoking-gun.” They say “politics is a blood sport” and “all is fair in love and war”. So, because I knew Linda Kelley’s character, I permitted her access quite some time ago to some misinformation, provided solely to her; some would call it bait. I kept this misinformation otherwise to myself. Given that information now surfaced within Margit’s letter, the only source for that information is Linda Kelley; an individual who refused to listen to voters in the primary who told her it was time to retire. Citizens of Calvert County expect and deserve better than innuendoes and personal attacks. Yes, I do support improving the Ethics code in Calvert County as described in that letter; no, I do not run around in my yard described in Linda’s, er I mean Margit Miller’s letter. Sadly, Linda Kelley decided to begin mud-slinging this election season. Evan Slaughenhoupt Dunkirk, MD

American Red Cross Needs Your Help The American Red Cross is in communities nationwide, providing federal workers and their families with the ability to prepare for, and respond to emergencies large and small. Whether it’s helping people respond to disasters, providing safe blood for patients in need, training people in critical lifesaving skills that allow them to act in emergencies, or providing people with the ability to reach out with emergency communication to military personnel in urgent situations, the Red Cross empowers people to perform extraordinary acts in the face of emergencies. The Red Cross has a long, celebrated partnership with federal agencies. We work side-by-side with the Department of Homeland Security to provide people with the help they need following disaster. We give donors the ability to show they care by providing convenient blood donation opportunities at blood drives. We provide Red Cross Health

and Safety training to employees of government agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, giving them the lifesaving skills they need to use if called upon. While we work hand in hand with our government partners, the Red Cross is not a government agency - we rely on the compassion, generosity and trust of people like you to give us the ability to do these extraordinary things in your community. You can elect to support the Southern Maryland Chapter American Red Cross (#10266) with your financial gift to the Combined Federal Campaign. Or, you may contact the local Red Cross chapter to make a donation locally. Either way, your donation will help make an impact in many lives. Mike Zabko, CEO Southern Maryland Chapter American Red Cross

Engine Repower Council Backs Right to Repair Act The Engine Repower Council strongly supports the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (S 3181/HR 2057) to protect each motorist’s right to patronize the auto repair facility of their choice. The Right to Repair Act simply ensures that vehicle owners and their trusted repair shops have access to all the information necessary to accurately repair, repower or reprogram today’s modern vehicles. Without complete access to critical safety and repair information, motorists will be forced back to the dealer for service, which may not be convenient or easily accessible to the car owner. Right to Repair would not require car manufacturers to disclosure their trade secrets and would not affect the dealer’s warranty agreement. Engine repowering is an excellent option for many motorists because it extends the life of a vehicle and is good for the environment and the pocketbook. The Right to Repair Act fosters a competitive automotive repair industry where car owners, not car companies, decide who repowers or repairs their vehicles. The Right to Repair Act has growing bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. Please send a letter urging your members of Congress to support the Right to Repair Act by visiting www.righttorepair.org.

Gentlemen. We, the people, have done our job. We listened very carefully to what you told us during your campaigns. We’ve trusted you enough to hire you for two or six years. Now we want to see you do your jobs – the jobs for which we hired you. • Repeal or at least, if you can’t override a veto by Imam Obama, de-fund his healthcare program. We don’t want it. You said you would get it stopped. Do so. • Do not allow the Cap and Trade bill become law. If, during the lame duck period, the outgoing people manage to pass it, we expect you to repeal or in whatever way is effective, STOP it. • You said you were against pork barrel spending. Show us you meant what you said. Pass a law that says no amendment to any bill can be made unless such amendment directly impacts the contents of the bill in question by changing, modifying, or expanding it. This would eliminate tacking on to an education bill, for example, sums of money for a golf course in your district, or an airport that serves one or two flights per day. • You said you would work for us – not for the advancement of your chances to get reelected. Prove it. You’re going to be offered tempting opportunities during your political term. There are two major areas in which you will face these temptations: First, freebies – they start with innocuous little gifts – free meals, free tickets to sports events, the prices of which increase with the frequency of your acceptance. Remember one thing: when you take the first freebie, you’ve started on the road to providing the donor with your I.O.U. Believe it! The donor will expect a

An Open Letter to Our Newly Hired Legislators

Editor

Hook, Line and Sinker

TER T E to the

payback – or the exposure of your acceptance of the donor’s gifts. If you don’t go on the take the first time, you won’t have to worry about the future problems. The second temptation you’ll meet is the “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” You want a bill passed, fine. I’ll vote for your bill if you vote for mine. It’s another case of handing out I.O.U’s. If you don’t start, you don’t have to finish. • Pass a law that requires every citizen of the United States to be subject to its laws – and that includes every person from Imam Obama through our local politicians. Don’t make a law you don’t have to obey. • If you haven’t yet done so, develop a spine. Forget about “reaching across the aisle.” Every time a Republican has done so he or she got his or her hand chopped off. Understand one thing: The people “across the aisle” consider you to be the enemy. Not terrorists, not Iran, North Korea, or the Taliban – YOU are the enemy in their eyes. Forget about trying to be nice to people who only want the defeat of any idea you put forth. Be nice to the people who hired you. Follow through on your promises. If you work for us, WE THE PEOPLE who hired you, WE THE PEOPLE will appreciate your efforts. If you do as so many before you have done, and you become entranced by your personal importance and believe you are above the law, your seat will barely be warmed before you are again one of us on the outside looking in. James H. Hilbert Mechanicsville, MD

Publisher Thomas McKay Associate Publisher Eric McKay Editor Sean Rice Office Manager Tobie Pulliam Graphic Artist Angie Stalcup Advertising suzannep@somdpublishing.net Email info@somdpublishing.net Phone 301-373-4125 Staff Writers Guy Leonard Sarah Miller Chris Stevens Contributing Writers Joyce Baki Corrin Howe Keith McGuire

Government Correspondent Community Correspondent Sports Correspondent

Southern Calvert Gazette P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636

Southern Calvert Gazette is a bi-weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Southern Calvert County. The Southern Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every other Thursday of the month. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. Southern Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. Southern Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers.

Thursday, November-2010

Cover On The

arents, teachers and alumni of Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Solomons are rallying together for a major fundraising drive to raise $165,000 by January to assure the school stays open and independent. The school and church parishioners found out on Oct. 7 that a merger consideration is on the table that could potentially join Our Lady and St. John’s School in Hollywood into one school – being one potential solution to lagging enrollment and revenues. “The next morning, we all started brainstorming,” said Carmen Gerber, a Spanish teacher at Our Lady Star of the Sea school and the chair person of the fundraising taskforce. Gerber also has a younger brother attending the school. “We are going to do everything in our Beth Oster power to reach that goal,” Gerber said. She said the school is currently approximately one third of the way to their goal, and have several more fundraisers planned before the first of the year. “We’re in the process of finalizing all the fundraiser events that we’re doing, Gerber said. Some current planned fundraisers include a School Roy

Thursday, November-2010

Our Lady Star School R Rogers Spirit Night on Nov. 17, the annual Solomons Christmas Walk on Dec. 3 and 4, the Candy Canes and Cocktails Silent Auction and Fundraiser on Dec. 11, the 5K Inaugural Run/Walk on Dec. 11 and the Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 18. Gerber said ideas for fundraisers have come from “everybody,” including parents, teachers, parish members and other members of the staff at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Our Lady Star of the Sea is a private, co-educational school serving kindergarten through 8th grade students. According to the Principal of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Sister Carolyn Marie, the goal of the school is to provide students in Southern Maryland with “strong Catholic educations and strong Catholic identity with their schools.” “The tone of everything around here is very supportive, very positive and very strong,” Sister Carolyn Marie said. “Anybody who wants to be involved in the school is involved,” said Beth Oster, a parent helping with the fundraising. Oster is the mother of four alumni of the school, two current students and she’s about to put her youngest child into the school. Patricia Barrett, a third grade teacher and the vice princi-

pal, who has been with the school for 20 years, said the teachers have been involved with keeping the spirits of the school positive. She said many of the teachers also buy the items that the students are selling. “We’re a good, strong school,” Barrett said. “We really want to see the school stay independent,” says Brendan Sweeney, father of an Our Lady Star of the Sea graduate “It (Our Lady) provided such a great foundation in both faith and academics for my daughter. I am looking forward to sending her younger sister and brother there in the years to come.” Parents agree, however, they need the support of others in the parish and the community to reach the ambitious fundraising goal. “A school that has a history of such academic success, deserves a chance to restructure fundraising efforts and marketing strategies,” said Tony Pucciarella, chair of the marketing task force. “Our immediate charge,” he reiterates, “is to raise the money needed to keep the school independent.” Pucciarella, who has led marketing efforts in the business community (and has two children attending Our Lady Star of the Sea), will lead the school’s revitalized marketing efforts, and plans to partner with local organizations to bring new academic opportunities to the students in future years. Actual education costs are approximately $8,000 per student, the school documents state, while the tuition assistance available from the Catholic Archdiocese varies according to need. Last year, the school ended with a deficit

Rallying to Raise Funds of $181,745 and the administration expects a current year deficit of about $120,000 in spite of a teacher salary freeze and tuition increase. “The deficit is greater than our parish reserves,” 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.” Parishioners from St. John Vianney Catholic Church are also being asked to help. “It seems Catholic churches should help each other succeed and that is the purpose of continuing

Sister Carolyn Marie, Principal of Our Lady Star Of The Sea

our faith for generations to come.” said Suzanne Pucciarella, parent of two children at Our Lady Star of the Sea. The preschool at St. John Vianney, Christian Beginnings, is where several children in the Our Lady kindergarten program got their start. “Our children attended preschool there,” she says “and we personally knew where we wanted the next step of their Christian education to be.” The reason for the excessive fundraising is because enrollment for the school is down, and the Archdiocese in Washington, D.C. made a policy stating the school must be able to meet a certain amount of their operating budget should the school’s enrollment fall below a certain point. Susan Gibbs, the director of communications with the Archdiocese of Washington in Washington, D.C. said Our Lady Star of the Sea is not in danger of closing it’s doors, and the challenges the school is currently facing are not unusual. “We have a number of different schools that are all talking about enrollment and about finances with grade schools in Southern Maryland, St. Mary’s and Southern Calvert,” Gibbs said. On the whole, she said the schools do “very, very good on test scores and are very, very good schools.” Diane Allen, mother of three Our Lady Star of the Sea students who have attended since kindergarten says she will do whatever is necessary to help the school remain open. She’s leading the efforts on a Christmas Bazaar and holiday gift sale. “Solomons is a beautiful place for a run/walk – even in chilly weather!” says Run/Walk Chairperson Carmen Gerber. “So come out and join us because it is going to be a great time.” Rumor has it that Santa Claus may even make a personal appearance. A “Candy Canes and Cocktails” Gala event is also planned for December 11. For more information or to offer a donation, please call Our Lady Star of the Sea at (410) 326-3171. Another fundraiser our Lady Star of the Sea will be doing is the Build-A-Boat program at Calvert Marine Museum. The 8th grade students will be building a 16-foot long canoe while the rest of the school designs a mural that will be painted on it. The canoe will be revealed at the schools Christmas event and raffled off at the end of December. Tickets for the raffle are $25 and all proceeds go to benefit the school. For more information on getting raffle tickets, contact Stephanie Frats, the coordinator for the Build-A-Boat, at 410-610-0862.

With 77 years of history in Solomons Island, parents and alumni are confident that money can be raised to keep their school open and improve efforts to educate the community about the school’s valuable attributes and success. Mary Collins, owner of the Lusby Town Square shopping center, says, “It’s the oldest Catholic school around and it’s such a fixture on Solomons Island. Of course, as an alumni myself, it means a whole lot to me.” Collins has two children at the school now. “Right now, there’s so much energy toward the fundraising that that’s where the focus it,” Sister Carolyn Marie said when asked about other options facing Our Lady school, the oldest Catholic school in Calvert County. There’s “a lot of heat” behind the fundraising effort, and Sister Carolyn Marie is optimistic about the future. “All of our ducks are in a row now, we just have to get them to march,” she said. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Thursday, November-2010

Sp rts

Panther Boys Make Noise in Regional Soccer Playoffs

he Patuxent boys’ soccer team hopped on a bus three times and went on and exciting an encouraging ride through the 2A South region playoffs before falling to county rival Calvert 5-4 in overtime last Friday evening in the semifinals. The Panthers’ successful tournament run was encouraging in the eyes of first-year head coach Brett Hansen. “I was very happy and proud, especially for our seniors, in the way the team played on Friday against Calvert,” he said. “When the team, not just individuals, demonstrate on the field all that they have been taught and practiced, keep a positive attitude and play with integrity, leaving it all on the field, that is a victory in itself and should be celebrated, regardless of score.” The Panthers started with a 2-1 victory over Long Reach and then upset third-seeded Gwynn Park 4-3 on Nov. 2 before losing to the Cavaliers after holding a 4-2 lead in the second half. “Both games were closer than we wanted them to be, not that we thought they would be blow-outs but they remained very competitive until the final whistle. That is the way it should be in the playoffs but we probably could have controlled the entire game a bit better,” Hansen said of the two wins, adding that the Calvert game was “something to work on for next season. The key to those games was the team’s ‘at-

titude’ – they wanted to win and wanted to keep playing deep into the playoffs.” The Calvert contest was well attended and Patuxent was excited for it since finding out on the bus ride from Gwynn Park that the Cavaliers shocked second-seeded Central 3-1 the same day. “The energy for the Calvert game had been building since Tuesday when we heard they beat Central. Many of the players on the two teams know each other so there was some talk (and texting) going on between them,” Hansen said. “The game was hard-fought and well-played; both sides demonstrated great sportsmanship and play, a good rivalry game.” Hansen once again credited his assistant coaches Randy Sapp and Arthur Vale for their contributions to the team’s success and the players for buying into the program. “I was not as successful as I wanted to be but I think we established a solid foundation to build off of. Much of that foundation is due to Coach Sapp and Vail. Without their knowledge of the game and coaching experience I think we would have much less firm ground to build off of,” he said. “The team had many games throughout the season with different adversities and changes where this same level of play was demonstrated and I want to thank the guys for the great effort.”

Glenelg Too Tough for Panthers in 3A South Final

osing any game is never easy, especially when it’s the last game of the season. For the Patuxent field hockey team, their first lost was their last as Howard County power Glenelg cruised to a 6-0 victory in the 2A South Championship Game Nov. 3, ending the Panthers season one game short of their goal, a trip to the Class 2A State Semifinals. “We knew they were a very good team, we brought up the ’80 Olympic Hockey Team a lot this week – we knew it was going to take our best game,” Panthers coach Lynn Powell said. The Panthers won their first 16 games of 2010, including playoff wins over Hammond and Oakland Mills the previous week. They encountered a strong Glenelg team that only led 2-0 at halftime before sealing the championship with four second-half goals. “For us to hang tough with them, it says a lot. I’m proud we hung in there,” Powell said. It was a tough end for a team that hit the ground running with many questions, having to replace eight starters from last year’s region runner-up team. “We had eight spots to fill, and one was in goal. We sat together with the four returning girls we had and they wanted to make a statement,” Powell explained. “It was all about heart.” One of the four returning players was Claire Ganoe, a varsity contributor since her freshman year and she was proud of her teammates in spite of the way the season ended. “We played our hearts out, played as hard as we could and we played with no regrets,” said Ganoe, who will be attending Stony Brook University in New York next fall and playing lacrosse. She also says she’ll leave field hockey behind with fond memories of a great career – and great teammates. “This is the closet I have gotten to a team – this is like a family,” Ganoe said. “I love these girls and I wouldn’t trade this team for anything.” By Chris

Stevens (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

By Chris Stevens (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Panthers Defeated By Eastern Tech In Season Finale

Travez Lee scored three touchdowns in Patuxent’s 34-21 loss to Eastern Tech last Friday night.

he Patuxent High School football team ended its season with a 4-6 record after a 34-21 loss to playoffbound Eastern Tech last Friday night at Panther Stadium. The Panthers were led by 96 yards rush-

ing and 85 yards passing from sophomore quarterback Travez Lee. Lee ran for all three Patuxent scores and Eric Chacons made all three extra point attempts. Tyler Austin was the leading receiver with four catches for 36 yards.

Thursday, November-2010

Powell Jess Williford of Patuxent and Glenelg’s Stephanie Asher chase down the ball during last Wednesday’s 2A South field hockey championship game.

L Calvert One of the 100 Best Places for Young People

alvert County is glowing with accolades from a national group lauding it as one of the best places in the US for children, youth and families. The efforts of local civic and community leaders were honored when America’s Promise Alliance (the Alliance), the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to youth and children, announced the county had been named a winner of the Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People (100 Best) competition presented by ING, a global financial services company and leading provider of retirement plans and programs for teachers. Its 2010 recognition, based on an application initiated and coordinated by the Calvert Crusade for Children, Inc., marks the first win for Calvert County in the competition. The 100 Best is part of the Alliance’s Grad Nation campaign, a 10-year initiative to mobilize all Americans to end the dropout crisis. More than 7,000 students drop out each school day in the U.S., resulting in 1.3 million young people a year. To help decrease these numbers, the Alliance is recognizing communities – regardless of size, location or history – that are taking significant steps to help more young people stay in school and graduate. The 100 Best also honors communities that implement programs that also help prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce. The entire 2010 list of 100 Best Communities for Young People and their accomplishments can be found at www.americaspromise. org/100Best. “Through its innovative and far-reaching programs, Calvert County is taking bold and effective steps to help their young people graduate and lead healthy, productive lives,” Marguerite Kondracke, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO, said in a press release. “Calvert County serves as an example to inspire and educate other communities across the nation to tackle the challenges facing their city and children, and to implement initiatives that give them the essential resources they need to succeed in life.” Calvert won the honor because it makes young people a priority, according to the group, investing in their futures to ensure the success of the entire community. By collaborating with agencies, community organizations, nonprofits and faith communities, Calvert County makes certain young people’s needs are met. For instance, the Calvert County Interagency Council for Children and Families (IAC) is an organization that identifies and addresses service gaps for young people and

their families. IAC collaborates with representatives from health care, government, education and nonprofit agencies to assess community needs. The partnership between IAC and the county has also resulted in grant-funded programs. To make education and improving the graduation rate a priority in Calvert County, partnerships between high schools and local colleges have been established. Higher education institutions such as the College of Southern Maryland offer high school students the opportunity to take universitylevel courses, increasing their likelihood of attending college and assisting them in the transition to college after graduating from high school. Additionally, the county invests in activities and programming outside of the school to enhance young people’s chances at success, such as recreational parks, aquatic centers and engaging afterschool programs. “I am extremely proud and honored that America’s Promise Alliance and ING have chosen Calvert County as a 2010 recipient of this very prestigious honor,” said Board of Commissioners President Wilson Parran. “More than anything, it celebrates our ability as a community – comprised of numerous organizations, agencies, citizens, activists and advocates – to rally around the common cause of making the world better and brighter for our youth. There is no greater priority for a community than to nurture the lives of their young people and it is especially gratifying to be recognized for that effort,” he added. Calvert County and the other winners spanning 37 states were recognized at a ceremony in front of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Each of the winning communities was formally recognized with a designation on a map of the US, illustrating the geographic and demographic diversity of the winning 100 communities. Esther Berg, Vice President for Communications at America’s Promise Alliance said the county would be receiving two new road signs that will be placed at Calvert’s Welcome Centers, including the one in Owings. Many youth and adults from the county were present. Of the 100 awardees, only two were from Maryland, and Calvert was the only first time winner in Maryland. Calvert Crusade for Children and Youth, Inc. (CCCY) applied for the award and plans to apply again for 2011. The group says it will also ask for continuing and even expanding support for this coming year from agencies, faith communities, non-profit and for-profit service providers and supporters, youth and youth groups, businesses and service clubs.

Calvert County groups showed up in force at a ceremony in Washington DC to accept the America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People award presented by ING, an international financial services firm.

Thursday, November-2010

Delha Herrick Barwick, 66 of S olo m o n s , MD passed away on October 28, 2010. Delha was born on Febr u a r y 6, 1944 in Rockville Centre, NY to the late Harriett Seibert and Howard J. Herrick, Jr. She retired from the Prince Georges County Public School System where she taught for 30 years. She was a very active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Port Republic and a member of the Daughters of the King and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed playing with her three dogs. Beloved mother of William Allen Barwick, III and Katharine Alice Barwick. Grandmother of Tai-Shan Barwick. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Putnam Flagg. Visitation was held Monday November 1, 2010 at Christ Epicopal Church, Port Republic, MD where a service was held on Tuesday November 2, 2010. Interment will be held in Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, Port Republic, MD.

Navy, TV Repair man, and an avid grass cutter. He didn’t really have any hobbies, because he came from a time when you had to work hard to support your family. There was no time left for hobbies, but if you had to come up with some, they would be gardening, both flowers and vegetables, reading his Bible, and spending time with his family. Charles was the beloved father of Diane Hayes and her husband Richard of Huntingtown, MD, William Robert Blackburn of Haymarket, VA, Charles Edward Blackburn, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth of Waldorf, MD, Peggy Braham and her husband Eduardo of Prince Frederick, MD, and Richard L Blackburn and his wife Diane of Huntingtown, MD. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. The family received friends at the Rausch Funeral Home, Port Republic, on Tuesday November 2, 2010, where services were held on Wednesday November 3, 2010. Interment followed in St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Cemetery, Lusby. Pallbearers were Richard Blackburn, Charles Blackburn, Jr., William Robert Blackburn, Richard Hayes, Eduardo Braham, and Richard Hayes, Jr. Memorial contributions may be made to Research for Macular Degeneration, P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, Nevada 89053 Tel: 888-633-3937.

Charles Blackburn, Sr., 94

William Duffy, 81

Charles E. Blackburn, Sr., 94, of Prince Frederick, MD passed away on Oct 31, 2010 at his home. Charles was born on February 7, 1916 in St. Leonard, MD to the late William C. and Marion Bowen Blackburn. He is also predeceased by his wife, Audrey Victoria Blackburn and two sisters Viola Stafford and Madeline Fowler. He was born and raised in Calvert County, and never wanted to leave, not even for a day trip to Annapolis. He was a hard worker who went to great lengths to provide his family by sometimes working three jobs to support them. He was a tobacco farmer; he worked for the Department of the

William LeRoy Duffy, 81, of Owings, MD died October 22, 2010 at his residence. He was born September 12, 1929 in Washington, DC to Charles Wray and Avis Adena (Lambert) Duffy. Bill attended schools in Washington DC as well as Fishburne Military Academy in Charlottesville, VA. He joined the United States Marine Corps September 17, 1946 and was discharged August 10, 1951 as a Sergeant. Bill was married November 19, 1955 to Mary C. Garrity in St. Gabriel’s Church in NW Washington, DC. Duffy joined the Washington DC police force in 1957 and retired due to medical conditions in 1970. He later worked for the Prince George’s County School Board

Delha Barwick, 66

Thursday, November-2010

as an auxiliary bus driver. They resided in Berwyn Heights before moving to Owings in 2004. Bill attended Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, was a member of the American Legion Post #136 in Greenbelt, Elks Lodge # 1778 in Riverdale and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #3700 in College Park. Bill was preceded in death by his brother Gilbert Duffy. Surviving are his wife Mary C. Duffy, daughter Linda M. Dodson of Owings, MD, sons, Stephen C Duffy of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Robert W Duffy and his wife Denise of Lothian, MD, James M. Duffy of St. Leonard, MD and Edward J. Duffy and his wife Nina of Port Republic, MD. Bill is also survived by eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A funeral service was held Oct. 29 at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings. Internement was at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD. Memorial contributions can be made to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. www.calverthospice.org

Rosabelle French, 85 Rosabelle Brown French, 85, of Lusby, MD formerly of Hinsdale, NH passed away peacefully at her residence on November 3, 2010. She was born on December 11, 1924 in Hinsdale, NH to the late Flora C. and Hubert L. Brown. She was the beloved wife of Ian M. French, Sr. whom she married on February 20, 1949 in Hinsdale, NH. Rosabelle graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1942 and went on to graduate from the University of New Hampshire in 1948. She worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, DC as an Occupational Therapist until her retirement. Rosabelle moved to Lusby, MD from Suitland, MD in 1990. She always enjoyed cooking, entertaining, gardening, reading, holidays, and most of all her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Rachel E. Brown and Ronald Brown. Rosabelle is survived by her husband of 61 years Ian M. French Sr. of Lusby, MD; children, Ian M. French, Jr. of Lusby, MD and Elizabeth Gelestino of Lexington Park, MD; grandchildren, Martha B. Homan of Lusby, MD and David M. Brent of California, MD; niece, Bonnie Brown of Lynn, MA; nephew, Philip Brown of

NH; great niece, Barbara Cox and great nephew, Christopher Brown both of Salem, MA. In lieu of flowers the family request contributions are made in Rosabelle’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 731231718 or the American Heart Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 13 at Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby. Inurnment will be private.

Vernell Johnson, 67 Ve r n e l l Virginia Johnson, 67, of Huntingtown, MD departed this life on October 13, 2010 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick, Maryland. Vernell was born September 27, 1943 to the late Charles Contee Mackall and Marie Kyler -Mackall. She worked as a Cafeteria Worker at both Calvert Senior and Northern Middle schools where she became close friends with many of her co-workers. Vernell retired in 2009 after 30 years of service. On May 23, 1970 she was united in marriage to her sweetheart Charles Wesley Johnson, Sr. They became proud parents of Lonnell , Ricky, Cedric, Charles, Jr. and Vernell. What an amazing woman; she was a mediator of peace, with a heart of gold that shared laughter and love for her family. She was beautiful, kind-hearted, sweet, and very outgoing. Vernell was a devoted, loving wife to her husband and children. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, sharing time among family and friends, and educating her grand and great grandchildren. Along with her sisters she ensured that the Mackall family re-union continued and took pride in the cooking they did to feed all. At an early age, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and became a member of Young’s United Methodist Church. She later moved her church membership to Zion Hill Church of God in Christ to be with her husband and children. She participated in many church activities and was a faithful member the Usher Board.

Vernell was preceded in death by her husband Charles, her parents Charles Contee and Marie Mackall.; 2 brothers; Hilton Penroe Mackall and Rodell Estep Mackall; 2 sisters; Genevieve Mackall and Loretta E. Mackall. Beautiful memories of Vernell will be cherished by sons Lonnell Mackall (Adrienne), Ricky Mackall (Wanda), Cedric Mackall( Ella) and Charles Johnson (Chris); daughter, Vernell Johnson (Terry Rodney); 6 brothers; Charles Mackall, Kenneth Mackall, Wilson Mackall (Viola), Odell Mackall(Juanita), Frederick Mackall (Alice), Sherman Mackall; 3 Sisters; Dorothy Wheatley, Minnie Stepney, Shirley Harris; Sisters-in-Law, Gertrude Holland,(John) Hester Irene Swales, Maryellen Mackall (Rodell) and Kathy Johnson; BrotherIn-Law Clifton Johnson (Diane); 31 grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She had two very special friends Rose and Viola. Funeral service was held on Saturday, October 23, 2010, at Dunkirk Baptist Church, Dunkirk, MD with Elder Darnell Easton, eulogist. The interment was at Zion Hill Cemetery, Lusby, MD. The pallbearers were Robert Chase, Anthony Greenfield, Christopher Russell, Richard Hicks, Jr., Kim Stepney, and Stevie Stepney. The honorary pallbearers were George Campbell, Jr. and Donald Stepney. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

Irma Mitchell, 53 Irma Virginia Ann Mitchell, 53, of North Beach, MD died suddenly October 27, 2010 at her home. Ann was born January 23, 1957 in Baltimore to Ralph Chester and Irma Adelaide (Hale) Mitchell. She grew up in Sykesville and attended high school in Baltimore. Ann was employed by the Carpenters Local 1110, which has since become Local 491, as a trade show technician until being injured in 1998. Ann enjoyed ceramics, Christmas decorating and collecting angels. During the summertime she enjoyed work-

ing in her yard and was especially fond of tending to her roses. Ann was a very giving person who was very willing to help others. She dearly loved and enjoyed her sons and grandsons. Surviving are her two sons, John E. Piner and his wife Leighann of Lusby, MD and Kenneth W. Piner of Lothian, MD; three grandsons, John E. Jr., Ryan A. and Jacob R. Piner; and two sisters, Linda Pennifill and her husband Charles of Lothian, MD and Barbara A. Mitchell of Prince Frederick, MD. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Edward Mitchell and Ralph Chester Mitchell. Funeral services were held Nov. 1 at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings. Internment was provate. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 752 Calvert County Unit, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Celestine Shirley, 87 Celestine Elaine Moorman Shirley, 87, of Scotland, MD passed away on October 24, 2010 at her residence. She was born on May 19, 1923 in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to the late Lucinda Breadon Moorman and Samual A. Moorman. She is survived by her children, Deborah J. Chandler of St. Leonard, MD; Joyce A. Shiner of Harwood, MD; Peggy E. Pickeral of Scotland, MD and George B. Shirley, Jr. of Greenville, TN; eleven grandchildren, thirty one great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. The family received friends on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD where a funeral service was held on Friday, October 29 at with Father John Ball officiating. Interment will be private. Should friends desire contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P. O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD www.hospiceofst20650 marys.org.

Earl Sutton, 75 Earl Sutton, 75, of Lusby, MD

passed away on September 8, 2010 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick, MD. Earl was born in Calvert County, Maryland to the late Margaret Chase and Nathaniel “Ned” Sutton. He received his education in Calvert County. Earl was brought up in a Christian home and he accepted his salvation in 2003. Earl worked for Griffin Construction for over 25 years and became foreman until he retired. He was an excellent “back Scatcher” during his years playing baseball. On April 9, 1960 Earl married Ann Watts. From this union six children were born; Lynda, Alexander, Margie, Hazel, Val and Jackie. Earl departed this life on September 8, 2010. He was preceded in death by his brother‐in‐law, Clarence Watts, his son‐in‐law, Herbert Campbell, Sr.; favorite cousins, Myrtle Butler, Eunice Weems, Kenny Sutton and a special friend Alex Johnson, Sr. Cherishing his precious memories are his wife of 50 years, Ann, children, Lynda (Herbert Campbell, Sr. - deceased), Earl “Alex”, Margie (Lawrence Chew), Hazel “Haz” (Wade Sewell), Val “Mookie,” Jackie, Marilyn (Leroy Little), Everett Johnson, LaVern Sutton and Cindy Gross; grandchildren, LaToya “Ping‐ Ping,” Keisha, Kelli, Devon, Chicago, Shawn, Devon (Devona Hutchins), Lynnae, Tiarra, Chavon, Herbert, Jr., and Malcolm and 19 great‐grandchildren; special cousins, Gertrude Johnson, Marie Gross, Delores Torney and Thelma Sutton; special friends; RosaLee Washington, Ronald Garner, George Daniels, Joe and John Harrod and Eugene Lake; devoted “son‐like” cousins, Phillip Sutton, Willie Buck, Sr., and Desi Weems. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 12:00 PM at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, with Pastor Irving Beverly, officiating. The interment was at Sutton Cemetery, Lusby, MD. The pallbearers were Earl “Tiny” Butler, George Daniels, Eugene Lake, Phillip Sutton, Effren Washington, and Terrence “TT” Washington. The honorary pallbearers were Roosevelt Buck, Willie Buck, Sr., Daniel Butler, Sr., Chicago Garner, Redmond Janey, Sr., Dwayne Roberts, Brad

Sutton, and Devon Uzzell.

Georgia Wallace, 87 Georgia A Wallace, 87, of Owings, MD was called from labor to rest on October 6, 2010 at Calvert County Nursing Center, Prince Frederick, MD. Georgia Anna Adams (affectionately known as Big Sis or Sister) was born on June 10, 1923 in Calvert County, Maryland to the late John and Georgia Giles Adams. She was educated in the Calvert County Public School System. Georgia was a domestic worker and embraced the families she worked for as if they were her own family. She enjoyed her work and had superb work ethics. Georgia was the proud mother of Clyde Curtis “Bobby”. Later in life she united in Holy Matrimony on December 12, 1945 to the late John “Johnnie” Wallace. From this union were born three sons, Lemerton, Freddie, and Irving. Georgia truly loved her family and was a top notch mom and homemaker. Georgia began fellowshipping with The Church of God. In 1951, she dedicated her life to Christ and became a member of The Church of God. She loved church and enjoyed working and serving the Lord and her church family until her health failed. Georgia was preceded in death by her husband, John, son, Lemerton, and loving and caring daughter-in-law, Phyllis Wallace. She leaves to cherish her memory three devoted sons, Clyde Curtis, Freddie, and Irving;

a grandson who was like a son to her, Roland Wallace; 15 plus grandchildren; great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Curtis; a sister, Martha Strouther; 4 brothers, Joseph, Lemuel, Thurman, and James Adams; 3 brothers-in-law; 3 sisters-in-law; a special friend and beautician, Dorothy Adams, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Church of God, Lothian, MD with Elder Derek Hawkins officiating. The interment was at Moses Cemetery, Lothian, MD. The pallbearers were Stewart Adams, Mark Adams, Linwood Adams, Sylvester Simms, Rodney Nelson, and Lawrence Heard. The honorary pallbearers were Bob Adams and Laufiatte Adams. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

Melvin Walls, 91 Melvin Gilbert Walls, 91 of Lusby, MD passed away peacefully October 26, 2010 at his residence in Lusby, MD. Melvin was born August

9, 1919 in Berkley Springs, West Virginia to George G. Walls and Grace Householder Walls. Melvin was born and raised in Berkley Springs, West Virginia. He later joined the war effort during World War II by joining the U.S. Army. While in Berkley Springs Melvin married Genevieve Smith and started a family. After being discharged from the Army Melvin moved to Calvert County, Maryland and became a logger. He worked for himself and Bolt and Sutton Saw Mill. They raised three children consisting of two boys and one girl. Though Melvin spent his entire adult life in Calvert County, he would always look forward to his trips back “home” to Berkley Springs, to visit relatives and friends. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Genevieve and his son Tee Walls as well as his sisters Dorothy Reed and Pauline Yost. He is survived by his daughter Darlene Elliot Speciale (Jim) of Lusby, MD. and son Gilbert G. Walls (Sharon) of Lusby, MD. He is also survived by his grandchildren Tracy Sears, Krista Elliott, Gilbert G. Walls, Jr., Christopher Walls, and his great-grandchildren Cody, Kyle, and Kelsey Sears, Ashley Lopez, and Jadan Elliott. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Berkley Springs, West Virginia. Arrangements were provided by the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Port Republic.

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Must be a graduate from an accredited and approved professional nursing program with a minimum of 3 years experience in long-term care. Must be currently licensed and registered as an RN in the State of Maryland with previous experience in Quality Assurance, JCAHO, Utilizaiton Review, and related areas.Computer experience in Microsoft Word and Excel preferred Must possess ability to work well with others. A complete job description is available for review. To apply, please email resume to lyounger@ ccncmd.org. Busy marina in Solomons looking for weekend help. Desired candidate must be trustworthy and reliable, able to work well with customers, and multi-task Position may involve a wide variety of duties; grass cutting, maintenance, fuel dock, etc Applicant's must apply in person at Calvert Marina 14485 Dowell Road Dowell, MD 20629.

The Southern Calvert Gazette will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The Southern Calvert Gazette reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The Southern Calvert Gazette. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day of the first publication ran. To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: classifieds@somdpublishing.net or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The Southern County Gazette is published every other Thursday.

Veterans Day

P ages P

ast

By Joyce Baki Honoring military veterans, Veterans Day is an annual federal holiday in the United States. Observed on November 11, it is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world. The date is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I, which was signed by the Germans at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. World War I was known as “The Great War.” It was to be “the war to end all wars.” It officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. But fighting had ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, a temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. Proclaiming the holiday he said: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.” Seven years later, on June 4, 1926, Congress passed a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge issue a proclamation to observe November 11 with ceremonies. An act approved on May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November a legal holiday, “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.” It was a store owner in Emporia, Kansas, that had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. Alfred King had been actively involved with a group known as the American War Dads during World War II. With the Emporia Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Education, they enlisted the help of U.S. Rep. Ed Rees and a bill for the

holiday was pushed through Congress. It was signed into law by President Dwight Eisenhower on May 26, 1954. Congress amended the act on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since. Although originally scheduled for celebration on November 11 of every year, starting in 1971 in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. In 1978 it was moved back to its original celebration on November 11. It focuses attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day – to celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, their love of country and their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Let us salute the men and women who have served and are serving our great country.

Thursday, November-2010

On the

Water G

State Pushing Millions at Shellfish Aquaculture

overnor Martin O’Malley recently announced a shellfish aquaculture loan program, with the State of Maryland directing $10.6 million to support oyster restoration, aquaculture and green jobs in fiscal year 2011. The governor’s office says the new program to provide affordable financing to watermen and others interested in launching or expanding commercial shellfish aquaculture operations in Maryland. Of the State’s $10.6 million oyster restoration budget for fiscal year 2011, $2.2 million in subsidized loans will be available for aquaculture projects through a partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO). “When we announced our visionary plan to restore our native oyster last December, we promised to support our watermen and other working Marylanders interested in transitioning to aquaculture – the major source of shellfish production around the world,” Gov. O’Malley said in a press release. Maryland now offers a mix of State and Federal funding to support a revolving loan fund administered by MARBIDCO. The University of Maryland Extension (UME) and the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) are also contributing to this effort, providing training and business planning assistance to current and prospective shellfish growers. More than two-thirds of the funding for this program comes from a $15 million federal blue crab fishery disaster allocation to Maryland. The National Marine Fisheries Service award, which was requested by Governor O’Malley and advocated for by Senator Mikulski and Maryland’s Congressional delegation in 2008, has supported a variety of watermen work programs as well as a program to retire inactive commercial limited crab catcher licenses. Enacted in September, Maryland’s Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development plan increases Maryland’s network of oyster sanctuaries from nine percent to 24 percent of remaining quality habitat; increases areas open

to leasing for oyster aquaculture and streamlines the permitting process; and maintains 76 percent of the Bay’s remaining quality oyster habitat for a more targeted, sustainable, and scientifically managed public oyster fishery. “The wide-scale development of shellfish aquaculture in Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Bays is a fundamental component of our Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan and will be a key contributor to rebuilding the region’s seafood industry,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “This loan program is another in a suite of programs created to lessen the impact of new sanctuaries on our watermen and help them transition into new business ventures.” Shellfish aquaculture startup expenses can run from $5,000 to more than $100,000 depending on the scope of the enterprise. Obtaining a loan from traditional commercial lenders for aquaculture business projects can be challenging for small enterprises and individuals considering the two-to three-year growing period between oyster planting and growth to market size, as well as frequently the lack of available business equity and collateral security, a state press release says. “This is a good start and I am glad the Governor has dedicated this initial funding to help watermen and others who are interested in pursuing aquaculture and a new business venture,” said Larry Simns, president of the Maryland Watermen’s Association. “We have a lot to learn in this phase of the oyster arena and it appears we have men and their families who may be willing to try to make a go of it. Any financial help from the State will make it that much more doable.” Maryland’s new aquaculture loan program is a subsidized program with all principal payments returning to a revolving fund to support an additional round of future funding. The loan program also offers a partial loan forgiveness element for borrowers meeting certain performance conditions. MARBIDCO is pricing the loans at a fixed annual interest rate not to exceed 4.5 percent. “MARBIDCO is truly delighted to be able to partner with DNR, MDA and UME to make financial and other business planning assistance available to existing and new shellfish farmers in Maryland,” said MARBIDCO’s Executive Director Stephen McHenry. “We encourage watermen and others interested in commercial oyster aquaculture to take advantage of this great opportunity.” The State is establishing a Shellfish Aquaculture Financing Committee ― including representatives from DNR, MDA, UME, a Maryland farm credit association and MARBIDCO ― to evaluate applications and proposed business plans. Because the demand for funding is expected to exceed short-term financial resources, MARBIDCO and DNR intend to give priority to applicants who will begin shellfish production operations in 2011. Those who plan shellfish production operations next year must hold a DNR shellfish aquaculture lease, or must have applied to DNR for a shellfish aquaculture lease by no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, November 15, 2010. Applications for financial assistance are now being accepted by MARBIDCO, and the deadline for applications to be submitted is Tuesday, November 30, 2010. Maryland’s FY 2011 oyster restoration budget of $10.6 million will be allocated as follows: • $2.48 million for aquaculture development -- training, technical support, loan program; • $3.72 million for sanctuary program / ecological restoration -- habitat rehabilitation, hatchery seed oysters, MGO program, program management; • $1.53 million indirect operational support for all programs -- bottom surveys, monitoring and assessment, supportive services, staff, enforcement, buoy placement and maintenance; and • $2.91 million for management of the public oyster fishery - habitat rehabilitation, seed oysters, program management.

Maryland’s new Shelfish Aquaculture loans offers more than $2 million in loans to encourage new oyster farmers along the state’s waterways.

Thursday, November-2010

A shellfish aquaculture financing program application form, aquaculture business planning template, fact sheet and checklist of required submission items is available at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/oysters/industry/funding.asp. Information about the financing program and starting an aquaculture business in Maryland can also be obtained from the MDA Aquaculture Coordinating Office at (410) 841-5724. Information concerning shellfish aquaculture leases may be obtained by calling Steve Schneider of the DNR Fisheries Services at (410) 260-8329.

Fall Into Fun Events in Calvert County By Joyce Baki Celebrate Native American culture at the Calvert Marine Museum with Daniel “Firehawk” Abbott on Saturday, November 13, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Dressed in traditional Algonquian clothing, Mr. Abbott will share his extensive knowledge of native people and their world in Stone Age America. He will show and talk about his impressive collection of stone, bone and shell tools. Throughout the day, Mr. Abbott will demonstrate his skill with the javelin and bow

and arrow. Complementing Daniel “Firehawk” Abbott’s displays and demonstrations, staff from Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum will be on hand to show some of the archaeological remains from native cultures dating back thousands of years that have been found on their site. www.cal-

vertmarinemuseum.com

Too young to drive but feeling the need for speed? Calvert Library Prince Frederick is partnering with Lusby Play ‘n Trade to offer a MarioKart Wii Tournament on National Gaming Day which is Saturday, Nov. 13. There will be two events; drivers ages 6-12 will compete at 10am and ages 13-17 will start at 1:30pm. First prize in each age category is $50 in store credit at the Play ‘n Trade. It will be a single elimination tournament and competitors will be limited to only standard characters and vehicles. You can bring your own controller if you want. Go to the Calvert Library website (calvert.

lib.md.us) for details about rules and format. You must register to compete! It will be a festive atmosphere with a visit from Pinch, the mascot for the Blue Crabs in the morning and some t-shirt consolation prizes. For more information, call the Calvert Library Prince Frederick at 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862. The College of Southern Maryland welcomes classical pianist, Mark Laverty, to perform at the Ward Virts Concert Series at 3 p.m., November 14, at the Prince Frederick

Campus. Laverty is an award-winning artist who began his musical career playing piano when he was five years old and studied with Jane Allen at the St. Louis Conservatory and Veronica Jochum at the New England Conservatory. Laverty’s performance is the second of six in the concert series which is held at CSM’s Prince Frederick Campus, 115 J.W. Williams Road, Prince Frederick. Admission is free and seating is open but limited. Contact 443-550-6011, rfleming@ csmd.edu or www.csmd.edu/Arts. On Saturday, November 20, engineer some holiday fun with the “Sweet Treat Express.” The Friends of the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum will help you and your children make Rice Krispie® train engines. The fun will happen at the Northeast Community Center, Cheasapeake Beach, from 1 – 3 p.m. www.cbrm.org

Out&About

Are you a budding writer wishing to meet published authors? Have you always wanted to own a signed copy of your favorite local author’s books? Come learn of the trials and tribulations authors face in finding the path to getting their works published and share your own stories. The Calvert County Library, Prince Frederick Branch, offers a day of featured speakers, panels, exhibitors, book selling and signings as they celebrate The Writer’s Journey on Saturday, November 20. The bonus – locally written books make great holiday gifts! http://www.calvert.lib.md.us/author. html

On November 21, during Calvert Marine Museum’s “Sunday Conversations with Maryland Authors,” meet Lucie Snodgrass who has created a culinary portrait of Maryland in her new cookbook, Dishing Up Maryland: 150 Recipes from Alleghenies to the Chesapeake Bay. In the cookbook, she shares her stories of the people and the places where she found her recipes. The presentation will begin at 2 p.m. in the lounge. Samples from the cookbook will be served after the talk. www.calvertmarinemusuem.com

food, photo with Santa, crafts and a whole lot of fun (reservations are required)! Don’t miss our own Rockin’ Elvis, Jim Godbold, performing Saturday at 1:30 p.m. On Saturday night enjoy a very special concert featuring the Sojourner Band. For a complete schedule visit www.calverthospice.org/c/112/festival-of-trees.

View one-of-a-kind ornaments at the 3rd Annual Ornament Show & Sale at Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center. These beautiful hand-crafted ornaments are created by talented artists from across the region. On display beginning November 23, Annmarie Garden makes a great stop for your holiday shopping. Find that special gift in their amazing gift shop. www.annmariegarden.org. Mark your calendars for the annual Hospice Festival of Trees, Friday, November 26 through Sunday, November 28. The festival features beautifully decorated Christmas trees and the Festival Shoppes with wonderful vendors offering merchandise, art and unique crafts – great for holiday presents. On Saturday, children can enjoy either breakfast or lunch with Santa which includes

Chesapeake Beach lights up the town for the holidays on Sunday, November 28. Tens of thousands of holiday lights will twinkle in Chesapeake Beach to make it the “Brightest Beacon on the Bay.” Bring your family to the official start of the holiday season where all of the lights are lit magically from the Chesapeake Beach Town Hall by our own “Mother Christmas.” Plan to ride through Town to enjoy the holiday sights which will be displayed until the week after the New Year. www. chesapeake-beach.md.us There is always something to see or do in Calvert County. Visit www.ecalvert. com for more great events. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November-2010

Fur and Feathers

Thursday, November-2010

Current Season Recap By Keith McGuire

Keith Hare Sr. shows off his 22-point buck with a 24 inch spread, which he bagged in Charles County near Dentsville. Photo courtesy of The Tackle Box.

’ve got a couple of things going on. As an outdoor sports writer, I have a commitment to build on my experiences so I can provide articles from a more informed perspective. For this article, hunting is the game, so I’m compelled to spend time in the woods, the field, or a duck blind. These things take time – as you can well imagine – and careful planning. Another thing I have going on is that I’m a happily married (40 years) family man and grandfather. As I plan my days to build the experience required to continue as an outdoor sports writer, I consciously take family affairs into account, or so I think. Inevitably, at least one planned outing during a given week is pre-empted by some urgent family matter. You know! Things like, “Your granddaughter missed the bus!” Or, “I can’t believe you forgot about my doctor’s appointment!” Or, “The neighbor had a spider in his car and ran over our mail box! It will have to be fixed right away!” Planning my week can be very challenging. Last week a friend invited me to hunt puddle ducks in the early season that ended on October 23rd. We planned for Wednesday morning. The forecast was perfect: brisk temperatures and light rain. We were to meet at the WaWa in Prince Frederick at 5:00 AM and head for the King’s Landing Natural Resources Management Area. Since my true passion is deer hunting, this was the last day available for duck hunting before the early muzzleloader season started on October 21st. At ‘T’ minus 12 hours all systems checked go for launch. At ‘T’ minus 10 hours I’m advised of a doctor’s appointment that somehow didn’t make it into my day planner. Abort! Abort! I heard later that two birds came in at five minutes before legal shooting time and nothing after that. I felt better. Lest we become confused about what’s in season right now, let me recap current open seasons of local interest. Check the regulations for details and other more obscure pursuits. Light Goose - October 9 - November 26 (25 goose limit may include greater and lesser snow geese and Ross’s geese.) Sea Ducks - October 2 - Jan 29 (Scoters, long-tailed ducks, and eiders, limit 5, but no more than 4 scoters). Crow - August 15 - March 15 (no limit) Coyote - October 15 - March 15 (no limit – Furbearer permit required) Raccoon and Opossum - October 15 – March 15 (Furbearer permit required) Squirrel (except Delmarva Fox Squirrel) - September 4 February 28 (gray - limit 6) Deer/Bow - Buck (season limit 2) or Doe (season limit 10) October 25 - November 26 (see regulations for details) Deer/Muzzleloader - Doe (season limit 10) - October 25 October 30 (see regulations for details) So, how was my early muzzleloader buck season? The weather was perfect on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I enjoyed being in the woods. I renewed my appreciation for all things wild. ‘Nuff said! Keith Hare, Sr., on the other hand, had a wonderful season. He nailed his 22 point/24 inch wide racked buck in Charles County near Dentsville. I will be offering stories of hunting adventures in future articles for this column. If you have a particularly interesting story or a picture of a particularly impressive harvest, drop me an email at riverdancekeith@hotmail.com. Be safe and enjoy the season.

“Table Manners”

Hits the Stage at Three Notch Theatre

he latest play to come to Three Notch Theater, “Table Manners” by Alan Ayckbourn, opened to the public November 5. The play revolves around six characters, Annie, played by Emily Funderburk, Tom (Richard Eccleston), Sarah (Stacy Reynolds Oosterink), Reg (George R. Johnson), Ruth (Kristie Lyn Curley) and Norman (Randy Geck), and the often mentioned but never seen mother upstairs. With the exception of Tom, all the characters are related by either blood or marriage, which makes things even more interesting when Annie reveals to her sister-in-law, Sarah, that she was planning to run off for a weekend with her sister Ruth’s husband Norman. Ruth does her best to put a halt to Annie’s plans and pair her off with her neighbor, Tom, who’s biggest apparent characteristic is that he’s a veterinarian who often looks after Annie’s cat. Each of the characters has their individual flaws, from Norman, who it the most unlikely sort of Don Juan, to Sarah, who always seems to be looking for the imperfections in situations and people then taking those imperfections personally. These flaws make their performances all the more believable. There is little to nothing to tie the play to a certain period in time, so though the play was written in the 1970s, it could easily be taking place in present time. This lack of time-sensitive material makes the play easier to connect to for the audience. In the end, a person isn’t sure whom they should be supporting, but all the characters seem to have a reason to be rooted for. “Table Manners” is one part of a trilogy called “The Norman Conquests.” The three are written so they can be preformed individually, as is the case with “Table Manners” at three Notch Theatre, or consecutively. According to www.thenormanconquests.alanayckbourn.net, Ayckbourn began and finished writing the plays in May 1973. The first performance of “Table Manners,” then known as “Fancy Meeting You Here,” was on June 18, 1973, which was also the first time any of the three to hit the stage. Rehearsals for “Table Manners” at Three Notch Theatre in Lexington Park started in August, said Larry Silvestro, the director of the play, and the selection process for the play itself began a year ago. He said that he got the position of director because there was a need for one when rehearsals began. “I’ve been wanting to try my hand at that (directing),” Silvestro said. According to the Web site, “Table Manners” is meant to be the most humorous of the trilogy, but Silvestro said the comedy in “Table Manners” isn’t anything like Monty Python, or Benny Hill. “It’s subtle British humor,” Silvestro said. What this means is that the cast doesn’t rely on shock value, slapstick comedy or vulgar language to be funny. This makes it more of a challenge for the cast, but Silvestro said he’s confident the cast will pull it off well. “I have no doubt they can to the job,” he said. From a technical aspect, “Table Manners” is less complicated than some other productions. According to Amie Gilligan, one of the sound technicians for the play, there are no microphones used because the theatre is so small that the actors can be heard without them. To use microphones would make things more complicated than necessary. Volunteers are also always welcome. There are openings for volunteers in costume design, stage and set design and building, ushers and actors, among other things. People interested in seeing the play or volunteering with Three Notch Theatre can purchase tickets at www.newtowneplayers.org. Ticket prices are $15 for adult admission, $12 for seniors, students and members of the military and $10 for Thursday admissions. By Sarah Miller

(CT) sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Thursday, November-2010

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410-326-3999 Thursday, November-2010