Southern Calvert Gazette -- November 24, 2010

Gazette

November, 2010

Southern Calvert

Priceless

Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard

OG peration C hristmas Child G P R A C W ift

iving

rogram

eaches

Group Brings ‘Smiles’ to 100’s of Families Story Page 3

Photo by Frank Marquart

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orners of the

Vets Relive War Experiences With Students Story Page 12

orld

PAGE 10

On T he Cover

Sam Green of Lusby and Emily Koffman of Chesapeake Beach work to stack Christmas boxes at Southern Calvert Baptist Church for Operation Christmas Child.

Also Inside

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Local News

8 Community 10

Cover Story

12 Education

local news

Captain Michael Reusing, with Gov. Martin O’Malley, pilots a ship in the waters of the Bay. Reusiing retired after 44 years with the Chesapeake Biological Lab. SEE PAGE 6.

14 Letters 15 Locals 16 Obituaries 19 History 20

On Water

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Out & About

Our Lady Star of the Sea will be aglow during next weekend’s 26th Annual Solomons Christmas Walk, which takes place Dec. 3-6 SEE PAGE 4.

out & about

22 Hunting 23 Entertainment

education

B Frank Taylor, now 85, is shown next to a B-17 when he was a Ball Turret Gunner during WWII. Taylor and three others talked to Patuxent High School students about their experiences during the war. SEE PAGE 12

2010 Calvert Hospice

November 26- 28 2010

Festival of Trees

Island s n o Solom eport Tide R

Thanksgiving Weekend, November 26-28 Friday 6pm-8pm • Saturday 9am-8pm • Sunday 10am-5pm

Huntingtown High School 4125 Solomons Island Rd., Huntingtown

70 beautifully decorated Christmas trees

Elvis (Jim Godbold) on Saturday at 1:30 Breakfast/Lunch with Santa Saturday, Breakfast 9-10:15, Lunch 11:30-12:45 Ages 3-8. Reservations required.

Hospice Gift Shop Holiday Song Challenge Lots of Entertainment School, Church and Community Vocal and Instrumental Groups

Pictures with Santa Fun for the Whole Family!

And Much More!

GENERAL ADMISSION Adults $5; Seniors $3 • Ages 4 - 12 $1 • Ages 3 & under free

For more information, visit

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Thursday, November-2010

Day

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

% Moon

F 26 High 4:57 AM 0.9 6:59 AM Set 11:05 AM 26 Low 10:44 AM 0.0 4:47 PM Rise 9:52 PM 26 High 5:31 PM 1.5

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Sa 27 Low 12:40 AM 0.1 7:00 AM Set 11:40 AM 27 High 5:55 AM 1.0 4:47 PM Rise 11:02 PM 27 Low 11:50 AM 0.1 27 High 6:25 PM 1.4 Su 28 Low 1:26 AM 0.1 7:01 AM 28 High 6:57 AM 1.1 4:47 PM 28 Low 1:05 PM 0.1 28 High 7:19 PM 1.3

Art, unique crafts and merchandise

www.calverthospice.org or call 410-535-0892

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

71

Set 12:12 PM

61

Friday Live Remote with 98 Star

December 3 - 5 2010

T-Bone & Heather 6-8pm

Day

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

Saturday

F 3 3 3 3

Low High Low High

Join us for a Rockin' Good Time

The Sojourner Band performing music from the 1940’s to the present 8-10pm

Adults $15 Ages 4-12 $7 Your concert ticket includes one admission to the Festival

% Moon

5:10 AM -0.2 7:06 AM Rise 4:51 AM 12:07 PM 1.6 4:46 PM Set 3:00 PM 7:08 PM 0.1 11:52 PM 0.9

10

Sa 4 Low 5:56 AM -0.2 7:07 AM Rise 6:01 AM 4 High 12:59 PM 1.7 4:45 PM Set 3:47 PM 4 Low 8:04 PM 0.1

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Su 5 High 12:44 AM 0.8 7:08 AM Rise 7:06 AM 5 Low 6:42 AM -0.2 4:45 PM Set 4:41 PM 5 High 1:48 PM 1.7 5 Low 8:54 PM 0.1

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Church Group Brings ‘Smiles’ to Hundreds of Families

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arly Saturday morning more than a dozen volunteers “managed chaos” for four hours at the American Legion Hall in Lusby. Members of SMILE and a local Boy Scout Troop handed out Thanksgiving Day meals to more than 400 families living between Broome’s Island Road and Solomons Island.

Currently qualified SMILE food pantry clients

LOCAL NEWS Crime & Punishment Bank Robber Sought

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From left is Ron Leitner, Ken Hoofnagle, and Len Addiss, who just finished unloading the dry goods at American Legion Hall in Lusby while other SMILE volunteers prepared the prepackage Thanksgiving meals.

Photos by Corrin M. Howe SMILE volunteers unpack and breakdown wholesale boxes from Dollar Store while others prepackage Thanksgiving Day meals.

“It’s a big undertaking, but it goes so easy because it’s so organized,” said Addiss.

While SMILE (ServiceMakes Individual Lives Exciting) is an ecumenical ministry currently made up of 10 local churches, which provide leadership and volunteers. The primary source of money to keep the food pantry stocked comes from its Thrift Store, which receives donated items and resells them throughout the year.

Currently SMILE provides food for 1,100 families every month.

If you want to learn more or how you can help throughout the year, check out their website at www.smileinc.org or call their number 410-326-0009. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG)

n Nov. 18, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the Community Bank of Tri County, located in Dunkirk, was robbed by a white male.

Police are seeking information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect. He is described as a white male with black hair, a mustache and a goatee.

He was wearing a purple Ravens jacket, black Addidas sneakers, a hat and blue or black jeans.

The suspect was last seen on foot heading north in the shopping center parking lot.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Nick DeFelice at 410-535-1600 Ext. 2669 or Lt. Steven Jones at 410-535-1600 Ext. 2462.

gathered this weekend before Thanksgiving to pick up prepacked bags of traditional holiday dinner items including a frozen turkey, pie, dinner rolls, butter and other holiday standbys. A family of one to four received on paper bag filled with groceries while a family of five or more received two.

Janice Addiss, one of the Thanksgiving Basket coordinators, said she orders the grocery items for this day of distriinfo@somdpublishing.net bution three weeks ahead of time because they can’t depend upon having all the items for the baskets donated. This also guarantees that all families receive exactly the same thing. This year SMILE bought the dry goods from Dollar General and the turkeys, pies and butter from Nick’s of Calvert.

Several days ahead of the weekend, volunteers unloaded a truck full of canned goods and boxes, brought in “Buck-mobiles” (handmade carts to help facilitate pre-packing process), and set up stations for another group of volunteers to assemble the Thanksgiving “baskets.”

“Twenty-two years ago we Gary Simpson actually had baskets,” said Kay Katie Facchina McClellan, another coordinator.

7480 Crain Highway The morning SMILE handed La Plata, MD 20646 out the dinners, volunteers man301-934-8437 aged the parking, helped with the lines, checked the family’s client cards and helped carry bags to cars. The volunteers pride themApril Hancock selves on being a totally volunteer PO Box 407 An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP organization with no paid staff.

Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Seated: Lisa Squires, Bryans Road, MD 20616 To keep client children enSusan Ennis, Donna Burris 301-743-9000 tertained while standing in line, Addiss said they pass out candy and run a contest. Each year they pick a toy out of those donated to Auto - Home - Business - Life SMILE’s Thrift Shop and hold a Leonardtown & LaPlata • Bus: (301) 475-3151 naming contest. The child who www.danburris.com wins takes the toy home.

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You’ll Be Glad You Did.

Burris’ Olde Towne Insurance

Thursday, November-2010

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LOCAL NEWS

Hospice Care Helps Patients and Families Focus on Living

Christmas Walk Comes Back to Solomons Island

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olomons Island is gearing up for the 26th Annual Solomons Christmas Walk, which will start Dec. 3 and run through Dec. 6.

Sherry Reid, the chairperson for the Solomons Christmas Walk and the volunteer and event coordinator with Calvert Marine Museum, said one of the big reasons the Solomons Christmas walk was started was to show that Solomons Island didn’t shut down in the winter.

“This just made complete sense, just to showcase Solomons,” Reid said.

Events scheduled for the Christmas Walk include a the tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus at 6 p.m. and the puppet show at Our Lady Star of the Sea school presented by the Blue Sky Puppet theatre at 7 p.m. Dec. 3.

On Dec. 4, there will be a Jingle Bell 5K walk/run from Holiday Inn that starts at 8 a.m., a Breakfast with Santa at the Naughty Gull at 8:30 a.m., and the Lighted Boat Parade at 6:15 p.m. starting from the Solomons Yachting Center. Reid said the Solomons Business Association, the Solomons Island Yacht Club, the Solomons Yachting Center and the Patuxent River Sail and Power Squadron sponsor the lighted boat parade.

Boat parade prizes will be awarded for Best Original Theme, Best

Submitted photo

Sailboat, Best Power Boat, and Best of Show. Visit www.solomonsmaryland.com for more information and to register. A captains’ meeting will be held on Dec. 4 at Solomons Yachting Center’s clubhouse at 5:15 p.m. to cover the route of the parade, safety issues, and the rules for judging.

All boats must be at the facility prior to the meeting.

Parade participants will depart from the marina at 6 p.m. and will fall into parade form as Molly’s Leg is circled. Tow Boat U.S. will lead the participants up Back Creek at 6:15 p.m. and will then head back past SYC and the judges. The parade will wind behind Molly’s Leg and head out to the Patuxent River and up along the boardwalk.

The Solomons Christmas walk will culminate with the Solomons Business Association Celebration at the Naughty Gull. The proceeds from that will help to fund the 4th of July fireworks show.

“It’s kind of a magical time,” Reid said.

In addition to the scheduled events, Reid said all the stores will be open and many of them have sales, refreshments and entertainment of their own. There will also be competitions for the best decorated house and businesses, Reid said.

“All the Christmas senses are awakened,” Reid said.

Reservations are required for the Dinner with Santa event. To make reservations, call 410-326-4855. For more information, or to view a full schedule of events, go to http://www.solo-

monsmaryland.com/solomonschristmas-walk.html. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

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Thursday, November-2010

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alvert Hospice is celebrating Seasons of Caring during National Hospice Month.

Hospice care helps patients and families focus on living. This is the message that Calvert Hospice is sharing with the community during National Hospice Month. However, this important message lasts beyond the month of November and is important all year round.

“November is a valuable time to raise awareness throughout our community about care at the end of life,” Peter Briguglio, Calvert Hospice executive director, said in a press release. “But the time a family might need us doesn’t follow a calendar or occur only during this season, so our message must make an impression that stays with people all year long.”

Every November hospices across the country reach out to raise awareness of the compassionate care that hospice provides patients and families coping with serious and life-limiting illness.

The Seasons of Caring theme reminds people that life’s final seasons can be some of the most fulfilling, especially when patients and families look to hospice care for help.

The hospice team provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy time with loved ones. They answer questions, offers advice on what to expect, and help

families with the duties of being a caregiver. The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.

“With the help of hospice, patients and families alike can focus on what’s most important – enjoying life together and living the final seasons to their fullest,” said Briguglio. “It’s about the quality of life.”

“There’s an inaccurate perception among the American public that hospice means you’ve given up,” said J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “Those of us who have worked in the field have seen firsthand how hospice and palliative care can improve the quality of life. And there’s a growing body of research showing that hospice and palliative care may prolong the lives of some people who receive care.”

More than 1.56 million patients receive care from the nation’s hospices every year, reports the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

For more information about Hospice care, and how it can help your family, contact Calvert Hospice by calling 410-535-0892 or visiting www.calverthospice.org. Additional information on hospice as well as advance care planning is available at www.caringinfo.org or via the HelpLine at 800-658-8898.

Group Wants Feds to Stop Loan Guarantees for Calvert Cliffs

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group concerned with controlling the amount of weapons-grade nuclear material throughout the world has asked President Barack Obama to not allow $9.5 billion in loan guarantee financing to EDF, the French nuclear power plant operator planning a third reactor at Calvert Cliffs, unless it abides by an international agreement.

The letter to the White House, signed by 16 nuclear nonproliferation experts with the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center (NEPC), demanded that the Obama administration ensure that the French government abide by the provisions of a treaty between the United States and the United Arab Emirates that gave nuclear power support to the Arab nation in exchange for guarantees that they would not enhance nuclear fuel that could later be used in nuclear weapons and also submit to stringent and frequent inspections of their operations.

“These points are basic,” the letter signed by NEPC Executive Director Henry Sokolski stated, “The success of U.S. efforts to reduce the dangers of nuclear proliferation depends critically upon the U.S. upholding the standards it sets and doing all it can to encourage others to do likewise.”

The letter also states that allowing the loan guarantees to the French operators “set a bad precedent” if the U.S. does not secure its commitment to supporting the U.S.-UAE accord’s standards.

The letter also stated that enriching uranium and recycling spent reactor fuel “is unnecessary and uneconomical for emerging nuclear

programs.”

“Certainly our government’s willingness to assume virtually all of the financial risks associated with several domestic reactors and nuclear fuel plant projects demonstrates that they are not yet commercially viable in the U.S. either,” the letter goes on to state.

EDF, which is now the sole owner of the UniStar venture after regional power provider Constellation Energy backed out of the partnership, still needs a U.S. partner to move ahead with the third reactor project per federal law.

EDF and Constellation dissolved their partnership last month after the latter backed out of the process to get federal loan guarantees to finance the reactor project, citing the exorbitant costs of purchasing the guarantee.

The dissolution agreement gave EDF sole ownership of the venture and also ensured that the French company would not have to buy about a dozen aging fossil fuel plants owned by Constellation.

Thomas Piquemal, EDF’s senior executive vice president for finance in France, stated in a Nov. 15 conference call that the company was still willing to move ahead with the project at Calvert Cliffs despite several “hurdles” the company needed to overcome.

“In summary we are ready to commit further human and financial resources to pursue the project… with a view to making a final decision once all the right conditions are met,” Piquemal said. By

Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

commissioners The Election is Over

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By Susan Shaw, County Commissioner

ith the final provisional and overseas ballots counted on Nov. 22, the results are clear on the Calvert County level – a Republican sweep of the Commissioner’s offices.

However, when I look at the results, I see more than a party win. I am convinced that the majority of voters do not vote a party line, especially in Calvert County. They voted for a conservative fiscal approach. They voted for candidates they knew or who had come to their door and listened to them. They voted for candidates they could trust or felt they could trust more than their opponents. They voted for more traditional values. They voted for candidates who promised change, but not too much change.

The change the winning candidates promised is improved effectiveness of lo-

cal government services and a more business-oriented approach. The geographic distribution is better.

None of the winning candidates advocated an overthrow of the Comprehensive Plan. All wanted to keep our county’s rural character intact.

The new Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will be sworn in on December 21 with details to follow. The public is invited.

Meanwhile, plenty of work still remains for the current BOCC, in anticipation of the transition, once the election numbers are final. The new BOCC faces austere economic times. The public will be watching to see how we handle the hard choices ahead.

Stay tuned!

New Park Under Construction

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he new park in Solomons finally has the money needed to go ahead with its development.

“The project came into fruition during the last year,” said Doug Meadows, the division chief of Calvert County Parks and Recreation.

The 20-acre piece of property has purchased from Annmarie Gardens a few years ago, but it was only recently that the Parks and Recreation Department got the $1.1 million that was needed to lay down a parking lot and get the land graded. Meadows said both projects will be finished by the first of the year.

The playground and restrooms should be completed in the spring, if all goes according to schedule.

The project was also given a $20,000

grant from the State of Maryland to build the playground. Meadows said normally the money for the construction would be budgeted in, but there were problems getting the funds needed, so the project was on hold for more a few years.

“We’ve saved the money, put back the money, over the past several years,” Meadows said. He said they had initially hoped to get the park done five years ago.

Meadows said the activity field will be “a large area that we can reconfigure into various size fields.” This will allow for multiple sports at multiple age levels to utilize the field.

The field will probably be ready for sports in the fall, maybe earlier, depending on how long they need to grow grass, Meadows said. The sports fields will also be lit to allow for night games.

Meadows said the park has already been used for practices and Photo by Sean Rice people have been parking on the grass, but the formal construction and development of the field will make it more useable.

Meadows said that although the land is adjacent to Annmarie Gardens on Dowell Road, it is not affiliated with the gallery and sculpture park. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Huge!

It’s absolutely

To: Our C Enjoy th ustomers e Saving s!

corner

LOCAL NEWS

save

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on your holiday * purchases

at our annual Customer appreciation

Open house Friday, December 3rd, 10 - 7 Saturday, December 4th, 10 - 5 Sunday, December 5th, 10 - 4

Prince Frederick Market Square (Next to Library) 916 Costley Way (410) 535-4338 • (301) 855-1020

Dunkirk Market Place (Next to Safeway)

10286 So. Maryland Blvd. (410) 257-2772 • (301) 855-8770

*Pandora, flyer specials and prior sales excluded. Layaways must be paid in full by 12/31/2010.

Thursday, November-2010

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LOCAL NEWS M

Research Ship Captain Retires

ichael Reusing, captain of several research ves- ecosystem, his true legacy lies within the hearts and minds of sels during his career with the Chesapeake Bio- the next generation of environmental scientists that have delogical Laboratory in Solomons Island, is retir- veloped a passion for Chesapeake Bay science, learning and ing after 44 years. training aboard his ships,” Boesch said.

Reusing, of Lusby, started out as a research technician Reusing received the honorary title of “Admiral of the with the lab back in 1966, according to a press release from Chesapeake” from Gov. Martin O’Malley for his service, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science while one scientist at the lab said that Reusing was an integral (UMCES), and eventually became captain of the Aquarius, a partner in helping shape researchers’ understanding of the bay research vessel, in 1984 and then taking the helm of the Rachel ecosystem.

Carson in 2008.

“In addition to ensuring our researchers and students safeBruce Cornwall, marine superintendent at the biologi- ly returned to port from every cruise, Mike’s ability to work cal lab, said in working with Reusing for nearly 20 years, hand-in-hand with our scientists to develop and safely deploy he had shown himself to be an example of reliability and new research equipment has greatly advanced our ability to professionalism. monitor the health of the Chesapeake Bay,” said lab scientist “You could say that he’s dedicated his life to his career,” Walter Boynton. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net Cornwall said. “He was willing just to roll with the punches.”

Reusing’s job was to transport researchers to and from various points in the Chesapeake Bay to conduct their studies and information gathering and bring them back safely, Cornwall said.

During the beginning of his captain’s career, after having served as a mate on several research vessels, Reusing would be piloting vessels up to 120 to 150 days out of the year, with much of the down time dedicated to maintenance and repairs of the boats, Cornwall said.

“Back when he started his career these boats were extremely busy,” Cornwall said.

“It’s a lot of long hours in all kinds of weather, day or night.”

UMCES President Donald Boesch praised Reusing, known as a man of few words, for his more than four decades of service.

“While his work has led to great adPhotos courtesy of the Chesapeake Biological Lab vancements in our understanding of the bay Captain Michael Reusing, with Gov. Martin O’Malley, pilots a ship in the waters of the Bay.

Captain Michael Reusing

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Thursday, November-2010

1st Ever Christmas Tree Lighting in Lusby

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he Lusby Business Association presents the Lusby Town Center’s first Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 5:30pm in front of the Bank of America.

The community event will include a visit from Santa Claus, who will arrive in grand style courtesy of the Solomons Fire Department. Santa, along with local business owners and elected officials will kick off the holiday season with an official tree lighting of the town’s first tree. The event will also include a small festival of trees sponsored by local businesses. Other activities include: live music, pictures with Santa Claus, and local business giveaways. The Lusby Business Association networking holiday mixer will follow the tree lighting at 7pm.

“We’re so excited to see the lighting of the Lusby Town Center’s first tree. This event is an opportunity to add a more personal touch in the Lusby Town Center.

This event also affords us an opportunity to demonstrate our continued commitment to the community we serve,” Nance Pretto Simmons, president of the Lusby Business Association, said in a press release.

The Lusby Business Association was founded in 2009 for the purposes of providing a local forum for businesses in Lusby, Maryland to strategize and partner with fellow local businesses to improve and stabilize the local economy by participating in collaborative endeavors. The LBA seeks to promote public awareness on the importance and value of buying local to improve the vitality of businesses in Lusby.

The event is free and open to the public. The tree lighting and festival of trees is courtesy of the Lusby Business Association, Bank of America, the Optimist Club, and local businesses. Tree Sponsorships are $250 and benefit the Optimist Club and LBA. Sponsors provide decorations. The town tree and festival of trees will be on display until January 1, 2011. For information on the tree lighting, festival trees or the Lusby Business Association visit www.shoplusby.com <http://www. shoplusby.com/> or contact Nance Pretto Simmons at nance@shoplusby.com <mailto:nance@shoplusby.com> or 202-409-8844.

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Newest Habitat House Blessed

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aturday saw the ribbon cutting to mark the completion of the latest Patuxent Habitat for Humanity house.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,” said Chris Jones, one of the new owners of the Habitat for Humanity house, “it’s the most fun I had building something.”

Jones will be sharing the three bedroom, two bathroom house with his wife, Crystal Jones, and their daughters Sara and Amber Carpenter. The family put in at least 250 working hours into building their home, as well as putting in another 250 hours into another build, according to Dan Doherty, the president of Patuxent of Habitat for Humanity.

“It was a lot of fun,” Sara said, “we made a lot of friends.”

Also present at the ribbon cutting was Don Parsons, the executive director of the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity, Calvert County Commissioners Susan Shaw and Linda Kelley and representatives from Lowes and the women’s build team, among other people.

Doherty said a big part of what enabled the project to get completed was a grant the women’s build team received from Lowe’s.

“It wouldn’t be possible without the Lowe’s grant,” Doherty said.

He said because of the involvement of the Women’s Build team, he said the women working on the house outnumbered the men three to one. There was even a female electrician, who donated her time to the project.

“What we know is when women put their mind to something, it’s gonna happen,” Kelley said.

Along with the ribbon cutting, the house was blessed by Pastor Rick Barrick. It was also given a Native American blessing by Dan Weiss, who burned sage and tobacco in order to purify the house and carry the prayers of the family. The second blessing was done because of Crystal’s Native American ancestry. By Sarah Miller (CT)

LOCAL NEWS

info@somdpublishing.net

St. Mary’s Hospital

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

What others promise, we deliver.

Thursday, October-2010

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A Whole New World in Politics

By Nick Garrett What the h*ll Just happened?

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eflecting on the November 2 election results, what else can you say? What does it mean? What was the mandate for the newly elected?

“Oh my God… Turn on some music or something because I can’t sit here like this…” was all I could think of to say when I walked in to Senator Dyson’s campaign headquarters on election night. Dyson would pull off a win that night, but early on, almost 30 of Dyson’s closest supporters sat in absolute silence.

It made for a very uncomfortable feeling that was repeated everywhere in the country as incumbents -and Democrats - prayed for just one more shot as they went down one after the other. In fact, many Democrats would never admit that they probably spent at least one day immediately following the election in bed curled up in the fetal position wondering what went wrong.

For some, this Republican sweep was a surprise and for others it was only a matter of how many seats would be taken. Either way, this year’s election numbers made the 1994 Republican power shift look like a mouse charging instead of an elephant.

What will the result of the November 2 election mean for you and I? What was the mandate to the newly elected and what do we expect them to accomplish? Everyone agrees that some local office holders may have just been residually punished and lost his or her seats for the actions of the national Democrat agenda; however, there was a loud and clear message from people across the Country, R’s and D’s, that the American people want the national debt and deficits reduced, somehow without raising taxes.

Certainly for Republicans and Conservative Democrats, limiting the scope of or eliminating Obama’s healthcare plan is also an important initiative.

That being said, Democrat Steny Hoyer earned his congres-

sional seat again, demonstrating that his service to the District trumped party aggression. Senators Miller and Dyson, also Democrats, retained their seats showing that we were not quite ready to let some of our common sense veterans go.

The face of the Calvert County Board of Commissioners will change substantially to a full Republican board. Jerry Clark and Susan Shaw kept their seats, the buzz on the streets is that Susan may be the next Board President. Newcomers Pat Nutter, Steve Weems, and Evan Slaughenhoupt won the people’s resounding favor to take a stab at governing the county. Barbara Stinnett and Linda Kelley, both having devoted much of their lives to public service, were gracious about the switch and voiced respect for the people’s authority. Perhaps the biggest upsets were the loss of Board President Wilson Parran, and Delegate Sue Kullen. We can rest assured that we have not heard the last from either of them, since both are well established community leaders. That being said, I think everyone has reached out to new Delegate Mark Fisher and are interested to see what he will do.

For the Democratic Party, the opportunity here is to evaluate priorities, listen to the people about what is really important, and recreate a party platform that meets the needs of the people and not the needs of the powerful in the party. Republicans now have the opportunity to put their money where their mouth is and prove very quickly what their leadership looks like. If what they promise is true, we may soon be singing “Happy Days are Here Again.” If they fail to deliver, Democrats will begin to win back seats as early as 2012.

In closing, I polled my friends on Facebook and asked them, “If there was one thing you could say to the new elected officials moving forward what would it be?” Almost everyone said, “We want elected officials to listen to us, politics has changed and there is no room for personal agendas.” As we move forward, the newly elected leaders that listen may have a great shot at leading for a long time.

Christmas Shopping Bazaar Saturday, December 18, 9 AM – 2 PM

Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle, & 5k!

Vendors Welcome! please contact Diane Allen at (443) 226-5575 or familyallen@comcast.net

To register for the 5k Run/Walk please contact Carmen Gerber at CarmenGerber@comcast.net or on-line @ http://www.active.com/running/solomons-md/our-lady-starof-the-sea-school-inaugural-5k-runwalk-2010

PRESENTING:

Homemade

Arts & Crafts, Pampered Chef, Premier Designs Jewelry, Educate & Celebrate, Carole Purcell – Watercolorist, Scentsy Candles, Silpada Jewelry, Mary Kay and more!!

Refreshments available!

Homemade Baked Goods, Papa Johns Pizza, Smoothie King, Popcorn, Hotdogs, Cotton Candy and more!!

Our Lady Star of the Sea School is located on scenic Solomons Island at 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD 20688

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Thursday, November-2010

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n Oct. 19, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners presented the Sustainable Business of the Year award to Sneade’s Ace Home Center and recognized other nominees.

Sneade’s Ace Home Center, a hardware and building supply business with locations in Owings and Lusby, was named Sustainable Business of the Year for its consistent and visible dedication to the sale of green products, a press release states.

Sneade’s promotes the use of energy-saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and leads by example by using only CFL bulbs in its indoor lighting displays. Customers find green products and informational brochures for energy efficient windows, doors, siding, roofing and other products.

In the photo, from left is Tricia Willis, Dave Sneade, Dana Sneade and Lynne Sneade of Sneade’s Ace Home Center.

Nick Garrett is the owner of The Garrett Music Academy, a published author, and has served and continues to serve on various boards and commissions in Calvert County.

Our Lady Star awk of the Sea School

Proceeds benefit the Our Lady Star of the Sea School “Support Our Future Together” Campaign!

Sneade’s Named Sustainable Business of Year

USCG Auxiliary GPS Course

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harpen your GPS navigation skills over the winter. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Solomons Flotilla will be presenting the GPS for Mariners course at the Southern Community Center in Lusby.

The course will be presented on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Course sessions begin on December 28th, 2010 and will continue through January 13th.

Each student will receive the GPS for Mariners textbook to retain for future reference. This course provides hands-on training for persons with handheld GPS units, permanently mounted GPS units or chartplotters.

Preregistration is required so that the lessons can be tailored to your specific GPS unit.

Contact Gary Smith at 410-326-8377 or fsope.232@hotmail.com for further information.

COSMIC Symphony Messiah Sing-Along

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he COSMIC Symphony presents Handel’s Messiah SingAlong on Dec, 11 at Patuxent Presbyterian Church in California at 7 p.m. and Dec. 12 at Crossroads Christian Church in St. Leonard at 4 p.m.

Bring your own score or simply enjoy this classical Christmas tradition. Advance tickets available at www.cosmicmusic.org, Allegro Music, Stevens Studio and Educate & Celebrate.

General admission $10; seniors, students, military, MD State employees $8; family four-pack $35.

Wreath Making Workshop Planned

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he public is invited to join Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum (JPPM) staff and volunteers to make a wreath for the holiday season.

Beautiful plant materials from the Point Farm gardens, which are part of the country home and retreat of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Patterson, will be used to create these wreaths. These materials include magnolia, boxwood, holly, pines, pine cones and magnolia seed pods. Participants will complete their wreaths with bows and other or-

naments included in the price of the workshop.

Two workshops will be offered on Saturday, December 4, at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Class size is limited and reservations are required. Fee for the workshops is $25 or $20 for members of The Friends of JPPM. Call 410-586-8501 or email jppm@ mdp.state.md.us to make reservations.

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, a state museum of archaeology and home to the Maryland Archaeological

Conservation Laboratory, is a program of the Maryland Historical Trust, a division of the Maryland Department of Planning. It is located on 560 scenic acres along the Patuxent River and the St. Leonard Creek in St. Leonard, Calvert County, Maryland. Please visit www.jefpat.org for more information about JPPM.

Participants have fun creating beautiful holiday wreaths during a Wreath Workshop at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, St. Leonard. Two Workshops are scheduled for Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Thursday, November-2010

9

Operation Christmas Child

Cover “It started with a simple shoebox…”

On The

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o each story starts of how children around the world received a shoebox wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper and filled with school supplies, toiletries and hard candy. Many times it was the first time they ever received a Christmas present. In other cases these boxes made the difference between whether a child could attend school or not, just because someone dropped pencils, notebook paper and a ruler into a shoebox.

“There are countries where families have to make a choice between school supplies or milk or sugar. Given the opportunity, I pack school supplies over toys and candy,” said Sheryl Hartsfield, second year coordinator for Southern Calvert Baptist

Church-sponsored Operation Christmas Child (OCC) For the second consecutive year, Hartsfield’s church has been a local collection station for those people familiar with OCC who want to send boxes around the world.

Without local relay centers, Calvert County residents would have to drive to Waldorf with their boxes.

As a Relay Center, Southern Calvert Baptist volunteers make sure the labels are taped down and closed with rubber bands.

Then they pack the shoeboxes into large OCC cartons, each which hold approximately 15 shoeboxes. They are responsible to collect boxes for one week each year.

This year it was November 15 through 22.

Carla Werme of Lexington Park loads boxes into a larger box for shipment to the distribution center.

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Thursday, November-2010

Photo by Frank Marquart

Each Relay Center sets its own days and hours of collection. At the Relay Centers volunteers drive cartons to regional collection centers and from there the cartons go to one of seven processing centers throughout the United States.

Barbara Hayden, a volunteer at Lexington Baptist, laughed as she tried to arrange 15 shoe boxes into her carton, “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. It’s not as easy as it looks.”

After a week of collection, the Relay Center hauls the packed cartons to a regional collection site, which in turn carries the cartons to one of seven processing centers in the United States. There, the day after Thanksgiving Day, approximately 1,000 volunteers check the boxes one last time to make sure there are no liquid, breakable or chocolate products in the box.

Any boxes which are not stuffed as full as possible will get additional fillers.

They will also insert materials written in the child’s native language about God and Jesus. Finally, they tape the boxes closed and repack the shoeboxes into the cartons which will be shipped to distribution centers all over the world.

Hartsfield, her family, and another family from Southern Calvert Baptist Church will be ten of the volunteers helping at the Charlotte, NC, processing cite. She said the warehouse is set up into stations of ten and they will work two four-hour shifts that weekend. Normally those staffing the processing site are all volunteers and pay their own travel, hotel and expenses while they are there. In Hartsfield’s case, SCBC contributed to the expenses as a short-term missionary trip.

It’s hard not to get teary-eyed or goose bumps from stories told by Francie Smith, second year coordinator for Lexington Park Baptist Church.

One story Smith related was how some of these shoeboxes go to remote locations of the world. One such location required the project hire 13 men to guide bears strapped with cargo. The men hung around for the presentation of the boxes as well as the story of a God and people who loved these children. At the end of the presentation all 13 men stepped forward wanting to know more about this God. Smith tells another “story from the field” about how a shoebox came through filled only with socks. The OCC volunteers wondered if they should put something else in the box; however, they decided against.

“We’ve been told we respect the integrity of the box. We’ve been told when God impresses on someone to put a box together in a certain way there is a reason. It (the sock shoebox) ended up in Africa and given to a little boy who had been badly burned on his feet. The only thing he could wear to keep his feet from infection was socks,” said Smith.

Individuals, churches, schools and businesses throughout St. Mary’s and Calvert packed shoeboxes with items such as school supplies, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, gloves, small toys, hard candy and anything else they think a child might like which can also fit into a shoebox. The program does have suggestions on their websites for both boys and girls between the ages 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Besides presents, families can include letters and pictures. In some cases, families do receive letters and pictures back from the children receiving their box.

Once the box is filled, the program asks for donors to print off labels to indicate the age and sex of a child and insert a check for $7 for shipping. The money for shipping is not required but a suggestion. Families who want to track where their box goes can pay online and print a barcode label. Once the box is delivered, the family will receive an email letting them know where the box was delivered.

Hartsfield is a believer in sending out everything that comes in. Sometimes people just have extra supplies, but not enough to fill a box or maybe they have boxes and not supplies. Regardless, Hartsfield packs the extras up and ships them down to the processing centers.

“I had a friend tell me once, that keeping stuff back was like keeping Manna, if you try to keep it, it will just get maggots,” said Hartsfield.

OCC’s mission is “to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

OCC is one project through the Samaritan’s Purse, a 40-year-old organization which came from the Bible story “The Good Samaritan” who took care of his hurting neighbor, even as others walked past.

Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham Jr., is head of the organization, which has the mission statement: “meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Operation Christmas Child collected and distributed 8 million shoeboxes to 131 countries last year and has a goal of distributing 8.5 million this year, including a record number of shoe boxes to orphans left

by Haiti’s 7.0 Mw earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010.

Southern Maryland has an Operation Christmas Child team which meets monthly throughout the year. Both Smith and Hartsfield are members of the team, hoping to find other churches throughout the region to become Relay Centers in the future.

Throughout the year people can purchase school supplies, washcloths, toothbrushes, hair bands, solar powered calcula-

Reaches All Corners of the World tors, small cars, toys, watches and hard candy on sale. Hartsfield said she buys OCC materials during the back to school sales and candy the day after Halloween.

Chick-Fil-A, of California, has participated for the last five years. Smith and her volunteers come in a week prior to collection week and hand out OCC boxes during lunch and dinner hours. They ask the boxes come back the following week filled. If they are filled, the store gives one free original sandwich coupon for each box.

“We passed out 300 boxes this year and got back 141,” said Vonie Craig, marketing director for the restaurant.

“I think it is cool how the owners of the Chick-Fil-A franchises in the Southern Mary-

land area decided this was something they wanted to do and support,” Craig said.

It’s not too late to send a Christmas Shoebox to a child. Starting Novemeber 23rd through Decemeber 23rd people could go to www.

Samaritanpurse.org and under Operation Christmas Child they can pack a virtual box. Or people can make a straight donation to help offset the cost of shipping boxes around the world.

“I do it because in James 1:27 it says ‘Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world,’” said Hartsfield.

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

Cover On The

Photo by Frank Marquart

Dan Schlueter of Lusby unloads shoeboxes full of gifts at Southern Calvert Baptist Church.

A volunteer stacks boxes at Southern Calvert Baptist.

Photo by Frank Marquart

Thursday, November-2010

11

Spotlight On

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WWII Veterans Relive Exp

arly in the morning approximately 200 Patuxent High School students noisily filed into the auditorium, laughing, talking, shouting. It was the kind of noise and activity one would expect. Social Studies teacher Deborah Sheftz stood on stage with a microphone and began talking. The noise dropped dramatically. However, when retired World War II veteran Colonel Donald Songer, 91, began speaking the teens became so quite only his voice and the rustling of his notes could be heard throughout the entire room.

Four residents of Asbury-Solomons Island retirement

Donald Songer with his wife

community came to share their stories from WWII the day after Veteran’s Day during two assemblies at the high school. This is the second year in a row where students voluntarily came to hear personal accounts from veterans, according to Sheftz.

Songer said he had many stories he could share with the students about his time flying fighter planes. He chose to share what he called a funny story. “One thing that always seemed to hold true is the Headquarters was great at dreaming up missions.” In this case it was for one pilot to fly at 1,500 feet as a spotter while another flew at 100 feet, both altitudes easy targets for Japanese ground crews.

Songer and his spotter got separated just as he dropped to 100 feet. He found a Japanese runway and dropped lower to five feet off the ground knowing that the Japanese on either side of the runway could not take risks at shooting his plane without also shooting each other.

He took “flak” from both sides as he flying along the runway shooting at a Japanese version of the P-47 in front of a hanger. Then he skipped over the hanger and flew back to rendezvous with his spotter.

“That was the first time I laughed during a combat mission. I laughed myself silly. I was so scared and then so relieved.

I was so damned lucky. When I caught up with the guy who was supposed to be my spotter, let’s just say I talked to him for a

bit before we got back on the ground,” said Songer.

Dr. B Frank Taylor, 85, finished out his career as a Captain in the U.S. Navy, but during WWII he was enlisted as a B-17 Ball Turret Gunner. He chose to center his talk on what a Ball Turret Gunner did.

The Ball Turret was on the belly of the plane. Usually the smallest man on the crew was designated to crawl into the turret and sit in a fetal position, feet in the air, eye level with the gun sights and hands operating a cable which worked like a one button joystick. Since the space wasn’t pressurized back then, a gunner’s protective equipment included an oxygen mask. Taylor shared the time when his mask became detached and he struggled to get it hooked back up before becoming unconscious.

However, this wasn’t the first time he cheated death.

He said that happened on their very first mission when their regular navigator left on emergency leave. The new navigator had never flown with the plane crew or the other three planes in the formation. At one point during their first flight together, the other three planes veered off to the right, but their navigator kept them from going that way.

When they landed, they discovered they were only ten minutes off the estimated time of arrival. The other three planes never landed. It is assumed they were lost at sea, not

Ann Bremer

Earl Lindsey in 1944

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Thursday, November-2010

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Spotlight On

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having enough fuel to reach land.

Pfc Earl Lindsey, 85, the only speaker to stand at a podium, retold his journey through Western Europe during historic battles. He told the audience he wasn’t much older than them when he enlisted in the Army. He sailed to England on a British ship that was so full with materials and people held had to eat and sleep on top of cargo. Once in England, he trained for chemical warfare because the Germans used mustard gas in the First World War. They also trained by doing a lot of walking with full gear.

Lindsey was very informative about what it was like to march across France to Belgium. He was there at Normandy on D-Day, the first day of the liberation of Paris and the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge. He talked about having to wear oxygen masks and using tanks to plow down German hiding places.

“I was there (Paris) for the first day of liberation. That was the best day we had. Women galore,” he said. It was the first time the audience made a sound, all laughing and talking until he began to speak again.

“During the Battle of the Bulge, that was the worst time we had. It was 2 a.m. and I was on guard duty, along with a sergeant.

Our troops were sleeping and we saw Germans moving about a block away. My sergeant told me to go B Frank Taylor

wake the troops down the hill and he would wake the ones in the other direction. That was the last time I saw the sergeant or the troops he went to awaken as they were all captured by the Germans.”

He said he returned home from England on the Queen Mary, a luxury cruise ship.

Johanna “Ann” Bremer, 81, “I have a different story.

I didn’t fly planes. I didn’t fight in Europe. I was in the occupied country of Holland.”

She went on to tell how she met her husband, Fred Bremmer, a German Jew, whose father sent him to the Underground Jewish Resistance. Known then as Martin Bly, he eventually found his way into Bremer’s sister’s home.

His parents died in the Auschwitz death camp in 1943.

She assisted the Underground throughout the war by delivering news and letters by train. She remembers one day walking home from work and hearing a loud sound. When she turned to look, Germans had 20 or so men lined up and shot them dead.

She said the way they survived was by going about their business as best they could. “Waiting for you guys to show up,” she looked over at Lindsey.

“Who me?” he responded and the audience once again broke from attentive silence to laughter.

“There are two types of Holocaust survivors: One kind cannot talk

about it. The other kind cannot shut up. Fred couldn’t shut up and talked to school children until he died 4 years ago,” Bremmer said about her husband.

The bell ending the period rang before Bremer was able to finish her talk. Two teenage girls climb up on stage, shook hands and thanked each of the speakers before they walked off to class with tears in their eyes. By Corrin M.

Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

The day’s speakers, from left Earl Lindsey, B Frank Taylor and Ann Bremer get a debriefing between assemblies.

Pfc. Earl Lindsey speaks to approximately 200 Patuxent High Schools students in the first of two assemblies the day after Veteran’s Day.

Earl Lindsey with his wife

Thursday, November-2010

13

Editor

Spiggy & Friends 17th Annual ‘FunRaisers’ a Success

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TE ET to thR e

Keep It Balanced Southern Calvert Gazette

I was beginning to enjoy the Southern Calvert Gazette, but your political agenda is becoming more and more obvious. I know you are exercising the right of a free press, but I find it hard to believe you published Mr. Hilbert’s letter in your Thursday, November 2010 issue.

If your publication represents southern Calvert County, why are you (through Mr. Hilbert) demanding Republican-based performance and threatening all the newly “hired” legislators across the entire nation? The newly elected officials down this way are mostly county commissioners and one state delegate, not positions at a federal level.

It appears to me that only a Republican or a Tea Party advocate would allow Mr. Hilbert to label the President of the United States “Imam”. For your readers who might not know what that term means, it is a leader of a mosque, or a Muslim religious leader or chief.

Another article by Corrin Howe praising Republican and Tea Party politician Charles Lollar’s campaign and your regular column by Republican politician Tony O’Donnell also seem to indicate your publication has become a Republican (and perhaps Tea Party) media tool. (Although Tony’s column in this issue was certainly non political as he honored our veterans).

And last but not least, the Gazette’s publisher is Tommy McKay, a prominent Republican from St. Mary’s County. In all fairness, I did see a letter from a lady awhile back who praised Steny Hoyer’s record, and I saw a letter from a retired Navy Admiral supporting Hoyer. By the way, in neither of those letters did I see offensive terms being thrown at any of the Republican candidates.

Mr. Hilbert also demands that the newly elected (not hired) legislators NOT reach across the aisle, saying that they represent “the enemy”. Well, that’s going to really help move things along, isn’t it? If they follow Mr. Hilbert’s advice, we will, as many predict, have a broken and ineffective government just when we most need to get things fixed. President Bill Clinton was very good at reaching across the aisle when he faced a Republican majority, so it can be done.

To me, Mr. Hilbert’s “advice” is very alarming, divisive, and counter productive. I hope your political articles and editorials begin to be a little less one sided, because I very much enjoy reading the Gazette.

Bob Smith Lusby 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

Southern Maryland needs another “feel good news story” and I would like to share with our friends and neighbors a true example of why we are so fortunate to live in a warm and giving community like no other! For years, my group of volunteers that I affectionately call “Spiggy’s Friends” have enthusiastically provided their valuable time and energies to help The Hogettes and I raise a great deal of money for sick children and their families. This year’s results, despite our dismal economy, were no exception! We were able to put together another successful Celebrity Golf Tournament event and a Sunday Children’s Benefit Party that realized just under $50,000 in cash, gifts, products and services from our wonderful Southern Marylanders!

This is a remarkable feat as most non-profit organizations are suffering from a downturn in donations across the country. We made it a point to remind everyone that even though it was going to be harder for folks to give to our cause, our children will continue to get sick and many will need costly treatment and care beyond their family’s financial ability.

With this challenge in mind, these great volunteers came together once more and now have helped raise more than $600,000 over the past 17 years! None of us would have thought that a small house party in 1992 would evolve into one of the largest, longtime non-corporate volunteer events in the area. And I continue to be amazed with the charity that can come from a warm heart and a loving human spirit.

The individuals and groups who unselfishly supported this year’s events would not want me to formally recognize their efforts, but I do need to thank many of those who did go far beyond our expectations. Without their help, none of this would have happened.

The following folks provided us with more than $1000 in donations and services: Margit Miller, Show Place Arena, 1st Mariner Bank, Mel’s Crabs, Outback Steakhouse, The Hogettes, Holiday Inn Select, Bozick Distributors, Evan Slaugenhoupt and Embroidme.

These good people gave gifts of $500 or more: URS Federal Services, O’Hennon Builders, FOP Lodge 7, Best Buy, Chesapeake Blasting Service, Chip Allen of Hammerhead Productions, Papa Johns, American Legion Post #274, Bayside Chevrolet/Toyota and the Spigler Family.

And my good friends supported us with contributions of more than $200: Tony O’Donnell, Kelly & Mark Cecil, Chesapeake Beach Spa & Resort, The Grill Sergeant, The Optimist Club of Solomons and Marriott Springhill Suites.

There is not enough room here to list all the great 30+ people in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties that are part of “Spiggy & Friends”, but you know of my great affection and love that I have for your kindness and support! And I consider myself to be the luckiest guy in the world to count the “Voice of the Redskins” Frank Herzog, Redskins stars Pat Fischer and Ron McDole, and the Baltimore Colts Mike “Mad Dog” Curtis as well as the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders among my many friends!

Their appearances at these events provided a lot of fun and excitement for all those who participated with us.

Finally, I am often asked what becomes of the funds that are derived during these “fun” raisers?

In 2010, nearly half of the proceeds were given to Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC to be used to help pay for some of the miracles that are performed there each year. The remainder of the funding is provided here to United Way of Calvert, Calvert Special Olympics, American Cancer Relay for Life, The Optimists, The Knights of Columbus, the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Calvert County Department of Social Services for “Calvert’s Child”, Boys & Girls Clubs of Calvert, Leah House, the Little Sisters of the Poor, the Divine Sisters of Providence, Birthright of Prince Frederick, Care Net Pregnancy Center, St. Mary’s Nursing Center Foundation, Calvert Health Solutions, Kid Support Network, Adult Daycare Center and the Calvert Humane Society.

Additionally, we gave funds to several private groups needing assistance and during the past 12 months we have helped the Hunter Scott Family, the Chris Young Fundraiser, the Anna Grace Fund, and the Janet Baumgardner Family.

To all of you who donated to our cause once more, please know your contributions have provided a multitude of smiles and support for those less fortunate than ourselves. We are so extremely lucky to live in this beautiful community. To borrow a phrase from my good friend Kirk, “I wasn’t born here, BUT I got here as fast as I could”! Thanks again!

Government Correspondent Community Correspondent Sports Correspondent

Contributing Writers Joyce Baki Corrin Howe Keith McGuire

Dave “Spiggy Spigler Lusby, MD

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

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

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Thursday, November-2010

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Nutcracker Tea Planned to Support Military Families

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he efforts of many people are finally coming to fruition. Students from Ballet Caliente will be performing pieces from the Nutcracker at the Rivers Edge conference center onboard Naval Air Station Patuxent River on Dec. 4 for the members of the military and their families.

The initial idea for the event came from Sheryl Marie Dunaway, the owner of Ballet Caliente out of Lexington Park.

Dunaway said she was happy to have the chance to do something that involved the family members of people deployed as Individual Augmentees (IA). In the case of IAs, they are sent places independently, not as part of a unit, and are often gone when other members of the military get leave and are able to visit their families- such as Christmastime.

The idea for Nutcracker Tea came from an event Dunaway attended in New York City, and Dunaway said she wanted to see something similar done at the base in St. Mary’s County.

“It’s very important to me to reach out to the IA spouses,” Dunaway said. To that end, 100 tickets are being set aside exclusively for families of IAs who are currently deployed and IAs who have returned in the last few months.

Dunaway has been running Ballet Caliente for 25 years, and teaching ballet for more than 30 years. Her husband is an admiral in the Navy, so she said she can sympathize with the families who have members gone for extended periods of time.

Dunaway also said participating in the Nutcracker Tea will be a good experience for the dancers.

“I believe it’s essential to learn about service,” Dunaway said. It’s easy to take a name from the Angel Tree or donate cans during a school food drive because those activities don’t require a lot of effort.

Dunaway said being involved in the Nutcracker Tea will teach the dancers about “giving of themselves.” They’re spending their free time preparing for the event, and getting nothing tangible in return. Instead of money, Dunaway said they’re

“giving a gift of love and enjoyment” to the people at the event.

The dancers will be performing pieces form Land of the Sweets in the second act of the Nutcracker.

Ballet Caliente is not the only group to be getting involved in the Nutcracker Tea event. The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is funding the event and donating a couple of new costumes to the dancers, as well as paying for the 100 tickets reserved for the IA families. The Rivers Edge, in addition to hosting the event, will be providing the catering.

Tom Dennison, SMECO spokesman, said getting involved with the Nutcracker Tea was a “no brainer.”

“We’re certainly grateful for our servicemen and women who are serving overseas,” Dennison said.

Kirk MacKinnon, with the Rivers Edge, said the ballroom at the Rivers Edge can hold up to 300 people, and he expects the event to be sold out.

The menu will be geared toward children and adults and will include tea sandwiches with various fillings, cookies, scones, tea, coffee and hot chocolate, among other things, McKinnon said.

Tickets are available for members of the military and their families, as well as the independent contractors working on base, according to Val-

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erie Doster, the special events coordinator who helped get everything set for the Nutcracker Tea. “I think it’s a wonderful community event and a wonderful way to reach out to the families of the military and the members of the military, Doster said.

People wanting to go to the event can contact the Rivers Edge at 301-342-3656. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net Shannon Slaughter, Sydney Parker, Jordan Franz, Audrey Wojcik, Delaney Pennell, Colleen Daly (Dance of the Reed-Flutes) The younger ones are still dancing with us, but the older two have graduated and gone off to college, but it does represent one of the dances we will be doing on Dec. 4.

Photos courtesy of Christine Wojcik of Ballet Caliente

Zadekia Krondorfer performs the Waltz of the Snowflakes.

Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can’t be wrong!

Thursday, November-2010

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Ian Berry, 19

Ian Franklin Joseph Berry, age 19, of St. Leonard, MD died suddenly on October 30, 2010 in Philadelphia, PA. Ian burst into this world in Clinton, MD on September 10, 1991. He was followed one minute later by his twin brother Patrick Edward Berry. Ian was one minute older and he never let him forget it.

There has never been another person so full of life and with such a unique style and so much energy. He had the most infectious smile and it was impossible to stay mad at him for very long.

He had five brothers and two sisters; Joseph Washam of Justin Texas, Michael Gorny of San Diego California, Sean Berry of Deale MD, Clark Gorny of Lusby Maryland, Erin Berry Rogers of Colorado Springs Colorado, Shannon Berry of Saint Leonard Maryland, and Patrick Berry currently at the USMMA King’s Point New York, his parents Patricia and Edward along with multiple aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

His home was always full of activity and you never knew when an impromptu wrestling match might occur.

He attended public schools, played soccer, football, and lacrosse, wrestled and competed in gymnastics. Then he discovered his true passion at the age of ten; dance. His first dance class was a boy’s funk at the Calvert School of Dance and that’s all it took. He was hooked. He was a born performer with a captivating personality. He loved the theatre and performing on stage.

He competed in multiple competitions and won multiple awards and accolades.

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He graduated from Calvert High School in 2009. He was a member of the chorus and the Thespian Society. He performed at the Kennedy Center with Marvin Hamlisch and the National City Orchestra. He was awarded a scholarship to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, which he attended until his death. He was a member of the Exhale Dance Company and performed with Brian Sanders “Junk”, the dance company. He has choreographed solos, duets, and small group dances. He has touched the lives of many and was eager to share his love of dance with others. He was always supportive of fellow performers and dancers. He never seemed to grasp the immensity of his talent and was continuously striving to improve his art. He was a joy to his entire family and his many friends.

The warmth and brilliance of his generous soul and sparkling personality will never be forgotten.

The family received friends on Friday, November 5, 2010 at 10:00 AM in Southern Calvert Baptist Church, 12140 H. G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD, where a service celebrating Ian’s life was held at 1:00 PM with Pastor Steve Fehrman officiating. Interment is private.

A scholarship has been established; The Ian Franklin Joseph Berry Memorial Dance Scholarship, in honor of Ian’s memory.

Please make checks or money orders payable to: The University of the Arts, “In Memory of Ian Berry”, c/o The university of the Arts, Office of Development, 320 South Broad Street, Philadelphia PA 19102.

Arrangements by the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., Lusby, MD.

Timmy Bourne, 50 Timothy Dale Bourne “Timmy”, 50, of Port Republic, MD departed this world unexpectedly on Sunday, November 7, 2010, in Broomes Island, Maryland. He was born on February 25, 1960 in Calvert County, MD to the late Rice and Annie Bourne. Timmy was educated in the Calvert County Public School System where he excelled in track and cross country. He graduated from Calvert High School in 1979. After graduation he pursued a career in masonry.

Thursday, November-2010

Francis Davis, 77

At an early age Timmy attended Brooks United Methodist Church. He briefly was a member of the Brooks United Methodist Church Men’s Choir.

Timmy enjoyed visiting churches in the area and later became a member of the Church of God in Staunton, VA. Timmy had a variety of interests which included hunting, fishing, singing and playing the bass guitar. Timmy could frequently be seen sporting his camouflage attire and proudly displayed his prized trophies in his home. He shared his joy of hunting with his son. Timmy was a very loving and devoted father and enjoyed raising his son Dalelante Bourne.

Timmy is survived by his son Dalelante Bourne, Granddaughter Ayana Bourne, and six siblings Charles Elliott (Marlene), Renee Evans (Clarence), Mary Brooks (Wendell), Rice Bourne Jr. (Vera), Deidre Jones (Melvin), and Kimberly Bourne, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friend Warren Gray, Godson Marco Gantt, and two very special cousins Louise Stuart and Tyrone Taylor, who were like a sister and brother to him.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Brooks UM Church, St. Leonard, MD with Pastor Jason Robinson officiating. The interment was at Brooks UM Church Cemetery, St. Leonard, MD. The pallbearers were Alfred Bishop, Rodney Gray, James Johnson, Marco Gantt, Melvin Jones, Sr., and Douglas Johnson. The honorary pallbearer was Bradley Parker.

Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

Francis Warren Davis, 77, of Lusby, MD, formally of Princeton, NJ passed away on November 7, 2010 at St. Mary’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Leonardtown, MD. He was born on December 23, 1932 in Deatsville, AL to the late Flora Clark Davis and Bob Davis. He was the loving husband of Elizabeth Nelson Davis whom he married on January 9, 1981.

Warren attended the Stark University Military School in Montgomery, AL from 1946 to 1951 when he graduated as a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. Warren joined the U. S. Navy on January 20, 1950 and was ordered to report to active duty on October 21, 1951. He was stationed at USNTC, Bainbridge, MD; NATTC, USNAS, Jacksonville, FL; USNATTC, Memphis, TN; USNAAS, Saufley Field, Pensacola, FL. On December 22, 1953 he was released from active duty. In 1954 Warren attended Huntington College, Montgomery, AL where he was named to the Who’s Who of College Seniors. He was a Fencing Master and a History Major. He graduated in 1957. After graduation Warren started his career with IBM where he was a Systems Engineer. In 1968 Warren enrolled in Harvard University School of Business. He graduated in 1970. Warren retired from IBM after thirty years of employment in 1987. In 1989 Warren and Elizabeth moved from Rockville, MD and relocated to Lusby, MD. He was a member of the Princeton Ski Club, Princeton, NJ; Mensa International; Solomon’s Island Yacht Club, Solomons, MD; Southern Maryland Sailing Association; Son’s of the American Revolu-

tions; Son’s of the Confederate and the American Legion, Post 274, Lusby, MD. Warren was preceded in death by his parent’s and brother Eldon Davis. He is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth Nelson Davis of Lusby, MD; children Francis Warren Davis, Jr. of AL and Louis Berkstresser Davis of AL; sister LaVern Ramsey and her husband Bill of Birmingham, AL; brother Ronald Davis and his wife Linda of Wetumpka, AL; mother-in-law Marion Nelson of Solomons, MD; brother-in-laws Joel Nelson and his wife Joyce of Wolfboro, NH and David Nelson of Hamilton, NJ; four nieces Kathrine, Seron, Haley and Kiera; four nephews Richard, Eric, Peter and Cole and his faithful companion Heidi.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 3, 2010 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD where a service celebrating his life will be held at 4PM with Pastor Randall Casto officiating.

Interment will be private.

Should friends desire contributions may be made in his memory to St. Mary’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 21585 Peabody St., Leonardtown, MD 20650.

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. A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 3 PM in the Rausch Funeral Home Chapel, Lusby, MD with Rev. Faith Lewis officiating. Inurnment is private.

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 73123-1718 or the American Heart Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.

Virginia Loyd, 72 Virginia Marie Loyd, 72, of Prince Frederick, MD died in Washington, D.C. on October 26, 2010. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 13, 1938 to the late James and Marion White Conklin. She had worked as a waitress and enjoyed her family, shopping and cooking, especially her famous potato salad.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Walter Loyd; sons, James and Walter, Jr., both of Prince Frederick and Mike and wife Brenda of Exton, PA; daughter, Cynthia and husband Jimmy Breeden of Winchester, VA; brother, George and wife Barbara Conklin of Chesapeake Beach, MD and 16 grandchildren. In addition to her parents, her son Clifton and daughter

Brenda predeceased her.

Services were held on November 2, 2010 at RaymondWood Funeral Home. Rev. Marshall Coffman of Christian Fellowship of Calvert officiated. Interment followed at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery. Teddy and David Blakenship, Tim Whitehouse, Mike Van Pelt and Walt and Jimmy Loyd served as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org.

Arrangements provided by Raymond-Wood Funeral Home, Dunkirk.

Georgetta Mitchell, 88 Georgetta Catherine Mitchell, 88, of Harrington, Delaware, formerly of Prince Frederick, MD died in Milford, DE on November 8, 2010. She was born in Baltimore, MD on January 30, 1922 to the late Marion Zang.

She had worked as a private duty nurse.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, William Mitchell; son Bob and wife Mary Kirby of Baltimore, MD; daughters Janice Hines of Capitol Heights, MD and Judy and husband John Underwood of Baltimore, MD ; 22 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great-grandchildren. One son, Richard Cavey predeceased her.

Funeral services were held on November 15, 2010 at Raymond-Wood Funeral Home. Rev. Tony Wright, Pastor of Christian Motorcycle Ministries, officiated. Interment followed at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. Pallbearers were Kimberly and George Crawford, Christopher Underwood, Les Mills, Carl Turner and Allen Anders.

Memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriot Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Arrangements provided by Raymond-Wood Funeral Home, Dunkirk.

Weltha Pegues, 83 Weltha “Birdie” Purvey Pegues, 83, of Plum Point, now Chesapeake Beach, Maryland,

died November 7, 2010, at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland. Birdie was born December 26, 1926, to the late Ethel and William Purvey.

She was their youngest child.

Birdie attended Calvert County Public Schools, and at an early age, Birdie became a member of St. Edmonds United Methodist Church in Chesapeake Beach.

She married Howard H. Freeland, Sr., of Calvert County, August 29, 1945, and moved to Washington, D.C. From this union, they were blessed with one child, Howard (Butch), Jr. While living in Washington, she was an active member of St. Phillips’ Baptist Church.

In 1962, Birdie moved to Baltimore, Maryland. During her stay in Washington and Baltimore, she was employed as a manager of various sandwich shops and later became a Stanley Home Products distributor, a job she held for many years. In 1982, Birdie returned to Breezy Point to help to care for her ailing mother. After her mother’s death, she remained in Breezy Point, and continued to work for

Stanley Home Products.

Birdie renewed her active membership at St. Edmonds in 1983. Over the years, she was a representative of the Board of Childcare, drove for Meals on Wheels for over 10 years, was president of the United Methodist Women’s Outreach Ministry for over 12 years, served on the Pastor’s Parish Relations Committee, and was a member of the Cemetery Committee for 12 years.

Her passions included reading the Bible, attending church regularly, reading the Washington Post, going to the Calvert County Senior Pines Center in Prince Fredrick Tuesday and Thursday on Violet’s (Brooks) bus, visiting family members and friends, hanging out with Constance James and Teressa Curtis, enjoying good food, and socializing with others as often as she could.

Her marriages to Howard Freeland and Henry Pegues both ended in divorce.

Birdie was preceded in death by her parents, son, and eight siblings.

Birdie is survived by her brother, George H. “Broome”Harrod of Huntingtown; daughter in law, Brenda Freeland; grandchildren: Elliot (Shanté) Freeland, Thedra (Paul) Johnson, Ray Freeland, Howard “Pookie” Freeland, III , Damon (Buffy) Freeland, Desiree Free-

land ; great grandchildren: Desmond Freeland, Jerri Johnson, Zanae Freeland, Elliot Freeland, Jr., Tristan Johnson, Aasya Freeland, Desiah Freeland; a host of nieces and nephews; four godsons, Eugene Brown, Roosevelt Rice, Leo Rice and Malcolm Rice, and special church family and friends at St. Edmonds. She was very thankful for the devotion given to her by her grandson, Elliot, and her niece Darlene Harrod.

Funeral service was held on Monday, November 15, 2010 at 11:00 AM at St. Edmonds UM Church, Chesapeake Beach, MD with Pastor Joanne Jones officiating.

The interment was at St. Edmonds UM Church Cemetery, Chesapeake Beach, MD. The pallbearers were the great nephews, James Brooks, Vada Brooks, Samuel Brooks, Gregory Jefferson, and Shawn Harrod.

The honorary pallbearers were the Godsons, Roosevelt Rice, Leo Rice, Malcolm Rice, and Eugene Brown; Goddaughters, Darlene Harrod, Constance James, Lorraine Brown, and Mary Rice; special cousin, Dorothy Jones and special friend, Wilson Mason.

Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

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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.

Applications are now being accepted for immediate Part Time and Full Time positions available for Certified Emergency Medical Technicians or First Responders to work as Security Officers in a beautiful retirement and assisted living community in Solomons, MD. Part Time position may become full time.

Uniforms are provided. We are looking for mature and serious minded individuals who are willing and able to follow directions and work independently. Applicants must have reliable transportation. Successful Applicants will receive formal training as Security Officers and become certified as Security Officers in the state of Maryland. They will also receive sitespecific on-the-job training. E-Mail Resume to talonpi@earthlink.net

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.

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Let Us Give Thanks

P ages P

ast

By Joyce Baki

T

he tradition of Thanksgiving – a day of thanks and prayer – is believed to have begun with a meal held in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indian tribe in Plymouth, Mass. The Pilgrims had made it through their first brutal winter, which many did not survive, and gathered to give thanks. They were following a tradition that had been around for many centuries; around the world, people had held feasts and festivals after the autumn harvest to share meat and crops.

The first Thanksgiving meal would probably have included turkey, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, squash and beetroot. All of these foods are native to America.

Today, a traditional Thanksgiving meal consists of turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce and pumpkin or sweet potato pie.

Some interesting facts about Thanksgiving: This painting titled The First Thanksgiving by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris is on file with the • Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday U.S. Library of Congress. in November in the United States. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.

• President George Washington was the first president to • The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924. issue a national Thanksgiving Day Proclamation in 1789.

• Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation on The large balloons made their first appearance in 1927 with Felix the October 3, 1863, and officially set aside the last Thursday of November Cat. The parade was not held during World War II (1942-1944) because rubber and helium were needed for the war effort. as Thanksgiving.

• A male turkey is called a “tom” and a female turkey is a • President Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the date of Thanksgiving to the Thursday before the last Thursday in November in 1939 “hen.” While the male turkey gobbles, a female turkey clucks. The to make the Christmas shopping season longer and stimulate the skin that hangs from a turkey’s neck is called the wattle.

• The American Automobile Association projects approxieconomy. mately 42.2 million travelers will take a trip of at least 50 miles from • In 1941 Congress passed an official proclamation declaring that the fourth Thursday of November be observed as the legal holiday their home during the Thanksgiving holiday.

• Have questions about cooking your turkey? Visit www.eatof Thanksgiving.

• President Harry S. Truman gave the first official Presidential turkey.com, the official Web site of the National Turkey Federation.

Throughout America we will gather on Thanksgiving to eat din“pardon” to a Thanksgiving turkey in 1947.

• Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be named the na- ner with family and friends, watch football and holiday parades and tional bird of the United States. Thomas Jefferson opposed this and make wishes as we snap the turkey’s wishbone. As you gather, give pushed to make the eagle the national bird. Some believe it was Ben special thanks to the men and women who serve in our military, as well as the firefighters, police, hospital workers and many others who will Franklin who named the male turkey “Tom” to get back at Jefferson.

• Turkeys are the only breed of poultry native to the Western be away from the table making sure we have a safe and happy holiday!

Hemisphere. Domesticated turkeys cannot fly, however wild turkeys can fly for short distances at speeds up to 55 miles per hour.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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19

On the

Water

Rockfish Cook-Off Call For Junior Chefs

T

he 2011 East Coast Commercial Fisherman’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition is fast approaching, and this year’s show will once again be offering young chefs a chance to show off their skills.

This year’s expo will mark the 13th year of the East Coast Junior Watermen’s Show, and all chefs between the ages of 7 and 17 are encouraged to enter their best Rockfish recipes in the 4th Annual Junior Chefs Rockfish Cook-Off. The top ten finalists will compete in the Cook-Off on Saturday, January 29 in Ocean City.

The contest will consist of two age groups, 7 to 12 and 13 to 17. Five finalists will be selected from each age group to compete for cash prizes and plaques. First place will receive $200 and a plaque, second place will receive $100 and a plaque and third place will receive $50 and a plaque. All finalists will receive Rockfish pins, aprons and certificates.

All entries are due by Monday, December 13. Finalists will be notified by Thursday, January 7, 2011. A daytime phone number is required on all entry forms in order for finalists to be notified. The recipe should be an original entrée or main dish. Each finalist will receive two pounds of rockfish fillets to use the day of the competition. All other ingredients and cooking utensils are the contestants’ responsibility. Judging will be based on taste, originality, appearance (or attractiveness), and predominance of rockfish. Parental permission and supervision must be provided.

The Cook-Off is sponsored by University of Delaware Sea Grant Program, University of Maryland Sea Grant and the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Seafood Marketing Program. For a list of all official rules and regulations, as well as an entry form, please email Doris Hicks at dhicks@udel.edu or visit www. marylandseafood.org.

Mattie Janis, of Newark, Del., prepares her recipe, Rockfish with Jicama and Pepper Relis.

She placed third in the Junior Rockfish Cooking Contest on Jan. 30.

‘Good Fences Make Good Neighbors’

By Sherrod Sturrock

T

he year is winding round again. Burnished leaves glow against bright blue skies. There is a light frost in the mornings now. The insect world is creeping indoors seeking refuge from the oncoming cold.

The light is fading; darkness swallowing both ends of the day. I always think of spring and fall as the edges of the year, a buffer between the bright heat and humidity of summer and the frigid cold and dark of winter. A kind of fence …

An interesting metaphor – the fence: “Good fences make good neighbors,” they say. Fences mark boundaries; they help us define and stake claim to our bit of the world.

They hold some things in and keep others out. They can be functional, practical, decorative, fanciful, or metaphorical.

This is the idea behind a Smithsonian traveling exhibit entitled “Between Fences” that will come to the Boyden Gallery at St. Mary’s College in January. The Calvert Marine Museum has joined more than a dozen organizations to bring a local perspective to this exhibit. Facing Fences – Southern Maryland, will provide many different interpretations of this good word. The Smithsonian exhibit focuses on literal fences while the Southern Maryland offerings cover a world of ideas including the metaphorical fences created by religious bias, race, education, culture, disabilities, competing land use, domestic violence, addiction, and sexual identity.

Each organization is creating a 4’ x 9’ panel to illustrate the “fence” they are discussing. The exhibit will be on view from January 17 through March 4 at the Boyden Gallery.

In conjunction with this exhibit, a neighborhood network led by Vicki and Dusty Rhoades from the Community Mediation Centers of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties will

foster community discussions around all of these topics.

Libraries, schools, museums, advocacy groups, interfaith groups, and environmental groups are coming together to discuss, debate, and dissect the things that divide and separate us as a community. It is an exciting and worthy undertaking and one that anyone concerned about the quality of life in Southern Maryland should take advantage of. You can learn about the many activities related to this exhibit by visiting the Boyden Gallery website at http:// www.smcm.edu/boydengallery/fences-community-events. html.

Our own contribution to this effort is the discussion around the Calvert Cliffs – a very imposing division between land and water that has come to mean many different things, depending on whether you live atop them, are seeking the fossils buried within them, depending on the eroding face for your habitat, or like to stroll beneath them. Join us January 20 when Dr. Ralph Eshelman leads a talk entitled Who Cares? The Human Perspective. A community discussion will follow led by the Calvert Library. And do plan to visit the exhibit. These, after all, are our fences.

Sherrod Sturrock is the Deputy Director of the Calvert Marine Museum. Send comments to: sturrosa@co.cal. md.us.

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It’s the Holiday Season

By Joyce Baki

T

he annual Hospice Festival of Trees is upon us – from 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 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.

Solomons celebrates the 26th annual Christmas Walk on Friday and Saturday, December 3 and 4. Stroll luminaryfilled streets and enjoy seasonal sights and sounds. It is a fun-filled evening of children’s activities, crafts, a live puppet show and business open houses. Santa will light the tree at the Solomons Riverwalk Pavilion at 6 p.m. on Fri-

Out&About

day and the Calvert Marine Museum will host Christmas Crafts for kids, refreshments and live holiday music from 6 to 9 p.m. Children can give their wish lists to Santa at “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, December 4, at the Naughty Gull Restaurant at Spring Grove Marina.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 410-326-4855. Weather permitting, the Solomons Lighted Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 4. For more information on holiday events in Solomons, visit online: www.solomonsmaryland.com.

Looking for special one-of-a-kind gifts?

Annmarie Garden’s monthly Maker’s Market is Saturday, December 4, 2010, from 9 a.m. – noon in Solomons, Md. Enjoy holiday shopping with over 50 vendors presenting a wonderful mix of soap, soup, scarves, handmade fleece blankets and wool coats for your pets. Start your Saturday with sustainable shopping and “buy local” for all your holiday needs. www.annmariegarden.org.

Everyone loves a parade – and Calvert County has two great parades that herald in the holidays. On Saturday, December 4, Santa makes a grand entrance at the Bay Business Group Holiday Parade in North Beach. Parade watchers should be in place along the boardwalk by noon to see bands, floats, antique cars and motorcycles, kids on bikes and pets with their owners march along Bay Avenue from 1st to 7th Streets. After the parade, the Town of North Beach lights its holiday tree on the boardwalk and children can climb on Santa’s lap to give him their wish lists. Enjoy roasted marshmallows over a bonfire on the beach then walk along the decorated streets and enjoy “hassle-free” shopping at the many charming stores and antique shops offering unique gifts for that hardto-buy-for person on your list.

On Sunday, December 5, the Optimist Clubs of Calvert County and the Calvert County Fair Board team to welcome Santa to Prince Frederick. The parade, held at Fox Run Shopping Center, includes marching bands, ROTC and scout groups, 4H clubs, floats and fire trucks. And of course the big man himself will be there – towed on his sleigh by an antique farm tractor! The parade begins at 2 p.m. For more information call 410-535-0026.

The Lusby Business Association presents the Lusby Town Center’s first tree lighting on Sunday, December 5, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Bank of America. Santa Claus will arrive in grand style courtesy of the Solomons Fire Department and kick off the holiday season with the official tree lighting. The event will also include a small festival of trees sponsored by local businesses. Other activities include live music, pictures with Santa Claus and local business giveaways. The event is free and open to the public and the town tree and festival of trees will be on display until January 1, 2011. www. shoplusby.com.

Looking for a traditional wreath for your door? Attend the Greens Sale & Beach Hayride at American Chestnut Land Trust on December 11 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Purchase fresh-cut decorative evergreens, drink hot cider and take the family on a beach

hayride. The greens sale benefits the Warrior’s Rest Sanctuary. For more information, visit www.acltweb.org.

The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum invites you to share in a holiday tradition as their “conductors” read a classic children’s Christmas story, “The Polar Express,” on Tuesday, December 21, at 6 p.m. The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum is housed in the former Chesapeake Beach train station that sat at the end of a 32-mile track originating in Washington, DC. Learn more about this event at www.cbrm.org.

Surround yourself with one-of-a-kind, handmade creations at Annmarie Garden’s annual Garden in Lights.

Mythical creatures, spectacular wild animals, illuminated works of art, hidden beasts, romantic dancers and more will delight all ages. Don’t forget to ask for a “holiday I spy” program. After your walk, enjoy a hot drink, entertainment, the Ornament Show and the Celebrations Glass Exhibit in the Arts Building. Garden in Lights runs through January 2, 2011. Check the Web site for more information: www. annmariegarden.org.

Thursday, November-2010

21

Fur and Feathers Real Men Hunt Ducks

By Keith McGuire

S

ome years ago Richard Fleshman invited me to join his group on a hunt for canvas backs. His buddies Jimmy Clippard and Hector Dawson would complete the foursome. They had everything that was needed for the adventure; all I needed to bring were waders and a shotgun with #4 steel shot.

Richard was, at heart, a deer hunter, but always made time for duck hunting. He said duck hunting was an experience for real men.

According to Richard, Jimmy could hit a bufflehead at 60 yards with absolute perfection. Hector spent more time duck-hunting than working from October through January.

Jimmy had a small aluminum boat, motor and trailer that could be used to set decoys and retrieve ducks that fell out of range of Cracker Jack, Richard’s yellow lab.

In the dense fog and darkness of the early morning I learned that Jimmy’s boat is largely unused except during duck season. Duck hunters, it seems, aren’t all that particular about the condition of their boats! We loaded all of the decoys into the boat and set them in an attractive and close array. Jimmy let us off at the blind and parked the boat around the point just yards away.

The blind was a really nice affair – something ordinary folks might have lived in during the early American frontier. It was brushed to hide the structure, or at least to make it look like something obscure that had been scuttled in the weeds 50 years ago.

Inside were creature comforts galore. There was a Coleman camp stove, a kerosene heater, hooks for coats and gun cases, a clothesline for hanging gloves to dry, and a special place for the dog. It was open above a 4-foot wall on the water side with a roof that protruded

22

out beyond the wall at about 7-feet high. The corners had similar openings on the sides to allow shooting to the right or left.

Hector started a pot of coffee on the Coleman stove and then started cooking some special sausage that he purchased from a favorite butcher. With these smells wafting through the blind, Richard started telling a funny tale about how to cook merganser. Raucous laughter soon filled the air around the blind, when Richard abruptly became quiet. It was sunrise.

“Listen!” We all fell silent as we strained to hear the whisper of duck wings above us in the dense fog. In the haze over the decoys a canvas back splashed onto the water from out of nowhere.

We watched as the duck surveyed the situation, obviously realizing that it had landed in a convention of duck mannequins. Before long it eased to the edge of the decoys and took flight. Richard blasted from the left corner of the blind and the duck fell. Cracker Jack was in the water right away and dutifully returned with the only canvas back of the day.

The fog lifted quickly to reveal blue skies. By 10:00 AM it became obvious that the ducks weren’t coming. Feeling like real men, full from breakfast and warm from the heater, we realized that one duck would have to do.

As we packed up everything and gathered the decoys, a bufflehead came through at 60 yards. Jimmy blasted three shots as the duck disappeared on the horizon. Our day was done! Thorough gun cleaning was not required.

I will be offering stories of hunting adventures in future articles for this column.

If you have a particularly interesting story, drop me an email at riverdancekeith@hotmail.com. Be safe and enjoy the season.

Thursday, November-2010

Local Jazz Cabaret Performer a Fixture in Southern Maryland

T

he difference between a Jazz Cabaret and a typical jazz session is the fact that there is only one person on the stage, said Gretchen Richie, a local jazz singer and the featured entertainer at Café des Artistes in Leonardtown for 10 years.

Photos courtesy of Gretchen Richie

“It’s a much more intimate thing between the performer and the audience,” Richie said. While pure jazz has a lot of room for improvisation, songs in a jazz cabaret have a definite beginning, middle and end. While there is a little room for spontaneity, for the most part the songs will sound the same each time they are performed.

Richie said she has been performing since she was in the second grade.

“I was picked out of my class to do a solo verse of Billy Boy,” Richie said.

Richie said when she was in junior high school, she was in a chorus and a band called “Me and the Other Guys.” With that group, Richie played at school dances and church functions.

“It was the first time I ever got paid,” Richie said.

She began working seriously as a songwriter and performer in 1975. Around that time she was living in California and performing in coffee houses and pick-up bands in a college town. Around the same time, Richie moved to Los Angeles, where a sponsor who paid for her cost of living for six months so she could devote all her time and energy to getting a demo tape together approached her. She said the sponsor was her “guardian angel.”

Richie said she cut a demo tape and sent it around Los Angeles, where it got some attention but nothing really came of it.

Eventually, she took on a full-time day job to continue supporting herself.

In 1988, Richie said she moved back to Maryland. Her husband is a jazz pianist, and they began performing together around their jobs.

“We started fitting it in here and there,” Richie said.

She and her husband moved to St. Mary’s County in 1996. Richie said when she first moved to St. Mary’s, “there was hardly anything here.”

They played their first gig at The Willows, which no longer exists, during a New Years Eve party.

“We started getting out act together,” Richie said. She found it ironic that it took moving away from the larger city, to a place with a significantly smaller number of venues, for her and her husband to begin focusing more on their music.

Where people who perform songs by rock or county artists call their pieces “covers,” Richie said when somebody performs a jazz piece by another artist, the piece is called a “jazz standard.”

“It’s almost like the classical music,” Richie said. People don’t “cover” Mozart or Beethoven. The music is also very adaptable, Richie said. People can substitute instruments in or out to get different sounds and change the tempo for a different feel to the song.

“The reason they’re hits is not because they’re catchy, but because they’re great,” Richie said.

Richie said many jazz standards are a part of the “Great American Songbook.” These are songs by people like George Gershwin and Frank Sinatra, which are heard everywhere and have influenced music of all different genres.

The songs can also be dissected and each piece can stand alone.

“It all just holds up,” Richie said.

People wanting to experience a live Jazz Cabaret, Gretchen Richie can be found regularly at Café des Artistes in Leonardtown a couple times a month, The Westlawn Inn in North Beach once a month or the Back Creek Bistro in Dowell a once times a month, among other performances.

Some of Richie’s performances have specific themes, like her upcoming concert on Nov. 18 where she will be performing “The Music of Gershwin” at Café des Artistes. She has also put out two CDs- “Close Your Eyes” in 2001 and “It Could Happen to You” in 2005.

Richie’s next scheduled performance is “Jazz After Hours with Dancing” at Café des Artistes on Nov. 13 at 8 p.m.

For a full calendar of performances, or for information on CD purchases, go to www. gretchenrichie.com. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@

somdpublishing.net

Thursday, November-2010

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Come with the family and enjoy: Holiday Discounts • Music on the Square • Sleigh Rides with Santa

Thursday, November-2010

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