implicitly.Spoelker’sadmittedabuseofhimwasabetrayaloftwoofthosetrusts,Watlingsaid.“Heabusedhispo by David Noss

County

The

Thursday, December 13, 2007 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland

P IN

St. Mary’s Largest And Only Locally Owned Newspaper

More Money For Salaries, Less For Critical Equipment The Board of County Commissioners approved an increase in state funding on Tuesday that provides an additional $19,902 from Maryland Emergency Management Agency to St. Mary’s County Emergency Management. The additional funds will be used for department salaries. Immediately following, the Commissioners approved a decrease in state and county funding to the St. Mary’s County Advanced Life Support Unit of $29, 328. The money had been planned to purchase new defibulators for ALS.

BAE Systems Continue Library Support

Times PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No. 145 Waldorf, MD

EY POINT LIGHTH

SE OU

Thank You!

16,799 Readers

Lady Seahawk’s Win Again See Story pg. B-1

“

We know who’s going to play on game day and everyone has to produce” - Coach Barb Bausch

Student Critically Injured In School Bus Accident By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Students, faculty and staff at Leonardtown High School are rallying in support of a freshman girl who was struck by a county school bus Monday after she had been dropped off moments before by her own bus on St. Andrews Church Road. Officials with St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office say that 14-

Rich Anderson, VP, BAE Systems presented a $1000 check on Tuesday to Kathleen Rief, Director, St. Mary’s County Library to kickoff a $10,000 business community fund drive required to match an $18,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. BAE Systems has a long history of support to the Library System including support to provide wireless internet and wireless computers to all three St. Mary’s Libraries, a first in Maryland.

Established 2006 • Volume 2 • Issue 50

year-old Briana Upchurch has been released from the Intensive Care Unit at Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly and is in stable condition. Upchurch underwent surgery Monday to remove her spleen, according to sheriff’s office information. Leonardtown High School Principal David O’Neill said the school body was saddened by the accident but were hoping for See Struck page A-

St. John’s Students Send Christmas Cheer To Troops By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Falling Short Bay Restoration Goal:

“

We are not going to hit it by 2010” - Martin O’Malley Maryland Governor

On Wednesday the governors of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania as well as D.C. Mayor Adrian Fently meet in Annapolis for a closed-door meeting of the Chesapeake Executive Council, which includes governors from the six states in the bay watershed. The group conceded that they are unlikely to meet bay restoration goals by 2010. The Environmental Protection Agency told the group that goals for bay pollution reduction by 2010 that were set forth by the Chesapeake states in a 2000 agreement cannot be met at the current pace.

100 New Townhouses Planned for Hollywood

The old Swing & Swat in Hollywood, MD

The St. Mary’s County Planning Commission gave concept site plan approval Monday evening for Virginia Knolls Subdivision located at 44232 Greenery Lane. The project includes 100 three-story townhouses on 20 acres. The developer is planning to sell these homes to people 55 or older due to lack of school seats in the Hollywood area. Virginia Knolls will be located at the site of the former Swing and Swat recreation center

Inside Op.-Ed .......... Obituaries..... Community... Police ............ Classifieds..... Thursday Showers 44°

Page A - 4 Page A - 8 Page B - 4 Page B - 7 Page B - 9

For Continual News Updates Visit:

Friday Partly Cloudy 49°

somd.com Saturday Showers 39°

Photo by Guy Leonard

Hannah Selby, 13, and Jordan Higgs, 5, both students at St. John’s School in Hollywood sort through items for stocking stuffing bound for troops in the 82nd Airborne Division serving near Baghdad, Iraq.

The War on Terror overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan has affected many in the local community with deployments to the battlefronts, but their families are just as pressed when they leave. Add to that the coming Christmas Holiday season, and the situation here and over there could get pretty depressing. But teachers and students at St. John’s School in Hollywood are making sure that troops in one particular unit of the 82nd Airborne Division near Baghdad will have some Christmas cheer directly from stateside. Shannon Armsworthy, a 4th See St. John’s page A-

Students Molestation Victim Beware Confronts Abuser In Court Andrea Shiell Staff Writer Teenagers who have entertained ideas of altering their report cards or lying to their parents about where they were during history class may want to think twice. New technology being put in place in St. Mary’s County is making parents wiser. A demonstration of eSchools Plus software occurred at the St. Mary’s County Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday. Presenting the new tool for educators were Bill Caplans and Scott Smith, who set up the demonstration to illustrate the advantages of the new system to students and parents. Using this system, parents and students can look up student class schedules, attendance reports, grades on quizzes, tests and assignments, work covered in class, teachers’ rubrics or grading criteria, class handouts and worksheets, and special notes on assignments. A comprehensive breakdown of student performance is available showing grades for participation, attendance, and homework. Also available to parents are detailed descriptions of course offerings and information on course requests. Teachers can also add explanatory notes to grades or attendance reports to show student tardiness, and to record student visits to the nurse’s office, administrative offices, time spent on field trips, or time spent on suspension. This system allows teachers to exchange notes on student health conditions and behavior, and See Software page A-

Xaverian Brother Pleads Guilty To Child and firemen could be trusted implicitly. Abuse Spoelker’s admitted abuse of him was By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Thomas Robert Watling, the man who was abused by his 9th grade Xaverian brother biology teacher nearly 30 years ago, confronted his molester in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court Monday. Bro. Philip Michael Spoelker, the former Ryken High School teacher who was arrested in Florida by investigators for the crime earlier this fall, pleaded guilty to child abuse and received an 18-month sentence to be served in the St. Mary’s County Detention Center in lieu of a five year sentence to be served in the Department of Corrections. Watling said in his statement before Judge Michael J. Stamm’s court that children are always taught to stay away from strangers but people such as clergy, teachers, police

a betrayal of two of those trusts, Watling said. “ H e abused his power and authority and violated that trust and he violated me personally in the worst possible way,” Philip Michael Spoelker Watling said. “He shaped the course of my life See Spoelker page A-10

Weekly Specials Inside!

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Hollywood Man Charged With Attempted Arson By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Investigators with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office have arrested and charged a 20-year-old Hollywood man for allegedly setting a fire in an aviation business at the Walter Francis Duke Regional Airport in California early Monday morning. According to information from the fire marshal’s office the suspect James J. Ickes III is also a member of the Bay District Volunteer

Fire Department and an employee of the business where the fire took place. Wayne Johnson, chief of the Bay District Fire Department, said that Ickes had only joined the department six weeks ago and had yet to go through any training as a fire fighter. “He’s never fought a fire with us and he’s never rode on an apparatus with us,” Johnson said. “And he’s been dropped from our membership pending the outcome of these charges.” Ickes went through a

background check with the Bay District department that turned up negative. “As far as I know he was clean,” Johnson said. “We do background checks on all our members.” Ickes has been charged with attempted second-degree arson and could face 20 years in prison if convicted of the crime or upto $30,000 in fines. According to charging documents filed against Ickes, investigators allege that the suspect intentionally set fire to a refuse container

in the bathroom located in the office of Airtec Aviation located at the regional airport. Airtec is a private business consisting of a hanger, office and parked airplanes. Damage to the building was minimal according to charging documents, only the waste can and its contents were burned; the tally of damage was estimated at about $50. According to charging documents investigators were able to narrow their search to Ickes when they watched security surveillance of him

allegedly entering the Airtec building at 3:16 a.m. Monday and head towards the bathroom. Investigators allege in charging documents that when first questioned about the fire, Ickes stated that he accidentally dropped a cigarette in the trash container, but later recanted when investigators found no cigarette butt in the waste container. According to charging documents Ickes admitted in a written statement that he intentionally started the bathroom fire using his cigarette lighter.

Investigators report that the fire burned itself out shortly after being set and that the fire sprinkler system did not activate; there was no response from local fire departments. Employees first noticed that there may have been a fire at the office when they first arrived at about 7:35 a.m. Monday and detected an odor of smoke. The day of the fire, investigators issued warrant for Ickes’ arrest and he was later taken into custody without incident, according to information from the fire marshal’s office.

Investigators Arrest Serial Burglary Suspect By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Christmas Eve Family Service at 6:00 PM Christmas Eve St. Marie’s Musica Candlelight TriniTy Concert: Dec 10 at LuTheran Communion Service ChurCh 7:30 PM at 8:00 PM 46707 Shangri-La Drive Advent Services: Dec 12 and 19 at 6:00 PM

Lexington Park, MD 20653

301-863-9512

THE GIfT Of MEMOrIES An unopened

gift sat in Dad’s old rocking chair. There was no tag on it, and the mysterious package had everyone in the family guessing as we gathered together for Christmas din‑ ner. I admit, I had been ap‑ prehensive about the holiday season this year because it was our first since Dad had passed away. You see, he just loved this time of year. His joy and enthusiasm made the holidays for this family, and it was hard to imagine that they were here, and he wasn’t.

Although the mystery of the

gift seemed too bring our family closer together, I wondered how not having Dad here would affect us…especially my Mother. She remi‑ nisced about their second Christmas together. They had just learned she was expecting their first child. How special that Christmas was! Every‑ one loved hearing Mom tell the story. Like many times before, our family enjoyed a wonderful dinner, but this year we also shared memories of holi‑ days past, espe‑ cially those with Dad.

Soon, it was time to exchange our gifts. As the younger grandchil‑ Butinto he the didbrightly not support dren eagerly tore Dyson’s current move to put wrapped packages, it took the college under the state me back to when I was a child. Dad had always made Christmas special for us, tingly said. “I think they’ve anddone he always seemed extremely welltoand it know how pick just the to would be to a terrible mistake right gift.

solve the problem… inally, theit’s just

only unopened package O’Donnell said he would that remained was the one on Dad’s chair. We weren’t sure who should son in Annapolis to change governance structure of open it, butthe after some discussion, we agreed that it should be my old‑ est son, since he had always been very close to his Grandfather. He said it was an honor to be chosen, and there were smiles and tears all around when we saw return on their investment by the gift was a handsome, framed portrait where from 8 to 12 minutes, of Dad‑just butthe a fire typically burns out way we all re‑ of control within 6 minutes. membered The him.commissioners observed extinguishing a fire Whosystem in less than 50 seconds, this a live simulation of a sprinkler

in our family had been thought‑ There were 111 residential ful enough fires to give us this gift?County It in in St. Mary’s still remains a mystery, but it made erty all damage throughout me realize that memories are a the county in 2005, according to gift‑ours tothecherish forCenter the rest National for of Injury our lives. Having them helps us Mattingly responded to keep Dad as close as our hearts.

Detectives with the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations have arrested a suspect they say in responsible for a string of burglaries stretching from Lexington Park to Valley Lee between Nov. 28 and Dec. 9. Investigators have charged Johnnie William Raines, Jr, 30, of no fixed address, with no less than 14 separate counts of various offenses ranging from first degree burglary and theft to malicious destruction of property. Detectives arrested Raines the night of Dec. 9 on a robbery patrol in an unmarked squad car in Lexington Park, according to charging documents, and arrested Raines without incident. Lt. Rick Burris, commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, was

pleased to have Raines in custody. “He was a little crime wave,” Burris told The County Times. “He was on a crime spree.” In charging documents investigators allege Raines was responsible for stealing items such as firearms, leather jackets, a flat-screen television and valuable coins. Raines confessed to seven separate thefts, charging documents state. According to charging documents Raines allegedly burgled an unlocked vehicle, private residences, two delicatessens, a local convenience store and a local Pentecostal church. Charging documents further revealed that Raines had been charged with a previous burglary of a business and was out on bail for that charge. Investigators claim in court papers that Raines sold

or traded the items he allegedly stole for cocaine. Raines also faces a third set of charges, including burglary, for another incident back in November. In that case detectives allege that Raines was one of several suspects responsible for breaking into a store house at Nicolette Skate Park and stealing skate boards, skate board parts, candy and snacks. Raines was also charged with trespassing on the county property and malicious destruction of property. Raines was scheduled to appear in District Court Dec. 13 on the charges filed in November. All told, Raines faces 21 separate charges in three different cases that have occurred within the past two months.

The Next Time You Pull Your Insurance Renewal Out Of The Mail Box, Give Us A Call.

You’ll Be Glad You Did. Erie Insurance Group can provide real savings on your insurance program. Please see the below table from the Maryland Insurance Division, comparing Auto rates. As developed by he Maryland Insurance Administration. For full details see the Comparison Guide for Maryland Auto Insurance rates, St. Mary’s County. August 2005.

www.mdinsurance.state.md.us Married Couple Age 35 with Good Credit Reporting

ERIE INSURANCE EXCHANGE Allstate Indemnity Farmers New Century Nationwide Mutual Peninsula Insurance Co. State Auto Insurance Co. State Farm Mutual USAA

$899 $1,046 $1,332 $1,204 $1,292 $1,376 $1,495 $1,504

tion saying he wouldn’t move to a new state with his ideas, and that he was born here and people would have to put up

Wishing your family the gift of memories… Michael K. Gardiner, C.F.S.P., C.P.C. Funeral Director/President

An Independent Family-Owned Funeral Home Serving Southern Maryland for over 100 Years

M. Kevin Gardiner, Jr.made C.P.C. his After Mattingly Funeral Director

onded it so it could be voted

M AT T I N G L E Y-

“I seconded the motion Jake Kuntz • Donna Burris • Dan Burris • Amy Muchow • Gary Simpson

tingly deserved to have the ey said just before he voted against the motion, “we all know he feels so passionate Providing trusted service to the community for over 100 Years about it20650 and I thought for this 41590 Fenwick Street • P.O. Box 270 • Leonardtown, Maryland motion to be held out there www.mgfh.com without a second would be

(301)-475-8500

Burris’ Olde Towne Insurance Auto - Home - Business - Life Leonardtown & La Plata Bus: (301) 475-3151 • (800) 872-8010 (301) 934-8437 Charles County www.danburris.com An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP

ERIE®

Thursday, December 13, 2007

The County Times

Section A -

St. George’s Islanders Helping Give Ospreys A New Home By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Utility poles on St. George’s Island will soon come down, and with them potential homes for ospreys

their property. “We’re going to construct between 12 and 20 osprey platforms on people’s property,” Short told The County Times. “We’re trying to make sure [the ospreys] have a home when they come back in March.” Short has been in contact with the St. George’s Island Improvement Association since about late fall according to the association’s president Adrian Pratt, who has already

put her name into consideration for an osprey platform. “I think they’re really neat to watch,” Pratt said of the ospreys. “It’s part of the allure of the island; that we have all this wildlife.” Unfortunately, when the natural fauna that makes St. George’s Island such an attractive place to live collides with the trappings of modern man, both can come out as losers. One case in point is the

death of ospreys which touch down on the Island’s power lines, Short said. “They try and land on the cross arms and then come in contact with an energized line, and if they’re touching the pole and become grounded they get electrocuted,” Short said. Another nuisance caused by the birds was the nesting branches they left on top of the poles, sometimes abandoned midway through con-

struction, Pratt said. “It’ll stay there all year,” she said. “They get wet and fall down and short the power lines out and everyone loses power.” This has happened to her at least once in her eight or so years of living on St. George’s Island, Pratt said. So far, according to Short, more than 40 people have volunteered for the osprey program. He said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will give

advice on the project, which is expected to start in January. “Homeowners are very happy,” Short said of the project. Osprey’s were at one time an endangered species dating back several decades, Short said, but since that time the species has had a resurgence. “They’ve bounced back heavily,” Short said.

Dec. 14th through Dec. 27th 2007

Holiday Hours: Dec. 24th, 7am - 6pm Dec. 25th, Christmas Day, Closed Photo by Guy Leonard

Old utility poles like this one on St. George’s Island are coming down in favor of new ones that won’t allow birds like ospreys to nest on top of them. SMECO is working with homeowners to place osprey platforms on their property when the birds return in the spring.

that try to make their nest at their very top. But the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is not going to leave the migratory birds without a home when they come back in the spring. Tommy Short, coordinator for environmental affairs for SMECO, said homeowners are stepping up to take in the ospreys by volunteering to have nesting pylons put on

Middle School Student’s Hair Set On Fire By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A student at Spring Ridge Middle School was arrested last week and charged with second-degree assault for allegedly setting another student’s hair on fire. Both students involved were 13 years old, according to information from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. “One student took a lighter to the hair of another,” said Scott Smith, director of Secondary Instruction for St. Mary’s County Public Schools. “There was no real injury, it was strictly cosmetic but it’s an attack on another student and it was dealt with accordingly.” Smith said the student accused of the crime was on a 10-day suspension and could face an expulsion hearing. In recent years Spring Ridge Middle School has struggled to have a positive image since disciplinary referrals were a common occurrence at the school. But things have gotten better at the school, Smith said. “Their rate of referral and disciplinary actions is half of what it was in the 2005 to 2006 school year,” Smith said.

12 Days Until Christmas

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Editorial & Opinion Under The Cover of Darkness, Marylanders Lose Again It was March 28, 1984, more than 23 years ago on a snowy night, the Mayflower moving vans pulled up to the Baltimore Colts offices and training facility in Owings Mills, Maryland. Under the cover of darkness, owner of the Colts, Robert Irsay packed the storied franchise into the moving trucks and headed to Indianapolis. When the residents of Maryland woke the next morning we all felt as if we had been robbed. Few people remembered from that awful night in Maryland’s sports history that only a few hours

before, the Maryland State Legislature had just passed a law, which gave the City of Baltimore the power to seize control and take ownership of the Colts under the cover of eminent domain. While it may be true, Colts owner Robert Irsay was attempting to hold the City of Baltimore hostage in order to have the city pay for much needed improvements to Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, still Irsay was forced to protect the assets that his family had worked hard to amass, by packing up and fleeing from the government that was ready to take

his business away. You would think the Maryland Legislature would have learned a costly lesson on that fable night. Knee jerk public policy comes at a high price. Enacting legislation without careful consideration and public input will have repercussions that may cause more harm than good. Last month, the Maryland Legislature, with one party control, did it again. Under the cover of darkness, late at night, with no public input and rules that forced the dissenting minority party to sit down and shut up, Maryland lawmakers

Letter To Editor: SMHEC Generosity I read with interest you article about the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center and Dr. Mel Powell’s plan for expansion. I would like to commend Dr. Powell, Board of Governors Chairman Joseph Anderson and the SMHEC staff for their willingness to allow non-profit organizations like COSMIC Symphony, the community’s orchestra, to use the multi-purpose room at their facility for weekly rehearsals. Outgrowing other rehearsal spaces, it became necessary for COSMIC Symphony to find a room that would accommodate our growing community orchestra and Dr. Powell and his staff made the move to SMHEC an easy one. For nearly a year COSMIC’s 55 member orchestra has enjoyed weekly rehearsals at this fine facility. We are grateful for the generosity of Dr. Powell and the SMHEC staff and look forward to seeing the expansion of this wonderful campus. They understand that participating in a community orchestra is truly a continuing education opportunity. They appreciate the significance that music plays in the life of community players as well as the enrichment COSMIC’s music brings to our community. Their enthusiasm is priceless!

Truly yours in music, Laura A. Theofilis President, Board of Directors, COSMIC Symphony

The Boathouse Decision – Shameful and Cowardly So it is done. The St Mary’s College Board of Trustees has now ratified its own decision, taken long ago, on the boathouse. Leave it where it is. And since the college is virtually autonomous, there is no appeal to the decision, except to the governor or God Himself. The governor, of course, has no ties to Southern Maryland and seems to have his hands full at the current capital of Maryland. Probably he knows little of Historic St Mary City or its place in the history of his state and the nation. God must at least be very sad, maybe even angry. After all, was this not the site where He established religious tolerance in America? Would his children not honor such a place as this? But we know that God, in his infinite wisdom, does not interfere with the foibles of mankind. The Board of Trustees took its decision with hardly a whisper of protest from within the college community. One would expect that with all of the collective knowledge and presumed wisdom residing in an institution of higher learning that someone there would have had the intellectual honesty and intestinal fortitude to just say NO. This is wrong! A boat shed?! Not in that sacred and beautiful place! So we are dismayed at the timidity, but we try to understand. We know from various sources that some members of the college staff and faculty are as outraged as the outside community about this atrocity. Yet, such seems to be the power of the imperial presidency. In a tyranny, fear and intimidation rule. Dissent cannot be tolerated, as evidenced by the president’s attempts even to halt a public meeting on the subject that was not under her direct control. God has blessed this nation with some of the most beautiful landscapes and vistas – in its mountains, seashores, lakes, rivers and forests. Many of the original inhabitants here revered the land, the waterways, and lived modestly to preserve them for future generations. Some of our great artists, such as Andrew Wyeth, have portrayed in their canvases the natural beauty of this country, unembellished by human development. A hallmark of one of our greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, was to blend houses and other buildings that he designed into their natural environments. These artists and architects appreciated nature and our natural heritage. Instinctively they knew that there is little they can do to improve on the handiwork of God. And then there is the new boat shed that sticks out like a sore thumb. A grotesque aberration. A twenty-first century piece of junk put squarely into an ostensibly seventeenth-century setting on the once-beautiful St Mary’s River shoreline! The Trustees must be proud. We hope that they will soon erect a large monument to themselves in front of the boat shed to show future generations who was responsible for this assault on our sensibilities. On the monument should appear the names of the college president, every current trustee, and all of their enablers such as the county commission president who helped manage the building project around the environmental protection process. Perhaps the trustees’ next vote should be taken on who among them deserves the greatest credit and name the boat shed in his/her honor. The name should be prominently displayed on the face of the building for everyone driving north on Route 5 to see.

sacrificed good public policy for political expediency. Forced into special session to raise $1.3 billion in new tax revenues to support the tax and spend philosophy of the majority party, the governor had proposed increasing the sales tax by 20% in addition to adding a multitude of new services for which Marylanders would pay sales tax. A bill that would have made 32 services such as health clubs, parking facilities, tax services, beauty parlors and so forth eligible for sales tax was proposed. However, the lobbyist for

these groups were ready and staged demonstrations and protests that bought the legislators to their senses, albeit briefly. They dropped the proposed tax on these 32 services but were left needing to tax something else to raise the money, which they had promised the governor. With no public notice, no public hearings, and no chance for the opposition to illustrate the pitfalls, the Maryland Senate decided to tax the computer service industry. Maryland’s economy has become reliant on high-tech industries. Southern Maryland, especially St. Mary’s County has become a magnet for high-tech firms and talent. Maryland has erected signs along Route 235, Route 5 and Route 4, proclaiming St. Mary’s as a “high-tech corridor”. Making information

technology firms services subject to the 6% sales tax is a public policy mistake that will rob Marylanders once again. Neighboring states such as Virginia, which avoids taxing professional service industries will benefit in the long run at the expense of Maryland firms and Maryland jobs. Florida not long ago imposed a similar tax and repealed it less than a year later. With the information technology industry playing such an important roll in our economy in St. Mary’s, we would have hoped that our state delegation would have joined the minority party in opposing this fleecing of our economy in the middle of the night with knee-jerk legislation. Only Delegates O’Donnell and Wood stood strong against these bandits of the night, to no avail.

HVFD Thank’s You The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department wishes to thank all of the business that participated in our 2008 calendar. Profits from the calendar were used to purchase the new Hollywood Community Christmas Tree. Additional funding for the Community Tree was received from the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary, Hollywood Optimist Club, and the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department is proud to host the Community Christmas Tree. We hope that everyone enjoys this bright addition to the community of Hollywood.

Bill Mattingly President of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department

The Boathouse Decision -Thoughtful and Appropriate On Saturday, December 1, 2007, the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s College of Maryland held its quarterly meeting, and in that meeting, it received a recommendation from its Buildings and Grounds Committee regarding the location of the Rowing Center. After three meetings during which the committee deliberated on this matter, it concluded that the building should remain in its current location. The board concurred with the committee’s recommendation and voted so unanimously. We concluded that the current location of the rowing center is the only site that meets the functional and water safety requirements for this building. Since last August board members have been actively listening to all the discussion from the community and the college and the committee and the board carefully weighed the citizens’ objections against the safety and security needs of our students. These past four months were spent analyzing a complex array of issues including functionality, safety, limited available land, view sheds, aesthetics, cost and impacts to the environment before making our vote. The buildings and grounds committee also reviewed closely the report of the 4Cs advisory committee which contained several options regarding the placement of the building including maintaining the current location. As Maryland’s “monument school” established in 1840 as a living memorial to our founders, we are most sensitive to the historical significance of our place and our responsibility as stewards of this legacy. All plans for construction of the Rowing Center and River Center have been made with the interests of the environment, historic preservation, the student body, and the community in mind. All plans have been open to the public and have been approved by the state of Maryland’s Critical Areas Commission, Maryland Historical Trust, and the Board of Public Works. We do understand that part of the view of the river has been lost and acknowledge that this loss has caused deep concerns to some in our community. Given our limited land that is available for waterfront activity, there is simply no alternative location that can meet our functional and safety needs while at the same time preserving the entire view of the river. Mostly, we are saddened by the depth of the divide that now separates some members of the community from the college. In this regard, the board also took two other actions on Saturday. It voted approval of a Capital Design Advisory Committee whose responsibility will be to ensure that future building plans have active feedback from the community early in the planning process. The board also created a trustee level Community Relations Advisory Committee for the purpose of reviewing and encouraging further development of strong ties to our community. At the college, we are proud to be recognized as one of the finest undergraduate institutions in the country, and we are committed to a good neighbor policy that is in harmony with our educational mission. This is our commitment as the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees.

James P. Muldoon Chairman, Board of Trustees

Letters to the Editor If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please include your name, address and phone number for confirmation purposes. We will only publish your name and city of residence. We can withhold your name by request if circumstances merit it. We must receive all letters by Monday morning for publication in the next issue. Any letter received later than Monday will be held for the following issue.

Ken Heikkinen, St. Mary’s City

The County Times P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636 News, advertising, circulation, classifieds: 301-373-4125

James Manning McKay - Publisher Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Andrea Shiell - Government Correspondent............adamross@countytimes.net Chris Stevens - Sports Correspondent............... ........chrisstevens@countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Community Correspondent................guyleonard@countytimes.net Eileen McDonald - Advertising Rep...............eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net George Schaffer - Advertising Rep..................georgeschaffer@countytimes.net

The County Times

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Ramblings of a Country Girl

Mean, Nasty People Terri Bartz Bowles Do you think the percentage of the mean, nasty people portion of the population is rising? Or do we just notice it more at this time of year? Maybe the mean, nasty ones are just noticeable because their actions draw attention to them in a negative way. I suppose we must have them. After all, in the absence of evil, how do we know what’s good? There are different categories of mean, nasty people, too. There are the truly evil ones like murderers and rap-

ists. There are those who assault and abuse people. And those who steal and scam people. These mean, nasty people are all criminals. I don’t know what percentage of the population those kinds of criminals make up, but it’s small. However, the noncriminal mean, nasty people make up a larger percentage for sure! I’m talking about people whose actions hurt other people purposefully. I wonder what makes people that way? Some people have had a hard time of it, life is just difficult and they never seem to get a break.

You can sort of understand, not empathize mind you, but understand that the burdens of life have made them mean, nasty people. There are plenty of people who don’t have such problems but still manage to be awful people. They seem to enjoy spreading hate and discontent. They fulfill some need by being rude and ugly. They work at it. They make an effort to hurt other people. They spread rumors and tell outright lies. And it’s poisonous. The hatred and malcontent they such people spew forth multiplies and grows; it can be infectious.

Section A -

Maybe they do it for personal gain. Maybe they have a perverse sense of humor and they enjoy it. Maybe they’ve been hurt so they lash out and want to hurt others. In the end, why they do it doesn’t justify what they do. Negative multiplies but so does positive. Maybe we can’t change mean, nasty people but we don’t have to enable them either. Take the high road. Turn the other cheek. Return good for evil. Don’t let it get under your skin. Maybe we can combat the mean, nasty people in the world. Kindness and compassion are the tools. Oh, I know it’s hard. You think there aren’t a few people I’ve run across in my lifetime that I wouldn’t just like to slap? Sure there are! But then I’d be no better than them. That’s what I keep reminding myself, once you return their actions in kind; you’ve lowered yourself to their level. It’s not a place I want to be. Nothing would be gained by acting like the mean, nasty

people. It won’t stop them. I think it would take a personality transplant to change some of them. But we don’t have to fall into their ranks. Especially at this time of year, wouldn’t life be better if we just ignored the actions (as long as they’re not criminal actions, of course) of the mean, nasty people? Just don’t let them get to us? Not let them drag us down and make us unhappy or fretful or frustrated or angry? It’s definitely difficult to do but when you look back, you’re rarely sorry that you just ignored the meanness but you just might wish you hadn’t slapped the nasty person, whether literally or figuratively. We’ll always have the meanies with us but I think we can rise above their petty thoughts and actions. A place to start is not spreading rumors or gossip – mean, nasty people start telling untruths to gain something for themselves. When we spread rumors or gossip, we’re helping the meanies achieve their

goal. Another thing is to avoid arguing with meanies. They’ll stoop to any level and go to any length to hurt you or win the argument. They can’t win if there’s no argument. This will probably involve simply walking away or hanging up the phone. Good, do it. You’ll be better off in the long run. Avoid the negativity that emanates from meanies, it’ll just drag you down. I know it’s all easier said than done. I struggle with it myself. I don’t know the answers or the solutions or how to rid the world of mean, nasty people. I know only this – God didn’t put me on this earth to intentionally and maliciously hurt other people. So, I just keep plugging along reminding myself that what goes around, comes around and the meanies will reap what they sow. You can email the Country Girl at countrygirlramblings@gmail.com

Holiday Greetings

Letter To Editor Cont.: Festival of Trees Thank You from the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary for those who supported our St. Mary’s County Festival of Trees. The support we received from the County Times is greatly appreciated - many thanks! December 7, 2007 The Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary is most grateful to the sponsors of our Tenth Annual St. Mary’s County Festival of Trees: Bell Motor Company, Dr. Joyce W. Neal, MD, A. Shane Mattingly, Attorney, American Electronics, Inc. (AMELEX, Inc.), Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Brandywine Custom Parts, Bunny Bailey Studio of Dance, Chick-fil-A, Coombs Bus Truck Service, Dugan, McKissick, Wood Longmore, Dyson Lumber Company, Frank Trossbach, Griffin’s Flooring America, Guy Distributing Company, Harris Capristo, Attorneys, J.F. Taylor, Inc., JnJ Custom Stitches, Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, PA, Mehaffey and Associates, PC, M.I.L. Corporation, Outback Steak House, Peebles Department Store, Philip Riehl Insurance Agency, PNC Bank, Reeves Insurance Agency, Inc., Rex Coombs Music Services, The Printing Press, The St. Mary’s Rod and Classic Car Club and Wyle Laboratories. We had hoped to create a sense of warmth and friendliness during our event for the members of our community. As we watched our visitors talking and laughing together, reminiscing about Christmases past we knew we had attained our goal. The beautifully decorated wreaths and trees, the unique craft items for our silent auction, the lovely doll collection provided by Dot Bell, Frank Trossbach’s John Deere collection all helped provide this atmosphere for our visitors. Our event was successful because of these marvelous people – sponsors, exhibitors, donors, bidders and visitors. Members of the St. Nicholas Chapel on Base are sponsoring a joint effort between their congregations to send care packages to our troops overseas. On Friday evening we provided pictures to be colored and paper for letters to be written which will be used for this project. 80 young people participated in this activity. We, also, donated the money we received that evening for the tattoos to help with this very worthy cause. As with every fundraising venture a lot of help is needed. For eight days Frank Bell and Larry Wood of Bell Motor Company went out of their way to help us with this event. Our partners from the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad came out in force to help. We owe a special thank you to Julie Lemmon of the Leonardtown Commissioners’ Office who provided support for us; Erin Davis Dean for providing beautiful background music Friday evening; the talented students from the Bunny Bailey Studio of Dance who entertained on Sunday afternoon; the students from Leonardtown Middle School who have supported us from the beginning; Beth who incorporated our Sponsor List in the beautiful holiday scene at Bell Motor Company. On Sunday our young visitors were thrilled when Santa appeared and we thank Joe McKay for making the visit possible. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this project such a success. We are proud of our Squad members and are pleased that we can help provide them additional equipment which they can use in their service to our community. Again, thanks to one and all for your help. We are looking forward to next year when we will, once again, use the Bell Motor Company showroom on the Square in Leonardtown to celebrate the Season of Peace and Hope. Our plan is to focus on honoring our Armed Forces’ personnel. It is our prayer that 2008 will be a year of PEACE and good will among all people for all people. Sincerely, Johnny Coombs, Chairperson St. Mary’s County Festival of Trees Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary P.O. Box 299 Leonardtown, MD 20650

www.brinsfieldfuneral.com

Funeral Home, P.A.

We’re proud to serve this fine community and wish all of our Brinsfield Brinsfield- Echols neighbors peace and contentment Funeral Home, P.A. Funeral Home, P.A. during this magical time.

22955 Hollywood Road Leonardtown, Maryland 20650

301-475-5588

We thank you most sincerely for your trust in us.

30195 Three Notch Road, Route 5 Charlotte Hall, Maryland 20622

301-472-4400

Lindsley Committee Member

St. Mary's City City St. Mary’s DATE Fri. Dec. 14 Sat. Dec. 15 Sun. Dec. 16 Mon. Dec. 17 Tue. Dec. 18 Wed. Dec. 19 Thu. Dec. 20

Brinsf ield

LOW 12/13 10:42 p.m 12/14 11:22 p.m. 12:04 a.m. 12:49 a.m. 1:38 a.m. 2:31 a.m. 3:29 a.m.

HIGH 4:30 a.m. 5:16 a.m. 6:06 a.m. 7:01 a.m. 7:59 a.m. 8:58 a.m. 9:57 a.m.

LOW 10:37 p.m. 11:28 a.m. 12:24 p.m. 1:27 p.m. 2:35 p.m. 3:42 p.m. 4:47 p.m.

LOCATION Breton Bay Bushwood Wharf Colton's Point Point Lookout Piney Point Wicomico Beach Solomons Island

HIGH "+31 min." "+45 min." "+50 min." "-17 min." "+9 min." "+58 min." "+24 min."

LOW "+29 min." "+45 min." "+24 min." "+7 min." "-8 min." "+63 min." "+51 min."

HIGH 4:42 p.m. 5:32 p.m. 6:28 p.m. 7:28 p.m. 8:32 p.m. 9:35 p.m. 10:36 p.m.

Less than tWo weeks left until Christmas and you still haven’t found the ideal gift for that special someone? Don’t wait another moment- come see us in San Souci today! Rick’s 31 years of experience ensures you’ll find that one perfect gift you’ve looked everywhere for! Call us today 301-737-4241

Diamonds, Gemstones, Pearls, Grandfather Clocks, Mantel Clocks, Wall Clocks, Watches, Earrings, Chains, Gemstone Globes, Evening Purses, Jewelery Boxes & Armoires.. We do custom work including repairs and engraving. Extended Holiday Hours: Monday-Friday 9-8; Saturday 9-5; Sunday 11-4

Home of the original St. Mary’s County Hook Bracelet

The County Times

Section A - rate for his unit.â&#x20AC;? It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long after that that she decided to expand the effort to send more goodies to the troops. Soon students began bringing in loads of items to be stuffed into Christmas stockings. She said she misses her brother, Staff Sgt. Steven Spalding, and is concerned for the safety of the 20 other men in her brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unit. This was the least she could do to provide for some of their comfort, she said.

St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Continued from page A- grade teacher at St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, has a younger brother serving there, and she set about getting students to bring in all kinds of sundry items from playing cards to beef jerky to send over as care packages in time for the Christmas season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It started out really simple,â&#x20AC;? Armsworthy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All my brother wanted was a tree he could set up and deco-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coming home,â&#x20AC;? Armsworthy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just giving them a little piece of home.â&#x20AC;? On Dec. 7, students from Kindergarten to the 8th grade took time out of their school day to stuff the stockings for the troops, some of which have already been sent over to make sure the troops get them on time. St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student Hannah Selby, 13, of Hollywood, knows what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like to have a family member serving

Thursday, December 13, 2007

overseas in the war zone. Her father, a U.S. Army reservist spent time in Iraq back in 2004 for 18 months and she said she was always worried about him. She said her father survived an insurgent mortar

Robbie Booth, 10, a 5th grader at St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, is Spaldingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cousin; this care package drive was a personal errand of compassion for him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re supporting us while weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here and having Christ-

Karenan Bailey, a Kindergarten teacher at St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, said that when her brother John Junek served in the U.S. Navy in Iraq three years ago, care packages he received could be a real lifeline. It was important for the children to

At the Holiday Season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. Photo by Guy Leonard

Robbie Booth (far right), 10, of Hollywood and a 5 grade student at St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School in Hollywood stuffs a stocking full of goodies for troops serving in Iraq. Boothâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cousin is currently serving there and some of the items are meant for him. th

It is in this spirit we say... THANK YOU and BEST WISHES FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. Residents, Executive Director, Board of Directors, & Staff

Cedar Lane Apartments, Leonardtown

attack when the projectile landed close by but failed to explode. Getting care packages from home during those tough times really helped him get through, she said. She was more than happy to help out other soldiers in need by stuffing stockings for them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lonely,â&#x20AC;? Selby said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He [her father] was always happy to get things from home because that meant someone actually cared about him.â&#x20AC;?

mas while theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on duty,â&#x20AC;? Booth, of Hollywood, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope he stays safe over there so I can see him soon.â&#x20AC;? About 15 students got busy that Friday packing and repacking stockings full of the items they had brought in. Into the stockings went loads of candy, beef jerky, playing cards and games. Other items sent over to the troops in Spaldingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unit included magazines, newspapers, pens, pencils and paper for writing and even hot chocolate packets.

THE LAST DAYS! (% , $ 4( /6 52 3$ % ! 9

&2 )$ !9

DEALERS UP TO WELCOME

OFF

3ELECT )TEMS

RELINQUISHMENT COMES TO A CLOSE

The last days of the huge Remerchandising Relinquishment has arrived. Time has run out. Every piece of furniture and every set of bedding must and will be sold! The management of Thompsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Furniture City has ordered the remaining inventory sold to the public or to dealers at what it will bring. No reasonable offer will be refused as every living room suite, bedroom suite, dining room suite is sacrificed along with every set of bedding and every recliner. All must go...Wall to wall!!!

LIVING ROOM, BEDROOM, DINING ROOM, OCCASIONAL, RECLINERS, PICTURES, LAMPS, MATTRESS SETS, CURIOS, LEATHER, AND MUCH MORE GREAT BUY

GREAT SELECTION

EXPECT LARGE CROWDS! REMERCHANDISING RELINQUISHMENT

This is it. If you ever wanted to buy furniture or bedding at or near cost, now is your chance! Measure your space, bring your carpet and fabric samples. Bring your trucks and trailers. Be ready to make a decision. We will not refuse any reasonable offers. This is it! Don't pay more later, nothing held back.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS IT! THURSDAY 10 am - 8 pm FRIDAY 10 am - 8 pm

Continued from page A- Upchurchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recovery. Students were posting letters of encouragement for Upchurch on a bulletin board at the school, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill said, to support her and her family. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill said that Upchurchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teachers think of her as being very active in class and her friends regard her as very loyal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can count on her to have a smile,â&#x20AC;? Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill said. According to sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office information Upchurch was struck when she was trying to cross St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Road at about 3p.m. Monday. She had just exited her own school bus near the intersection of Sandra Lane when she an oncoming, northbound school bus. She suffered a fractured skull, broken upper and lower jaws, a broken collar bone and sever chest abrasions. Schools Superintendent Michael Martirano said that grief counselors would be available to help students who witnessed

Âš 7AHLQUIST -'-4 #ORP ,ITTLE 2OCK !2

Bring your trucks and trailers and save even more . Financing is Âš 7AHLQUIST -'-4 #ORP ,ITTLE 2OCK !2 available but cash really talks. All day today furniture and bedding will be offered at prices far below what you would expect to pay. All will be sold on a first come basis. Brave the crowds and get your share. Extra sales personnel will be on hand for this event. Extra credit desks are in place. Some items priced at 15 cents* on the dollar. This Remerchandising Relinquishment must come to a close...now

HELD OVER! RULES OF RELINQUISHMENT

-ERVELL $EAN 2OAD s (OLLYWOOD -$ s 0H

Struck

THE LAST DAYS!

FAMOUS BRAND NAMES! REMERCHANDISING RELINQUISHMENT

help out so they understood what our troops were sacrificing for national security, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The biggest difference for him over there was the care packages,â&#x20AC;? Bailey said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I found out about this, I said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Joss Goldsborough, 11, a St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6th grader, said he was happy to help the troops even if it was in just a small way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud of what I did,â&#x20AC;? Goldsborough said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we did may lift their spirits.â&#x20AC;?

All advertised items subject to prior sale! BRING YOUR All sold as is and all sales final! Extra charge for delivery! TRUCKS AND All sold on a first come basis! TRAILERS No phone orders - no prior sales! Merchandise must be removed immediately!

Photo by Guy Leonard

A poster with well wishes for Briana Upchurch, a 14-year-old freshman, stands posted in a hallway of Leonardtown High School. Upchurch was struck by a school bus on St. Andrews Church Road Monday afternoon as she left her own school bus and tried to cross the road.

Upchurch being hit deal with the trauma of the experience. Sgt. Steven Hall, spokesman for the sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, said that the investigation into all the details surrounding the accident was still going on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The accident reports havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even been completed yet,â&#x20AC;? Hall said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to to submitted and reviewed to make sure everything is accurate.â&#x20AC;? Charges against the driver of the bus that struck Upchurch are â&#x20AC;&#x153;highly doubtful,â&#x20AC;? Hall said. Hall said that information from the investigation so far showed that Upchurch apparently did not ride the bus often and he said it was uncertain why she was trying to cross the road.

The County Times The County Times

Thursday, December 13, 2007 Thursday, December 6, 2007

Section A - Section B -

High School Task Force Will Focus On Struggling Minority

By Guy Leonard rate should be 91 or 92 percent. at Great Mills High School, tions-training program. For over 6 years Mechanicsville Disaster Services Staff Writer That’s where we should be.” said that the taskforce’s main All You Can Eat he has been very active as a volunteer The efforts to reform high goal should be to more closely with the Charles County Sheriff’s Of28967 Route 5 South Continued from page B- Slightly more than 25 per- schools will be led by the newly align the system’s graduation fice Teen Court Program, serving as the Breakfast With Santa cent of all freshmen were held formed high school task force, requirements with passing planning, the senior adult volunteer, jury monitor, baiand execution, strategic and1-800-794-0693

back last school year in county chaired by Smith along with 9, did 2007 8 to 11 a.m.and Valley Lee Fire highSunday, schools December because they high school middle school House MDto $7.00 $3.00 CHILDREN not earnValley just fiveLee, credits pro- ADULTS, principles and other education AGES CHILDREN UNDER 5 – FREE Sponsored (and ceed to5-12, the sophomore levels. leaders. prepared) by the 2nd District Fire Dept.work & Rescue Squad Overall nearly 16 percent Their could include Auxiliary For more information contact: Darlene Johnsonreat of high school students were re-ordering graduation 240-434-1095. held back from advancing to quirements to focus on tough the next level. subjects like mathematics and And though the county the order in which courses routinely graduates about 87 are taken to support student percent of its seniors each year learning. that still means that about 13 Courses like Algebra are percent each year do not earn critical towards graduation a high school diploma. as its one subject among the Of that statistic African four High School Assessment Kids ofstudents, all ages can visit withtests Santathat andare Mrs.required Claus onfor SatAmerican according a urday, December 15th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Leonardtown to school system information, high school diploma. But they Town Square. lists in hand for graduated at a Have rate ofthose only last-minute 82.8 also Christmas open opportunities for adSanta! It is economically requested thatdisyou bring your own camera to take percent with vancement in high school as photos. While in thegetting Town aSquare, thesaid. Town Christmas advantaged students well, see Smith Tree and just enjoythree-fourths shopping, dining, and“Algebra the holiday diploma of in atmosphere! high school For more information call the Commissioners Leonardtown the time. is a gateway ofcourse,” Smith at 301-475-9791. (In the inclement weather, & The overall drop out event rate ofsaid. “It unlocks a lot Santa of other decreased about percent Mrs. Claustowill be 2.7 in the Bell Motor Company Showroom.) courses.” but African American and One effort the task force poorer students are twice as may also consider is whether likely to leave school before to increase the time allotted to getting their diploma. students for algebra. Moreover the county’s “Of the HSAs our lowest high school student population pass rate and greatest chalhas not met the state’s require- lenge is the algebra HSA,” ment of 94 percent attendance Smith said. “We want out kids in the last decade, according to fluent in algebra.” Onsystem Our Own of St. Mary’s, a Wellness Recovery Drop school information. A taskand force designed to In Center in Leonardtown will be hosting a support group for All this points out to the iron out achievement probfamily, caregivers people with Alzheimer’s and need forfriends seriousand reform at the oflems at the middle school level other dementias the second Thursday of every month from th 6:30 high school level, says Direc- found that students in 7 grade p.m. 7:30 p.m. at 41660 Parkshould Avenue (the building on the tor oftoSecondary Instruction have at least 90 minutes alley behind Colleen’s Leonardtown). The Scott directly Smith, directed at get- Dream of mathininstruction and possinext meeting is Thursday, December 13th at 6:30 p.m. ting the 13 percent left behind bly even 90 minutes in theFor 8th more info, please call Carolyn Cullison at 301-997-1066. to graduate. grade, Smith said. “We’re going with one A similar recommendacharge and that’s to get the 13 tion might come out of the percent to graduate,” Smith high school task for freshmen, said. “For me personally that’s he said. a huge number. Our graduation Tracey Heibel, principal

Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus on the Town Square

HSAs, particularly for the stu-Emergency is certified as a Red Cross dents who were struggling to Operations pass them. Center (EOC) / Incident Command Liaison for local “We need to figure out hogovernment EOC’s and the Maryland we can get these kids to passEmergency Management Agency the HSAs,” Heibel said. (MEMA). Greg has That been could an active take volunteer the form firefighter and Emergency Medical of classes like a pre-biology Technician (EMT) tosince 1971. As ready a former Paracourse get freshmen medic Emergency Medito takeand theMIEMMS biology HSA by cal time Technician Ambulance the they are–finished with Instructor for 12sophomore years, he maintains his Maryland their year, Heibel EMT certification and has completed nusaid, as well as remedial help merous disaster, fire,who and rescue for upper classmen are courses such struggling as the FEMA National also on anyone of Response Plan, the fourFEMA tests. Incident Command System,“It’s fire aground crisis intervenstitch intactics, time saves nine,” Heibel CPR, said. Infection Control, and tion, EVOC, task force’s AEDThe operations. Hefirst alsomeetserves as a cering is set for Dec. mentor, 19 and their tified instructor, and examiner final report is expected to be for a nationwide emergency communicareleased throughout the winter

technological and transportation crises. To continue its humanitarian mission, the American Red Cross relies on donations of money, time, and blood from the public. Your local Red Cross answers the call for help through the generosity and support of the citizens of Southern Maryland.

liff, and most recently, as a Community 301-884-2513 Judge. “It is an honor and a privilege to Fax: become part301-884-5382 of such a vital and enduring humanitarian service organization. The Red Cross not only reaches out to those in need in our Southern Maryland communities, but also across the nation, and The DeluxeBed by Tempur-Pedic™ around the world, whenever and wherTherapy and comfort, perfectly balanced. ever its services can help the victims of disasters,” said Jones. “I look forward to working with the outstanding volunteers, Senator Roy Dyson to be the Honstaff, and Board members during this orary Chairman of Boys Girls Clubs of challenging period in the history of the Southern Maryland’s First Annual WinSouthern Maryland Chapter American ter Gala on Friday, December 7, 2007 at Red Cross.” the Hollywood Fire Department Social The American Red Cross is the only Hall. Tickets are $50 per person and can non-governmental organization man- be purchased at all PNC Banks in St. dated by the U.S. Congress to “alleviate Mary’s County, all Cedar Point Federal human suffering” of victims of disasters Credit Unions, www.bgcsm.net or by such as fires, floods, hurricanes, and calling 410-326-2200.

First Annual Winter Gala

Alzheimer’s And Dementias Support Group

State Highway Administration to Host make it more user-friendSoftware MD 5 planningwill ly. Study Board members remarked on the staggering amount of Continued from page A- information now available to Meeting in Leonardtown to calculate and update grades parents through programs like from any computer. Study to system’s ExamineimpleOpSince the tions for Improvements Bementation, over 200 teachers tween MD 243 and MD 245 in Saint Mary’s county have in St. Mary’s County. State attended training workshops, Highway Administration and administrators and school (SHA) teamhave represenlibrary project personnel been tatives community trained Residents, on the programs as organizations, and businesses well. Some figures elicited praise elected from board members, Area officials Fedparticularly statistics showing eral Highway Administrathat (FHWA) the parentrepresentatives. login rate for tion those with middle SHA will students host an ininformaschool was 63%, while tional public meeting for93% the of the parents Planning of high school MD 5 Project Study students logged in St. to the proin Leonardtown, Mary’s gram. Smith remarked with that County. In conjunction as the system is more widely the FHWA, the meeting is an used, teachers adminisopportunity for and attendees to trators will be able to suggest learn more about SHA’s progchanges that ress on or themodifications planning study. This is the first public meeting for the planning phase; SHA representatives will be available to answer questions, explain the study process and its next steps following the meeting. Charts and display boards will be available for review and comment. Tuesday, Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

these, and noted that it would December between 5 continue to11, be 2007 a useful tool for and 8 p.m. Leonardtown Mideducators. dle School – CafeteriaWilliam 24015 Vice Chairman Point Lookout Road,a LeonMattingly recounted story ardtown, MD 20650 (Snow wherein he visited parents in Date: Tuesday, December 18, a neighboring county who 2007, same time and and disaplocahad been surprised tion). study isreport conpointedThe byMD their5 child’s card, asking howthethey could centrated within Leonardhave known. Heand noted with town town limits extends some laughter at themiles end of the approximately two from presentation with this sysnorth of MDthat 243 (Newtown tem, parents can keepRoad) abreast Neck Road/Maypole to of their children’s progress, south of MD 245 (Hollywood so surprises onelook he Road). The like studythewill encountered happen, at safety and needn’t traffic operation “Poor kids can’talong get away improvements the with MD anything,” he said, “but that’s 5 corridor. Community needs the beauty it.” will also beofreviewed, including pedestrian, bicycle, and horse-drawn vehicular safety and access for residences, businesses, schools and places of worship along MD 5. To speak with a member of the project team, interested parties may call 1-800-548-5026 to reach the SHA Office of Project Planning. election day. According to Capital News Service, Baltimore County will be The St. Mary’s County providing four-wheel-drive Board of Commissioners in- vehicles and police officers troduced the new Director Continued from page B- of to help their election judges Elections on Tuesday. The get to their polling places, Montgomery County new Brendait’sBurch, or justdirector, one too many, not worthand the risk of killing yourself or will aarrange polling has worked Saintever Mary’s someone else.inDon’t get behind wheel oftoa have vehicle when County for 22 years. After places and the roads leading you are impaired.” easy steps, to a driver enjoyfirst a safe and them can plowed in case firstFollowing serving these as Registrar, festive jeopardizing their life andBurch the lives of Ms. plans then asholiday Deputywithout Director, she of snow. the may be on the road: to provide four-wheel-drive has others servedwho as Acting Direcsafe retirement way home before the festivities begin; judges. Before for election tor Plan sincea the of vehicles drinking, designate a sober driver and give that She is scheduled to person attend Catherineplease Countess in July. yourOf keys; If you’reinterest impaired, taxi, callofa sober or state friend election particular to usea ameeting family use public so you are sure to board representatives in Anelectionmember, boardsoracross the transportation get home state hassafely; been the recent napolis on December 13th to your bartender - St. Mary’s County Highway Safety shiftAsk of Maryland’s primary discuss policies for the upoffers Tipsy Taxi sobertoride program offering FREE taxi rides elections from March Febcoming primaries. home; you happen see a drunk St. driver on thecounty road, don’t ruary, ifincreasing thetolikeliMary’s will hesitate to contact your local law enforcement; and remember, hood of inclement weather be in need of reserve elecif you knowwith someone who is about drive ortoridecover whilesudiminterfering election day. tiontojudges paired, take their keys and help other arrangements When asked about plans for them den make vacancies on election to to where they are going theget upcoming primary, Ms. safely. day. Those interested in “Saving lives onthat our roads a top priorityelection and we need evBurch indicated her is becoming judges eryone’s help to do it,” LT. Cedar, visit Commander Marymain objective would be Brian to should the SaintofMary’s land Leonardtown holiday website season; makeState surePolice that every polling Barrack. County “This government don’t let your year end in an arrest-or even worse, death. place is open. for more information. Make Pollsmart decisions. Plan ahead, so you cantraining assure a safe way According to the Uni- worker make-up home.” Beckman, Coordinator asks everyone versity Jacqueline of Maryland’s De-CTSP classes will be held on Januto be diligent involved in theary efforts to reduce the number partment ofandAtmospheric 2nd, and make-up classes of people injured and killed in impaired driving crashes. you and Oceanic Science from for chief judges will beIfheld see suspected impaired driver on roadways 1948a to 2003, five to ten peron the January 3rd. - Call 911 or #77 cell phone.largest Whether you’ve way toofor many or centonofyour Maryland’s The had deadline regjust one too many, it’s not worth the risk. If you’re over the limit, snowfalls occurred in mid- istering for the Maryland you’ll be under more information, contact your local February, andarrest. manyFor other primaries is January 22nd, Community Traffic Safety Program Coordinator Ms. Jacquecounty election directors 2008, and the primary elecline at 301-475-4200 1850 orbe email haveBeckman expressed concerns ext. tions will heldjackie.beckon Februman@co.saint-marys.md.us. over inclement weather on ary 12.

Burch Will Oversee Early Primary

Drunk Driving

Shop, Dine And Take Care Of Business In Leonardtown

LEONARDTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS Alfred A. Lacer, PA Art In Wire Askey, Askey & Assoc., CPA, LLC Alfred A. Lacer, PA BrendaAskey A. Wise Consulting Askey, & Assoc., CPA, LLC Buffalo Wings Beer Brenda A. Wise& Consulting BurchoilWings & Beer Buffalo Cafe Des Artistes Inc. Burchoil Chesapeake PC Source Cafe Des Artistes Inc. College of Southern MD Chesapeake PC Source Combs And Drury Insurance Agency College of Southern MD Crafts Guild St. Mary's Combs And of Drury Insurance Agency Crazy For Ewe Crafts Guild of St. Mary's D & GFor Kustom Crazy Ewe Specialities, Inc. Dean's Okinawan Martial Arts D & G Kustom Specialities, Inc. & Self Def Do DahOkinawan Deli Dean's Martial Arts & Self Def E Bargar Financial Advisors Do Dah Deli Used Book EFenwick Bargar Street Financial Advisors GardinerStreet Funeral Home Fenwick Used Book Guy Distributing Inc. Gardiner Funeral Co., Home Heritage Printing Co., & Graphics Guy Distributing Inc. Hillside Ride of Breton Bay, Inc. Heritage Printing & Graphics Home Builders, Inc. Hillside Ride of Breton Bay, Inc. Irene Parrish PCIInc. Home Builders, Joyce Parrish P. Watson Irene PCI Leonardtown Joyce P. WatsonBlueprints Cleaners (new) Leonardtown Blueprints Little Silences Rest, Inc. (new) Leonardtown Cleaners Main Street Little SilencesProperties Rest, Inc. & Appraisals Mehaffey & Associates, Main Street Properties PC & Appraisals PNC Bank& Associates, PC Mehaffey NorthBank End Gallery PNC Olde Towne Insurance Agency, Inc. North End Gallery On Our OwnInsurance of St. Mary's Inc.Inc. Olde Towne Agency, Quality On OurStreet Own LLC of St. Mary's Inc. Quality Street LLC

1000070

Ripley Financial LLC/ Mary Slade Room With A Brew Salsa's Café Shelby's Specialties-Custom Framing & Art Sparling, Dorothy E. St. Mary's College of MD St. Mary's County Commissioners- Tourism St. Mary's Nursing Center Sunshines Catering Tea N. Scones, Inc. The Good Earth Natural Foods Co. Thieme Creative Media Tea Room the Maryland Center The Good Earthat Natural Foods Antiques Co. Town Planner of So. MD, LLC Thieme Creative Media Truhome Builders, Inc. Town Planner of So. MD, LLC Vanning Associates Truhome Builders, Inc. W.M. Davis, Inc. Vanning Associates Z Boutique, LLC W.M. Davis, Inc. DNR Environmental Z Boutique, LLC Gene Townsend, Financial Services DNR Environmental P.S. It’s All Good Gene Townsend, Financial Services HillTop Graphics P.S. It’s All Good Heron’s Way Gallery HillTop Graphics Rose-Stone & Barbara Aiken Heron’s WayEnterprises/Chris Gallery St. Mary’s Hospital Rose-Stone Enterprises/Chris & Barbara Aiken Arizona Co St. Mary’sPizza Hospital Quality Built Homes Arizona Pizza Co Marketplace Fine Wines & Spirits Quality Built Homes Joe Mitchell, Atty. Marketplace Fine Wines & Spirits Corbel’s Joe Mitchell, Atty. Gordon Corbel’s Stellway One StopStellway Family Adventure Center Gordon D & H Cabinetry One Stop Family Adventure Center White Children’s Books D & H Rabbit Cabinetry White Rabbit Children’s Books

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Obituaries LaShanda LeeAnn “Dink” Biscoe, 19 LaShanda LeeAnn “Dink” Biscoe, 19, of Valley Lee died Dec. 4 in Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC. Born October 21, 1988 in Leonardtown, she was the daughter of Wayne Jerome Biscoe and Monica Louise Young Biscoe of Valley Lee. LaShanda was educated in the St. Mary’s County Public School system, and attended Greenview Knolls and Piney Point Elementary, Spring Ridge Middle and Leonardtown High School. Most recently, she was a student at the College of Southern Maryland. Family gatherings and parties filled with laughter, good food and fun was a favorite pastime of LaShanda’s, as she loved being surrounded by family and friends. LaShanda was employed as a beauty consultant at the Beauty Spot in California, Md. In addition to her parents, she is survived by a sister, Kimberly Biscoe of Valley Lee, two brothers, Francis Wayne Dyson of Lexington Park, Allen “Von” Dyson of Leonardtown, grandmother, Shirley Biscoe, grandfather, Joseph “Tom” Suter, aunts; Margaret (Bert) Forrest, Joan “Barbara” (Chester) Barnes, Rose “Ronnie” (Colbert) Barnes, Virginia “Poodie” Young, Emma “CeCe” Young, Brenda (Bo) Butler, Melissa “Cookie” (Robert) Smith, uncles; Joseph “Timmy”, William “Billy” (Josephine), David, John “Pot” (Varella), Bryant (Stephanie), Keith, Colvin “CoCo” Young, Ray Biscoe and Carlo (Marie) Fustino. She was preceded in death by grandmother, Cecelia D. Young and grandfather, Lawrence Butler. The family received friends for LaShanda’s Life Celebration Monday, Dec. 10 in St. Mark’s UAME Church in Valley Lee. A Funeral Service was conducted in the church at 11 a.m. The Reverend Doctor Rudy Brooks officiated at the service. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Colvin Young, Carlos Fustino, Ray Biscoe, Allen Dyson, Francis Dyson and Patrick Herron. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Wayne Jordan, James Pollock, Sr., Jordan Carter, Colbert Barnes IV, Danial Riley and James Forrest, Jr. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, MD.

Lucy I. Buckler, 79 L u c y I. Buckler, 79, of Mechanicsville died Dec. 4, 2007 at Georgetown Universit y Hospital. Born April 15, 1928 in Loveville, she was the daughter of the late Agnes Lucille Graves and Richard Lee Buckler. She is survived by her husband Bernard Lawrence Buckler, whom she married April 6, 1947 in St. Joseph Church. She is survived by her children; Donald P. Buckler of Leonardtown, Patricia M. Gardiner, Francis L. Buckler, Margaret D. (Margie) Guy and her husband Joe, Thomas W. (Wayne) Buckler, Sr. and his wife Julie, all of Mechanicsville. She was preceded in death by two children, Robert L. (Rabbit) Buckler and Raymond D. (Dale) Buckler. She is also survived by her sisters Lucille B. Pilkerton of Mechanicsville and Mary

Margaret Chiarizia of Temple Hills, Md. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John W. Buckler, J. Wilmer Buckler, J. Claude Buckler, Richard L. Buckler Jr., Leo Buckler, R. Warren Buckler, Lawrence R. Buckler Sr., James S. Buckler, Howard T. Buckler, Horace B. Buckler and sisters, Hilda A. Buckler, Lena M. Pilkerton, Estelle V. Bellmare, 14 grandchildren; Shelley Forbes, Jackie Buckler, Angie Saunders, Joey Guy, Chrissy Guy, Jessica Crockett, Dale Buckler, T.W. Buckler, Danny Buckler, Nick Buckler, Josh Buckler, David Morgan, Melissa Guy and Norman Buckler; seven great-grandchildren; Ricky Buckler, John Blake, Kayla Saunders, Katelyn Guy, Logan Guy, Lucas Crockett and one great-great-grandchild; Nathan Forbes. She was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County and attended St. Joseph School. She was a housewife and daycare provider. She enjoyed country music, playing cards and chatting with friends on the phone. She especially loved eating crabs, cooking, family gatherings and going places. The family received friends Sunday, Dec. 9 from 2 – 5 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where prayers were said at 3 p.m. by Deacon Bill Nickerson. A funeral service was held Monday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, with Fr. Peter Alliata officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown. Pallbearers were, Shelly Forbes, Joey Guy, Jessica Crockett, T.W. Buckler, Danny Buckler and Josh Buckler. Honorary pallbearers were Chrissy Guy, Jackie Buckler, Angie Saunders, Dale Buckler, Norman Buckler, Melissa Guy, Nick Buckler and David Morgan. Contributions may be made to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 15, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Margaret Irene Davis, 84 Margaret Irene Davis, 84, of Mechanicsville died Dec. 9 in her residence. Born Feb. 11, 1923 in Brooklyn, N.Y. she was the daughter of the late Herman and Sophie Schweffler. The family will receive friends Thursday, Dec. 13 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, where a funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. with Msgr. Karl Chimiak officiating. Interment will take place Jan. 8 at 11 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Margaret Ida Lesher Kessler, 93 M a rgaret Ida Lesher Kessler, 93, of Lex i ng ton Park died Dec. 9 in her residence. B o r n April 28, 1914 in Pitman, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Henry J. and Mabel Gertrude Klinger Lesher. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 42 years Elwood W. Kessler, whom she married Aug. 1, 1931 and who died Dec. 6, 1973 and her second husband of 20 years Paul E. Stauffer Sr., whom she married Dec. 27, 1980 and who died Oct. 31, 2000. She was the loving mother of Leonard E. Kessler, Janice L. Cone and Marcia L. Takacs all of Lexington Park,

Alfred L. Kessler, Sr. of St. Inigoes, Melva J. Williams of Lowman, N.Y. and Marilyn L. Tourney of Cantonment, Fla.. She is survived by her brothers and sisters Pauline E. Herb and Jean Heim both of Pitman, Pa., Ruth Chubb of New Cumberland, Pa., Paul H. Lesher of Sacramento, Pa., Anna Wiest of Klingerstown, PA and Henry H. Lesher of Elizabethville, Pa. as well 25 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her children Ella Mae Whiting and Arlin E. Kessler and her brothers and sisters Marlin, Glennen, Vernon and Mary Lesher, Minnie Kessler, and one grandson, David E. Whiting. Mrs. Kessler was a longtime active member of the Hollywood Church of the Nazarene since 1962, serving in many capacities over the years. Margaret and Elwood Kessler served with the Salvation Army in Lexington Park for over 20 years. She was an avid gardener who loved to crochet and have her family gatherings and cook large family meals. She maintained a long tradition of holding annual family reunions with nearly 100 in attendance. The family will receive friends at the Hollywood Church of the Nazarene Thursday, Dec. 13 from 10 – 11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Verne Haskell officiating. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Kings Christian Academy, 20738 Point Lookout Road, Callaway, MD 20620 and/or Hollywood Church of the Nazarene, 24710 Sotterley Road, Hollywood, Maryland 20636 Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

John Gonzie Knott, 59 J o h n G o n z i e Knott, 59, of Leonardtown, died Dec. 3 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown. B o r n June 26, 1948 in Leonardtown, he was the son of Donnie Marie Slade Knott of Leonardtown, and the late James Harvey Knott. Mr. Knott was a 1968 graduate of Great Mills High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1972. Mr. Knott worked in construction from 1972 to 1990. From 1990 to the present he worked as a merchant marine for the seafarers union. He is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Lynn Herriman and Deanna Rae Neely of California, Md., a sister, Mary Lucille Ulry of Westerville, Ohio, four brothers, James Harvey “Jockey” Knott, Jr. of Callaway, Charles Irving “Charlie” Knott, Joseph Earl “Fuzzy” Knott, Thomas Frederic “Fred” Knott all of Valley Lee and six grandchildren. The family received friends Thursday Dec. 6 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Life Celebration Chapel, Leonardtown. A Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday Dec. 7 at 11:30 a.m. in Holy Face Catholic Church, Great Mills. The Reverend Joseph R. Sileo was the celebrant. Inurnment at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice House, c/o HOSPICE of St. Mary’s, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Kathleen Ann Logan, 53 Kathleen Ann Logan, 53, of Callaway, died Nov. 30 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown. Born Dec. 18, 1953 in Wichita, Kan., she was the daughter of Annabelle Spurgeon Leith of Bolivar, Mo.

and the late Thomas Howard Leith. Mrs. Logan was a software engineer for the U.S. Government. She is survived by two daughters, Melody Anna Oliver of Salt Lake, Utah, Chelsea Elizabeth Logan of Callaway, a son, Daniel Lawrence Logan of Callaway, three siblings, Melody Leith of Bolivar, Mo., a twin brother, Thomas Kelly Leith of Blue Springs, Mo. and Terry Leith of Bolivar, Mo. The family received friends in the Brinsfield Life Celebration Chapel, Leonardtown, Friday Dec. 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. A Prayer Service was conducted by Pastor Don Weber at 7 p.m. A Graveside Service was held Saturday Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown.

Mary Lillian “Lil” Gibson Morgan, 86 Mary Lillian “Lil” Gibson Morgan, 86, of Bushwood died Dec. 7 in St. Mary’s Nursing Center. Born June 19, 1921 in River Springs, Md., she was the daughter of the late George Garner and Ida Pearl Russell Gibson. She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene “Buck” Morgan Oct. 16, 1988, whom she married March 24, 1940 in Bushwood. She was the loving mother of Eugene B. Morgan, Jr. of California, Md., Judith MacWilliams of Owings, Md., Dr. Garner Morgan of Avenue, Md. and Deborah Nisson of Shady Side, Md.. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mrs. Morgan was also preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Crombie and Mary Alice Gibson. She was a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident and graduate of Margaret Brent High School, Class of 1938. The family received friends Sunday, Dec. 9 from 2 – 5 p.m. with prayers being said at 3 p.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Bushwood, with Fr. John Mattingly officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Scott MacWilliams, Michael MacWilliams, Dr. Luke Morgan, Adam Morgan, George L. Quade, III and Kenneth Schisler. Honorary Pallbearers were George L. Quade, Jr., Joseph Clarkson, Karl Nisson, Richard MacWilliams, Robert Wathen, James Beane and John Clearwater. Contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund, 23070 Maddox Road, Bushwood, MD 20618 and/or the St. Mary’s Nursing Center Foundation, P. O. Box 904 Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Mary “Madeline” Perry, 93 Mary “Madeline” Perry, 93, of Mechanicsville, and formerly of California, Md., died Dec. 9 in her son’s residence in Mechanicsville. Born Jan. 29, 1914 in St. Mary’s County, she was the daughter of the late Leo Dudley and Vertie Victoria Redman Owens. She was preceded in death by her first husband Walter Doc Stanley in March, 1946 and her second husband Frank Perry who preceded her in death Feb. 12, 2002. She is survived by her children; James W. Stanley of Mechanicsville, Charles E. Stanley of California, Md., Jean S. Montgomery of Rocky Mt, Va. and Robert F. Perry of Leonardtown, seven grandchildren;

Stephanie Bentley Haney of Mechanicsville, James Stanley, Jr. of Lexington Park, Robert Franklin Perry Jr. and Brandy Perry, both of Leonardtown, Robert B. Montgomery, Steven Montgomery and Charles Montgomery, all of Rocky Mount, Va. as well as 13 great-grandchildren; Ashley Bentley, Timothy Bentley Jr., Jessica Bentley, Lindsay Haney and Alexis Haney all of Mechanicsville, Denise Stanley, James Stanley III and Megan Stanley all of Lexington Park, Brittany Stanley of Athens, Tenn., Elizabeth Montgomery, Luke Montgomery, Sarah Montgomery and Jacob Montgomery all of Rocky Mount, Va.. She was preceded in death by her daughter Linda Perry and her brother Allen Owens. Ms. Perry was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County. She loved gardening and being with her family and friends. The family received friends Tuesday Dec. 11 from 5 – 8 p.m. in Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, where prayers were said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday Dec. 12 at 11:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville with Fr. Peter Alliata officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown. Pallbearers were John Bray, Robert LaDuca, Jimmy Owens, Robert F. Perry, Jr., James Stanley, Jr. and Timothy Bentley, Jr. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

delicious cakes, her sunny smile, and her love of her home and her ‘friends’. Grace loved walking, playing cards, and searching for periwinkles on the beach. She always made time for her friends and family and was loved by all. The family received friends at St. Michael’s Church in Ridge, Maryland Sunday, Dec. 2 from 2 – 5 p.m., with Life Celebration and Prayers offered at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m., in St. Michael’s Church with Fr. Joseph Bayne and Father Maurice O’Connell officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Johnny Albertsen, Tony Cocimano, Jimmy Ridgell, Herbie McKay, Robbie Wood, Ricky Yeatman and Ronnie Yeatman. Interment was private. A gathering for friends and family was held at the Ridge Volunteer Fire House following the 10 a.m. mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680; Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 520, Ridge, MD 20680; St. Michael’s Church, P.O. Box 429, Ridge, MD 20680. Arrangements provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home in Leonardtown.

Agnes Christine Scriber, 59

Agnes Christine Scriber, 59, of Lexington Park, died Dec. 2 at Georgetown Universit y Hospital in Grace Ridgell Pratt, 73 Wa s h i n g ton, DC. M r s . Born Nov. 16, 1948 in G r a c e Dameron, she was the daughRidgell ter of the late Cora Elizabeth Pratt, 73, Gunn. of Scotland Christine attended St. PeBeach, died ter Claver Elementary School peacefully and Cardinal Gibbons High in her home School in St. Inigoes, and Nov. 29, was a majorette in the Drum 2007. and Bugle Corps. She was a Bor n lifetime, faithful and active November 28, 1934, in Scot- member of St. Peter Claver land, she was the daughter of Catholic Church, where, unthe late Joseph Austin and Ce- til her most recent illness, she cilia King Ridgell. could be found in her favorite In addition to her parents, pew. She was a member of the she was preceded in death Women of the World (WOW). by her husband Edwin Louis She enjoyed spending time Pratt, Sr. Grace and Ed were with family and friends, and married Nov. 7, 1952, in Ridge especially loved bingo and the at St. Michael’s Church. slots. She went on many bus She is survived by her excursions to dinner theaters seven children, Debbie Siegel and plays. Christine retired in of Honolulu, Hawaii, Edwin 2000 from government at the L. Pratt Jr. and his wife Linda Naval Air Test Center, Patuxof Colorado Springs, Colo., ent River, Md. after 32 years. James “Marty” Pratt and his She is survived by two wife Tina, of Church Hill, sons, James Leander Scriber Md., Jo Ellen Pratt and her and Terrell Anthony Scriber husband William, of Great both of Lexington Park, six Mills, Jackie Pratt and his grandchildren, four great wife Cindy, of Leonardtown, grandchildren, three sisters, Peggy Pratt and her husband Betty Germany of Hyattsville, Robert Roberts, of Ridge, and Md., Thelma A. Jones (Willie) Grace “Girl” Pratt, and her of Clinton, Md., Elnora Mahusband Joe Richardson of rie Jackson (Anthony) of Ft. Hacks Neck, Va. Grace was Washington, Md., four brothalso blessed with 19 wonder- ers, Joseph Eugene Watts of ful and much loved grand- Washington, DC, James Berchildren, Moses and Noell nard Gunn of Lexington Park, Siegel, Colton, Bailey, Henry, William Aloysius Gunn (PatGeorge, Ellie Pratt, Sierra and ty) of Charlotte, N.C., Thomas Shane Pratt, Jeffrey Ratliff and I. Gunn (Kim) of Lexington Marianne Pratt, Bryan, Wade, Park, special cousins William Kayla, and Evan Pratt, Iris and Regina Allen and Perry and Sean Roberts, and Macy and Edith Evans and a host of and Tanner Richardson. She nieces, nephews, other relais also survived by six great- tives and friends. In addition grandchildren, Brenndin Sie- to her mother, she was precedgel, Riley and Mia Peacock, ed in death by her husband, and Ryan, Lorelei, and Cian Edgar Scriber, a son, Terrence Ratliff. Scriber, a sister, Eunice TheShe is survived by her sib- resa Butler and a nephew Liolings, Catherine Dean, Thom- nel Gunn. as ‘Brother’ Ridgell, Susanna The family received Wolf, Eleanor Tippet, Clara friends for a Celebration of Norris, and George Ridgell. Life Friday Dec. 7 from 9 – 11 Grace was preceded in death a.m. in St. Peter Claver Cathoby her sister Cecilia “Flip” Ti- lic Church, Ridge. A Mass tus and brothers, James Aus- of Christian Burial was celtin “Gus” Ridgell, and Curtis ebrated at 11 a.m. The ReverLeslie “Country” Ridgell. end Damian Shadwell was the Grace was a member of celebrant. Interment followed St. Michael’s Church in Ridge in the church cemetery. and graduated from St. MiArrangements by the chael’s School. She was known for her See Obits page A-

Thursday, December 13, 2007

The County Times

Section A -

Lee Selected As New Aircrew Systems Deputy Amy Kaper Contributing Writer Cmdr. Ralph Lee is the new deputy program manager for the Aircrew Systems program office (PMA 202). “I’m very happy to be in Aircrew Systems, it’s a very interesting program and I know that what we do here affects people’s lives and their quality of life,” Lee said. “Bringing the Fleet’s perspective into the office is critical and I think NAVAIR does it very well.

“We’ve been out there wearing the gear, flying the seven plus hour missions, strapped to an ejection seat, so we try to bring that knowledge back and incorporate that information into the products we are developing,” Lee added. “Coming into this job, as the principal deputy for Aircrew Systems as a Cmdr. is an unusual opportunity and I’m looking forward to it.” Aircrew Systems exists to support the Fleet and includes all systems that directly support the aircrews, troops and pas-

sengers in the performance for their missions. Equipment types include protective clothing, helmets, helmet mounted cueing systems, night vision systems, body, hearing and eye protection, oxygen systems, ejection seats and crashworthy seating,survivalgear,chemical, biological defense equipment, egress breathing systems, floatation and the support equipment required to troubleshoot and maintain this equipment. Lee has a long history as an Aerospace Engineering Duty

Officer at NAVAIR, beginning in 2001 when he served in several program offices including Tactical Tomahawk, P-3C Orion Avionics Improvement Program and most recently as the Concept Development Deputy Program Manager for the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System (N-UCAS) Advanced Development Program and NAVAIR’s Individual Augmentation manager. Lee’s operational background includes a tour as an A-6E Bombardier/Navigator in At-

tack Squadron One Six Five, “The Boomers” in Air Wing Nine aboard the USS Nimitz. Additionally, he completed a tour as a Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) in Sea Control Squadron Three Three, “The Screwbirds” in Air Wing Nine aboard USS Nimitz. Lee’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, Armed Forces

New Launcher Completes Final Design Review Amy Kaper Staff Writer The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System recently held its final critical design review (CDR) at the prime contractor’s facility located in Rancho Bernardo, Calif. The review team, led by Dave Cohen of NAVAIR’s Systems Engineering competency, was presented a wealth of data by the EMALS prime contractor, General Atomics. The team spent a week thoroughly reviewing the entire EMALS program and determined the design to be technically compliant with requirements and properly documented. Although a few open action items remain, Capt. Stephen Rorke, Aircraft Launch & Recovery Equipment program manager thought the review “was a rousing success,” and praised the team for their “dedicated efforts to complete preparations for this review” even as the San Diego wildfires closed the General Atomics facility for a few days in the weeks just prior to the CDR. Captain Rorke also thanked the team for open and honest dialog during the months leading up to the CDR as evi-

Obit’s Continued from page A- Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Mary Virginia Waggoner, 74 Mary Virginia Waggoner, 74, of Scotland, Md. died Dec. 6 in Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC. Born January 26, 1933, she was the daughter of the late James H. Roach and Mary L. Hammett Roach. Mrs. Waggoner was a life long member of St. Michael’s Church in Ridge, the St. Michael’s Ladies of Charity and a participant in the St. Joseph Perpetual Adoration Chapel. She is survived by her daughter Carol and son-inlaw, Owen Angleton, Jr. of Grovetown, GA, grandchildren, Thom, Amanda, Emily, a sister, Patsy A. Raley, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Jackson Waggoner. The family received friends for Virginia’s Celebration of Life Sunday, Dec. 9 in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ridge. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Dec. 10 in St. Michael’s Church. The Reverend Maurice O’Connell was the celebrant. Inurnment will be private. Serving as pallbearers were Tom Angleton, Danny Raley, Keith Raley, Bruce Raley, Ray Raley and Scott Raley. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Claude McNair, Ricky Yeatman, Phillip Dorsey, Kim Reynolds, Clarence Adams, Eric Barkheimer, Rob Roberts and Dusty McGuire. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Church, P.O. Box 429, Ridge,

denced by the fact “the team knew about all open issues prior to the review and that no issues of major significance surfaced during the CDR.” EMALS, a new electromagnetic aircraft launch system for the next-generation aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford class (CVN-78), will replace the current generation of steam catapults used on Nimitz class aircraft carriers. This switch to an electrical based system versus steam will lower operating costs, require fewer people to operate, improve catapult performance and expand the range of manned and unmanned aircraft the aircraft carrier can launch. The next step in the process is to begin installing the full size, ship representative EMALS equipment in the recently completed EMALS test facilities at Naval Engineering Station Lakehurst, N.J. The EMALS equipment installation is scheduled to begin in mid 2008, with actual testing to begin in early 2009. Testing will continue throughout 2009. The first components of the EMALS equipment are scheduled to be delivered to Northrop-Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding, Norfolk,

Va. to be installed in USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2011.

The Gerald R. Ford is scheduled to be delivered to the US

Navy in 2015.

Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Additionally, he was awarded the SPAWAR Electronic Systems Engineering Award upon graduation from the Naval Postgraduate School. Excerpts of this article were taken from written statement by Rob Koon, Air 1.0 Public Affairs Officer

Excerpts of this article were taken from a written statement by Rob Koon, Air 1.0 Public Affairs Officer.

Cecil’s Country Store www.cecilscountrystore.com

HolIday open HouSe

Step into the past... and experience the charm of a turn-of-the-century country store

MD 20680 or the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 520, Ridge, MD 20680 or the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, MD.

Geraldine Rita Walker, 79 Geraldine Rita Walker, 79, of Hollywood died Dec. 3 in Wa s h i n g ton Hospital Center, Wa s h i n g ton, DC. Born March 24, 1928 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Ida Mae Hodgins. Mrs. Walker was a homemaker. She is survived by her children, Wayne Walker of Middletown, Md. Susan Pirner of Brandywine, Md., Debbie Sneden of Hollywood, Brian Walker of Waldorf, Md., Kathy Cheek of Hollywood, and Brenda Stewart of Mechanicsville, 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Herbert Walker. The family received friends from 2 – 5 p.m. in the Brinsfield Life Celebration Chapel, Leonardtown, Saturday Dec. 8. A Prayer Service was conducted at 4 p.m. with Father Joe Dobson conducting the service. Inurnment was private. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE of Charles County, P.O. Box 1103, LaPlata, MD 20646.

dec. 1 & 2 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

st * WEBKINZ nd * Antique Furniture * * Mary Lou Troutman Prints * Dept 56 * * Yankee Candles * Chamilia Jewelry * * Willowtree * Beanpod Soy Candles *

Store Specials • Door Prizes • Refreshments • Dept-56 Sidewalk Sale - Up to 40% off! • Chamilia Jewelry • Webkinz Meet Local Artist Mary Lou Troutman, Marilyn Randall Jewelry that • Byers Choice author of “Razzle Dazzler” and Joe TM Dunn photographer of “Best of St. defines you. • Soot Free Soy Candles Mary’s” between 11-2 pm Saturday Dec. 1st. • Mary Lou Troutman Prints • Antique Furniture

301-994-9622 20853 Indian Bridge Rd Great Mills, Maryland

Open 7 Days a Week

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5:30pm Sunday 11am - 5:30pm

The County Times

Section A - 10

Now’s the Time Patrick Dugan O.K., here is what I happening… The Feds lowered the prime interest rate…. The banks are freezing mortgage rates for certain loans…. The jobless rate stayed at 4.7% again for last month… The Christmas shopping season started off strong….. On the other hand…. Housing and mortgage markets have crashed… Credit is harder to get… Lenders have been forced out of business…. Mortgage giants have wracked up billions of dollars in loses… Consumer confidence is down… So what do you do with all of the information that is out there? You use it to the best your ability. Just like you would with any information that you get. You have to make the decision as to whether or not this is the time to buy a house. I personally think it is a

great time to buy. We already saw mortgage rates lower in anticipation of that move by the Feds lowering the prime interest rate. Now with the move to freeze the adjustable rate mortgages that are out there we potentially have taken hundreds of thousands of homes that may have gone into foreclosure off the market. Econ 101, when supply decreases, and the ability of buyers to obtain cheap money increases, we then see an increase in demand which should lead to an increase in prices. If you can borrow money cheaply, and you can get a good deal on a house that you are interested in “pull the trigger”. Go buy a house. Get an investment, get a larger home, get a newer home, get a larger or smaller lot. But do something! I know that this is just more information for you and again I would say take this information and advice and do what you think is best for your situation. This could potentially be a great time to start your real estate investment portfolio. You can still get some

Thursday, December 13, 2007

One Stop Shopping Christmas Bazaar great prices on homes. You are in a time when you can borrow money at a super low rate. I understand that just 2 years ago you could maybe get a lower rate, but you probably did that with one of the A.R.M.’s that ended up being such a travesty for many of the buyers and the lenders as well. Any rate under 7% is with in two points of all time lows! Please, if you think you are going to buy in the next year or two, seriously consider buying now. I would be happy to put you in touch with any number of lenders who could help you decide if this is the right time for you or not. As always, please email me at Patrick.dugan@obrienrealty.com with any questions or comments about this article or any other real estate related topic!

Location: Wildewood Neighborhood One Community Center (Across from new Apartments) Date: December 15th Time: 1-5pm Vendors: Caruso Calendars, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Arbonne, Southern Living, Silpada Jewelry, Tastefully Simple, Longaberger Baskets, The Body Shop @ Home, Pampered Chef, Usborne Children Books, First Saints Community Church Recipe Book & Premier Designs Jewelry Come Shop in a Relaxed Setting and Enjoy Some Christmas Cheer!

St. Mary’s Yachting Center 46555 Dennis Point Way Drayden, MD 20630

301-994-2404 Fax:301-994-2405 www.stmyc.com

Sunday Brunch

10am - 2pm Kitchen closes at 6pm

Winter Hours: Accident on St. Andrews Church Road backs up traffic on Tuesday afternoon.

Bomb Threat Briefly Closes Target Department Store By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Police cordoned off and closed down the Target department store in California Tuesday morning for a reported bomb threat that turned out to be false, according to infor-

mation from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. “That’s all it turned out to be,” said Sgt. Steven Hall, spokesman for the sheriff’s office. “It was an unsubstantiated call.” Hall said that the bomb threat occurred about 8:45

Spoelker Continued from page A- more than any other person.” But that course was a disastrous one, Watling said. After the 1978 incident, Watling said, he sank into despair, depression and anger at being abused. The victim went on to say that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and often turned to alcohol to ease his deep emotional pain throughout his life. Watling even resorted to self-mutilation, cutting himself with sharp objects, “in order to make myself clean” of the molestation experience. Watling came forth to Bureau of Criminal Investigations detectives earlier this year and a five-month investigation ensued, which involved the victim making several policerecorded phone calls to Spoelker, who was teaching at a community college in Florida. In those phone calls, charging documents state, Spoelker admitted to inappropriately touching Watling back in 1978. In court Spoelker denied charges, though, that he actually masturbated the victim at the school after ostensibly asking to see the victim’s scar from a recent surgery that school year. Spoelker had asked the student, charging documents said, to show him the scar once and then again in a storage room where there was more light. Once inside the high school storage room, charging documents allege, Spoelker told the victim to unbutton his pants to better see the scar. Charging documents state further that Spoelker allegedly pulled down the student’s pants and underwear and began fondling the victim’s genitals. The victim allowed Spoelker to continue, charging documents allege, for about 10 minutes because he was “scared to move or say anything.” Eventually the victim pulled away from Spoelker, charging documents stated, and retreated to a classroom where a teacher and students were and Spoelker told the victim he would talk to him later.

Call For Reservations 301-994-2404

File Photo

a.m. Tuesday and law enforcement came soon after to investigate the business for any explosives using explosive sniffing dogs. The search lasted for about an hour and the business returned to normal after that, Hall said. Anyone with any information regarding the bomb threat is encouraged to call Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333.

The victim immediately went home, according to charging documents, and reported the alleged incident to his parents, whereupon the victim’s father went to the school and reported the incident to then principal Bro. Matthew Burke. According to allegations in charging documents, Burke said if the victim or his father declined to report the incident then he would see to it that Spoelker would be removed from the school at the end of the school year. After the summer break Spoelker was still teaching at the school, charging documents state, and he allegedly “stalked” the victim in the hallways, including observing the victim while he urinated in the bathroom. The victim also alleged that Spoelker would block the victim’s exit from the bathroom and push his penis and waist area against the victim as he passed. In court Monday, Spoelker commended his former student and victim for his courage in coming forth about the crime and apologized for abusing and violating Watling. Spoelker’s lawyer, John Mudd, based in La Plata, entered documents from Spoelker’s religious order denoting that he had been in treatment and counseling for what was called a “sexually addictive personality” and said his client’s treatment would be cut off while he was serving his time in the detention center. Stamm said Spoelker was fortunate to receive the reduced sentence. “What you did I find horrific in many ways,” Stamm told Spoelker. “You took a special trust as a teacher and you destroyed it. “You took his future away. If it wasn’t for his forgiveness you would not be getting the sentence you’re receiving today.” As part of his plea agreement, Spoelker will have no public involvement in the ministry after his release and he will never be able to educate minors again, according to court testimony. He must also become a registered sex offender and have no unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18 and he can also take no vacations alone. Spoelker must also submit to five years of supervision upon his release.

Great Deals for the Holidays From Pam’s Hallmark! “Snow What Fun Sledders” Features Music and Motion

$14.95

Barry Manilow “In the Swing of Christmas” CD

$7.95

Hallmark Instant Scrapbook We did the work, you just add pictures. Look like a pro! Regularly $25

$9.95

pam’S hallmark

Extra SavingS Clip thiS Coupon for an additional

$5 off any $35 purChaSE

Valid through 12/24/07. Can not be combined with any other offers.

Great locations throughout Southern Maryland * McKay’s Plaza *First Colony Center, California *St. Charles Towne Center, Waldorf * Leonardtown Centre *St. Charles Towne Plaza, Waldorf *Woodyard Crossings, Clinton