PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No. 145 Waldorf, MD
Thursday, July 26, 2007 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Established 2006 • Volume 2 • Issue 30 • FREE
Rescue Chief Charged With Unmanned Assaulting Volunteer War Vehicles By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The chief of the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad has been charged with second- degree assault and a fourth degree sex offense in an incident where the apparent female victim, a volunteer at the rescue squad, alleged he committed these acts while she was on duty. William Holmes, 64, of Leonardtown, has since been
served with a criminal summons that also charges him with false imprisonment during the alleged assault which occurred the morning of July 12, according to court documents. Holmes’ lawyer, Shane Mattingly, said that his client was choosing not to comment at this time regarding the charges against him. Since the allegations against Holmes have come to light, he has been relieved of his duties at the rescue squad. See Assault page A-
Wild Looks And A Big Heart See Pixie Bobs page A-9
Photo by Guy Leonard
Maryan Horne, of Scotland, plays with two of her pixie bobs, a unique breed of domestic cat that bears close resemblance to the North American bobcat. Despite the cats’ wild looks they are highly intelligent, loyal and friendly to strangers.
Index
Woman Faces 30 Years On Arson Charges By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Top Four B-1
Highest Award B-4 Op.-Ed ..........Page A - 4 Obits .............Page A - 7 Police ............Page B - 7 Classifieds.....Page B - 9
For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Local Weather Friday Scat. T-Storms 87° Saturday Scat. T-Storms 83° Sunday Scat. T-Storms 81°
A Lexington Park woman has been formally charged with first degree arson for allegedly setting on fire back in April the front door of a neighbor with whom she had a disagreement. Officials with the State Fire Marshal’s Office arrested Yvette Lee Brooks July 19 in connection with the April 4 fire on Old Missouri Avenue in Lexington Park and also charged her with second degree malicious burning and reckless endangerment. Brooks is no longer being held in the county detention center. Charging documents filed by Deputy Fire Marshal Jeff Frye allege that Brooks had accused one of the victims in the case, Carol McCarthy, who lived at the home were the fire was set, of sleeping with her husband earlier the day of the fire. The charging documents go on to say
that McCarthy claimed that Brooks had threatened to kill her that same day. “Based on what the complainant said in the investigation it was clearly a revenge type of thing,” Frye said. Charging documents stated that when Yvette Brooks was interviewed by investigators the morning of the fire, she denied any knowledge of how the blaze started and that she was asleep at the time of the incident. The night of the fire Yvette Brooks’ husband, Timothy Brooks, was sitting in the home where the fire was set with another of the home’s residents, Parker McCarty, and heard a loud bang at the front door and saw flames lapping up from underneath the entrance. The damage to the door was estimated to be $500. Charging documents state that when McCarty opened the door he saw Yvette Brooks
There have been nearly four times as many brush fires in St. Mary’s County and in the Southern Maryland region so far this summer compared to years where moisture levels have been normal officials with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. John Fisher, regional fire manager with the forestry service, a division of DNR, said that there have been 40 brush fires in Southern Maryland in the past two months, with 16 of them occurring here in St. Mary’s. In Charles County firefighters have had to battle 18 of them, while in Calvert County they’ve had to deal with only six, Fisher said. On average Southern Maryland has
By Adam Ross Staff Writer Some of the world’s greatest technological fantasies are developed and tested here in St. Mary’s County. On August 6, Pax River’s Webster Field will host the fourth Unmanned Systems Demonstration, a collection of air and ground machines operated outside of the cockpit, and inside the realm of 21st century’s vast capabilities. The demonstration is a one of a kind opportunity for defense and industry partners to showcase unmanned technology to the engineers who dream up the systems, the law makers who allocate funding, and department of defense and homeland security personnel who have the fun flying and spying. Cmdr Chuck Stuart of the Navy’s Unmanned Air System’s program office discussed this year’s demonstration with the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners at Tuesday’s regular meeting. “What makes this year even better is we are presenting the systems with an operational context,” Stuart said. “We are actually going to show these unmanned systems used in their operational environment, to see how people use them.” The demonstration will showcase 17 unmanned air systems, and 10 unmanned ground systems including; Aerosande, Hornet Micro, Raven B, Nighthawk, Shadow, gMAV, Scan Eagle, Mini Falcon, Viking 100, Inventus, Aerostar, NASA’s jFLIC, Talon SOTAL and Talon SWORDS. While the event is not open to the public, it is suggested for anyone interested in unmanned systems, including those from Capitol Hill, and math and science teachers from St. Mary’s and Calvert counties. “It’s a very positive focus,” Stuart added. Meanwhile, Webster Field was chosen because of its friendly airspace, ample parking, center field of view, utilities and isolation from the Pax River’s daily activities, Stuart said. Parking will be at St. Mary’s College. “I was at the first one,” said Commissioner Dan Raley, “I’ve seen it grow.” And grow it has. Stuart said he expects up to 420 VIPs, including congressional staffers, senior defense department officials, political appointees, aviation officers, embassy attaches, aviation officers, state officials and local officials. Webster field could see more than 7,000 people pass through its gates for the demonstration if all goes as planned. “[VIPs] flock down here to on a technical field trip,” Stuart said, “to see these systems work in their actual environment.” See War Vehicles page A-
Funding Spark for STEM Academies By Adam Ross Staff Writer
only about 10 brush fires during the summer months, with only about four in St. Mary’s. In St. Mary’s, though, the most acreage has been burned because of these brush fires that can be set easily by the smallest flame because of the intense heat and lack of moisture that have beset the region this summer. “We’ve had a variety of fires; one was caused by lighting in Mechanicsville and that burned four acres,” Fisher said. Another fire took place on Abell’s Wharf Road where a farmer who was driving their harvester through their field, Fisher said. The harvester caused a single spark that ignited the dry field and caused a 15-acre fire. Of the 40 acres burned in Southern Maryland, 27 of them have been here in the
When creating its budget, St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ accounted for a worst-case funding scenario for its highly anticipated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics academies, but last week the inaugural program received a $200,000 boost from the state. Before Superintendent Michael J. Martirano received the good news via telephone at a school board retreat, administrators had meticulously budgeted for approximately $1.4 million in funding. The budget was in part based on the assumption that the county’s STEM initiative would receive a minimum state grant of $150,000. “You can imagine the excitement shared in the room,” Martirano said of the jubilation when State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick called the retreat to deliver the news. The $350,000 is the largest grant awarded to any district participating in STEM, and was awarded from a $2 million pool. “These additional dollars will allow us to go back and pick up some things from our dream list,” Martirano said Tuesday to the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners, who approved the extra grant money. In addition to the barebones structure planned under the original finances, the school system exempt financed certain technology initiatives, but the excess funding will relieve some of the borrowing. With the excess funding, SMCPS was able to shore up a program coordinator, support technician, classroom technology enhancements, extended day activities, transportation for elementary and middle school STEM academies and additional professional development. “I am very proud of the grant writing team and the proposal that secured $350,000 additional dollars to invest in our STEM initiatives,” said Martirano, in a written statement. “We plan to provide a continuous pathway of education that creates STEM-literate graduates ready to accept the challenges of advanced education and the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.”
See Fires page A-
See STEM page A-
See Arson page A-
Brush Fires Taking Their Toll By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
On Display
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Guns Piling Up At Sheriff’s Office By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Officials with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office are trying to return seized firearms to their rightful owners under the appropriate circumstances, but the sheer number being taken
as evidence in criminal investigations means space is running out at the Sheriff’s headquarters. “There’s no question,” said Lt. Rick Burris, commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. “We have to seize guns for all
kinds of reasons; we’re taking in about 300 guns a year.” A total of about 1,200 guns are currently stored in a single room at the Sheriff’s office, which was specially remodeled to accommodate the firearms and prevent them from taking up too much
space. The guns were competing for space with mountains of other evidence seized in criminal investigations, Burris said. Already Sheriff’s investigators and patrol officers have seized 145 guns as of June 30,
Photo by Guy Leonard
Lt. Rick Burris, commander of the sheriff’s office Bureau of Criminal Investigations holds a sawed off shotgun that was probably found at the bottom of a body of water. It’s one of 1,200 guns held at the sheriff’s office that are taking up more and more space.
Burris said, putting them right on course for taking at least another 300 by the time the year is out. He added that he expects the number of guns seized by deputies to continue to increase given the population growth trends and the popularity of shooting sports here. “As the population increases the weapons increase,” Burris said. “There are a lot of weapons in homes here. “Our officers have to be aware that wherever they go there might be a weapon.” Some of the guns are stolen and can be returned to their rightful owner, Burris said, as long as they pass a background check and an interview process with a special firearms review board that acts as a final check to ensure the person claiming ownership can legally possess them. But the process is still a slow one, Burris said, because of the volume of guns and the necessity of making sure the guns don’t fall into the wrong hands. “It’s 60 to 90 days is the best case scenario,” Burris said. “An owner has the right to that weapon. “This is a process we go through to get these weapons back into the right hands.” Cpl. J. Michael Gray, an investigator in BCI, was the one who started the firearms review board last year as a way of getting the firearms no longer critical as evidence back into the hands of lawful owners. Until the board, Gray said, there was no way to ascertain, face to face, who would take
Construction Push For Charter School By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Officials with Chesapeake Public Charter School in Lexington Park, the county’s first ever charter school, say that the school should still be able to open on its expected August 16 date despite concerns over construction delays. Stacy Maffei, project director for the charter school, said that the main stumbling block to opening on time is the installation of the fire sprinkler system in the building, which has met with sev-
eral delays. “That slows everything down because that’s in the ceiling,” Maffei told The County Times Tuesday. “If that gets finished by the end of the week, which is what we expect, everything will be fine and dandy.” Maffei said that building safety concerns, such as the sprinkler system installation, were the only foreseeable problems that would delay the opening of the charter school. The only other alternative would be to open the school for a couple of days at differ-
ent location, Maffei said, but that was a decision that would be up to the directors of the school, she added. “We want to bring the students into a safe environment,” Maffei said. “We’re still anticipating an August 16 opening, but we are coming down to the wire on the construction.” Brad Clements, chief operations officer for the St. Mary’s County Public School system, said that the construction concerns at the charter school were the reason for the school board canceling their
Facts and Falsehoods About Lightning Mother Nature offers many wonders that are a spectacle to behold. Ranking among some of the more awe-inspiring is lightning. Lightning strikes the earth roughly1,800 times at any given moment. While lightning is certainly a beautiful vision illuminating the sky, its immense power can have a downside, including the potential for destruction and even death. Lightning is five times as hot as the sun in every one-inch diameter bolt. In the U.S., lightning kills more people than hurricanes and tornadoes, combined. Only floods are more deadly. According to Underwriters Laboratories, lightning also accounts for more than one billion dollars annually in structural damage to buildings in the U.S.† Considering lightning inspires awe and wonder, and also some fear . it is beneficial to separate fact from fiction when it comes to lightning safety. 1. People are poor lightning conductors. Fiction: The human body is a better conductor than insulating building materials, water, and many metallic systems. The body is over 90 percent fluid, which is why sticking a finger in an electric socket or even experiencing static electricity when touching a doorknob can shock
you. 2. If you are caught outdoors, it can be safe to seek shelter from lightning in a car. Fact: A vehicle that is fully-enclosed with metal†can provide better protection against lightning than standing outdoors in a storm. 3. Lightning rods attract lightning. Fiction: A lightning protection system simply intercepts a lightning strike and provides a safe path to ground for discharging the dangerous electricity. 4.Surge arresters, suppressors and “whole-house protectors” can protect my home. Fiction: Surge protection devices are important components of a complete system to protect incoming utility lines against infiltration, but can do nothing to protect a structure against direct lightning strikes. Surge protection must be installed in conjunction with a structural lightning rod system (air terminals, bonding and grounding) to provide whole house protection. 5. Insurance covers all damages caused by lightning. Fact & Fiction: While this
is generally true for an initial occurrence with lightning, many insurance companies will deny second or third lightning claims and many will non-renew a policy after a lightning claim is entered. Since a single bolt of lightning can carry over 100 million volts of electricity (enough power to rip through a roof, explode walls of brick and concrete and ignite fires), homeowners may want to consider the security and peace of mind that a lightning protection system offers. A professionally installed lightning protection system provides a safe path to channel lightning’s electrical energy into the earth. The Lightning Protection Institute (LPI), a not-for-profit nationwide group founded in 1955 to promote lightning safety, awareness and education, stresses that homeowners should only use experienced contractors to install protection systems. LPI states that the contractor should be reputable, use UL-listed materials and be LPI-certified in lightning protection. “It is important to have an experienced professional install the lightning protection system,” says Bud VanSickle, executive director for LPI. “Contacting a certified professional ensures safety and expertise to save consumers time and money.”
scheduled July 23 tour of the facility, which would have necessitated stopping construction for several hours. “The contractor there is working long days,” Clements said. “They are working seven days a week, and 12-hour days. “The few hours they’d be shut down would be detrimental to the time [needed] for construction.” Clements said he was uncertain whether the school would open on time as anticipated but said the school system was watching the construction progress closely. “We’re concerned,” Clements said. “I’ll be visiting to see who they are doing. “I’ve opened a lot of schools and that when we were coming down to the
last day before opening and it opened on time. This could be one of those situations.” The charter school has 160 students enrolled so far, Maffei said, and all the necessary furniture and school supplies are there, or expected to be delivered to the school soon in time for the opening. The students range in grade from kindergarten to the 5th grade. The charter school is a highly anticipated project that has received strong support from the community, school system and the school board. The students at the charter school will also have a uniform dress code once they begin attending class. Limited bus service will also be available to some students. Maffei said that since
possession of the firearm once technicians at the crime lab had run a back ground check on it and its owner. “We didn’t have anything in place, but the ones [owners who show up at the review boards] are very cooperative,” Gray said. “This way is more professional and we are covered from liability.” But if those guns seized are part of a criminal investigation regarding an assault, armed robbery, drug case or even a homicide, the wait can be up to three or four years before the owner of a firearm can expect to get it back. In the case of an ex parte order or a domestic violence case the sheriff’s office could hold the weapon for as long as two years. “Sometimes we have to retain these weapons for a long time,” Burris said. People have come to the sheriff’s office begging for their guns back Burris said, but they have to wait their turn. “We release about 10 a month, but we get in another 10 a month. That’s the problem,” Burris said. “[The firearms review board] has helped but it’s a slow process.” As Sheriff’s deputies continue to battle the violence inherent in some crime, Burris said, the need for effectively storing and returning guns to their rightful owners would be all the more important. “We certainly don’t want weapons on the streets,” Burris said.
the charter school construction and renovation project has taken place it has helped to restore the looks of the surrounding community on Great Mills Road which has fallen into aging and disrepair in some spots. The installation of the sprinkler system has so far been the only major set back to bringing the charter school project to its completion. “To only have this one sticking point we’re very fortunate,” Maffei said. “It’s turning old into new, which is not nearly as easy as building something new. “It’s tough doing renovation.” For more information about Chesapeake Public Charter School visit their Web site at www.chesapeakepubliccharterschool.org or call 301-863-9585.
Photo by Guy Leonard
Sen. Roy Dyson (D-MD), at right, cuts the ribbon on the newly completed Periwinkle Point Boardwalk July 24 at Point Lookout State Park. Dawn Letts, center, project supervisor of Maryland Conservation Corp, and Christy Bright, assistant park director take part with volunteers who helped construct the boardwalk that will allow park visitors and campers to safely traverse salt marsh land.
today toto start CallCall usustoday start making your making your advertising campaign campaign advertising a success. a success. Advertise (301)373-4125 373-4125 (301)
Your Reaching 11,000 households Business! countywide weekly on Thursdays. We are at your service with:
n A professional sales team n Creative ad design service n Competitive rates n A community service oriented publication
The County Times
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Section A -
Waldorf dodge SuperStore
Viper Ram 2500 Grand Caravan Magnum Ram 1500 Caravan Avenger Charger Dakota Sprinter Ram Dually Nitro Caliber Durango Ram 3500
1,000 vehicleS available for upgrade event
100% reimburSement for your
trade, regardleSS of negative eQuity
100% reimburSement Sale
TEST DRIVE TODAY! ENTER TO WIN!!! July 18th-31st, 2007
OR FREE TRACTOR MOWER WITH TRUCK PURCHASE!
It’s Better. We’ll Prove It.
1-800-883-2968 upgrade to a neW vehicle and keep your payment the Same. trade up noW! no more repair billS!
0% apr no money doWn 100% reimburSement for your trade!
credit amnesty 100% GUARANTEE AUTO LOAN REGARDLESS OF PAST CREDIT HISTORY UPGRADE LOCATION WALDORF DODGE 2450 Crain Hwy Waldof, MD 20601 1-800-883-2968
bankruptcy SloW credit no credit medical billS bad credit Judgement divorce good credit
EVENT DATES MON-SAT: 9AM-9PM JULY 18TH-31ST, 2007
SALE GOING ON ON NOW!!! NOW!!!
For a FREE quote online, LIMITED TIME For a FREE quote online, LIMITED TIME ONLY! go to www.waldorfdodge.com go to www.waldorfdodge.com ONLY! d n a 2450 Crain Hwy S nt WALDORF DODGE u Waldorf, MD 20601 o c d n iS a 2450 Crain Hwy d ! S S 1-800-883-2968 te n t u a Waldorf, MD 20601 o b c e diS r ateS! 1-800-883-2968 WALDORF DODGE
No. 0241 Valid Thru: July 18-31, 2007 No. 0241 Valid Thru: July 18-31, 2007
reb
This certificate is redeemable This for upcertificate to: Tenis redeemable Thousand for up to:
Dollars and 00/100*****
Ten Thousand Dollars and 00/100*****
Must be be present present at at beginning beginning of of sale. sale. Must
la100 tractor moWer
up to up $ to $
10,000 00 10,000 00
Steve Osborne Osborne Steve This is not a check. Includes all rebates and incentives. Valid for vehicle lease or purchase only. See dealer for details.
0% with .15 .15 to to .45 .45 cents cents 0% APR APR Thru Thru CFC CFC with with approved approved credit. credit. 100% 100% Reimbursement Reimbursement based based on on NADA NADA base base model model value value with
deduction for miles & reconditioning disqualification for body damage. Value on 1997-2006 models. 1996 & older see dealer for details. Up to $10, 000 discounts & rebates on select models. Š 2007 PPI.
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Editorial & Opinion Buy Local, You Can Make A Difference We all spend a great deal of time talking about preserving our rural character, government spends a lot of tax dollars acting on your behalf to preserve our rural character, and farmers are faced with difficult decisions about whether to continue growing crops on local farms or planting that final crop, houses. Each year, the last week in July is designated “Buy local week!” While July 21-28 is set aside this year for that purpose and everyone is asked to pledge to eat at least one item from a local farm every day during buy local week, it is as much a reminder of how we all can enjoy preserving our
rural character. Shopping local is something we can actually do year round. It is estimated that if every household in Southern Maryland were to spend just $8 per week on locally grown products for a period of 12 weeks, $54 million would be invested back into our local economy. That’s better than $200 million per year, and you could do your part quite easily. “Local” grocery stores and restaurants are abundant with local goods. Local farmers markets, roadside stands, local specialty shops, and local gift shops all carry local products year round. If you
want local products you can always find them. And buying local means you are doing your share. Keeping local farmers and stores working, producing and selling local products is fundamentally better than government using your tax dollars to pay farmers who don’t farm. At www.buy-local-challenge.com you can find helpful hints about local products that may be right for you and your family. Find local recipes along with where to buy local products, including a list of grocery stores and restaurants featuring local products. One local grocer that always features large displays of
Dear Editor, On behalf of the American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life Planning Committee, I wish to thank the people of St. Mary’s County for making this year’s 10th annual Relay For Life an overwhelming success! With the help of all our teams, committee members, several generous donors and sponsors, we have raised over $199,000 thus far this year. It is yet another example of great generosity and commitment of the St. Mary’s County people to the fight against cancer. With help like this, the American Cancer Society can continue to work toward its goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Funds raised at events like Relay For Life are used to provide: Advocacy efforts to ensure things like patient 24 hours a day/7 days a week (1800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org ). rights and insurance coverage of early detection tests. First, we would like to thank W.M. Davis, Inc. Contractors, Outback Steakhouse, Ms. Tricia Hadley of FRC Patuxent River, Walls Bake Shop, Fletcher’s Flowers, and Kenny’s Flowers for their generous support of our Cancer Survivors’ Reception. It was a wonderful evening of celebration for our 130 guests. Next, we must thank our sponsors: Southern Maryland Oil, Dash In Stores, Navy Federal Credit Union, SMECO, Quality Built Homes, Inc., Ridge Lions Club, Home Builders, Inc., Thomas Builders, the Law Offices of Jacquelyn V. Meiser, and the American Legion Post 255 for their gracious financial support. Finally, we owe many thanks to our donors of materials, electronics, and muscle. Those include Mr. Jeff Rocheteau, Ms. Joey Brown, Mr. Doug Lively of NAS Patuxent River, Mr. Glen Larnerd of Leonardtown High School, Mr. George Young of SMECO, Ms. Beverly Russell of the College of Southern Maryland, True Value Hardware of Leonardtown, Lowe’s of California, Sign Systems, Mr. Alf Haaversen of Bear Cub Entertainment, Ms. Karen Schroeder of Best Buy, Steve Dyson Hauling, J Portables, Barbara Rowell and Karon Strickland, the Leonardtown Rescue Squad, and the men and women of NAS Patuxent River who helped us with event setup, tear down, and site security. Of course we appreciate our St. Mary’s Board of Education and Leonardtown High School for hosting our event. Thanks also go to our many dancers, singers, entertainers, guest speakers, as well as our great door prize donors for helping make the night so enjoyable. I want to thank EVERYONE who helped in this volunteer-driven community event and I apologize in advance to anyone who I inadvertently left out. All participants are playing an important role in the fight against cancer. Because of Community Leaders like these… Lives are changed… Lives are saved. Sincerely, Sue Lyddon-Hayes 2007-2008 Event Chair Relay For Life, St. Mary’s County
local produce throughout the local growing season is McKay’s Family Markets. With 5 locations serving St. Mary’s County, including Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown, Hollywood, California, and Great Mills, local produce is only a short drive for any county resident. McKay’s produce buyers can always be found at the Amish Wholesale Produce Market in Loveville, buying the freshest and best local produce for their customers. Other retail locations for local produce found listed on the So. Maryland, So Good web site include Blue Wind Gourmet, Bon Appetit at St. Mary’s College, Chap-
tico Market, Kellam Seafood, Raley’s Market, and The Good Earth Natural Foods Company. Many local restaurants and caterers also feature local products. Among those listed on the So. Maryland, So Good web site include: BlackHawke Productions, Brewing Grounds Coffee & Tea, Brome Howard, Café Des Artistes, J.T. Daugherty Center, Lenny’s, Petruzzi’s, Tea N Scones, The Coffee Quarter, The Tea Room, and The Tides Restaurant. Locally grown products such as the freshest fruits and vegetables are plentiful now through the fall. Grow-
ing in popularity is a steady increase of Southern Maryland wines, most of which can be purchased year round. The fall brings harvests of fall plants and other types of fruits and vegetables as well as the beginning of the harvest of local oysters. Local meats, cheeses, jams, jellies, sauces, baked goods, and many other products are becoming more and more common in the market. The key for all this is a good wholesome product offering good value to loyal customers. You can do your part to help protect the beautiful farms in Southern Maryland by being one of those loyal customers, and get a good value doing so.
Do you have something to say? Would like your voice to be heard? Send us a letter telling us what’s on your mind! Send to:
The County Times P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, MD 20636 Make sure you include your name, phone # and the city you live in. We will not publish your phone #, only your name and city
E-mail letters to: opinion@countytimes.net
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.
James Manning McKay - Publisher Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Adam Ross - Government Correspondent...............adamross@countytimes.net Andrew Knowlton - Sports Correspondent....... andrewknowlton@countytimes.net
P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636
Guy Leonard - Community Correspondent................guyleonard@countytimes.net
News, advertising, circulation, classifieds: 301-373-4125
Eileen McDonald - Advertising Rep...............eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net
Auditions for
Grilling Dos and Don’ts
Art designed by Peter Gergely
at Three Notch Theatre 21744 South Coral Drive, Lexington Park, Maryland th
July 26 6:30 – 9:30 pm July 28th 12:30 – 2:30 pm Callbacks: July 28th 3:00 – 5:00 pm Performance dates: October: 12-14, 18-21, 25-28 (Sundays at 3:30 pm, all other days at 8 pm)
Seeking 5 diverse female musical theatre performers (all ethnicities encouraged to audition) Strong singers required, one with a gospel tone and one who can dance. Come in comfortable clothes/shoes for a movement exercise and be prepared to sing Amazing Grace a cappella and the theme song Nunsense is Habit Forming with piano. Cold readings from the script may also be required.
For more information about auditions, email Lisa Gregory at lisaenvironmental@gmail.com
For information about volunteering, sponsoring the theatre, upcoming events, or to reserve tickets, please call 301-737-5447, or visit our website at www.newtowneplayers.org.
Grilling season is in full swing for many. For others, it never ended at all. Some people equate grilling to an art form and profess to be ultimate grill masters. Whether you consider grilling to be a full-fledged sporting activity or just have a fancy for foods cooked over an open flame, you can benefit from information regarding dos and don’ts related to preparing and grilling foods. DO clean out the ash catcher beneath charcoal before lighting to allow proper air circulation from bottom vents. DON’T start the grill for the first time of the season without doing a thorough safety inspection. If using a gas grill, check for holes or leaks in gas hoses. DO preheat gas grills for approximately 10 minutes. Charcoal grills should be heated until the coals are 80 percent gray and ashy. DON’T place the grill too close to a house, garage or where any items can be ignited, such as by leaf piles or chemicals.
DO keep children and pets away from the grill so that it isn’t bumped into or accidentally knocked over. DON’T use metal-handled utensils on the grill. They can transfer heat to the palm of your hand. Opt for wooden handles or use a flexible, heatresistant glove. DO marinate meats to tenderize them. There is also evidence to support that marinades reduce the production of cancer-causing substances on meats that are grilled from fat in the meat and built-up drippings in the grill. DON’T press down on burgers or meats while they’re on the grill. This releases juices and could dry out the food. It may also cause flare-ups. DO trim fat from meat before cooking. DON’T use a fork to turn over foods on the grill. Use tongs, which will not pierce the food and release the juices. DO put sweet basting items on the food during the
last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking so they don’t char. DON’T thread foods on wooden skewers and cook without first soaking the skewers in water for 30 minutes. Otherwise the skewers could burn. DO brush the grill with vegetable oil to prevent food from sticking. DON’T leave the grill unattended. Food can flare up and burn quickly. Try to prepare as much of your meal in advance so that you can carefully watch the grill. DO try other meats and foods on the grill such as pork, lamb and fish. DON’T grill indoors or in an enclosed area devoid of proper ventilation
The County Times
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Ramblings of a Country Girl Photo by Adam Ross
Isn’t It Clean Enough? Terri Bartz Bowles It’s Saturday morning and I need to clean house. Bleah. It’s been a busy week, so
there’s clutter to deal with first, then dusting things, washing things, cleaning things. I don’t enjoy cleaning. I enjoy a clean house, I just don’t like
Odd News WASHINGTON- We all know violence is increasing in the metropolitan area, but who would’ve thought it would become this severe? A man named Gareth Groves, who lives in a neighborhood where most are environmentally aware, brought home a brand new Hummer last Wednesday. Five days later, he was stunned to find that the windows had been smashed, the tires had been slashed, and written in the paint was the message “For The Environ”. Police say they have seen many other kinds of vandalism, but never something so clear that the motive is apparently obvious. Police are in full search for the vandals but don’t have very many leads thus far. The only evidence they have is what few witnesses tell them; two men in masks did the damage and fled. MADRID- After taking his 10-year-old son bull running during the Pamplona festival, a Spanish man got his visitation rights taken away. The mother of the boy apparently saw a picture in the newspaper of her son, led by her ex-husband, running right in front of the bulls. She went to police, and a judge ordered the police to locate the child immediately and give him back to his mother. No wonder the mother was distraught; close to 15 people have been killed running the bulls in the festival since 1924! WISCONSIN- A World War II-era plane made an emergency landing on a southeast Wisconsin highway Sunday, according to reports from the Associated Press. The plane landed on U.S. Highway 41 near Fon du Lac County Airport shortly before 8 p.m., and no injuries were reported, authorities said. The highway was closed in both directions as officials attempted to move the plane, but vehicles were eventually able to pass on the shoulder. The Oshkosh Northwestern newspaper reported that a man and his son were flying the plane to an air show in Oshkosh. UNITED KINGDOM- A seagull waddled into a convenience store in the United Kingdom and plucked a bag of Tangy Cheese Doritos from off the shelf, according to the Associated Press and a live feed of the incident. The seagull walked gingerly into the store, grabbed the bag of chips and turned right around and exited the building. The seagull, nicknamed Sam, has now become so popular that locals have started paying for his chips, according to a report from BBC news. The store’s owner told BBC news that the seagull steals only that particular kind of chips, and has the process down to a “fine art.” According to the owner, the seagull waits until there are no customers around, and the clerk has his back turned, and then “raids the place.” COLORADO- A chihuahua jumped in front of a 1-yearold splashing his hands in a birdbath as a rattlesnake slithered up and went for the kill, according to the associated press. The dog jumped in front of the baby, and was struck by the snake several times. The dog received treatment, but survived the encounter. CHINA- Chinese police seizing a suspicious vessel on a border river in southwest China found 270 crocodiles in a shocking search and seizure, a state news agency reported Monday. Border police noticed the boat trying to land on the Chinese side of the Beilun River, marking the border with Vietnam. Xinhua News Agency said four people carried bags off the boat, but fled when police approached. It said the bags contained 270 crocodiles, which are on China’s wildlife protection list. Xinhua quoted the border police as saying the crocodiles would have ended up in underground leather factories and made into shoes and bags. MINNESOTA- A dog feasted on $750 in cash, when its owner went on vacation and left the dog’s care to her mother in Oakdale, Minn. Pepper, an 8-year-old black Labrador-German shorthair, got into a purse belonging to her mother’s friend and chewed up cash in an envelope. Some of the money was recovered after the dog spit it out around the yard, but much of the cash had been chewed or swallowed. When the owner returned from her vacation and learned of the incident she sorted through Pepper’s feces and netted about $400 in the process. In all, the owner recovered $647 of the $750 dollars eaten in the binge.
the process of getting it there. It’s nice at the end of the day to look around and sigh with satisfaction as you survey the fruits of your labors. A clean
house not only looks better, it feels better. The sense of accomplishment is a good feeling and even though you’re tired, it’s a good tired and as
Arson
set.
Continued from page A- standing there; Timothy Brooks confronted his wife, charging documents stated, and asked her “What the [expletive] is your problem?.” According to statements in the fire marshal’s report, Yvette and Timothy Brooks continued to argue while McCarty attempted to extinguish the fire. Investigations found that the fire had been aided by a liquid accelerant, gasoline, and had been intentionally
Last month, fire marshal’s reports said, investigators talked to other neighbors about the fire and one of the neighbors said they had a conversation with Yvette Brooks near the end of April, where the alleged arsonist admitted to blowing in McCarthy’s door. Frye said that the witness statements about conversations with Yvette Brooks regarding the alleged arson were instrumental in his being able to file charges against her. The witness said, charging documents state, that
Section A - you sit down to rest, it’s nice to enjoy the happy house. I do think a clean house is a happy house. I can think of a gazillion other things I’d rather do than clean house. Literally. Okay, maybe that’s getting a little carried away. I can think of a million other things I’d rather do. There’s yard work to be done for instance, and we have new neighbors so I really should bake something nice and take it next door. My car needs washing. I’ve been working on the same scrapbook for months. But, I want the house to be clean, so it’s best to just get started and get it over with. There is a ‘clean gene’ that some women have, but I don’t have it. The clean gene belongs to women who enjoy the cleaning process. They enjoy not just the end result (me), they enjoy all the actual chores. I wish I had that gene but it’s missing from my DNA. I envy those women because their houses are always clean. Housecleaning does not consist of a bunch of chores they’d rather avoid, they just jump in, start cleaning, enjoy the work and then enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. Maybe science should
research that. They spend enough time researching ridiculous things, why can’t they search for that missing gene and try to replicate it? They have medication for all kinds of odd stuff, maybe they could invent a cleaning pill. It’s not that I’m cleaning-challenged, I know what to do and how to do it. I just don’t like doing it. There are others in worse shape than me – women that don’t know how to clean and probably don’t want to learn. They could use the gene implant or pop the cleaning pill once or twice a month. I guess there’s already a “cleaning cure” though and it’s hiring someone to clean your home. We’ve all heard the stories of women who clean up before the cleaners get there. I guess it’s just some weird little woman thing – we want stuff clean and we want to have done it ourselves or we feel we should do it ourselves, even if we don’t enjoy it. So instead of cleaning, I’ve been sitting here writing this column. But I’ve finished it now and there’s only one thing left to do – start cleaning. Sigh.
Yvette Brooks was laughing about the incident, saying that McCarthy’s supposed philandering with Timothy Brooks justified the alleged arson. This same witness also claimed, according to charging documents, that Timothy Brooks had called her and said he was considering turning Yvette Brooks in for the alleged April 7 arson. Another witness interviewed by investigators regarding the alleged arson claimed that they, too, had had a conversation with Yvette Brooks in which she allegedly admitted to the witness that
she had created a gasoline explosive using a cup full of the accelerant and used it to blow in McCarthy’s door. The second witness also said that Timothy Brooks new where the cup was that his wife had allegedly used to create the gasoline explosive; tucked away behind their townhouse wrapped in a plastic bag. The additional reckless endangerment charges against Yvette Brooks carry a five-year prison term, while the malicious burning charges could net an additional 18 months in prison.
Announcement of Level I Water Restrictions Effective immediately, the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission is placing Level I water restrictions in place for the following public water systems: Breton Bay, Cedar Cove, Charlotte Hall, Country Lakes, Forrest Farms, Greenbrier, Hunting Quarters, Lexington Park , Mulberry South, Persimmon Hills, Piney Point, Piney Point Landings, Rolling Acres, Villages of Leonardtown, and Wilderness Run These restrictions are being imposed as a result of recent and continued drought conditions and drastic increases in water usage in these communities. These restrictions will continue through the duration of the drought conditions. Level I water restrictions are as follows: • Watering of lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, and other out-
door plants are permitted every day between the hours of 8 pm and 7 am only • Irrigation must be personally supervised at all times to eliminate run-off or excessive watering • Washing of paved surfaces such as streets, roads, sidewalks, driveways, garages, parking areas, tennis courts, and patios are permitted only under the following conditions: o For pre-washing in preparation of asphalt street or driveway recoating and sealing o At the minimum rate necessary for sanitation or public health purposes, such as eating and drinking areas o At the minimum rate necessary to maintain effective dust control during the construction of highways and roads •
The use of water for
washing or cleaning of mobile equipment including automobiles, trucks, trailers, and boats are permitted under the following conditions: o The use of commercial car washes are highly encouraged, as they utilize recycling o Cleaning of construction, commercial, emergency and public transportation vehicles only as necessary to preserve the proper functioning and safe operation of the vehicle. o Privately owned vehicles may be washed once per week only by means of a bucket or hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle. o Fundraising car washes are permitted • No limitations on filling pools •
The Hydrant Water
Then Pick Up The Phone And Get Added To Our Mailing List! The County Times Offeres Creative Ad Design, A Professional Sales Team, And Competitive Rates! Our Classified Section Gets Results!
Withdraw List for existing permit holders will be amended to limit or prevent hydrant withdraw from the water systems identified in these restrictions. No new hydrant water withdraw permits will be issued during Level I water restrictions. The St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission is requesting the assistance of all residents in conserving this precious resource. Penalties for violating these restrictions range from written warnings to termination of water service. Should you have any questions regarding these restrictions, please feel free to contact the Operations Department of the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission at (301) 373-4733, extension 217.
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Quick and Inexpensive Tips to Beautify Your Backyard Sunlight and warm breezes signal the season for outdoor entertaining. For some, those words conjure up images of lounging on the beautiful backyard patio with friends and family. But, for many of us, outdoor en-
tertaining sets off an internal alarm, reminding us of tears in the canvas cushions and umbrellas, cracks in mosaic tables, and chipped or broken patio pots, not to mention the statue that has lost a few fingers. It all adds up to a slightly
shabby look to our outdoor paradise. Before you panic and spend too much money on design consultants and all new patio furniture, stand back and take a look around your backyard like you’re seeing
it for the first time. Decide what is too shabby to save and get rid of it, whether it’s that scraggly shrub that has never thrived or those faded and chipped lawn trolls that have gone from cute to tacky. Clean away all “trash”- that
stack of empty plastic flower pots from the nursery, debris around the barbecue area or tools leaning against the house. Be merciless in getting rid of scraggly flowers and shrubs. Replace them with hardy colorful species that are proven winners for your climate. If you have a “black thumb,” don’t worry. Tucking some seasonal silk flowers or ferns in a few hanging pots can be very effective and, of course, care-free! Now you are ready to transform your outdoor living space, armed only with your imagination and a tube of ver-
satile one-part adhesive like Amazing GOOPÆ Lawn & Garden by Eclectic Products. Here are some ideas: • Try re-creating your outdoor space as several intimate “rooms” by the way you group your furniture around the lawn or patio. Subtle lighting and colorful clusters of pots or curving beds with seasonal flowers or shrubs can make these areas irresistible. • Paint inexpensive chairs and tables in bright colors to add a touch of whimsy and fun. You can turn an old table into a beautiful mosaic with some broken china and a little Amazing GOOPÆ Lawn & Garden. This adhesive also will easily repair tears in canvas umbrellas and chair upholstery; it won’t chip or flake off because it dries to a rubbery, flexible finish that moves with the material. In fact, this kind of adhesive is formulated for withstanding temperature change and moisture is your best bet for repairing almost anything outdoors that is cracked, torn, worn or broken. • Create a warm, inviting experience in your own backyard - whatever fits your taste. One woman created a whimsical touch for her children by “GOOP-ing” little ceramic fairies among the branches of a small Japanese maple tree.
You Can Get A
FREE GALLON OF MILK
For Every 9 Gallons You Buy With Your McKay’s Gold Card!
For all your outdoor “fixup” projects, slip a tube of Amazing GOOPÆ Lawn & Garden adhesive into your pocket. One of the strongest and most versatile one part adhesives available, the product replaces glues, paste, rubber contact cement, and silicone and patch kits. It is unsurpassed for permanently repairing, mending, and sealing, and for bonding two different materials together. It is ready to use right out of the tube and easy to apply. It can also accommodate the difference in drying time when two unlike materials are bonded, such as metal to wood. Use it on almost any material - wicker, wood, metal, glass, ceramic, rubber, cement, leather, marble, plastic, PVC/ABS, tile, vinyl, and even fabric - repair it, bond it to another material or just glue it back together. There are hundreds of glues on the market. When working outdoors, make sure the one you choose is waterresistant, UV-resistant and dries to a flexible rubbery finish that won’t crack or break under pressure. For best results when using a one-part adhesive: • Make sure surfaces are clean, dry and free from dirt.
No need to save register tapes. You purchases will be automatically accumulated... just check your register reciept for your update.
• If the tube has been stored in cool place, hold it under warm water to increase ease of application. • Apply a thin coat of adhesive, like Amazing GOOPÆ Lawn & Garden, directly to each surface to be bonded or repaired. Allow to partially cure two to 10 minutes before bringing the two surfaces together. Because this adhesive has one of the strongest bonds of any onepart adhesive, carefully position the two surfaces before applying pressure. • Allow the repair to dry for 24 hours, more or less, depending on room temperature. The warmer the room, the faster it dries. • Clean threads of tube and cap with acetone before storing.
The Shops at Breton Bay Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-997-1828 Route 245 Hollywood, MD 20636
301-475-2531
Route 5 & Mohawk Drive Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
301-884-5636
Wildewood Shopping Center California, MD 20619
301-866-5702
Route 246 & Great Mills Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653
301-862-7702
Most home improvement and hardware stores, including Ace Hardware, Rite Aid and True Value, carry a large variety of adhesives, including Amazing GOOPÆ Lawn & Garden. For more information about fast and easy repair of almost anything with one part adhesives, contact Eclectic Products, Inc. at 1-800-767-4667 or visit the company’s Web site at www. amazinggoop.com.
The County Times
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Obituaries Nathaniel Hazel “Nat” Campbell, 68
Nathaniel Hazel “Nat” Campbell, 68, of Lexington Park, Md., died July 15, 2007 at his residence. Born Feb. 5, 1939 in Hermanville, Md., he is the son of Mary Agnes Campbell-Walker and the late Bernard August Harris. Nat retired as an electrician from Public Works Department at Patuxent Naval Air Station. He drove for St. Mary’s County Public School Transportation System parttime for three years. He also did electrical work part-time. After retiring he enjoyed lounging around, fishing, watching CNN (all the time), spending time with his mother and helping her around the house, and would you believe it Nat even loved to go dancing. If you knew Nat then you knew there was always a card game going on or a pool table nearby. He also enjoyed transporting and assisting his elderly family and friends to and from the hospital and doctor’s appointments. Within the last several years, Nat took the time to assist others in any way possible and never gave a second thought about his own self. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son, Nathaniel Gerard “Roddy” Campbell of Lexington Park, Md., step-children, Anthony “Tony” Smith, Sr. of Lexington Park, Md., and Tamara “Tammy” Smith of Fort Washington, Md., seven sisters, Ann Wells and Ethel Ellis, both of Boston, Mass., Gwendolyn Russell of Atlanta, Ga., Patricia Chaplin of Lexington Park, Md., Ilene Womack of Boston, Mass., Marnette Harris and Teresa Lawrence, both of Lexington Park, Md., four brothers, Leroy Campbell of Lexington Park, Md., Darnell Harris of Washington, D.C., James Thompson of Clinton, Md.m and Mack Lawrence of Lexington Park, Md., and a host of nieces and nephews, other close relatives and great friends. In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Cecelia Price and Carolyn Roach and three brothers, John Griffin, Thomas James Harris and Bernard Harris. The family received friends Friday, July 20 from 9:30- 11 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Lexington Park, Md., where a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Reverend Jack Kennealy conducted the service. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were be Edward R. Smith, Reuben L. Smith, Christopher Roach, Sr., Anthony Smith, Sr., Andrea Butler, and Nathaniel G. Campbell. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.
Joann Elizabeth Hammett, 44 Joann Elizabeth Hammett, 44, of Lexington Park, Md., died July 15, 2007 in Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando, Fla. Born June 6, 1963 in Atglen, Pa., she was the daughter of Earl Howell and Sarah (Hanna) Howell of Atglen, Pa. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Stephen L. Hammett and two daughters, Christa
Joy Hammett and Anna Elizabeth Hammett, all of Lexington Park, Md. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Mary Hanna. The family received friends Friday, July 20 from 5-8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. A Funeral Service was conducted on Saturday, July 21 at 11 a.m. in Life Community Church of God, Great Mills, Md. Pastor Brian Shepard conducted the service. Interment followed in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Great Mills, Md.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CareNet Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland, P.O. Box 31, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.
Michael Anthony Hutzol, 53
Michael Anthony Hutzol, 53, of California, Md., died July 19, 2007 at his residence. Born April 3, 1954 in Fall River, Mass., he was the son of the late Anthony Paul Hutzol and Bertha Marie (Levesque) Hutzol. He is survived by his friend, Debra K. Sisler of California, Md., daughter, Mary Katherine Deschenes of Lodi, Cal., son, Anthony Paul Hutzol of Stockton, Cal., four siblings, Karen Mathews of Woodbridge, Va., Catherine Morris of Fall River, Mass., Frank H. Hutzol of Grand Forks, ND and John Paul Hutzol of Marretta, Ga., and one grandchild. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 from 5-8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. A Prayer Service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Father Keith Woods will conduct the service. A Graveside Service will be conducted on Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arc of Southern Maryland, Inc., P.O. Box 1860, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
band, James Mason, Sr., were tied in holy matrimony at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. The two made a humble home on Greenbriar Road in Leonardtown, where they raised four children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During her time on earth, she worked as a caregiver and a homemaker. Her hobbies included watching and playing baseball, canning of fruits and vegetables and her fantastic baking made her happy. Her overflowing kindness kept her door opened to anyone who had a problem and the numerous grandkids, nieces, nephews and other relatives that would vacation at the home during the summer. She had the ability to make you smile when you thought you had reached the lowest point in your life. This ability and her kindness earned her the title of “Momma Mason” which is used by everyone she has graced with her presence. She is survived by her four children, John F. Holly of Hollywood, Md., Catherine Ann Mason, James S. Mason, Jr. and Helen Louise Curtis, all of Leonardtown, MD, 13 grandchildren, Wayne, Shelly, Shaun, Catherine, Cynthia, LaTanya, Stephanie, Stacey, Sheari, Keturah, Chris, Mike and Darryl, 31 great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, three daughters-in-law, Mary Ellen, Carol and Toni, son-in-law, James, eight sisters-in-law, Alberta, Catherine, Idella, Nellie, Sara, Veronica, Mary and Doris, four brothers-in-law, Joseph, Walter, Harry and Joseph and a host of nieces, nephews, goddaughters, godsons, relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by three grandchildren, Jacqueline, Michael and James and twelve siblings, Frank, John, Paul, Oscar, James, Charles, Lizzie, Genevieve, Elsie, Lillian, Liza, and Elvie. The family received friends Friday, July 20 from 9-10 a.m. in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, Md., where a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Reverend John Dakes was the celebrant. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Serving as pallbearers were Wayne Mason, Aaron Young, James Davis, Shaun Bowman, Clarence Miles and James Young. Serving as honorary pallbearer was Robert Dailey. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.
Adrian Michael Mendolia, 30
Catherine Louise Mason, 83
Catherine Louise Mason, 83, of Leonardtown, Md., died July 14, 2007 in Bayside Care Center, Lexington Park, Md. Born Aug. 1, 1923 in Leonardtown, Md., she was the daughter of the late John Albert Holly and Mabel Lucille (Curtis) Holly. Louise received her academic education at Banneker School, Loveville, Md., and her religious education at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Leonardtown, Md. Louise and her late hus-
Adrian Michael Mendolia, 30, of Hollywood, Md., died July 14, 2007 in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, N.Y. Born Oct. 22, 1976 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., he was the son of Anthony M. Mendolia and Julia M. Dent. Adrian enjoyed going to the beach, feeding the seagulls, collecting seashells and building sandcastles. He lived in South Carolina until he was seven years old, then he and his mother moved to St. Mary’s County to live with his great-grandmother, Eleanor Dent, on Denton Farm in Avenue, Md. There he learned how to fish and crab. He loved to go out in the boat, spend time with his many cousins, aunts and uncles and being on the farm where it was peace and quiet. As an adult, Adrian,
did extensive traveling. He learned about working with carnivals and operated the rides and game booths. While he traveled, he also learned to shoot a good game of pool and taught himself how to detail “18 wheelers”. He followed the racing circuit for a short time, where he found “The World’s Largest Grill, Period”, which he thought was the coolest thing. At the time of his death in Buffalo, N.Y, Adrian had been traveling with the carnival again. He leaves behind his mother, Julie Dent of Hollywood, Md., and her longtime companion, Blaine Caldwell of St. Mary’s County, father, Anthony Mendolia and his wife, Holly of Plant City, Fla., step-brother, Joseph and stepsister, Nicole, both of Plant City, Fla., and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends. The family received friends Saturday, July 21, 2007 from 1-2 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md., where a Memorial Service was conducted at 2 p.m. Inurnment was private. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Joseph M. “Skip” Russell, 83
Joseph M. “Skip” Russell, 83, a life long resident of Leonardtown, died peacefully surrounded by his family on July 19, 2007 in St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. His death culminated a 13-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born Oct. 14, 1923 in Leonardtown, Md., he was the son of the late Wilson and Mary Russell. Skip was the oldest child and became the “man of the house” in 1935 at the age of 12 upon the death of his father. After graduating from Margaret Brent High School he entered the Army and served during World War II. He served with distinction in the war theaters of North Africa, Italy (Anzio), and Germany. One of the happiest days of his life was when he returned home to Leonardtown on Dec. 21, 1945. On Dec. 24, 1949 he married the love of his life, Barbara Wathen. He was a federal employee and retired from the Solomon’s Annex in 1979. He and several others commuted by boat from Seven Gables to Solomon’s for thirty plus years. Ironically, he retired shortly after the opening of the Thomas Johnson Bridge negated the need for the boat commute. His retirement years were vibrant and busy until the effects of Parkinson’s disease robbed him of his motor skills. He was an award winning gardener. He garnered numerous champion and first places at the County Fair. He was an accomplished amateur photographer before the era of point and click digital cameras. He spent many Sunday afternoons following NASCAR events. He loved bird watching and stocked bird feeders around the house for many years. Likewise, he became a noted squirrel fighter due to their fondness for bird seed. While not international travelers, he and Barbara were able to travel extensively within the United States and Canada. He loved their winter trips to Florida. He especially enjoyed spending Race Week at Daytona. Ultimately, family and
Section A -
sense of place were the most important components of his life. He loved Leonardtown. In his retirement years he and his friends held a Leonardtown coffee klatch at lunch time nearly every day. Family events and holidays were always the most important dates on the calendar. He truly believed the camaraderie and shared love of a holiday meal was far more important than any material possession. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and husband who believed in family first. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara Wathen Russell, three children, Tom Russell and his wife, Karen Long Russell, Mike Russell and his wife, Mary Choporis Russell, and Patricia Guy and her husband, Glenn Guy, grandchildren Meghan Russell Thomas, Michael Russell, Thomas Russell, Mark Guy and Angela Guy Pickeral, great- grandchildren, Joseph G. Guy II and Presley Pickeral, three sisters, Irene Dixon, Marie Bailey, and Edith Wood, and he also leaves a special “adopted daughter” and caregiver, Judy Burroughs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Vivian and Merril Russell. The family received friends Monday, July 23 from 10- 11 a.m. in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, Md., where a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Reverend Thomas LaHood of Our Lady’s Church of Medley’s Neck will be the celebrant. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Nursing Center Foundation, 21581 Peabody Street Leonardtown Md. 20650 or to Hospice House c/o Hospice of St Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.
Jonathan Robert Senn, 18
Jonathan Robert Senn, 18, of Callaway, Md., died July 16, 2007 at his residence. Born April 8, 1989 in Low Moor, Va., he was the son of Anthony J. Senn of Milford, Del., and Lorraine Snyder of Callaway, Md. Jon graduated from Leonardtown High School in 2007. He enjoyed fishing and had a love for all animals. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sisters, Stephanie Senn of Callaway, Md., and Lyndsey Senn of Milford, Del., grandmothers, Marilyn Senn of Hollywood, Md., and Nancy Lee of Ridge, Md., step-mother, Riki Senn of Milford, Del., aunts & uncles, Sherry Murphy of Hollywood, Md., Bob and Angie Graves of Boise, ID, Tim and Andrea Senn of Shrewsbury, Pa., cousins, Joshua and Nathan Senn, both of Shrewsbury, Pa., Gabriel and Collin Murphy of Hollywood, Md., Danielle and Meagan Graves of Boise, ID. The family received friends Thursday, July 19 from 5-8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. Prayers were recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m. in St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Hollywood, Md. Father Ray Schmidt will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial
Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Serving as pallbearers will be Alex Rothkamp, Chad Kenney, Justin Clausen, Sean Roberts, Dillion Mills, and Jason Buda. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s County Dept. of Juvenile Services Drug Court Program, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Make checks payable to L.M.B. of St. Mary’s in Memory of Jon Senn. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.
Clarence Leo Young, Sr., 86
Clarence Leo Young, Sr., 86, of Lexington Park, Md., died July 17, 2007 in Bayside Care Center, Lexington Park, Md. Born April 23, 1921 in Budds Creek, Md., he was the son of late Woodley and Susan A. (Bowman) Young. He attended St. Mary’s County public school system. He served in the United States Army during WWII from June 14, 1944 to Feb. 28, 1946. He was briefly employed with the Naval Ordinance Laboratory in Indian Head, Md. He was a sharecropper for many years. After sharecropping, he started his own business, C. Leo Excavating Services. He was a member of the Banneker School Parent Teachers Association. He later became the first minority school member and the only minority Vice President of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education. He also was an active member of the St. Mary’s County Chapter of NAACP. He was a former member of the St. Joseph’s Church choir. His favorite pastime activities were playing the guitar, dancing, taking pictures, playing cards and reminiscing with family and friends. He is survived by one brother, Vincent Young of Hughesville, Md. and two sisters-in-law, Gertrude Young and Mary Young, five children, Clarence Leo (Agnes) Young, Jr. of Callaway, Md., Alice C. (William) Holly of Leonardtown, Md., William Thomas (Alice) Young of Foster City, Cal., Mary Lillian (Joseph) Jenifer of Cheltenham, Md., and Henry Patrick (Annie) Young of Mechanicsville, Md., 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren, two step-great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Alice C. Young, sisters, Catherine Bush, Susanne Bowman, Olivia Young, Elizabeth Young, brothers, Thomas Young, Charles Henry Young, James W. Young, Joseph E. Young, and adopted granddaughter, Melody McRae. The family received friends Monday, July 23 from 9-10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, Md., where a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Reverend Keith Woods will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, Md. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.
To Place A Memorial Anniversary Notice Call 301-373-4125
The County Times
Section A -
Fires Continued from page A- county, Fisher said. The increase in brush fires have kept volunteer fire fighters hopping answering them all, Fisher said. One brush fire that occurred July 22 was caused by the use of fireworks, according to a deputy state fire marshal. “It had been shot the night before,” said Deputy Fire Marshall John Nelson. “As dry as it is it’s very dangerous to be shooting fireworks.” The fireworks, when launched into the air, came down and set the top of a tree on fire an then the embers set the woods below ablaze as well sending the fire out to about an acre, Nelson said. The fire reached a shed and also torched a Ford sport utility vehicle. The total
property damage was about $7,000. “It completely destroyed both of them,” Nelson said of the blaze. The resident who used the fireworks, which Nelson said were an illegal bottle rocket type, was not charged. Nelson warned residents not to underestimate the danger of fireworks. “They don’t understand what the firework can do, especially with the dry conditions,” Nelson said. Fisher said that there has been no outdoor burning ban instituted in St. Mary’s so far this summer. A burn ban would cease after there had been an adequate amount of rainfall, Fisher said. But that may change soon given the number of brush fires that have started here. “At this time [a burning ban] is being considered,” Fisher said.
War Vehicles Continued from page A- According to a presentation given by Stuart, the dem-
onstration’s vision is to promote the unmanned system’s
The brush fires that spark in the woods are often the ones that are the most serious, Fisher said. “The woods fires are burning deep into the duff layer, or the leaf pack,” Fisher said. “We constantly have to check the forest fires because they are burning down deep near the roots and those fires can be rekindled.” Fisher said that county residents should refrain from starting fires outdoors even though there is no official burning ban and also cautioned them that the simplest outdoor activities involving machinery posed a serious fire risk because of the drought. “Just be cautious, even when you’re cutting the grass be cautious,” Fisher said. “If you hit anything and cause a spark the threat of a brush fire is there.”
Thursday, July 26, 2007
STEM
according to Linda Dudderar, chief academic officer. “The STEM advisory Continued from page A- group has worked diligently to establish a clear vision, The school system wast- goals, and objectives for our ed little time hiring its first program,” said Dudderar in STEM coordinator, Paula a statement. “They were intePerry, a math teacher from gral in writing the grant and Northern High School in Cal- bringing valuable informavert County, who will oversee tion from the business and the county’s three academies military communities to the at Lexington Park Elementa- discussion.” ry, Spring Ridge Middle and Specifically, the $350,000 Great Mills High Schools grant will also go towards a Among a host of respon- second technician position, sibilities, Perry will network a wireless Internet hub, a with Kathy Glockner, the edu- middle school transportation cation partnership coordinator initiative, and a secure route for Naval Air Warfare Center to statewide competitions and Aircraft Division, to provide other events. a strong educational link In sum, the grant will albetween STEM and Patux- low the school board to bring ent River Naval Air Station. on two additional full-time While the initial $150,000 ac- employees, something Comcounted for hiring a STEM co- mission President Jack Rusordinator to work closely with sell cautioned against because Pax River, the extra $200,000 the grant will likely be cut will primarily foster technol- next year. ogy enhancements at each Martirano said he was grade level in each classroom,
well aware of the consequences of bringing on additional staff members, but asserted that the program needed a “big thrust at the beginning, to put all hands on deck and get things up and running.” “With the support and assistance of our community,” Dudderar said, “we will prepare our students for a world they cannot yet imagine.” STEM academies will open in August in grades 4, 6 and 9. Grades 5, 7 and 10 will be added the following year, with grades 8, 11, and 12 coming aboard in subsequent years. Approximately 90 students applied for the 48 spots available in fourth grade, while 52 participants were chosen from more than 100 applicants at the sixth grade level. Spots are still available at the ninth grade academy for interested students.
capabilities, present current and future concepts of operations and of course showcase the world’s most advanced military technology. “I’ve attended all of them
Photo Courtesy of NAVAIR
Spectators at the 2005 Unmanned Systems Demonstration at the Webster Field Annex in St Inigoes observe iRobot Corporation’s “Packbot” go through its paces on the jumbotron.
Photo Courtesy of NAVAIR
Raytheon Corporation’s EODBot, an unmanned ground system based on a Bobcat skid steer loader, examines a simulated explosive device during the 2005 Unmanned Systems Demonstration at the Webster Field Annex in St Inigoes.
so far and it’s amazing how its grown and the number of people that come into support,” said Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. “We develop systems at Pax River that aid in the war, and you know that technology was developed here.”
According to Stuart’s handout to the commissioners, “every Demo[nstration] has resulted in new USA technologies acquired and deployed in the field.” Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe also reveled in the idea that part of the systems will
likely one day end up at his disposal. “I hope one day when I drive my electric vehicle,” added Jarboe, “I can use a set of lithium batteries you have in your planes.”
Navy News New Patrol Aircraft New Naval Aircraft Approved for Production Completes Critical Design Review
The U.S. Navy’s nextgeneration aircraft radar system was approved for full-rate production June 25. The PMA-265 was granted authorization to enter into Full Rate Production for 437 next-generation APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars after extensive review by the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition). “Super Hornet Block II and EA-18G aircrafts equipped with AESA’s revolutionary war fighting capability makes Naval Aviation more relevant than ever in our history to the joint combatant commander. Our Super Hornets and Growlers - with cutting edge radar technology, precise and networked enabled weapons in combination with joint interoperable and open architectures - increases the combat effectiveness of all those operating in the battle space,” said Captain “BD” Gaddis, PMA-265 Program Manager. The AESA program started in 1999 and the radar had its first flight in July 2003. The program completed an operational evaluation in December 2006 and will begin tests and evaluation later this summer
in preparation for first deployment in 2008. “With more than 8200 flight hours on LRIP hardware in the past 2 years, AESA system hardware has been extremely reliable and maintainable,” said Shirley Franko, AESA program co-lead. “With its highly advanced built-in-test capability and no moving parts to fail, the system boasts an operational availability of 96 percent. As of now, the AESA radar proves to be approximately seven times more reliable than the system it is replacing. Program officials expect this advancement to increase in the future. AESA systems are currently flying in four Fleet squadrons and have impressed aircrew and maintenance users on both coasts, said Franko. “This cutting-edge radar is a critical enabler for Block II Super Hornets,” said Commander John Green, AESA program lead. “A total of 437 Block II Super Hornets will have AESA radars, bringing advanced capabilities and improved reliability to the Fleet.” Australia is also acquiring 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet equipped with AESA,
Green added. Advanced capabilities [of the new aircraft] include cruise missile defense, an enhanced SAR-mapping capability, extended air-to-air range, and an interleaved mode capability that allows air-to-air and airto-ground modes to be used simultaneously, a particularly useful mode in two-seat aircraft, said Green. VFA-213, in Oceana, VA, was the first operational unit to use an AESA-equipped F/A-18F squadron in October 2006. VFA-22, in Lemoore, CA, is currently transitioning to the AESA-equipped F/A18F aircraft. Both squadrons have started a training regimen that will prepare them for deployment with AESA in 2008. This new development in aircrafts marks the end of a Low Rate Production (LRIP) period of 84 radars that began with delivery of the first LRIP 1 unit in July 2003.
The P-8A Poseidon, the Navy’s newest maritime patrol aircraft, completed its Critical Design Review on June 15, 2007. “This event marks the achievement of an extremely significant milestone, completed in tremendous fashion,” said Rear Admiral Brian Prindle, commander, Fleet Patrol and Reconnaissance Group. Prindle said he was “looking forward to continuing great teamwork between NAVAIR, N88 – the Navy’s air warfare requirements office, and the fleet, to move P-8 successfully in to the next phase,” as he congratulated “hundreds of outstanding professionals who contributed to a great critical design review.” Tom Laux, program executive officer for Air Anti-submarine Warfare, Assault and Special Mission Platforms, stressed the importance of this evaluation. “The critical design review is just that – critical,” said Laux. “It’s objective evidence the Boeing/Government team continues to make
progress towards delivering this essential capability to the warfighter in a timely and cost effective manner.” Poseidon fuselages will be built in Wichita, Kansas and then taken to Boeing’s commercial division in Seattle, for wing and tail assemblies. The virtually complete aircraft will then be moved to the Integrated Defense System line for completion and then delivery to the Navy. “I am extremely proud of the NAVAIR/Boeing team,” said Capt. Joe Rixey, NAVAIR’s Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft program manager. “This is an indication of the solid teaming between the program office, competencies, Navy leadership and industry.” “The team is ready to build!” he said. The program will seek its approval this summer from Dr. Delores Etter, assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, in a program readiness review, to build two test aircrafts.
Testing will be performed at St. Mary’s own Pax River Navy Base. The tests will be completed by Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 (VX-20) and VX-1. “This is a transformational program and an acquisition approach unlike any other. This is the first time the Navy will use an existing production line integrating both commercial and Navy aircraft, providing both time and cost reduction by not constructing a Navy-specific line,” said Capt. Mike Moran, leader of NAVAIR’s P-8 program. “I am confident in, and proud of, the dedicated, integrated team that is motivated and committed to executing this program successfully. We are ready to provide a new generation in maritime mission capability to the fleet we serve.” Production of the first P-8A test aircraft is expected to begin later this year. The P-8 program plans to provide 108 Poseidon aircraft to aviators beginning in 2013.
The County Times
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Pixie Bobs Continued from page A-1 By Guy Leonard Staff Writer It’s hard to tell just who runs the household of Maryan and Michael Horne in Scotland, them or the unique breed of domestic cat they have come to love that bears a striking resemblance to wild bobcats. While the seven or so cats she has roaming freely in her house have a definite wild look to them, the pixie bobs, as they are known, are thought of as highly intelligent, loyal, gentle and very playful. Horne is the only breeder of this unique kind of cat in the county and she’ll tell you so there’s no question as to who’s really in charge of the house. “This house belongs to the cats,” Horne said. “What can I say?” Horne calls herself a hobby breeder of these wild looking felines and enjoys showing them off at TICA (The International Cat Association) competitions in which several of her cats have been triple and quadruple grand champions, exhibiting the best quali-
ties of the breed. Horne also sits on the TICA committee that maintains the standards of the pixie bob breed, she said. One man recently came all the way from Holland to pick up a pixie bob and take it with him to a new foreign home, Horne said, illustrating the popularity of the breed. She also enjoys giving these cats to other cat lovers who want a special kind of companion. “We call them dogs in disguise; they like to ride in cars, they are easy to train on a leash and they like to fetch things,” Horne said. “They’re very friendly; they’ve never met a stranger.” Their natural energy often keeps them out of their owners’ laps, Horne said, but pixie bobs always take an interest in what their owners are doing with a wild looking gaze. They are so smart that they come to the call of their name, Horne said. They don’t know the meaning of the word “kittie.” “There’s no bobcat blood in these cats, but everyone wants a wildcat that looks domesticated,” Horne said. “The story is that a bobcat snuck
Section A -
Additionally, pixie bobs’ anyone who wants to get one at www.pixiebob-breeders. into a barn and bred with a feears often have tips like those of these unique and affable com or can call the cattery at ral cat but that’s not so.” Horne said that pixie found on bobcats, and their cats has to act quickly. 301-872-4569. “I enjoy pixie bobs, but I’d bobs were likely the result of brows are flat and heavier than For more information a union between feral cats and those of most domestic cats, rather not breed,” Horne said. about the pixie bob breed barn cats and have only been according to TICA standards. “I love the kittens and I have a visit the Web site for The InFor all the joy that pixie hard time letting them go. But ternational Cat Association at around for about the last 23 years. The pixie bob’s original bobs have brought her and I just can’t keep them all.” www.tica.org. Anyone interested in givhome is thought to be Wash- to those she’s given them to, Horne said she will probably ing a home to a pixie bob feington state, she said. Cindy Gay, who works stop breeding the cats soon, so line can visit Horne’s Web site at Park Veterinary Hospital in Lexington Park, owns two pixie bobs from Horne and she said her cats exhibit outstanding qualities of loyalty, intelligence and friendship. “They’re an outstanding breed of cat,” Gay told The County Times. “I like them because they are cuddlers; they like to be next to you and they follow you around the house. “Plus they are just beautiful.” Pixie bobs are recognizable by their spotted coats, which resemble those of wild bobcats, their short tail and their large limbs and feet. Some pixie bobs have long tails, however. Pixie bobs are usually much larger than the average house cat with a strong, heavy, muscular body and Photo by Guy Leonard dense bones according to Everett, one of Hornes’ pixie bobs, takes a break from play in the vegetable sink in Horne’s home. Everett exhibits some of the core traits of pixie bobs, which include a stubby tale, spots on his fur and a playful, energetic TICA standards. personality.
Television More Accessible Than Ever for Baby Boomers For older Americans, the topic of technology in the home is typically greeted with less than open arms. Many take the approach that they made it through much of their life without e-mail, cell phones and the like, so they don’t really need them now. However, as more seniors are finding out, technological advancements can enhance their life and make these products much easier to use as well. For the younger generation, imagining a world without things like the Internet, email and digital cable is nearly impossible, while for many seniors, such things largely remain a mystery. However, as more and more Baby Boomers are finding out, something as simple as the cable package
they choose can make a world of difference in ways they might otherwise never have imagined.
Assualt
that we don’t make any judgments ahead of time.” According to an application for statement of charges against Holmes filed by the alleged victim, Holmes had called her into an office at the rescue squad station to speak to her. The victim said that she and Holmes were the only ones there at the time. The complainant went on to say that once they were in the office Holmes allegedly started to look down her shirt, touch her breast and buttocks. The female complainant alleged in the court documents that she tried to stop him by placing her arms across her chest at which point he allegedly stated, “just a peek.” The complainant said she refused Holmes alleged advances and when she tried to leave the room he allegedly
Continued from page A- “William S. Holmes is suspended from active membership with the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad until appropriate legal disposition can be made,” wrote Danny Bowles, captain and public information officer for the rescue squad in a written statement. Bowles said this was the only statement the rescue squad leadership would make at this time regarding the charges against Holmes. Joan Williams, president of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemens Association said she regretted the development. “I’m sorry to hear about the charges,” Williams said. “The only thing I can say is
• Watching movies. Seeing a movie used to mean having to drive down to the nearby movie theater or braving long lines at the local video store. However, those days have quickly become a thing of the past. For seniors who find it a hassle to rent and return movies, Comcast Digital Cable with ON DEMAND will greatly enhance their movie-watching experience. With over 800 movies available each month at either no cost or below both theater and video store prices, watching a movie has never been easier or more affordable.
Seniors can select from a large variety of movies, from new releases to timeless classics, with films from Turner Classic Movies, the Hallmark Channel and even premium channels such as HBO, Showtime and STARZ. In addition, movies can be viewed at any time, meaning active seniors don’t have to plan their day around what time the movie is playing at the theater or on television. • Watching favorite shows. For many seniors, retirement doesn’t mean their schedules get any less hectic. Tee times, the grandkids’ soccer games or dinner with friends can make consistently catching your favorite shows pulled her back and licked the back of her neck. The complainant goes on to say in the court documents that she went to a senior member of the command staff to complain where she was advised to file charges, which she did three days later. Several attempts to contact the victim resulted in no returned phone calls. Holmes has not been incarcerated and his next court appearance will be before the county District Court for a preliminary inquiry regarding the charges on August 29. The second degree assault charge against Holmes carries a possible 10-year prison sentence, while the fourth degree sex offense could mean one year in prison if Holmes is convicted.
Mechanicsville 28967 Route 5 South
1-800-794-0693 301-884-2513 Fax: 301-884-5382
The DeluxeBed by Tempur-Pedic™ Therapy and comfort, perfectly balanced.
almost impossible. Fortunately, the right cable package can ensure you never miss your favorite show, no matter how busy you are. Comcast Digital Cable with ON DEMAND gives seniors more control and convenience when it comes to seeing their favorite programs. A host of programs are available, including shows from channels such as National Geographic and The History Channel, among others. • Vastly improved picture and sound quality. Gone are the days of rabbit ears,
when getting a clear picture was something to write home about, and rain or other harsh weather made radio a more attractive option than television. These days, however, watching television has never been clearer or more concise. Digital cable provides a dramatically improved picture and sound quality that heightens the TV viewing experience - from a baseball game to a classic film - on consumers’ existing TV sets. • Finding something to watch has never been easier. With more channels, one would think it’s harder to
sort through myriad choices to find what you’re looking for. That’s not the case with Comcast’s onscreen program guide. Simply pressing the “Guide” button on the remote will help viewers quickly find programs. Discovering what’s on is simple because channels are listed by category, such as Sports, Movies, Network Shows and Kids Programming. The guide also can be used to see what’s on later, so viewers can scroll ahead to see what their favorite channels are offering, and plan their day accordingly.
Whether they’re in the market for a new home, apartment, condo or co-op, people still turn to the Classifieds first. Why advertise your goods and services in The County Times Classifieds? • Over 11,000 eyes will see your ad. • Readers are actively looking for your listing. • Potential buyers can clip and save your ad. So the next time you want to sell something fast, get it in writing... Get it in the Classifieds! The County Times Classifieds 301-373-4125
The County Times
Section A - 10
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Deputies Go Undercover In Liquor Stores By Guy Leonard Staff Writer St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s deputies are taking off their uniforms and working in civilian clothes in liquor stores countywide to curb liquor sales to underage individuals. Deputies will also wait outside the liquor stores participating in this program, called “Cops In Shops,” to ensure legal buyers do not hand the alcohol off to anyone under 21 years of age. Jackie Beckman, coordinator of the program with the Division of Community Services, said the program will
be the first of its kind in St. Mary’s and will help balance out the kind of enforcement that has taken place so far; focused mostly on penalizing the shopkeepers and clerks for selling to underage persons. “It’s the opposite of police looking for shops doing something wrong,” Beckman said. “The owner can’t always be there to see what the clerks are doing.” The deputies will do their best to be unobtrusive, Beckman said. “They’ll either be looking like customers or like someone stocking shelves,” Beckman said.
Emory Johnson, alcohol enforcement officer for the Sheriff’s department, said the two-deputy teams will take shifts at various liquor stores to spread out the enforcement effort. “We’ll also be trying it at other stores so that they’ll never know what store we’d be at,” Johnson said. The county has handed out stickers warning of the program to about 20 of the 39 liquor stores in the county that only do what are called offsales out of there establishments with no consumption allowed on the premises. These will serve as a no-
tice to underage buyers using either another person’s or false identification to obtain alcohol, Johnson said, and could also serve as a deterrent against armed robbers who would not be able to tell whether an armed, undercover police officer was in the establishment or not. Parents, government and police have to take on the problem of underage drinking, Beckman said, as it has become a serious issue. St. Mary’s County ranks sixth in the state for underage binge drinking, Beckman said and young drivers are involved in 17 percent of the county’s impaired driving crashes. She also said that young drivers account for 33 percent of all crashes in St. Mary’s and are at fault in those wrecks 87 percent of the time; but they represent only 7.5 percent of
the county’s total population. Moreover, a full 29 percent of all Teen Court cases involve underage drinking, Beckman, said, and those cases represent only those who have been caught in their first offense, making it difficult to ascertain how prevalent underage drinking really is. Johnson said that in 2006, deputies cited 243 underage suspects for possession of alcohol. Of those, 147 were adults between the ages of 18 and 20, while the other 96 were juveniles. So far this year, 74 underage adults and 35 juveniles have been charged with possessing alcohol, Johnson said. The partnership between the Sheriff’s office and division of community services on this project should be a fruitful one, Beckman said. “I can’t imagine it’s not going to be successful,” Beck-
man said. The program should run until about Sept. 30 of next year on a trial basis, Beckman said, adding that she hoped the program would continue to run for the next three to five years if it proved to be successful. The program is funded by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office in conjunction with The Century Council, a group of alcohol distillers who cooperate with law enforcement to halt drunk driving and underage drinking.
New Millennium Debbie Sparshott, REALTOR® Associate Broker, e-PRO, GRI Century 21 New Millennium 301-737-5110 - direct line 301-862-2169 - office 240-298-8380 - cell 301-997-1179 - home office Debbie.Sparshott@C21NM.com www.DebbieTheRealtor.com
Photo by Guy Leonard
Signs like these at local liquor stores, like McKay’s Fine Food and Drug in Charlotte Hall, warn underage buyers not to attempt to purchase alcohol. If they do, they could meet up with an undercover sheriff’s deputy.
GET INTEREST THEIR
Chesapeake Bay Townhome! You’d never know this townhome was 10 yrs old—everything is in pristine condition! 4 lovely levels, including fully-finished basement w/woodburning FP in family room, lge. kitchen w/center island, huge loft in Master BR, soaking tub in Master BA, 1-car gar, community water access. View of Chesapeake Bay from deck and patio. $349,900 SM6450885
Large Family? This Waldorf home has 5 bedrooms, carport, large kitchen, and fenced backyard! Neighborhood convenient to just about everything! $319,000 CH6427437
Leonardtown waterfront! Completely remodeled over the last 7 yrs. Includes screened-in crab house with deck, pier, boat lift, dbl. jet ski lift, fenced yard, Amish shed, and house deck. Views of Breton Bay, Potomac River, St. Clement’s Island and sunset from most rooms. Great crabbing/fishing right off the pier! $499,900. Seller is MD-licensed Real Estate agent. SM6395831
Thompson’s
Furniture City In Business For 60 Years
With a weekly Newspaper that will build ads for your business.
Call The County Times to place an advertisement!
Want your business to be advertised for over
11,000
people to see?
Also See Our Awesome New Restonic Mattresses! Sav e
(301)-373-4125
50%
d FurOn A ll Woo enn yP nit ur e by use H sl ava nia o
Call Us Today To Start Making Your Advertising Campaign A Success. Save
30%
Professional Sales Team • Creative Ad Designs • Competitive Rates We are at Your Service To Satisfy All Of Your Advertising Needs!
Save
40%
On All Pennyslavania House sofas, loveseats, and chairs (leather or cloth)
& Get One Year Same As Cash Sav e
40%
On A ll S F u r n t a nl e y it u r e
Save
30% On All Ashley Furniture
Sav e
30%
d& Engl a n On A ll per C atna p e. r u Fur nit
On All LA-Z-Boy Furniture
“Our Furniture Doesn’t Come Back... Our Customers Do!”
301-373-2151 or 1-800-273-1959 • www.thomsponsfurniturecity.com