PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No. 145 Waldorf, MD
Thursday, March 15, 2007 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Established 2006 • Volume 2 • Issue 11 • FREE
Extreme Scholarship Winners
rewards one senior from each high school with $5,000 for college. In order to qualify students must plan to continue their studies in an art related capacity in a higher education learning center. This is the fifth year for the scholarship set up as a non-profit organization by George Cragg Hopkins Jr., a former art teacher in St. Mary’s County. This is the largest private scholarship available in the state of Maryland. From Left to Right: Alyssa DeGroat from Chopticon High School says she wanted to bring the regional and world communities together in this painting. “I tried to create a world that is fun,” DeGroat
Six students from all three St. Mary’s County High Schools applied for this year’s George Cragg Hopkins Jr., Arts Endowment Scholarship, which
See Art page A- Christopher Walker
Josephine Gaido
Adrienne Buckler
Commissioners To Decide Fate Of Office Business Park By Adam Ross Staff Writer Patuxent River Naval Air Station is the driving force behind St. Mary’s County’s economic engine, but for all the fruits of its labor, two of the most challenging issues facing the Air Station, encroachment and smart growth, go together like water and oil.
Index Sprinkler A-8
Marathon B-1 Op.-Ed ..........Page A - 4 Obits .............Page A - 7 Police ............Page B - 5 Classifieds.....Page B - 7
For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com
Local Weather Friday T-Showers 58° Saturday Partly Cloudy 47° Sunday Mostly Sunny 48°
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) is of utmost concern to the Board of County Commissioners, and the Navy and the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance have said the only way to protect Pax River from relocation is to give it space. To comply with the encroachment studies, the commissioners are considering implementing a buffer zone, which would limit or cease development of residential construction in the Office Business Parks (OBP) south of the base between Willows Road and Route 235. However, Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R- Golden Beach) is not sold on the idea, saying without some residences closer to the base, a probable national energy crisis could hinder base employees’ ability to get
to work. “People will have to walk to work or ride a bike,” Jarboe said. “Is it in the best interest of the Navy to have people live five or more miles away and not be able to walk to work? And at the same time we don’t want to build too much, you have to find that balance.” The commissioners directed Land Use and Growth Management (LUGM) March 6 to draft a text amendment evaluating residential density in the OBP in the development district of Lexington Park for a range of zero-to-five dwelling units per acre. Under the St. Mary’s County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, areas designated OBP are permitSee Business Park page A-
Photos by Adam Ross
County Works Closer To Reopening Construction In Development District By Adam Ross Staff Writer A divided Planning Commission struggled through another Adequate Public Facilities work session March 6, but finally passed three recommendations to kick start growth in development areas, previously shut down by overcrowded schools. With a 4 -3 vote, the Planning Commission approved a 110 percent overcrowding policy for county middle schools, which will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval. Members remained largely divided, as they have throughout the
process because Supervisor of Capital Planning for the Board of Education Kimberly Howe’s suggestion that the only way to efficiently open development in the Central District of the county is to redraw the county’s districts. “We won’t say this has to be done,” said Howe of her intentions to address the commissioners, “but we would recommend it to the fix the problem.” The Planning Commission had previously considered a 109 percent cap of the aggregate state rated capacity for overcrowding middle schools, See Development page A-
Saving Lives Has Never Been So Easy Can the County Bear the cost of installing residential sprinklers in new home constructions to save lives? By Adam Ross Staff Writer A residential sprinkler ordinance geared to save lives and millions of dollars in property damage is spreading like the wildfire it protects from across the state, and now St. Mary’s County is setting its own process in motion. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously agreed Tuesday to set the ordinance as a legislative priority, directing staff to cost analysis, enabling authorization and possible tax credit questions for an ordinance that would require new single and two family homes to have residential sprinklers installed. “I think of our volunteers as the [military], but we are doing it at home,” said Keith Fairfax, president of the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department. “This will make our job safer in the future, and safer for our citizens.” If St. Mary’s County were to
adopt the ordinance, it would join five counties and 13 municipalities across the state to require residential sprinklers in some kind of new residential development. The ordinance only addresses new developments because it is more cost effective for builders to install. According to expense analysis from Carroll County, installing the indoor residential sprinklers would cost $1.24 a foot when hooked to a public water supply, and $1.85 a foot when connected to a well system. However, Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D- Leonardtown) said the cost to developers would be roughly $2 to $2.25 per square foot depending on the water connection. This has been one of the deterrents for St. Mary’s County because many residents are connected to septic and well systems, which also require an added expense of $1500 See Sprinkler page A-
Photo by Adam Ross
Planning Commission members work with Kimberly Howe, supervisor of the Board of education’s capital planning to craft recommendations on the Adequate Public Facilities Task Force Report.
Venlet Faces Commissioners For First Time By Adam Ross Staff Writer Vice Adm. David J. Venlet appeared before the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners Tuesday, the first time a Vice Adm. from Patuxent River Naval Air Station had visited in over 13 years. “It’s an honor for me to witness
you here,” said commissioner Lawrence Jarboe. “And it’s a great honor to have this much brass at the table at one time, it’s almost as bright as my head.” Capt. Glen Ives, commanding officer of Pax River, and Rear Adm. Steven Eastburg joined Venlet TuesSee Venlet page A-
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, March 15, 2007 Guaranteed $1000 jackpot. babysitting is also available if Regular games pay $75 to arranged prior to the seminar $100. Food and refreshments by calling us a 240-538-2950. available.
In Your Community
Travel Seminar Fitness Night Town Creek Elementary School will host a Family Health and Fitness Night March 28 from 5:30-7 p.m., at the school located at 45805 Dent Drive, Lexington Park, Md. Blood glucose, high blood pressure, and cholesterol testing will be available though a partnership with St.
Mary’s Health Connections. The event is free and open to the public. For more details contact Town Creek Elementary at 301-863-4044.
Democratic Club of St. Mary¹s New place, New Date, New Format! Join the Democratic Club of St. Mary¹s
for their monthly meeting Monday. March 19th, 2007 at Lenny¹s Restaurant in California, MD. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. with Zach Messitte from the Center for the Study of Democracy at St. Mary¹s College of Maryland as guest speaker. Dr. Messitte will be discussing the results from the past election and
looking forward to the 2008 and 2010 elections. Come early and enjoy dinner at Lenny¹s before the meeting begins.
Bingo Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Bingo every Wednesday evening. Early bird starts at 6:45 p.m, regular games at start at 7 p.m.
A free taxes in travel seminar Friday at the Chancellor’s Run Regional Park Teen Center meeting room will help residents maximize savings on their 2007 taxes. Two tax professionals will be on hand, available to answer questions after the seminar. This event is open to the public. Free food will be available and free
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Organizational Seminar The Local Management Board of St. Mary’s County Presents: “Executive Functioning and Organization – How to Help You and Your Child Become More Organized.” Executive functioning is formally defined as “the cognitive process that regulates an individual’s ability to organize thoughts and activities, prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and make decisions.” Do any of these describe your child: Does your child have difficulty remembering homework, class work or chores? Does your child have difficulty keeping track of his books, papers and assignments? Does your child’s bedroom, locker, or desk look like a bomb went off in it? Does your child procrastinate and end up stressing out over due dates? If you answer “yes” to any of the above, then this workshop is for you! Teresa Robinson, a behavioral specialist and professor at Johns Hopkins University will be at the Charlotte Hall Library March 16 from 6 - 8 p.m. The workshop is free, but registration is required. R.S.V.P. to Robin Duke at 301-475-4510.
Ballroom Dance
Use Your Gold Card And Be Automatically Entered In The Drawing For A Dr. Pepper Mountain Bike! Offer Ends 4/2/2007
Kick up your heels for St. Patrick’s Day! Dance to the music of all styles from 8-11 p.m. Please Note: There will be no lesson this month. Predance lessons will resume in April. Singles always welcome! Bring a snack to share; water and soda will be provided. Eight dollars per person, $15 a couple and $5 students and seniors. Little Flower School, Route 5, Great Mills. Dance is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of Holy Face Church. For more information call 301-645-8509.
Blood Drive The National Junior Honor Society of Margaret Brent Middle School, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Friday, March 16, 2007, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the school site locate at 29675 Point Lookout Road, Helen, Md. For more details, or to schedule your life-saving donation, contact Margaret Brent Middle School’s NJHR Sponsor, Ms. Ann Eichenmuller at 301-884-4635.
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Economic Growth Forum Panelists Discuss Perspectives, March 31, at Leonardtown The College of Southern Maryland invites the public to join local panelists for a discussion on economic growth and its impact on St. Mary’s County. “Perspectives on Economic Growth” will be held March 31, from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Auditorium. Panel members will include John K. Parlett Jr., president of CMI General Contractors, Inc.; Joseph Wood, owner of Forest Hall Farm & Orchard and president of St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau; John Savich, St. Mary’s County administrator and director of the county’s economic and community development; and St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Jack Russell, who is also founder of Chesapeake Bay Field Lab, St. George’s Island. The forum will be structured to encourage questions from the audience and dialogue with the panelists. Moderator will be Bob Schaller, chair and professor, CSM’s Department of Business, Economics and Legal Studies, and president of the Business, Education and Community Alliance, Inc. For information call 301934-7542 or 240-725-5499, Ext. 7542 or visit http://www. csmd.edu/.
The County Times
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Section A -
Annapolis Buzz
Venlet
By Adam Ross Staff Writer
day to thank the commissioners’ diligence in fostering Pax River’s success. “From protecting against encroachment to educational opportunities,” Venlet said. “Your efforts make St. Mary’s County the right place for highly technical national defense work now and in the future.” The visit comes in the middle of a long line of presentations from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) representatives, and members of the Southern Maryland Naval Alliance to protect Pax River from the next Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). The commissioners had been waiting for updated noise contour lines from NAVAIR in order to begin the process in adopting a buffer zone to the Air Station. The buffer zone would serve to limit residential construction from encroaching on the station, but would not stop it, just stipulate different building materials to protect homes from louder jet fighters slated for arrival next year. Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D- Great Mills) expressed some concern last week over the navy’s delay in providing that information. However, Capt. Ives informed the commissioners Tuesday that noise sound charts from 1998 would be the most upto-date lines the Navy could produce. Raley said the commissioners would direct staff to proceed with plans for the buffer zone using the data from 1998. “We are prepared to make tough decisions to make sure we strike an AICUZ and add to it with a buffer,” Raley added. “Capt. Ives and Rear
Continued from page A-
The Clean Cars Act of 2007, an initiative to fight greenhouse gasses, clean up the Chesapeake Bay and to protect the health of residents across the state, passed the Senate with a 38 to 9 vote Feb. 26. Sen. Roy P. Dyson voted in favor of the measure, which will “establish a low emissions vehicle program applicable to vehicles of the model year 2011 and thereafter.” The idea is to reduce carbon dioxide emitted from automobile exhaust, which according to supporters should reduce the effects of global warming. The bill passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 112 to 16, with support from local Del. John L. Bohanan Jr. (D- St. Mary’s). Dels. John F. Wood Jr. (D- Charles & St. Mary’s) and Anthony J. O’Donnell (R- Calvert & St. Mary’s) voted against the measure. Opponents of the bill say it could create a disadvantage to local car dealerships that would have to raise car prices by $1,000 to $3,000 to comply with the technology and emissions upgrades, while neighboring states like Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia do not. The bill was just one of several Dyson has been supporting over the 423 rd legislative session, and as of March 12, Dyson had inked his sponsorship to 104 bills through the legislature. Here is a continued look at the bills our local state senator is pushing. The bills are taken verbatim from the Maryland General Assembly Webpage.
Senate Bill 702 Entitled: Natural Resources – Yellow Perch- Harvest Restrictions Committee: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Prohibiting a person from installing, setting, operating, or maintaining in tidal or nontidal tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay at specified times specified fishing gear capable of catching yellow perch; establishing a specified exception to the prohibition; and requiring the Department of Natural Resources, after specified consultation, to report annually for a specified purpose to the General Assembly on the environmental and economic impact of the harvest restrictions.
Senate Bill 703 Entitled: Maryland Partnership for Innovation and Quality Family Child Care Act Committee: Finance Synopsis: Authorizing family child care providers to designate which provider organizations, if any, shall be the joint negotiating representative of all Purchase of Child Care Subsidy Program providers and the joint rulemaking representative of all registered providers; establishing specified procedures for petitioning of a provider organization for recognition as representative of providers; establishing specified procedures for the election of provider organizations; etc.
Senate Bill 740 Entitled: Patient Referrals – Group Practice – Radiology Services Committee: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Authorizing a multi-specialty group practice located in a rural area to provide specified radiology services as in-office ancillary services and including a limited liability company in the definition of a “group practice.”
Senate Bill 759 Entitled: State Board of Pharmacy – Wholesale Drug Distribution- Permit Requirements Committee: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Altering the requirements for obtaining a wholesale distributor’s permit to include an inspection and the posting of a bond; requiring a pedigree for prescription drugs or devices distributed in the State; requiring the State Board of Pharmacy to adopt regulations regarding pedigree and inspection requirements; etc.
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Senate Bill 764 Entitled: Higher Education – St. Mary’s College of Maryland – Procurement Authority Committee: Rules Synopsis: Clarifying that St. Mary’s College of Maryland is exempt from specified provisions of State procurement law; clarifying that specified procurement policies and procedures of the College are subject to review and approval by the Board of Public Works and the Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review Committee of the General Assembly; and clarifying that specified procurement policies and procedures of the College shall promote specified purposes.
The County Times
Senate Bill 807 Entitled: Property Protection Act of 2007 Committee: Judicial Proceedings Synopsis: Proposing amendments to the Maryland Constitution to limit the condemnation of private property under specified circumstances; defining “public use”; generally relating to the laws authorizing private property to be taken for public use after payment of just compensation; and submitting the amendment to the qualified voters of the State of Maryland for their adoption or rejection.
Senate Bill 808 Entitled: Legal Research Committee for the Chesapeake Ranch Estates Homeowners Association Committee: Rules Synopsis: Establishing the Legal Research Committee for the Chesapeake Ranch Homeowners Association in Calvert County; specifying that the purposes of the Committee are to recommend ways by which the Homeowners Association may maintain specified covenants and agreements and explore its ability to collect resources to address infrastructure needs without assistance from local government; requiring the Committee to report its findings and recommendations to the Homeowners Association on or before Dec. 1, 2007; etc.
Adm. Eastburg are perfect liaisons, they go to as many social functions as I do.” The base is surrounded by three zones; clear zone is the area closest to the runway, with no residential development allowed, air i n st a l lat ion compat ible by Adam Ross use zone (AI- Vice Adm. David J. Venlet addresses Photo the commissioners CUZ) one is Tuesday alongside Read Adm. Steven Eastburg. the next layer “The reason we can be also protecthere in part is because we ing the base from any develknew we would get a warm opment, and AICUZ 2, which reception,” said Rear Adm. does retain some development from the 1960s. All three Eastburg. “We need to conzones are determined by en- tinue to bring in fresh talent, croachment issues, which in- revitalize our workforce and clude noise contour lines and do that with a community that welcomes folks, has opportuaccident potential. The county imposed nities to raise children and regulations in 1977 to protect retain them with the kind of Pax River, and to keep dense community that exists outside development out from under- the base.” neath aircraft noise and accidents from the base.
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The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Editorial & Opinion only looking for a better life than they have at home, and we should allow them to partake in the same opportunity we have. This would be fine and well if it were true, but sadly, it is not. Drugs are smuggled across the U.S. border constantly by illegal aliens, and they are then circulated around the nation leading to higher crime and less safe neighborhoods. These drug smugglers are not good people; they are not just coming to live the American dream. They are coming into our nation illegally, and bringing illegal substances with them. Another problem facing the U.S. today is steadily increasing gang activity and violence. And where do these gangs come from? While we have our very own, home grown gangs, we also have MS-13, known in law enforcement circles as the most ruthless, violent and dangerous gang in the nation. And also, made up mostly of illegals.
And while the borders are easy game for these people to sneak in, would it not make sense that terrorists would see this as a weak spot, and exploit it to their advantage? There are military and intelligence experts who say it is only a matter of time before we are hit with another terrorist attack in the U.S. If this comes to pass, what better way to pull it off than to have terrorists sneak in with contraband from Mexico before launching their next attack? Sound crazy and farfetched? Maybe a little irrational? So would the idea of terrorists hijacking four airplanes and crashing them into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon any time up until Sept. 10, 2001. We cannot continue to view illegal immigration with rose tinted lenses. The time is here to wake up and realize the severity of this problem and deal with it once and for all. Before we even consider granting amnesty to those
here illegally, we need to secure our borders to make sure no one else is getting in without our knowledge. Then, and only then, can we worry about what to do with the ones who are already here. And if terrorists do sneak across the border and decide to launch an attack, are we in St. Mary’s so far removed that we will not feel the impact? Assuming the Naval Air Station is not targeted, D.C. most certainly will be, and that would have a very direct impact on us all. Let’s make sure our elected officials across the nation know that while they and the big businesses that pump millions of dollars into their campaign coffers may think amnesty is a good idea, we the people do not hold their elitist views and allow ourselves to be ruled by commons sense.
sioners’ decision making is logically skewed. What does growth mean for those who do not want it? Public forums need to be held, conversations need to be had, it’s not enough to only seek the opinions of residents who find themselves facing plans for a major subdivision across the street. The commissioners represent their constituents, and in so many ways they do a great job in doing so, but county growth and APF are two highly confusing and bureaucratic issues that need to be explained to people more efficiently, so they can form their own vision of a county comprehensive plan. Growth and achievement are important future issues, but they do little to address the county’s needs of today. Today we have serious APF issues. Schools are busting at the seams. As more students come in, more are forced to learn in trailer classrooms. The Planning Commission is recommending we further overcrowd our schools to re-
open the development district to construction. It’s not a flawless system, and nobody is demanding such, but with further overcrowding and increased development comes more cost and less education. More students means more competition; unique programs in the school system are already at a premium. Redistricting becomes further relevant to balance the population, while years like 2007, where no “negative redistricting” was needed, will be a thing of the past. But most importantly, where does the county draw the line? St. Mary’s is surrounded by beautiful rural preserve and of course, Pax River, the county’s economic engine. The more the county grows the more it impacts these two assets. School sites are already difficult to locate, residential growth is limited in the development district, and none of the county’s policies currently under review will changes
those facts for the long-term future. The current proposals by the Adequate Public Facilities Task Force and the Planning Commission are short-term solutions. Even they admit this to be the case. And now that encroachment is clearly the county commissioners number one concern, highlighted by several meetings and policies geared to protect the base in recent sessions, it just adds another area the county cannot utilize for the future. With all this land to protect, one of two things can happen: it will be protected, or it will be imposed on. There is no in-between, the county can’t have its cake and eat it too. It’s not such a bad thing really; it’s possible that St. Mary’s County was only meant to be so big. But that all depends on the priorities of the county, which in my estimation won’t be known until the people start talking and the commissioners start listening.
Of Amnesty and Illegals Once again the self anointed “ruling class” of our nation has decided to attempt to ram blanket amnesty for illegal aliens down our throats, and the result could be one of the biggest debacles in our nation’s history. The current call, coming from self-professed conservatives such as John McCain and Democrats alike, would involve the creation of a guest worker program to enable businesses to hire people to do the “jobs Americans won’t do” it would also grant legal status to those who have been in our nation illegally for years. That’s right, those illegal aliens who have successfully broken our immigration laws will not be punished, but rewarded for their act. While there are many reasons given for this act, the political reality comes down to one thing: votes. Democrats
and Republicans want to incorporate these illegals’ votes into our system, and want to poise themselves to receive these new votes. While they jockey for political position, the consequences are far reaching and affect everyone at every level. The first problem we face is the idea that granting amnesty and creating a guest worker program will lessen the desire for illegal labor. Once guest workers are established legally, they will fall under the same labor laws and protections as American workers. This will eliminate the appeal of many illegals, who often work in substandard conditions for substandard pay. Once these illegal aliens become legal, they will find themselves unwanted by employers who will simply turn to more illegal labor to maintain their profits.
The argument that “Americans won’t do these jobs” is simply not true. Americans will do any job, provided the job pays an adequate wage. So the next time the “can’t find Americans to do this work” drum beats, see it for the fallacy it is. If businesses cannot find Americans to do certain jobs, it simply means they need to offer a higher wage to get Americans interested. It may be true that Americans do not want to scrub toilets or mop floors for $3 per hour. But if that figure were $10 an hour, there would surely be no shortage of Americans lining up for that work. The push for illegal labor by business is nothing more than an attempt to circumvent market forces in terms of salary and benefits. Another argument we hear is that people coming into this country illegally are
Big City Boy, Small Town Heart County’s Size and Scope Need to be Reexamined By Adam Ross Staff Writer From the looks of things, growth in St. Mary’s County might be on the edge of an extended standstill. Residential development has already slowed over the past couple of years from overcrowded schools, and now as county government grapples with the possibility of another Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), and the already perplexing Adequate Public
Facilities (APF) dilemma, reality starts to take shape. The county simply has too much food on its plate. The mystifying piece of this entire puzzle is where the citizens of St. Mary’s County fit into this picture. From what I can gather from my short tenure working the county government beat is that residents are satisfied with their open spaces, and that development ranks lower on the priority scale. It’s not an irrefutable fact, just a subtle observation.
And yet, county government works feverishly to jumpstart residential and commercial growth in the development district and beyond. Ultimately, I’m left with two questions: just whom are the county commissioners representing, and how does the county grow without negatively impacting either the environment or Pax River. I’m not sure I can answer either with a great deal of confidence, but is my position that some of the county commis-
Building a Better Bridge To the Editor Recently, it has been said that it takes more than words to build a new bridge between Solomons Island and St. Mary’s County. Truer words were never spoken! Seems like yesterday when I was fishing where the Gov. Thomas Johnson Memorial Bridge wasn’t. Many years will pass before a new bridge is actually built and I doubt I’ll see it. Many “words” have been said of the need for a new span and the tax dollars necessary
… and it’s probably already been ruled out. A change in the roadway between the to build it. And, perhaps there bridge and Route 235 will be are no viable alternatives. necessary to handle a larger Before a second span to the stream of cars at the peak rush Bay Bridge was built, the each way. But it seems to me three lane original span used that there’s room for another an alternating middle lane lane or two if the State could for “rush hour” traffic. My find the tax dollars to fund it. question may seem idiotic One thing’s for sure … if to some, but I’ll take the there is an alternative; it just risk and pose it anyway: Is might be more cost effecthe bridge now connecting tive and quicker to bring on Solomons to St. Mary’s sus- line than a new bridge. So, ceptible to the adoption of all you engineers out there some form of alternating or – tell us what you think! one-way traffic patterns like those used at the Bay Bridge? Dennis Jack Hubscher I doubt a third lane on the Hollywood, MD existing structure is possible
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.
Attorney General Gansler Congratulates Former Attorney General Curran on his American Legacy Award Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler congratulated former Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr., on his receipt of the American Legacy Foundation’s Public Service Award for his fight against the tobacco industry. “Joe Curran has played a pivotal role in protecting our youth from the dangers of smoking by pioneering effective programs nationwide. He was the leader in the fight to restrict tobacco companies from advertising to youth, preventing sales to youth, and encouraging the entertainment
industry to use its influence to prevent youth smoking. As a result of his strong leadership, many of our children will not take up the habit of smoking and live healthier lives. “When I took office in January as Maryland’s Attorney General, I pledged to continue the efforts of my predecessor, J. Joseph Curran, Jr., in keeping our children tobaccofree. Mr. Curran built a solid foundation and I am committed to protecting Marylanders from the life-threatening risks of smoking.” Former Attorney General
J. Joseph Curran was awarded the Public Service Award last night in New York. The American Legacy Foundation presented Curran with the award based on his pioneering efforts to protect our youth from the dangers of smoking, by preventing unlawful access to cigarettes, enforcing the youth targeting restrictions of the Master Settlement Agreement, and reducing youth exposure to smoking in movies.
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
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The County Times
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Ramblings From A Country Girl
Do As I Say, Not As I Do Terri Bartz Bowles When I began writing this weekly column, I simply wanted to write about various things that struck my fancy, baring of course, politics. I
say this because the following column is not political. It’s simply to say that Al Gore is no longer a political figure – he’s thrown his considerable weight into the Hollywood scene. He’s a movie-
maker now. He needed to look for a new career path since the old one wasn’t really leading anywhere anymore. So, he looked around for a soapbox to lumber, and hit upon global warming.
He’s a regular Hollywood figure now, having even won an Academy Award for his fake documentary. Was the Oscar category for “Pulling the Wool Over the Public’s Eye?” It should have been.
Section A - There is a lot of information from scientists and researchers disputing many of the “facts” in Al’s little movie. Or maybe the “Do As I Say, Not As I Do” category, since that is exactly what’s going on. Al and family have a lovely little mansion in Tennessee where they use more than 20 times the national average of kilowatt hours (kWh) a year. And that number shows a large increase in kWh consumption from 2005 to 2006. Al also makes frequent use of private planes to get around and spread his questionable facts. If Al believes the rhetoric in his own film, then he and his family are a global warming nightmare. But it gets even better. Just as you knew he would, Al has an amazing way of justifying his over-consumption. You see, it doesn’t matter how much energy he uses because he buys Carbon Emission Offsets. This means wealthy consumers such as Al can use all the energy they want by spending money. These offsets are invested in reducing carbon emissions in the developing world. The developing world really has a problem with poor folks having more electricity then they can use or afford. There are no brown-outs
or black-outs in developing countries and everybody has electricity no matter where they live. Right - sounds like rich old Al has found a convenient way to ease his conscience and he’s using the poor to do it. But wait – it gets even better! Al isn’t really spending money on carbon offset emissions because the company handling the offsets is Generation Investment Management, LLC. Al is the chairman and founding partner of this company! He’s really just taking money from one of his checkbooks and depositing it in another of his checkbooks. What a perfect set-up! He greedily consumes vast amounts of energy while preaching to other people not to; he construes the situation to look like he’s doing something worthy about it and he is making money out of it. What a sweet deal for Al. I hope and pray, my fellow citizens, you’re not as gullible as Al thinks you are. Do some research of your own. And don’t let Al and company pull the wool over your eyes. Didn’t your daddy teach you that you shouldn’t ask others to do something you weren’t willing to do yourself?
Immigration Still an Important Issue In last year’s midterm elections, one of the more heated topics of debate was immigration and its effect on the U.S. economy. An issue where everyone seemed to have a strong opinion, immigration sparked rallies in cities like Los Angeles and grassroots campaigns in border cities looking to quell the waves of illegal immigrants entering the country. While the debates have died down with the elections now decided, the issue of migrant workers remains. An emotional issue to say the least, immigration presents a difficult problem for the United States and the country’s farmers, many of whom rely on migrant workers to sur-
vive. However, with a population that exceeded 300 million in 2006 and a growing divide between the rich and the poor, critics of lax immigration standards wonder if the country can still afford to allow migrant workers into the country. With the U.S. Census Bureau estimating the illegal immigrant population to be between 8 to 9 million, the direction the country chooses to go in will clearly have a far-reaching impact. Perhaps nowhere will the country be more affected than with respect to the federal budget. In an August 2004 study from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), several results were reported with respect
to the effects of the booming illegal immigrant population on the U.S. economy. · Costs versus taxes paid. In 2002, households headed by illegal immigrants imposed $26.3 billion in costs on the federal government. Those same households paid $16 billion in taxes, creating a net fiscal deficit of $10.3 billion. The biggest costs were Medicaid ($2.5 billion), treatment for the uninsured ($2.2 billion) and assistance programs such as food stamps and school lunch programs ($1.9 billion). Because illegal immigrants often earn low wages, the amount they pay in taxes each year is less compared to native-born workers with
more skills. While their estimated costs each year are less than half that of other households, the lower income bracket of illegal immigrants will always result in less taxes paid, and therefore a higher net fiscal deficit than many native-born households. · Amnesty and its effect on the deficit. A large number of illegal immigrant supporters were in favor of proposed policies that would grant amnesty to these immigrants. While several proposals differed on the details, the crux of many of the proposed policies was granting amnesty to illegal immigrants who had spent a given number of years and paid taxes over those years. On the surface, amnesty
Controlling Mold & Mildew Outside Your Home Mold and mildew can make the exterior of your home look dirty, unattractive and rob it of its curb appeal. If left unchecked, they can also damage paint, wood, roofs and siding. Removing mold and mildew used to mean countless hours of scrubbing or power washing - only to have it return the next year. Fortunately, those days are gone! Thanks to products specifi-
cally formulated to kill mold and mildew - and prevent it from coming back - there’s now a scrub-free way to a mold- and mildew-free home! Here’s how: · Control the moisture around your home. Keep shrubs, plants and mulch away from exterior walls. Trim any branches or tree limbs that touch the outside of your home. Clear gutters and drains of any leaves or debris.
Since mold and mildew need moisture to grow, redirect sprinklers and rotate hanging planters to prevent water from regularly collecting on exterior surfaces. Also, make sure rain water is not collecting near your home’s foundation. Repair leaks and extend downspouts away from the foundation. · Clean and kill the mold and mildew with a house cleaner that contains an EPA-
Mother’s Day is coming! On May 3, 2007 The County Times will publish a special pull-out section to honor Mother’s Day! We would like you to write to us in 50 words or less, why your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, etc. are so special to you.
registered mildewcide, like JOMAX House Cleaner and Mildew Killer. JOMAX kills mold and mildew and loosens dirt and stains without scrubbing or power washing. It’s specifically formulated detergent system will not damage wood, etch aluminum siding or discolor surfaces like household bleach can. And JOMAX will not harm surrounding plants, grass and shrubs. To remove black streaks, dirt and mildew stains from asphalt shingled roofs, use JOMAX® Roof Cleaner and Mildew Stain Remover. It
seems like a good idea, giving illegal immigrants who meet certain standards the chance to become citizens while contributing to society in the process. Upon further examination, however, the CIS study points out this idea likely would lead to an even greater federal deficit. By granting illegals legal status, those illegals would then be eligible for government programs. However, because their income would not change much with their change in status, their tax payments would remain modest. This could nearly triple their cost on the federal deficit to $29 billion, according to the CIS study. What both of these findings clearly point out is the
impact of illegal immigrant costs on the federal government. Solving that problem is not as easy as it may seem. Cutting costs seems to be the logical solution, but it often puts politicians in tough positions, namely because many of the programs that would be cut are essential for survival. Cost reduction certainly has limited potential with respect to solving the problem. If looked at on a purely fiscal level, the most genuine method to addressing the problem appears to be a greater enforcement of illegal immigrant statutes, something both the federal and local governments might want to consider
quickly cleans and kills mold and mildew on tile, slate, metal and other non-porous roof materials. Tip from the pros: Not sure if the black spots on your house are dirt or mold and mildew? Apply a drop of household bleach to the discolored area. If the stain disappears or lightens, it’s mold and mildew. · Prevent it from coming back. After killing the mildew, prevent it from coming back with PERMA-WHITE® Mold & Mildew-ProofTM Exterior Paint. Guaranteed to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the paint film for five years, this premium
quality exterior paint is also guaranteed to resist cracking, fading, peeling, and blistering for 15 years after application. Its beautiful white formula can be tinted to popular exterior colors for beautiful results that last, so it’s a great choice for any home where the growth of mold and mildew are a concern. For more information on removing and preventing mold and mildew, and for other helpful home improvement tips, visit www.zinsser.com.
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Mail To: 43251 Rescue Lane, P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 20636 Or Email To: eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Business Park Continued from page A- ted for residential construction, but no mention is made to the allowed density level. In 2005, LUGM drafted a text amendment to bridge the disconnect between permitted use and density, but it was never legislatively acted on, according to Denis D. Canavan, director of LUGM. The ordinance is left with an ambiguity, which can only be resolved by the commissioners’ decision on how much, if any, residential construction will be permitted in the OBP. The contents of the proposed text amendment were cast back into the spotlight by an encroachment study presented last month by Pax River. The study requests keeping major development out and away from zone 2 of the Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) which is part of a four layer shell being proposed: the clear zone, the area closest to the runway where no residential construction is permitted, AICUZ 1, AICUZ 2, and the proposed buffer zone. “The buffer zone would not eliminate density, it would just deal with how you construct the buildings,” said Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (DGreat Mills). Encroachment also deals with the noise contours that affect the sur-
rounding community, and in light of nine Joint Strike Fighters, heavier and louder aircraft, on the way to Pax River next year, the way homes are constructed might have to be modified if residential use is to be permitted in the buffer zone. Receiving noise contour charts from the Navy is the first step in the county’s tedious process determining the amount of residential construction allowed for OBPs, but the county is still waiting for that information. Upon receiving the noise contour maps, Canavan said he would “read the decibel readouts to see what areas are affected by those contours, and those would be used for mapping purposes to out a buffer zone.” “We would then use the buffer zone in consideration of construction methods to attenuate noise,” Canavan added. Each day that goes by without the noise contours makes the county’s job of creating a responsible buffer zone more challenging, Raley said. There are five OBP zones throughout the county. A public hearing will be held before the board renders a decision.
Photo by Adam Ross
The gateway along Route 235 separating the base from the rest of the county is a microcosm of the larger areas the commissioners continue to plot in order to protect the base from encroachment.
Development Continued from page A-1 but at that percentage, only 42 dwelling units would be freed up in the Central District. At 110 percent, and figuring in the 2.25 annual growth rate recommended by the commission, 154 dwelling units could be built next year in the Central District. Member Shelby Guazzo remained adamant to get specific recommendations free of conflicting verbiage to the commissioners as soon as possible. “[Howe] can make her argument in front of the commissioners,” Guazzo said, “but not this group.” Susan P. McNeill voted against the recommendation in part because she wanted a statement to accompany the recommendation warning the commissioners that this was only a temporary solution. If approved by the commissioners, the 110 percent overcrowding level would open up for the development district for only three years before the county needed to build another middle school, according to Steven Reeves, chairman of the Planning Commission. “You can raise these percentages all the way up, and you will overcrowd the schools so they so they exceed core capacity,” Reeves said. “And I suspect you will get a lot of paperwork in here to approve these lots and then it’s going to shut down again.” The Adequate Public Fa-
cilities Task Force held a meeting to hear Howe’s suggestion of redrawing the county’s districts originally outlined by the county’s Comprehensive Plan, but did not change any of the recommendations listed in its report, according to member Bill Scarafia. Guazzo contended it was the Planning Commission’s prerogative to work with the county’s comprehensive plan, and not to consider changing it. “That kind of consideration cannot stop us now,” Guazzo said to Howe. “We need to go ahead and make some recommendation to the commissioners and get this on the books.” At times, Reeves has suggested passing-on the more pressing long-term decisions to the commissioners. Reeves brought up the idea of using mitigation as a way to allow more construction in the development district at a costly fee. But member A. Merl Evans Jr., was not sold on the idea because it meant more cost for potential homeowners, who are already struggling to find affordable housing in the county. The Planning Commission also approved 107 percent overcrowding for elementary schools, and 111 percent for high schools.
Governor Pushes for Earlier Presidential Primary in Md. By Jonathan N. Crawford Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS - In a bid to give Maryland more weight in presidential politics, Gov. Martin O’Malley says he wants to hold the state’s primary election three weeks earlier, a move which could create a regional primary with Virginia and the District of Columbia. Currently, the Maryland primary is scheduled for March 4, a date considered by many to be too late for a state’s primary results to be relevant in the choosing of presidential nominees of either party. O’Malley wants to move up the primary to Feb. 12. Similar moves are under consideration in Virginia and the District of Columbia, setting up the possibility that candidates would visit the state or at least find it prudent to purchase media time in the Balti-
more-Washington market. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., D-Calvert and Prince George’s, said that as things now stand, “we’re at the tail end of the dog.” “Nobody will come around. Everyone else has moved ahead of us. Nobody will visit Maryland,” he told reporters after O’Malley submitted legislation to change the primary date. But the legislation has aroused grumbling Republicans who say they were caught off-guard by the move. “They consulted with Virginia and D.C. But they didn’t consult with anybody in the minority party,” said House Minority Leader Delegate Anthony J. O’Donnell, R-Calvert. “They should have consulted with us.” While the proposed date does not conflict with election schedule rules set by the Republican National Committee,
O’Donnell said he wants to review the bill before endorsing it. Maryland is just the latest state to push for an earlier date, according to Kay Stimson, a spokeswoman for the National Association of Secretaries of State. “Almost 30 states are on track to push their presidential nominating contests into January or February of 2008. That’s compared to nine states that did so in 2000, and 19 states in 2004,” she said. But even a Feb. 12 presidential primary might put Maryland behind the pack. More than a dozen states, including such electoral-vote giants as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois and Michigan, are shooting for an even earlier Feb. 5 primary. According to Stimson, the 2008 election “will be the most front-loaded primary
calendar in history.” Stimson’s group wants the two parties to adopt a regional rotating primary plan that would divide the country up into four distinct regions and would rotate the order in which those regions vote for president every four years. The plan would leave Iowa and New Hampshire in place. “The states want to be relevant to the selection process. But no one is looking out for the national interest and what’s best for the majority of voters,” she said. Stimson added that, in previous elections, studies show that roughly 8 percent of the electorate got to vote before the nomination was effectively decided. This results in very few people getting to have a say in who was nominated to become president.
Photos by Andrew Knowlton
Burnt Mill Trucking Daryl Huber
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St. Mary’s Ryken students in Mary Ellen Carsley’s Pre-Architecture class have been working on designing, preparing and building Catholic Church designs since early February. Shown here, on the left, is Connor O’Brien, working hard on his design. On the right is a near finished project.
The County Times
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Obituaries William I. Armsworthy, Jr., 86 William “Bill” I. Armsworthy, 86, of California, Md. died March 7 in California, Md. Born Feb. 17, 1921 in Pearson, Md., he was the son of the late William I. and Susie C. Hayden Armsworthy, Sr. He is survived by his wife Evelyn Anna Mae Armsworthy, who he married on March 24, 1940 in Great Mills, Md. He is also survived by his children; Johnny Armsworthy and his wife Lorraine of California, Md., Mary Ann Adkins and her husband Jimmy of Great Mills, Md.; grandchildren Tammy Adkins, Cathy Hobbs, Allen Adkins, Don Adkins and Jay Armsworthy, seven great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. He was a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident and graduate of Great Mills High School. Bill was a truck driver for Taylor Gas Company for 21 years, retiring on May 25, 1983. The family received friends on Sunday, March 11 at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home from 2:00-5:00 p.m. with prayers being said at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, March 12, 2 at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Jack Kennealy officiating. Interment followed in Holy Face Cemetery, Great Mills, Md. Pallbearers were Jay Armsworthy, Don Adkins, Charles Thompson, Allen Adkins, Tyler Clark and Johnny Adams. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tammy Adkins, Thomas Richardson, Cathy Hobbs, and Charles Johnson. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s Inc. P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 or Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, Md. 20636. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Leroy Wilson Bowman, 87 L e r o y Wilson Bowman, 87, of Chaptico, Md., died March 6 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born May 26, 1919 in Raleigh, N.C., he was the son of the late John L. Bowman and Anne Mabel Downer-Bowman. He was the husband of Elise Thomas Bowman, whom he married May 30, 1971 in St. George’s Episcopal Church, Valley Lee, Md. Mr. Bowman graduated from Jonesboro High School, North Carolina in 1938. He was enrolled in Citizen Military Training Camp (CMTC) for two years during high school and participated in the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) prior to entering military service. Mr. Bowman served in the Navy from April 1940 to January 1960 retiring as Chief Petty Officer assigned to the Medical Corp. He attended basic training in Norfolk, Va and was discharged from Quantico, Va. He served in WWII and the Korean War. Mr. Bowman was stationed at the Naval Hospital in Guan, Mariana’s Island at the start of WWII. He was captured on December 10, 1941 and imprisoned at Zentsuji Prisoner of War Camp, on the island of Shikoko. He served time at Osaka Prisoner of War Camp, and Hirohata Prisoner of War Camp. He remained a Japanese POW until the end of the war and was released to free-
dom in September of 1945. During the Korean War, he served on the USS Philippines Sea, CV-47 Naval Carrier. Mr. Bowman continued his work in public service with the Washington, D.C. Housing Inspection Department from 1960 -1963, Health Education and Welfare as a U.S. Health Inspector from 1963-1967 and Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Division 1968-1974. LeRoy W. Bowman and his wife, Elise T., were involved with defeat if the referendum for a petroleum refinery to be established in Piney Point, Md. in 1973. The referendum jeopardized the environment of the Chesapeake Bay and the way of the life for regional waterman and farmers and the beauty of St. Mary’s County. LeRoy was a member of the Potomac River Association Board of Directors, and was instrumental in transitioning Piney Point Light House from a working lighthouse to the current museum. He worked with Congressman Bauman during the 1970’s and was instrumental in maintaining the heritage of St. Mary’s County’s history. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts, St. Mary’s DAV Chapter 26, American Legion Post 221, Avenue, Md., Veterans of Foreign Wars, American ExPrisoners of War, American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor and numerous other military organizations. He enjoyed animals and the preservation of wildlife. Mr. Bowman is survived by his wife, one nephew, William P. Bowman, and three nieces. He is preceded in death by his brother, John R. (Jay) Bowman, Sr., sister, Ruby C. Bowman, and nephew, John R. Bowman, Jr. The family received friends Sunday, March 11, 2007 from 2- 4:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. Prayers were recited at 3:00 p.m. The Funeral Service was conducted on Monday, March 12, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in St. George’s Episcopal Church, Valley Lee, Md. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be a Military detail. Honorary Pallbearers will be William Bowman, Jay Bowman, John Bowman, Brian Bowman, David Bowman, George C. Barnes, Steve Reeves, Earl Newton, and Jackie Tennyson. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Ex-Prisoners of War, National Headquarters, 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway #40, Arlington, TX 76010, Animal Relief Fund, P.O. Box 184, Hollywood, Md. 20636, or any charity of your choice. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Lloyd “Bubba” William Copsey, Jr., 77 Lloyd “Bubba” William Copsey Jr., 77, Hollywood, Md. died March 9 in Hollywood, Md. Bor n June 21, 1929 in Hollywood, Md., he was the son of the late Lloyd and Ruth Wible Copsey. He is survived by his wife Connie Copsey, who he married on Sep. 10, 1965 at Hollywood United Methodist Church, Md. He is also survived by his children; Velma Jean Burroughs, of White Plains, Md., James Franny Woodburn of Mechanicsville, Md., Lorraine Armsworthy of California, Md., siblings; Mary E. Thompson of St. Leonard, Md., Margaret Mister of Solomons, Md., Mary Hill of Lusby, Md., John Copsey of N.C., Mary Pilkerton of
Avenue, Md., Clara Wallace of Hollywood, Md., Joe Copsey of Mechanicsville, Md. and Peggy Faunce of Brandywine, Md.; eight grandchildren, nine great–grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his son John Dwight Woodburn; siblings Dorothy Ann Copsey, Virginia Mae Copsey and Francis Copsey. Bubba was a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident and was a lineman for 22 years at Pax River, retiring in 1976. He also served in the U.S. Army for two years and loved gardening, wood-working, nature, and was an avid card player. The family received friends on Monday, March 12, at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with prayers being said at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, March 13 at 10:00 a.m. in St. John’s Catholic Church with Msgr. Martin Harris officiating. Interment followed in St. John’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jay Armsworthy, Freddie Clark, Ronald Ward, Bubbie Spalding, Junior Stone and Charles Buckler. Honorary pallbearers were Michal Foster, Johnny Wallace, Ken Faunce, Gary Crampton, CT Thomas and Johnny Thompson. Contributions may be made to Hollywood Volunteer Fire Dept, P.O. Box 7, Hollywood, Md. 20636, or St. John’s Building Fund, 43927 St. John’s Road, Hollywood, Md. 20636, or Wilmer Eye Care Center, c/o Wilmer Development Office, 600 N. Wolfe Street Wilmer 112, Baltimore, Md. 21287. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Caleb Kaufman Drenning, Jr., 83 Caleb Kaufman Drenning, Jr., 83, of Cal ifor n ia , Md., died March 8 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born February 15, 1924 in Wrightsville, Pa., he was the son of the late Caleb Kaufman Drenning, Sr. and Gretude Armold Drenning. Mr. Drenning served in the U.S. Navy as an Electronic Technician First Class from 1942 until 1948, when he was honorably discharged. He served in World War II and the Korean War. He was an Electronic Technician for the Civil Service at Patuxent River Naval Air Station from 1957 until 1981. He is survived by his wife, Anne Wilhelm Drenning of California, Md., daughter, Karin A. Gruber of Merritt Island, Fl., sister, Doris B. Kenawell of Lancaster, Pa., four grandsons, Brian R. Gruber, Kevin K. Gruber, Rick D. Ferree, and Steve A. Ferree. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, James Douglas Drenning. All services will be private. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Ray Edgar Gaskill, Sr., 77 Ray Edgar Gaskill, Sr., 77, of Hollywood, MD died March 7 at his son’s residence. B o r n March 31, 1929 in Fairchance, Pa., he was the son of the late Sidney Orville Gaskill and Ethel Belle Wilson Gaskill. Mr. Gaskill was a resident of St. Mary’s County for 33 years. He was a CPO (Ret) U. S. Navy, Senior Inspector (Ret) of U.S. Customs and Department of Immigration.
He fought in and was wounded during the Korean conflict. He was an active member of Fleet Reserve Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. He was an avid gardener and sports fan. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Clara B. Gaskill, daughter, Debbie Gaskill, son, Ray E. Gaskill, Jr., all of Hollywood, Md., three grandsons, Ray E. Gaskill III, Randy Gaskill, and Connor Ryan, and five great-grandchildren, Keith Gaskill, Savannah Gaskill, Makenzie Gaskill, Blaine Gaskill and Andrew Fowler. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Betty Edwards and Anita Shaw. Interment will be on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Harry Michael Koehler, 80 Harry Michael Koehler, 80, of Piney Point, Md., died March 5, in Piney Point, Md. Born February 28, 1927 in Passaic, N.J., he was the son of the late Emil and Gertrude Walther Koehler. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Catherine Leah Bradburn Koehler on Aug. 2, 2004 whom he married on May 3, 1951 in Our Lady’s Church in Medley’s Neck. He is survived by his children: Michael Koehler of California, Md. who was married to Darlene Johnson Koehler for 28 years before she passed away on Oct. 21, 2006 and Charlene Koehler Forrest and her husband Sonney of Solomons, Md.; two grandchildren: Jeffrey Koehler (22) of Tampa, Fl. and Julie Koehler (18) of California, MD; sister: Doris Dunn and her husband Bob of Pinehurst, NC; sister in-law: Mary Agnes Cobbs of Piney Point, Md.; four nephews and three nieces: Glenn Wilson, Mark Wilson, Chuck Cobbs, Bernie Koehler, Lynn Koehler, Robin Koehler and Steve Koehler. He was also preceded in death by his brother: Bobby Koehler on September 3, 1977 at the age of 40. Mr. Koehler joined the Navy at the age of 17 and was activated on his 18th birthday (Feb. 28, 1945). He completed eight years with the USN as a Ships Cook and went to work at the Patuxent Naval Air Station in 1953. He stayed at Patuxent River with the Supply Department until his retirement on March 5, 1982…. 29 years later, he retired with a total of 37 years of service to the Navy. Upon his retirement he was the Senior Civilian Supply Officer of the Base. While in the Navy at the Torpedo Test Center at Piney Point, Md., he met his late wife Catherine Leah Bradburn Koehler. Harry joined the 2nd District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad in 1967 as a Board of Director. He went on to hold offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Chief Rescue, Captain Rescue, Lieutenant Rescue and Engineer Rescue all while maintaining his seat on the Board of Directors. He was also a Charter Member of the St. Mary’s County Advanced Life Support Unit and stayed with them for many years until he felt it best to only commit to the people of the 2nd and 9th Districts that Valley Lee serves. He has been the St. Mary’s County Rescue Chief since 1987 and supports the role in conjunction with Dr. John Roache. He served the people of St. Mary’s County with pride and compassion. The family received friends on Thursday, March 8, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Valley Lee Volunteer Fire House, where Prayers were said at 7:00 p.m., followed by Fire Department Prayers at 7:15 p.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m. in St. George’s Catholic Church,
Section A - Valley Lee, Md., with Fr. Mark Ervin officiating. Interment followed in the Church Cemetery. Contributions may be made to: 2nd District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box, 1, Valley Lee, Md. 20692, Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 and/ or Out Patient Infusion Center (OPIS) St. Mary’s Hospital, P.O. Box 527, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Arrangements provided by the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
John Linwood Nelson, 85 J o h n Linwood Nelson, 85 of Scotland, Md. died March 8, 2007 at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. He was born May 12, 1921 in Ridge, Md. to the late John Carter Nelson and Sabrie Moore Nelson. Serving in the U.S. Army from 1940 through 1945, he was a combat infantryman during WWII and attained the final rank of Staff Sergeant. Among his decorations are the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a Presidential Unit Citation that he earned while serving with the 37th Infantry Division during the Battle of Manilla. He lived and worked in Washington, D.C. and Rockville, Md. before opening his own business, Ridge Texaco Service in 1961, which he owned and operated until he retired in 1986. He is survived by his children; Roberta N. Reeves of Lusby, Md., Michael L. Nelson (Gerrie) of Vienna, Va. and John E. “Ric” Nelson (Mary) of Reston, Va., five grandchildren; Jessica Porter (Conor), Ben Reeves, Josh Nelson, Jeremy Nelson and Anthony Nelson, greatgranddaughter, Anna Victoria Porter and brother, Harry C. Wright (Lucille) of Ridge, Md. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Victoria Coccia Nelson, sister, Betty Stein and brothers, Roger, Louis and Ralph Messick. There will be a gathering of friends on Thursday, March 15 at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 from 5 – 8 p.m. with a Memorial Service starting at 7:00 p.m. Reverend Eamon Dignan will officiate. Interment will be private. In memory of John Linwood Nelson memorial contributions may be made to Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 520, Ridge, Md. 20680 and/or St. Michael’s Catholic Church and School, P.O. Box 429, Ridge, Md. 20680. Arrangements are being handled by Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Maria “Mary” Ramsden, 97 Maria “Mary” Ramsden, 97, of Sandgates, Md., formerly of Philadelphia, PA, died March 11, in St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. Born July 9, 1909 in Philadelphia, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Sophia Zeleny. She attended Aimwell Quaker School in Philadelphia, Pa. In 1925 she married Milton H. Ramsden and raised four children. She was a homemaker, devoted mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and great-great grandmother who enjoyed caring for her family and others. She never met a stranger and had a kind word for all. She had many talents such as cooking, baking, crocheting,
counted cross-stitch, loved cross word puzzles and bingo at Hollywood Firehouse. She was an expert seamstress. She enjoyed watching the Phillies and the Orioles play ball. She looked forward to her daily game shows, where she was quick to answer the questions. In addition to listening to classic county music and her favorite hymns, she took great pleasure in singing with the grandchildren and teaching them acts of kindness and about God. Mary was a good Christian woman who loved the Lord and enjoyed reading her Bible. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her loving daughter, Marian K. Hayes of Sandgates, Md., seven grandchildren; Diane J. McAndrews of Philadelphia, PA, Rick A. Hayes of Sandgates, Md., Janet Ramsden of North Miami Brach, Fl., Russell A. Hayes of Sandgates, Md., Robin M. Knodle of Waldorf, Md., Rita A. Peeling of Solomons, Md. and April L. Spence of Waldorf, MD, 13 great-grandchildren; Karen M. Snowden of Philadelphia, Pa., Brian E. McAndrews of Washington, D.C., Laura A. Morris of Philadelphia, Pa., Jason E. Ramsden of North Miami, Fl., Katie L. Madison of Sandgates, Md., Kayla L. Markel of Solomons, Md., Krystal Knodle of Waldorf, Md., Mandy Knodle of Waldorf, Md., Stephanie Tippett of Sandgates, Md., Natalie Tippett Hayes of Sandgates, Md., Kobe R. Hayes of Sandgates, Md., Deandre S. Beverly of Waldorf, Md., Raymond Defour of Leonardtown, Md., two step- grandsons; Adam F. Peeling and Tanner L. Peeling, four great-great grandchildren; Kaylin McAndrews, Karlie B. Madison, soon-tobe baby girl Beverly and baby boy Morris, and loving sonin-law, David L. Spence of Waldorf, Md. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by three children; James E. Ramsden, Joan S. Cruesmire, and Ruth A. Spence, grandson, Allen Guilds, granddaughter, Joyce Ramsden, and son-inlaw, Richard A. Hayes, Jr. All services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 7, Hollywood, MD 20636 and/or American Red Cross, Southern Maryland Chapter, P.O. Box 507, LaPlata, Md. 20646. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Art Continued from page A-1 said. “I represented a geisha because they are versed in many kinds of arts.” DeGroat said she will probably attend The University of Tennessee to major in art education or interior design. Adrienne Buckler, the 2007 winner from Chopticon High School Alyssa DeGroat explains her liking of barns, which inspired this soft cheery painting. Buckler plans to attend Savannah College of Art or the University of Rhode Island next fall. Eve Moyle from Great Mills based her drawing from a photograph of a man on his bike in Africa with a monkey on his back. Christopher Walker, the 2007 winner from Great Mills High School said he choose art class because he didn’t want a lunch period. He explains the piece above as a sort of “reverse painting” that started on color and went from white, to yellow, to orange, to red and to purple. “I was going for something art nouveau,” he said.
to $2500 for a tank and pump system that allows the sprinklers to work effectively. “We will see some savings from insurance premium reductions, but that’s not going to meet all of the expense,” said Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D- Great Mills). “If we could explore the possibility of a tax property credit when we have the installation of these systems.” Mattingly, a volunteer firefighter for 41 years, and an advocate of the ordinance, said installing sprinklers is a life and death situation; especially for remote areas of the county where response time is six to eight minutes. “I knew of someone who invested in sprinklers for their lawn but not in their home,” added
Allison Shafer, from Leonardtown High School painted a watercolor geisha, and plans to attend Towson University this fall. Josephine Gaido, the 2007 Winner from Leonardtown High School also plans to attend Towson University to study graphic design.
Eve Moyle
December that he had conversations with Marrick Properties Inc., and Quality Built Homes Inc., two home building companies in the county,
Photos by Adam Ross
A public hearing will be held, although no date has been set. The relatively simple approach and sophistically designed system has a great chance of saving property from fire damage than the high-pressure hose the fire department uses. Sprinkler heads’ spray 10 to 18 gallons of water per minute. In a video shown to the commissioners Tuesday, a demonstration using two identical houses with an identical amount of combustible material were set ablaze. One home had residential sprinklers and was able to extinguish the fire before any major damage occurred, while the other home without the system approached life-threatening temperatures in less than three minutes, and burned throughout before the department was able to extinguish the blaze. The commissioners Photo by Adam Ross followed up the video and Commissioners Daniel H. Raley and Kenny Dement speak with a Bay District Fire Department Volunteer at the Leonardtown power point presentation Volunteer Fire Department before a sprinkler demonstration was shown to contain a residential fire in seconds. from Fairfax by seeing a
Sprinkler Continued from page A-1
Mattingly. “The home had a fire and burned down, and now they have a beautiful lawn.” Mattingly also said in
Allison Shafer
and neither one had objections to the ordinance, as long it was adopted on a level playing field; meaning all cities in the county enacted it.
Liquor Board Approves Five For Licenses By Adam Ross Staff Writer The St. Mary’s County Liquor Board approved conditional liquor licenses for five restaurants Thursday, adding flair to old and new eateries in Leonardtown and beyond. The St. Mary’s Yachting Center restaurant in Drayden, formerly the Dennis Point Marina is undergoing major renovations with new ownership. Joseph Leonard Norris Jr., bought the restaurant in April and said the construction to the “overall surroundings” should be done by the end of the month. atNorris tempted to get his Class B, Beer, Wine and Liquor license last month, but was forced to withdraw the application because he already holds a liquor license for the Solomons Yachting Center. State law stipulates that individuals can only hold one liquor license at a time in Maryland. Norris took his name off the license and the application was approved unanimously. B o a t m a n’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, formerly Dew South, could be the new place to attend concerts, play horseshoes, and club a softball. Teresa M. Boatman, part owner of the proposed sports bar
said she and her husband are planning to put Ridge on the map. Their plans extend as far as a summer music festival to be held on the ball fields behind the property, car shows and other activities for the public. The liquor board approved a Class B, Beer, Wine and Liquor license, but stipulated that the selling of alco-
holic beverages be contained around the outside concessions stand, horse shoe pits, and for concerts inside the ball fields. There are 12 residential properties within a one-mile radius of the proposed site, according to Boatman, who added that those homes would be notified of outside events at the bar.
Deputy Emory Johnson, the county’s alcohol enforcement coordinator said Boatman would have to work with Land Use and Growth management to ascertain the maximum acceptable decibel level for outside events due to the adjacent homes. “The Back Road Inn wanted an outside band, but it was determined a drummer
exceeded the noise level at the property line,” Johnson said. “So they weren’t allowed to do that.” Boatman said she would work with the proper authorities, contain the crowds to fenced areas, and assign security guards to patrol the potential events. The license was approved unanimously. Bon Buffet, on the other hand, will not hold outside concerts any time soon, but will remain relatively the same
real life demonstration at the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department. The demonstration, funded by the National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., used a garbage can, newspaper and white sheet as kindle, and showcased the ability of a fire to spread quickly, and to be extinguished by a sprinkler system in under 50 seconds. Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R- Golden Beach) said he supported the ordinance, but with certain exclusions for the Amish and Mennonite communities that have indoor plumbing prohibitions. Jarboe added that educating those communities on a high-pressure alternative sprinkler system, which is not approved by the state, but in the works, could be the first step to bringing them on board. Any townhouses built in the last nine years in Maryland have indoor sprinkler systems, Fairfax said. There were 111 residential fires in St. Mary’s County in 2006, and $7 billion in property damages throughout the country in 2005, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Mattingly recalled a case years ago where residential sprinklers stopped a bedroom fire, and only the mattress in that room needed to be replaced. “That unit was occupied the next day,” Mattingly added. “A home with an active sprinkler system, we haven’t to my knowledge recorded any actual deaths in those homes.” In the face of a dramatic residential change in Leonardtown, with 1500 to 1600 homes coming on line, Mattingly said he hopes this legislation passes in time. Leonardtown denied its own initiative to adopt the ordinance to avoid a “marketing disadvantage,” according to Mattingly.
under the new ownership of Robert R. Feng and partners. The buffet is located in Lexington Park, and according to Feng will continue to operate in similar fashion “Keep up the good work,” said Albert R. Babcock, chairman of the liquor board. “It’s a good restaurant.” Another restaurant under new ownership is Delmar Seafood in Hollywood. Part owner and chef Nelmar Velasquez said much of the restaurant and food will remain the same. The Class B license was approved under the conditions that Velasquez settle the back taxes on the site, and submits a trader’s license and occupancy permit. Last on the board’s applications agenda was the consideration of another Class B license for Salsa’s Mexican Café in Leonardtown. Slated for the property located in the former Mattingly’s food store, the construction is approximately two weeks away from receiving a final occupancy permit and fire and health department inspections, according to Wayne Davis, owner of the building. Salsa’s Mexican Café, part of a chain, will be the first opened in Maryland. In other business, Deputy Johnson said since last month’s meeting, 20 juveniles were cited for possession of alcohol, 29 were cited for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), and 38 individuals were cited for possession of a controlled subthroughout Photos by Adam Ross stance the county.