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Mattingly, Bohanan At Odds Over State Funding

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Juvenile Admits To MurderFor-Hire Plot

By Adam Ross Staff Writer St. Mary’s County isn’t likely to face the $11 million curveball Gov. Martin O’Malley threatened last month, but legislators across party lines are saying the counties will have to pitch in to recover the state’s $1.7 billion deficit.

“The counties are going to have to step up,” said Del. John L. Bohanan (D-St. Mary’s), citing examples of how the state has funded significant education increases, and teacher pensions. “If not this year than in the future, and pick up contributions on things like these.”

With the special session now well over a week into meetings, committees are reviewing a variety of new bills that aim to cut spending, and raise revenue. One would levy 50 percent of teacher pensions to the county - costing St. Mary’s 5.1 million. Bohanan said the legislature would likely not pass half of teachers’ pensions onto the counties this year, but that the discussion “needs to be on the table.”

The state currently pays 100 percent of those pensions. Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D-Leonardtown) called the bill “unfair,” and said that it would only take away staff and programs for schools.

“The county didn’t create the deficit,” Mattingly added. “It’s irresponsible to pass unfunded proSee Special Session page A-

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Photo Courtesy of Chris Corrigan

Chris Corrigan, left, then a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy, hands out gifts to Afghan villagers as part of his overseas service in the war on terror.

War Veterans Remember Their Service With Pride

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Paul Wible, of Hollywood, remembers his year of combat experience in Vietnam as being in constant danger. As a first lieutenant in a U.S. Army mechanized infantry unit he conducted lethal ambushes, got wounded by a rocket propelled grenade and started into the eyes of death at close range.

He has some hard memories, but some good ones as well. And as he remembered his service it was with gratitude for being alive.

“I feel lucky to still be here,” said Wible, a volunteer with the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department.

And with Veterans Day coming up he also had a surge of pride.

“You ever get that lump in your throat?” Wible asked. “Being there, seeing that flag and knowing that you’ve been through it… it’s better than a warm fuzzy.

I’m proud.”

Local veterans who recall their service in foreign wars have the same surge of pride at having served their country under the most difficult of circumstances.

Chris Corrigan, a retired Lt. Commander with the U.S. Navy who served in Afghanistan in the war on terrorism, remembered that while he never had to fire his weapon or take part in any heavy combat, the danger See Veterans page A-

Corey Ryder, the 17-year-old juvenile accused of trying to hire an undercover police officer to kill his mother and stepfather earlier this year admitted to the crime in county Circuit Court Nov. 2.

Ryder, of Valley Lee, took a plea deal to a count of solicitation of murder of his mother rather than face first-degree attempted murder charges.

Ryder will receive his disposition for the crime, Nov. 27 according to his attorney Public Defender John Getz.

Getz would not discuss the case in-depth but said that his client was in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Services.

Ryder has been incarcerated at a youth facility in Cheltenham since he was charged with the crime back in June.

“There’s a lot of mitigating cirSee Ryder page A-

Inside High School Brawls Result in Arrests Op.-Ed .......... Page A - 4 Obituaries..... Page A - 9 Community... Page B - 4 Police ............ Page B - 7 Games........... Page B - 8 Classifieds..... Page B - 9

For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Friday Mostly Cloudy 52° Saturday Sunny 53° Sunday Sunny 57°

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and trooper with the Maryland State Police arrested 14 students at Great Mills High School Monday after numerous fights broke out in the school disrupting classes and causing the school to be locked down.

According to Sgt. Steven Hall, spokesman for the sheriff’s office, deputies and troopers responded before midday Monday to calls for assistance from the school’s resource officer Senior Deputy First Class Andrew Holton after a fight broke See Fights page A-

Photo by Guy Leonard

Police surround the front entrance to Great Mills High School Monday after several fights broke out between students, 14 of whom were arrested as a result.

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The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Commissioners Weigh in on Controversial Boathouse

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners held a consensus on 13 of the 19 local legislative proposals last week, but were divided on how much input citizens should have on the College

of Southern Maryland’s planning and design for future construction projects.

The proposal calls for the “creation of a process� to give citizens a say in the planning and design of construction projects at the college, and was made in the wake of a growing dispute over the lo-

cation of the college’s newly constructed boathouse on the St. Mary’s River. Residents maintain that the boathouse blocks their view of the river as they drive north on Route 5.

Sen. Roy P. Dyson is leading the march to levy more oversight over the college, which is independently governed.

Dyson has vowed to sponsor legislation to bring the college into the University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents, which governs all but two of the state’s public colleges.

Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D-Leonardtown) said the issue has gone too far in the media, and that the college has devel-

mitment to do that.�

Commissioners Lawrence Jarboe (R-Golden Beach), Kenneth Dement (RCallaway), and Commission President Francis Jack Russell (D-Point Lookout) supported the legislation. “We’ve heard some extremes,� Jarboe said. “I hope a balance comes out of

this kind of disagreement does not occur again at such a late stage in a construction project,� O’Brien says in the letter,� the college is committed to instituting a program of public meetings in the planning process of all future capital projects.�

Meanwhile, the commissioners were also split on a

Photo by Adam Ross

St. Mary’s College of Maryland has been pressured by Sen. Roy P. Dyson and the surrounding community to remove the new boathouse located of Route 5.

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oped a good reputation in the community. “The further this goes, the more detrimental it is to the success of the college,�

Mattingly said, “and that concerns me because they have developed a good reputation.�

Mattingly voted against the proposal, while his closest confidant on the board, Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Lexington Park), took no position. “State land, state buildings, state money. I’m not in the legislature and I’m not on the college board of trustees,�

Raley said of his decision to stay out of the issue. “I’ll tell [the college] it was a mistake where [the boathouse] was, and I think what they should go ahead finish the river center, do a thorough evaluation of the archaeological site, and if it is at all practical and feasible to put [the building] perpendicular to the shore front, than they should make a com-

Annapolis.�

Russell said there has to be a process to get the community’s input. Since the controversy blew into the local media, the college has held two public meetings, one on Aug. 29 and one Sept. 2.

An advisory committee made up of members from the college, St. Mary’s City, Trinity Church, and the community, was established to review and consider changes to the rowing center. A meeting to be held Nov. 30 will continue the review of the committee’s report and propose action on the full board’s report, according to a letter from the college’s president, Jane Margaret O’Brien, wrote to the community on Oct. 25.

Another letter from O’Brien to the commissioners on Oct. 23 states strong oppositionto state legislation to ensure community involvement in construction processes. “In order to ensure that

proposal from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to replace the rank of “captainâ€? with “assistant sheriffâ€? and to have the board of commissioners set the salary of the position. Russell and Raley voted to not support the proposal while Mattingly and Jarboe were in support. Dement had no position. “Captain is a highly respected rank,â€? Jarboe said, “but it’s the sheriff’s domain‌ I’m going to turn this one over to this sheriff.â€?

The commissioners unanimously supported increasing the fine on illegal alcohol sales from $500 to $1000. “As it stands, it’s just a slap on the wrist,� Jarboe said.

The commissioners’ votes act as a non-binding opinion for the Delegation to consider when determining which proposals go before the state.

“Good Germs, Bad Germs�

by Jessica Snyder Sachs c.2007, Hill and Wang $25.00 / $29.00 Canada 290 pages You brushed your teeth this morning after breakfast. You showered and washed your hair, scrubbed yourself down, put on some antibacterial handcreme, spritzed on deodorant and put on newly-laundered clothes. There. Ready for today, fresh and clean, right? Wrong. No matter how clean you try to get, you’ll always have germs on you and in you. It’s true and it’s icky, but it’s one of the facts you’ll learn in “Good Germs, Bad Germs� by Jessica Snyder Sachs. Because of frightening reports of life-threatening nasties like MRSA and “flesh-eating bacteria�, and because of the proliferation of antibacterial products that have flooded the market in the past few years, it’s easy to assume that we’d want to obliterate germs completely. That, Sachs points out, is impossible and very, very undesirable. We need bacteria to survive. You probably know that bacteria thrive in your mouth, intestines, and colon. You probably can guess that you have flora between your toes and under your arms.

But scientists say we also have a microscopic layer of benign bacteria covering our skin as biological protection. Without it, life-threatening “bad� germs could easily penetrate our shell.

When a baby is born, it gets a dose of “good� germs on its way out of the birth canal and another dose when it nurses.

Doctors and delivery room personnel transfer more immunitygiving bacteria to the baby as it’s handled. Within minutes, bacteria start to colonize an infant’s body, and long before she starts school, a child will have a full complement of the germs she needs for life. So, wait, you say. You wash your hands dozens of times a day and you’ll never get rid of bad germs?

Science is working on that. Geneticists are working to “defang� bugs that make us sick, and researchers are trying to keep ahead of drug-resistant germs. Meanwhile, Sachs says, handwashing is one of the best ways to lower your chances of getting sickness-causing germs like E. coli. Wash, but don’t overdo it. Let your kids get dirty. Listen to your doctor when she says you don’t need antibiotics for what ails ya. I wanted to like this book. And I did, but with reservations. On one (filthy) hand, “Good Germs, Bad Germs� is filled with a wealth of timely information that will help clarify truth about that which is terrifying parents around the country and causing schools to close.

On the other (grimy) hand, that wealth of information starts out to be easy-to-understand but quickly morphs into something you need a Ph.D. to comprehend. Author Jessica Snyder Sachs packs a little humor and some frighteningly fascinating stories into what is an otherwise dry-as-dirt subject, but I found my mind wandering during the last couple dozen pages. A few more stories and a lot less science might have made this book more interesting overall, and more accessible.

Still, if you’re concerned for yourself or your family, you’ll definitely want to read “Good Germs, Bad Germs�. It will help you make more sense of the things that truly bug you.

The County Times

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Section A -

Criminal Information Center Will Work Behind The Scenes

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer They’ve already provided information that has lead to the arrests of a suspected bank robber, a serial burglar, a gang member as well as an alleged credit card fraud artist here in St. Mary’s County and their existence has only just been officially announced.

A small group of detectives from St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert counties and the Maryland State Police have been operating quietly, gathering information on crime trends in all three counties as the Southern Maryland Information Center (SMIC).

The detectives now have their new home in a small office at the Southern Maryland Electric Co-operative headquarters in Hughesville (SMECO) where, in tight quarters, they take raw information on crimes in each county and use it to pinpoint ways to better fight it.

“We’re going to focus and refine our efforts on cross border crime,” said St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron. “We’ve put them [the detectives] together and seen the value of sharing information.”

Det. Eric Walker, of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, newly assigned to SMIC, said residential burglaries are one of the crime trends affecting all three counties that SMIC was designed to gather information on.

The task force will also keep an eye on gang activity and get the information to detectives working critical cases.

Detectives will devote significant time to learning about gang related symbols and tattoos, Walker said.

They’ve even made trips to all three county detention centers to interview suspected gang members both to vet their criminal affiliations as well as gather intelligence on their operations.

“They’ll tell you about things in the organization because they’re proud of it,” Walker told The County Times.

SMIC detectives have provided information that led to the capture of Guy Vivian Butler, an accused serial burglar who has also been charged with attempted murder for crashing his vehicle into deputies’ cruisers in an attempt to escape police during a high-speed pursuit in Lexington Park.

SMIC information has also led to the quick apprehension last week of Antonio Warren Gantt, of St. Leonard, who police say was responsible for robbing the Maryland Bank and Trust, Inc. on Shangri La Drive last week about one month after allegedly robbing it in September.

In the latest crime, Gantt is accused of throwing gasoline on bank tellers to obtain money before fleeing the bank and taking a cab to make his escape.

Gantt, 40, was captured on Route 4 in the taxicab after allegedly robbing the bank.

Walker said detectives at SMIC will put out information on Gantt’s cases to see if the method of operation used in the alleged bank robberies matches any similar crimes on the East Coast.

“We’re here to gain information and get it to the people who can utilize it,” Walker said, adding that detectives assigned to SMIC will have police powers in all three jurisdictions.

Detective Sgt. David Ruel, of the Maryland State Police, said that while the staff of SMIC is small, with just a few detectives, its impact should be significant.

“This place won’t be manned 24/7,” Ruel said.

“But we do have capabilities to operate 24/7.”

Charles County Sheriff Rex Coffey said SMIC represents a trend in preempting crime rather than just responding to it.

“By establishing this center, law enforcement in Southern Maryland is presenting a united front against

crime in our communities,” Coffey said. “Sharing information and resources will help us quickly identify and disrupt crime trends and better protect the citizens we serve.

“This is a great advance in public safety and really bad news for criminals.”

Photo by Guy Leonard

From left, Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Terrence B. Sheridan, Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans, Charles County Sheriff Rex Coffey and St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron sign documents officially activating the Southern Maryland Information Center.

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The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Editorial & Opinion This time honored tradition is intended to thank the living veterans for their service and to acknowledge that their contributions to national security are greatly appreciated. November 11th is also a day to honor those who have died protecting our nation, and to underscore the importance of the many who have sacrificed to carry out their duty for our Country.

Across the Nation celebrations of the freedoms we hold dear will ring out on Sunday, November 11th. The largest celebration in Maryland takes place right here in St. Mary’s County. Thousands of participants and spectators will fill the streets of Leonardtown to honor our local veterans. A parade of over 3,000 participants including veterans, elected officials, military units, school children, boy and girl scouts, re enactors, Native American dancers, color guards, bag pipers, high school bands, classic cars, fire trucks, police, emergency personnel, horses, motorcycles and

Honor Those Who Served To Protect Our Freedoms In November 1919 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day stating, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”. Today, once again we are faced with a very evident reason to reflect on the many freedoms we continue to enjoy as Americans. Many times over the years since 1919 these freedoms might have disappeared if it was not for the brave men

and women who have fought for the peace and security our families enjoy in this nation.

Armistice Day has seen many changes over the years. In 1954 the name Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day by President Dwight Eisenhower. Then in 1968 the commemoration was changed to the fourth Monday in October. Finally in 1978 Congress returned the observation to its traditional November 11th date due to its historical significance. World War I, known as “The Great War” and generally regarded as “the war to end all wars, ended November 11, 1918, when an armistice or temporary cease of hostilities went into effect the 11th hour, the 11th day, the 11th month.

much more will kick off on Washington Street at 10:00 a.m. This year a special guest appearance by Brooks Robinson will delight baseball fans, young and old, in the crowd. Brooks is part owner of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Baseball team and a baseball Hall of Famer with the Baltimore Orioles from 1955 until his retirement in 1977.

As the parade concludes a ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. on stage in the center of Town. A giant American flag serves as a back drop for this traditional ceremony to honor our veterans. Three students from Leonardtown Elementary School will read their moving and insightful winning essays about “What Veterans Day means to me”. The ceremony will include laying of wreaths on the War Memorials in the Town Square and includes a variety of patriotic music and will conclude with the release of the Peace Doves. Bring your family and take time to join in this highly regarded St. Mary’s County tradition as we honor those who served to protect our freedoms.

To the Editor: Where have you been the last six years?

As a resident of Hollywood I am far removed from the dispute over the rowing center at St. Mary’s College and thus reluctant to jump into the fray. I have read the coverage in the local media and have followed with interest the varying opinions. I was going to Ridge the other day so I purposely drove down Route 5 instead of Route 235 just to refresh my memory of College waterfront. It was late in the day and the view from the causeway, just before the controversial construction site, was breathtaking. Since

I tend to watch the road when I am driving, a notion I think all responsible drivers should adhere to, I turned around and drove back from the other direction to take another look.

I don’t recall what the view from the drivers seat was before the construction since, as I have said, I try to keep my eyes on the road while driving but the causeway view was still magnificent.

I finally parked my car and took a closer look. As a participant in several Governor’s Cup races I do remember the setting where the boathouse

is now located and when I walked toward the water the view was virtually unchanged form that in my minds eye.

Apparently the only view that is lost is that from the drivers seat or from within the college campus. Views from within the campus seem to me to be an internal matter and enjoying the view form the vantage point of the drivers seat is a scary thought to me.

Another thing I find troubling regarding the dispute is where were these concerned citizens, who now want the buildings moved or altered, for

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.

Changes to County Employee Handbook Proposed

By Adam Ross Staff Writer A change to the St. Mary’s County employee manual is poised to be made sometime after the new year, allowing county employees to combine unused annual leave hours to their earned sick leave.

As the manual stands right now, employees can only stockpile 360 hours a year of annual leave, but anything above they lose. According to Sue Sabo, the county’s human resource director, there are some dedicated employees who are losing hard earned hours. If the new proposal is passed, which all indication from the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners is that it will be, than employees stock piling annual leave will be able to pocket all of the earned hours in case they are stricken with a long-term illness.

Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills) praised Sabo, calling her an “advocate for county employees.”

“Ms. Sabo is the depart-

ment director, that much is true, but I can tell you she is an advocate for county employees,” Raley said to Sabo and the rest of the public during Tuesday’s board meeting.

“You’re their voice, and you do that pretty effectively.”

For those employees lucky enough to stockpile hours, and not have to use them for any sickness related leave, Sabo is working out the details for those hours to be attached to retirement pensions. Calvert County already has a similar procedure in place, and Charles County is currently negotiating one.

“It doesn’t mean employees can retire early,” Sabo said, “but they can add on to the benefits to enhance value of pension benefits.”

The commissioners gave their preliminary support Tuesday, and now Sabo will take the proposed changes to the employees for feedback.

Once the proposal has had the necessary time in the public eye, the commissioners will be asked to give their final consideration.

Sabo said she doesn’t anticipate any negative feedback on the proposal from county employees.

Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) asked if employees would be able to transfer their sick leave hours to another employee who might be in need. While the current policy only allows employees to donate annual leave to ailing coworker, Sabo said she is planning on proposing that employees be able to donate their sick leave as well.

That discussion is expected to continue after the New Year.

Jarboe said there has been a few cases in the past of employees pitching their hours to a sick coworkers, allowing them some extra flexibility in keeping out of work while into recovery.

Commissioner Kenneth Dement (R-Callaway) made the motion to direct staff to provide a final proposal regarding the changes, seconded

by Raley.

the past six years. If they were so tuned in to the community one would think they would know what is being planned for years before the ground was broken. If nothing else the permitting process is an open book. Apparently their heads were in the sand, or I could suggest another place not suitable for print, but they were clearly not in the forefront of community affairs.

I suspect the opposing group is a collection of self- serving squeaky wheels that are having a tantrum because the ship left without them because they arrived to late. As far as one of our elected officials who is now helping beat the opposition drum, where the heck has he or his staff been for the past six years. He obviously doesn’t have his hand on the pulse beat of his neigh-

borhood since he too is a day late and many leadership dollars short with his complaints about the waterfront development. Now he is trying to intimidate the college by threatening their governance. Maybe he should have mentioned the problems with the current governing system when he accepted the accolades of the College at the River Concert Series. I guess the governing system is also a recent revelation to his profound knowledge of local events. With all that is going on in Annapolis I hope he has his eye on the ball up there and not sleeping at the switch also. His elected counterparts may not be such easy targets to try to bully into submission. I only hope that however this dispute is resolved all those who were virtually sleeping on watch are

required to pay any additional cost required to satisfy all the parties. To use tax payer dollars to satisfy some malcontents or to require the College to foot the bill to relocate or alter the buildings is patently wrong. The college played by the rules while the fiddlers watched Rome burn, or their precious view disappear. If they are so dedicated to their cause they should be willing to dig deep into their own collective pockets and pay the fiddler. What’s right is right.

I also can suggest, in the interest of public safety, some public parking close to the site be provided so the view lovers can stop and reflect instead of gawking when they should have their eyes on the road.

Fights

Monday, she said.

She lamented the disruption and said the problem was caused by a small number of students.

“Ninety-nine percent of students here do good job and enjoy high school the way they should,” Heibel told The County Times.

She said that about five separate fights involving about two students each broke out during two class-changing periods Monday but that the school investigation was continuing.

Monday’s school disturbance was the second in as many months for Great Mills High School.

Last month a false, fabricated rumor of an impending shooting there circulated rapidly by student text messaging and cell phone calls to each other and to parents.

The rumor quickly spread out of control Oct. 18 and parents swarmed the school to come and pick up their children, but some left their children there when school officials informed them that the rumors were false.

At least one student, who school officials said was responsible for starting the rumor initially was suspended.

Heather Bromley, PTSA president at Great Mills, praised the school for using their on-line resources to inform parents promptly of the fights Monday. administration “The took lessons learned from the disturbance two weeks ago and better informed parents through their Web site,” Bromley said. “My son is a junior and his day was not af-

fected at all.”

Scott Smith, director of Secondary Schools, said that the school system took strong measures against the offenders.

“Every single one of them is suspended,” Smith said.

“There are going to be multiple expulsion conferences as a result of what happened.

“And it could be that some of these students will lose their privileges with St. Mary’s County public schools for the rest of the year or permanently. And that has to be the appropriate response.”

Heibel said that four years ago a group of concerned parents and administrators formed a group to come up with ways to improve violence and student disturbance issues in the school. recommendaThose tions resulted in more county funding, to the tune of about $650,000, for additional staff positions there to include another assistant principal, a hall monitor, a registrar to better keep track of student records and a safety advocate who monitored and mentored students to steer them clear of trouble, and an extra secretary Heibel said.

“We still honor the tenets of that study today,” Heibel said.

Bromley said that great strides had been made in improving the actual academic performance at Great Mills as well as the school climate but the bad reputation was difficult to shake.

“What disappoints me most is that students buy into the reputation and they think less of themselves.”

Continued from page A- out in a school hallway between two juveniles.

“Fights broke out almost simultaneously throughout the school, one after an another,” Hall said. “Additional arrests may be forthcoming but it’s [the cause of the fight] is still under investigation.”

No students were seriously injured in the melee, Hall said, but one juvenile involved in the brawls was charged with carrying a knife while in school.

That knife was never displayed or used during the brawl, however, Hall said.

Once the additional deputies and troopers arrived on the scene they were able to quell the fights in about 10 minutes, Hall said.

One adult student, Shaquetta Nelson, 18, was arrested and charged with disrupting school activities and taken to the detention center for a pending court hearing.

When The County Times arrived at Great Mills High School just after noon that day numerous police vehicles were surrounding the front entrance of the school and deputies were placing detained juveniles into patrol cruisers.

Tracey Heibel, principal at Great Mills said the day after the brawls took place the school was much quieter and additional school resource deputies were on station monitoring the school.

She was still busy filling out disciplinary paper work for the 14 students arrested

David A. Ryan Hollywood, Md

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The County Times

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Section A -

Ramblings of a Country Girl

Veterans Day Terri Bartz Bowles This is the heart of America – small towns honoring their heroes, their veterans, their native sons and daughters. Veterans’ Day is 11 November and some may wonder how parades came to play an important role on such a somber day. I think it’s because

it’s a public way for an entire community to rally around and remind people to be thankful.

A scheduled event makes us take notice and allows us to take part. Surely, we all know some veterans and we could each, in private, spend time with them and let them know we remember and we care.

But the military is a community and it’s a community that

allows each small community in America to flourish and grow and revel, in freedom and democracy. So it’s fitting that we, as a community, stand together and thank all the veterans, the ones we know and the ones we don’t. They have stood for us and defended us.

They defend each element and each piece of every town and city in this country. This pub-

lic display of our gratitude and affection goes out to each and every veteran, not just those from our hometown, but to all of them, everywhere. Still, it’s that hometown connection that really goes to the heart of each of us. We all have a family member who has served or is serving. We all know someone who is retired from the service. And we all un-

derstand, fundamentally, that our lives hinge on the courage and bravery of our veterans. The strength of America rests on the shoulders of those brave warriors who volunteer to protect and defend each and every citizen of these United States. Think about it, somebody you don’t know, will never know, is standing guard in a foreign country or sailing on a ship in the rough waters of the North Atlantic or flying an airplane full of troops or equipment for one simple reason. To ensure that America remains free and democratic.

If this were a speech, I would pause for a full minute while that sinks in and we all think about it. The strength of the human spirit is amazing. The depth to which we can care is a splendid thing. The thought that others put their lives in harms way to ensure the safety and security of you and I is humbling. As I am so fortunate to have this public venue (let’s not forget the freedom of the press is dependent upon the freedom of this nation), I’d like to use it to thank some veterans near and dear to me. Mr. Clarence Davis, retired Navy and a Pearl Harbor survivor whom I have known all my life and know with certainty that I’m a better person for it. Mr. William Bowles, my father-in-law, retired Navy Chief who served in World War II. The Navy means so much to my fatherin-law, he still attends re-

unions of the ships he served on during the war. My cousin, Capt. Brian Klear, currently serving in the Army. Brian is a helicopter pilot and has been deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq. Three people who are part of my life and represent a legacy, the past and the future of a great nation that cherishes freedom.

The Commissioners of Leonardtown and the St. Mary’s County Commissioners are sponsoring the annual Veterans’ Day Parade in Leonardtown on Sunday, 11 November 11. The parade begins at 10:00 AM on Washington Street and features veterans, marching bands, military units, color guards, bagpipers, boy and girl scout troops, cheerleaders, and fire, police, and emergency equipment. Immediately following the parade, there will be a Veterans Memorial Ceremony with the laying of wreaths, held on the Town Square.

The Veterans’ Day Parade is one of those events that stirs up the patriotism and emotion within us, humbles us, makes us truly thankful for the lives we are able to lead, and binds us together as a grateful community. It’s a small-town event that represents the heart and backbone of America. I wouldn’t miss it and the opportunity to say ‘thank you’.

You can email the Country Girl at countrygirlramblings@gmail.com

Sailors, Soldiers Come Home To A Warm Welcome

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer It’s not easy being deployed overseas away from family and friends, local military personnel will tell you.

But it can be even tougher when you are shipped out alone or with just a small group to accomplish a mission.

Command staff and sailors at Patuxent River Naval Air Station welcomed home 17 sailors and one U.S. Army colonel, known as “individual

augmentees,” (IAs) assigned to the base but sent out on various deployments around the world, many for the war on terror.

“You did everything from dental work to intelligence gathering to special operations,” said Rear Adm. William Shannon, vice commander of Naval Air Systems Command.

“It was important to battling terrorism around the globe.

“In many cases you did

alone or in small groups; it’s an exemplary sacrifice on your part and your family’s part.”

Officers like Lt. Commander James Fabby served in Iraq from April to October of 2007 coordinating 2,000 purchasing and contracting jobs in support of operations there.

His work directly helped two combat divisions as well as 60,000 Iraqi security and coalition troops engaged in actual fighting.

Fabby was proud of his service, but was happy to be back home with his wife Lane and children Austin, Brianna and Cassi.

“I can’t believe you folks took the time out to do this for us,” Fabby said to the assembled crowd at the NAVAIR building on base. “It almost makes me want to do it again, almost.”

Lt. Commander Clay Da-

vis served with a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan from June to April.

His 125-member team was assigned to help rebuild parts of Paktika province and support local governments.

He praised his wife Loralee for keeping affairs steady on the home front while he was away.

“This is by far the real hero,” Davis said of his wife,

accompanied by children Clay, Rebecca, Benjamin, Joshua and Sarah. “I think we can all agree on that.”

Lt. Commander Dean Fuller took a direct role, supporting special operations forces as they rid Afghanistan of terrorist insurgents.

“It was my honor and privilege to help remove terrorists one at a time,” Fuller said.

Brinsf i eld As our Armed Forces fight to protect our freedom abroad, we’re reminded of the sacrifice made by so many brave soldiers before them. On Veterans Day, we pause to recognize and thank all of the veterans who have served our country. We are eternally grateful for their dedication and service.

Funeral Home, P.A. Join us in saluting our veterans, and thanking the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.

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Lt. Commander Scott Murray talks with Serena O’Neill, 8, from Mechanicsville Elementary School as part of a welcoming home ceremony for U.S. Navy personnel deployed overseas.

Students from Mechanicsville elementary were part of the official welcoming ceremony.

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HELL, Mich. – A couple living in the unincorporated town of Hell, Michigan, 45 miles west of Detroit, won $115,001 from the state’s lottery. They won the big prize in the Fantasy 5 drawing held this Halloween. Sue Wilson, 43, is a teacher’s aide. Her husband is an electrician.

The couple told local media they plan to use their winning to pay off bills, make some home improvements, buy a video game system for their 13-year-old son and possibly visit relatives in Georgia.

BEIJING – In a salute of national pride, 3,941 children have been named “Aoyun,” meaning Olympics, since the country announced its bid to get the games in 2000. The country will host the 2008 Summer Games. The vast majority of the people named Aoyun are male, and the information comes from information from China’s national identity card database. Furthermore, some 4,000 Chinese share their names with the Beijing Games mascots, the “Five Friendlies.”

The names are Bei Bei, Jing Jing, Huan Huan, Ying Ying and Ni Ni. When put together, the phrase translates to “Beijing welcomes you!”

SYDNEY – An Australian man who kidnapped and raped a woman said he did it after a funnel-web spider bit him. Philip Spiers pleaded guilty to both the kidnapping and rape charges, but told the court that poison from the spiders left him with a viral illness, which spurred him to violent actions. A toxicologist told the New South Wales state District Court there was no medical evidence to suggest a spider bite could induce anger and hatred in its victim. Spiers had kidnapped and rapped a woman in 1997, and was sentenced to eight years in jail.

BOSTON – The baseball that struck out the last batter of the World Series this year is missing. Boston catcher Jason Varitek caught the final strike and put the ball in his pocket as the team celebrated their championship. Varitek later told reporters that he handed the ball to pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, who threw the final out. But Papelbon, denies any whereabouts of the ball.

This isn’t the first time a ball has gone missing in Boston. When the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, its first in 86 years, the team sued former first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz for the ball. Mientkiewicz had since joined the New York Yankees. In the end, Boston negotiated a deal in which the ball was displayed in Fenway Park for a year, and then lent to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. However, balls have historically gone for huge sums of money. The ball remains missing today.

St. Mary's City St. Mary’s City DATE Fri. Nov. 9 Sat. Nov. 10 Sun. Nov. 11 Mon. Nov. 12 Tue. Nov. 13 Wed. Nov 14 Thu. Nov. 15

HIGH 1:11 a.m.

1:50 a.m.

2:27 a.m.

3:02 a.m.

3:35 a.m.

4:11 a.m.

4:51 a.m.

LOW 6:59 a.m.

7:33 a.m.

8:06 a.m.

8:41 a.m.

9:18 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:47 a.m.

HIGH 1:21 p.m.

1:54 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

2:56 p.m.

3:31 p.m.

4:12 p.m.

4:58 p.m.

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

HIGH "+31 min." "+45 min." "+50 min."

"-62 min." "+9 min." "+58 min."

"-21 min."

LOW "+29 min." "+45 min." "+24 min."

"-56 min."

"-8 min." "+63 min."

"-12 min."

LOW 7:52 p.m.

8:31 p.m.

9:08 p.m.

9:45 p.m.

10:22 p.m.

11:02 p.m.

11:46 p.m.

The County Times

Section A -

Veterans Continued from page A- he shared with other military personnel created a bond between them that he felt all the more now that the nation was close to officially honoring its warriors, both living and fallen.

“It makes you say I’m one of these guys, and God bless them all,” Corrigan said.

Corrigan joined U.S. Army personnel in helping Afghan villagers attain a higher quality of life and setting up and securing local governments.

Corrigan said IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) like road side bombs were a constant threat and that it could be lethal trusting the local population.

“You never know who your friends are in a war zone,” Corrigan said. “IEDs are a minute by minute threat;

you’re wondering if today is your day.”

Even through all the dangers, Corrigan said their efforts were worth it, though the often harsh society made progress difficult at times.

“I felt like we made a difference,” Corrigan said. “It was a slow process, it’s like a drop of water in the desert.”

After a six-month deployment, Corrigan said he was happy to come home to his wife and three children.

Corrigan said he had “not one bit of trouble” returning to life in the United States.

“America’s beautiful,” he said.

Wible said that, while he wasn’t personally mistreated by war protestors on his return home from Vietnam, the climate of the country at that time was a difficult one to deal with.

“We were not treated the same as everybody else,” Wible said. “It made you at times not want to wear the

uniform.”

Wible said he did not suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) like some other veterans who returned from fighting in the jungle. He counts himself fortunate.

“It was there with us, too,” Wible said. “Luckily I can talk about my experiences.

“Your good times were good, but your bad times were bad.”

Connie Walker, director of the Southern Maryland Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness said not all veterans are so fortunate.

She said that of medical conditions affecting veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, mental health issues were the second most common.

“The VA ( Department of Veterans Affairs) is doing a lot, they’re hiring a lot of mental health professionals to help this current generation of combat veterans,” Walker said. “What they’re not doing is focusing on rural areas, not

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Photo by Guy Leonard

Clancy Lyall, of Great Mills, shows his service ribbons, rank and commendations from his service in World War II and Korea.

well enough, not yet.”

Walker said most of the

Photo by Guy Leonard

Lyall points to the M-1 Garand battle rifle he used in combat in World War II from the D-Day invasion onward into Germany.

services for veterans with conditions like PTSD were concentrated in major cities and those services need to be spread out farther to other communities. She said clinics are there but need more staff.

Walker a Navy Veteran recently testified on Capitol Hill in favor of legislation that would open up opportunities for the VA to contract out mental health services, she said.

Veterans with PTSD or other conditions often exhibit signs like flash tempers, the tendency to self isolate and an inability to concentrate; all conditions that make readjusting to civilian life difficult.

Moreover, there was no definite way of finding out just how many vets in the region needed mental health assistance because the symptoms can sometimes take months to manifest.

“We don’t know who we have in the tri-county area who may need help,” Walker said.

Clancy Lyall, a World War II combat veteran who now lives in Great Mills, said that he has seen veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan with missing

limbs and other injuries having difficulty when accessing VA services.

“But it’s getting better now,” said Lyall, who fought with the 101st Airborne Division in Europe during the DDay invasion.

He said the difficulties that veterans face today in getting treatment, benefits or services are similar to those faced by veterans that came before him.

“They love you when the war’s on but when it’s over or you get hurt then it’s, ‘Who are you?’” Lyall said.

Lyall, now 83, said that despite the difficulties soldiers faced on the battlefield and again at home, the opportunity to serve their country and make a difference was what drove military personnel.

“We were very patriotic back then,” Lyall remembered. “I didn’t give a (expletive) what anyone thought.”

In combat, though, Lyall said, you were thinking about staying alive and the best way to do that was to fight for the soldiers with you.

“It’s a feeling of comradeship,” Lyall said. “That’s who you fight for is the other guy.”

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The County Times

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Section A -

Black Friday Could Mean More Dollars Stay In St. Mary’s Retailers gearing up

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The day after Thanksgiving, the biggest shopping day of the year, known as Black Friday, could be the most

here.

“More sales means more jobs and that means more taxes.”

County officials have high hopes for the holiday shopping season.

Photo by Guy Leonard

Jim Magno checks out Christmas season merchandise with his 3-year-old son Joseph at the True Value hardware store in Leonardtown.

profitable yet for retailers in St. Mary’s County due to the burgeoning retail market, officials believe.

“We’re feeling what every other growing jurisdiction is feeling, that it’s significant,” said Bob Schaller, director of the Department of Economic and Community Development of Nov. 23.

With all the new retail shops in St. Mary’s County, mostly along the Route 235 corridor, including a WalMart Super Center and several new shops in San Souci Shopping Center, Schaller expects more county residents to stay here to do their Christmas shopping instead of going to malls in Charles County or elsewhere.

“They don’t have to drive to Waldorf now,” Schaller said. “I think that some shoppers who were geared up in the past to travel can now stay

“We hope a lot of residents buy local this year more than last year,” said Karen Everett, county spokeswoman.

“There are more people and there’s more retail.”

Different retailers are preparing for Black Friday, so named because the sales volume puts many business owners “in the black” for the first time during the year, in different ways.

But all see it as a significant time to boost sales and see how their profits will turn out for the year.

Rick Norris, owner of Rick’s Jewelers in California, said that his shop won’t be open early like many big box retailers plan to be that Friday; he plans on seeing his business go up once the initial frenzy has died down and customers are looking for a special item.

“That evening, they’ll

start coming by here,” Norris told The County Times. “We do really well on that Friday.”

Customers will benefit from a storewide sale that day, Norris said, and on certain items, customers will be able to work out deals.

“There’s a lot of hype,” Norris said of Black Friday for his store. “People ask when we’ll have our first sale; that will be it.

“A lot of people are putting items away on layaway right now.”

The owner’s wife, Pauline Norris, who helps manage the store, predicted a frenzied rush to buy gifts this year since the unseasonably warm weather has caused people not to get into the holiday feeling.

“It’s going to be a little more of an adrenalin rush,” Pauline Norris said. “I think it’s going to be a strong season.”

Ron Pope, manager of the local Target store, predicted much the same for his profit margins.

He said his store exceeded holiday sales expectations last year and he expects the store sales to surpass this year’s higher expectations.

His store will be opening at 6 a.m. Nov. 23 to make way for eager shoppers. His store staff have been increasing stock and working the aisles up to attract holiday shoppers, he said.

“We’ll have a crowd waiting at the front door,” Pope said. “We usually have people camping out.”

Pope said Black Friday, though his company calls it Green Friday, should be a strong sales day as has been the preceding part of the year.

“Our store’s doing very well,” Pope said. “We’re in the top half of Target stores

Navy News Three Avionics Improvement Projects Slated for FY08 Funding Amy Kaper Staff Writer NAVAIR’s Avionics Component Improvement Program (AvCIP), managed

by Air Combat Electronics (PMA209), concluded another cycle of candidate reviews and selected three new projects for funding in fiscal year 2008.

AvCIP funding covers non-recurring engineering for solutions to problem components, focusing on top readiness degraders, critical obsolescence/sustainability issues, and top cost drivers.

Seven proposals were analyzed by a working group team of NAVAIR “graybeards” and Naval Aviation Enterprise stakeholders. The team evaluated and rated projects based upon being executable, needs for operational warfighting contributions, urgency, breadth of application, reduction of Fleet pain and financial return on investment.

The AvCIP Team is pleased to announce the selection of the following projects to receive FY08 AvCIP funding totaling $1.6 million in Research, Development, Test & Evaluation: NACES (Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat) FAST (Future Advances Sequencer

Technology) Sequencer Test Set (submitted by Aircrew Systems (PMA202)). The latest sequencer variant was fielded in 2002. First deliveries have exceeded their five year warranty. There are no government test sets in place to support out-of-warranty repairs. Available spares shelf stock is expected to be depleted at the end of 2008, which would have resulted in parking F/A-18’s and T45’s. This effort will design and qualify a new test set that will support repairs to keep those aircraft flying.

APN-171 Radar Altimeter Single Card Assembly (SCA) (submitted by Air Combat Electronics (PMA209)).

Current components are suffering low reliability and placing excessive support demands on H-1, H-46, H53 and E-2C maintainers.

Twenty-seven percent of the current system components have been classified as obsolete. This initiative, funded over two fiscal years, will fast-track a proven design into a modern SCA architecture replacement component that will significantly improve reliability and reduce Fleet burdens.

E-2C APS-145 Radar RF Power Meter (submitted by the E-2/C-2 program office (PMA231)). This component

suffers with poor reliability and obsolescence issues. The current design uses technology developed in the 1960’s.

Lack of calibration accuracy with this system can result in up to a twenty percent variance in the amount of power applied to the major radar system, which can cause premature degradation and performance problems. AvCIP is cost-sharing with NAVICP to develop a modern solution that will improve system performance and increase reliability, resulting in approximately $6.8 million in cost avoidances by 2020.

The first nine projects funded through AvCIP totaled approximately $5 million in Research and Development investments. They are projected by NAVAIR Engineering (AIR 4.2) models to provide a cost avoidance of more than $100 million over life cycles of the platforms affected.

The next data call for new projects for FY09 funding is expected to come in January 2008. Submissions will be evaluated and selected for allocation of nearly $4 million. For more information concerning the AvCIP program or this year’s selections, contact Tom Maday, PMA209 AvCIP IPT Lead, at 301-757-0910.

nationwide.”

Marty Rudman, the manager at True Value hardware store in Leonardtown, wasn’t so optimistic about the sales for Black Friday.

Photo by Guy Leonard “In the back Norris, owner of Rick’s Jewelers in California, works on a piece of jewelry he hopes of my mind I Rick to sell during the Christmas season. think it may be fuel, have translated into to reap significant profits. worse [than last That meant that small- tight wallets for shoppers acyear],” Rudman said, alluding to higher fuel costs that er retailers like him had to cording to what he was heard customers will have to spend carefully choose the stock from retailers. That’s why this they had on hand for holiday year, Black Friday will be so money on first.

“It’s going to hit the cus- sales or else they could lose important.

“Costs are tight, they’re tomers’ wallet where it hurts, customers.

“A lot of our stuff is im- hoping that this will jump I’m afraid,” Rudman said.

Photo by Guy Leonard

John Dorsch, an assistant manager at True Value hardware in Leonardtown stocks up on merchandise for the Christmas season.

He believes, like county officials, that more county residents will keep their shopping dollars here, but with more retailers it will be a much more competitive market and harder for individual owners

ported so you hope you get the items in on time,” Rudman said. “If you don’t have it for them the first time, 80 percent of them won’t come back.”

Schaller said that consumer costs, particularly for

start things,” Schaller said. “I think it will be on par or better than other years.”

The County Times

Section A -

Ryder Continued from page A- cumstances regarding this case,” Getz said. “Under all the circumstances he’s [Ryder] doing well.”

The defense won a major victory in September when Circuit Court Judge Karen Abrams ruled that Ryder, who had a history of treatment with juvenile services for infractions of the law, should still receive treatment rather than serve time in prison.

The prosecution in the September court date argued that Ryder was a grave threat to the safety of his parents Shannon and Joseph Troiano and had physically assaulted his mother prior to the murder plot and had threatened to kill his mother.

All these incidents led to his being thrown out of his home, according to court testimony.

Counselors who worked with Ryder after the plot was uncovered testified at the September hearing that Ryder had grown to become remorseful over his actions and was trying to turn his life around.

His mother testified that her son simply knew how to

work the system, tell counselors what they wanted to hear to successfully pass treatment programs and that her son, though she still loved him, remained a threat.

His trail in juvenile court assured that Ryder would never face jail time in a Department of Corrections facility or in the county detention center for the murder-for-hire plot.

Police began investigating Ryder when they learned that he was seeking to hire an assassin to kill his parents from an informant back in June.

Detectives from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations set up a sting operation at a local hotel to catch Ryder in the act of soliciting murder.

When Ryder met up with an undercover detective in June to discuss details of the plot, according to charging documents, they discussed payment for the murders.

When asked how Ryder wanted the killings done, charging documents stated, he said, “two bullets is all it takes.”

Detectives who were conducting video and audio surveillance of the meeting moved in to apprehend Ryder, who was taken without incident and charged.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Students Will Try Hand At Science At Pax River NAS

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Students in the fifth grade at Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School in Mechanicsville watched intently as the cotton in the glass bottle burned up and wondered what would happen to the egg sitting atop its open mouth.

As the fire burned down, the hardboiled egg began squeezing through the bottle mouth and popped with a loud “poom” sound.

The students’ faces lit up at the quick science experiment exhibiting how air pressure works and their interest was piqued.

director at Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

Scientists working on sensitive engineering and defense projects for the government could not be hired from other countries for security reasons, she said, and that meant they had to come from the nation’s own schools and communities.

“The whole point is to grow our own,” Ricles said. “We’ve found that if you don’t start them early [in courses for math, science and technology] you don’t get them at all.

“A lot of times by high school or even middle school it’s too late.”

The Starbase Atlantis program will take individual classes down to the air

returns to Earth. It mirrors solving engineering problems in getting astronauts back from space safely.

Students watching the experiments on Pax River, the newest naval base to take on the program, Ricles said, will spend the whole day one day a week learning about space and engineering concepts.

They’ll even get to take part in flight simulators, she said, and they’ll have to wear their own Starbase Atlantis tee shirts, bright red with white lettering, as their entry pass onto the base.

Students were ready to get down to the base and let the fun begin.

“I never knew about air pressure before,” said Michael Maragh, 10, of Mechanicsville. He, like many of his classmates, was surprised when the vacuum created in the bottle caused the outside air pressure to push the egg in.

St. Joseph’s Church, Morganza, MD presents our

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Shannon Ricles, director of the Starbase Atlantis program at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, uses an egg, a bottle and burning cotton to demonstrate the wonders of air pressure to Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School students.

Directions 1 Mile Off MD RT. 5 on MD RT. 238 Saint Mary’s County

It is all part of a program called Starbase Atlantis, started by the Department of Defense, and it is a way to interest children in science, math and technology courses and careers that will soon be vacated by the baby boomer generation, according to Shannon Ricles, the earth science teacher employed as the program’s

station where they will be instructed in the basic theory of aeronautics and space science. Hands-on experiments are the norm as students are encouraged to find practical solutions to fun problems.

One example is launching an egg into the air in an apparatus that is designed to cushion it from breaking on impact as it

been on education.

Another possible revenue raiser is slot machines, but Republicans are against a November 2008 referendum three boards he served with that would take the form of for being fiscally responsible, a constitutional amendment. and said St. Mary’s should not O’Donnell has proposed be punished for its prudence. raising $850 million in rev“I sympathize with [the enue by holding a competistate], but there are things tive bidding process for slots. they can do to get their house Up to six licenses could be in order,” Raley said. “While obtained, with only one loI expect the counties to share cation allowed per county. some pain, I hope common Bohanan remains opposed to slots, but is holding off comsense will prevail.”

The commissioners have plete judgment until after the shown that $44 million in referendum. Wood contends reserves is tied up in retiree that he is against slots unless health benefits, capital proj- they are implemented at the ects, schools and roads dur- racetracks, where gambling ing formal meetings with is already permitted. Howthe Southern Maryland ever, if consensus isn’t found on slots, a lingering question delegation.

“The notion that there’s remains how the state finds $44 million that we are sit- roughly $1 billion without seting on just isn’t true,” Raley verely raising taxes. Bohanadded. “We don’t have that in an is the only St. Mary’s delea savings account out there.” gate supportive of O’Malley’s If cuts to St. Mary’s were work on the budget thus far. ultimately made, the com- He commends O’Malley for missioners would almost as- “rolling up his shirt sleeves suredly make cuts to public and trying to tackle [the budschools and public safety – get].” The rest of the delegathe county’s most expensive tion has criticized his tax plan and threats of massive cuts to agencies.

The state has also identi- local governments.

Wood said his office has fied other potential savings; roughly 1700 unfilled posi- received close to 50 e-mails tions are on the books, many a day from people who are of which can be eliminated, “scared.” When asked if a savings of $200 to $300 O’Malley’s political maneuvering was more than just a million.

Del. John F. Wood Jr. (D- scare tactic – which is what Charles, St. Mary’s), who sits an overwhelming majority of on the appropriations com- legislators have called it – but mittee, said he been listening rather, dirty, Wood said it to tax bills aimed at raising was just politics.

“Have you ever seen $750 million – an amount well short of O’Malley’s orig- clean politics?” Wood asked inal budget plan that closed as rhetorical question, laughthe deficit entirely with tax ing to himself.

By law, the special seshikes.

“I’m not a tax person, my sion cannot last longer than feelings have always been we 30 days. However, consenhave to run government like sus has been slow to this we run our household,” Wood point. Bohanan said it would said. “We are spending more be to everyone’s advantage than what’s coming in, so we to wrap up the session before have to pull our arms in and thanksgiving. But Wood contends with the direction talks say ‘enough is enough.’”

According to Bohanan, are headed, the legislators are the state is spending $1.10 to likely to be working through every $1 it brings in, and the the holiday. majority of that spending has

Special Session Continued from page A- grams, and then expect local governments to help them get bailed out of them.”

However, the Southern Maryland delegation has continued attacking local government, using Thornton funding as its prime example. Over the last six years, Thornton has contributed a 15 percent per year increase to education, with the county at a 5 percent margin over that same timeframe. The final installment of $1.3 billion in Thornton funding is scheduled for this fiscal year. Bohanan has repeatedly deemed the county’s commitment to education unacceptable.

Mattingly has an opposing viewpoint: “The whole reason for Thornton was because the state was not meeting its requirement to us. The state was under funding its responsibility to education, and that was what Thornton was supposed to [fix].” Mattingly added the county has funded beyond what Thornton requires of them, and for Bohanan to say otherwise is a “play of words.”

“The state has been financially strapped for a while, and there is some belief that the county is going to have to join us,” Bohanan said. “If people want it, we have to figure a way to pay for it.”

Del. Anthony J. O’Donnell (R-Calvert, St. Mary’s) agrees spending is out of control, and everyone needs to contribute to the kitty.

“I don’t think anybody anticipates massive cuts to the counties,” O’Donnell said, “but by the same token, we can’t increase spending the way we are. We need to tighten the belt, which may mean the counties as well.”

Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills), serving his third term as county commissioner, praised all

Maragh said he liked math and science subjects and did well in both; but he’s looking forward most to getting some hands-on experience.

“I’m looking forward to doing the experiments and just having fun,” Maragh said.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

The County Times

Section A -

Obituaries Frances Teresa Van Ryswick, 85

Frances Teresa Van Ryswick, 85, of Leonardtown, Md., died Nov. 4, in Solomons Nursing Center.

Born December 12, 1921 in Baltimore, Md., she was the daughter of the late Robert Mason and Caroline Loveless Beall. She was the loving wife of the late Joseph F. “Pete” Van Ryswick whom she married on December 19,1941 in St. Jeromes Church, Hyattsville, Md. She is survived by her sons Joseph, Peter, Leonard Van Ryswick, all of Leonardtown, David Van Ryswick of Lexington Park, her daughters Evelyn Ryce and Peggy Wathen, both of Leonardtown, her sisters Catherine Dovell of Solomons, and Rita Pummill of Duncansville, Pa. as well as 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her siblings Robert, Bernard, Joseph, Aloysious and Jimmy Beall and Ada Ammann.

A graduate of Bladensburg High School, Frances moved from Prince George’s County in 1941 and was a devoted housewife and mother. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Nov. 8, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where prayers will be said at 7:00 p.m. by Fr. Thomas LaHood and at 7:15 p.m. by the Knights of Columbus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 9 at 10:00 in Our Lady’s Catholic Church, Leonardtown with Fr. Thomas LaHood officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Michael Van Ryswick, Micky Ryce, Timmy Ryce, Wayne Van Ryswick, Stephen Van Ryswick, Leonard Wathen and Kevin Ryce. Contributions may be made to Our Lady’s Catholic Church, 41410 Medley’s Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Bankins. She was educated at St. Joseph’s Elementary School and went on to graduate as Valedictorian from Banneker High School in 1956. She was a devoted wife, marrying John Leroy Holly on Nov. 7, 1959.

The devoted couple was not blessed with children but her life was filled with the love of many nieces, nephews, godchildren and several great nieces and nephews. She began her career as a teaching assistant at St. Joseph’s Elementary School and known to many as Miss Rose. Subsequently she began a career with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) and progressed to become a Director in the Office of the Executive Secretariat in the U.S. Department of Education. During her 30-year career, she worked under five Secretaries of Education and received numerous accolades, awards and certificates of appreciation. Following her retirement in 1994, she returned to her love for education and worked part time at Mechanicsville Elementary School until her death. There she was dearly loved by staff and students. Her devotion to the education of youth and to her church was manifest in the nearly 50 years of teaching religion classes at St. Joseph’s Church. She particularly enjoyed preparing the “little ones” for their First Eucharist. Since 1994, Rose was an active member of the St. Mary’s County Chapter of Delicados a non-profit philanthropic community service organization involved with funding scholarships, women wellness, tutoring and mentoring youth and adoption of needed families and the elderly. She was also active in “Mary’s Song” mentors program and volunteered and supported many other charities. She enjoyed bowling, traveling, and shopping with her sisters. She was inspiration and role model to many.

Rose leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband of 48 years, John Leroy Holly, sisters and brothers, Mary (Edward) Kennedy, J. Bernard (Corrine) Bankins, Joseph A. (Alice) Bankins, Agnes T. Bankins, Cecilia J. Bankins, Veronica M. Bankins, A. Bernadette Thomas, Gloria J. (Jerry) Fitzgerald, Thomas E. (Teresa) Bankins, J. Monique (Mark) Spencer and Joseph “Jody” (Linda) Bankins, lifelong friend, Mary C. Holt, and a host of other relatives and friends whose lives she lovingly touched. She was a devoted and caring aunt to many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Florine Bankins and her brother-in-law, William Thomas.

Rose Elizabeth “Honey” Holly, 69

Jane Elizabeth Malone, 79

Malone, Sr. on May 29, 2006 in California, Md., whom she married on Nov. 29, 1985 in Las Vegas, Nev. She is survived by her children: Harriet Brunner of Crofton, Md., Lark Willis of South Point, Ohio, Ralph “Butch” Butler of Lusby, Md., and grandchildren: Jennifer Jane Brunner of Fullerton, Calif., and Steve Brunner of Crofton, Md. She was also preceded in death by her brother: John “Jack” Highfill. Mrs. Malone graduated from Great Mills High School Class of 1946.

She worked as a club manager for the Bureau Naval Personnel for 22 years until her retirement in May 1993.

January 1971 – manager, Acey-Devey, Pax Oasis and enlisted mens package store.

May 1973 – first female field service rep, Navy Special Services Division. Reviewed Navy Clubs worldwide regarding organization, performance, efficiency and operating procedures. Trained management personnel, preformed audits and rendered financial management assistance in all phases of mess operations. September 1976 – June 1977 – Mess Manager, Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Va. June 1977 – May 1993 – Mess Manager/General Manager of Officers Club Naval Station, Long Beach, Calif.

Oversaw all administration, purchasing and training of personnel. Supervised all departments and auditioned entertainment for the enjoyment of the guests of main dining room, which seated 600 and seven private party rooms that together could accommodate 1200 guests. All services where private. Contributions may be made to: O.P.I.S. at St. Mary’s Hospital, P.O. Box 527, Leonardtown, MD 20650. To send a condolence to the family In Memory Of Jane Elizabeth Malone please visit our website at www.mgfh.com Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

James Matthew “Bob” Morgan, 85 James Mathew “Bob” Morgan, 85, of Maddox, Md., died Oct. 24, at his residence. Born July 30, 1922 in Dynard, Md., he was the son of the late Henry L. and Catherine R. Goldsboro Morgan. He was the loving husband of Shirley Ann Morgan whom he married in Bushwood, Md., on Feb. 25, 1956. He is survived by his son James F. Morgan of Mechanicsville, Md., three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Agnes Lucille Quade, Pearl Marie Unkle, Mary Catherine Morgan, Henry Morgan, Richard Morgan, Samuel Morgan and Mack Morgan.

He was employed as a Motor Equipment Operator II for the Maryland State Highway Administration, Leonardtown Shop. A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, Bob belonged to the Southern Maryland Model “A” Club and the Classic Chevy Club. All services are private. To leave a condolence for the family, visit www. mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, Pa., Leonardtown, Md.

Leonard Francis (Buddy) Wheeler

Rose Elizabeth “Honey” Holly, 69, of Mechanicsville, MD died October 30, 2007 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born Jan. 30, 1938 in Oakville, Md., she was the daughter of the late James Bernard Bankins and Annie Elizabeth (Young)

Jane Elizabeth Malone, 79, of Solomons, Md., formerly of Cypress, Calif., died on Oct. 22, in Asbury-Solomons. Born June 11, 1928 in Baltimore, Md., she was the daughter of the late Harry C. and Myrtle A. Highfill.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence P.

Leonard Francis (Buddy) Wheeler, 66, died on Nov. 4, at his home in Cobb Island, Md. Buddy worked most of his career in excavation and construction and was a member of The International Union of Operating Engineers. For a short time he worked as a commercial waterman and in his last years assisted in the mornings at Shymanski’s in Cobb Island.

He was an avid boater and his interests included fishing and in his earlier years hunting.

He loved driving and a short day trip for him was a drive to and from Smith Mountain Lake.

Born on November 15, 1940 he was a lifetime resident of Charles County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Gladys Wheeler.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; three sons, Craig and his wife Carol, Ernie and his wife Lisa, Marty and his wife Tracy; two stepchildren, Chrystie Stewart and her husband Tripp; Robert Moody; three siblings, Peggy Dillon, John Wheeler and Ivan Wheeler and thirteen grandchildren. A gathering will be held on Sat. November 10, 2007 from 10am until time of memorial service at 12 noon at ArehartEchols Funeral Home, Pa. Intermet will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cobb Island VFD & EMS.

Edward Martin Jones, 61 Edward Martin Jones of Waldorf, Md., died at his residence on Sunday, Nov. 4, he was 61 years old. Born Oct. 25, 1946 in Washington, D.C. he was the son of the late Edward Jones. Mr. Jones was self-employed, he did remodeling. Work was his hobby, he enjoyed woodworking, sitting in the back yard enjoying the outdoors, and he loved food and pineapple upside down cake. He also enjoyed playing sports when he was young. In addition to his father Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his brother Charles Jones. He is survived by his mother Margaret Jones of Waldorf, Md., his wife Janice Jones of Waldorf, Md., son David S. Jones of North Carolina, brothers Jerry Jones of Waldorf, Md., Gary Jones of Mechanicsville, Md., and Dennis Jones of Bryans Road, Md., sisters, Carol Wood and Brenda Clancey of Mechanicsville, Md., and Phyllis Jones of Waldorf, Md., grandchildren Kyle and Chase Jones of North Carolina. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of your choice.

Joseph C. Wise, Sr., 71

Joseph C. Wise, Sr., 71, so of the late Douglas T. Wise and Louise A. Wise.

He was born on Jan. 17, 1936 at Rock Point, Md. Carroll served in the U.S. Navy making a living catching crabs and oysters. He always found peace. When he wasn’t on the water he shared his passion hunting with his family and friends. Pappy as he was loving called was known for his generosity, honest eyes, and genuine smile. He was a dedicated plumber, working long hard hours to ensure good life for 301-475-8500 his wife and family.

Carroll will be meeting his son

Tim and brother Thomas in heaven. He is survived by his wife Hope, and two sons Joe and Lee. Two daughterin-laws Tracey and Mandy.

Six grandchildren, Adam, Joseph, Elizabeth, Jacob, Emily, and Danica. Two brothers, Billy and Donnie. Six sisters, Marion, Billy Jane, Shirley, Patsy, Nancy, and Diane. And a host of relatives and friends who loved and respected him. Pallbearer’s will be Wally Lyon, Donnie Wise, Jr., Jo Jo Goldsmith, Niko Stergiou, Harvey Edelen, and Brian Stine. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancery Society.

Emma Louse Wignall, 91 Emma Louise Wignall, 91 of Charlotte Hall, Md., formerly of Camp Springs, Md., died on Nov. 1, at St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. Born April 5, 1916 in Bath, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Galen E. and Mary Jane Ward. Mrs. Wignall was a homemaker.

She was a member of the Blackeyed Susan doll Club, DAR an active in the 4-H with her daughter, she was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother an enjoyed being with her family, she also enjoyed going on bus trips to Diner Theaters. Mrs. wignall was preceded in death by her husband William L. Wignall in 1982. Se is survived by her son Wlliam L. Wignall, Jr., grandson’s Mark C. and Michael E. Walls granddaughter’s Marysa Y. Dixon, Marcia L. Beitzell and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Mrs. Wignallwas preceded in death by her daughter, Emma Louise Walls and sister Alice W. Burnham.

Julia St. Clair “Claire” Webb, 80

Born June 5, 1927 in Bethesda, Md., she was the daughter of the late William and Mary Zellars. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry Webb, Sr. whom she married in a Courthouse in Washington, DC on October 2, 1943.

She is survived by her children: Judy O’Niell and her husband Bill of Lothian, Md., Lorrie Fenwick and her husband Frank of Leonardtown, Md., Sharon Wiber and her husband Barry of Creedmour, N.C., Harry Webb, Jr. and his wife Donna of Elkton, Va., Ruth Hambright and her husband Rob of Kent Island, MD and Warren Webb and his wife Brenda of Avenue, MD; sisters: Patricia Gee of Ariz., and Jean Duley of Fla.; grandchildren: Sandy Duddy and her husband Matt, Dale O’Niell and his wife Karen, Chris O’Niell, Juli Williams, Joe Fenwick and his wife Robin, Steve Fenwick, Mark Guy, Angela Pickeral and her husband Bryan, Denise Webb, Harry Webb, III and his wife Cari, Tiffany Webb, Kim Britt, Mary Hambright, and Rob Hambright, Jesse Webb and his wife Summer and Amy Kay Webb; great grandchildren: Alex and Tyler Duddy, Kate, James and Andrew O’Niell, Madison and Morgan Williams, Courtney and Tyler Fenwick, Glenn Guy and special young man James Reibsome, Presley and Evan Pickeral and Ireland Webb. Ms. Webb moved to St. Mary’s County in 1941 from Washington, D.C. where she attended Eastern High School.

She worked as a cashier for Murphy’s Store. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 10:00 AM in All Saint’s Episcopal Church, Avenue, Md., with Rev. Kathleen Price officiating. Interment will be Private. Contributions may be made to 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609.

To send a condolence to the family in memory of Julia St. Clair Webb please visit our website at www.mgfh.com.

Julia St. Clair “Claire” Webb, 80, of Avenue, Md., died Nov. 2, at her residence.

Remembering moments Military service is a shared in life... commitment worthy of praise. Maybe you attend special community programs or listen to personal stories. Maybe you have medals that were passed down from a loved one or visited national veteran’s memorials.

Maybe it’s simply remembering the debt America owes its military personnel or considering what honor, valor, and sacrifice really mean.

Memories of veterans past and present should last forever.

Michael K. Gardiner, C.F.S.P., C.P.C. Funeral Director/President

Veterans Day Memories...

Reminders of what makes life worthwhile.

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

M. Kevin Gardiner, Jr. C.P.C. Funeral Director

Providing trusted service to the community for over 100 Years 41590 Fenwick Street P.O. Box 270 Leonardtown, Maryland 20650

www.mattingleygardiner.com www.mgfh.com

301-475-8500

301-475-8

The County Times

Section A - 10

Southern Maryland Trails Emily Finch Contributing Writer

to birdwatch for egrets and herons or just to lay back and watch the day go by.

As the holidays approach Just 100 yards further and students return home down Bushwood Wharf Road from college, families may is Quade’s Store, run for over be looking for a little extra 70 years by Alice Quade. Not something to do together (beonly is there a convenience sides dinner!). Although the store on one side, but a small wintery weather is on its way diner on the other. Quade is into town as well, there are famous for her half-smokes, plenty of places to explore in but can whip up a crab-cake St. Mary’s County that some sandwich just as fast as the of us may have overlooked in next St. Mary’s County local. the past.

The next stop on your In Southern Maryland route around the county there are plenty of historibrings you to Colton’s Point cal and interesting places to Studio where Sharon Balengexplore and beautiful lander, displays her sculpture and scapes to take advantage of, abstract painting. Her inspibut how can one family fit ration is not of the ordinary them all in a weekend’s schedkind as most local artists turn ule? The Southern Maryland to barns, churches, water, or Trails guidebook produced by the life and nature each of the Southern Maryland Agthose bring to the area, but ricultural Development and she is a pain management the Tri-County Council for therapist and sculpts the stories she hears and the people with which she works.

From the stories of people in pain to the stories of people fleeing from prosecution, your next stop takes you down to St. Clement’s Island and the Potomac River Museum in Colton’s Point.

This spot commemorates the first settlers, watermen, who lived here in the birthplace of Maryland. In season there is a water taxi to St. Clement’s Island itself, but out of season, visitors can see the Potomac River Dory Boat exhibit and the 1820’s one-room school.

After all that adventure you are bound to be really Picture Courtesy Of Bowles Farm hungry by now, but stop by The 2007 Corn Maze at Bowles Farm was a hit. The design commemo- Abell to Morris Point Resrated Cal Ripken’s induction in the Hall of Fame. Construction of the next taurant and they’ll fix you corn maze at A Maze N Place will begin next fall. right up. Owners Chris and Southern Maryland highlights cal items such as a Southern Deb Soussanin use only the four distinct “trails” from An- Maryland stuffed ham sand- freshest local ingredients, napolis to Point Lookout. wich, the perfect snack for the most just-caught, to make lusThe Barnwood and Beach holiday season. cious meals in their cozy little Glass trail in the Southern Overlooking Mill Creek, restaurant.

Maryland Trails guidebook Barbara Lewis sets up your With bellies full, head outlines 53 fascinating places fourth stop in the Longview on over to Colton’s Shipping to explore, dine, shop and just Beach development. Her art Point in Avenue. This 130soak in starting in Charlotte studio, Wellspring Clayworks, acre tree farm has been in Hall and extending the entire features pottery and artwork John and Karen Colton’s famlength of St. Mary’s County. that she has created. She uses ily almost 120 years. Tucked The guidebook gives you state-of-the-art equipment deep in the beautiful forest turn-by-turn directions so such as the 3 electric kilns in- is a small, two-bedroom coteven out-of-town relatives can side, and the antique Roman tage that the Colton’s will rent drive along with you, discov- Arch brick kiln outside to out for short times - a perfect ering your home-town with- fire her potteries. The brick place to relax and wind-down out getting lost. kiln at Wellspring Clayworks from the hustle and bustle of The starting point of the is the only one of its kind in the holiday season.

Barnwood and Beach Glass Southern Maryland.

Get your energy going loop is at the Southern MarySoak in another scenic again as you find your way land Sanctuary on Rt. 235 in wonder at Robert E. Pogue through the corn maze. The Charlotte Hall. The Sanctu- Park in Bushwood. Compete Bowles family A Maze N ary is home to John Kummel’s with a boat ramp and pier, the Place in Clements has three original stone casts. Kummel park is a great public place miles of trails and new designs casts over 130 different pieces for boaters and fisherman to each year. They also offer hay that are all guaranteed for life! launch off. But for those who rides, a petting zoo and a pickSouthern Maryland Sanctu- don’t have a boat (or maybe your-own-pumpkin pumpkin ary has been in business for think it’s getting too cold for patch. The maze is a perfect over 35 years and is one of the that!) this is the perfect spot place to get lost with your last cast stone manufacturers in America.

Forrest Hall Farm and Orchards on Avie Lane in Mechanicsville is the next stop.

Forrest Hall offers a maze and even has a pumpkin patch for children (and big kids too!) to pick out a pumpkin to take home. Mary and Joe Wood, owners, sell mums, preserves and other nostalgia and gifts in the farm store, which you can visit after petting the farm animals, playing games and riding in the hay.

At the intersection of Chaptico Road and Budds Creek Road sits Chaptico Market and Deli, your next stop. Open early at 5 a.m. the Market is the perfect place for hunters and just those other early birds to get a nice hot breakfast and some local produce to munch on later. Here the menu offers fresh, lo-

The 7:30 Club Big Band Night

Thursday, November 8, 2007

family in St. Mary’s County.

Down the road to Leonardtown you’ll come across a quaint shop full of wonder and wondrous things. This is the twelfth and thirteenth stops in your voyage! In the front of the building is The Tea Room.

Perfect for appetizers, lunch or dessert, The Tea Room serves up finger sandwiches, crab cakes, fondue and one of the largest varieties of hot teas in the area. After eating, head to the rear of the building to the Maryland Antiques Center, home of Heron’s Way Gallery and Lord Calvert Gallery. These galleries feature a set of local artists and some guest artists with unique and ever-changing works. Visitors can choose from oil paintings, jewelry, pottery and more.

Continuing the Barnwood and Beach Glass trail, we will begin next week’s journey in Leonardtown Square.

Remember throughout your journey to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of film for your camera, money for

gifts and family and friends to enjoy the journey with you.

For more information on the Barnwood and Beach Glass trail, to see the whole trail, or other trails in South-

ern Maryland, visit somdtrails.com or pick up your own copy of the Southern Maryland Trails guidebook at most parks or government buildings in the area.

Picture Courtesy Of Colt Shipping Point

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

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

Sunday Brunch

10am - 2pm Kitchen closes at 6pm

Winter Hours:

Call For Reservations 301-994-2404

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28297 Old Village Rd. Mechanicsville, MD 20659

7 to 11PM Semi/Formal Dress ~ Valet Parking Available 50/50 raffle

Music & Dancing

301-884-0147

Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and much, much, more.

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Variety of Exquisite Hors d’oeuvres and Fine Foods ~

Cash Bar

Ticket info:

2 tickets, choice seating, champagne reception, recognition in the program Cutoff to become a sponsor is Nov 4th

$300 gold sponsor

The 2007 34th Annual

UNIQUE BOUTIQUE Juried Fine Arts Show & Sale

Presenting fine arts and crafts in a festive boutique atmosphere

Saturday, November 10th 10:00am to 5:00pm

4 tickets, choice seating, champagne reception, recognition in the program Cutoff to become a sponsor is Nov 4th

Sunday, November 11th

$500 platinum sponsor

10:00am to 4:00pm

8 tickets, choice seating, champagne reception, recognition in the program Cutoff to become a sponsor is Nov 4th

Seating is Limited!

Proceeds Benefit the Gabriel Network and the 7:30 Club Donations are 100% Tax Deductible

Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Social HallHollywood, Md. St. Mary’s County * Free Admission * Free Parking * Food Available Featuring a sale of artists’ donated works to benefit Hospice

The Crabtowne Big Band, an 18 piece swing band that plays a little bit of everything, has been entertaining audiences in the Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington area, including performances at the Kennedy Center, since 1981.