WeatherThursday,April5,2007•St.Mary’sCounty,MarylandEstablished2006•Volume2•Issue14•FREESt

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Thursday, April 5, 2007 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland

Established 2006 • Volume 2 • Issue 14 • FREE

House Passes Impervious Surfaces Bill

Missing local optometrist found Investigators looking into circumstances surrounding his disappearance

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The family of Marcel Brooks is rejoicing now that the optometrist who had been missing for more than a week has been found unharmed.

Anne Brooks, his wife, said her husband’s story was one of fear as he was taken and made to drive his captor all the way down to Texas and then to Alabama where he was found by local law enforcement in what is turning out to be a bizarre set of circumstances.

“He’s pretty shaken up,” Anne Brooks said Monday of her husband’s apparent ordeal. “He was taken and threatened. “[The abductor] took everything, his credit cards, his money…

so all he could do was sit on the side of the road.”

Marcel Brooks went missing March 24 from his place of work at a Pearl Vision Center in Hillcrest Heights after calling his wife saying he would meet her at Andrews Air Force Base after he went to get a lottery ticket.

That call was the last Anne Brooks heard from her husband for 10 days as both she and police searched intently for him.

Police from the City of Brewton, Ala. found Brooks April 2 on U.S. Highway 31 at about 10:45 in the morning, they said, reading a road map and telling them initially that he was looking for a way to get back out See Found page A-7

By Adam Ross Staff Writer

Photo by Guy Leonard

Anne Brooks, wife of optometrist Marcel Brooks who was found alive and unharmed in Alabama after going missing for more than a week, prepares fliers for Randy Ordonio, a family friend who had traveled from San Francisco to help search for her husband, a few days before he was found.

Police in Brewton, Ala. found Marcel Brooks April 2 in his vehicle on the side of the road and he later claimed he had been abducted while trying to buy a lottery ticket in the District.

Rescue Squads Need Volunteers To Staff Critical Day Shift

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Rescue squads around the county are looking for more volunteers to fill their ranks, especially for the day shift where some squads are having trouble responding.

Company 79 in Hollywood is one such squad.

“It’s hard to cover calls during the day,”

Index House Bill A-8

said Lt. Robert Millar, who was tending the station by himself March 28. “It’s just me here. I can’t transport anybody.”

Millar said that there were about 80 volunteers at the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad but with most of them working during the day, staffing the station was nearly impossible during the day.

“Just as much happens if not more during the day than at night,” Millar said of the need to answer calls for service. “If we had two or three volunteers during the day that could run [the ambulances] we could get out most of our calls.”

Millar said the lack of volunteers in the

county and his station for the day shift was “serious.”

“It’s just prolonging getting help to people,” Millar said.

Bob Miedzinski, vice president of the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, said that the county commissioners have started an Emergency Services Task Force to examine whether there are enough volunteers at the rescue squads and whether response times are acceptable in length.

“That’s a study that’s going to be underway,” Miedzinski said.

St. Mary’s County government officials are reeling over a bill that would levy a costly blow to new home constructions if passed and signed into law.

The Maryland House of Delegates passed its version of the Green Fund Bill March 21, which is aimed to raise $130 million a year from $1 and $.50 per square foot fees imposed on the construction of impervious surfaces. It would also levy a flat fee ranging from $100 for homes when adding less than 1,000 square feet of impervious surface, and up to $1,500 for homes adding more than 10,000 square feet of impervious surfaces.

An impervious surface includes sidewalks, parking lots, driveways, gutters and any surface created as a result of residential, commercial or industrial development that could contribute to the affects of storm water runoff.

“I’m not really supportive of it,” said Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D-Leonardtown).

“I’m more supportive of the concept than the funding mechanism they have developed to implement the program. It puts the responsibility of cleaning up the bay strictly on new developments.”

The House passed the bill 96-41, and was sponsored by House Environmental Matters Committee Chairman Maggie McIntosh (D-Baltimore City).

Thirty-five percent of the bill’s revenues would be distributed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture to help farmers pay for reducing agricultural runoff and similar environmental risks. Additionally, 30 percent would be divided equally between the Maryland Department of Planning and the Maryland Department of the Environment to help smaller local governments plan better for growth, and 10.5 percent would go to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for wetland and oyster restoration.

For several weeks, the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners has expressed concerns over the bill because of its impact on rural counties where longer driveways and more impervious surface is often needed for new constructions.

Before the bill came out of committee, a halfmile driveway that was ten-foot-wide would add an additional $58,000 on to a new home construction.

Under the bills’ current form that cost would be

See Volunteers page A-

See House Bill page A-

Pax River Struggles With England Job Retention; Turns to Goes Pro in Washington Local Schools for Help Local Standout Signs with Major League Lax Team

Baseball B-1

By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer Op.-Ed ..........Page A - 4 Obits .............Page A - 5 Police ............Page B - 5 Classifieds.....Page B - 7

For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Local Weather Friday Partly Cloudy 50° Saturday Partly Couldy 42° Sunday Mostly Sunny 51°

Photo by Adam Ross

St. Mary’s Board of Education members’ meet with staff and the College of Southern Maryland Board of Trustees for one of its monthly held joint meetings.

By Adam Ross Staff Writer Patuxent River Naval Air Station is continuing to outsource its jobs away from native Southern Marylanders. These days finding homegrown scientist and engineers skilled enough to do the work is more of a burden than a luxury.

With more high-tech programs already in pursuit of

Pax River, and increasing demands from the state for a stable workforce, recruitment within St. Mary’s County and surrounding areas is becoming more of a necessity than an ambition.

A report from Towson State University shows that after the national military base realignment takes place in five years, Maryland will have a shortage of residents See Job Retention page A-

“There are 380,000 student athletes and most of us go pro in something other than sports,” says the NCAA’s most recent public service announcement. But this tagline doesn’t apply to Jim England, a former standout at both St. Mary’s Ryken and St. Mary’s College, who in February was selected to play for Major League Lacrosse’s (MLL) “newest” team, the Washington Bayhawks.

In February, England was invited to join approximately 60 other players for the first open tryout Washington ever held. He and the 60 other players were split up into three teams for three-hour long scrimmages. Trying to stand out in a group that large was no easy undertaking, according to England. “It was brutally cold - about 26 degrees - and everyone was wearing shorts so they would look tough,” he said.

But perhaps England was noticed before any of the other players, when on one of the first plays of the scrimSee England page B-

The County Times

Section A -

Bay Scientists Worry Grass Decline Could Hurt Blue Crab

By Megan Hartley Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS - With a decline in the Chesapeake Bay’s underwater grasses, scientists are worried about the fate of the blue crab this year.

Bill Goldsborough, director of the fisheries program for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said there may be a “significant decrease� in the overall bay-wide catch this year as a result of a 25 percent drop in bay grasses, or submerged

aquatic vegetation, over the past year. “Grasses are an essential habitat for blue crabs,� said Goldsborough. “If there aren’t enough underwater grasses then they don’t have enough protection and there is more loss to predation.�

Juvenile and soft crabs use the grasses to hide from predators like rockfish and sandbar sharks. Without the vegetation, the juvenile crabs could be eaten before they are able to grow up, according to

Goldsborough.

The bay grasses decrease in 2006 was due to a dry spring followed by a heavy rainfall in June, according to a survey released Wednesday by the Chesapeake Bay Program. The dry weather raised salinity levels and the subsequent rainfall muddied up the bay, reducing sunlight.

The bay grass loss is especially important for the work of Dr. Yonathan Zohar, director of the University of Maryland Biotechnology In-

Thursday, April 5, 2007

stitute’s Center of Marine Biotechnology. He is researching the breeding cycles of blue crabs, which he hatches in his lab and then releases into the bay. “The overall long-term picture is that it reduces the nursery habitats which will result in less crabs making it to maturity either in the wild or the crabs that we release,� said Zohar.

Zohar has released the crabs he breeds into these nursery habitats – or grassy bay areas - each spring for the last five years.

But the Department of Natural Resources says the issue is still too soon to call.

Harley Spier, a fisheries manager at DNR says there are too many components that affect blue crab populations and the department does not plan to change any of the crabbing regulations for this season

Work Force Housing Report Due To Commissioners In A Month Officials fear high home prices will keep away valuable employees

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The report from a county chamber of commerce task force formed a year-and-ahalf ago to study the issue of available work force housing and how to ensure there’s enough of it to retain valuable employees in St. Mary’s County should be presented to the county commissioners by the end of the month.

John Parlett, president of CMI General Contractors, Inc. and chair of the Work Force Housing Task Force, said that, while the report has yet to be drafted, there would

be some key strategies in the report to help tackle the growing concern that housing prices are going beyond the reach of many who want to work and live here. “We need to get our hands around this problem,�

Parlett said. “As much as it is a social issue it’s also a business issue. “You’re going to want to provide the things [like affordable housing] that [prospective employees] need to want to stay here.�

Parlett said that a lack of affordable housing in the county would make it more difficult for St. Mary’s to at-

tract key service industry and public sector employees.

Law enforcement officers, school teachers and managers of retail stores were all part of that mix, he said, and without enough affordable housing “we’re not going to be able to fill those positions.�

At a weekend forum at the College of Southern Maryland, Parlett joined board of County Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell (DPoint Lookout) and County Administrator John Savich to talk about economic development and the increasing prices of newly built homes in the county.

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were going for $250,000 or Savich said that the rising house prices endangered the less. “The family that makes prospect of home ownership the median income can’t af- for a significant segment of the ford to buy the median priced county’s population, which is nearing 100,000 residents achouse,� Parlett said.

At the forum, Russell cording to Times the latest figures.

The County characterized the problem as “This is a big issue,� Savcourts “The courts serious and commonhardone forwe are ichplaying said. “We’ve gotat aLeonardlarge town Elementary were taken St. Mary’s as well on.� asSMCTA otherdoes section population that not charge ofoutthe because of school expanthey had a significant county governmentsfor membership, in the but arebecause at risksion, ofbut being priced out they are forced to rent high amount of night time play,� the [housing] market.� region. able to play at the high schools, school courts andofpurchase Mattingly added. it’s tough without along with other minor said proposed that lighting there Savich Rollins “It’s a bathrooms, continualballs,crisis,� shelter and wind screens.� costs, nominal charges are Dorsey Park’s courts in fiscal were several projects already Russell said. “This is a conThere are roughly 1,600 levied to players when they year 2010, but reiterated that active tennis players in St. attend certain events.

SMCTA’s top prioritymore is to in the works to provide tinual bewilderment to county Mary’s County who will benSMCTA is a non-profit have a location with at least was affordable. government. efit greatly from the Cecil charter associationhousing four courts. partnered that Park expansion, Keen said.

This spring, tennis leswith the United States Tennis One was the Hunting don’ think anything “I “I see this as a way our Association. sons for adults and juniors on Wilwillteam evercanbepractice doneataboutRollins it un-revisedCreek whole will be held at Dorsey Park. his de-development one time,�

Keen said of her partment’s capital lows SMCTA is committed to ininvestment Road, with 70 apartless it’s mandated.�

16-person team. “It’s just so plan to include the Cecil Park volving more juniors in tensaid some possible 30 said. homes that exciting Parlett to have four courts at project, nis, Keen he said. ments and one [public] location.�

Last year, not a single juAccording to Rollins, the partially strategies in the report could can be built by the Laura Carrington, for- county has already appropri- nior from St. Mary’s County be to encourage the preservaowners. mer president of SMCTA, ated $25,000 to the project, participated in a USTA stateand nowoftheolder commissioner wide event, with more but anotherin $170,000 is needtion Another communities is a but42-condofor junior tennis said the new ed from the county’s budget. programs and the help of St. would Mary’s to ensure affordLexington courts also facilitate a this projectinKeen said “next However, theminium county’s project softer pallet for seniors. year we will have juniors fiscal year 2008 budget will Park that will provide housing housing was available. able “They will be using a soft not be finalized until the end participating.� in theand$170,000 which Another surface for the courtsrecommendation that are of May, leaving Rollins “As therange, person who wrote better for people’s bodies, and the the proposal andbelow helped write SMCTA wondering if thecalled Savich “well the might be to have county the needs of seniors,� Car- project will go through. the grants I’m thrilled with the government provide Commissioner incen- market rington added. progress we’ve had to date,�

Thomasrate.�

At 65, to Keendevelopers has also had A.to Mattingly buildSr. (D-Leonard- Keen said. “We’ve made tives her fair share of tennis injuries town) was concerned that the quantum leaps in the right moreof affordable because the harder courtshousing project didinnot include lights direction to promote tennis in around county schools. for nighttime play, and said St. Mary’s County.� of the more expensive stead “It’s killing my body,� it would be important for the single-family homes budget that have Keen said. “The new surface to accommodate lights is not as soft as clay, but it’s for Dorsey Park sometime in become popular projects. a heck of a lot softer than the the future.

Tennis Proposal

Sm

Continued from page A-1

Continued

Rollins said, “and one of the top priorities was at least one public park location with four or more [tennis] courts.� classified the two meeting ParAt thatRollins existing Cecil Park tennis lett said that a family would courts as in “poor condition fromabout 20 years110 of wear and have to earn to 115 tear.� percent of the county’s meThrough its existence, members of the – St. about Mary’s dian family income County Tennis Association $76,000 –(SMCTA) to be able to afford have played at local schools, but those facilities what he called a home that often congested with afwas valuedare at the median sale ter-school activities, and lack open bathrooms and shelter price of about $337,500. from the sun.

The prospects for a asingle Katie Keen, board member SMCTA wholess had person who wasforearning a hand in writing the grant for than the median proposal, saidincome for three years to Prince being ableshetowentafford a George’s home County because there were no here in St.USTA Mary’s leagueswas in the bleak county. now Keen plays at Leonhe said. But ardtown and Great Mills High Only Schools, about 30 percent of the result of hard residents whowere estabthe homesworking for sale here lished SMCTA ten years ago. priced at $300,000 “Now we or havelower, USTA leagues,� she said, “and 15 alParlett said, and only about though we are floored to be

percent of homes up for sale

Hearing will determine next step for murder suspect

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

car is set to have a court hearJohntonna E. Young, of ing April 5 to see if there is Lexington Park, has been acenough evidence to take his cused of killing Kenneth WalThe man accused of mur- felony case to St. Mary’s ter of Liberty Street by shootdering a Lexington Park man County Circuit Court, accord- ing him in the face in the early back in February as he was ing to John Getz, the manager morning hours of Feb. 27.

Photo by Andrew Knowlton Greenview Knolls Fox’s secondof grade classcounty participate in the Fluoride Program. St. Mary’s County State’s allegedly trying to students stealin Mrs.a Harrison in charge the Public camcorder from the victim’s Defender’s office.

Attorney Richard Fritz has taken on the prosecution of SERVING THE SOUTHERN MARYLAND AREA SINCE 1973 Young, officials with his officeA-1said. Ž page Continued from Care Credit Young, 19, has also been Merritt pulled over Crutien of cerated at the County Detenaccused robbing The TackE. Bryant, 21, and Terrel A. tion Center and at this point, Box sporting goods store le Thomas, 21, in their speeding the investigation is ongoing,�

1999 Dodge, he with discovered said.accomplices, twoBurris other a 9mm Taurus handgun that Bryant and Thomas were had been stolen in Terrell the Tackle Thomas pulled overand duringCruitien a raid of Box robbery. traffic stops conducted by the Bryant, just five days before Their arrest led police to Patrol Division and the SpeWalter killing. the Young, the third suspect in cial Operations Division of County Sherthe robbery and the man According who the St. Mary’s to police reallegedly murdered Walter in iff’s Office.

Young has already conports front of his apartment in the Walter, 24, an employee at St. Mary’s Landing commu- toDynCorp International, fessed killing Walter was as nity in Lexington Park Feb. on his way to work the mornwell as being involved in The 27. “Through the investiga- ing of his death, according to Burris. “[Young] was going in tion, we determined whereBox Tackle robbery in which [Young] was and we located the victim’s car when [Waland his stole ter] accomplices came out and confronted him in Waldorf athe a friend’s him,� Burris said. Young shot house,� said Bureauthree of Crimihandguns.

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nal Investigations Command- Walter in the head twice and fled the scene. er, Lt. Rick Burris.

Br y a nt , a Lexington Park resident, is charged with two counts of Armed Robbery and one count of First Degree Assault from a Jan. 13 incident at the Third Base 3EE ME FOR #AR AND (OME )NSURANCE AND SAVE Store in Loveville and was a lookout in the Tackle Box robbery.

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of the picture especially for eelgrass,� said Orth.

Eelgrass, a common species all over the bay, likes cooler temperatures. The summer of 2005 was one of the hottest on record and killed much of the eelgrass in the southern portions of the bay. The grasses, which are relatively fast growing, did not grow back in 2006, according to the survey.

However, Larry Simns, president of the Maryland Waterman’s Association, is not very worried about the crab population. “We worry about the overall health of the bay,� said Simns. “We are not too worried about the crab population because it is pretty healthy right now, although this could affect future populations.�

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Section A -

which opens April 1.

Spier says there have been instances in the past where bay grasses have declined but crab populations have remained stable. Although the grasses provide the best hiding place for the crustacean, submerged logs and muddy spots on the bottom also provide sufficient cover.

Zohar is currently releasing his juvenile crabs into different types of environments such as muddy areas, although he says bay grasses are the best.

Professor Robert Orth of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science says the declining bay grasses could be an example of the growing threat of global warming and how it may affect the bay. “Ten years ago people would have never said global warming was a problem.

Global warming is now part

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American who attend it would h on the floor senate to se Martin O’M Local (D) is said support of t to stop smo public areas Sen. D be reache Monday.

The b version th ing around would allow and bar smo tion is in pl ing to Aver against seco Area b pressed fru

rum becau put them ou This se a point of owners in S and throug do not serv anyone und into their es One ba 75 percent would stop smoking ba “I wou my car, my tified man s away my liv O’Donn not support the decisio or non-sm ment shoul proprietor. “There I think thi O’Donnell ing to be a vate clubs, a clubs have drive busin vate sector taking bus entrepreneu

Cou Continued

Before ment for missioners tion agreem $58,106. contract u and was pa would have contract de months bef At the agreement tingly said to pay For of his cont service to t “We th decision to service,’ h some rema had provide For Sa mer directo community job is a pro He wil to start, an cent increa year, Sabo $135,928 ov “I am Savich has fer to lead governmen Commissio Jack Russe out). “He administra

Thursday, April 5, 2007

The County Times

Section A -

Annapolis Buzz

By Adam Ross Staff Writer

Jessica’s Law Revisited and Strengthened After a long two-year battle in the Maryland General Assembly, both chambers have passed tougher sentencing laws on convicted pedophiles.

The House unanimously approved a tightened Jessica’s Bill and so did the Senate with a 43-3 vote.

The tightened legislation will deny parole to first-degree rape offenders when the victim is under age 13. Last year’s bill passed during a special session set mandatory minimum prison sentences of 25 years for first-degree offenders and 20 years for second-degree offenders, but was criticized by key supporters for stripping down key elements, like the parole provision.

Previously, a 25-year sentence could be reduced by about four years for good behavior.

Jessica’s Law is named for Jessica Lunsford, a 9-year-old Florida girl who was brutally raped and killed by a registered sex offender in 2005.

Delegate Anthony J. O’Donnell (R) and Senator Nancy Jabcobs led the charge for last year’s version of Jessica’s Law.

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General Assembly Extinguishes Smoking in Bars and Restaurants An indoor smoking bans passed the Senate and House amid a growing standard around the state, which saw individual counties, and Baltimore City take up its own smoking ban.

The House overwhelmingly passed the measure with a 98-40 vote, and the Senate followed suit two days later with a 33 to 13 vote.

Local Delegates, Anthony J. O’Donnell (R) and John F. Wood, Jr. (R) voted against the measure, while Del. John L. Bohanan, Jr. (D) voted in favor.

Local Sen. Roy Dyson (D) voted in favor of the bill, and Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) has pledged to sign whatever comes out of committee, after both chambers hash out key differences.

The two versions of the bill vary greatly. The Senate exempted private clubs and fraternal organizations, and included an economic hardship waiver to bars and restaurants, which allows them to regain smoking privileges if they can prove a degree of economic decline from the ban.

The House’s version meanwhile does not exempt private clubs, and leaves the decision of issuing the hardship waivers to the state department, rather than the Senate’s choice to leave the decision to county health officials.

With only a week left in the General Assembly session, lawmakers said they are confident they can come to an agreement quickly.

The Baltimore City Council passed its own bill last month, which will take effect in January.

Baltimore followed the footsteps of Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Charles and Talbot counties, who in recent years have passed similar bans on smoking.

However, over the previous two legislative sessions, a statewide initiative had failed to make it out of committee.

When choosing grass seed, make sure there is a ryegrass in the mixture. The ryegrass will germinate much faster than the desirable grass and will help to hold the desirable seed in place. Use a thin layer of compost to cover the seed and keep moist until germination occurs. Once the seed germinates, water the grass less frequently and for a longer period. Soak the soil well below the surface to encourage the roots to go deep.

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Possible Rebirth of the Electoral College In response to a grass roots effort to end the Electoral College’s reign on the presidential election, the Maryland Senate approved a bill March 28 that would award its electoral votes to the winner of the nationwide popular vote.

The Senate voted 29-17 in favor of the bill, which will now move to the House of Delegates.

If passed there, a spokesman for Gov. Martin O’Malley said he would sign it.

Maryland could become the first state to sign onto the idea, and if passed by enough other states, the law would make the Electoral College irrelevant.

Dyson voted in favor of the bill.

It would also prevent a similar occurrence of the 2000 Election, where Republican George W. Bush won the election despite earning less popular votes than opponent, Democrat Al Gore.

Bills Co-Sponsored by Local Democratic Sen. Roy Dyson in the 423rd Congress: Senate Bill 186

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Mother’s Day is coming!

Entitled: Solar Energy Grant Fund Committee: Finance Synopsis: Establishing a Solar Energy Grant Fund to be administered by the Maryland Energy Administration, subject to oversight by the Public Service Commission; specifying the sources of the Fund; authorizing the Fund to be used for grants to eligible projects; providing that money expended from the Fund is supplemental to funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Solar Energy Grant Program; etc.

Senate Bill 217 Entitled: Vehicle Laws – Special and Commemorative Registration Plates Action: Passed Senate with a 47-0 vote.

Synopsis: Repealing the authority of the Motor Vehicle Administration to issue specified special commemorative registration plates for Class B (for hire) vehicles; altering the termination date for the Chesapeake Bay Commemorative License Plate and the special registration plate honoring State agriculture; and repealing the termination date for specified provisions related to the design of and renewal fees for the Chesapeake Bay Commemorative License Plate.

Senate Bill 226 Entitled: Vehicle Laws – Protective Headgear Requirement for Motorcycle Riders – Exceptions Committee: Judicial Procceedings Synopsis: Providing exceptions to the prohibition against operating or riding on a motorcycle without protective headgear.

Senate Bill 227

Entitled: Campaign Finance – Affiliated Business Entities – Attribution of Contributions Committee: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Requiring that campaign finance contributions by two or more business entities be attributed to one business entity if one is a wholly-owned subsidiary of another or if the business entities are owned or controlled by at least 80% of the same individuals; defining the term “business entity” to include a corporation, a general or limited partnership, a limited liability company, or a real estate investment trust.

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.

Deadline for copy is April 12th.

Mail To: 43251 Rescue Lane, P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 20636 Photo by Adam Ross

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, sitting at center, signs legislation giving SMECO indefinite authority to procure long-term energy contracts. Seated (at left) are Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller and (at right) House Speaker Michael Busch. Standing are, from left: Del. Sue Kullen from Calvert County; Mark MacDougall, SMECO, Vice President, External Affairs, and General Counsel; SMECO Board Secretary-Treasurer Kenneth Dyson; Del. John Bohanan of St. Mary’s County; SMECO Director James Richards; Dave Foggo, SMECO, Government and Public Affairs Manager; and Del. Sally Jameson from Charles County.

Or Email To: eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net

The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Editorial & Opinion Garbage Time The face of politics and garbage – some would say they are already indistinguishable – in St. Mary’s County has been forever changed as the Commissioners recently decided to approve a countywide fee for residents who take their trash to the six convenience centers.

This is unprecedented in a county where the burden of trash has always come from the general tax fund, and has never been directly placed on the shoulders of the citizens.

And having gotten away with this, it is certain that more fees of this type will be forthcoming. If there is one

thing our elected officials are good at, it is spending more of our hard earned money than they take in taxes.

It is a travesty that this fee is even needed this year. One year ago, the previous board of Commissioners found themselves with a nearly $20 million surplus. At the time, Commission President Thomas McKay was beating the drum to take as much of that money as possible, and refund it to the taxpayers. His critics decried this as an election year stunt, but the fact remains that underlying point was valid. He warned that if the county government spent

that surplus, it would end up becoming a permanent part of the budget, and that as time went on, the budget would continue to go up to unsustainable levels.

One year later, and this has come to pass. After holding the line on county government growth for three years, last year opened the floodgates, and this year the requests piled on. The school board alone submitted a request for an additional $20 million above what they were allocated, and wanted 90 new positions added to the budget.

Given that the student population is growing by about the same number, this creates quite a ratio for the schools.

But it’s not just the school board, it is every department

Big City Boy, Small Town Heart

An Empty Apology

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The Maryland General Assembly is in its last week of a legislative session that has gave way to decisive legislation and quasi-powerful gestures including a public apology by lawmakers for slavery.

Maryland is the second state to make a formal apology for slavery, after Virginia.

I’m not an African American, and I don’t have a family history of slavery, so I won’t pretend or assume to know the feelings of those this apol-

To the Editor: In response to the March 29 Letter to the Editor “Smoking Ban: The Big Lie.” As a child, I remember being told to go upstairs. Everyone else was downstairs watching TV. I hadn’t done anything wrong, but I had severe asthma and my dad wanted cigarette. Some years later, I had outgrown my asthmatic problems and because of peer pressure began to smoke myself; first it was a puff to show my trustworthiness. Then a whole cigarette. Within a few years I was smoking two packs a day and found it hard

To the Editor: There was an article printed a few ago regarding St. Mary’s Nursing Center. As I was reading it, I had memories of my Grandmother who passed away in September of 2006. What I was reading did not sound like the St. Mary’s Nursing Center that I know from experience.

My grandmother was living independently in her home until July 3, 2006, when her physician and a few family members decided that it would be easier if she were

in government and every group that receives money from the county in any way.

Everyone wants more money.

And knowing how much larger the budget is than two years ago, everyone wants a cut of that larger pie.

So the Commissioners set to work and come up with a new budget for Fiscal Year 2008, but after giving many of the departments and groups a significant portion of their requests, they found themselves needing to close a budget gap of nearly $2 million.

It was at this point that Commissioner Larry Jarboe proposed a $60 transfer fee for garbage in the county. A move that was approved by the board and added to the budget. Thus, the inability of

the commissioners to spend within their means has led to an additional fee for the resident of the county. And for the first time, we will now pay the government additional money to provide the same service we used to have included in our general taxes.

And the commissioners have learned a valuable lesson here as well. They have learned that they can show a complete lack of financial restraint, and if the money runs short, just assess new fees and taxes to the residents.

Keep an eye out for future developments, because more fees and taxes are on the way.

Already discussions have begun on the idea of doubling the property tax cap. Currently, a person’s property tax

can not increase more than 5 percent in a given year for their primary residence. The commissioners have been talking about raising that to seven percent, or even the maximum allowed by Maryland state law, 10 percent. For those struggling to make their property tax payments now, imagine the hardships if that burden could be increased by double the amount it can be increased by now?

The fact is clear, the current board of commissioners do not have financial restraint, and it will be a long four years for the taxpayers as fees and taxes are continually increased to pay for the promises our elected officials have made.

Unfortunately, not everyone can start off on the right foot as I did. When I was growing up I had every opportunity to develop socially and educationally. My school was clean and stocked, my books were updated and I always had after school activities to keep myself busy and out of trouble. I had access to tutors and mentors and a college education. Because I grew up in a family that had achieved financial stability, I was afforded every opportunity to make something of myself. But maybe just as importantly, my parents took an invested interest in my childhood.

For most minorities, an invested interest is all they have. Urban public schools are most always in shambles; drugs and violence dominate the streets and the minds of our youth. Smart minority students leave school without ever learning to read, and jobs beyond slinging cheeseburgers at your local fast food joint are increasingly difficult to find.

Namely blacks, aren’t in this predicament because they asked for it. They’re in it because America put them there. I realize this is a touchy subject for some. The layers of social impoverishment run very deep, the reasons for continued instability could be debated over the rise and fall of many suns. But one coldhearted undeniable fact is blacks have only had true freedom for a little over forty years. It takes some of us forty years to establish a career, let alone a culture of equality.

And while the General Assembly’s acknowledgment of slavery was most certainly a positive step in a movement that is still ongoing, its significance would be far better realized if plans and legislation were set fourth to level the playing field.

And it starts with education in our public schools. It means everything to these children to develop the necessary skills to compete in a world that is already tilted against them.

A positive education can

make all the difference in a child’s life. But for a school system in Baltimore City that just implemented $1 million for more school police and $1.8 million for more hall monitors to combat gang violence, learning isn’t always what’s on students’ minds.

If one grows up in a culture of violence, then more often than not they will find themselves on the verge of similar behavior. This is a common sentiment found among most studies in social science. Therefore, the idea of slavery in a time that wasn’t all that long ago, along with the culture of violence it produced is still infecting later generations. We can’t throw money at our social inadequacies any more than we can throw apology letters around and expect things to get better.

But now that Maryland has publicly acknowledged its role in one of the world’s greatest injustices, how about more money, more programs, more vision and more thought to truly embracing our black citizens of this country.

ogy directly effects.

But while an apology might be a welcomed sound to some, or long over due as recently described by lawmakers, to me it’s an embodiment of empty words.

The cruelties and injustices imposed on blacks are beyond the state of apology - time for that isn’t just over due, it’s expired.

The apology is narrowminded because it’s not followed by any legislative action to curb the sociological bent that is so clearly defined by our concentrated popula-

tions of poor and uneducated black citizens.

Granted not all blacks are this way, and the transformation of human rights from the early 20th century to now is remarkable in its own right.

We’ve come a long way. But we haven’t come far enough.

The power that makes us great, is that we are a melting pot of difference that has harmonized and grown. Being such, there is no room for the gross inadequacies our black, and other minority populations endure daily.

not to smoke more.

One day, in 1982, I was lighting up again and began coughing. I had just put out a cigarette and slowly, playing with the pack, opened it and pulled one out, but now I couldn’t light it. For a few minutes I continued to try, but I couldn’t breathe deep enough to light it. I began twirling it in my fingers and thinking about how foolish this was. I couldn’t breathe as a kid and now here I am causing myself to be unable to breathe. I set down the new pack and the cigarette on my coffee table and it stayed there for six months as a reminder of why I

didn’t want to smoke.

In 1990, I was bartending and had to quit my job because I began to become ill from the second hand smoke.

And now it is impossible for me to go to any smoking establishment, I can’t even go to hear my friend’s band because they only play in bars.

No big deal, I work with Deaf Blind people who have bigger sob stories, so you can’t do the things you used to enjoy, you shouldn’t stop others.

There is a big difference, no one causes the Deaf Blind to be unable to do things, but smoking sometimes causes me major problems. This

goes further than restaurants and bars that I can choose to avoid. I went to a restaurant I thought was non-smoking, they didn’t ask me smoking or non. I was seated next to a table with three cigarettes burning and before I realized, it was too late. I moved, but I was sick for two days.

I am not the only one, I know many people, young, old and in between who suffer as well.

In an editorial to The County Times, Daniel Wilson said that the farmers and tobacco industry will suffer and people will lose jobs if smoking is banned. Do they really

think that’s a good reason to allow people to make others’ sick?

Look at the Bible. In Acts Chapter 19, Paul was putting the idol makers out of business by converting people to Christianity and for that they tried to stone him. Wow, perhaps the horse and buggy sellers should have stoned Henry Ford for converting people to cars. Sometimes it feels that people want to stone people like me who want to convert pubic places into smoke free places. I don’t want to stone anyone. I just want to breathe.

Mr. Wilson also said that the government would lose

revenue, but what about the health savings? There’s no way to calculate how that will translate into dollars. But even if it is a loss, aren’t some things worth losing? I know how it feels to want a cigarette and I know even more how it feels to want to breathe.

Please, please, please, stop smoking in public places.

moved to a place with roundthe-clock care. That was when her nightmare began.

I visited my grandmother every day so that I could see when she had the care that was promised, but everyday I observed things changing for the worst. Most of the time I would visit during the dinner hour and that is when I noticed that some of the residents could not feed themselves. Unfortunately, if their loved ones weren’t there to help feed them, they would have to wait for an aide, and by then their food was cold.

When it was time to go to bed, the aides and nurses were either in a back room eating or they were going out to bring food back. It seemed odd to me that everyone on the staff would eat at the same time.

I felt really bad for the immobile residents. They had to wait until a nurse or aide felt like putting them to bed and if they had soiled themselves they had to wait, too. I recall once when my grandmother needed to be changed, I was told that her aide had to do it, but that she was taking a smoke break” and would do

so after she came back in.

Needless to say, 30 minutes later my grandmother was still waiting to be changed.

My grandmother suffered a massive stroke two weeks after moving to the St. Mary’s Nursing Center, but when she moved there she was of sound mind. She told me three days

after arriving that “if you’re not crazy when you get here, you’ll be crazy when you get out… if you ever get out.”

Unfortunately for my grandmother, she had to die to get out.

I wish that the people who work in nursing homes or centers would put themselves in

the residents’ shoes because one day they may find themselves in the same situation.

Marcia Lent Loveville, MD

Frances & Mary Ann Jordan

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We can withhold your name by request if circumstances merit it.

We must receive all letters by Monday morning for publication in the next issue. Any letter received later than Monday will be held for the following issue.

James Manning McKay - Publisher Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Adam Ross - Government Correspondent...............adamross@countytimes.net Andrew Knowlton - Sports Correspondent....... andrewknowlton@countytimes.net

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

Guy Leonard - Community Correspondent................guyleonard@countytimes.net Jimmy Hayden - Advertising Director...............jimmyhayden@countytimes.net Eileen McDonald - Advertising Rep...............eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net

The County Times

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Obituaries Jennie Cecelia Balta, 81 Jennie Cecelia Balta, 81, of Waldorf, Md., died April 1, in Civista Medical Center.

Born November 10, 1925 in Dameron, Md., she was the daughter of the late Ernest Thomas and Mary Henrietta Boothe Adams, Sr. The family will receive friends on Monday April 9 from 5:008:00 p.m. at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, where prayers will be said at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday April 10, at 10:00 a.m., in St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church, St. Mary’s City, with Fr. Damian Shadwell officiating.

Linda Veronica Byrnes, 58 Linda Veronica Byrnes, 58, of Lusby, Md., died March 28, in Palm Coast, Fla. Born May 30, 1948 in Pittsburg, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Richard David and Mary Madeline Burkhardt. She is survived by her children: Kelly Lynn Hudson of Coltons Point, Md., and Michael Joseph Schucker currently stationed in Germany; siblings: Richard Burkhart, Michael Burkhart, Denise Hampton, Collette Blazer and Karen Burkhart all of Pittsburg, Pa., and Judith Wright of Harrisburg, Pa.; 2 grandchildren: Christine Browning Harris and Maria Manko. She was preceded in death by her son: Damon Victor Manko and brother: Thomas Burkhart.

She was a retired registered nurse. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 5, from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m., in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be Private.

Calvin “Jack” Jackson Worrell, 69 Calvin “Jack” Jackson Worrell, 69, of Charlotte Hall, Md., formerly Pulaski, Va., died March 27, at his residence.

Born May 24, 1937 in Pulaski, Va., he was the son of the late Emmett and Renie Scharder Worrell. He was the beloved husband of Ella Mae Worrell whom he married on January 20, 1964 in York, S.C. He is survived by his children; Ethelene Rittenhouse of Henderson, Md., Marsha Hay-

man of Denton, Md., Ronnie Worrell of Mechanicsville, Md. ,Teresa Lawson of Laurel, Del., and Darlene Taylor of S.C., siblings; Joe Worrell of Va., Jimmy Worrell of OK, Kelly Scharder of S.C., Karrie Scharder of Va. Homer Malcom of Charlotte Hall, Md., Candy Jones of Sandgates, Md., Alverta Sandy of Wilmington, N.C., James Malcom of Taylor, S.C., Beverly Malcom of Calif., Eleanor Quade of Morganza, Md., Wanda Veasey of Elk Mills, Md., and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister Lou Chenault and his brothers Jerry Worrell, Mark Malcom, Spencer Malcom and one grandchild. A resident of St. Mary’s County for 53 years, Calvin graduated from Draper High School and was a Sawyer with Charlotte Hall Lumber Company for 48 years, retiring in 2000. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army for four years and enjoyed Nascar, baseball, his family, telling jokes, bluegrass and especially his grandchildren.

Warren Westre Dean, 88 Warren Westre Dean, 88, of Hollywood, Md., died April 1, 2007 in Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. For Funeral Arrangements please call the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md., at 301-475-5588.

Eloise “Sissy” Barnes Lewis, 71 E l o ise “Sissy” Barnes Lewis, 71, of Charlotte, N.C., formerly of Mechanicsville, Md., died March 29, 2007 at The Arbors @ Carriage Club, Charlotte, N.C. She was born January 11, 1936 in Wise County, Va., to the late Earl and Flossie Hazel Barnes.

She was the loving wife of the late Fred Lewis, Sr., whom she married on May 7, 1955 in Lexington Park, Md. She is survived by her children; Fred Lewis, Jr. of Waldorf, Md., and Sherry Lewis Fowler of Charlotte, N.C.; brother George Barnes of Valley Lee, Md., and seven grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother Kem Barnes.

Eloise moved to St. Mary’s County in 1939 from Grundy, Va., and graduated from Great Mills High School and the University of Maryland

with a degree in Education.

She was a teacher at Holy Angels Catholic School, and then worked in Advertising for the Maryland Independent.

Joseph Leonard Quade Sr., 86 Joseph L e o n a r d Quade Sr., 86, of Clements Md., died April 2 at his home.

Born December 14, 1920 in Hurry, Md., he was the son of the late James Carroll and Grace Irene Lacey Quade. He was the husband of Eleanor Estelle Pilkerton Quade for 63 years, whom he married at Sacred Heart Church on April 27, 1944.

He served in the Army from October 31, 1942 through November 29, 1945 as a heavy equipment operator in World War II and attained the rank of Corporal. Among his decorations were the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Jubilee of Liberty Medal and World War II Victory Ribbon.

He worked at the Patuxent Naval Air Station for more than 30 years as an operator of heavy equipment and also in the office as a dispatcher, retiring in 1979. His five children and their spouses also survive him. Joseph L. Quade Jr. his wife Teressa, William Carroll Quade his wife Trudy, Karen Lynn Boszko her husband Dave, Sharon Annette Lacey her husband Tony, and John Kevin Quade his wife Sherry. He had 14 Grandchildren, Lenny Quade, Leann Quade, Erin Herche, Kim Quade, Kristina Paddock, Kimberly Chandler, Willie Quade, David Boszko, Justin Boszko, Jessica Boszko, Tony Lacey Jr., Cassandra Lea, Chris Lacey and Jesse Lacey. 14 Great Grandchildren, Brandon Quade, J.L. Quade, Max Herche, Cossette Browining, Aurora Browning, Kaylee Boszko, Aidan Herche, Lean Quade, Darian Lea, Randy Chandler, Presley Lacey, Chloe Lacey, Emma Herche and Caleb Miller. His siblings, James Carroll Quade, Jr., Matthew William Quade, Agnes Cecelia Quade Pilkerton, Thelma Louise Quade Hall, Stephen Bernard Quade and Francis Aloysius Quade survive him. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four siblings David Roy Quade, James Maguire Quade, Mary Catherine Quade Wathen and Dorothy Irene Quade. He was a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident and a member of Sacred Heart Church. He enjoyed dancing, gardening and being outside.

Prayers will be said on Monday April 9, at 7:00 p.m., at the

Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md., where the family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday April 10 at 9:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, Md., with Fr. Francis Early officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.. Contributions may be made to the 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609 and/or Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Mary Christine Henderson Rock, 88 M a r y Christine Henderson Rock, 88, of Piney Point, Md., died March 29, at her home.

Born July 13, 1918 on St. George’s Island, Md., she was the daughter of the late John Wesley and Roberta A. (Thompson) Henderson. She was the wife of the late William Coleman Rock.

She is survived by her beloved daughters: Shirley A. Rock, Elizabeth R. Edmonds and her husband George and Patricia L. Womer all of Piney Point, Md.; Seven grandchildren: Robert T. and Richard L. Womer, Pamela A. Stine, Robin C. Edmonds, Jeanine T. Martin, Melvin C. Yost, Jr. and Roberta A. Doyle; seven great grandchildren: David and Billy Yost, Mary Beth Doyle, Sean and Sierra Womer, Brittney Steele and Jodie Stine; 1 great grandchild: Savannah Womer. She was preceded in death by her daughter: Mary Billie Yost; four sisters: Helen C. Robinson, Isabel Bellere, Marion E. Gordon and Roberta A. Sloat.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, April 2, at 11:00 a.m., in St. George’s Catholic Cemetery, Valley Lee, Md., with Fr. Mark Ervin officiating. Contributions may be made to: Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077.

Virginia Eleanor (Johnston) Saunders, 99 Virginia Eleanor (Johnston) Saunders, 99, of Lexington Park, Md., died March 29 in Solomons Nursing Center, Solomons, Md. Born July 11, 1907 in Grand Rapids, Mich., she was the daughter of the late Gustav and Emma (Lundgren) Johnston.

In September of 1929, she married Louis B. Saunders.

She resided in Grand Haven, Mich., from 1949 until 1976, when she moved to Florida.

the band’s guitar player, who showed Wayne a few chords.

At age 12, he joined his first band. He played rhythm guitar and sang backup with his brother David in “The Initials” for four years. Wayne then formed his own group, the “Contours” who played with Arthur Smith’s “Cracker Jacks” as well as for local dances. Later Wayne was inspired by Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles, and started playing rock music.

In 1971 Wayne visited Just so there is no con- Marion, N.C. to see Lester fusion, this is not the Wayne Flatt and Mac Wiseman perTaylor of “Blue Highway” form at a bluegrass festival. fame, but the Wayne Taylor Shortly after that, he formed who has been a member of the the “East Maiden Express” “Country Current Bluegrass bluegrass group, where Wayne played mandolin.

Band”.

In 1978, Wayne began Wayne C. Taylor, a native of Maiden, N.C. presents studying music at the San Joaa bold, super-smooth sound quin Delta College and later that may almost be a bit too entered The Conservatory of slick at times. He is the leader Music at the University of the of the group’s Guitar-Banjo Pacific in Stockton, CA. He Duo with Keith Arneson. studied Music Therapy and Wayne began playing gui- earned a Bachelor’s degree tar at age nine, later adding in Music. Upon graduating in banjo, mandolin and piano 1983 Wayne and family travto his repertoire. His father eled back to North Carolina.

Since then, Wayne has took him to American Legion dances and introduced him to had numerous musical ac-

complishments including 4 recordings with his latest and first solo CD entitled Buffalo Shoals, which is getting airplay all over the country. He sang “Uncle Pen” with Bill Monroe in Rosine, KY in 1995. He has performed with Larry Gatlin, Vince Gill, Lee Greenwood, Rhonda Vincent, Alicia Nugent, IIIrd Tyme Out, John Hartford, Gary Morris, and David Ball. He has conducted guitar workshops with Kenny Smith, David Grier, and Bryan Sutton. He has also performed for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush, William J. Clinton, and George W. Bush. The International Bluegrass Music Association in Louisville, Ky., has nominated him for “Male Vocalist of the Year” every year since 1998. Taylor’s compositions have been performed on ABC’s “Good Morning America”. He sang the National Anthem at Comisky Park for a Chicago White Sox baseball game and at the Charlotte (N.C.) 600 NASCAR Race.

Keith M. Arneson performs on banjo, guitar and as a vocalist. He has appeared

In 1996, she moved to Maryland, where she resided until her death.

As a pianist, she was active in the Grand Haven public schools as accompanist and sang in her church choir as well as serving as accompanist for the choirs in her church.

Upon moving to Florida, she sang in her church choir and was the music librarian.

She is survived by her daughter, Lyn Schramm and her husband, Donald, of Lexington Park, Md., two grandsons, Britton Schramm and his wife, Teresa, of Pensacola, Fla., and Dr. Geoffrey Saunders Schramm of Washington, D.C., and two greatgrandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband who passed away in 2004.

All services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the organ fund at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 600, California, MD 20619 or Calvert HOSPICE, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Elizabeth Farmer Stevenson, 85 El i z abeth Farmer Stevenson, 85, of St. Mary’s City, Md., formerly of Fort Washington, Md., died March 28 in St. Mary’s Hospital.

Born December 18, 1921 in Beury Mountian, WVa., she was the daughter of the late Edward Jeremiah Farmer and Roonie Blanche (Frame) Farmer.

She lived in the Fort Washington, Md., area for 55 years, until moving to St. Mary’s City in 2005. She worked as a Federal employee for 30 years and was an active member of the Eastern Star.

Mrs. Stevenson was an inspiration and guiding force in the lives of her family and was most proud and devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchild.

She is survived by her son, Nick Stevenson of St. Mary’s City, Md., daughter, Dana Beales of Fairfax, Va., two sisters, Mildred Bokano of Fairfield Glade, Tenn., and Imogene Dodd of Nimitz, WVa., two brothers, Jimmie Farmer of Beckley, WVa., and Larry Farmer of Auburn, Ky., four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, George Gordon Stevenson, who passed away in 2005.

Family will receive friends on Friday, March 30 from 5 to 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Cha-

Davis, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and many others too numerous to mention. He is currently attempting to mason TNN’s,, “Nashville Now” ter the art of melodic claw with the “Mountain Laurel” hammer banjo. band, performed with blueErnie Bradley & Grassy grass artist Mac Wiseman, Ridge Bluegrass Band is and was a member of “The considered by many folks as Dixie Ramblers” and the the finest Traditional Blue“Classic Grass” band. He has grass Band around. With made appearances on the CBS over 30 years of experience. program “48 Hours,” the NBC Ernie started playing banjo show “Stuff,” and several live as a young boy participatradio performances. ing in banjo championships Keith started playing the throughout W.Va., Va., Md., banjo in 1975. He got hooked & Pa. Ernie has grown to be on it from his Dad’s 10-year one of the finest banjo pickexperience with the instru- ers today. He toured with the ment and through the Beverly Nashville Opry Road Show Hillbillies. He formed his first along with the Charlie Daniels band “Classic Grass” in 1977 Band. He is a talented musiwith high school friends and cian and songwriter. Accomworked almost every week- panying Ernie Bradley in the end through late 1980. Arne- Grassy Ridge Band is Gene son joined “Mountain Lau- Beachley on guitar & tenor rel” in 1981 and stayed with vocals. Gene is considered them until 1986. In 1986 he one of the best tenors in the joined the “Dixie Ramblers” business with his lonesome and performed with them as bluegrass sad voice and has a regular member until 1993. a hard driving rhythm guitar Prior to the Dixie Ramblers, style. Joe Longwell kicks up Keith performed locally with the dust on Dobro and proJay Armsworthy in a small vides harmony vocals. Randy local band, “The Backyard Kenny’s rock solid Bass playBluegrass Boys”. Keith still ing rounds out the group and does workshops around the he throws in a bass vocal note country and is a big fan of all once in a while. Ernie Bradtypes of music especially Earl ley & Grassy Ridge provides Scruggs, Bela Fleck, Miles hard driving Bluegrass & fast

Bluegrass Concert to be Held April 15 Hughesville, Md, The Sons of The American Legion Post 238 in Hughesville, Md. will have there 4th and final concert of the season on Sunday April 15. The show will begin at 2:00 pm with a Spaghetti Dinner served at Noon.

A Red White & Blue Guitar will be given away on that day as well. Live Bluegrass music will be provided by Ernie Bradley & Grassy Ridge along with Wayne Taylor, Keith Arneson & Appaloosa.

Section A - pel, Leonardtown, Md., with Eastern Star Services beginning at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service. Reverend Dan Moore will conduct the service. Interment will be on Friday, April 6, at 11:00 a.m., in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE House c/o HOSPICE of St. Mary’s, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Mary Agnes Turner, 89 Mary Agnes Turner, 89 of Mechanicsville, died April 1 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, Md. Born October 13, 1917 in Trent Hall, Md., she was the daughter of the late Richard J. and Mary Eulalia Long. Born, raised, and a life long resident of St. Mary’s County, she graduated from Margaret Brent High School in 1934. She retired from C & P Telephone Company in 1975. She was a member of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies Auxillary, The Telephone Company Pioneers, she was a volunteer at St. Mary’s Nursing Center and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mechanicsville, Md. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother: Richard J. Long Jr. She is survived by her son: William L Turner Jr. and Daughter in Law Mary Ann Turner of Waldorf, MD; grandchildren: William L. Turner III and wife Teresa of Charlotte Hall, MD, James Keith Turner and wife Cindy of Mechanicsville, Md. Catherine Michelle Vaughan and husband Butch of Newtown, Va., and Timothy A. Turner and wife Colleen of Waldorf, Md.; brother: Maurice I. Long Sr., of Hughesville, Md., sisters: Martha R. Branchaue of Sunrise, Fla., Teresa L. Anderson of California, Md., and Jean R. Birge of Okeechobee Fla.; great grandchildren: William L. Turner IV, Ryan N. Turner, Crystal Vallandingham, Mark Turner, Kayla Turner, Carly Turner, Michael Vaugh, Braxton Vaughn and Jennifer Schaub; greatgreat granddaughter, Lexie Vallandingham.

paced entertainment with great harmony vocals.

Making sure that each and every show is heard loud and clear is one of the finest Sound Company’s around, Troy Jones of Hollywood, Md. The Red White & Blue American Guitar will be given away at the end of the show on April 15th. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. The Sons of the American Legion will have a dinner special with their famous Spaghetti dinner beginning at noon for $6 per plate. Tickets for the show are $12 per person and sold at the door. Children under 12 are free with a paid adult.

The guitar raffle is $5 each or three for $10. It will be a fun day for all. This is a family style show. The legion hall is a smoke free facility. For more information about the show, call Jay Armsworthy at 301-737-3004. For directions, go to www.geocities. com/americanlegionbluegrass.

The County Times

Section A -

In Your Community New Membership St. Mary’s Farm Bureau is open to new members. The organization offers a full voting membership for those actively engaged in agriculture and an associate membership for those who just have an interest in agriculture and in supporting the local organization. Both levels of membership offer significant community discount benefits. For

more information call 301475-9372 or 301-884-3086.

Agricultural Commission The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission is hosting two upcoming wine seminars

by Rob Plant of Blue Wind Gourmet.

April 17: Growing Wine Grapes that will Sell: A wine

seller’s perspective.

April 30: What It Takes to Make Wine that will Sell: A wine seller’s perspective.

Both events held at 7:30 p.m. at Blue Wind Gourmet, 22803 Gunston Drive, California MD, 20619. Registration is $5 per seminar. Register by April 12 with name and phone number to Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission,

301-274-1922.

Easter Egg Hunt and Festival Join the fun at the annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 7 at the Governmental Center in Leonardtown beginning at 10 a.m. Some of the many exciting attractions include a traditional egg hunt and decorating contest for all ages, pony rides; craft making carnival

Thursday, April 5, 2007 attractions costumed characters, face painting, games leisure class demonstrations and more. Many activities are free of charge and some have a small fee. Food, beverages and crafts will be on sale from community vendors. Citizens are encouraged to come and enjoy a great day of family fun! Prizes will be awarded for various contests, raffles and the egg hunt. Raffle prizes include amusement park tickets and more. Kinds are also invited to have pictures taken with the Easter Bunny.

Please call 301-475-4200 ext.

1800 or 1801.

EasterWishes Order your award winning McKay’s Stuffed Ham Today!

Dog Obedience Classes Puppy Kindergarten, Basic and Advanced dog obedience classes are offered from April thru August in St. Mary’s and Charles Counties.

The AKC’s “Canine Good Citizen” training and test is included in the advanced class.

Be the person your dog thinks you are, spend some quality time with your best friend, your dog. Become the pack leader and teach your dog how to be the best dog he/she can be. The county sponsors classes and preregistration is required. Class sizes are limited. For more information or to register call 301-475-4200 ext. 1801.

Awards Breakfast The 20th Annual Human Relations Awareness Day and Awards Breakfast will be held at the Harry Ludeneberg School at 9 a.m., April 14. The cost for the event is $12. Please reserve your seat by calling 301-475-4200 ext.

1849. Nominations are being sought to recognize companies and/or individuals who work to further the American ideal of equality and justice for achievements in the area of human rights within St. Mary’s County. Nominations can be mailed into the Division of Community Services, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown MD, 20650.

Throwing Caution The Southern Maryland Modern Dance Collective is pleased to announce its annual concert “Throwing Caution” on April 14th at 7:30 p.m.

The performance is one night only at St. Mary’s College in St. Mary’s Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. For more information call Susan Knott at 301-373-3412.

Cherry Blossom Celebration Mark your calendars for the 2007 National Cherry Blossom Festival Saturday April 14. The day will begin with the annual parade.

It is a spectacular event for children of all ages. Talented marching bands compete for 16 coveted spots in the parade and provide colorful musical entertainment. Dance and drumming performance teams from Japan and the United States highlight the art of taiko drumming. The National Cherry Blossom Festival All Star Tap Dance team and Choir perform musical numbers for eager audiences.

Clowns, horses, antique cars and mascots all add to the merriment on parade morning. The fee is $28 per person; call Sandie Greene for more information at 301-475-4200 ext. 1801.

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St. Mary’s County Health Department, St. Mary’s County Community Services and military personnel from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station will be joining forces during National Public Health Week to fill the shelves of local food pantries before Hurricane Season arrives. The ‘Stuff-a-Bus’ Food Drive is intended to bring attention to the importance of donating non-perishable food items year round as a means of preparing an emergency food supply for our most vulnerable citizens who could be especially hard hit if a man made or natural disaster should happen in our area. A health department van will be parked outside the Governmental Center in Leonardtown, from 7:30 9:30 a.m. Wed. Apr. 4. The food drive will continue outside the Leonardtown Food Lion from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., with donations going to the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church food pantry, also in Leonardtown. A second bus, provided by St. Mary’s County Transit System (STS) will be parked outside the Giant grocery store in California near Target from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Apr. 5 with donations going to St. Mary’s Caring in Lexington Park.

The County Times

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Job Retention Continued from page A- to fill the 45,000 additional high-paying technical jobs that will accompany it.

“This is a pretty hopping place,” said Gary K. Kessler, senior executive director of flight test engineering at Pax River and a member of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education. “Finding local talent is challenging with the work we’ve got coming here in the next three to five years.”

Often Kessler and other technical departments at Pax River spend thousands of dollars in recruitment and training for out-of-state employees who end up leaving after a couple of years.

“We are finding that those coming from the West Coast or wherever stay for a couple of years, get homesick or don’t like the area and leave,” said Kessler.

The growing disturbance to base operations is leading a charge for a “closed-loop system,” which exercises the fundamentals of training and retention of employees from close to home.

In conjunction with the St. Mary’s County Board of Education (BOE) and the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), Pax River is taking a more hands on approach to local students by offering engineering and science mentorships and internships.

But the growing focus from the BOE is on cultivating math and science interests in students early in their educational development.

“I was trained as a science and math teacher,” said

Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of St. Mary’s County Schools. “If you don’t turn young minds on to science early on you lose them.”

The BOE’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics consortium (STEM), is believed by many to be the bridge that peaks students’ curiosity from elementary to middle to high school, and then onto college.

Lexington Park Elementary School, Spring Ridge Middle School, and Great Mills High School will be the three sites for the county’s inaugural STEM academies.

Precisely 144 students were chosen to attend the three academies, which verses students in advanced mathematics and science, with an infusion of technology.

STEM is a major piece of Martirano’s tenure as superintendent, and if it succeeds it would be a major attribute to the base.

The Towson University report says that 70 percent of the new 45,000 jobs will require a graduate degree, including 13 percent with doctorates. Additionally, 10 percent of those jobs will require a bachelor’s degree, but only 3 percent will be open to those who have a high school diploma as their highest educational attainment.

“STEM is a very dynamic and fluid process, the time is now and the time is right,” said Martirano. “This has galvanized our community in many ways, lots of folks have been joining with us and this

will be a continuing collaboration to find how we can expand the program.”

In order for that to happen, a strong pipeline between the county schools and local colleges has to shine, according to Dr. Timothy Keating, dean of Arts and Sciences at CSM. On Thursday, the BOE met with CSM to foster its ideals, and promote their status.

Currently, CSM has organized opportunities for high school students to earn college credits. Advanced Placement testing and introductory college courses are set up for students who want a taste of college academia, or need a more challenging curriculum than the high school classes can offer.

CSM changed the program’s name from dual enrollment to dual concurrent enrollment because of a decline in participation. Concurrent enrollment means students are taking a class at the college level that counts toward both college and high school credit.

“If there’s an interest we can do more of it,” CSM President Bradley Gottfried said of the available college course options for high school juniors and seniors.

Still, two disadvantages to concurrent enrollment are the cost, which is $141 per three-credit course plus the cost of books, and graduating high school on time if a student fails a college course.

“We will continue to meet on a regular basis,” Martirano said. “We are about breaking down barriers to make sure children are successful.”

Spring Bloom

Patrick Dugan O’Brien Realty Due to the short work week, I have decided to put together an article that will have no focal point. The following are different things that may affect the sale of your home, or your decision to purchase a home. (My short work week is because my wife went to Vegas for four days and I was home tending to the children.

I know they are looking forward to her getting home soon!

O.K., here we go…

SPRING IS HERE…Hooray!

The buyers were out in full force the past two very nice weekends. Last year we had an unusually slow year on waterfront sales. Some of this was due to the general slowing of the market, some was due to people rethinking the idea of waterfront living. There is nothing like a hurricane one year and a tropical storm the next to make people wonder about living on the water.

While the expansive views of the rivers and Bay are very beautiful, the protected creeks are the best place to have your watercraft. There are also a large amount of homes from which to choose. We have over 100 listings on the water in St. Mary’s County this summer.

That is a nice selection of properties. The prices range from a low of 425,000 to a high of $8,900,000 ! Yes, that is eight million nine hundred thousand dollars!

They buyers on the water will have plenty to choose from, but so will those not looking for waterfront.

There are another 800+ homes to sell that are not waterfront! That is in St. Mary’s County alone, add in Calvert and Charles and we have over 2800 homes on the market.

That is a huge inventory and there are more homes coming on every day. It is a good thing Spring is here so that the buyer’s can start helping to lower inventory.

How does this high inventory affect you as a seller?

Well that is pretty obvious, you have a ton of competition. What is your agent doing to make sure that your house is the first to sell? What are you doing to make sure your house is the first to sell?

We have talked about first impression in the past but good advice never gets old.

Have your house ready to show. If the front yard needs work. Do it. Plant pretty flowers and bushes. Get the old scraggily bushes off the side of the house and put in something new. Get that old mulch out of people’s eyesight and straighten up the yard.

Be willing to listen to all the agents you talk to. It is infuriating when I meet with clients and they say they are going with another agent because that agent thinks the house can sell for a ridiculous amount. I cannot tell you how many times this happens, and how many houses sell at the

right price while the overpriced house sits. The owners of the overpriced houses say, “Well the buyers will make an offer and then we can come down on our price”.

FORGET ABOUT IT! The buyers are not going to negotiate with you because Cindy and Chris down the street priced their house correctly from the start and the buyer’s are going to buy their house instead!

We all learned about it in econ 101, supply and demand will drive this market.

What if you are a buyer?

How do you decide when to pull the trigger? Well first of all, you can be overwhelmed in this market with so much to choose from. So I sit down with my client’s as I am sure most agents do, to try and figure out what it is the client’s want and need. We also sit down with a mortgage lender to see what they can afford, and how much they want to spend each month. After we do that then we start with the house hunting.

Now is a great time to be buying. With so much from which to choose, and interest rates still at near record lows, you cannot lose if you do your home work.

Next week, we will talk about what kind of homework you need to do as a home buyer!

As always, send your questions and comments to patrick.dugan@obrienrealty. com and include The County Times in the subject line.

(I think I hear my wife’s car pulling up. Oh happy days!)

Section A -

Found Continued from page A-1

Marcel Brooks

out on a major highway to get to Tuskegee where he would visit a friend at a local veterans hospital.

Shortly after police in Brewton took him back to their station, they said, and made contact with Marcel Brooks’ wife. It was at the police station where Brooks changed his story.

Police say Marcel Brooks told them he was afraid because he saw his alleged abductor, who he first met in the District, wearing a shoulder holster but was unsure whether he had a gun.

Brewton police said Marcel Brooks told them he had driven both himself and his captor to Corpus Christi, Texas and then to Houston before back tracking and stopping in Mobile, Ala., where the alleged kidnapping suspect

got out of the vehicle Marcel Brooks was driving and fled.

Police confirmed that Marcel Brooks was missing his credit cards, money and memory card from his cell phone, which rendered it inoperable.

Anne Brooks said she believed her husband’s story and said he was reluctant to talk to police because the captor, Marcel Brooks had told her, knew a great deal about their family and he feared for their safety back at their Mechanicsville home.

“He’s just scared,” Anne Brooks said of her husband Monday during a late night phone interview. “The guy knew too much about us.”

“He didn’t go to the police because he was afraid.”

The officer who found Marcel Brooks, officer Russell Pintado, said when he first met the missing man on the side of the road and heard his story about trying to get to Tuskegee something didn’t quite add up.

“It just didn’t seem right,” Pintado said. “He wasn’t acting like a normal person… he looked like he was disoriented.

“It looked like he had something he wanted to say but he didn’t.”

Investigators in Prince George’s County, where Brooks first went missing, are trying to ascertain the exact circumstances of Brooks disappearance, reappearance,

where he went and why.

Det. Mark Boyden, the investigator assigned to the case said he had spoken to Marcel Brooks only briefly about his condition.

But detectives in Brewton, when they heard Marcel Brooks’ second story were incredulous.

“He never once said anything about this [abduction] story until we called his wife,” Investigator Russell Martin told The County Times. “His story isn’t credible.”

Anne Brooks said her husband’s ties to the community and his family were too strong to simply leave and disappear off his own accord.

“For someone to take him like that, it’s an evil [act],” Anne Brooks said. “Anyone who knows anything about him would know he would never do anything like this.”

Marcel Brooks was an unsuccessful candidate for county commissioner in 2002 but was also well known for his work in the community, especially in providing eye examinations to children in health clinics.

His family said he worked at several optometry offices throughout the region in addition to running his own business, Brooks Family Eye Care Center in Charlotte Hall.

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The County Times

Section A -

House Bill Continued from page A- down to $14,500.

Mattingly said the bill would be better served if fees were assessed “across the board.”

“Make everyone pay,” added Mattingly. “If you contributed to the pollution, now contribute to the cleanup. But I don’t know whether you can convince people of that logic.”

Local Delegates John L.

Bohanan, Jr., (D-29B), Anthony J. O’Donnell (R-29C), and John F. Wood, Jr., (D-29A) all voted against the bill.

So far the Green Bill has failed to make it out of committee in the Senate, where lawmakers say they are unwilling to consider new revenue bills.

Local Senator Roy Dyson (D), vice chair of Education, Health and Environmental

Affairs committee, and one of the committee’s where the bill will be heard in the Senate could not be reached for comment after several attempts from The County Times.

Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) and House Speaker Michael E. Bush (D) have called the bill a critical part of the Chesapeake cleanup.

Government projects would be exempt from the impervious surfaces charge.

Thursday, April 5, 2007 Still when some squads have difficulty getting out, others have to pick up and help.

Ken Hicks, president of the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, said the key to improving service was to get more young people to join rescue squads that may not be employed during the daytime and are looking for something to occupy their time.

“It’s pretty serious,” Hicks said of the need for volunteers. “We need to get those younger folks out there, those 18-year-olds who aren’t doing anything.”

“We need some young blood.”

Hicks’ company is also looking for volunteers.

Hicks’ said his company ran about 4,000 calls for service last year and he said that answering calls for other rescue squads put a strain on his volunteers and the surrounding community by having to potentially wait longer for service from their own rescue squad.

“It impacts people in the park,” Hicks said. “We had to

Volunteers Continued from page A-1 “There’s proubably a stronger need to assist with the daytime shifts.”

The task force will also present options to solve any problems with the rescue squads; including, he said, the possibility of going to a two-tiered volunteer and paid system.

But, so far, he said, the task force has only met once in an organizational meeting.

Miedzinski said the benefits of volunteering for a rescue squad were many, including valuable free training in live saving medical techniques as well as a strong sense of community service.

“It is somewhat of a comfort to know that I can deal with almost any emergency medical event that I might encounter on a daily basis,” Miedzinski said.

County volunteer rescue squad chiefs still say that despite the lack of volunteers, calls for service do not go unanswered.

go to a sixth ambulance and we hope to put it in service next month.”

County volunteer chiefs say the dynamics of providing emergency medical services in county with a growing population and economic base have changed from when St. Mary’s was more rural and the workforce had fewer demands placed on it.

“In the old days when the rescue squad started… people would leave the store [where they worked] to run ambulance calls,” said John Roache, president of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Keith Fairfax, president of the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department and chair of the county’s Emergency Services Committee said that some employers cannot afford to let their workers run calls, even if it’s to service the communities emergency health needs.

“It comes down to how much a business can afford,” Fairfax said. “When you have to go [on a call] six times day then it becomes an issue.”

Officials fear rise in impoverished and working poor in St. Mary’s

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The number of working poor people in the county, those with jobs but struggle to the afford essentials, is growing, county officials believe, and so is the gap between the poor and the wealthy because of a diminishing middle Photo by Adam Ross class.

Illustrated above are the impervious surfaces that would cost developers extra to construct if the Green Fund Bill is “The [plight of the] worksigned into law. The legislation passed the House of Delegates March 21. ing poor is an emerging issue,” said Bennett Connelly, director of the Local Management Board. “We have lots of opportunities here but we also have lots of challenges.

“From the data we’re looking at it looks like [the number of working poor] is growing.”

The management board, Connelly said, is currently working with a consultant to come up with a human services plan for how the county can best meet the service needs of all county residents for the next three to five years.

Gathering information on poverty, the working poor and on available housing is all part of that proposal that could go before the county commissioners by June, Connelly said.

Preliminary data gathered by the consultants, Health Management Consultants LLC, seems to show that the poverty problem is serious.

According to the preliminary report the county’s 7.4 percent poverty rate is higher than in Charles and Calvert counties. The county also has a greater percentage of its children living in impoverished conditions, about 10.4 percent of them.

When this information is contrasted with a lesser per-

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centage of homes receiving food stamps or emergency food parcels than neighboring counties, Connelly said, it shows that some families are living at about the poverty line or just above it without outside assistance.

But it was precarious place to be, he said.

“They sometimes live for today because they don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” Connelly said. “They live paycheck to paycheck and if there’s one catastrophe they’ll be struggling week to week just to get by.”

According to the preliminary report there are also few housing opportunities for the working poor in St. Mary’s.

There is only one consolidated Section 8, or subsidized, housing property here.

Currently the waiting list for that Section 8 housing is 2,055 people, according to the initial report, which is a 105 percent increase in the last two years.

The waiting period for that housing has also gone up two fold in the last two years to about 24 to 36 months.

Connelly and management board staff, who support and strengthen child welfare in the county, gathered more input from community stakeholders at a poverty forum at Patuxent Presbyterian Church in California last week with David Shipler, an award winning journalist and author of the book The Working Poor, Invisible in America as the keynote speaker.

Shipler’s book has become a national bestseller and has shed light on what he says is a growing national problem.

“The issue strikes a cord

of concern that runs broadly through society,” Shipler said.

“To understand poverty we have to understand it’s not a problem but a constellation of problems.

“And we have to connect the dots to understand those problems.”

Shipler said that those other problems included poor education and family life while growing up as well as other factors like drug and alcohol abuse.

The initial report for St. Mary’s shows that there were higher number of treatment admissions into drug rehabilitation programs than in Calvert and Charles counties and that drug related juvenile arrests had increased 14.3 percent from fiscal year 2003 to 2005.

The report also stated that the percentage of high school seniors who use drugs is higher than the state average.

“Poverty is [in some cases] an inherited legacy of being badly educated or badly raised,” Shipler said. “The free market system is ingenious but it’s not perfect; it leaves people behind.”

Shipler said that the county’s greatest economic asset, the Patuxent River Naval Air Station with its high technology jobs, might also be helping to create a greater gap between the poor and the affluent.

“It’s pretty typical [of the rest of the country],” Shipler said of the situation for the working poor here. “The problem’s [likely] exacerbated by the military, which brings in people with higher incomes.

“You have a kind of disparity.”

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National Best-Selling author David Shipler (front) talks with Bennett Connelly, director of the Local Management Board of St. Mary’s County, Inc. during a forum on poverty and the working poor March 29.

Shipler authored the book “The Working Poor: Invisible in America” which has shed light on the plight of Americans who are gainfully employed but struggling day to day to meet basic needs.