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Thursday, November 1, 2007 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland
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Walden Tops Suspect Faces Double Attempted Murder In The State Charge For Helping Addictions Outpatients By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A report from the Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration places Walden/Sierra, the county’s premier addictions and crisis intervention health agency, as having the top success rates in treating outpatients in the state for publicly funded programs. Statistics from the study show that nearly 79 percent of outpatients in St. Mary’s County who attend Walden/Sierra treatment stay in treatment 90 days or longer. The state average of patients staying in treatment for 90 days or more is only 60 percent, the data showed. County clients of Walden’s services were discharged from treatment successfully about 65 percent of the time as opposed to the state’s average of just 43 percent of patients discharged successfully. Kathleen O’Brien, executive director of Walden/Sierra, said that data showed that the longer clients stay in treatment the better the chance they have of successfully beating their substance addictions. O’Brien’s said Walden/Sierra’s success was due to continual training of staff to provide the best treatment and counseling possible and providing access to people struggling with addictions. “We really put a lot of emphasis on access to treatment and using methods that are scientifically based to work,” O’Brien said. “We really have to be able to measure what we are doing.” Counselors go through weekly training and evaluation sessions together, O’Brien said, to evaluate how their clients are responding to treatment and what methods appear to be working the most. See Walden page A-
An alleged serial burglar captured by detectives with the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations faces two counts of attempted murder for allegedly using his getaway vehicle to ram a sheriff’s office vehicle during police attempts to arrest him. According to police charging documents BCI
Det. Antonio Malaspina observed the suspect, Guy Vivian Butler, 42, driving a stolen vehicle Oct. 26 at the intersection of Chancellors Run Road and Great Mills Road and attempted to stop the suspect. It was then, charging documents allege, that Butler refused to stop and led sheriff’s deputies and Maryland State Police on a high speed pursuit, sometimes topping speeds of 90 miles an hour on slick, wet roads. The suspect allegedly ran other motorists off the road in order to escape, charging documents state, and eventually made his way to the First
Colony Shopping Center where he sped through at about 50 miles an hour. Citizens had to dodge the suspect’s vehicle, charging documents allege, to avoid being struck. Butler continued to flee police at a high rate of speed, charging documents allege, for about 15 more miles and struck a sheriff’s patrol car operated by Deputy Jean Vezzosi in an attempt to escape. Deputy Anthony Wipkey was also in the vehicle allegedly struck by Butler in the escape attempt.
Portions of Emergency Plan Found to be Copied by County Official By Adam Ross Staff Writer
7-minutes worth of prepared comments, but his conviction did little to sway them: the board vetoed Mattingly’s motion by a 4 to 1 vote. Not even Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills), Mattingly’s confidant, could support the legislation that cost new home constructions on private well systems up to $12,500 in additional construction costs – 42
Portions of St. Mary County’s Debris Management Operational Plan, authored by Public Works and Transportation Director George Erichsen, were lifted directly from sections of the New Orleans Emergency Management Plan, without citation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Erichsen’s 90page document just last month, which designates the county up to 75 percent reimbursement on federal disaster assistance. Erichsen and local leaders hailed the plan as the first of its kind in the state, and several jurisdictions are using it as a framework in developing similar plans. While the document touches on many issues specific to St. Mary’s County, portions on weather forecasting, rainfall and flooding, storm surges, tornadoes, and evacuation and traffic control are copied from the New Orleans plan and various Web sites. Erichsen said last week that the plan was tailored specifically to St. Mary’s County and “hadn’t come off the shelf somewhere.” And again on Monday, Erichsen said not only did he not reference any other plans, but also that there weren’t any in existence that he could have used. Yet, when confronted with The County Times’ findings, Erichsen adjusted his statement and admitted to using the popular Internet search engine, google.com, to reference “eight to 12 emergency plans” across the country. “Bits and pieces were modeled after others,” Erichsen said Monday. “New Orleans was a good example just to see what other folks did in high risk areas, compared to oth-
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Photo Courtesy of St. Mary’s College of Maryland
President Maggie O’Brien congratulates key members of the green power initiative. From Left: Randy Larsen, assistant professor of chemistry and co-chair of College’s Campus Sustainability Committee, students Rachel Clement and Meredith Epstein, co-presidents of the Student Environmental Action Committee, O’Brien, Tom Dennison, SMECO Public Relations and Marketing Director, and Larry Hartwick, co-chair of the Campus Sustainability Committee.
Students Levy Tax on Themselves for Green Energy By Adam Ross Staff Writer In taxing themselves annually, the students of St. Mary’s College of Maryland are purchasing enough renewable energy credits to reduce the college’s greenhouse gas emissions by 14.2 million pounds a year.
In overwhelming fashion, students voted to purchase the credits after the college denied funding for the initiative, according to Meredith Epstein, copresident of the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC). A referendum held on campus drew about 1,000 of the 1,800-student population, and 90 percent favored paying an annual $25 tax to convert See Green page A-
Commissioners Pass Watered Down Residential Sprinkler Ordinance By Adam Ross Staff Writer Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D-Leonardtown) has been a volunteer fire fighter for 42 years, so it was no surprise when he choked up Monday night while urging his constituents to support a residential sprinkler mandate on all newly constructed single and two family home constructions utilizing public or shared water systems maintained by the Metropolitan Commission, and subdivisions with six or more lots. The commissioners listened intently as Mattingly delivered more than
Inside Op.-Ed .......... Page A - 4 Obituaries..... Page A - 9 Community... Page B - 3 Police ............ Page B - 5 Games........... Page B - 6 Classifieds..... Page B - 7
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Advocates Use Ghostly Themes To Promote Lighthouse Preservation By Guy Leonard Staff Writer It was a dark and stormy night at the Point Lookout Lighthouse Oct. 26, a fitting backdrop for the haunted house tour the Point Lookout Lighthouse Preservation Society put on to raise money for restorations on the old structure. While the perennial favorite “Spirits of Point Lookout” walking tour was cancelled that night due to severe rain, people still showed up for the ghostly lighthouse tour. Tour participants were greeted with campy but fun Halloween-like decorations as they made their way through the aging and deteriorated lighthouse interior. A fog machine rolled out billowing heads of mist, and when visitors sang a few lines of Dixie an “apparition” of a long dead Civil War Confederate captain (a community member Photo by Guy Leonard dressed to look the part) appeared to Justin Reichard, of Mechanicsville, adjusts a spooky mannequin in preparation for a tour of See Ghosts page A- the Point Lookout Lighthouse to raise funds for its eventual renovation.
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wal-Mart Super Center Shows St. Mary’s As A Burgeoning Market By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Economic development advocates and government officials view the recent opening of the Wal-Mart Super Center in California as a sign that the local economy of St. Mary’s County has come into its own in its ability to attract big time retail stores. “There’s no doubt this place is attractive to big box stores,” said Bob Schaller, director of Department of Economic and Community Development. “When the super WalMart opened up it was like we’ve arrived.” The Wal-Mart Super Center held its grand opening last week after months of construction expansion to add services like automotive care and grocery shopping all under
one roof. John Canady, manager of the super center, said the level of convenience was what local retail customers were looking for. “We’ve pretty much exceeded expectations,” Canady said of the sales and foot traffic levels expected for the new store. “The customers are very happy with the store. “I talk to a handful of them everyday and they just love it.” The Wal-Mart grand opening also brought in 300 new jobs to the area, which remain filled, Canday said, bringing the total number of employees at the store on Miramar Drive to 550 people. “They’re now one of the major employers in the county,” Schaller said. Wal-Mart even rivals county government and its 700 employees,
with the jobs it now provides. Patuxent River Naval Air Station, with all the associated contractors that provide services and products, still comprises the largest piece of the jobs pie. One of the great strengths WalMart provides is the low consumer prices it brings in through its buying power. Wal-Mart is at the very top of the list of Fortune 500 companies, the largest in the world, with revenues of more than $351 billion this year according to figures from CNNMoney.com, along with $11 billion in profits. It is also the top general merchandiser in the country, CNNMoney.com reports, with Target, another local, popular big box store, coming in second behind it in that category. However, Target is only 33rd on
the overall Fortune 500 list. Wal-Mart’s status means that it can cajole suppliers to sell to them at much reduced prices. “Wal-Mart is Fortune No. 1,” Schaller said, adding that WalMart’s revenues rival the gross domestic product (GDP) of some developed countries. “It has that kind of influence.” While that means highly competitive prices for local consumers, Schaller said it has negative effects as well. “It’s a double edged sword,” Schaller said. “It’s welcomed by consumers, but for the small shops it’s going to be hard to compete.” With the new Wal-Mart’s competitive pricing on so many items, now including groceries, Schaller said, smaller food store chains could suffer. He pointed to the upcoming auction of Raley’s food store in Ridge as a prime example of what could happen to smaller businesses as a result of the super Wal-Mart’s entry to the county.
“But that’s what markets do is redirect resources,” Schaller said. “Wal-Mart is a lot like the old community store but it’s done on a mega scale.” John Savich, county administrator, said that Wal-Mart’s presence in the county proved that the economy was vibrant and competitive, exactly what a community wanted to have to get the best services and products for its money. “You want a competitive market place,” Savich said. “Particularly since we’re underserved compared to metropolitan areas for retail.” Neither Savich nor Schaller could say what the overall or long term impacts of the super center would be on the community, but they were sure that consumers would benefit. As to Wal-Mart’s growth being the harbinger of high end retail like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s or other stores found in Waldorf, Rockville and Tyson’s Corner, Va. coming to the county, it was not likely because the location would not support it. “We’re going to be where Southern Maryland works, not where it shops,” Savich said.
Sex Offender Charged With Assaulting 3-Year-Old By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
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A security guard at Patuxent Inn who is also a registered sex offender employed on work release has been alledgedly arrested for kissing a 3-year-old girl at his place of work. According to charging documents, detectives with the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations allege that Cleveland D. Hall, was restricted from having contact with children under 18 years old. Hall was arrested Monday by BCI Detective William Raddatz after he learned that the mother of the child had filed a report with the sheriff’s office patrol division alleging that the contact Hall had with her child while in a parked car was unwanted. “It’s a brazen act for him to enter a car and have contact with children especially knowning that the conditions of his work release restricted him from having unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18,” Raddatz said. Judge Karen Abrams approved the work release order for Hall, Raddatz said, and he
was eligible for work release starting Aug. 28. Raddatz told The County Times that Hall was accused of fondling a minor last year, a 9-year-old child he was baby sitting at the time. Hall took an Alford plea to a fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault in regards to that case and was sentenced to 18 months incarceration at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center with five years of supervised release, Raddatz said. Charging documents allege that the incident occurred when the mother of the 3-yearold, who is also employed at Patuxent Inn in California came into work to sign a card for a gift for another employee Oct. 26. The mother asked the front desk clerk, who allegedly witnessed Hall kiss the child, to watch her children who were in the vehicle outside while she went to the restroom, charging documents state. The clerk, charging documents allege, saw Hall enter the mother’s car but did not think it was a problem because of his employment as a security guard there at the hotel.
When the mother returned she found Hall in the vehicle and asked him to leave. When she was leaving the hotel parking lot the 3-year-old victim told their mother that they had bitten Hall, who she did not know, because he kissed her on the cheek, court papers say. Charging documents went on to state that Hall called the mother of the child and joked with her that he had given her child a nickname, “chompers,” because the victim had bitten him. Management at the Patuxent Inn declined to comment on the situation involving Hall, but Raddatz said that staff had called him last week to find out about Hall’s status as a sex offender. “I don’t know if he told them [about Hall’s status as a sex offender] before he was hired,” Raddatz said. According to charging documents when Raddatz went to interview Hall at the detention center Hall declined to give any statement. Hall’s work release privileges have been revoked, Raddatz said, and he remains incarcerated at the detention center.
Contractor Pleads Guilty To Clean Air Act Violations By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A supervisor for an asbestos abatement company contracted to do cleanup activities at Patuxent River Naval Air Station has pleaded guilty to violating Clean Air Act statutes in federal court. According to information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland Robert Langill, of Massachusetts, ordered the improper removal of asbestos laden panels from buildings that were set for renovation or demolition on the U.S. Navy base between Oct. 2003 and January 8, 2004. “Robert Langhill intentionally violated federal work practice standards established to protect people the environment from harmful exposure to asbestos,” U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said. “We will continue to prosecute individuals who violate the very laws that they are entrusted to comply with.”
According to the plea deal Langhill made with federal prosecutors Oct. 26, the facts of the case are that workers under Langhill’s direction were ordered to remove the asbestos-laden panels by smashing into them with hammers and crowbars, allowing it to fall to the ground and release the possibly toxic asbestos fibers. The panels removed from one of three buildings on base were not adequately watered down to prevent the spread of the asbestos, information from the U.S. Attorney’s office stated, nor was there any notice given to the Maryland Department of the Environment about the methods used to remove the paneling. Federal documents also state that unlabelled and improperly sealed bags of the asbestos-containing panels were kept on the base overnight in a truck owned by the company Langhill, 45, worked for. The investigation in-
volved personnel from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Environmental Protection Agency in Philadelphia, Penn. and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as well. “Asbestos, a known carcinogen, can risk public health if not removed properly and the EPA will not tolerate illegal activity which puts the public at risk,” said David Dillon, special agent in charge of the EPA’s criminal division. “Those who endanger human health and the environment will be vigorously prosecuted.” Langhill faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the crime and a possible fine of $250,000. U.S. District Court Judge Peter Messite has scheduled Langhill’s sentencing hearing for January 10 of next year.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
The County Times
Section A -
O’Malley Talks $11 Million Cut to St. Mary’s By Adam Ross Staff Writer Some legislators are calling it a scare tactic, but any way you slice it, Gov. Martin O’Malley got the attention of the Maryland General Assembly when he threatened passing a $1.7 billion shortfall onto the counties if his budget plan were not passed in a special session that began this week. St. Mary’s County would lose nearly $11 million in the doomsday scenario, which would primarily impact education, and teacher and librarian retirement payments. Specifically, $4.3 million in education would be cut, $1.1 million in retirement payments, $3.25 million for entitlement programs like Medicaid and foster care, and $700,00 for open space. A slew of state lawmakers have chastised O’Malley for what they call “politics of fear,” and are working towards consensus for fairly distributed cuts across the board. However, O’Malley’s plan, which revolves around tax hikes and legalized gambling, is yet to receive bipartisan support. A special session started Monday night with a light speech from O’Malley to a joint chamber. “The speech was very light on substance, no specifics, and not a lot of energy,” said House Minority Whip Anthony J. O’Donnell (R-Calvert, St. Mary’s). “There was no applause, and the energy level doesn’t seem to be very supportive of historic tax increases on Marylanders.” A special session cannot last longer than 30 days by law, leaving some skeptical that O’Malley’s most watched test since taking office in January will blow up right in front of his eyes. O’Donnell said he expects the session to last a couple of weeks, with committees action anticipated by the end of the week. O’Malley’s budget proposal includes revamping the income tax brackets, and increasing taxes on high-income filers – possibly raising $163 million a year. It also includes an increase on the state’s sales tax from 5 cents on the dollar to 6 cents, a revenue increase of $730 million a year. O’Malley wants to tax four services not being taxed now, including health clubs, massage services and real estate property management services, raising revenues by $74 million a year. Republicans have put up a heavy resistance to O’Malley’s plan, saying they won’t support tax increases. Legalizing slot machines remains a stumbling block as well to the plan, which is not supported by a 14-member Senate GOP caucus that views slots as an extra tax on Marylanders. Acting in a special session will allow the state to collect new revenues on Jan.1; six months earlier than if a vote was taken during the 90-day legislative session. Democratic lawmakers have voiced support for O’Malley, but remain uncomfortable with specific parts of the plan. Just how the state got to where it is today is still a topic for debate. Some blame income tax breaks in 1997, others say it’s been mounting for years under previous governors who didn’t address overspending of revenues. Thornton initiative is one example of the spending that has taken
place. In 2002, the legislature ramped up state aid for public education by $1.3 billion, but in doing so they didn’t identify how the funding would be given for longer than one year. Delegates toted Thornton as a great achievement, and urged counties to follow in their footsteps and fund educational increases. Now
with a $1.7 billion estimated structural deficit, educational cuts appear more likely. The St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners wrote a letter to St. Mary’s lawmakers urging them to treat counties fairly in the special session. While definitive answers have not yet been given, Republicans are proposing
slowing the rate of spending, meaning program cuts across the board, in order to bring the budget in line with revenues. However, if O’Malley’s plan fails, $886.2 million in aid would have to be cut from the counties. The slash in funding to the counties would add up to more than 40 percent of the proposed cuts. Roughly
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$790 million would be cut from state programs, meaning layoffs of 10 percent to the non-public safety and higher education workforce. “There seems to be a great deal of skepticism in the legislature regarding the impact to the counties,” O’Donnell said. “I don’t think anybody anticipates
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massive cuts to the counties, but by the same token we can’t increase spending the way we are, we need to tighten the belt on spending.” Dels. John Bohanan (D- St. Mary’s) and John F. Wood Jr. (D-Charles, St. Mary’s) couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday.
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The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Editorial & Opinion not taxed today. In addition, the Governor proposes to increase the state income tax as well as a $1 per pack increase on cigarettes. As Delegate Tony O’Donnell, the minority leader in the Maryland House said Monday: “The Governor has called the General Assembly into session for the express purpose of raising taxes and raiding the bank accounts of Maryland’s working families. We are being forced to look at these tax bills without the context of a budget, as we would in the regular legislative session. Maryland citizens will have to cut their own household budgets to pay higher taxes, while the Governor and the General Assembly refuse to look at the state budget”. Christopher Summers, President of the Maryland Public Policy Institute said: “Annapolis leaders seem to believe that they have little need to constrain their spending”. Summers added: “Mary-
Referendum Always A Good Idea The Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly is underway in Annapolis. It wasn’t that hard to predict back last winter when Maryland’s newly elected Governor was busy spending the state’s $1.5 billion dollar surplus which his predecessor, Governor Ehrlich had managed to tuck away so that Maryland would avoid exactly what O’Malley wanted to create, a “fiscal crisis”. A “fiscal crisis”, why would any Governor want to create that you ask? A year ago when O’Malley was campaigning across the state, as he did during his time in Baltimore as Mayor, he was more focused on saying things that would get him elected whether or not they were accurate or Maryland had the ability to afford it. For instance, O’Malley lashed out constantly that the
72% electric rate increased proposed by the utility companies was unjustified, Ehrlich and his Public Service Commission were too “cozy” with the utilities, and if elected Governor he would stop it. Look what actually happened, with the recent rate increase approved by the O’Malley administration and his Public Service Commission; compounded with the rate increase previous to that, homeowners are actually paying more than they would have been with the “cozy” Ehrlich administration. While keeping promises about holding down utility rate increases, ending sweetheart deals on public lands, and prioritizing funding for education has now proven to be campaign rhetoric, O’Malley wants to be able over the next three years to keep his other campaign promise to spend
Maryland into prosperity. This means, more money, more taxes. Do you want to pay more taxes? Of course not, but in a “crisis” certainly you are willing to do your part. So now, the good life as we know it demands that as Marylander’s we must be ready to sacrifice for the good of the all. Interestingly, the Republican caucus in Annapolis recently presented a plan that would save Maryland without the need to raise taxes, control spending was their solution, but that would take Maryland back to the Ehrlich plan, not progressive enough for Maryland. So now with the Special Session underway in Annapolis, the Governor is asking for sweeping tax increases. The big increases are a 20% increase in sales tax plus applying sales tax to a variety of goods and services that are
Osprey Ball a Success Thanks to Community Support As Co-Chairs of the recently held Osprey Ball we would like to thank some special individuals and Corporations for helping make this event one of the most successful to date. The Osprey Ball is sponsored by the Saint Clements’ Hundred in conjunction with the 7th District Optimist Club and their annual Blessing of the Fleet. The purpose of the Saint Clements Hundred is to promote interest in and involvement with St. Mary’s County and in particular St. Clements Island, and to stimulate gifts, contributions and funding for restoration and maintenance of the island and for awareness of its history. In 1999, Saint Clements Hundred developed a concept plan to construct a replica of the historic Blackistone Lighthouse on Saint Clements’ Island. The original lighthouse was financed by Congress in 1849, went into operation in 1851 and was destroyed by a fire in 1956. The proceeds of this very successful event will be applied towards reconstruction of the
Blackistone Lighthouse, now under construction and scheduled for completion in the Spring of 2008. In particular we would like to thank the following volunteers: Mary Hyatt, Ray Bailey and the members of the 7th District Optimist Club, Bobby Kopel, Dick Gass, Bo Bailey, Johnny Madel, Kim Cullins, Beverly Bailey, Doug Mackey for his ice sculpture, and David Taylor of Phocus Video Communications. In addition, a special thank you to the corporate sponsors: Toyota of Waldorf, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Community Bank of Tri-County, McKays Food & Drug, Smartronis, Taylor Gas, Southern Maryland Oil, PPI and St. Mary’s Collerge. Many thanks to all those who participated and made this event such an enjoyable and successful evening. Ann Emery Susan Gough Co-Chairpersons - Osprey Ball 2007 geothermal heating and cooling system. the Furthermore, Maryland Historic Trust during a recent visit reaffirmed its earlier judgment that the project did not endanger the City’s historic character. As a matter of fact, the College was founded in 1840 by the state legislature as the first effort to create a living monument to the original capital of Maryland. A complete description of the permitting process can be found on the College’s Web site at www.smcm. edu/facilities/rcFAQs. 2) The College understands that some of its neighbors are upset that the construction of the Rowing Center in its current location momentarily disturbs the preexisting views of the river as one heads north on Route 5. Upon learning of the depth of some of these feelings, the College did what good neighbors ought to do – we opened up a dialogue to assess the nature of the complaints, and we devised a process to resolve the dispute. Two open forums were held on campus on August 29 and September 2. An audience of approximately 100 community members, students, faculty, and staff attended each meeting. As a result of some of the strong sentiment expressed during these meetings, the College established the “4 Cs” advisory committee consisting of 7 self-identified members of the community, 2 members from Trinity Church parish, 2 members from Historic St. Mary’s City, 3 members from the College staff, and 4 college students. Some have suggested that the
TO: St. Mary’s County Commissioners Francis J. Russell, President Daniel H. Raley, VicePresident Kenneth R. Dement Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr. Lawrence D. Jarboe FROM: Jane Margaret O’Brien, President St. Mary’s College is committed to a good-neighbor policy. Over the past decade, we have made a determined effort to enhance service to the community. Examples include the popular River Concert Series, certification by the Project Management Institute as a project management provider, hundreds of hours of student volunteer efforts in the schools and projects such as Christmas-in-April, the home for Special Olympic Maryland sailing, community sailing and sports camps, a competition-sized pool in the new Athletic and Recreation Center used by local swimming groups, the County Scholarship Program to encourage local students to stay local by attending St. Mary’s College, an attractive dining facility that is used by the community, special programs for area high-school students, arts outreach programs for the area high schools, and a new Masters of Arts in Teaching program (M.A.T.) to better serve the needs of the school district. We are distressed that this strong record of community support has been disturbed by controversy over the new Rowing Center which houses our water safety equipment and rowing shells
up to 63 feet in length. We strongly oppose the proposed new state legislation to ensure community involvement in future construction and we do not support the proposal that is before you. In the case of the Rowing Center, our intention was not to be oblivious to neighborhood interests. In order to ensure that this kind of disagreement does not occur again at such a late stage in a construction project, the College is committed to instituting a program of public meetings early in the planning process of all future capital projects. Over the past several weeks the subject of the College’s Rowing Center has been very much in the news. Throughout that time we have listened to the various criticisms, and we have responded in a respectful fashion in group and private settings. It is now time for the College to go on the record with its accounting of events. 1) The waterfront development project has been in the works since program planning began in 2000. The permitting process associated with the project began in 2001, and all of the necessary permits were obtained in the prescribed fashion. After first claiming that the College side-stepped elements of the permitting process, opponents now claim that the institution was “legally correct but morally wrong” despite the fact that this project will reduce storm water runoff by 32% and will have strong “green” building elements such as a
land lawmakers cannot tax Maryland into prosperity”. O’Malley never discussed tax increases while he was running for Governor just a year ago. In spite of spending millions of dollars on ads telling voters all the things he would do if elected Governor, O’Malley never mentioned he would propose such sweeping tax increases. If the Governor had shared his plans with the voters and was elected Governor, then few could argue that the voters are getting what they believe is fair. The Governor did state while campaigning his support for slot machines in Maryland. Along with the various tax increase proposals, the Legislature will be asked to approve a slots proposal that would send the issue to Maryland voters by way of a Referendum. The Governor is proposing to let the voters decide by placing the question on the November 2008 ballot, the same time voters will be electing a new President.
If the Governor is asking the Legislature to let the voters decide the slots issue, which seems fair, why not let the voters decide if the state sales tax should be increased? Then Maryland voters can decide to either pay more of their hard earned dollars to finance the spending policies of Annapolis, or to tell their elected representatives to go back to Annapolis and work to find solutions to Maryland’s spending problems. Think about this: our nation is in the sixth year of a national economic expansion. Most states and local governments in this country have budget surpluses; even Maryland had a $1.5 billion dollar surplus a year ago under Governor Ehrlich. Since then Maryland’s spending has increased by 18%. If O’Malley and the Legislature cannot manage the state’s finances in good times, what will they do if there is an economic downturn? Let the voters decide.
Oyster Festival Recently the 41st Annual St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival was held at the Leonardtown Fairgrounds. The purpose of the festival is to celebrate the treasures of the Chesapeake, while supporting a variety of long- standing charities. The Festival also provides a wonderful opportunity to come out, visit with old friends, sample Southern Maryland specialties and enjoy the entertainment provided by some of St. Mary’s County’s best performers. While it is impossible to thank each individual who helped, the Lexington Park Rotary Club would like to express its appreciation to all the people and organizations who have contributed to the success and popularity of the Festival with their hard work, generosity and support. These groups included the Jolly Gents, St. Maries Optimist, Mechanicsville Optimist, Seventh District Optimist, Third District Optimist, Job’s Daughter’s, Woman’s Club of St. Mary’s County, Charlotte Hall Rotary Club, Leonardtown Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club of St. Mary’s, and the Art Association, community members were handpicked as rubber stamps to a predetermined College position. Nothing could be further from the truth, and the suggestion is an insult to all who volunteered countless hours to help resolve an issue that is contentious to some. The group was facilitated by Robin Roberts of Resolve, a professional facilitation firm, and eight meetings and frequent electronic exchanges among the members led to the completion of a report containing a number of recommendations and suggestions. This report was presented to the Building and Grounds Committee of the Board of Trustees at a special meeting held on October 5. 3) While the 4 Cs committee could not reach a consensus on two overriding options – to move or not to move the Rowing Center – we did identify the pros and cons of each option and we did distill 14 possible move options down to two. Three members from the community spoke about the committee’s process and advocated for their positions. The Buildings and Grounds Committee chairperson thanked the entire committee for its good-faith effort and the hundreds of hours that went into producing the report. On October
The Unique Boutique, Belles of St. Mary’s, McKay’s Food and Drug, Sunshines Catering, Copsey’s Seafood and Circle C Oyster Ranchers. Every year our out of town guests can’t say enough about the warm hospitality extended to them. This year we are especially grateful to our major corporate sponsors, Northrop Grumman, Wyle Labs, and Comcast, our supporters, Boeing, Mantech, Lockheed Martin, Printing Press, Inc., Sign Designs, Inc., St. Mary’s Count DECD, and our Patrons, MIL Corporation, DCS Corporation, The Tides Restaurant, Hampton Inn- Lexington Park, Mirant Mid- Atlantic, CSC Range Engineering Services, and The Patuxent Partnership. Their generosity helps the many participating civic and charitable groups as they work to build our community and make it a wonderful place for the families of St. Mary’s County.
6 the Buildings and Grounds Committee reported the outcome of the 4 Cs work to the full Board and indicated that it would make a progress report at the next meeting of the Board of Trustees on December 1. The full report of the 4 Cs is posted on the College Web site at http://www.smcm. edu/4C/report. 4) As was discussed in the open meetings and in the 4 Cs committee, while the College undertakes an assessment of the options in the advisory committee’s report the construction of the main River Center building will proceed. 5) While the College is now in the midst of a goodfaith effort to work the issue of the Rowing Center to resolution, some have continued to press their agenda for an immediate decision to move the building. Unfortunately, the campaign to move the Rowing Center has also included implied threats of arson which the College has taken seriously, as it must to protect the well-being of its students. Security has been enhanced, and the involvement of state and local authorities has been sought. We will not take the threat of violence lightly, and we will resist threats vigorously. 6) It has been suggested that the lack of an immediate
David L. Taylor Administrator California, Md decision to move the Rowing Center suggests an institutional arrogance. What it really suggests is an institution committed to balancing the needs of its students with the interests of its neighbors in a thoughtful and fair process, with all sides being heard. St. Mary’s has had an independent Board since its founding in 1840, and the hard work of senior statesmen -- including J. Frank Raley and William Donald Schaefer -- has kept the Board independent through its evolution into a four-year college and its distinction as Maryland’s “public honors college” by the State Legislature in 1992. St. Mary’s has been called the nation’s only charter college because of its unique governance structure that has been critical to its rise as one of America’s “Top 25 Hottest Schools” (Newsweek, August 27, 2007). Furthermore, almost one-half of the trustees live in southern Maryland or maintain residences here. These individuals are connected closely to the interests of this region, whereas a remote Board of Regents with little or no involvement in our region would only distance the College from its community. The very suggestion runs counter to the incredible legSee Letter page A-10
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The County Times
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Walden
Three Oaks Shelter to Examine Relocation Sites By Adam Ross Staff Writer The St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners pledged up to $35,000 from its commissioner reserve Monday for identifying possible relocation sites for the Three Oaks Homeless Shelter. The commissioners signed a memorandum of understanding, and passed a budget amendment for the shelter, which is located next to what used to be the Lexington Manor neighborhood. The county owns the entire property and is looking at plausible redevelopment opportunities for the northern 41 acres, including the area where the homeless shelter is located. “With this memorandum of understanding it will provide funds to the board of directors of the center and begin to identify possible sites,” said Robin Finnacom, president and CEO of the St. Mary’s Community Development Corporation. “This
is a way to get the three oaks board to start looking at sites that are supportive of what their needs are, so a relocation can be made when that is warranted.” The redevelopment Lexington Manor, also known as the flat tops, is still in its early stages. By signing the MOU, the planning process can formally begin, according to Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills). “If everything is done right we will have laid the groundwork so three oaks can move on,” Raley added, “which is what we all want.” The study of a new location is to report back in the next month or two. Even though the money was taken from the commissioners’ reserve, it is their hope that the initiative will eventually generate income for the county. Raley talked about the county having a unique opportunity to do something “special” with the property, which is located right outside of the Paxtuent River Naval
Cecil’s Old Mill Emily Finch 30 October 2007 Historic Cecil’s Old Mill in Great Mills is an arts and crafts shop featuring talented local artists and offering
crops failed due to poor soil conditions the trio shut the factory down and moved the machinery in 1822 to Savage, MD (Howard County). (They helped start Savage Mill, which contributed
Section A -
This attention to detail was also a key component to Walden’s success. “We have a strong emphasis on evaluating staff and programs,” O’Brien said. “We have the responsibility to do the best we can with tax dollars. “We have the hear and soul of a non-profit but the mind of a business. We can’t just say we’re doing good things and that we’re nice people.” Counselors at Walden/Sierra say that making the programs and services they have their successful comes at a high price but that the of helping addicted people are worth it. “It requires a lot of you emotionally,” said counselor Veronica Gonzalez. “But the group [of other addictions counselors] that makes a huge
difference.” The staff, Gonzalez said, leans on each other for ideas in dealing with clients, how to treat them best if a counselor is out of ideas, and just sharing experiences on the job. In treating clients at Walden/Sierra, said counselor Sharon Sorrell, those providing the treatment often had multiple layers of problems to deal with in battling addiction. “You tend to find a history of domestic violence and sexual abuse, especially in women,” Sorrell said. “You find there’s so much there.” Treatment at Walden/Sierra for outpatients includes getting the client to recognize that their addiction is in fact a problem and that it is costing them dearly. The patient must then realize that they have to change their behavior and their lifestyle to beat their addiction. “It’s when you see the change in their thought pattern” that a counselor knows
the patient is making progress, Sorrell said. Gonzalez said that success is not measured by whether or not a client ever relapses and turns to their addiction again, but rather if the overall situation of the client has improved. “Success is… did we improve their quality of life?” Gonzalez said. “Did we help them get to that point? They have to want it for themselves.” Another key aspect of Walden’s success, O’Brien and her counselor’s said, was maintaining the dignity of clients through their ordeal. The stigma of addictions was heavy, they said, and could keep an addict from returning for treatment. Addictions could afflict anyone, Sorrell said. “They’re your doctors and lawyers and your prostitutes and hobos,” Sorrell said. “They’re everybody.”
of wheat into fifty barrels of flour daily. The sawmill eventually closed in 1959 with the death of H. Robb Cecil. Cecil’s Mill was the first roller mill in the county and the last standing operational mill in Southern Maryland. After sitting unused for over 15 years, J. Allen Cecil and William F. Cecil donated the mill to the St. Mary’s County Historical Society in 1975. They had hopes the mill would be restored into a museum. The next year, the St. Mary’s County Bicentennial Commission operated Cecil’s Mill for the sale of arts and crafts as part of the bicentennial year celebration. In 1977, the St. Mary’s County Art Association continued the continued the sale of locally produced arts and
crafts by leasing the mill from the Historical Society. Cecil’s Mill Historic District was entered in 1978 on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior under the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. William J. (Bill) Clements began the restoration process in 1981 when he first noticed the diesel engine at the mill. He worked nights and weekends for two years until he was finally able to run the antique for the first time in over 20 years in March 1983. That winter, Clements began work on the sawmill, having the 1920’s Number 2 American saw completely restored and operational in 1987. Restoration of the steel overshot waterwheel was completed in 2002 and
is currently operational. The Cecil’s Historic District, Inc. took over the mill in 1995 Currently, Cecil’s Old Mill is sponsored by the St. Mary’s County Art Association. Many events for the Art Association are held there. This weekend, November 3-4, Cecil’s Old Mill will be hosting the Taste of The Mill. Visit the store for more upcoming events. Historic Cecil’s Old Mill Arts and Crafts Shop is located on Indian Bridge Road in Great Mills. They are open daily in November and December from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call the shop during business hours at 301994-1510 or visit the website at www.stmarysart.com.
Continued from page A-
Air Station. “A whole lot of things have to happen for this to materialize,” Raley said. “A whole lot of pieces have to become in line.” Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) made sure to note that less than $35,000 could be used. Consultants will likely analyze preliminary budget estimates to construct a new facility for the homeless shelter, and to renovate an existing structure. “The key two words is ‘up to,’” Jarboe stressed of the $35,000 allotted for the study. “Thirty five thousand is coming out of the commissioner reserve, but if the deal moves forward we are going to get reimbursed,” Raley added. “If the sale doesn’t materialize, than to some degree [we] lose $35,000.” Raley made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Kenneth Dement (R-Callaway).
son, John T. Cecil, demolished the old factory in 1900, saving only the overshot water wheel with main drive and gearing, and built the current three-story roller mill. (The steel overshot water wheel was more efficient than wooden undershot wheels at the time.) H. Robb Cecil took over
Photo by Emily Finch
The three-story building now housing Cecil’s Old Mill Arts and Craft Shop was built in 1900 after John T. Cecil demolished the 90 year old textile factory existing on the lot.
delicious homemade breads and jams. It is just another typical craft shop, right? Wrong. Cecil’s Old Mill has a fascinating history dating back to the beginnings of the 1800’s and is still continuing today. The site where the mill is built first belonged to William Hebb, Peter Gough and William Sommerville in 1810, who built a textile factory there in hopes that cotton would make more profit than the current leader, tobacco. After all the cotton
greatly to the Civil War and both World Wars, and has also recently been restored into a local arts and craft shop.) The building in Great Mills was sold to John Hopkins in 1834. Hopkins started Clifton Fabric with the factory, weaving house, cannery, sawmill and sulfur house, and the company became very well-known. Despite Clifton Fabric’s prominence, Hopkins sold the land and mill to William W. Cecil in 1882. His
the mill in 1927 when John T. Cecil died. That same year, the front room was added and the 50 horsepower Fairbanks Morse diesel engine that had supplied electricity to Leonardtown through Leonardtown Light and Power Company (founded by William F. Cecil) was moved to the mill as an alternative power source. The gristmill closed in 1940 due to lack of trade, leaving only the sawmill up and running. At its peak, the mill could turn ten bushels
Photo by Emily Finch
Remnants from the days when the building was used as a mill are littered throughout the store. This bagger, for example, is near the Christmas-themed room. Most pieces and parts have been restored and are fully-operational.
St. Mary's City St. Mary’s City DATE Fri. Nov. 2 Sat. Nov. 3 Sun. Nov. 4 Mon. Nov. 5 Tue. Nov. 6 Wed. Nov 7 Thu. Nov. 8
Photo by Emily Finch
Historic Cecil’s Old Mill is open Monday through Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 11-5 throughout November and December. This weekend they will hold Taste of the Mill. Call 301-994-1510 for more information.
LOW 2:41 a.m. 3:36 a.m. 3:29 a.m. 4:18 a.m. 5:03 a.m. 5:45 a.m. 6:23 a.m.
HIGH 8:43 a.m. 9:46 a.m. 9:44 a.m. 10:36 a.m. 11:23 p.m. 12:06 p.m. 12:45 p.m.
LOW 2:51 p.m. 3:54 p.m. 3:53 p.m. 4:48 p.m. 5:39 p.m. 6:26 p.m. 7:10 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." "-44 min." "+9 min." "+58 min." "-3 min."
LOW "+29 min." "+45 min." "+24 min." "+19 min." "-8 min." "+63 min." "+63 min."
HIGH 9:10 p.m. 9:13 p.m. 10:09 p.m. 11:00 p.m. 11:46 a.m. 12:30 a.m. 1:11 a.m.
The County Times
Section A -
Ramblings of a Country Girl
ing, try to build some fun into the trip. When planning your route, see what fun or interesting things are on your path and stop to enjoy them. How many times have you wished you had stopped at that little diner or that cute shop but you
didn’t because you were on a timetable? Figure the stops into the timetable. Or forget the timetable. Stop and sit down and have a nice meal instead of doing fast-food drivethrough. You only go around once, enjoy the ride. Trains are a great way to travel and enjoy the ride. Trains are so easy. You go through different countryside or cityscape than you would if you were driving and it’s a lot more comfortable than flying. The train to me is a very relaxing mode of transportation; it’s a sedate and civilized way to travel. You’re not worn out at the end of your journey. The train just lulls you to sleep, I can never last more than an hour into the journey before I’m snoozing. If you’ve done a little homework, you’ll know what to see, where to eat and what hours various places are open once you arrive at your destination. It’s particularly easy to do travel research with the internet. I keep a file that has brochures and clipped newspaper articles of neat things we’d like to see and cool places we’d like to go. We go through the file before deciding on a trip. Sometimes it works out that something we wanted to do is on the way to some place else, so we plan that into the trip. It’s always
exciting to plan a trip! We generally plan on doing too much, we’re ambitious with how many things we want to see or do. It takes a couple of days to really start to relax, so we pare down the list of Want To Do’s and Things To See a couple of days in. There are so many places we want to go and so many things we want to see; there’s no way we’ll do them all in our lifetime. Sigh. But you never know and it’s good to have goals and things to look forward to, so we keep adding to the travel file. Planning the trip is exciting and so is preparing for the trip. The anticipation of a trip makes you happy for weeks before you actually leave. But as much I enjoy traveling, I also enjoy getting home at the end of the journey. Is your house ever so welcoming a sight as at the return of a trip? We could have had the most fantastic trip ever, but the anticipation of home is always a sweet thought. I love to go and I love to come home. Home Sweet Home. That sentiment must have arisen in the mind of its’ author returning from a journey, cheered by the sight of that humble place where we feel most safe and most loved. Home. You can email the Country Girl at countrygirlramblings@gmail.com
tion buys the credits they are helping to directly reduce global warming and air pollution through the clean energy put on the grid on their behalf. The more credits purchased, the more renewable energy is moved onto the power grid. “Student initiatives and collaboration with college staff is a shining example of how communities can constructively address climate change,” said Maggie O’Brien, president of the college in a written statement. “Through energy conservation, the purchase of renewable energy credits, and the design of green buildings, the college’s carbon footprint has been reduced by 18.7 million ponds of greenhouse gases, a startling achievement in one year.” The idea to buy the credits began when SEAC joined a three-year program called the campus climate challenge. The program leverages high school and college students
across the United States and Canada to promote 100 percent clean energy policies at their schools. Over 600 schools are involved in the challenge, working and supporting each policy initiative, according to Epstein. Roughly $45,000 was spent to complete this phase of the challenge. Epstein plans to continue reaching out to the college and the surrounding community for more support. The college is holding a town hall meeting on Nov. 12. “This is starting to grow in the county, but has a long way to go,” Epstein said. “One of the greatest things we can work on as a college community is to reach out to more St. Mary’s Community at large.” The college purchased the renewable energy credits from three firms: Clean Currents, covering 83 percent, Southern Maryland Electrical Cooperative (SMECO), covering 9.5
percent, and Community Energy, for 7.5 percent. Clean Currents is a clean-energy broker that promotes global warming solutions, and will continue to provide outreach to the college in early 2008. At that time, they will team up with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network to conduct educational outreach and programming on campus to show the community ways to reduce their carbon footprints. “One of our goals in the procurement of renewable energy credits was to educate the community about the function and availability of renewable energy,” said Larry Hartwick, co-chair of the college’s sustainability committee in a written release. “Renewable energy credits provide marketplace incentives for the creation and operation of renewable energy generating plants.”
Home Again, Home Again Terri Bartz Bowles I like to travel; it’s always fun and interesting to see new places, new things, different countryside. I’m one of those people who believe that the journey can, and should be, as
much fun as the destination. You may as well try to enjoy the whole thing. It’s no good rushing around like a maniac or driving like a maniac, going full-tilt to arrive at your destination if you’re just going to be tired and ornery when
you get there. If you’re flying, however, there’s little you can do about the aggravation. Still, have your carry-on prepared for security, take a good book and don’t rely on the airlines to feed you, and it can work out rather well. If you’re driv-
Odd News Green
Continued from page A-
NEW YORK - In an auction Sunday, two famous meteorites went unsold, while a metal mailbox zapped by a falling space rock in 1984 was sold for nearly $83,000. A 30-pound chunk of the Willamette Meteorite, found in Oregon in 1902, has been fought over for more than a century. The space rock was offered by Bonhams auction house at an estimated value of $1.3 million, but was withdrawn from sale when bidding ceased at $300,000. As for the 1,410-pound Brenham Main Mass, found in a Kansas farm field in 2005, was withdrawn by Bonhams CEO and auctioneer Malcolm Barber after it drew a top bid of only $200,000. The presale estimate was $630,000 to $700,000. The sellers of both rocks were present, and said they weren’t worried about future potential bidders. The entire 15.5-ton Willamette Meteorite has been owned by the American Museum of Natural History since 1908, with pieces loaned or given to other collectors.
all of the college’s electricity consumption into green energy. The college ended up following suit, and funding 4 percent of the credits. “Students are taking the lead on the issues because global climate change is an issue our generation is going to have to face and deal with,” Epstein said. “You have to take preemptive action on issues like this, you can’t just let them play out.” St. Mary’s College of Maryland is the first public institution in the state of Maryland to adopt such clean energy standards. While the college is still technically utilizing standard electricity from a power grid, by buying the energy credits, green power (solar, wind, biomass) is being placed into power grids elsewhere around the country. When an organiza-
Thursday, November 1, 2007
RIDGWAY, Pa. – Bigfoot may have been spotted yet again. Hunters photographed a creature that is furry and walks on all fours. Nothing else is certain of the image, but some think it could be Bigfoot. Rick Jacobs, a hunter in the area, says he got the pictures from a camera with an automatic trigger that he fastened to a tree in the Allegheny National Forest, about 115 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. He was hoping to photograph a deer. When the pictures came back with the image, he contacted the Bigfoot Research Organization, which pursues reports of the legendary creature that some people believe lives in parts of the U.S. and Canada. Skeptics think the photograph is just a bear with a bad skin infection. A spokesman for the Pennsylvania Game Commission said the picture was assuredly of a bear with a severe case of mange. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Joey Chestnut, 23, of San Jose, is already the world champion of competitive hot dog eating, and now can add small hamburgers to his title belt. Chestnut swallowed 103 small hamburgers in 8 minutes Sunday to win $10,000 in prize money. He also broke the record of 97 Krystal burgers held by Japan’s Takeru Kobayashi, set last year at the competition. Chestunt beat 12 other contestants. Kobayashi, who won all previous Krystal Hamburger Eating Championships, didn’t compete this year because of lingering jaw pain from having a wisdom tooth removed in June. Kobayashi, 29, had received chiropractic treatment before losing his hot-dogeating belt in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July match in New York. BERLIN – A teenager zipping through the streets of a German town in a go-kart managed to escape seven police cruisers in hot pursuit on Friday. The teenage driver led the convoy on a 3-mile chase through the winding streets of Moenchengladbach. Finally, the 18-year-old driver spotted a private garage with an open door, where he decided to lie low, police said. The police later discovered his hiding place. He was questioned and charged with driving without a license and driving a gokart on a public street, which is illegal in Germany.
Photo Courtesy of St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Katherine Chandler, associate professor of English, speaks on integrating sustainability issues into the College curriculum. President Maggie O’Brien and students also pictured.
The County Times
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Burglar Continued from page A- The chase ended shortly after Butler allegedly struck the sheriff’s cruiser when he lost control of the van he was driving and struck a light pole near the intersection of Great Mills Road and Saratoga Drive in Lexington Park. Charging documents also allege that Butler kicked Malaspina in the chest when police moved in to detain Butler. That resulted in a charge of second-degree assault against Butler. BCI detectives have already charged Butler with five separate counts of burglary but that might not be the end of it. “They’re attempting to get information to link him to other burglaries if they can,” said Sgt. Steve Hall, spokesman for the sheriff’s office, adding that Butler has served time in prison before. “He definitely did not want to go back to prison,” Hall said. BCI detectives allege in charging documents that Butler was responsible for burglaries in Leonardtown, Bushwood, Hollywood, Callaway and Drayden. Police allege that Butler’s first
burglary here took place Sept. 18 in Leonardtown when he allegedly broke into a home and stole items that had a value of about $8,000. Butler then went to Prince George’s County to pawn item’s he allegedly stole for cash and was positively identified by store clerks, charging documents allege, as the one who sold the stolen goods. Other items allegedly stolen by Butler included cash money, collector coins, a handgun, digital camera and even a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle which he is alleged to have driven and abandoned in Charles County. Butler is also alleged to have stolen the van used in the Oct. 26 chase in Charles County in the same vicinity where the stolen motorcycle was abandoned. Each count of first-degree burglary Butler faces carries a possible 20 years in prison; the two charges of attempted murder each carry a possible life sentence as well. The assault charge carries a possible 10 years in prison. Butler remains confined at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, according to online court documents, and awaits a preliminary court hearing on the charges against him Nov. 28.
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Update on Level I Water Restrictions October 30, 2007 The St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission wishes to thank its customers for reducing their overall water consumption from 64% of the total water system capacity in July 2007, to 47% of the total water system capacity in September 2007. These significant reductions in water use are a direct result of conservation efforts taken by you. While the recent rainfall has provided some relief to the drought, the Level I water restrictions remain in place for the following public water systems: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Breton Bay Cedar Cove Charlotte Hall Country Lakes Forrest Farms Greenbrier Hunting Quarters Lexington Park Mulberry South Persimmon Hills Piney Point Piney Point Landings Rolling Acres Villages at Leonardtown Wilderness Run.
Again, the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission thanks its customers for their water conservation efforts during this drought.
Delegates Oppose Change In St. Mary’s College Oversight By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Del. Anthony O’Donnell, (R-Dist. 29C), the state house minority leader, opposes plans by Sen. Roy Dyson to take away the autonomy of St. Mary’s College of Maryland and place it under the regent of the University System of Maryland. Dyson has made threats to make changes in college oversight in the wake of controversy regarding the construction of a rowing center on Route 5 that he and some residents there say obstructs the scenic river view. Dyson has claimed that the college leadership has not taken into account the concerns of local residents and has said the building should be moved. O’Donnell told The County Times that Dyson’s approach would actually lessen local influence at was has become one of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation. “I think part of the genius of St. Mary’s College is its autonomy,” O’Donnell said. “I think the board of trustees
(some of whom live in Southern Maryland) have helped make it into a prominent institution of higher education. “If you stick it in with the university system you won’t have that local input.” O’Donnell called Dyson’s attempt to change oversight of the college “very wrongheaded.” On the issue of moving the boathouse, O’Donnell wanted to wait for the college and community to make a decision. “I think the community and college need to come to a resolution on that,” O’Donnell said. Another proposal that could be up for debate in Annapolis this 2008 session is whether to give the same weight to the desires of the local community as the college board of trustees in land use decisions. Del. John Wood (DDist.29B) said that he would not support that proposal and that the board of trustees should be left to do its job. “As long as they have public meetings I don’t support that,” Wood said. “They’ve
Sprinkler Continued from page A- percent of the anticipated single and two family home constructions in the RPD next year will be constructed on private well systems. That equates to 365 of the 867 planned home constructions next year being on private well systems, according to statistics provided by land use and growth management. “Ever increasing demands on volunteers will require changes to our system in the future,” Mattingly said, “but we do now will help address those needs.” Cost has been a concern throughout the public hearing process. Contractors in the region have indicated a cost of $1 to $1.50 per square foot of living space to install the system, and if a home is not on a public water system there are added costs for a booster pump and water storage tank. Approximately 47 percent of the newly constructed one and two family homes have been constructed in the RPD in the last five years, where public water and sewer is often not found. After the motion died, the board unanimously passed a watered down mandate. It requires all new one and two
family residences with public water on the MetCom centralized system or by a shared system under MetCom maintenance to install the sprinkler systems. Installation is optional for all other residences, except builders of duplexes and multi-family homes, which are already required by law to install the fire protection devices. “I think half the loaf is perhaps better than no loaf at all,” Commission President Francis Jack Russell (D-Point Lookout) said. “This is the step in the right direction to move us into the future.” The mandate’s effective date is Feb. 1, 2008, and all constructions approved before the effective date will not have to comply. The commissioners will offer relief by way of a property tax credit to residents who install the system. The particulars of that credit will be worked out in subsequent meetings. Mattingly, distraught by the final decision, reminded the commissioners that their decision meant more lives would be lost. St. Mary’s County joins five counties and 13 municipalities across the state requiring sprinklers in some kind of new residential development. Mattingly said Carroll County has already seen a
[the board of trustees] been up front… and brought the community in.” The legislation up for consideration only complicated things, Wood said. “I don’t think that’s what the majority of people want either,” Wood said. County Commissioner Thomas Mattingly (D-Leonardtown) said he would like to see the boathouse moved a short distance to relieve some of the tensions if feasible. But he did not support Dyson’s current move to put the college under the state university system. “I absolutely do not support that in anyway,” Mattingly said. “I think they’ve done extremely well and it would be a terrible mistake to change that. Instead of trying to resolve the problem… it’s just put salt in the wound.” O’Donnell said he would oppose any measure by Dyson in Annapolis to change the governance structure of the college.
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www.mdinsurance.state.md.us Married Couple Age 35 with Good Credit Reporting return on their investment by adopting the ordinance. Typical response time for a volunteer fire squadron is anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes, but a fire typically burns out of control within 6 minutes. The commissioners observed a live simulation of a sprinkler system extinguishing a fire in less than 50 seconds, this summer. There were 111 residential fires in St. Mary’s County in 2006, and $7 billion in property damage throughout the county in 2005, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Mattingly responded to public criticism of his position saying he wouldn’t move to a new state with his ideas, and that he was born here and people would have to put up with him. After Mattingly made his motion Monday, Raley seconded it so it could be voted on. “I seconded the motion because I believe Tom Mattingly deserved to have the issue brought for a vote,” Raley said just before he voted against the motion, “we all know he feels so passionate about it and I thought for this motion to be held out there without a second would be disrespectful.
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The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Rebuilding After Your Basement Floods Consider yourself lucky if your basement had only minor moisture penetration after the recent heavy rains. Even so, it could be the excuse you need to embark on a total basement makeover. Whether you choose to call in a professional contractor who specializes in flood restoration or decide to tackle the project yourself, make sure that the project checklist includes these steps that are frequently overlooked, but are essential to protecting your investment.
• Address dampness issues as the first step in a basement project so that future flooding, mold or musty smells won’t ruin your investment. Get a qualified professional to identify the source of any water problems - such as a cracked foundation, inadequate waterproofing or exterior grading that slopes toward the house - and prescribe a fix. Install one or more sump pumps, with one powered by a battery or generator in case of a power fail-
ure. Use a dehumidifier and install proper ventilation for adequate air exchange. • Check the walls to determine the extent of water penetration that has occurred if your basement is already finished. If dampness has wicked up your finished walls, there’s high potential for mold to grow unseen. “It is essential that the wet sheetrock and saturated insulation be removed, the affected area thoroughly dried out and new insulation and
sheetrock installed,” says Ed Perryman, president of Perryman Consulting & Construction Services in Barrie, Ontario. If the entire interior perimeter wall system - including studs and sheetrock - has to be replaced, you need to consider a new insulation system that controls the flow of air and water vapor. For more information on this topic, consult this Web site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy: www.
social disruption and economic impact of a natural disaster. The document also serves as a reference guide – outlining organizational roles and responsibilities, phone numbers, contact information and phase-to-phase planning for emergency manContinued from page A- agement teams. ers farther inland.” However, Erichsen said he was unable to keep the plan Several county government departments helped Erichsen specific to St. Mary’s in its entirety because storms are largely coordinate the procedures utilized in emergency planning. unpredictable, and their impacts vary. So he lifted parts of the However, Erichsen was the sole author. The Debris Manage- Annex 5 “Alert / Initial Emergency Phase” section from other ment Operational Plan delves into a host of emergency plan- plans that had general scientific data. In the “Rainfall and Floodning that St. Mary’s has utilized several times through history. ing” section, for instance, entire sections were found to be taken The plan is a one-stop-shop for logistical solutions to clearing directly from several Web sites that used similar and sometimes roads, sending out emergency messages, and minimizing the exact verbiage. Erichsen did not cite those Web sites.
Emergency Plan
Ghosts Continued from page A- them, claiming that the South would in fact rise again. More skittish visitors even screamed when they saw a mock up of a werewolf, dressed in slacks and a flannel shirt, illuminated by spooky strobe lights in one of the rooms. This is all to preserve and restore the aging building, which some believe is as haunted as the state park, once the home to an infamous prison camp for Confederate soldiers where thousands perished. “Everybody has a thing and this is my thing,” said Robert Hall of St. Leonard, president of the PLLPS. “Tonight we’re the spirits of the lighthouse.” Hall’s group was formed just last year to make sure that the interior of the house, deteriorated and sometimes a victim of vandalism, was restored to its 1927 condition and appearance through fundraising and volunteerism efforts. The lighthouse was under the control of the U.S. Navy from about 1980, when the state relinquished control for the military to conduct opera-
tions there. But ownership of the lighthouse was returned to the state last year and the PLLPS has been working on restoration since then. This past weekend was the first time the lighthouse had been open to the public since 2001 as part of the ghost walk-style tours at the park, one of the most popular seasonal events in St. Mary’s County. Hall, along with Laura Berg, the last person to take up residence in the lighthouse, have also spent significant amounts of time investigating the claims of paranormal occurrences at the lighthouse. The old building has been home to several keepers over the centuries and several of them have died there, Berg said, as well as several shipwrecks having occurred off shore there where sailors met their ends. “There were always things happening there I couldn’t explain,” Berg said. Hearing footsteps clomping along inside and voices as well as laughter from vacant portions of the residential space of the lighthouse were fairly common, she said. Though most of the things she noticed happened during the daytime, Berg said, the isolated nature of her home in 1979 and the storms that came
up often combined with the strange occurrences to make for a spooky abode. “At times it could be frightening,” Berg said. “You could feel something behind you, watching you… it could make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.” The PLLPS Web site, dedicated to the history and restoration of the lighthouse,
has much of its space taken up by recordings of allegedly ghostly voices (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) taken from inside the home that are not audible to the naked human ear. Some appear to be benign, even sad. Others appear to be openly hostile, yelling “GET OUT!” when an investigator speaks on the recording.
one of the more popular parts of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s plan to bridge a predicted $1.7 billion shortfall. The General Assembly will convene next week to consider that plan, which also includes increases in the sales and corporate tax and income tax breaks for most people. “No one likes to pay more taxes,” said Mark Plotkin, a political commentator at WTOP radio. “That’s why slots are so popular -- because
“You have to do research on what other people do,” Erichsen said. “Some [sections] are good the way they were written… so there is no point in rewriting them. So yes, there were probably some sections that were lifted.” St. Mary’s is the first county in the state to have a plan approved by FEMA, which was only achieved because of Erichsen’s foresight in putting the plan together. The plan will likely be updated annually, Erichsen said, although it is unknown if FEMA will have to re-approve it when that happens. Erichsen agreed to share the plan with other Maryland jurisdictions. Once the county has renegotiated its debris removal contracts, it will be eligible for an additional five percent federal reimbursement, bringing the total reimbursement to 80 percent.
There have even been “paranormal nights” at the lighthouse, Hall said, where small groups of people have come in with recording devices to investigate allegations of strange, or other worldly activity. Hall, who has taken some of those recordings, said he believed the lighthouse was haunted but said that not all
voice recordings turned out to be ghostly in nature. “About 90 percent of the reports we can explain and about 10 percent we can’t,” Hall said. “We believe it’s paranormal in nature until we get a better explanation. “I’m skeptical, but I’m not a skeptic.”
Visitors to the Point Lookout Lighthouse spirits tour, held in conjunction with the Spirits of Point Lookout walking tour, got to meet up with “apparitions” of dead Confederate soldiers rumored to haunt the grounds around the site of the Civil War prison camp.
it’s a matter of free will. If you lose, you deserve to lose.” Even in anti-slots strongholds like Montgomery County, voters have figured out that “one slots dollar is in lieu of one tax dollar,” said Gazette newspapers columnist Blair Lee. But opponents remain confident heading into next week’s session, pointing out that slots have been debated in the legislature since the early days of former Gov. Robert
Ehrlich’s administration. They also note that Republicans are refusing to vote for slots in the special session. Aaron Meisner, chairman of Stop Slots Maryland, said he does not know if there are currently enough votes “in either house to pass a bill.” “I’m not sure that’s ever been the case before,” Meisner said. Support in the latest survey topped a Gonzales poll from August 2003, when 57 percent favored slots during another
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• Plan for adequate ventilation and air exchange to prevent stale, moisture-laden air from accumulating in corners and “dead spaces.” Perryman recommends locating heat registers and cold-air returns low on the walls to encourage air movement and evaporation at floor level, where moisture is most likely to accumulate.
Photo by Guy Leonard
Poll: Tax Threats Make Public Slots Fans, But Opponents Say Numbers Misleading A new poll shows support for legalizing slot machines in Maryland is at its highest point in years, but some observers say passage of a slots bill at the upcoming special session is far from a foregone conclusion. The poll from Gonzales Research and Marketing said 59 percent of Marylanders favor slots, the highest in the five years Gonzales has tracked the issue. That makes slots
eere.energy.gov/consumer and type the word “basements” in the “search” box.
• Install a subfloor, such as DRIcore (www.dricore. com), instead of laying the new finished floor directly over the concrete, suggests Kevin Trumbull of Trumbull Building & Remodeling in New Hartford, Conn. This all-in-one modular subfloor has a built-in moisture barrier that will prevent future small leaks from ruining your basement and its furnishings. The subfloor’s raised design allows air to circulate between it and the concrete to help evaporate moisture.
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budget deficit. The new survey, of 839 registered voters in Maryland, found even more people supporting slots as a way to raise revenue and to recapture gambling profits going to other states, with support at 64 and 62 percent,respectively. Richard Vatz, a professor of political rhetoric at Towson University, said that shows the public is aware “that money is available for lessening the deficit, but just going to other states.” But Meisner countered with an AARP poll from earlier this year of Maryland residents age 50 and older that found 59 percent supported slots, but that number dropped to 37 percent if the machines were located within five miles of the respondent’s house. “The problem is, we don’t have the luxury of having gambling with no locations,” Meisner said. “People find a way to support the general concept of gambling, but have a very hard time accepting” it near them. While O’Malley estimates slots could eventually produce $550 million a year for the state, the plan he will present to the special session would only raise $27 million in the first year. Slots have “been portrayed as the easy way out,” said Allan Lichtman, an American University professor. The public thinks “we can cover a third of our deficit just with slots” but it “is not that easy.”
Ron Walters, a government professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, said he is not sure proslots forces have made enough inroads in heavily minority areas of the state, which have historically opposed slots. If people liked slots so much, “I think we would have it by now,” said Walters, who believes there is still a deep suspicion in the black community. The Gonzales poll, which was taken Oct. 16-21, also found 84 percent of respondents believe a slots referendum should be on next November’s ballot. Most recent ballot initiatives around the country have rejected slots. Anti-slots legislators “can get away with a referendum,” Lee said. “They can say, ‘I didn’t vote for slots. I voted to let you vote for slots,’” he said. But if a referendum is approved, Meisner said his group “won’t allow legislators to take that cover” but will call on them to campaign against the measure. “By approving the referendum, they’re signing on to get involved on our side of the fight,” Meisner said of antislot legislators. “And we’re going to need all the help we can get.”
The County Times
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Section A -
Obituaries Nancy Jane Thompson, 49
Nancy Jane Thompson, 49, of Ridge, Md., died Oct. 25 at Washington Hospital Center. Nancy was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. Born on January 18th, 1958 in Leonardtown, Md. Nancy grew up and lived her life in Ridge, MD. Nancy was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Leonardtown. Nancy worked for St. Mary’s County Parks and Recreation as a Park Attendant. Nancy was preceded in death by her father Thomas Clarence “Pete” Norris. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Charles Robert “Bob” Thompson, her loving parents Patricia Ann and John Bernard Cullison, three brothers and one sister, Thomas Randall Norris, and wife Theresa, Jerry Howard Norris, and wife Lynette, Brian Keith Norris and wife Kim, and Sharon Ann Purcell and husband Joe. Nancy is also survived by her children and grandchildren. Her son Robert Jason Thompson and wife Brandi, along with their two children Tyler and Kylee. Her daughter Jessica Lynn Thompson and her husband Troy, and their daughter Shelby. She is also survived by her two God daughters Jacqueline Norris and Jennifer Purcell. She is survived by eight nieces and four nephews.
John Walter Dement, 56 John Walter Dement, 56, of Summerville, S.C. died Oct. 28, at Summerville Medical Center, Summerville, S.C. Born Nov. 27, 1950 in Leonardtown, Md., he was the son of the late Robert C. Dement, Sr. and Margaret C. Dement of Great Mills, Md. He graduated from Great Mills High School in 1968 with honors and attended St. Mary’s College. In March 1973, he began his career at Pepco in Chalk Point, Md., until his retirement in 2001. He was an active member of the Summerville Church of Christ. He belonged to the church’s Book Club, the World Bible School and the Hilltoppers group. He was well liked by the congregation and will be greatly missed by friends and family. He is survived by three children, John Christian Dement of California, Md.,
Matthew Scott Dement and wife, Andrea of Great Mills, Md., Katie Lenore Mattingly and husband, George, two grandsons, George Thomas Mattingly III and Nathan Matthew Mattingly, all of Lexington Park, Md., four brothers, Robert C, Dement, Jr. and wife, Helen of Lexington Park, Md., Everett L. Dement of Leonardtown, Md., Dale E. Dement of Valley Lee, Md., and David A. Dement and wife, Sharon of Summerville, S.C., three sisters, Linda L. Blanke and husband, Henry of Hollywood, Md., Betty J. Dement of Great Mills, Md., and Sally S. Raley and husband, David of Lexington Park, Md., and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Thursday, Nov. 1, from 10- 11:00 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown. A Graveside Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown. Serving as pallbearers will be Everett Dement, Robert Dement, Dale Dement, David Raley, Justin Raley and Mike Dement. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be David Dement and Henry Blanke. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown.
Destiny Jean BurroughsDukes Destiny Jean BurroughsDukes, infant, of Hollywood, Md., died Oct. 27 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown. Born Oct. 27, in Leonardtown, Md., she was the daughter of Amanda Jean Burroughs and Frederick Joseph Dukes. A Memorial Service will be conducted on Monday, Nov. 5, at 1:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. Reverend Ray Schmidt will conduct the service. Inurnment will be private. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown. Condolences to the family may be left at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Elizabeth “Temple” Morris, 90
Elizabeth “Temple” Morris Madjeski, 90, of St. Inigoes, Md., died Oct. 25, at her daughter’s residence. Born Sept. 21, 1917 at the Jutland Farm House on Jutland Farm in St. Inigoes, Md., she
was the daughter of the late John Bevins and Linda Temple Abell Morris. She attended elementary school for seven years at an one-room schoolhouse in St. Inigoes, and went on to graduate from Great Mills High School in 1934. Temple started college at the Junior College in St. Mary’s City, but after two weeks was awarded a fouryear scholarship to Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). She graduated in 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in high school history, English and physical education. There were no openings for teachers in St. Mary’s County that fall, so she entered Towson State College to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in June of 1940. After graduation, she took a dual position as principal and teacher in a two-room schoolhouse in Clements, Md., but later transferred to Ridge due to the gas shortage. From 1942-1943 she taught elementary school in Seat Pleasant, Md. In 1943 she switched careers and worked at the Department of Public Works at the Patuxent Naval Base as Supervisor of Files, where she met her future husband, Henry Robert Madjeski. They were married on Feb. 13, 1949, in the Chapel at Western Maryland College. In 1951 she retired from Pax. River to begin her family. In 1959 after a threeyear tour in Bermuda, the young family returned to St. Mary’s County, and in 1960, she returned to teaching at the Summerfield Kindergarten (private) in Ridge and at Ridge Elementary. In 1969 she began as one of the first helping teachers for reading in St. Mary’s County. She went on to receive her Master’s equivalency from the University of Maryland and George Washington University. She retired in the fall of 1978 after 21 years of service to the students and teachers of St. Mary’s County. Temple gave many hours to various organizations and causes over the years. She was a plane spotter during WWII at the St. Inigoes Post Office, a remedial reading teacher with the Board of Education, a Sunday school teacher and director at the Trinity Episcopal Church, a member of ECW and the Alter Guild. Being a cancer survivor, she volunteered with the American Cancer Society with Reach to Recovery, Road to Recovery, and the Daffodil Days Campaign. Temple was an assistant secretary and nursery volunteer for the Patuxent River Assembly of God, a secretarial helper to the Pregnancy Care Center, a Hope volunteer, and a board member of the Pastoral Counseling Center and a proud member of the Christian Broadcast Network’s Founders Club. She is survived by two brothers, John Bevins “Son” Morris and Robert Morris,
both of St. Inigoes, MD, one sister, Linda Hamilton of Wilmington, DE, three sons, Henry Robert Madjeski, Jr. and wife, Jane of Lexington Park, MD, Gregory Neal Madjeski and wife, Darline of Ridge, MD, Terry M. Madjeski and wife, Donna of Incline Village, NV, one daughter, Elizabeth T. Dobson and husband, Russell of Lexington Park, Md., eight grandchildren, Melissa Morgan, Robbie and Sarah Madjeski, Keith Dobson, Beth Dobson, Emily Stiegman, Amelia and Nathan Madjeski, one great-granddaughter, Kimberly Scott, one great-grandson, Stephen Stiegman, and one greatgreat granddaughter, Kaitlyn Ann Scott. In addition to her parents, Temple is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Robert Madjeski, Sr., son, Stephen F. Madjeski, and grandson, Aaron L. Dobson. The family will receive friends Friday, Nov. 2, from 4-8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Patuxent River Assembly of God, California Md. Inurnment will follow in Trinity Episcopal Cemetery, St. Mary’s City. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House c/o Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650, Patuxent River Assembly of God, P.O Box 828, California, MD 20619, or the 700 Club. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, MD.
Minnie Eleanor Alvey Raley, 89
ardtown, until she and her husband moved to their lifelong home in Compton, Md., in 1947 where they raised their family. As a dedicated homemaker she was a constant source of stability and strength for her sons during their formative years. She was extremely devoted to her family and took great pride in the individual achievements of her six sons’ personal, academic and professional lives. There are fond memories of the sumptuous holiday meals that she always prepared throughout the years even as the extended family grew in numbers. Eleanor was an active member of the Catholic Daughters organization and her parish at St. Francis Xavier Church in Compton including serving as a docent for tours of the adjacent Old Manor home where she was born and raised. She and her husband delivered Meals on Wheels for fourteen years to the elderly and shut-ins. When her youngest son left home for college, she worked at the Ben Franklin variety store in Leonardtown for many years until its closing. She is survived by five sons: Carl and wife, Cinda of Leonardtown; George Jr. and wife, Susan, of Rising Sun, Md.; Stephen of Leonardtown; Leonard and wife, Suzanne of Odenton, Md.; and John and wife, Carol, of Phoenix, Md.; by six grandchildren: Marc, John, Sara, Brian, Elyse, and Allison Raley; and by one great granddaughter, Olive. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her son, Daniel, two sisters, Rose T. Longmore and Alma Thompson and three brothers, Leach, John and Brother Stephen Alvey, S.J.
Karen Marie Peeling, 52
Minnie Eleanor (Alvey) Raley, 89, of Leonardtown, Md., died Oct. 25 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown. Born September 8, 1918, in Newtowne Manor, Md., she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Minnie Leach Alvey. Eleanor “Bootsie” Raley was dedicated to her church and community and was a loving wife, mother and caring neighbor. She married George E. Raley, Sr. on June 5, 1943, and after 60 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on Jan. 3, 2004. Following her graduation from St. Mary’s Academy in 1936, she worked for the International Association of Machinists in Washington, D.C. After her marriage, she returned to Leon-
Karen Marie Peeling, 52, of Great Mills, Md., died Oct. 22 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown. Born May 20, 1955 in Harrisburg, Pa., she was the daughter of Robert Gordon Olson and Helen Marie (Pearl) Olson of Fairfax, Va. Ms. Peeling graduated from Oakland High School in Fairfax County, Va. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for NAVAIR from 1973 until 2002. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her daughter, Denise Bennett of California, MD and son, Michael James Dost and his wife, Angie of Bristow, VA,
two brothers, Robert G. Olson, Jr. and his wife, Teresa of Woodbridge, VA and David G. Olson of Warrington, VA, and three grandchildren, Kayla, Natalie, and Nathan Dost.
Kenneth H. Gerred, 73
Kenneth H. Gerred, 73, of California, Md., died Oct. 23, at his residence following a long illness. Born April 25, 1934 in Central Lake Township, Mich., he was eldest of 11 children of the late Myron Paul Gerred and Joyce Harriet Hickman. He married Shirley Kendall Deane on Nov. 27, 1953. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before her death in 2004. Mr. Gerred joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. Upon completing Radioman school in Bainbridge, MD, he was assigned to Patuxent River Naval Station in 1951. After serving four years of naval service, he entered the Pax-Plan enabling him to attend the University of Maryland, where he graduated in 1961 with a degree in electrical engineering. He returned to work as a civilian for the U.S. Navy at Webster Field, working for NANEP. In 1967 he transferred to the Naval Air Station to work for EISO/NALC. While there, he attended the University of Southern California and he earned his Master’s degree in logistics. Mr. Gerred remained a civilian employee until retirement in 1989. After retirement, he enjoyed maintaining the family farm where he and his wife planted large gardens and were most known for their blueberries. He was an avid woodworker and produced numerous pieces of furniture for family and friends. During his life he enjoyed hiking the Appalachian Trail and served as the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 787 for a number of years. He will be remembered for a keen sense of humor and a willingness to help family and friends in any endeavor; especially identifying, solving, repairing, rebuilding, or re-engineering anything broken. He is survived by his four children, Michael Gerred of Bel Air, Md., Karen Sheridan of Jacksonville, Fla., Michele Rice of Valley Lee, Md., and Katherine Warren of Medley’s Neck, Md., six grandchildren, and eight brothers and sisters.
The County Times
Section A - 10
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Gingerbread Men
St. Mary’s Yachting Center 46555 Dennis Point Way Drayden, MD 20630
Many a favorite family tradition come the holiday season starts in the kitchen. Come the holidays, people tend to gain a pound or two because of the abundance of good food this time of year. It’s no coincidence that come New Year’s Day, the most common resolution is to shed a few pounds.
301-994-2404
While New Year’s Day might be for resolutions, the holidays are all about enjoying good times with friends and family and enjoying the good food that typically comes with those times. Among the more popular and traditional choices is Gingerbread Men. Those hosting a party this season can use the following recipe for “Gingerbread Men” courtesy of Sara Perry’s “Holiday Baking” (Chronicle Books).
Fax:301-994-2405 www.stmyc.com
Gingerbread Men Makes About 2 Dozen
Sunday Brunch
51/2-inch Cookies 21/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 1/4 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar 1 egg 1/2 cup light or dark molasses
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10am - 2pm Kitchen closes at 6pm Call For Reservations 301-994-2404
1. Into a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, then lightly whisk and set aside.
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2. In a stand mixer set on medium speed, beat the shortening until creamy, about 30 seconds. Continued from page A- On medium speed, beat in the brown sugar until light and lump free. Beat in the egg until well blended, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Beat in the molasses until acy and well-being of Maryblended. Turn off the mixer, add half the flour mixture, and beat on low speed until blended. Add land’s Monument School and the remaining flour and beat until blended. would be resisted vehemently by over 12,000 alumni and the 3. Using lightly floured hands, gather the sticky dough into a ball. Divide the ball in half and over 1,200 who live right here flatten each portion into a 6- to 8-inch disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours in St. Mary’s County. or until firm. 7) The policy on tuition has been raised as another 4. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly problem. It has been menand set aside. tioned in public meetings that the College has raised its tu5. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and, if needed, soften slightly for easier handling. ition when other state instituRoll it out 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured board, between 2 sheets of parchment paper or tions have not. What is left heavy-duty plastic wrap, or on a pastry cloth with a cloth-covered rolling pin. out of the argument is that the other institutions with a dif6. Lightly dip a 51/2-inch gingerbread man cookie cutter into flour, then firmly press it ferent governance and budstraight down into the dough. Repeat, cutting the cookies close together to avoid rerolling. Using get agreement with the state a spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to the baking sheet. If a cookie is to be used as an orna- received a hefty additional ment, press a hole through the top with a drinking straw or a large skewer. appropriation equal to their proposed rise in tuition while 7. Bake until the cookies are lightly browned, 9 to 11 minutes. Let the cookies firm and cool St. Mary’s did not -- and thus slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack to cool completely. If desired, decorate could not offer a zero percent the cookies with icing and decorative candles. tuition increase, as did the other state institutions. We find it troublesome that those who are in command of such
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facts would choose to distort the truth. We sincerely appreciate the many years of strong support for the College by the St.
Mary’s County Commissioners, and we look forward to a productive future of working together for the benefit of the county’s citizens.
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