PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No. 145 Waldorf, MD
Thursday, March 8, 2007 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Established 2006 • Volume 2 • Issue 10 • FREE
Savich Takes Over County’s Smoking Ban for Local Top Office For Good Restaurants
and Bars a Closer Reality By Adam Ross Staff Writer
It was announced at Tuesday’s County Commissioner’s meeting that John Savich will assume the role of County Administrator.
By Adam Ross Staff Writer Just over a month after the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners voted in executive session to not renew the contract of former County Administrator George G. Forrest, a full-time replacement has been hired. John Savich, who served as the interim county administrator after Forrest was possibly forced into early retirement on Jan. 31, 2007, was chosen over eight other applicants to take the position full-time for two years. “It’s a big job,” Savich said after the announcement was made Tuesday, “a busy job, but we have a good group and I look forward to it.” None of eight other applicants, who were found during the course of a month long nationwide search, were interviewed, according to Sue Sabo, director of St. Mary’s County Human Resources.
Photo by Adam Ross
Sue Sabo said it was determined in a closed-door session with the commissioners that the eight other applicants lacked the position’s qualifications. Over Forrest’s final days as county administrator, he would not indicate if his retirement was influenced by contract woes, but appeared at ease with the idea of having more time for his family and golf game. Commissioners Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D- Leonardtown) and Daniel H. Raley (D- Great Mills) contended in January that Forrest asked to retire from county government, and was not influenced by the board. Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R- Golden Beach,) who stood firmly in favor of offering Forrest a contract extension last month, also voted in favor of making Savich his replacement Tuesday.
See County’s Hotseat page A-
Index Teenager Charged in Liberty Street Murder Case
Officials A-8
By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer Police arrested 19-year old Johntanna E. Young of Lexington Park Saturday for last week’s murder of Kenneth James Walter.
Hornets B-8 Op.-Ed ..........Page A - 4 Obits .............Page A - 7 Police ............Page B - 5 Classifieds.....Page B - 7
A statewide indoor smoking ban gained momentum after the Baltimore City Council passed its own bill last month to end smoking in restaurants and bars, leaving the rest of Maryland pondering the affect it will have on legislatures in Annapolis. The bill failed to make it out of committee in the previous two Maryland legislative sessions, but now that Baltimore is on board, the outcome could change. If passed at the state level, smoking in restaurants and bars would be banned, except for private and tobacco clubs. Delegate Anthony J. O’Donnell (R- St. Mary’s & Calvert) said Baltimore’s vote could push a statewide initiative closer to the forefront, or push the issue farther to the back. Now that larger jurisdictions have passed their own bill, some state politicians think “there is no reason to follow suit,” O’Donnell said. “Some people tell me one thing, others tell me another,” O’Donnell added of the implications Baltimore’s legislation could have on the rest of the state. By next year nearly half of Maryland’s population will be covered by strict smoking prohibitions, leaving proponents of the bill anxiously awaiting the state’s action. Baltimore joined Prince George’s, Talbot, Howard and Montgomery counties as the only in Maryland to pass local legislation to ban smoking in restaurants and bars. The St. Mary’s County Health Department hosted a public forum Thursday to garner support and discussion of the bill, but was surprised to find no local leaders and only 17 audience members in attendance. If the bill manages to make it out of committee this session, Danelle Avery a lobbyist for the
A police chase in Leonardtown Friday night led to the arrest of two suspects in the Feb. 22 armed robbery at the Tackle Box sporting goods store in Lexington Park. When Deputy See Murder Case page A-
County Considers New Form of Government By Adam Ross Staff Writer The bureaucracy that accompanies the St. Mary’s County traditional form of commission government
Tennis Association Volleys Proposal for New Courts to Commissioners
See B - 8 For Our Spring Sports Calendar
For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com
Local Weather Friday Mostly Sunny 36° Saturday Mostly Cloudy 54° Sunday Showers 57°
See Smoking Ban page A-
is prompting talks for a new rule. Under Maryland state law, St. Mary’s County can conform to three different types of government: comSee New Form page A-
By Adam Ross Staff Writer More than 20 tennis enthusiasts attended the Feb. 27 Board of County Commissioners meeting, and applauded thunderously when the commissioners agreed to support a grant application for renovation and expansion of the Cecil Park tennis courts. It is a rare scene to have that many St. Mary’s County residents show up to a commissioners meeting because they are held when most people are at work: Tuesdays at 9 a.m. But they gathered, affixed four inch round stickers to their collars boasting “Tennis in the Parks, St. Mary’s County,” and joyously filtered into the adjacent hallway following a quick presentation from Phil Rollins, director of Recreation, Parks and Services, and an even quicker approval from the commissioners. The grant application is a request to the United States Tennis Association for $49,315 dollars to help fund a refurbishing of the two existing tennis courts at Cecil Park, and construction of two additional courts. The total cost of the project is approximately $250,000, with $195,000 of that needed from the county’s fiscal year 2008 budget. “Last summer a report came forward for the need of tennis facilities,”
Photo by Adam Ross
Members of the St. Mary’s Tennis Association celebrate approval from the Board of County Commissioners Feb. 27 for the expansion and renovations of the Cecil Park tennis courts.
See Tennis Proposal page A-
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, March 8, 2007
In Your Community Scholarships
Committee. Each applicant must be a graduate of a senior The Margaret Brent High high school and must be a diSchool Alumnus Association rect descendant of a Margaret (MBHSAA) will be awarding Brent high School Alumnus. four scholarships of $1,500 The applications have been for the 2007 graduating class. sent to the guidance departThere are requirements that ments of the county high must be met in order to qual- schools. For more informaify, and they will be listed on tion contact Grace Bolton at the applications to be submit- 301-274-3486. Application ted to MBHSAA Scholarship deadline is March 31.
Farm Bureau Banquet
Musical Comedy
The St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau will hold its annual banquet March 10 at the Ridge Firehouse starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for dinner and dancing are $18 per person. For more information call 301-475-9372.
Chopticon High School is presenting the musical comedy “Once Upon a Mattress,” March 8 at 6:30 p.m., and March 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $8 and $6 with a St. Mary’s County Public Schools identification card.
Three Notch Theatre
Sotterley Speaker Series
The Newtowne Players presents “The Odd Couple,” by Neil Simon and directed by Fred Ruark at the Three Notch Theatre, running from March 2–18. The play runs Thursday to Saturday starting at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 students/seniors and $8 for children. Call 301-737-5447 or visit newtowneplayers.org for more information.
Sotterley will kick off the Speaker Series on March 23 at 7 p.m. by welcoming Dr. Kent Mountford. Dr. Mountford will present his lecture “John Smith’s Chesapeake: State of he Bay in 1608,” in which he will describe what the Chesapeake Bay was like in those days of first contact. A reception for the general public will be held at 6:30 p.m. preceding the lecture, where those in attendance will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Mountford. This lecture, as well as all nine in the Speaker Series are free of charge to the general public. Visit sotterley.org for more information.
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All you can eat breakfast March 11, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Valley Lee Fire House. $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12, and children under age 5. The menu includes scrambled eggs, home fried potatoes, pancakes, french toast, sausage links, ham, hot biscuits, creamed chipped beef, spiced applesauce, assorted juices, milk and coffee.
Basket Bingo Rays of Light Christian Preschool is sponsoring a basket bingo extravaganza on March 10 at the Good Samaritan Lutheran Church on Langley Road in Lexington Park. Doors open at 5 p.m., and bingo begins at 6. The cost is $20 for the admission set and $5 for additional set. Each person attending must have an admission packet including children. For advanced ticket sales or to get more information, call the school office at 301-863-4740 or 301-862-3823. Proceeds will be used for the Rays of Light Scholarship Fund.
March Brunch Elks Lodge invites you to Sunday Brunch featuring personalized touch catering on March 11. Seating time is at 11:30 a.m. There will be a cold station, breakfast bar, carving station, bread station, vegetables and desserts for $17.95. Kids under 11 eat for $9.95, and children under three eat free. Reservations only, call by March 9, 301373-3253 or RSVP by e-mail at pspakrs428@aol.com.
Genealogical Presentation The St. Mary’s County Genealogical Society will host, in cooperation with The Maryland Humanities Council, a presentation given by Dr. James G. Gibb titled “Life and Death in Seventeen Century Maryland.” Dr. Gibb is a historical archaeologist and is currently adjunct professor in the Departments of History and Enginnering at Anne Arundel Community College. Beginning at 7 p.m., the program will be held at the Garvey Senior Center located off of Hollywood Road in the St. Mary’s County Governmental Complex in Leonardtown. The public invited and admission is free. On the edge of a cornfield on the Patuxent River in Southern Calvert County, archaeolgists excavated two plantation sites dating from 1650s through the 1680s. They recovered evidence of at least six builidings, as well as thousands of artifacts, and unearthed the remains of nearly twenty men, women and children- planters, servants, and possibly an enslaved African. In his presentation, Dr. Gibb offers a glimpse of what life and death were like in Maryland during its founding years. Those interested in tracing their family’s roots and learning more about the society and its yearly activities are encouraged to call Sarah Fitzgerald at 301-994-1036 or Bill Mitchell at 301-862-2211.
The County Times
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Section A -
Annapolis Buzz By Adam Ross Staff Writer Monday was the last day the Maryland General Assembly could introduce bills without suspension. According to the Assembly’s website, Sen. Roy P. Dyson (D-29) has sponsored 102 bills this session. Here is a glimpse at some of the bills Dyson is sponsoring. The bills are taken verbatim from the Maryland General Assembly webpage.
Senate Bill 378 Entitled: State board of Nursing – Advanced Nurse Practitioners – Membership and Qualifications Committee Assignment: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Requiring that the State Board of Nursing consist of one member certified in an advanced practice nursing specialty; requiring the Governor to appoint members certified in an advanced practice nursing specialty from a list of nominees submitted by specified organizations; requiring that the number of names submitted on a nomination list be 5 times the number of vacancies; requiring that specified Board members meet specified educational and professional requirements; etc.
Senate Bill 379 Entitled: Atlantic Coastal Bays – Dredging for Oysters and Clams – Prohibition Committee Assignments: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Prohibiting the use of dredging to catch or attempt to catch oysters and clams in the Atlantic Coastal Bays area; prohibiting the use of a hydraulic clam dredge, power dredge, or other mechanical means of clamming and oystering in the Atlantic Coastal Bays.
Senate Bill 511 Entitled: Real Property – Conservation Easements – Notification of Buyers Committee Assignments: Judicial Proceedings Synopsis: Requiring a seller of real property to provide copies of any conservation easements on the property to the buyer within a specified time; requiring a contract for the sale of real property encumbered by a conservation easement to contain a specified notice to be enforceable; requiring the buyer of specified real property to provide notice of the transfer to the owner of a conservation easement; providing for exceptions; defining “conservation easement” and “land trust”; etc.
Senate Bill 512 Entitled: Maryland Estate Tax – Exclusion for Qualified Conservation Easements Committee Assignments: Budget and Taxation Synopsis: Altering for purposes of the Maryland estate tax the determination of the amount of a specified exclusion allowed under the federal estate tax for qualified conservation easements; and applying the Act to decedents dying on or after January 1, 2007.
Senate Bill 531 Entitled: Dental Hygiene – Administration of Local Anesthesia Committee Assignments: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Altering the definition of dental hygiene to include the administration of local anesthesia under specified circumstances; authorizing the State Board of Dental Examiners to adopt specified regulations governing the administration of local anesthesia; altering the authority of the Board to adopt specified rules and regulations concerning the administration of local anesthesia by licensed dental hygienists; authorizing licensed dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia under specified circumstances
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Senate Bill 532 Entitled: Natural Resources – Diamondback Terrapin – Take and Possession Committee Assignments: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Repealing the requirement that the Department of Natural Resources prepare a fishery management plan for diamondback terrapin; prohibiting the take or possession of diamondback terrapin for commercial purposes; prohibiting the possession of a specified number of diamondback terrapin for noncommercial purposes; repealing the requirement that the Department adopt specified regulations for the catching of terrapin; and requiring the Department to adopt regulations for the conservation of diamondback terrapin.
Senate Bill 700 Entitled: The Baby Boomer Initiative Act Committee Assignments: Finance Synopsis: Establishing a Baby Boomer Initiative Council; establishing the membership of the Council; requiring the Governor to appoint the chair of the Council; establishing the duties of the Council; requiring the Council to make specified recommendations; requiring the Council to provide specified reports to the Governor and General Assembly on or before specified dates; providing for the termination of the Act; and defining specified terms.
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Senate Bill 701
Married Couple Age 35 with Good Credit Reporting Entitled: Public Safety – Maryland State Firemen’s Association – Uses of Appropriation Committee Assignments: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Altering the purposes for which the Maryland State Firemen’s Association may use money appropriated in the State budget.
Senate pushes slots, new taxes By Liz Farmer Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS - Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. introduced legislation Wednesday that would legalize slot machines and raise the gas tax by 12 cents per gallon, indicating that he wants to address the state’s fiscal problems this year. Miller, a Democrat from Southern Maryland, even warned that the General Assembly may need to hold a special summer session in order to take on these issues. “We should be back here in June, July, August, whatever it takes,” Miller said after Wednesday’s Senate session. “As long as it takes we need to get back down here as quickly as possible.” The slots legislation, which Miller said could raise more than $800 million annually, puts on the table a politically toxic issue that Gov.
Martin O’Malley and many leaders of the legislature had hoped to avoid during this relatively sleepy session of the General Assembly. While O’Malley said that he favored slots on a “limited” basis, such as at racetracks, he has made it clear he sees no need to take on the issue this year. He met Wednesday with both Miller and House Speaker Michael E. Busch, D-Anne Arundel, and did not rule out the possibility of a special session to deal with fiscal issues. “We will no doubt have to have that debate about revenues and the fact that some legislators want to have that debate now, and I’m open to that,” he said. Busch said that Miller’s bill “doesn’t really change the dynamic of the House,” and emphasized that his side of the State House was focusing on issues such as health insurance coverage, public education and the environment.
The House Ways and Means Committee has heard bills that would raise the sales tax, and other sales tax proposals, including a gas tax, have been introduced this session. Busch has endorsed a $1a-pack increase in the cigarette tax to fund health care and a “green fee” on development to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, but has been adamant about his opposition to slot machines in Maryland. Delegate Galen R. Clagett, D-Frederick, however, has introduced a slots bill, which a House committee will hear next week. When asked what the prognosis was in the House for slots, Busch responded by asking “What’s the prognosis in the Senate?” and refrained from giving his reaction to Miller’s proposal. “Whatever further debate the Senate is going to have is up to the Senate of Maryland,” he said.
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The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Editorial & Opinion Smoking Ban to “Protect Health” Threatens Freedom The hue and cry is in the air again, as the annual call for the legislature to impose its will on bars and restaurants is well underway. The General Assembly has rejected legislation for the past two years that would ban smoking in all indoor bars and restaurants, but that does not mean it is not coming. Even if Annapolis again rejects this measure, more and more local governments are adopting it. The idea sounds great. Imagine it, walking into any restaurant or bar in the area, and not having to deal with that pesky second hand cigarette smoke! It is no wonder that so many people are attracted to the idea, it has a strong intrinsic appeal and on the surface would improve everyone’s quality of life. Seemingly, there is no downside. But that is the trick. While the downside is hidden, it is there. Any time the government places limits on
freedom, especially when it uses health and safety reasons as justification, we should be wary. When a business owner opens a restaurant or a bar, it is their decision as to how they run it. If they want it to serve American, Italian, Mexican or Japanese fare, that is up the business owners. They then decide how their businesses should look. Marble top counters? Hardwood? Oak? Maybe tile? These are all decisions made by the business owner. Then the decision must be made to either sell alcohol or not to sell it. If they will sell alcohol, they need to apply for a license through the state to do so, but the option is there for them. Another option they have is to offer a smoking or nonsmoking establishment. Most restaurants choose to offer smoking sections for the convenience of their smoking customers.
As the anti-smoking sentiments grow stronger, however, business owners stand to lose this option, as governments are increasingly taking this decision upon themselves. Many business owners, especially bar and club owners, fear that smoking bans will hurt their business. While proponents of this legislation dismiss the argument, it is a legitimate concern. The problem, however, lies in the fact that by the time data can be accurately collected to determine the impact on businesses, the damage may already be done and businesses shut down. More importantly, however, is the fact that by passing these bans, the government bleeds away another piece of our freedom. Non-smokers and antismokers may not have a problem with smoking bans as it does not affect them negatively, but the smoking seg-
Big City Boy, Small Town Heart Star Studded Candidate Pool for 2008 Presidential Election
By Adam Ross Staff Writer The 2008 Presidential Election is nearly two years away, and yet the American public appears captivated by the star-studded candidate pool. For the first time in decades the diverse field won’t include a sitting president or vice president, leaving the door wide open for a newcomer to steal the White House. The heightened public interest so early on, can be directly attributed to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (DN.Y.), the first woman candidate in U.S. history with a reasonable chance of captur-
ing the White House, and Sen. Barack Obama (D- Ill.). Obama is of mulatto ancestry, with a white mother from Wichita, Kansas and a black father born in Kenya. Both candidates are considered the front runners early; Clinton for her political connections and Obama for his infectious spirit. From an outsiders perspective the two candidates are nothing alike, and based on Obama’s short political resume, he rose to the political limelight from out of nowhere. Though both democrats, Obama at times exerts a slightly more conservative bent to immigration and environmental issues. In the 109th
Congress, Obama supported the construction of a fence between the United States and Mexico, and a year later gave the thumbs up to liquefied coal production, much to the demise of environmentalists. But Obama has remained critical of President Bush’s Iraq war, even going as far as introducing the “Iraq War De-Escalation Act” in 2006, which calls for the removal of all combat brigades in Iraq by March 31, 2008. Whether you agree or not with all of Obama’s policy over his short tenure in Congress, he does have one thing going for him that no other candidate can match; charisma. Charisma is a funny
Learning home loans
By Patrick Dugan Contributing Writer I have been asked many times over the past year about mortgage rates and the different types of mortgages available. The potential home buyer today will find a vast array of mortgage types that can offer more opportunities to them, and their quest to buy a first or new home. There are loans with very little or even no down payment. There are loans that offer very low initial interest
rates. There are loans you can get with varying degrees of supporting documentation needed. You can even find loans that feature all three of these opportunities. The Federal Reserve refers to these loans as “exotic loans,” not because they aren’t useful, but because they are different. Take the example of an interest only loan. When you borrow money, you are going to have a very low monthly mortgage payment. You may also have gotten an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (A.R.M.). In this example you have a thirty year mortgage, the first ten years you will be paying only interest payments. Now, after three, five or seven years your mortgage payment goes up because of your adjustable rate, but you are still paying
only the interest on the loan. Once the ten years is up, your mortgage rate may double or even triple. If you are still in the house, and have not increased your income, or saved up for this event you may get into trouble. That large increase is what has caused the Federal Reserve to issue a caution to all lenders. The Fed is simply saying; borrowers must be able to pay back the full amount of the loan. The Fed has seen indication that many of the borrowers of these types of loans do not fully realize what will happen to their payments. If sometime during the ten-year period you decide to sell, well you need to be assured that the price of the home will increase. If you paid $450,000 for the home and have made only your in-
ment of the population are the ones hurt, as are the business owners. Those who do not wish to go to restaurants and bars with smokers have a simple choice they can make – don’t go to those establishments. Further, if there are a great number of people who do not want a particular bar or restaurant to permit smoking, there are ways to convince the business owner it is in their best interests to ban smoking. Numbers indicate that about 25 – 30 percent of the U.S. population smokes. That means 70 percent of us do not. If 70 percent of a business’ customers expressed dissatisfaction with smoking in that establishment, and told the owner they would not do business there until things change, that would be a far quicker and more effective way to end smoking in that business than relying on the government. It would also be a free-market
solution that preserves freedoms instead of ceding them to government. While it may not seem a big deal to simply ban smoking at bars and restaurants, if the government can make that decision, based on health reasons, what comes next? Will the government decide bars and restaurants may no longer serve alcohol? How many people are killed and wounded in drunk driving accidents each year? Would not the logical solution be to simply ban liquor sales at businesses? Guns cause many injuries and deaths each year as well. If we are to more fully protect people’s health and welfare, would it not make sense to ban gun sales? The argument used by proponents of the smoking ban can be extended to many different areas. And where does the line get drawn? Once government
decides it can tell a business owner what is permissible for the business, does it end there? Once the smoking ban is in place, to protect people’s health, what is to stop a government from banning smoking in certain households? After all, if a person lives with others, smoking is a health hazard, creating another situation for the government to intervene. While the smoking ban does in fact have many benefits for many people, those benefits do not outweigh the problems created when government begins to take freedoms away. Rather than looking at the immediate effects, we should be looking at the underlying problems and the future ramifications in order to guard ourselves and to remain a free nation.
thing, and it works in mysterious ways. Obama by far is not the most experienced candidate running for President, but it might be his outwardly charm and boyish good looks that land him the White House in 2008. Clinton on the other hand, is running under the mantra “It’s time, it’s just time,” in reference to the time for a woman to seize control of the White House. Clinton too lacks a deep political background, which is perhaps highlighted by her eight years as first lady to then President Bill Clinton. If America elects Clinton as the next President, two rotating political powerhouse families will have controlled the United States for the last 28 years. The Bush and Clinton stronghold will not just be a blip in American history, but rather a three-decade political dynasty that will surely have lasting implications. And as James Burkee, an assistant professor of history at Concordia University originally points out in an opinion piece published in the Los Angeles Times, it might not end there. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has not shunned a White
House bid or a vice presidential slot on the ticket in 2010 or 2012. But let’s not speculate about that yet. Sen. Joe Biden (D- Del.), Sen. Chris Dodd (D- Conn.), John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (DOhio) and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson are the other democratic candidates that have declared they are seeking the Democratic Party nominee. The republican side of the race might not be as name worthy depending on who you are talking to, but certainly offers up more experienced and seasoned front runners. Sen. John McCain (RAriz.) and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani are said at the moment to have the early lead on the republican field. McCain is a war hero and experienced politician, who might have a leg up on Giuliani because he ran against President George W. Bush in the 2000 Republican primary. But Giuliani was the face of 9/11, and when Americans needed someone to turn to, it was Giuliani who comforted them in their time of need. Bush won his reelection bid off that same sentiment,
using his self-proclaimed knowledge and ability to effectively deal with the war on terrorism as his most reelectable quality. I somehow doubt Giuliani will use 9/11 as the same political backbone as Bush, but if he does, and does it while separating the Iraq War dynamic, he should be the Republican nominee. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.), Jim Gilmore, Mike Huckabee, Rep. Duncan Hunter (Calif.), Mitt Romney and Tommy Thompson are the other candidates that have declared candidacy for the Republican nomination. In the end, I’m not sure it matters who the republicans nominate. The Americans made themselves quite clear in the 2006 midterm elections they wanted to see a change of power in the country. Time will tell whether that change of power translates into political momentum for the democrats. But rest assured, if democrats continue to oppose the Iraq War, stay free and clear of political scandal, and somehow deescalate the troop forces in Iraq, the democrats will control the legislative and executive branches in 2008.
terest only payments than you still owe $450,000 on the home. You have not built up any equity. When it comes time to get loan, please be sure to investigate your options. Interest only, low/no down payment loans have their place. You just need to be sure that you understand what you are getting. To help in
this endeavor we will be holding a homebuyers seminar on March 15 starting at 5:00p.m. at the O’Brien Realty building in California. This would be an excellent place to get information from a lender. There are many real estate company’s that offer this type of a seminar so if you cannot make this one shoot me an e-
mail and I will let you know of others that will be coming up. As always, please keep your questions and comment coming to me at patrick.dugan@obrienrealty.com, and include The County Times in the subject line!
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James Manning McKay - Publisher Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Adam Ross - Government Correspondent...............adamross@countytimes.net Andrew Knowlton - Sports Correspondent....... andrewknowlton@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Section A -
ters and other non-tree items because they’re confused; they’re marking their territory, giving the other local woodpeckers notice. Seeing baby bluebirds peering out of the bluebird box and watching young woodpeckers as mom and dad are teaching them the basics of tree drilling is never tiring to me. Each year, watching the wonder and beauty of God’s creation is new to me all over again. I never tire of it. It’s so much fun to walk around the yard every day in the spring to see what’s new poking up through the dirt, and what has bloomed since yesterday. Bulbs are little miracles – throw them in the ground in the fall and sure as shooting, you’re going to forget where you planted what. Then – viola - you see the little green swords shooting up! Now the wait begins to see which crocus is yellow and which is purple. And the daffodils! There are so many varieties, it’s a thrill to watch them pop open and dazzle you. The warmth of spring ties of the birds, you’ll see they’re staking out territory sunshine is truly a gift from and building nests – a truly heaven after the long winter. amazing spectacle to watch. Once the wetness of spring Those silly woodpeckers abates, you can start digging aren’t drumming on your gut- in the dirt where there are
Ramblings From A Country Girl
Spring Around The Edges By Terri Bartz Bowles Contributing Writer Gardeners and country folks know that spring is coming. It’s spring before the
daffodils bloom and the lawn needs its first trim. Daffodil and crocus bulbs have been pushing their leaves through the earth for some time now. If you look closely,
New Form Continued from page A- mission, Charter Home Rule or Code Home Rule. Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D- Great Mills) said he is becoming increasingly frustrated with having to send minor issues to Annapolis, when under a charter form of government those same actions could be approved without the General Assembly. “Over half of the things we send up [to Annapolis] are really minor things, and then they have to have hearings and we have to send staff up there,” Raley said. “It’s more efficient for local jurisdictions to approve those actions, and you can save time and money in the process.” The assembly is given full power to legislate commission ruled counties. The commissioners unanimously agreed Tuesday to establish different categories of citizens to represent a committee that will determine the advantages and disadvantages of Maryland’s other two legal forms of local government. If the committee finds good reason to change the way St. Mary’s County conducts its government, the issue would have to go to a countywide referendum. Commissioners Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D- Leonardtown) and Lawrence Jarboe (R- Golden Beach) said they both felt comfortable with the way the county’s government was currently set up. “You should always be open minded to see if you can do better,” he added. “But I don’t have an interest unless I
see something different in the charter [form].” Jarboe said he supported the commission because it’s an issue that should be left up to the people of St. Mary’s County. Raley reminded the board on several occasions that he was not pro charter, but felt it was important to get the issue out on the table. “I’ve looked at success with Charles County and had conversations with them,” Raley said, “and it’s worked fairly well to make their government more responsive to the citizens needs on a timely basis.” Charles County changed its form of government rule from commission to Code Home Rule in 2002. Code Home Rule is a combination of the charter and commission forms. Under this form, there is no charter, but the counties have the power to amend, repeal or pass local laws. However unlike charter counties, code counties still have the assembly passing some public local laws for their jurisdiction. Charter Home Rule permits a county to pass local legislation, but retains some legislative power to the assembly, such as the public school system. Because the General Assembly is only not always in session, and legislation has to find its way through two chambers, fairly straightforward decisions often get tied up at the state level. Raley said constituents have approached him, frustrated that they cannot get
you can see buds on trees and flowering bushes. Things will start to noticeably “green up” quickly now. This is the season of anticipation. If you watch the activi-
legislation only affecting St. Mary’s County out of the assembly’s committees. This session alone there are nearly 2300 bills filtrating through the floors of the house and senate. St. Mary’s County is awaiting word on 13 of its own legislative proposals, according to Colin Keohan, a county attorney. House bill 217, which would increase the fine for alcohol violations passed out of the House on Feb. 19. However house bills 233 and 969 have not been as quick to turnover. Both bills spell out term increases for voting members of the Metropolitan Commission to five years. “That’s what I’m talking about,” said Raley of a prime example of the bureaucracy. “It has to go to Annapolis and we should have somebody to testify, and then on to the senate side.” Then much to the chagrin of Raley, Jarboe responded, “that’s why you get it right the first time,” so it does not have to go through the process all over again. Over the next two weeks the commissioners will begin selecting members of the community to stand on the committee. “I think each of us has a responsibility to select people not in our best interest, but the county’s best interest,” Mattingly said. “If we can’t do that we don’t belong at the table.” Of the 23 counties in Maryland, eight are commission controlled, nine are charter controlled, and six are code controlled.
Photo by Adam Ross
Commission President Francis Jack Russell presents a proclamation to members of the Commission for Women and the members of the Department of Recreation Parks, and Community services in honor of Women’s History Month.
The GFWC Women’s Club of St. Mary’s assisted the Leonardtown library with its annual Dr. Seuss birthday party Saturday. Pictured from left to right: Judy Loflin, Vice President Jeanette Bunting, Library Committee Chairman Sally Huff, and Barbara Keating.
Guidelines to Make a Better Pet Animal Relief Fund 301-866-0305
www.animalrelieffund.org The Animal Relief Fund holds pet adoption days every Saturday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Well Pet Clinic in Lexington Park. Please call for more information or visit our website where you can check out all of our wonderful animals available for adoption.
March Against Pet Overpopulation The Animal Relief Fund is sponsoring a 2 for 1 cat spay/ neuter program in the month of March. Please call the Well Pet Clinic at 301-866-0303 for more information .
more wonders to be found. There’s the constant joy of perennials coming up while the gardener breathes silent thanks. As you’re digging, you’re making plans for what you can do in your flowerbed, and for the future. And your mind wanders…..just how big can an earthworm get?! What kind of bug is that and isn’t it a pretty color? Did the terrapins lay eggs where we saw them hunkering down for the winter? My husband and I are very anxious about the terrapins. We had two living in our yard last year and saw at least one baby in one of our flower beds. They love our compost pile; apparently, it’s a regular terrapin buffet. For the last two winters, we know at least one terrapin has made his winter home with us. And last year, we’re pretty sure we saw one of them laying eggs. So now we can’t wait to see if we have baby terrapins! How cool would that be? Yea, I know, pretty darn cool. So, enjoy this early part of spring – it holds its’ own fascinations and wonders. Get your gardening tools clean and sharp because soon, oh so soon, we can start digging in the dirt!
Every week Animal Relief Fund volunteers answer calls from people needing to give up their pets. Reasons for relinquishing range from allergies to zero tolerance for untrained animals. More often than not these pet owners did not see beyond the cute little puppy or kitten, and failed to realize the impact this additional responsibility would have on their family. The following are some suggestions that would greatly improve your pets chances of being re-homed if you should ever find yourself in a situation where you must give up your pet. 1) Provide the veterinary care your pet needs to insure a healthy
visits to the vet, groomer, or anywhere will be more pleasant for you both. 4) Obedience classes and training for your puppy are also essential. Your puppy needs to learn how to act and you must teach them. They do no know how to sit, walk on a leash correctly, or come back automatically, they must be taught. 5) Neuter your pet. Un-neutered animals are more likely to run away, will urinate inappropriately, be more aggressive, go into heat, reproduce and have greater chances of cancer. A neutered pet is an all around healthier, happier pet.
start. Often people take advice from breeders, neighbors, or the internet and are misinformed therefore only a veterinarian should direct you in proper care for your pet. 2) Socialization is crucial and should start early in your puppy and kittens life. Introducing your pet to safe and friendly people, places, and things at an early age will eliminate stress and anxiety for that pet when exposed to new things. These suggestions are 3) You must teach your pet to put forth to make your pet respect you and all humans. more adoptable if the need People allow animals to get ever arises and you must away with behaviors they give them up to rescue. But would never tolerate from following all of these steps friends and family memcould make the need for pet bers. Touch your pet’s feet, relinquishment decrease look into their ears, kindly dramatically. restrain them, and your
The County Times
Section A -
Tennis Proposal Continued from page A- Rollins said, “and one of the top priorities was at least one public park location with four or more [tennis] courts.� Rollins classified the two existing Cecil Park tennis courts as in “poor condition from 20 years of wear and tear.� Through its existence, members of the St. Mary’s County Tennis Association (SMCTA) have played at local schools, but those facilities are often congested with after-school activities, and lack open bathrooms and shelter from the sun. Katie Keen, a board member for SMCTA who had a hand in writing the grant proposal, said for three years she went to Prince George’s County because there were no USTA leagues in the county. But now Keen plays at Leonardtown and Great Mills High Schools, the result of hard working residents who established SMCTA ten years ago. “Now we have USTA leagues,� she said, “and although we are floored to be
able to play at the high schools, it’s tough without bathrooms, shelter and wind screens.� There are roughly 1,600 active tennis players in St. Mary’s County who will benefit greatly from the Cecil Park expansion, Keen said. “I see this as a way our whole team can practice at one time,� Keen said of her 16-person team. “It’s just so exciting to have four courts at one [public] location.� Laura Carrington, former president of SMCTA, and now the commissioner for junior tennis said the new courts would also facilitate a softer pallet for seniors. “They will be using a soft surface for the courts that are better for people’s bodies, and the needs of seniors,� Carrington added. At 65, Keen has also had her fair share of tennis injuries because of the harder courts around county schools. “It’s killing my body,� Keen said. “The new surface is not as soft as clay, but it’s a heck of a lot softer than the
hard courts we are playing on.� SMCTA does not charge for membership, but because they are forced to rent high school courts and purchase balls, along with other minor costs, nominal charges are levied to players when they attend certain events. SMCTA is a non-profit charter association partnered with the United States Tennis Association. Rollins revised his department’s capital investment plan to include the Cecil Park project, he said. According to Rollins, the county has already appropriated $25,000 to the project, but another $170,000 is needed from the county’s budget. However, the county’s fiscal year 2008 budget will not be finalized until the end of May, leaving Rollins and SMCTA wondering if the project will go through. Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D-Leonardtown) was concerned that the project did not include lights for nighttime play, and said it would be important for the budget to accommodate lights for Dorsey Park sometime in the future.
Greenview Knolls students in Mrs. Harrison Fox’s second grade class participate in the Fluoride Program.
“The courts at Leonardtown Elementary were taken out because of school expansion, but they had a significant amount of night time play,� Mattingly added. Rollins proposed lighting Dorsey Park’s courts in fiscal year 2010, but reiterated that SMCTA’s top priority is to have a location with at least four courts. This spring, tennis lessons for adults and juniors will be held at Dorsey Park. SMCTA is committed to involving more juniors in tennis, Keen said. Last year, not a single junior from St. Mary’s County participated in a USTA statewide event, but with more programs and the help of this project Keen said “next year we will have juniors participating.� “As the person who wrote the proposal and helped write the grants I’m thrilled with the progress we’ve had to date,� Keen said. “We’ve made quantum leaps in the right direction to promote tennis in St. Mary’s County.�
Photo by Andrew Knowlton
Murder Case Continued from page A-1
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Smoking Ban Continued from page A-1 American Cancer Society who attended the forum said it would have enough votes on the floors of the house and senate to send up to Governor Martin O’Malley. Local Sen. Roy Dyson (D) is said by Avery to be in support of the bill, which aims to stop smoking in all indoor public areas. Sen. Dyson could not be reached for comment Monday. The bill is a stronger version than others floating around the assembly that would allow indoor restaurant and bar smoking when ventilation is in place, which according to Avery does not protect against secondhand smoke. Area business owners expressed frustration at the fo-
There are now 34 states with some form of smoking ban on the books, with an increase number turning to banning smoking in restaurants and bars. St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr. William B. Icenhower said there is “no question� that restaurants and bars in those areas where bans have been levied have not lost business. “It’s not really a valid argument,� Icenhower added. Proponents of the ban link secondhand smoke directly to cancer, asthma, and heart disease. All 24 health officers in Maryland unanimously voted to support the bill, according to Icenhower. “I worked for 35 years in
rum because the bill “would put them out of business.� This sentiment has been a point of contention for bar owners in St. Mary’s County and throughout the state who do not serve food, nor allow anyone under the age of 21 into their establishment. One bar owner said over 75 percent of his clientele would stop coming if the smoking ban took effect. “I would lose my house, my car, my boat,� the un-identified man said. “You’re taking away my livelihood.� O’Donnell said he would not support the bill, and that the decision of a smoking or non-smoking establishment should be left up to the proprietor. “There are a lot reasons I think this is a bad idea,� O’Donnell said. “There is going to be a carve out for private clubs, and if those private clubs have smoking it will drive business out of the private sector and into the clubs, taking business away from entrepreneurs.�
an emergency room and one of the saddest things was seeing young children come in with asthma attacks,� Icenhower said. “So often these attacks are precipitated by secondhand smoke.� The Maryland anti-smoking movement was initiated in the 90s when the state legislature passed an indoor smoking ban on bars and restaurants, but later removed the two entities from the legislation. Avery called 2007’s bill “common sense legislation,� and urged community members to write their local political figures in support of the bill. In 2006, the Clean Indoor Air Act died in the House Health and Government Operations Committee, and in 2005 it died in the Senate Finance Committee. Democratic Sen. Thomas M. Middleton of Charles County, and chairman of the finance committee, broke a five-five strong hold by abstaining in 2005, the same as a no vote.
Merritt pulled over Crutien cerated at the County DetenE. Bryant, 21, and Terrel A. tion Center and at this point, Thomas, 21, in their speeding the investigation is ongoing,� 1999 Dodge, he discovered Burris said. a 9mm Taurus handgun that Bryant and Thomas were had been stolen in the Tackle pulled over during a raid of Box robbery. traffic stops conducted by the Their arrest led police to Patrol Division and the SpeYoung, the third suspect in cial Operations Division of the robbery and the man who the St. Mary’s County Sherallegedly murdered Walter in iff’s Office. front of his apartment in the Walter, 24, an employee at Continued from page A- St. Mary’s Landing commu- DynCorp International, was nity in Lexington Park Feb. on his way to work the mornBefore naming a replace27. “Through the investiga- ing of his death, according to ment for Forrest, the comtion, we determined where Burris. “[Young] was going in missioners signed a separa[Young] was and we located the victim’s car when [Wal- tion agreement with him for him in Waldorf at a friend’s ter] came out and confronted $58,106. Forrest was under house,� said Bureau of Crimi- him,� Burris said. Young shot contract until June 1, 2007, nal Investigations Command- Walter in the head twice and and was paid for the money he er, Lt. Rick Burris. fled the scene. would have earned under that Br y a nt , contract despite retiring four a Lexington months before its expiration. Park resident, is At the time the separation charged with two agreement was signed, Matcounts of Armed tingly said the board agreed Robbery and one to pay Forrest the remainder count of First Deof his contract “based on his gree Assault from service to the county.� a Jan. 13 incident “We thought it was a fair at the Third Base decision to make based on his Store in Loveville service,’ he added. “He had and was a lookout some remaining time, but he in the Tackle Box had provided good service.� robbery. For Savich, the now forThomas, also mer director of economic and of Lexington Park, community development, the faces one count of job is a promotion of sorts. Armed Robbery He will be paid $140,000 for the incident at to start, and given a 2 perthe Tackle Box, cent increase after the first in which he and year, Sabo said. Forrest made Young allegedly $135,928 over 2006. stole three hand“I am pleased that Mr. guns, including Savich has accepted our ofa Glock 9mm, fer to lead St. Mary’s County the same weapon government forward,� said used in Walter’s Commission President Francis murder. Jack Russell (D- Point LookJohntonna E. Young “All three out). “He brings a wealth of suspects are incaradministrative experience at
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the national, state and local levels, has developed strong partnerships in our community and has forged a high level of respect among the employees of St. Mary’s County government.� The county administrator has responsibility for planning, supervising and assessing the work of all county departments. Over Savich’s tenure in government, which began in St. Mary’s County in 2001, he has held a number of economic and community development positions on the federal, state and local levels. His responsibilities have spanned from business recruitment, international trade, tourism, rural development and technology development. Currently, he is a member of the executive committee of the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, president of the Maryland Economic Development Association and member of the board of directors to the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce, the St. Mary’s County Community Development Corporation and the Southern Maryland Economic Development Association.
The County Times
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Obituaries James Alphonso Fenwick, 63 James Alphonso Fenwick, 63, of Mechanicsville, Md., died Feb. 24, in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born July 15, 1943 in Oakville, Md., he was the son of the late James A. Fenwick and Mary Annie Herbert Fenwick. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Fenwick, of Mechanicsville, three children, Yolanda Fenwick Williams, of Waldorf, Md., Garrett Fenwick, of Mechanicsville, Christal Fenwick, of Suitland, Md., and six grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother John G. Fenwick. The family received friends on Friday, March 2, from 9- 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, Md., where a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated. Reverend Keith Woods was the celebrant. Interment followed in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, Md. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.
Hobart Marvin Friar, 79 Hobart Marvin Friar, 79, of Muncie, Ind. died March 2, in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born Sep. 26, 1927 in Parker City, Ind., he was the son of the late Hobart McKinley Friar and Laone Rife Friar. He is survived by his daughter, Joette Ruddick, and her husband, Timothy DeWayne of Great Mills, Md., son, Steven Douglas Friar and his wife, Jamie of Muncie, Ind., brother, Charles Friar of Muncie, Ind., two sisters, Barbara Seitz of Parker City, Ind., and Nina Moore of Detroit, Mich., four grandchildren, Corporal Timothy Brandon Ruddick of Camp Lejeune, N.C. and his wife, Angelica, Thomas Scott Niccum and Kassia Ruddick, both of Lexington Park, Md., and McKenzie Friar of Muncie, Ind. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Emogene Friar and his daughter, Jana Sue Friar. All services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Hospital, Intensive Care Unit, P.O. Box 527, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Omie Henry Gladden, Sr., 73 O m i e Henry Gladden, Sr., 73, of Lexington Park, Md. died Feb. 24, in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born Jan. 7, 1934 in Valley Lee, Md., he was the son of the late Charles Alexander “Charlie” Gladden and Mary Elizabeth “Biscoe” Bennett. Omie was educated in the public school system of St. Mary’s County, Great Mills #1 School and Jarboesville School. Omie was a gifted carpenter, having taken “shop” and Industrial Arts in secondary grades in Jarboesville. Omie was employed by St. Mary’s County Housing, St. Mary’s Disposal, Dyson Lumber and Supply, St. Mary’s Board of Education and Lexwood Maintenance Department where he retired. Omie met and married Mary Evelyn Woodland. Of this union eight children were born. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children; Margaret Ann Woodland of Baltimore, Md., Jean Eliza-
beth Gladden Chase (Joe) of District Heights, Md., Mary Rita Gladden of Washington, D.C., Dale Gregory Gladden, John Percy Gladden, William Patrick Gladden and Henry Omie Gladden, all of Washington, D.C., Calvin Joseph Johnson, Crystal D. Mason, both of Callaway, Md., Jewelle L. Gladden, and Starelle J. Gladden, both of Mechancisville, Md., son-in-law; Leo Barrios, sister; Bertha M. Dukes (William) of Washington, D.C., brother; Charles Samuel Gladden of Waldorf, Md., brother-in-law; Edward Allen Smith, dear and devoted companion, Darlene Fisher, several sisters-in-law, 23 grandchildren, 25 greatgrandchildren, one greatgreat grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his daughter; Joyce Ann Gladden-Barrios, son; Ernest Omie Johnson, sisters; Roberta Gladys Bennett, Carrie Artimus Gladden, Elsie Nona Gladden, and Thelma Luvenia Gladden Smith, brothers; John Chauncey Bennett and Clarence Alexander Gladden. Family received friends Thursday, Mar. 1, from 1011:00 a.m. in Bethesda United Methodist Church, Valley Lee, Md., where the Funeral Service was conducted at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Irvin Beverly conducted the service. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Terrance English, Samuel Montgomery, William Jordan, Leo Barrios, Joseph Chase, and Willie Anderson. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Virginia H. “Sissie” Jarboe, 85 In the early hours before dawn on the morning of Feb. 23rd, Virginia H. “Sissie” Jarboe of Leonardtown, Md., peacefully passed away in her sleep at the St. Mary’s Nursing center. Miss Jarboe was born in Leonardtown on Feb. 17, 1922 and had just recently celebrated her 85th birthday. She was a devoted and dutiful daughter of the late Ignatius Jackson and Mary Catherine Connelly Jarboe. She was also the loving sister of Ann Kurz of Oakland, Ca., John L. Jarboe, Sr. of Charlotte Hall, Margaret Tippett of Leonardtown, Mary L. Stone of Waldorf, and Joseph Donald Jarboe of Lincoln, Neb. She was preceded in death by siblings James A., Ignatius, Jr., and Mary G. Jarboe, all of Leonardtown. A 1939 graduate of Margaret Brent High School and then attended Strayer College. Miss Jarboe attained very high marks throughout her education and subsequent vocational training which led to employment in the Federal Government as a tax examiner for the Internal Revenue Service from the early 1940’s through the late 1960’s. During this time she resided in the Washington D.C. area. Miss Jarboe eventually returned to her hometown in the late 1980’s and took up residence at the Cedar Lane Apartments. A very kind and pious Christian lady, she enjoyed visiting with friends and relatives, as well as attending church religiously. Her favorite passions were genealogy, history, classical literature, and poetry. She also enjoyed good meals and stimulating conversation, even during the waning months of her life while she resided at the nursing center. In addition to her brothers and sisters Miss Jarboe is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. The family received friends on Tuesday, Feb. 27 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers
were said. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Feb. 28 in St. Aloysius Catholic Church with Fr. John Dakis officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were: John Leonard Jarboe, Sr., Francis Neale Tippett, John Leonard Jarboe, Jr., Alfred Mattingly, Frank Fearns and John Leonard Jarboe III. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
JoEllen Moore, 68 JoEllen Moore, 68, of Lexington Park, Md. died Feb. 21, 2007 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born July 9, 1938 in Gardiner, ME, she was the daughter of the late Hobart and Katherine Dick Chase. JoEllen moved to St. Mary’s County in 1970 and spent her career caring for those with disabilities at St. Mary’s ARC and the Center for Life Enrichment; eventually retiring from the Calvert County Office on Aging. She was also a foster care giver for numerous people throughout her life to include a very special person, Linda Wathen, who had lived with her for the last 10 years and was like a member of her family. JoEllen was a lover of the outdoors; especially the ocean. She loved her seafood, going to shows and spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and a member of the Board for the Center for Independent Living. She will truly be missed by all, especially by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Maggie HaydenStone of Hollywood, Md. and Susan Machnicki of Lexington Park, Md., grandchildren, Tania Dawson, Jennifer Cross, Brian Hayden, Brittany Machnicki, and Caitlin Machnicki, great- grandchildren, Justin Harding and Lake Dawson, dear friend, Elizabeth Morris, and loving pet, friend and companion, Gi Gi. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Laurie Moore and her grandson, Shawn Hayden. The family received friends on Monday, Feb. 26, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s County Church of Christ, California, Md., where the Funeral Service was conducted at 11:00 a.m. Minister LeRoy Finto conducted the service. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Joyce Evelyn Peggins, 75 Joyce Evelyn Peggins, 75 of Laurel, Md., formerly of California, Md., died Feb. 27, in Washington Adventist Hospital, Takoma Park, Md. Born Sep. 4, 1931 in San Diego, Ca., she was the daughter of the late Walter Edgar and Evangeline Smith Payne Mrs. Peggins was a longtime resident of St. Mary’s County, where she met and married her husband and raised her family. During her years of employment at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, she served as secretary for the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, Weapon Systems Test, Test Pilot School, and the Prowler Office. Her co-workers were often the beneficiaries of her talents in calligraphy and cake decorating. She was a long-time member of Patuxent River Assembly of God Church and was active in the pro-life movement, volunteer-
ing her time and talents with the Maryland Right to Life and Birthright organizations. No matter how busy she was, she always had time for her pride and joy—her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the love of her life, her husband “Peg”. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, James O. Peggins, Jr. and their four children; James O. Peggins, III of Laurel, Md., Janice Elaine Hinebaugh of Maysville, WV, John Walter Peggins of Laurel, Md., and Jeannie Ricketts of California, Md., sisters, Joan Marie Trainor of Calera, Ala. and Joanne Messick of Ridge, Md., 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her grandson, Michael Jason Comstock and her brother, Walter E. Payne, Jr. A Funeral Service was conducted on Saturday, Mar. 3, at 11:00 a.m. in Patuxent River Assembly of God Church, in California, Md. Reverend Lanny Clark conducted the service. Interment followed in Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery, Lexington Park, Md. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, Washington DC-MD Office, 1025 Connecticut Ave NW St 1005, Washington, D.C. 20036-4104. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
James Franklin Redmond, 85 J a m e s Franklin Redmond, 85, of Lexington Park, Md. died Feb. 27, in Avente Rehabilitation, Leesburg, Fl. Born Oct. 6, 1921 in Leonardtown, Md., he was the son of the late James Oscar Redmond and Mary Edna Hewitt Redmond. Mr. Redmond was an engineer aboard war shipping administration ships under the U.S. Coast Guard. He traveled to the Mediterranean Middle East War Zone, the Atlantic War Zone, Pacific War Zone including two trips to Murmansk, North Russia. He also received five bars; the Merchant Marine Defense and Combat Bar, Mediterranean Middle East, Atlantic War Zone & Pacific War Zone Bars, for his participation in these campaigns. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus in Ridge, Md., Ridge Lions Club, Piney Point Lions Club, and Mechanicsville Moose Lodge. He enjoyed the outdoors and woodworking, boating, fishing, crabbing, and gardening. He is survived by his wife, Mary Aleathea Evans Redmond, daughter; Gayle A. Hancock and her husband, William J. of Fairfax, Va., son; James F. “Frank” Redmond II and his wife, Wanda L. of Fredericksburg, Va., siblings; Ellsie Bowles of Leonardtown, Md., Agnes Elizabeth Owens of Lexington Park, Md., Hilda M. Weaver of Baton Rouge, La., and Charles Irving Redmond of Clements, Md., three grandsons; Jeffrey A. Hancock and his wife, Jennifer of Fairfax, Va., Mark D. Redmond and his wife, Tanya of Fredericksburg, Va., and Jason P. Redmond of Lexington Park, Md., step-grandson; Ronald Wayne Gilchrist of Lexington Park, Md., and three great-grandchildren; Shawn Corbin Redmond, Caroline Nicole Hancock, and Jesse Allan Redmond. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Rose Bullock and his grandson, James Franklin Redmond III. The family will receive friends on Friday, Mar. 9, from 9- 10:30 a.m. in Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md., with A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in St. Aloysius
Section A - Catholic Church, Leonardtown, Md. Father John Dakes will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Redmond, Jason Redmond, Jeffrey Hancock, Ronald Gilchrist, John Bullock, and Joseph Bullock. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, Md. 20680. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Harold Frederick Schlosser, Jr., 75 Harold Frederick Schlosser, Jr., 75, of Leonardtown, Md. died Feb. 24, in Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, Alexandria, Va. Born August 16, 1931 in North Bergen, N.J., he was the son of the late Harold Frederick Schlosser, Sr. and Cecilia Ruth Laborsky Schlosser. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 19501954 after which he returned to his job at Patuxent River. He retired from civil Service after 24 years. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Jo Schlosser of Leonardtown, Md., three sons; Duane Anthony Schlosser of Falling Waters, W.Va., Steven Wayne Schlosser of Park Hall, Md., and Richard Louis “Louie” Schlosser of Lexington Park, Md., two daughters; Kathy Ann VanMeter and her husband, Greg of Clements, Md. and Anna Marie McMullen and her husband, Dan of Havelock, N.C., 13 grandchildren; Christopher, Billy, Adam, Dennis, Corey, and Christina Schlosser, D.J. McMullen, Toby Aldrich, Gene and Gregory VanMeter, Jennifer Wimmer, Beth Wigger, and Christa Anastasio, and seven great-grandchildren; Zachary, Nathan, Wyatt and Blake Wimmer, Bryson McMullen, Abby and Joey Aldrich. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. All services will be private. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Mary Elizabeth Thompson, 85 Mary Elizabeth Thompson, 85, of Leonardtown, Md. died Mar. 2, in St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. Born Feb. 6, 1922 in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Burton Emory Thompson and Lillian Frances Richardson Thompson. She is survived by her brother, Ralph Lee Thompson and his wife, Gretchen of Leonardtown, Md. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Wilford Emory Thompson. All services will be private. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Kenneth J. Walter, 24 Kenneth J. Walter, 24, of Lexington Park, Md. died Feb. 27, in Lexington Park. He was born Oct. 5, 1982 in Buffalo, N.Y. He is survived by his parents Guy K. and Cynthia L. Esposito Walter, his sister Shannon K. and her husband David G. Wilson Jr., his fiancée Melissa Guy, aunts; Virginia Mansfield and her husband William, Susan Sekuterski and her husband Jeffrey, Kathleen Tomasello and her husband Fred, Diane McCabe and her husband Thomas; Uncle Dale Esposito, Godparents James R. and Emily Urbanski, many loving cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents the late Kenneth and Janice Walter, and the late Louis and Dorothy Esposito. Kenneth was an Aviation Mechanic with DynCorp. A memorial service was held at the First Pentecostal Church in Lexington Park, Md. on. Mar. 7. Contributions may be made to; The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Attn: Contributions, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10036. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Rita Florine Wible, 80 Rita Florine Wible, 80 years old, of Great Mills, Md. died Mar. 1, in Saint Mary’s Nursing Center. Born June 19, 1926 in Leon, Md., she was the daughter of the late Edwin Parran Johnson Sr. and Agnes Florine Raley Johnson. She is survived by her children; Sandra Smith of Leonardtown, Md., Parran Wible of Virginia Beach, Va., Mary Reeder of California, Md., Susan Combs of Leonardtown, Md., Christine Wible of Lexington Park, Md. and Larry Wible, of Lexington Park, Md.; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her siblings; Nora Wible of Clements, Md., Edwina Branan, of Waldorf, Md., Charlotte Beck of San Diego, Ca., and Ed Johnson of Leon, Md. Rita was the loving wife of the late Alan Howard Wible, who she married on Dec.17, 1943 in Leonardtown, Md. and who preceded her in death on Aug. 7, 2000 in Great Mills, Md. She was also preceded in death by her son Gary Wible. Having graduated from Margaret Brent High School in 1943, she was a life long resident of St. Mary’s County, and was a homemaker. Prayers were said on Sunday, Mar. 4, at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel lead by Fr. Zygmunt Kuraninski. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Mar. 5, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Lexington Park, Md. with Fr. Jack Kennealy officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Pallbearers were: Matthew Combs, Tommy Wible, Eddie Johnson, Darren Smith, Paul Branan, and Glen Johnson. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, March 8, 2007
The Life Unknown
A Look at Our Elected Officials Past & Present This ongoing feature by The County Times profiles the private and public lives of our then and now elected officials. This week we profile former Maryland House Speaker Judge John Hanson Briscoe. By Adam Ross Staff Writer Following in his father’s footsteps, Judge John Hanson Briscoe held himself to the highest ethical standard through his tenure as a Maryland state legislator, attorney, judge and husband. The principles and labor his family brought fourth in St. Mary’s County and Maryland are well noted in history, but they are embedded in Hanson’s every breath. A curse word rarely, if ever escapes his lips, and he displays tolerance and fairness light years ahead of his storied ancestors, notorious for many things, one of which dates back to 1884 when his great grandfather ran Sotterley Plantation with slaves. “I grew up with manners,” he said wiping his hand across a table. “It’s had a profound influence on me today when I hear young men and women using that [foul] language. I accept the fact that it’s the times, but it’s very disturbing to me.” Today’s social disharmony is said by some to be corroding the fabric of families and democracy, but as with his family history, Briscoe is content focusing on the positives, which too are far reaching. In 1962, the United States
was in the midst of a struggle to cede equality to all races,
and St. Mary’s County required some egalitarianism of
its own. For a quarter of a century,
Former Speaker of the House of Delegates and Circuit Court Judge, John Hanson Briscoe.
Photo by Adam Ross
Philip H. Dorsey and his political organization controlled every state house, courthouse and municipality in the county. “There was no budget system, the county didn’t know its finances,” Briscoe said. “All of these things needed an infusion of leadership.” Team Briscoe-Raley, headed by J. Frank Raley in 1962, toppled St. Mary’s County’s political monopoly as the Dorsey camp lost in landslide defeats. “The county was ready for a renaissance,” Briscoe said. Briscoe was, too. A lawyer turned politician, he soon advanced his political career to Annapolis. “I was a political animal,” he admitted, “and I had a natural way with people.” Then, after five years as Delegate and Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, at what many called the peak of his political popularity, Briscoe left the statehouse and moved back to his beloved waterfront. “I just missed it,” he said of his home in St. Mary’s County, “and the politics was secondary.” His political confidants urged him to run for Governor or Attorney General, he said. But because the Governor lives in Annapolis, and the Attorney General lives in Baltimore, neither would suffice. Progression is considered natural when greatness is bestowed on the shoulders of a man, but it’s not easy to step back from praise and expectation for the good of oneself. “I never regret it, not for a second,” Briscoe said of his decision to leave politics. “I’ve been happier ever since.” But when his last session concluded in 1979, Briscoe, just 45 years old at the time, became a Circuit Court Judge seven years later. “I didn’t like the courtroom particularly,” he said. “I was accustomed to doing
in-house legal work when I practiced.” But again friends urged him to take the role, and this time he was persuaded to follow their emotional pleas. He served 16 years in St. Mary’s Circuit Court, earning the title of Chief Judge. “I like to think I had an outstanding reputation for integrity, high ethical standards and honesty,” he said. “And that’s the greatest feeling in the world.” After his judgeship, Briscoe retired, but as “The Life Unknown” series has shown, retirement has different meanings for different people. For Briscoe, retirement meant maintaining - from his family history, which Briscoe is an 11th generation member of, to his friendships that run deeper than any political affiliation. He cruises the county daily to meet with old buddies. But before he can pencil anyone in, he has to check his “dance card,” appropriately named for a schedule spent fluttering from one place to the next. Briscoe currently sits as a member of the St. Mary’s County Historical Society, president of the Sotterley Foundation, president of the St. Mary’s County City Commission and visits Annapolis when time allows. Feb. 15, marked another highlight for Briscoe, who became the 13th recipient of the Thomas Kennedy Award, honoring him for displaying the principles of liberty and freedom throughout his public service career. Just another day in the life of John Hanson Briscoe, bound by his parents’ wisdom, mentored by his political allies and trusted possibly, in part, because he trusted others to show him his own path to morality.
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