PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No. 145 Waldorf, MD
Thursday, April 12, 2007 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Established 2006 • Volume 2 • Issue 15 • FREE
RPD Task Force Mulls Over The Mandatory Selling of TDR’s
County Gives the Go-Ahead to New Elementary School in Wildewood
By Adam Ross Staff Writer The St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners implemented the Rural Preservation Task Force to recommend effective ways to protect land in Rural Preservation District. After its first meeting Monday, the task force found itself engulfed in a number of situational dilemmas - created in part by other task forces that have spent years trying to iron out the county’s future. At times Monday, members agreed to disagree, citing philosophical differences to the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) plan that offers money up front to landowners in exchange for the future development rights to their land. The current program designates one TDR for every three acres of developable land. If the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners approves changes to the ordinance, that amount would change to one TDR for every five acres. The program is intended to provide incentives for landowners to sell development rights, while allowing builders to acquire extra building density for projects going forward in other areas. Rural Preservation Task Force Chairman Robin Hahnel said the changes proposed by the TDR and APF task forces would not solve the county’s See RPD page A-
Index Encroachment A-2
Track Meet B-1 Op.-Ed ..........Page A - 4 Obits .............Page A - 5 Police ............Page B - 5 Classifieds.....Page B - 7
For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Local Weather Friday Partly Cloudy 57° Saturday Few Showers 65° Sunday T-Storms 55°
By Adam Ross Staff Writer
Photo by Guy Leonard
Donna Meador of Mechanicsville looks to her husband Rob Meador during the candle light vigil in memorium of Ethan Chewning, the 16-year-old Chopticon High School student who was killed last week in an automobile accident. The Meadors joined more than 100 people at the Chewning resident to support the family.
Family, Friends Still Mourning The Loss Of Ethan Chewning By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The family and friends of Ethan Chewning, the 16 year old Chaptico high school student killed in a tragic car accident last week are still coming to grips with his death and looking for healing. Throughout the week following his death the community rallied around the family that has lost a member they say was dear to their hearts. More than 100 people gathered at the Chewning home Monday night for a candlelight vigil to help say goodbye to their lost loved one and remember the impact he had on their lives. His mother, Kaye Chewning, remembered her son’s exu-
berant nature and his wisdom that exceeded his years. “He drove me crazy and kept me sane at the same time,” she said. “He was a good boy, he always did what I told him. “But he always corrected me because he always knew better. And you know he was usually right.” The tragedy was magnified family members say because it happened so close to the Easter holiday; a traditionally happy time of gathering for the family. Virginia Quade, Ethan Chewning’s grandmother, said she nearly decided not to hold the Easter celebration, complete with an Easter egg hunt for the family’s young ones, be-
See Go-Ahead page A-
Photo Courtesy of Virginia Quade
Ethan Chewning, 16, of Chaptico who
See Fatal Accident page A- was killed April 4 in an automobile accident on Sunnyside Road in Clements.
Leonardtown Man Killed In Weekend Wreck Friends and family mourn the loss of Kenneth Bacon By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The county has suffered its second fatal accident in only the past week with the death of Kenneth “Kenny” Bacon, 24, of Leonardtown. Just three days earlier, Ethan Chewning, 16, of Chaptico was killed in a head on collision on Sunnyside road in Clements. According to reports from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Bacon was driving his 2001 Toyota Tundra south on Route 5 in the early morning hours of April 7, and, as he passed Route 243 in Leonardtown, he failed to make the curve in his vehicle and ran into an embankment. The vehicle rolled over on its roof, and Bacon died on the scene, police said. Investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash but they believe speed and poor weather were contributing factors. Photo Courtesy of Susan Bacon Bacon’s mother, Susan Bacon, was still stunned by her son’s death. Kenneth Bacon, 24, who was killed April 7 in an automobile wreck in LeonardShe said she remembered him as town served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Here he is shown seated in a See Kenneth Bacon page A-
The St. Mary’s County Planning Commission gave final approval Monday to the concept site plan for the new elementary school slated for Wildewood, after noise and accident concerns made by local pilots and the airport advisory committee were put to rest. Final approval was then given by the commissioners Tuesday for the site’s water and sewer amendments. Both approvals will lead to a ground breaking scheduled for the end of August, according to J. Bradley Clements, chief operating officer of public schools. Tuesday marked the end of a long road for the new school plan, which has had to endure tenuous battles with the St. Mary’s County airport and surrounding neighborhoods. Representatives from the airport advisory committee, and pilots that utilize the airport, have previously voiced concerns that the school site was subject to excessive aircraft noise and accidents because of its location underneath the flight pattern of the airport. However, George Erichsen, the air-
throne in one of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s presidential palaces. Bacon served with the 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq.
Civic Group Continues Fight With County, Developer Over Myrtle Point By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Potomac River Association is going head-to-head with the county government and a local developer in Circuit Court next month over their claim that the county ignored its own zoning law to allow houses to be built on lots in Myrtle Point. The court case marks the latest round in a battle that goes back to last year in which civic activists sought to stop housing developments they say cause soil erosion in critical watershed areas thus damaging the environment. “The county doesn’t seem to have a high priority for saving the creeks [at Myrtle Point], said Erik Jansson, president of the Potomac River Association [PRA]. “Something’s got to give here. “The county’s basically decided to violate the law on behalf of a developer.” At the core of the association’s argument, according to papers filed at the Circuit Court, is that the county Department of Public Works and Transportation erroneously issued grading permits to developer P.F. Summers Myrtle Point LLC to build homes on six lots out of a total of 55 that had slopes with a greater than 15 percent grade. The county Board of Appeals disagreed, court papers stated, and upheld the decision of the department to issue the permits in June of 2006. Their interpretation stated that the law allows the county to issue such permits if See Myrtle Point page A-
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Commissioners Thrust Encroachment Into Spotlight, Again By Adam Ross Staff Writer During its short tenure, the current St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners has pushed one issue more than most others: protecting operations of the Naval Air Station Patuxent River from encroachment. That support has enjoyed strong bi-partisan support among the commissioners, who appear unified and committed to protecting St. Mary’s County’s most valuable economic engine. Monday, the commissioners took another step towards that resolution by directing Land Use and Growth Management Director Denis D. Canavan to draft a text amendment of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to prohibit future residential development in zone two of the accident potential zone (APZ), which is one of three zones’ surrounding the base. Forms of encroachment are urban growth, airborne noise, frequency spectrum, lighting pollution, threatened endangered species and maritime transportation issues. The text amendment is one of a series of events that will lead up to an April 20 signing ceremony of a Cooperation Agreement between the commissioners and Pax River Commanding Officer Capt. Glen Ives, which pledges six terms and conditions in establishing a “formal cooperative encroachment mitigation and prevention agreement.” That agreement is crucial in keeping Pax River apart of St. Mary’s County for years to come. “This document is probably one of the most significant documents signed between the commissioners and
Commissioners review plans for a text amendment to the county’s comprehensive zoning ordiance at Tuesday’s meeting.
the Navy since the AICUZ,” said Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D- Leonardtown). “Some underestimate the commitment that has been made… It’s been 25 years in the making.” By direction of the commissioners, the text amendment would exclude the 702 dwelling units currently spread out over the 1100 acres of APZ zone two. All residents with dwelling units that currently exist, or are vacant, but recorded, would still be allowed to make changes to their properties. “The intent of the commissioners back on Feb. 13 was to be sensitive to existing residences that might be altered, improved or replaced,”
said Canavan. “The main thrust is to reduce the likelihood of new residences in APZ-2.” However, sound-reducing measures must accompany all new construction in APZ-2. With the addition of the Joint Strike Fighter to Pax River in the comming months, and growing operations, Canavan said the there will be a greater noise impact on surrounding communities - more so than in the 1970s when the airport installation compatible use zones (AICUZ) were first implemented. Canavan added that thicker windows, and other vesting management practices could be used to reduce interior noise levied by the base.
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While the text amendment for APZ-2 is not part of the Cooperation Agreement between the commissioners and Pax River, both have had continuing dialogs in the past months to draft the document, which according to Canavan should be signed later this month in front of House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer and Marylands Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown. The six terms and conditions outlined in the document include twice yearly meetings between the county and the Navy, a Navy technical advisor to review all development proposals in the vicinity of Pax River and Webster Field, a collaboration on efforts to inform county residents on
encroachment threats, a collaboration on analyses and data collection, an agreement to protect from encroachment threats beyond the county, and a continuing of work to identify easements or other mechanisms to ensure protection of Webster Field. County Administrator John Savich called the document an “opportunity for some partnership to be defined and finalized.” “They know we have to protect the outside of that gate so the Navy can do their mission,” said Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D- Great Mills). “I know this board is committed, but we are going to do it procedurally the right way.”
Photo by Adam Ross
One point of contention Tuesday was a plan for a 58 dwelling unit subdivision on 34 acres inside the APZ-2 zone. The subdivision, Essex Woods South, received preliminary plan approval, according to Canavan, however it could be stopped if the commissioners pass a text amendment without a specific exemption. If that were to happen before the subdivision receives its building permits, or digs its footings, the development would not be allowed to proceed in its proposed location. The Commissioners did not say Tuesday what their plans for Essex Woods South would be.
Lexington Park Growth Puts It on National Fast Track By Esther A. Nguonly Capital News Service WASHINGTON - St. Mary’s County is one of the nation’s fastest-growing “micropolitan” areas, expanding by 14.6 percent since 2000, largely on the strength of military growth, according to new Census Bureau reports. The area, surrounded by the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay, gained 1,986 people between 2005 and 2006, putting it among the top-gainers of 577 micropolitan areas in the country. The population may hit 100,000 next year if it continues at last year’s 2.1 percent growth rate. A micropolitan statistical area is defined by the Office of Management and Budget as a region with an urban cluster containing between 10,000 and 50,000 people. The Defense Department’s Base Realignment and Closure process created many new jobs in the region, especially in the mid-90s, spawning continued job growth in the area, said Mark Goldstein of the Maryland State Department of Planning. The area will continue to grow, he said. The Patuxent Naval Air Station, which is based in Lexington Park, employs about 20,000 people, driving about 75 percent of the economy in St. Mary’s County and providing roughly $3 billion to the state economy, said Hans Welch, manager of business development for St. Mary’s County. Southern Maryland is a fast-growing area in the state,
and a very desirable bedroom community for people who work in the District of Columbia, but unlike neighboring Charles and Calvert Counties, many in St. Mary’s County both work and live in the county, said Robin Finnacom, president of St. Mary’s County Community Development Corporation, a non-profit redevelopment organization. The average price of a home in St. Mary’s County today is $337,501, compared with about $200,000 in 2003, Finnacom said. The area, still surrounded by farmland, has a countryside charm and historical appeal, in addition to high tech jobs, she added. The level of internal migration, or residents coming from other regions inside the U.S, into Lexington Park and Cambridge has been particularly high, although the Census Bureau statistics do not reflect the number of people coming in and out of the state yearly, or where they are moving. Cambridge, Easton and Ocean Pines are state micropolitan areas growing at a steady pace, mostly due to high levels of internal migration. The report also included information about metropolitan areas, and showed significant out-migration in the Washington area and Baltimore-Towson region. The only metropolitan area in the state to show a decline in population was Cumberland. It has been declining in population over the last decade, and it dropped below
100,000 in 2006. The region lost 426 people between 2005 and 2006, 0.4 percent of its population. A combination of the loss of several nearby manufacturing plants, as well as the area’s geography, are blamed for the trend downward, said John Frece, professor of urban studies and planning at the University of Maryland, College Park. The area is divided by the Appalachian mountains and endures harsh winters, and the closure of major tire and fabric plants, once major industries in the region, struck a huge blow to the economy in the 1980s and 1990s. “Times have changed . . . when they lost the economic base, they lost the population base,” said Frece. “We believe it’s on the turn-around,” said Cumberland Mayor Lee Fiedler. He sees the area’s population stabilizing, based on new home water hookup statistics, and the census figures can’t capture those recent trends. The Hagerstown-Martinsburg, W.Va., area, which includes Washington County and Berkeley and Morgan Counties in West Virginia, has been the fastest-growing metropolitan region in Maryland, followed by the Salisbury area, which includes Somerset and Wicomico Counties. There are 361 metropolitan areas defined by the OMB, which comprise 83.2 percent of the country’s population.
The County Times
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Annapolis Buzz Legislative Wrap-Up By Adam Ross Staff Writer As the Maryland General Assembly wrapped up its 90-day legislative session late Monday evening, leaders in the Senate and the House of Delegates pushed forward a number of looming issues – only none of them addressed their fundamental divides. Issues such as immigration and the abolition of the death penalty made little headway in the closing hours of the 423rd legislative session. Neither the slot bill, the green fund bill nor the bill to expand health care to low-in-
come workers and children made it to the floor of the Senate. Both chambers did approve Gov. Martin O’Malley’s $30 billion budget plan, but did so with no clear indication of how O’Malley will close a $1.5 billion gap between revenues and expenditures that will likely be revisited next year. The House voted 133-5 in favor of O’Malley’s budget, and the Senate did as well with a 40-7 vote. The budget plan gives O’Malley nearly all of the money he requested for stem cell research, higher education
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addition to slots, his refusal also withheld the state’s Green Fund Bill, which passed the House and would have levied fees on the construction of impervious surfaces to help cleanup the Chesapeake Bay. Local Delegates John L. Bohanan, Jr., (D-29B), Anthony J. O’Donnell (R-29C), and John F. Wood, Jr., (D-29A) all voted against the Green Fund Bill in the House. Lawmakers did, however, hammer out key differences over the smoking ban on bars and restaurants. Final passage was given, ensuring all businesses are smoke free by 2011, without a number of originally proposed exemptions. The compromise between the two chambers was over scope of hardship waivers. It was decided that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene must draw up guidelines to provide waivers to
businesses that can prove the ban is a hardship. Local health departments will grant the waivers. However, smoking in private clubs was also banned in the legislation. O’Malley pledged to sign the smoking legislation and if he does it would become law Oct. 1, however because the state health department needs time to draw up regulations for the hardship waivers, it won’t take effect until Feb. 1, 2008. The House voted 10040 in favor of the smoking ban, and the Senate passed it Friday. Other last minute accomplishments by the Assembly included a required reduction of pollutants from all cars sold in Maryland, and a package of protections for residents whose homes are subject to ground rent. St. Mary’s County saw a
number of its own bills pass both chambers by the end of the session. A bill to increase the maximum fine on illegal alcohol sales to $1,000 unanimously passed the House and Senate. A bill authorizing the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners to transfer property no longer needed for a public purpose with or without consideration to any private nonprofit organization in the county, or to the county Housing Authority, also unanimously passed both floors. Further, a bill exempting any county properties that were deeded before Jan. 1, 1994, and improved with a residence before Jan. 1, 2007, from specified subdivision regulations for purposes of constructing additions to the residence or accessory buildings, unanimously passed both chambers.
On May 3, 2007 The County Times will publish a special pull-out section to honor Mother’s Day! We would like you to write to us in 50 words or less, why your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, etc. are so special to you.
Myrtle Point Continued from page A-1 30 percent of the land of the overall parcel or lot is less than 15 percent grade. The county attorney, Christy Holt Chesser, in court papers, said the PRA has ignored the full meaning of the law to suit its own agenda. “You have to view the ordinance as a whole,” Chesser said. “The board [of Appeals] felt the director [of DPW&T] made the right decision, that it was a reasonable decision.” Christopher Longmore, the attorney for the developer, supports the county’s interpretation of the zoning ordinance. “The petitioners have picked one isolated subsection of the ordinance as the sole support of their arguments in this appeal,” Longmore wrote. The PRA, the county and the developer will have their day in court to hash out the law May 25. Jansson and the association’s legal counsel acknowledge that the time may be past to do anything about the construction at Myrtle Point because the work on the lots under dispute is already underway. But, they say, the important thing is to prove a point. “If things stay as they are there is no steep slopes law,”
and school construction. Lawmakers also approved O’Malley’s capital budget plan, which includes $400 million for school construction. The budget was balanced in large part by delaying a $53 million payment for the state’s long awaited Intercounty Connector, which would link Interstates 95 and 270 in the Washington suburbs. However, O’Malley successfully avoided a face-off over slots machines and tax hikes, which according to some lawmakers would provide nearly $800 million in yearly revenues. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller refused to consider any measures that raised or spent significant amounts of money that were not part of a comprehensive plan to eliminate the structural deficit. In
Section A -
said PRA attorney Douglas Hollman who has represented the civic group in the past. “You can just build where you want by claiming you can push dirt around to make steep slopes go away.” Hollman said that while the outcome of the case would be critical to ensuring that land with erosion-prone soil would be protected from too much development, there was no guarantee of victory. “We believe they’ve misinterpreted the steep slopes law; it looks black and white to us,” Hollman said. “But judges always disappoint somebody. “Someone always wins and someone always loses.” The residents who live in Myrtle Point say that their community has already suffered from the development. They claim that the project has contributed to massive amounts of soil erosion that threatens to clog up waterways and degrade the wildlife habitat. Kellie Gofus, who lives on Cove Manor Road in Myrtle Point, said that since the development began, the waters around her development have become muddier, especially when it rains or high tide comes in. “When [the soil at Myrtle
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Kenneth Bacon
Point] is dry it’s like talcum powder and when it’s wet it’s like yogurt. It just washes Continued from page A-1 away,” Gofus said. “Breaking up the trees and brush [to someone who loved his own make way for development] and other’s children deeply. makes for more erosion.” Bacon leaves behind a Residents there are also wife and two children. He is worried that continued devel- survived by Debra Jean Lathopment will make the erosion roum-Bacon, whom he marproblems worse. ried in 2005, his seven-month P.F. Summers LLC has old daughter Kennedy Reyne come to the county with a plan and step-daughter Kylie Bryto build more homes in the anna Duncan, according to Myrtle Point community in information from the family two more phases. The plan is obituary. only in the preliminary stages “When he found out he and has not been approved by was going to be a father he the county government. was ecstatic,” Susan Bacon Alan Schick, Gofus’ said. “And he was so wonderneighbor, said on some days ful with his step-daughter.” in the past two years since the She recounted a story in development had begun there, which her son bought his 7that he has not been able to year-old step daughter a minlower his boat launch all the iature toy four-wheeler she way into the creek behind his could drive herself. house because of the silt that He would run behind her has washed down from the holding a tether line attached development. to the motor, Susan Bacon He said he praised the said, that would shut it off if developer’s efforts to control she drove to fast and broke the the soil erosion while work connection. continued but that it was not “She just looked so cute enough. her little pink helmet,” Su“Nothing they do besides san Bacon said. “She used to not developing [the site] is drive it around right here in going to stop it eroding and my yard.” flowing down into the creek,” Bacon worked at DLC Shick said. Fabricators in Hollywood Calls relayed to the devel- making countertops, his cooper through Longmore went workers said. unanswered. They mourned his death but also remembered a friend, patriot and fearless country boy. “He worked hard everyday,” said Justin Ellie of
Clements, who remembered growing up with Bacon who was born in Virginia but moved to St. Mary’s County in 1987 and eventually graduated from Chopticon High School. “He was a really good father to his kids.” His friends said Bacon joined the U.S. Army just two weeks after his high school graduation in 2001 and served in several stations across the country before going to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bacon was assigned to the 103rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division and drove a HUMVEE from Kuwait to the Baghdad Airport in March of 2003 to take control of it. “The day we crossed the line, he crossed the line,” said Jesse Harris, a co-worker and friend from Hollywood who also served in the Iraq campaign with Bacon. “The day we took Baghdad, he took Baghdad. He was my best friend and the only person I could talk to.” Harris said that Bacon enjoyed talking about and working on all kinds of vehicles, but it was driving them that he especially enjoyed; usually in the most audacious way possible. “There was not a single bit of fear in him,” Harris said of his lost friend. “You would tell him that he couldn’t do
this with a four-wheeler or that and he would say ‘The hell I can’t’. “He’d find a way to make it happen.” Lee Payne, of Mechanicsville, said he knew Bacon only one year on the job but they became good friends because of their shared love of off road riding. “I only knew him about a year, but after we met the next thing we were riding four wheelers.” Bacon was especially skilled at popping wheelies on his four-wheeler, Payne said. “He was a good guy,” Payne said. “A real good guy.” Ellie said that Bacon’s interests also went to the backwoods where he loved to shoot and hunt. “He loved to shoot guns; he had a whole arsenal at his house,” Ellie said of his friend. “He was a die hard country boy.” Harris remembered someone who was quiet but extremely friendly, who could make acquaintances right on the spot. “If you met him and you didn’t like him then you weren’t worth liking yourself,” Harris said. Services for Kenneth Bacon will be held this Saturday at Sacred Hearth Catholic Church in Bushwood at 10 a.m. More information about the funeral arrangements are available on-line at www.mattingleygardiner.com.
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The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Editorial & Opinion Critical Areas mapping mistake may not be a mistake at all St. Mary’s Ryken High School recently discovered the entire school campus was incorrectly given a designated as a Resource Conservation Area, a classification not intended for property that is used as Ryken has been for the past 60 years. The future growth and success of the school is threatened by this injustice. In 1986, under new regulations adopted by the State of Maryland, counties were required to create maps of all lands lying within 1000 feet of the Chesapeake Bay and it’s tributaries. The purpose of this mapping was to provide the opportunity to balance controlled growth with protections for our sensitive shoreline. Based upon existing usage as of December 1, 1985, all lands within 1000 feet of
the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and its tidal wetlands were to be given one of three land use designations. All such land was designated as Intensely Developed Area (IDA), Limited Developed Area (LDA), or Resource Conservation Area (RCA). These designations would control future uses of these properties. Land that was largely undeveloped at the time or developed with limited residential use was to be given of RCA designation. Land with commercial usage, active public usage, dense residential usage, or serviced by public sewage was to be given either IDA or LDA designation or a combination of both. Unfortunately, St. Mary’s Ryken High School was given a designation of RCA. This in spite of the fact that at the
time the entire campus, more than 80 acres, was actively being used for a high school with educational, residential, recreational, and supporting facilities located throughout the property. Remote parts of the property were even being used as a summer camp facility, complete with cottages, swimming pool and other supporting facilities. The campus was even being served by public sewage, as it is today. No other education facility that we are aware of in St. Mary’s County was given this limiting designation. Indeed, all public school facilities located within the mapping area were given either IDA or LDA as appropriate. St. Mary’s College and two organized labor-training facilities; Harry Lundenberg School of Seamanship and the
Big City Boy, Small Town Heart
Smoking Stinks By Adam Ross Staff Writer Ladies and gentlemen, black, white, yellow or purple, tall or short, fat or skinny, buy a warm coat because next winter if you enjoy smoking a cigarette after a hearty meal or a cold drink you’ll have to do it outside. In the waning moments of The Maryland General Assembly’s90-daylegislativeses-
sion Monday, lawmakers approved a smoking ban on all bars and restaurants throughout the state. The measure includes a ban on all private clubs. No one is exempt, unless a business owner can prove substantial capital loss from the new law. And smokers alike, now from New York to D.C., to Maryland, along with a handful of other states have not
only banned smoking; they’ve implemented a license to freeze. In the summer, the smoking ban might actually be celebrated because it’s another reason to go outside and enjoy the nice weather. But that won’t come until after the law makes its way through an arduous winter season. The bill will go into affect on Feb 1. I can just see smokers
Including Your Pets in a Disaster Plan Tri-County Animal Shelter Hurricane season begins June 1st, and scenes from Hurricane Katrina are still being shown in the news, including the animals that were left behind. Now is the time to plan for what to do in case of a disaster, whether natural or manmade. The best way to protect your family and pets from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. Different disasters require different responses. Whatever the disaster, you may need to evacuate your home quickly, and that includes taking your pets with you. If it’s not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it’s not safe for your pets. Here are some suggestions to include in your family’s disas-
ter plan: Have a safe place to take your pets. Check with hotels, relatives or friends outside the area, and boarding facilities. Most shelters for people do not accept pets due to health and safety reasons. Create a Portable Survival Kit for your pet, to include at least a two-week supply of food and water, food bowls, litter, litter pans, medications and veterinary records, current photo of each pet, animal carriers or leashes. Consider newspapers, plastic trash bags, paper towels and bleach for clean-up and waste removal. Update this kit and rotate the food on a regular basis. Bring all pets inside before the disaster strikes to avoid searching for them if you have to evacuate. If it’s safe for you to wait
out a disaster at home, identify an area where you and your pets can stay together. Keep dogs on leashes, cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification. For more information on pet disaster planning information, contact the Tri-County Animal Shelter at 1-800-9031992 or visit our website at www.charlescounty.org/es/ animalcontrol. You may also contact The Humane Society of the United States at (202) 452-1100 or visit www.hsus. org/disaster. To find hotels in your area that accept pets, check out these two web sites: www.petsonthego.com and www.petswelcome.com.
William W. Winpisinger Center were all given IDA/LDA designations. As often happens, while government was busy redefining what use private property would have in the future, most property owners were unaware this was taking place. And most people who were aware believed, as we all too often do, that our government was responsible enough to do the right thing. It was 20 years later, 2006, that St. Mary’s Ryken discovered that its property had been given a designation that would limit it’s future use as a high school. Ryken is unable today to add new facilities to it’s campus to better serve the students of Southern Maryland, unless the Critical Areas Commission makes a determination that a mistake was made in the 1986 map-
ping done by St. Mary’s County government.
That all sounds fairly simple and reasonable, but nothing could be further from the case when dealing with the Critical Areas Commission, a State of Maryland agency, and St. Mary’s County government. So far County staff has seemed reluctant to support Ryken’s request to correct the mistake, and the State Commission has seemed even more so. This is such an egregious injustice and such an obvious mistake that one has to wonder how could this have happened in the first place? In fact, a good argument can be made that this was no mistake at all, that those involved with the mapping in 1986 knew exactly what they were doing and wanted it that way. Some people have always believed that the success of private and parochial schools in St. Mary’s have a negative impact on funding for public schools. Nearly 20 percent of the children in St. Mary’s
County are educated outside the public school system. If not for this, public schools would receive more tax dollars. It is time this matter is taken out of the hands of bureaucrats. The people we elect to represent us need to correct this matter. Senator Roy Dyson and Delegate John Bohanan have stood by and watched as Ryken has been fighting this battle for more than six months, they need to call the new governor and get this matter resolved. The County Commissioners should not only forcefully support Ryken’s request that the mistake be corrected, they should also look deeper into this injustice, find the people responsible for this mistake, and take decisive action to assure that person will never do such an injustice again in the name of St. Mary’s County government.
now, forgetting their fate until the bartender - turned law enforcer -says all smokers need to take their butts outside – and not just for today, but, forever. Forever is a long time to freeze. The worst part is that cold is always painful. It’s not like after a few years of surviving wintry conditions with a cigarette in hand will make anyone more fit to handle the pain. The cold will always be painful, which is why I cannot understand why advocates of the bill think that it won’t negatively affect business for bars and restaurants – in the beginning at least. And I’m not saying it’s a bad bill because it hurts businesses, I’m just saying people that deny this fact are foolish. Maybe New York City is different because the atmosphere is predicated on nightlife in part because apartments rarely exceed 300 square feet.
But for a place like Maryland, namely Southern Maryland, where people have nice homes, decent liquor cabinets, and thankfully for them, a license to smoke inside - they might as well be considered plant life, because they’re not moving. It’s going to hurt business and it’s going to create chaos when a never ending stream of economic hardship waivers’ find its way to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. But for all the pain, confusion and frozen feet the smoking ban creates, it will all be worth it if it saves just one employee from cancer associated with secondhand smoke, or motivates one smoker to quit. The addiction of smoking is more powerful than anyone who doesn’t smoke could realize. It might be that the only way to curb the general public’s propensity to light up
is to take drastic measures. And while money will always be a driving force in much of the legislation that comes to fruition, the Assembly really got this one right. Saving lives and people from the pain associated with smoking are advantages that will go largely unrealized, but will be forever indebted by the people who have held the straight and narrow – the non-smokers. Smoking kills: it’s just that simple. Bars and restaurants will adapt, and patrons will reemerge from their holes as time goes by. It’s hard to say how long the financial ramifications of the smoking ban will linger, but it all falls back on our priority scale. For money or for health? Maybe it’s just me, but I pick health. From one smoker to the next I say; buy a warm coat; winter is only five months away.
To the Editor
pletely would be cruel. I have no desire to stone anyone. You state maybe the horse and buggy sellers should have stoned Henry Ford for converting people to cars. This is very interesting as the car is heavy polluter of our air. In some cities the exhaust fumes are so thick you can hardly breathe. Solution: ban the cars and trucks. It matters not whether I want the ban on smoking or not. Just give everyone a fair shake. Be aware that the Federal, State and Local governments depend on smokers to supply this source of revenue. They are considering a tax increase of a dollar a pack to help people without Medicare. If the tobacco tax revenue ceases, they must tax something else to get the lost revenue. No stoning anyone.
Every law passed for our own good takes away more of our freedom. For everything we do, we must have a license, a permit or pay a tax or fee. Our freedom is slowly being taken away. Once the governments ban one thing completely, they will seek another item that you love dearly. What happens then?
In response to Marcia Lent, it was not my intent for this issue to become a health problem. I do not want people to get sick, You state you just “want to breathe”. Smoking has been around for centuries and the people addicted to smoking also have rights. I never quit but I gave it up for Lent and then I decided; how long can I go without a cigarette? It has been 48 years since I have had a cigarette. Most people who smoke are addicted to tobacco and cannot set their mind to actually quit. Some people say smokers are sick people. It is sad that the large number of smokers are so heavily taxed. A lot of the smokers can barely afford to buy cigarettes. They would give up food rather than cigarettes. To cut them off com-
Daniel J. Wilson 22486 Budd’s Creek Road Leonardtown, MD 20650 Phone: 301-475-9670
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The County Times
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Obituaries Hector C. Avelar, 68 Hector C. Avelar, MCPO USN RET, 68, of Lexington Park, Md. died April 5 at his residence. Born February 16, 1939 in Sonora, AZ, he was the son of the late Maria Guadalupe and Pedro Avelar. His Navy career began in June 1958. Service years included NTC San Diego, Ca., NAVTECHTRACEN Norman, Okla., NAAS Port Isabel, TX, PHOTOCOMPRON SIX THREE/LIGHTPHOTORON SIX THREE, NAS Miramar, Ca., U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team “BLUE ANGELS” in Pensacola, Fl., NSD Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, FITRON TWO ONE, ATKRON TWO SEVEN, NAS Miramar, Ca., FAIRECONRON ONE NAS Agama Guam, USS Ranger CV-61, NAS North Island, Ca., FAIRECONRON TWO NS Rota, Spain, AIMSO NAS Patuxent River, Md., NAMO NAS Patuxent River, Md. Numerous awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards,) Navy Achievement (two awards,) Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards,) Battle “E” Ribbon (two awards,) Seven Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon (with Service Star,) and the Overseas Deployment Ribbon. Naval Retirement took place in August of 1988. He then began a new career with SWL in Vienna, Va. as a Logistics Analyst. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation, American Legion Post 0297, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and The Disabled American Veterans Association. He also was an avid baseball player and fan. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Avelar of Lexington Park, Md. and his daughter, Michelle H. Avelar-Schnell of Pasadena, Md., brothers, Jose Trinidad “J.T.” Avelar and Peter C. Avelar, both of Kearny, AZ, sisters, Sr. Mary Bereniece Avelar of Tucson, AZ, Jovita “Jovie” Corral of Mesa, AZ, and Maria Eliza “Licks” Ramirez of Kearny, AZ, sisters-in-law, Theresa “Teddy” Avelar, Mercedes “Mercy” Avelar, and Miriam Avelar, brothers-in-law, Alex “Cano” Chiquette, Eddie Corral and Daniel Ramirez, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 12 from 2- 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 13 at 11:00 a.m. in St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Hollywood, Md. Father Ray Schmidt will be the celebrant. Interment will be on Tuesday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Serving as pallbearers will be Collin J. Schnell, Thomas E. Krzyzanowski, Robert S. Krzyzanowski, Walt Thio, Steve R. Avelar, and Mark A. Avelar. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Gregory P. Krzyzanowski, Leonard J. Avelar, and Roger Aveler. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE House c/o HOSPICE of St. Mary’s, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Kenneth Bacon, 24 Kenneth “Kenny” Bacon, 24, of Leonardtown, Md. died April 7 in Leonardtown, Md. Born March 4, 1983 in Virginia Beach, Va. he was the son of Linda Susan Bacon of Clements, Md. and Robert Benjamin Bacon, Jr. of King George, Va. He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Jean Lathroum-Bacon whom he married on October 21, 2005 in Leonardtown, Md. He is survived by his seven-month old daughter Kennedy Reyne Bacon and his step-daughter Kylie Bryanna Duncan, both of Leonardtown, Md. and his sister Heather Nichole Generous of Bradenton, Fl. Mr. Bacon moved to St. Mary’s County in 1987 from San Angelo, TX. A graduate of Chopticon High School, Class of 2001, he entered the United States Army on June 28, 2001 and served until October 18, 2004 and was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Fort Huac Huca, AZ, Fort Stewart, Ga. and Operation Iraqi Freedom War. He was employed as a Fabricator/ Installer for DLC Fabricators and enjoyed drag racing, four wheeling, hunting, fishing and target shooting. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 13, 2007 from 5 – 8:00 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, with Prayers being said at 7:00 p. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 10:00 p.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Catholic Church, Leonardtown, Md., with Fr. Early officiating. Pallbearers will be Dwayne Pilkerton, Gary Griffin, Ben Clarke, Bobby Long, Justin Elle and Marck Generous. Honorary pallbearers will be Jesse Harris, Jay Young, Bob Lishness, Matthew Wood and Brett Shores. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Jennie Cecelia Balta, 81 Jennie Cecelia Balta, 81, of Waldorf, Md. formerly of St. Mary’s City, Md. and Valley Lee, Md. died April 1, 2007 in Civista Medical Center, La Plata, Md. Born November 10, 1925 in Drayden, Md. she was the daughter of the late Ernest Thomas and Mary Henrietta Boothe Adams, Sr. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Robert Balta, Sr. on July 15, 1990 in Bokeelia, Fl. whom she married on April 29, 1944 in Valley Lee, Md. She is survived by her children: Paul R. Balta, Jr. and his wife Glema of St. Inigoes, Md., Dorothy E. Hindle and her husband Norris of Clements, MD, Mary C. Donaldson and her husband Bill of Mercersburg, PA, John T. Balta and his wife Nancy of Dameron, Md. and Francis A. Balta and his wife Judy of Valley Lee, Md.; siblings: Ann Goode of Maddox, Md., Joan Marie McCracken of Lincoln, Ca., Gregory Adams and Franklin Adams both of Drayden, Md.; 11 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her brother: Ernest T. Adams. Mrs. Balta was a life long St. Mary’s County resident where she graduated from Great Mills High School Class of 1934. She enjoyed gardening and flowers. She was a member of the Lady’s of Charity of St. Michael’s and St. James, she was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary in Ridge, Md.
The family received friends on Monday, April 9 from 5 – 8:00 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, with Prayers being said at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Shadwell officiating. Interment followed in St. James Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Robert L. Moore, Jr., Edward Donaldson, Brian Donaldson, Tony Balta, Cory Balta and Franklin T. Adams, Jr. Honorary Pallbearer will be: David A. Moore. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Joseph William Butler, 41 Joseph William Butler, 41, of Leonardtown, MD died April 5 in Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C. Born December 25, 1965 in Loveville, Md., he was the son of James Edward Butler, Jr. of Leonardtown, Md. and the late Mary Cecilia (Mills) Butler. He attended school and graduated from Chopticon High School in 1984. Joe enjoyed fishing with family members and going to the race track at Budds Creek. In addition to his father, he is survived by his brothers, William Edward Butler and John F. Butler, both of Leonardtown, Md. and Marvin C. Butler of La Plata, Md., halfsister, Sarah Barber Young of Lexington Park, Md., and special friends the Grover family. In addition to his mother, he is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sarah Butler, Rose Scriber, James Edward Butler, Sr. and Francis Scriber, and an uncle, Pete Butler. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 14 from 9- 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, Md., with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Keith Woods will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, Md. Serving as pallbearers will be Wayne Dyson, Wayne Biscoe, Rahl, Dwayne Young, Joe Thomas, and Garry Gross. 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.
Emma Charlotte (Granny) Bowles, 75 E m m a Charlotte (Granny) Bowles, 75, Avenue, Md. died April 4 in Avenue, Md. Born February 23, 1932 in Fredericksburg, Va. she was the daughter of the late Carroll Webster and Nellie Catherine Watts Lumpkins. She is survived by her children: Joseph Ray Bowles, Jr. of Hollywood, Md., Linda Marie Knott of Clements, Md., Sara Ann Thomas of Bushwood, Md., Rachael Catherine Williams of Avenue, Md., George Allen Bowles and Edward Ernest Bowles both of Mechanicsville, Md.; siblings: Butch Lumpkins of Upper Marlboro, Md., Mary Catherine Faunce of Abell, Md., George Lumpkins and Sally Estes both of Fredericksburg, Va.; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She is also preceded in death by her brother: Gerald Lumpkins. Granny was a life long St. Mary’s County resident where she attended St. Mary’s Academy. She worked as a dietary aide for St. Mary’s Hospital and retired in May of 1996 after 25 years of service. She enjoyed softball, dancing, spending time with her children and watching her special
grandson (Buster) play basketball and baseball. T he family received friends on Tuesday, April 10 from 5 – 8:00 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Angels Catholic Church with Fr. John Barry officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were: Joe Bowles, Chris Hammett, Jessie Rollins, Roy Morris, Donnie Knott and Robby Owen. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Buster Williams, Nina Bowles, Joey Coon, Dale Coon, Tammy Owen and Brian Knott. Contributions may be made to: 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, Md. 20609. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Ethan Andrew Chewning, 16 Ethan Andrew Chewning, 16, of Chaptico, Md. died We d n e s d a y, April 4, 2007 as a result of an auto accident. Ethan was born September 13, 1990 in Leonardtown, Md. He was the son of Sandra Kaye Quade Chewning and Kenneth Ray Chewning, both of Chaptico, Md. He has three brothers, Kenny Ray and Thomas Chewning and James Fowler. He is the Grandson of Philip Rhodie and Virginia Quade of Chaptico, Md., Brenda Kuhn of Mechanicsville, Md. and Franklin Chewning of McCormick, S.C. One Great Grandmother: Catherine Louise Quade of Chaptico, Md. His aunts & uncles are Julie Quade Burch, Philip, Adam, Willie & Clayton Quade and David & Robbie Chewning. His cousins are Gene & Austin Burch, Rhodie & Mason Quade, Hunter Quade, Emily Quade, Christopher & Katie Chewning and Leah & Jake Chewning. Ethan was a student at Chopticon High School and was active in the Theater Group and on the Track and Field Team. He was also an active member of Christ Church Chaptico Youth Group and a member of Boy Scouts America Venturing Crew 1782. He was always busy and loved to run and spar with his friends. He was a free spirit and full of life. Earlier in the week before his death he and two friends dressed in suits and ties and went to the mall in Waldorf. While there, they helped shoppers carry packages to their cars. They did that for hours. That was Ethan, he loved to help people. His mother called him her magical baby. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 13 from 10 – 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, Md. where a memorial mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Timothy Baer officiating. Interment will follow in Christ Church Cemetery, Chaptico, Md. Pallbearers will be his uncles, Philip, Adam, Willie and Clayton Quade and David and Robbie Chewning. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Venturing Crew 1782, P.O. Box 1425, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 or Christ Church Youth Group, P.O. Box 8, Chaptico, Md. 20621. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Warren Westre Dean, 88 Warren Westre Dean, 88, of Hollywood, Md. died April 1, 2007 in Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. Born February 8, 1919 in Omaha, Neb., he was the son of the late Earl Warren Dean
Section A - and Georgia Ella (Morton) Dean. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor and retired from the Navy after thirty years. While stationed at Patuxent River, he then retired from Civil Service after eighteen years. He and his wife, Pauline enjoyed their home on the water in Hollywood, Md. for many years both before and after his retirements. Mr. Dean was an active member of the St. Mary’s County Amateur Radio Association and the Thomas K. Shryock Lodge 223 AF and AM. He is survived by his daughter, Carol Lynn Murphy of Rancho Cordova, Ca., two sisters, Betty Schooler of Craig, Mo. and Carol May Matties of Fort Collins, Co., brother-in-law, Ernest Brickhead of Brandywine, Md., four grandchildren, Deborah Knotts, David O’Bryan, Michael Payne, and Lisa Rexius, nine great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Pauline Brickhead Dean, brother, Morton Dean, and sister, Dorothy Dean Hartman. The family received friend Thursday, April 5 from 5 -8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md.; with a Funeral Service conducted at 7:00 p.m. Reverend Dan Moore will conduct the service. Interment will be on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Robert Morris (Bobby) Lee, 75 Robert Morris (Bobby) Lee, 75, of Mechanicsville, Md, died April 4 in Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C. Born July 29, 1931 in Oakville, Md. he was the son of the late Myrtle Marie Curry Lee and Edward Newton Lee Sr. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Caywood (Peggy) Lee whom he married on June 14, 1958 at Christ Church, Chaptico, Md. He was the loving brother of Mary Lee Pilkerton, Helen Lee Long, Edward Newton (Ike) Lee Jr. and John Kincaid (J.K.) Lee all of Mechanicsville, Md. and brother in law of Rosalie Caywood Lee of Mechanicsville, Md., and Kathrine Caywood Bean of Valley Lee, Md. He was dearly loved by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great great nieces and great great nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister: Bertha Lee Russell. Mr. Lee was a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident. He enjoyed history, puzzles and country music. A graduate of Margaret Brent High School class of 1948, Mr. Lee was a partner with Lee Brothers sawmill and logging operation until his retirement in 1992. The family received friends on Tuesday, April 10 from 5 – 8:00 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, with Prayers being said at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. in Mt. Zion United Methodist Church with Rev. Philip Ayers officiating. Interment followed in the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Wallace Abell, Bobby Cusic, Kell Davis, Jay R. Long, Joe Pruett and Matt Spalding. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jamie Abell, George Bean, Buddy Burch, Sonny Burch, Robbie Cusic, James Daughtery, Ricky Diehl and Jimmy Quade. Contributions may be made to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 15, Mechanicsville, Md. 20659. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Leonard Allen Potts, 69 Leonard Allen Potts, 69, of Chaptico, Md. died April 4 at Georgetown University Hospital. Born August 1, 1937 in Ellicott City, Md., he was the son of the late Leonard Thornton and Catherine Louise Riddle Potts. Prayers were said on Wednesday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md. where the family received friends from 5:008:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 12 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, Md. with Fr. Ron Potts officiating. Interment followed at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, Md. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.
Louise “Lou” Santos, 51 L o u i s e “Lou” Santos, 51, of California, Md. died April 4 at her residence. Born October 14, 1955 in Brooklyn, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Oscar Lien and Ethel Hathaway. She was the wife of Carlos Santos, whom she married on June 14, 1986 in Reno, Nev. From New York, she moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where she met her husband, an active duty sailor. She has been a resident of California, Md. since 1995 and was employed at NAS Patuxent River. Known by many as an outstanding cook, her passion for the culinary arts began in 1986 and included many ethnic foods. She has also been a loyal supporter of law enforcement for over 20 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two children, Lisa Brouillette and her husband, Jamie of Gulf Port, Miss. and Timothy Robert Sloan, Jr. and his wife, Stacey of Montana, four grandchildren, Myles Brouillette, Bailey Brouillette, Ashton Sloan, and Nolan Sloan, brother, Joseph Lien of Long Island, N.Y., sisters-in-law, Judy Sloan and Chiquita Sims, and brother-in-law, David Santos. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Billy Lien and Pete Lien. The family received friends on Wednesday, April 11 from 5- 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Lexington Park, Md. Father Jack Kennealy will be the celebrant. Interment will be on May 8, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Memorial contributions may be made to Concerns of Police Survivors, 3096 South Highway 5, P.O. Box 3199, Camdenton, Mo. 65020 or www.nationalcops.com. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Lester Theodore “Ted” Vickers, 69 Lester Theodore “Ted” Vickers, 69, of California, Md. died April 6 at his home. Born November 6, 1937 in Chelsea, Ma., he was the son of the late Lester Theodore Vickers and Sarah Helen (Bowen) Vickers. He graduated from Medford High School in Medford, Ma. and the Peterson School of Steam See Obituaries page A-
The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, April 12, 2007
In Your Community CSM Presentation
The status of America’s healthcare system will come under review at the College of Southern Maryland’s Friday Night Lecture Series April 20 at the La Plata Campus. Panelists Sandy Genrich, chair of CSM’s nursing and health technology department, Bob Schaller, chair of CSM’s business, economics and legal studies department, and Alan
A. Buster Jr., vice president at St. Mary’s Hospital, will discuss the condition of healthcare in “Healthcare in the U.S: Play Now or Pay Later.” The presentation will begin at 7 p.m., at the La Plata Campus, Learning Resources Center, LR102
Live Bluegrass
The American Legion Bluegrass Series is presenting
is final show of the season. This Sunday April 15th, we’ll have Bluegrass music by Ernie Bradley & Grassy Ridge along with Wayne Taylor/Keith Arneson & Appaloosa. The music will start at 2:00pm and a Spaghetti dinner will begin a noon. Tickets for the show will be $12 per person, and the dinner will be $6 per plate. We’ll have 50/50 raffles, CD giveaways, door
prizes, tickets for upcoming shows, and give a way a Red White & Blue American Guitar. Chances for the guitar are $5 each or three for $10. Lots of surprises too. It’s going to be a fun day for all!
SMC Opens Ticketmaster
On March 16th, St. Mary’s County’s only pub-
lic accessible Ticketmaster counter opened. The counter is located inside the XH Sports & Giftware Fan Shop in St. Mary’s Square. Many county residents have had to make the drive to Waldorf to purchase tickets for upcoming Concerts, Orioles games, National Aquarium, etc. The Ticketmaster counter at XH Sports & Giftware sells tickets for most venues/events in Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia. No more waiting for tickets to be mailed and hoping they are correct when you get them. You’ll leave the store with your tickets in your
hand.
Educational Program
The public is invited to join Education Curator Christina Barbour at the Northern Senior Center in Charlotte Hall, at 11 a.m. for an education program. The topic will be “Maryland’s Animals Great and Small.” From the waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the mountainous region of the panhandle, learn about the animals that are part of our Maryland environment. Animals from the Museum Division’s taxidermy collection will be available for a hands-on experience. Those 55 and older will be seated first. Call the Museum Division at 301-769-2222 for additional information.
Cherry Blossom Celebration
Mark your calendars for the 2007 National Cherry Blossom Festival Saturday April 14. The day will begin with the annual parade. It is a spectacular event for children of all ages. Talented marching bands compete for 16 coveted spots in the parade and provide colorful musical entertainment. Dance and drumming performance teams from Japan and the United States highlight the art of taiko drumming. The National Cherry Blossom Festival All Star Tap Dance team and Choir perform musical numbers for eager audiences. Clowns, horses, antique cars and mascots all add to the merriment on parade morning. The fee is $28 per person; call Sandie Greene for more information at 301-475-4200 ext. 1801.
Awards Breakfast
The 20th Annual Human Relations Awareness Day and Awards Breakfast will be held at the Harry Lundeberg School at 9:00 a.m. The cost for the event is $12. Please reserve your seat by calling 301-475 4200, ext. 1849. Nomination are being sought to recognize companies and/or individuals who work to further the American ideal of equality and justice for achievements in the area of human rights within St. Mary’s County. Nominations can be mailed into the Division of Community Services, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Breast Cancer Benefit
Hyperspace invites you to an afternoon of family fun and excitement April 15, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Joins us for a spring chopper fling when we raffle off a custom built mini chopper, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to benefit the fight against breast cancer. Kids of all ages are encouraged to bring their bikes for our Bicycle Rodeo. Come look at Southern Maryland’s most beautiful Haley’s in Harley Bike Show and Contest. Kids pick the winner! For more details or questions call us at 301-373-6210.
NAMI Walks 2007
National Alliance on Mental Illness for So. MD will host a walk Sunday, April 29, 2007. Walker check in: 10AM, Walk Start Time: 11AM Centennial Park, Ellicott City, MD Lunch will be provided for all walkers & volunteers. For more information call 301-904-9926 or email NAMIWalksSoMD@ aol.com.
Southern Maryland Sailing Association
Route 245 Hollywood, MD 20636
301-475-2531
Route 246 & Great Mills Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653
301-862-7702
Route 5 & Mohawk Drive Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
301-884-5636
Wildewood Shopping Center California, MD 20619
301-866-5702
Camp For Kids In Solomons. June 18 – August 17, 2007 At SMSA clubhouse on Solomons Harbor Kids 8 to 15 years old $250 - $265 per child, per week ( members get up to a 20% discount) Contact Tom Moulds at tmoulds@dtiweb.net or write to: SMSA Sailing Camp, 17695 Saint Inigoes, Road, St. Inigoes, MD 20684
The County Times
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Fatal Accident Continued from page A- cause of the tragedy but later decided it was the right thing to do. “I thought ‘I can’t do that to these kids,’” Quade told The County Times. “It was a tough call I had to make but I went ahead with it. “We must have had about 30 or 40 people come here, it was a little overwhelming sometimes. I had to go into my room and calm down for about 10 or 15 minutes but I got back out there and got right back into the pace of things.” The accident that claimed Chewning’s life happened April 4 as he and two other
boys were riding in a car on Sunnyside Road in Clements when the driver, Sean Gibson, 17, of Mechanicsville, lost control of the vehicle, police reports said, and struck another car head-on as it veered into the opposing lane. Chewning died on the scene, police said, and Gibson and the other passenger, Nathan Fitch, 16, of Clements were injured. Gibson was only incapacitated, police said, while Fitch sustained life-threatening injuries and is now in stable condition. Police say that “driver error and speed” were likely contributing factors.
Go Ahead Continued from page A- port’s manager, and director of Public Works and Transportation put those concerns to rest Monday. “We looked at the accident data, location, risk, constructability of the school to help mitigate noise,” said Erichsen. “If noise does become a problem we can change our patterns, but the patterns adopted do not present an issue to the school.” Erichsen added that when the airport went through its environmental assessment with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), both entities specifically studied the Wildewood site and found “no significant impact” from
the airport. Eighty percent of accidents occur within 500 to 1000 feet of the airport, the school site is located roughly 6000 feet away from the centerline of the runway. This is part of the reason that a school site is considered permitted use within the Airport Environs zone four of the county’s comprehensive zoning ordinance, concurrently the zone which SMCPS 0606 would be located in. Furthermore, from a noise standpoint air traffic at its worst rate would see about two landings per hour, most occurring over the weekends and after 5 p.m., according to Erichsen. “Our airport is still somewhat a recreational airport,”
Section A -
The driver of the other vehicle, Amber Russell, 20, also of Clements, survived the crash. Gibson laughed and joked with friends and family of Ethan Chewning that Monday night but when he spoke to those assembled the smiles turned to sadness. “There’s nothing I can say to make this right,” Gibson said. “I want to apologize to the family.” Ethan was a struggling student when he first started his classes at Chopticon High School but this year had really turned his grades around, family members said. He was athletic, a track team member, and had a love of the martial arts. Friends and family wore pins with his picture on it and
with the inscription of “Ninja” to honor one of his favorite pastimes. His friends spent Monday afternoon tying purple ribbons to the trees and light posts in the Chopticon High School parking lot to honor his memory. They even pushed Styrofoam cups into the fence surrounding an athletic field to give the message “We love “U” Ninja, We will miss you Ethan.” Virtually every friend or family member gathered at the vigil had a fond story or memory about their lost loved one. “He was very special,” said King Norris, Ethan Chewning’s great uncle at the vigil. “This is about the worst thing I’ve ever seen happen
added Erichsen. “The worse case scenario is the two per hour… The Hollywood school is also in the flight path and there have been no registered complaints of noise so far.” Because the airport has been approved for runway expansion, which in the future could bring in noisier aircraft, Erichsen said the options to change the approach pattern or strengthen the voluntary “Fly Quiet Program” could be evaluated. The Fly Quiet Program outlines guidelines for pilots to reduce their aircrafts’ noise levels on the surrounding community: Approaching the runway at a higher altitude, and gradual assents on takeoff. Shelby P. Guazzo and Susan P. McNeill, both of whom
were skeptical of the school’s location contributed to the unanimous vote of approval for site plan, after Erichsen’s explanation. Kimberly Howe, supervisor of capital planning for the public schools, said in January the building is planned for occupancy at the start of the 2009-2010 school year. The $26,621,000 million concept includes an elaborate and modern design that focuses on limiting its impact on the ecosystem. SMCPS 0606 achieves this by the way of a rainwater harvesting system that stores rain runoff and filters it to toilets, and a rooftop made up of a highly reflective substance to naturally cool the building.
to this family. “I always called him ‘E,’ nobody else called him that except his mother when she was yelling at him.” Norris remembered that his great nephew was very artistic, quiet and loving. Elisa Farrell, a 14-yearold St. Mary’s Ryken High School student grew up with Ethan Chewning and wished that she had kept in closer contact when he went on to Chopticon High School. “He was like a brother to me,” Farrell said. “We used to go to his dad’s house and sled down the hill [in winter] and have snowball fights.” Despite their loss those
gathered at the vigil shared in the fate that they would see Ethan Chewning again in the hereafter. “My family will never be together completely until we’re in Heaven,” Quade said tearfully. “But I really think he’s up their looking down on us. We just have to thank God for giving him to us for 16 years.” Ethan Chewning will be buried this Friday at Christ Church Cemetery in Chaptico. The preceeding service for him will take place at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood at 11 a.m.
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Despite Overcrowding, Situation Under Control At County Jail By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Lt. Michael Merican, sheriff in charge of the county’s Adult Detention Center in Leonardtown, has a big job. Each day he has to ensure that he and his corrections officers can maintain order in a jail that has too many inmates for its current space. He said the county is still working on ways to raise funds to expand the facility to deal with an overcrowding problem that has grown sharply since 2001. Merican said that back then the average daily population of the jail was 165 inmates; since that time the average daily population has grown to about 326 inmates. The county jail’s capacity is just 245 beds. “That’s a 97 percent increase,” Merican said. “That’s pretty significant.” The state denied the funding for the planned expansion of the county jail this year, Merican said, which meant that the county would have to wait about another year to get the funding for the project, which totals about $33 million. The county would likely put up about half of the money to renovate the jail with the state putting up the other half, Merican said. “The county, state and sheriff’s office have been working diligently to address how we’re going to raise the money to pay for the addition,” Merican told The County Times. “Discussions have been long and arduous.” Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr. (D-Leonardtown) said the county had
money set aside for the fiscal 2009 budget to create the minimum security expansion to the facility because of funding shortfalls with the state budget. Also included in the package is a modernization of the existing building to include the booking area and kitchen renovations. “The state has limited funding,” Mattingly said. “When the state allocates their share we can move forward.” Merican said he was confident that the money would come through next fiscal year but said that it would take more time to make the changes needed at the jail. “Even if they approve it tomorrow it could be three years before we’re in [an expanded facility],” Merican said. That means that Merican and his staff have had to make some changes to ensure they can maintain order in a more cramped environment. Cells that usually hold only one or two prisoners now have to have two or three. In some instances, prisoners who have committed more serious offenses like armed robbery or murder have to share a cell; not the most ideal of circumstances because of security reasons, Merican said. Less dangerous inmates, or those housed in areas called “pods,” sometimes have to share a cell among three inmates. Corrections officers have to be on the lookout for more potential conflicts or breaches of security because of this situation, Merican said. “It’s not advisable but it’s not uncommon because everyone is suffering from the
same thing we are, with overcrowding,’ Merican said of the shared cells situation for more dangerous inmates. “It becomes an issue of controlling the inmates.” Moreover, the security equipment inside the jail is aging and in need of replacement, Merican said. He said he needs new surveillance equipment to watch prisoners and that the locks in the prison need to be replaced more often. “The reason our locks are failing is that they’re being used more,” Merican said. “They’re wearing out faster. It’s not a security issue, they get repaired. It’s more of a disruption.” The plans to renovate the county jail started as early as 2002, Merican said, but nothing firm took place until April of 2005 when a master plan was developed to renovate the jail and the Board of County Commissioners approved a design model in March of last year. The request went up to the state for approval, Merican said, last September but the state didn’t have the money to give to St. Mary’s. Merican said the county may have to consider alternatives for relief at the jail if the overcrowding problem continues without relief. “Temporary housing for inmates is an option,” said Merican. “But whether it becomes an option is another set of rules.” “It takes time to build [the expansion] and that relief factor will come,” added Merican. “I’m optimistic.”
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The County Times
Section A -
Thursday, April 12, 2007
RPD Azaleas rts -Tips from our expe
Azaleas- Plant in rich well drained soil. They should not be planted too deeply. Azaleas prefer soft shade, such as under tall oaks or pines. They are shallow rooted plants and should be mulched to a depth of 2” to 3” with shredded Hardwood or Pine Bark. During dry spells, insert and prune water deeply to encourage deeper root growth. Fertilize after flowers bloom with an acid based fertilizer such as Hollytone. Valerie Grimm -Garden Center Manager
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Mervell Dean Road Hollywood, MD
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Continued from page A-1 land preservation problems. He and Philip H. Dorsey, III even went as far as calling TDR’s “a gimmick,” but assured members they weren’t against the program. “TDR’s are a gimmick in part that you are basically compensating landowners, not with money coming out of tax payers pockets, but instead with those that buy new property that come into the county” said Hahnel. “It makes sure people coming into the county are paying for the ‘rural eye candy,’” he added. The discrepancy is leading the task force to consider one of three different options for moving forward. If the APF and TDR proposals are passed, the first option would be to wait three years and see how they work. The task force could then prepare recommendations for further changes, it is apparent they are necessary to adequately protect land of high agricultural and environmental value in the RPD. The second option is to create agricultural and preservation zones in specific parts of the RPD encompassing roughly 60,000 acres. Option two would then downzone land in the preserves dramatically, in exchange for full financial compensation.
To the distaste of the other task force members and Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr., who was in attendance, Hahnel fully supported this option, which with Hahnel’s explanation would not only support the encouragement of selling TDRs, but also mandate it. “I know mandatory is a nasty word,” added Hahnel. The full financial compensation would be achieved by leaving a base density permitting 25 acre farmettes for which there is a lucrative market, awarding more TDRs per acre for land in the preserves, and increasing how many TDRs are required for various zoning upgrades in development districts to raise the price of all TDRs. However, with the concept of a mandatory program, Hahnel invited large amounts of criticism from his colleagues, due in large part to the community’s unwillingness to be forced into selling TDRs. At one point, Mattingly held up the county’s comprehensive zoning package and said that it took four years to pass because of the community’s unwillingness to be mandated into things. “Maybe part of the reason we are not protecting land is because the community
hasn’t understood what will work,” said Hahnel “and what will not work… It might be residents of St. Mary’s County cannot preserve their rural character because that’s what they think.” According to Hahnel, his plan would not impose a financial hardship on the average county landowner, but rather offer a credible financial compensation that was “so attractive it looks like a gift.” Dorsey said he would “love to,” implement a full compensation package. The third option was originally crafted by Land Use and Growth Management Director Denis D. Canavan, which creates voluntary, floating, land preservation zones in the RPD where landowners who are contiguous can opt for the same kind of full financial compensation in exchange for a similar down zoning. No recommendations were made at Monday’s meeting, and the task force will continue to meet weekly.
Monday-Saturday 9-5 Sunday 10-4
Mother’s Day is coming!
Photo by Adam Ross
The Rural Preservation Task Force meets for the first time, and reviews government documents pertaining to transferable development rights and adequate pubic facilities.
Obituaries Continued from page A-5
On May 3, 2007 The County Times will publish a special pull-out section to honor Mother’s Day! We would like you to write to us in 50 words or less, why your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, etc. are so special to you. Deadline for copy is April 19th.
Mail To: 43251 Rescue Lane, P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 20636 Or Email To: eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net
Engineering. His working life at sea began at age 12 aboard his father’s commercial fishing trawler the “Lucky Star”. He joined his father in marine construction, pile driving and on drill boats. He was a retired ocean-going tugboat captain holding a U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license in the U.S. Merchant Marines. He enjoyed his varied and extensive work experiences especially the camaraderie of his crews, the tug “Mariner”/ “Dredge Long Island” jobs, breaking ice for ship travel in the Hudson River and a crossAtlantic trip to Turkey. From his mother, he gained a love of cooking a variety of cuisines. He enjoyed entertaining, travel, and activities with family and friends; especially
his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Locals 25 and 4, and a past member of the Seafarers International Union. He volunteered with the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and the St. Clement’s Island Museum water taxi. He is survived by his wife, Grace-Anne Dohrman of California, Md., five children; Lester T. “Ted” Vickers, III and his wife, Robyn of California, Md., David Vickers and his wife, Patty of Medford, Ma., Danny Vickers and his wife, Jamie of West Roxbury, Ma., Richard Vickers of Everett, Ma., and Lilith Guerrera and her husband, Frank of Boxford, Ma., two sisters;
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Lillian T. Gross and her husband, Billy of Falmouth, Ma. and Judith Rich and her husband, Fred of Sanbornton, N.H., eight grandchildren; Connor and Cameron Vickers, Alex and Christina Vickers, Sophie, Nicholas, Cassie and Drew Guerrera, an aunt, uncle, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE of St. Mary’s, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 and/ or Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 339, Lexington Park, Md. 20653. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.
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