Gazette
Southern Calvert
March 2010
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Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard
Play N Trade Beating The Odds Story Page 4
Comedy Hypnotist Coming to Calvert Story Page 10
EndangErEd HomEs dEmand action PagE 12
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Thursday, March-2010
What are your feelings on the health care debate? “I’ve always thought that socialized medicine was a good idea. I’ve lived in Australia, so I’ve benefited from socialized medicine before,” said Ashley Brien, who recently moved from Solomons to Lexington Park. “They need to work out something with insurance … I know a lot of people w it hou t i nsu rance.”
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“We definitely need some type of health care,” said Jim Bliss, of Lusby. “I’m on Medicare, so it’s not so bad on me, but I’ll stop my the drug store and see people getting a half- or quarter-order of a prescr iption because they can’t afford to get it … we’re too wealthy of a country to make people go through that.” “It irritates me so I haven’t been paying much attention to it, said Heather Zickefoose, of Lusby, who is currently without health insurance. “I guess overall it’s just a joke, and the one person who would push it through is gone,” she said, speaking of Senator Ted Kennedy, adding that she does not have much faith in the current Congress without Kennedy.
On T he Cover
Resident Marcia Seifert talks about her 10-year unsuccessful struggle to protect her home from an eroding cliff face, while members of a panel of experts listen. Among those included on the panel was County Planning Director Greg Bowen, far left, and Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources John Griffin, second from right.
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Members of the band The Fabulous Hubcaps dish out some serious oldies rock and roll during the first ever Rock-N-Roll for Rescues fundraiser for the Calvert County Humane Society. SEE PAGE 9
Ken Massey tips off with Calvert’s Ryvell Jones during a regular season match-up. SEE PAGE 19
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FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 20 IN OUT AND ABOUT
land s I s n o Solom eport Tide R
SPOT Thrift Shop owner Ellen McCormack-Ament with her mascot. SPOT provided 977 dogs and cats with low-cost and free spay and neutering in 2009. SEE PAGE 14
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Thursday, March-2010
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LOCAL NEWS
Kevin Chronister
After a full year in business, Play N Trade in Lusby Commons Shopping Center has firmly established itself, thanks to a large contingency of gamers nearby with an appetite for new and retro video games.
Retro Gaming Community Helps Keep Play N Trade on Top
“We deal with every type of video game that’s ever been made, even if you bring it in and we barely recognize it, we can always look it up and see how much it’s worth and still trade it in,” owner Kevin Chronister told The Southern Calvert Gazette. “We deal Photo By Sean Rice from Atari all the way up to the new hottest thing that comes out,” he said, adding that on the rare occasions when a non-broken retro system like an Atari or ColecoVision is traded in the store, it will be bought again in about a week’s time.
“I have tons of other stores call me because I have so much more product here than many of the other stores do in terms of retro stuff,” Chronister said. “So our area that we live in is quite saturated with collector stuff. So the East Coast back in the day were apparently big gamers.” Play N Trade will repair old tapes, cartridges and systems, if parts are still available. He also has “try before you buy” stations, and puts on gaming tournaments. Most recently the store hosted a Call of Duty 4 tournament, with a $500 prize going to the winner. Chronister, of Lusby, said he wanted to open a business for a long time, until he finally pooled his money with his brother and took the leap. “I’ve been playing Atari since I was little. So you know, I started out on the first system and kept on playing ever since … and it’s moved on to opening a store,’ he said. His store in an independent franchise of Play N Trade, a corporation which is
about 5 years old. “Unlike what most people might think, it’s not a huge profit business. As a matter of fact you only make between $5 and $7 on a brand new game when you sell it. But … It’s a fun business, tournaments are a blast, we have so many people come here and hang out.” Chronister also tries to do things for the community. Around Christmastime, the store donated 10 systems to families being helped by the county’s Department of Social Services. Chronister has lived in Lusby for nine years. Growing up in a military family, he bounced around the country and world before landing in Southern Maryland. Now he lives in Ranch Club. “We’re doing well,” he said of the business. “Our business is based on customer service, 100 percent. It’s all word of mouth … We’re nice about things, and if you’ve ever shopped at our competition you would realize how nice we are.” By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net.
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Thursday, March-2010
Calvert Healthcare Solutions, a non-profit organization in Lusby that provides health care services at low cost was recognized by the Calvert County office of the Maryland Department of Social Services for the agency’s participation in a workforce training program. Tim Pillard, community development manager for the Maryland Department of Social Services (DSS) in Calvert County, said his office sponsored the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce’s “Business After Hours” program on Feb. 23 to recognize businesses that support employment programs that DSS puts in place to assist clients with Photo By Sean Rice attaining employment. “We work with people that received Tim Pillard, community development manager for Maryland Department of Social Services (DSS) temporary cash assistance, and our goal the in Calvert County, congratulates Dr. David Rogers, is to get them experienced and get them board president of Calvert Healthcare Solutions, employed,” Pillard told The Southern while Calvert County Chamber of Commerce President Carolyn McHugh looks on. Calvert Gazette. “We’re always looking for businesses and organizations to participate in the work experience programs, as well as people that are will to participate in what we call the paid internship program,” Pillard said, adding that approximately 20 participating businesses attended the after-hours event at Adam’s Ribs in Prince Frederick. Calvert Healthcare Solutions in 2008 took on an employee under a DSS program in which the state temporarily reimburses the employee’s salary for a period of time to give the client on-the-job training. After the state-funded period ended, Calvert Healthcare decided to hire the client full time. “On top of being a participant of the employment program, we would like to recognize them for the good that they do within the community,’ Pillard said, when presenting an award to Dr. David Rogers, board president of Calvert Healthcare Solutions. “They provide a very low-cost health benefit to Calvert County residents.” “This is one super program,” Dr. Rogers said after receiving the award. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net.
LOCAL NEWS
Local Receives Presidential-Approved DoD Appointment St. Mary’s County native, Ed Greer, of Hollywood, has accepted a political appointee position in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Greer, who last week announced his resignation from his position as executive director of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, is the first civilian official from Patuxent River Naval Air Station to receive a political appointee position within the Pentagon. Greer will become Director of Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) for the Department of Defense, a new position created in May 2009 by a sweeping congressional Defense acquisition reform bill that aims to strengthen oversight and limit out-of-control spending in defense programs. “This is a wonderful opportunity in that I will be required to standup a new organization which was recently approved by Congress,” Greer, 53, told The Southern Calvert Gazette. Greer said his primary duties at the Pentagon will include monitoring and reviewing the Department of Defense development, test
and evaluation activities of the major defense acquisition programs. He will be responsible for developing new DT&E policies that will be applied across the Department of Defense, which will streamline the military’s acquisition timeline. Greer currently holds two major positions simultaneously--one as the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Center (NAWCAD) Executive Director; and the other, as the Deputy Assistant Commander for Test and Evaluation, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). As NAWCAD Executive Director, Ed Greer he oversees a budget of $4 billion and a staff of 14,400 employees at three sites: Patuxent River, Lakehurst New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida. We have a total operating budget of about $4 billion. At NAVAIR, Greer is responsible for planning, executing, analyzing and reporting of Naval Aviation Flight Tests, spanning across three sites: Patuxent River; China Lake, Calif. and Point Mugu, Calif.
they’re in jail,” McDowell said, stating his personal opinion as an officer. “They should serve their sentence.” An analysis of the bill by the state’s Department of Legislative Services shows there would be a small increase in costs for keeping sex offenders in jail for their full terms. For the state’s general fund there would be an increase of $130,000 in expenditures for fiscal 2011, the analysis stated, while the local effects were “not expected to measurably increase correctional costs.” Milton Crump, the director of Calvert County’s corrections division said that longer sentences for sex offenders and child predators was a good thing, but restricting them from earning any diminution credits for their sentences was not. Without diminution credits available as an incentive for good behavior once they’re in prison, Crump said, there would be little reason for them to avoid fights and other conflicts while incarcerated. Under current law offenders can earn up to 15 diminution credits a month towards reducing their sentence, which
Two people were arrested and charged with burglary and drug possession after the owner of the Cliff’s Motel in St. Leonard advised Calvert County Sheriff’s DFC Paul Wood that two people had entered one of the hotel rooms using a key they had previously been required to turn in at the desk but had not. The pair was also found to be in possession of suspected drugs. At 10;21 p.m. Feb. 27, DFC Wood arrested Derrick Earl Rice, 22 of St. Leonard, and charged him with burglary, possession of marijuana and theft of keys. Also arrested was Kristique E. Hutchins, 21 of Lusby, who was charged with burglary and possession of marijuana.
House Burgled in Lusby
Greer’s last day at NAS Patuxent River will be March 12. The Greer family has worked at Naval Air Station Patuxent River since 1947, shortly after the base was built, when Ed Greer’s father began working for the public works department on base. By Sean riCe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net.
Bill Seeks to Keep Child Predators in Jail A bill that would take away opportunities for child sex offenders and child predators to earn time off their sentence while in local jails or state prison has wide support in the Maryland House of Delegates, but law enforcement officials with the Maryland Sheriff’s Association say they have not taken a position yet. House Bill 490 strips away diminution credits (credits for good behavior, work done in prison) from child sex offenders and predators and would force them to finish their complete sentence. The bill also places the same restrictions on anyone convicted of most sex offenses. The bill’s lead sponsor is House Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell (R-Dist.29) and co-sponsors include 90 other delegates, which is nearly the entire House. O’Donnell said that this is the fourth year the bill has been up for consideration but with the alleged murder of a young girl on the Eastern Shore last year by a sex offender, the issue now has legislators’ attention. “It’s unfortunate such a tragedy had to occur before people paid attention,” O’Donnell told The Southern Calvert Gazette. “I’m hoping we have movement this year.” Lt. Dave McDowell, head of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office patrol division, and a member of the Maryland Sheriff’s Association’s legislative committee, said that the association had not taken a position on the bill yet. “It would be a good thing because
Two Arrested After Hotel Creep
means they could effectively cut it in half, Crump said. “They probably should stay in jail longer,” Crump said. “But you don’t want By Guy fights in prisons, you don’t.” Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Calvert County Sheriff’s DFC Aaron Locke responded to a home on H.G. Trueman Road in Lusby on Feb. 20 for a burglary report. The victim advised that sometime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. that day unknown suspects gained entry to the home and stole almost $2000 worth of property. A Sanyo 31.5 inch LCD television, a Vizio 22 inch LCD TV and a Toshiba laptop were all taken. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Steve Jones of the C.I.T. at 410-535-2800 ext. 2462.
Valentines’ Disorderly Arrest
At 7:39 p.m. Feb. 14, Trooper First Class Johns responded to the 11400 block of Tomahawk Trail in Lusby for a report of a disorderly subject. Lisa M. Tippett, 44 of Lusby, was extremely intoxicated and refused police orders to leave the property. She was placed under arrest and was taken to the Calvert County Detention Center for processing.
Thursday, March-2010
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LOCAL NEWS
‘On Watch’ Memorial Brick For Sale
Official: Melting Snow Caused Nuclear Plant Shutdown
At the beginning of each year since the “On Watch” monument opened on Veteran’s Plaza in Solomons Island in 2007, the county’s Department of General Services reopens the sale of engraved memorial bricks for a limited time to give all those interested an opportunity to memorialize loved ones. The 2010 campaign runs until April 1. Bricks will be installed in the fall of 2010 and purchasers will be notified when they are available for viewing. The Solomons World War II monument, “On Watch.” is an eight-foot tall bronze statue at the end of Dowell Road, created by Maryland artist and sculptor Antonio Tobias Mendez commemorating the people and work of the Amphibious Training Base at Solomons during World War II. It was the nation’s first amphibious training facility, and was active for four years, from 19421945. More than 68,000 servicemen trained there, and many of the local population worked there, according to historians. The men who trained there formed the major components of the amphibious forces that served in both the European and Pacific Theaters of War - at places such as North Africa, Guadalcanal, Luzon, Sicily, Bouganville, Anzio, Iwo Jima, and Normandy. The cost of each memorial brick is $100. Those interested can contact Melinda Donnelly in the Department of General Services at 410535-1600 ext. 2565. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@som-
A Constellation Energy official says melting snow apparently caused the shutdown of the Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant on Feb 18. David Fitz, a spokesman for Constellation Energy Nuclear Group, says melting snow is believed to have leaked through the plant’s roof and onto an electrical breaker. A team of federal inspectors began inspecting the plant in southern Maryland on Feb. 22. The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission says the two reactors shut down Thursday when one of two electrical distribution buses failed, causing a loss of power to some safety systems. A backup generator came on for Unit 1, but the backup generator for Unit 2 tripped after starting and employees had to tie in another power source for that unit’s safety equipment. The NRC says there were no safety consequences as a result of the shutdown. Both reactors remained shut down through all of last week.
Plant Owners Applaud President’s DOE Loan Commitment In other Calvert Cliffs news, Unistar Nuclear Energy, a partnership between Constellation Energy and the French power company, EDF, applauded President Obama’s announcement of the first recipient of a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) conditional commitment for a loan guarantee for two new reactors in Georgia. In a letter to supporters, UniStar Nuclear Energy CEO George Vanderheyden said supporters need to contact members of Congress to urge them to support the President’s budget proposal for a $36 billion increase in loan guarantees for new nuclear energy projects. Vanderheyden said the company is hopeful that the loan guarantee application for a new third reactor at Calvert Cliffs will be soon to follow. “The proposed Calvert Cliffs project would represent one of the largest economic and industrial development projects in Maryland’s history … The proposed Calvert Cliffs 3 project alone would result in billions of dollars of private investment as well as 4,000 construction and 400 permanent jobs,” Unistar said in a statement. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net.
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Watermen Retrieve Old Crab Pots From Bay Bottom A group of waterman in Calvert County this week finished their part in a state and federally-funded program to retrieve abandoned and lost “derelict” crab pots from the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay surrounding Calvert County. Calvert County Watermen’s Association President Tommy Zinn said four local watermen were part of a group of more than 500 statewide employed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources using “blue crab disaster funds” from NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service to collect errand crab pots. The crab disaster relief funds are used for programs to provide watermen with work opportunities while at the same time restoring crab stocks through aquaculture, habitat restoration, and monitoring and research. The local group worked five days and collected more than 400 crab pots, Zinn said. “There’s a lot of controversy about leaving them on the bottom, as far as environmental damage, or just being a nuisance, snagging fishing lines and that kind
Thursday, March-2010
of stuff.” Zinn told The Southern Calvert Gazette that despite popular opinion, watermen are not finding an overwhelming amount of dead fish and crabs in the old cages. “We’re seeing no dead product in them. Most of them deteriorate quickly before it would kill the fish and they manage to get out,” Zinn said. “Some species like the toadfish, they hide and thrive in the old pots.” Armed with maps from sonar scans conducted by the state, waterman drag grappling hooks behind the boat to snag the old pots and pull them aboard the boat. They are then salvaged and, if possible, returned to the owner, though most were crushed and collected in a trash container. “It’s a good project that the state has come together on,” Zinn said, adding that watermen will soon be working again under crab disaster funds to conduct oyster bar restoration, which involves scraping oyster beds with “patent tongs.” By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net.
Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, A Broken and Dangerous System
Governor O’Malley has taken public pride in his administration over the course of his term with regards to public safety. He has continued to tout his self-styled successes, while ignoring the realities of some of his administration’s glaring mismanagement and failures. Governor O’Malley has promised the people of Maryland many things, but the most troubling broken promises are those he made with regards to the safety and security of our children. Since the O’Malley administration has taken office, they have ignored at least three different laws designed to protect our children from sexual predators. Offenders have been released without the benefit of mental health risk assessments required by a law passed in 2007. Child sex offenders have also been released from prison and into our communities without the extended supervision required under another existing law intended to prevent future assaults. A board to be appointed by the Governor designed to create strategies for dealing with sexual offenders has never even met under this administration. The General Assembly acted to protect our children in these three above referenced laws, and the O’Malley administration failed in its primary duty – to execute the law. Now the General Assembly is preparing yet again to enact new laws to further protect our citizens and our children from the criminals who seek to do them the worst of harms and stealing of their innocence. It is imperative upon the O’Malley administration to ensure that this time, the laws endorsed by the representatives of the people are carried out, and that the administration does not once again fail to do more than offer lip service to its duty to faithfully and diligently execute the laws of the state. We don’t need the Governor to propose new laws as much as we need him to enforce those laws passed by the legislature. Now consider the failures in Maryland’s juvenile justice system. Since the O’Malley administration has taken office, there have been over 100 escapes and AWOLs from Maryland’s juvenile justice facilities. There have been numerous assaults on children in the care of the system and on employees of the Department. In July 2009 a juvenile being monitored by the Department shot and critically wounded 5 year old Raven Wyatt. Just last week, a teacher at the Cheltenham juvenile justice facility was murdered at the facility itself – the suspect in the case is a 13 year old juvenile in Department’s custody. These are very serious indications of a dysfunctional, out-of-control, and mismanaged system. In a particularly horrifying survey released this January by the US Department of Justice, over
30% of youth held at the Backbone Mountain Youth Center in western Maryland reported being sexually victimized by staff at the facility. That survey interviewed youth at 195 facilities across the US, and only 6 had sexual abuse rates of 30% or higher, with the Maryland facility being one of the worst in the country. The citizens of Maryland have trusted the O’Malley administration with their safety and with the safety of our most troubled youth, and the administration appears to have failed us in this area. Twice in the past two years, the House Republican Caucus has called for accountability on the part of the administration for failures in the juvenile justice system. Most recently, in July of 2009, the response from DJS Secretary Donald DeVore to concerns that I and others in the legislature were raising about these problems indicated a complete denial of the mismanagement under his leadership. He led us to believe that reports of trouble in this badly broken system were exaggerated. These supposed isolated incidents to which the Secretary referred are an escape attempt described as a “rampage” and a “mob” which resulted in serious injuries to several staff members; and the shooting of Raven Wyatt, and the publicly unannounced escape of violent juvenile offenders for some days after the escape. This kind of response is hardly indicative of the kind of accountability promised to and owed to Maryland by Governor O’Malley. The Department of Juvenile Services is an executive branch agency, and its secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor. The state of affairs at DJS is untenable, and it is time for the Governor to act with the resolve and the executive leadership necessary to establish the accountability he so boldly assured to the people of Maryland. I have called upon Governor O’Malley this week to ask for the resignation of Secretary DeVore, and for him to seek out and appoint a new administrator and a new leadership team for the Department of Juvenile Services. The Governor needs a department head who will respond to the failures of the system, and most importantly, the needs of the children in the system, the employees of the system, and the community members who depend on the system. Governor O’Malley’s administration has failed in its essential duty to protect Maryland citizens and public safety by adequately administering the broken Department of Juvenile Services. They must take responsibility for stopping a continued loss of life in state juvenile facilities. They must act to stop further damage to the children of Maryland in a mismanaged juvenile justice system. Governor O’Malley cannot be allowed to continue to choose what he will take credit for and what he will blame on others – he must take credit for the whole of his administration’s actions – or lack thereof, especially where public safety and juvenile services are concerned. As always, feel free to contact my local legislative office at (410) 326-0081 or email at anthony. odonnell@house.state.md.us with questions, comments or concerns regarding these items or other matters.
Mikulski Announcement Stifles Others’ Political Aspirations When Sen. Barbara Mikulski squelched rumors of her impending retirement by announcing she’s ready for a fifth term, she also put a damper on the career aspirations of ambitious Maryland politicians. “The only people who want Mikulski out more than Republicans are elected Democrats for whom she is posing a logjam in upward mobility,” said Don Murphy, a former Maryland delegate and GOP strategist who advises Republican Mikulski challenger Eric Wargotz. A Mikulski retirement would have shuffled the deck of Maryland politics. A vacant Senate seat would have drawn the attention of a handful of Maryland representatives in the House, and members of the Maryland General Assembly or county officials would have then scrambled to fill any opening in the House, setting off further jockeying for their seats. But that opportune political environment won’t materialize this year. Mikulski announced her campaign staff this week, squashing a frenzy of retirement talk that was originated by a blog rumor. If re-elected, the 73-year-old would be the longest-serving woman in Senate history. If she completes another full term, her 30 years in office would tie her with former Sen. Paul Sarbanes as the longest-serving senator from Maryland. Travis Tazelaar, the executive director of the Maryland Democratic Party, said anyone is free to run against Mikulski if they choose, but party members are generally on the same page about her decision to run again. “From my perspective, the party is united. From the congresspeople all the way down the chain, I have not heard any mumblings or grumblings about the fact that she wants to run for re-election,” said Tazelaar, “It wasn’t as if somebody’s hopes and dreams were dashed because of that.” Both of Maryland’s current U.S. senators were elected by seizing the opportunity when incumbents chose to retire. Mikulski won when former Sen. Charles “Mac” Mathias retired in 1987. Sen. Ben Cardin succeeded former Sen. Paul Sarbanes, who retired in 2007. Sarbanes’ son, John, D-Towson, then succeeded Cardin in the House. In lieu of an open Senate seat, it’s unlikely that ambitious members of the House would put their careers on the line to challenge a strong incumbent like Mikulski. “It would be suicide for a Van Hollen or a John Sarbanes,” said Blair Lee, a Silver Spring real estate developer and political commentator with a background in campaigns. “When there is a U.S. Senate opening, you’re going to see those two young lions go head-to-head.” Van Hollen, D-Kensington, thought about taking a shot at the Senate in 2006 when Paul Sarbanes was retiring, but higher-ups in the Democratic Party talked him out of running by promising him that there would be future opportunities to move to the upper chamber. On the House side, no incumbents look to be in for a serious election battle -- whether in a primary or a general election -- except for Rep. Frank Kratovil, D-Stevensville, who flipped the conservativeleaning 1st District on the Eastern Shore in 2008. Glenn Ivey, the state’s attorney for Prince George’s County, was thinking about running against Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Fort Washington, but announced in January that he won’t challenge her in a primary this year. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Mechanicsville, is one of the few incumbents who will face a primary challenger. Andrew Gall, a public policy grad student from College Park, is trying to start a political career with a bang by mounting a primary challenge against Hoyer. Gall said that long-term incumbents are part of the “status quo” that he’s running against. “If you look at the private sector, people are constantly bringing in new blood trying to keep up with the dynamism of business. You don’t see that in government,” Gall said. “If you had more turnover and more of an injection of new people and new vigor, you’ll see a better result.” Lee said that even though ambitious young politicians may have their hearts set on a higher office, there’s little they can do besides wait for the right opportunity. “John Sarbanes and Chris Van Hollen are marking the years off the calendar waiting for an opening,” Lee said. “A lot of guys wait their turn and they end up losing because things do change. New rising stars appear and all of a sudden the guys who were waiting get eclipsed by changing events and by time.” By Graham Moomaw (Capital News Service)
Thursday, March-2010
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Spring is Coming Not a Minute Too Soon By Joyce Baki
Dinner at the New Gene Café? Do you care about the food you consume? Does the idea of genetic engineering make you a little nervous? You might be very interested in meeting author and reporter, Bill Lambrecht. The Calvert Library Prince Frederick will host Mr. Lambrecht at the next Calvert Eats Local meeting on Monday, March 15 at 7:00pm. Lambrecht’s food quest started in 1986 when he discovered a US Department of Agriculture experiment engineering human genes into pigs. His exploration continues through a study of Monsanto, notorious food giant. The library has Lambrecht’s book, Dinner at the New Gene Café: How Genetic Engineering Is Changing What We Eat, How We Live, and the Global Politics of Food if you want to take a look before he comes. Fascinating reading. Come by to meet the author and to learn about Calvert Eats Local. For more information, call the Calvert Library Prince Frederick at 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.
Federal Employees Association Meeting The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), Calvert County Chapter 1466, will meet at 1 pm on Thursday Mar 18 at the Calvert Pines Community Center, West Dares Beach Rd. Prince Frederick. There will be a program on the new Aquatic Center (or guest speaker of interest) fol-
lowed by a short business meeting. Also, join us for an early lunch at 11:30, this month at La Tolteca in Prince Frederick. Active and Retired Federal employees, spouses, members, non-members and guests are welcome. Contact Roger Cronshey at (410) 535-4576 for more information on the meeting or for NARFE membership.
Spring is coming – March 21! I have already seen my first robin and crocuses are starting to shoot up around the walnut tree. Very soon we will be complaining about the heat! Get out of the house and enjoy some of the great things happening in Calvert County. Want something great to do with your family that’s free? The Calvert Marine Museum is open late on the first Friday of every month and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. admission is free. In addition you will enjoy special entertainment and activities. Friday, March 5, enjoy Gretchen Richie’s Jazz Cabaret in concert starting at 5:30 p.m. in the museum’s auditorium. On Friday, April 2, The Ocean Trio: Celtic Music for Ancient Moderns will perform. For complete details visit their website, www.calvertmarinemuseum.com. The concert series is funded by the Maryland State Arts Council and The Boeing Company. Do you think you have what it takes to solve a mystery? Get ready to collect the clues on March 1214, 2010 when the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa presents its very first Murder Mystery Weekend. The all-inclusive weekend includes overnight accommodations for two nights; welcome cocktail reception and dinner on Friday evening; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday; brunch on Sunday; and a thrilling experience you’re not likely to forget soon...that is, if you make it out alive! For more information or to make your reservations call 410-257-5596 or visit www.chesapeakebeachresortspa.com. Looking for a really unusual gift? Saturday, March 13, Battle Creek Nature Center Education Society hosts their annual Wild Auction. This live auction always has great – and very different - items. Consider a birthday party at the Battle Creek Nature Center; camping at Kings Landing Park; a bowl carved by James Scott from Wye Oak; a framed print by wildlife artist Robert Bateman; or an Owl Walk led by one of the Nature Center’s naturalists. There is also a quilt, “Under the Sea,” donated by Susan & Jerry Headley that I have my eye on! It will be a great evening of fun and a wonderful way to support the Battle Creek Nature Center Education Society. Wednesday, March 17, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at DiGiovanni’s By the Bay Res-
taurant. DiGiovanni’s will offer authentic Irish Celtic music performed by Larry Tierney, AKA Lorcan Tiernan the Bar of Toberroe, who will throw in a wee bit of folk, rock and fun. Irish specials will be offered by Chef Anna Maria. And check their website, www.digiovannisrestaurant.com, for a list of the wine classes offered by Dee Peters. Both basic and advanced classes are offered. C.J.’s Back Room will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a great Irish band. Join in the fun and song while you eat April’s great corned beef and cabbage. Located on Rousby Hall Road in Lusby, C.J.’s Back Room is a hidden treasure, with great food, good drinks and music. Stop by – you will be dancing a jig before you leave! Through March 28 the CalvART Gallery presents “Take a Seat.” Gallery artists have designed and decorated chairs for a special “chair-ity” sale. You can submit a bid or purchase outright any of the specially marked chairs with the proceeds benefiting Project Echo, Hospice and the Arts Council. The gallery, located in the Prince Frederick Shopping Center, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.calvARTgallery.org. Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, March 20-21 for the annual Calvert Artists’ Guild Spring Show on the mezzanine at Annmarie Garden. Local artists in all mediums can be seen at this show. An artist’s reception will be held on Saturday March 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 20, make a date with Annmarie to enjoy an adult evening of art, wine and live music at Annmarie After Hours: AHH! Each month sample light hors d’oeurves from a different southern Maryland restaurant. The featured vocalist is Joyce Kinser. Interact and immerse yourself in “Constructed Place” featuring created spaces, built places and imagined environments designed and sculpted by the Washington Sculptors Group. Visit the Gift Shop for special AAH! Sales. Annmarie After Hours is the perfect stop before or after dinner! Visit www. annmariegarden.org for more information. Saturday, March 27 the Solomons Business Association sponsors the 10th Annual Taste of Solomons. Throughout Solomons restaurants will tempt you with tasty tid-bits from menu items. Along with the culinary delights, there are offerings of cocktails (and mocktails), art, artisans, vendors and services a “real taste of Solomons.” The Taste of Solomons runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. but plan to stay late and dine at the restaurant that has provided you with the greatest temptation! Tickets for the tasting are $4 per tasting and are available at participating restaurants and the Solomons Visitor Center. (www.solomonsmaryland.com)
County Offering One More Flu Shot Clinic
8
Thursday, March-2010
The Health Department’s flu clinic scheduled for February 11th was cancelled due to severe weather conditions. Knowing that February and March, historically, are prime time for individuals to suffer from a bout with the flu, the Calvert County Health Department has scheduled another flu clinic for Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 4 - 7:00 pm at the Health Department in Prince Frederick. Flu remains unpredictable and all residents are encouraged to be vaccinated against H1N1 (Swine) and Seasonal flu this year. The Health Department will provide both H1N1 flu and Seasonal flu vaccines to anyone who would like to be vaccinated. The current vaccine supply is: H1N1 - both injectable and nasal spray; Seasonal - only injectable is available. \All vaccines will be provided to everyone on a first come, first serve basis. There is no charge for the H1N1 vaccine. For more information, visit www.calverthealth.org.
Celtic Society Partnering With Museum to Bring Le Vent du Nord The Celtic Society of Southern Maryland, in partnership with the Calvert Marine Museum, presents Le Vent du Nord from Montreal, Canada on Sunday, March 7. Band members will offer workshops in fiddle/feet, guitar and accordion in the afternoon from 2 – 4 p.m. Enjoy an evening concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Calvert Marine Museum auditorium. Concert tickets are $25 and available online at www.cssm.org/tickets. Le Vent du Nord formed in August 2002 and has been enjoying rocketing success. They have received several prestigious awards, including a Juno. The group’s current line-up includes singers/multi-instrumentalists Nicolas Boulerice, Simon Beaudry, Olivier Demers, and Réjean Brunet. Some of their songs are from traditional Members of Le Vent du Nord, folk repertoire, while others are original Nicolas Boulerice, Olivier Demers, compositions. The title of their latest album Réjean Brunet and Simon Beaudry La Part du Feu (November 3, 2009; Borealis Records) hints at a dual objective, coming
from an old French proverb, which states that one must give to the fire its share, or forfeit something in order to build our collective future. Without sacrificing the integrity of their heritage, the group uses the kindling of the past to produce a hotbed of creativity. By welding a wealth of musical genres into a seamless artistic statement, these members have a keen sense of their local history, seeking to recover, restore, and reinvigorate Canada’s deep musical roots. Visit www.leventdunord.com to learn more about the workshop/concert. This event is sponsored in part by The Hilton Garden Inn, Solomons; The Ruddy Duck, Solomons; and SOMD.com. Visit sponsor websites for special pricing related to this event. More details are available at www. cssm.org. Pre-registration is encouraged for afternoon workshops; email fiddling@cssm. org, or call (443) 975-0972 with questions.
Rock-N-Roll for Rescues The Humane Society of Calvert County held the first-ever “Rock-n-Roll for Rescues” fundraiser on Feb. 27, featuring The Fabulous Hubcaps, a nationally-renowned oldies and classic rock tribute band. The event at the Holiday Inn in Solomon’s quickly sold out of all 300 tickets, and featured food and drinks, a silent auction, and raffles. The event helps fund the Humane Society’s day-to-day operations. Due to the success of the event, orgainizers are already planning the next “Rock-N-Roll For Rescues.” For more information see www.thehubcaps.com and and www. humanesocietyofcalvertcounty.org.
Photo By Sean Rice
Deadline Approaching for Artfest Entry Annmarie Garden is putting out a call for entries for the following exhibits and show, GREEN, GREEN TOO and Artsfest 2010. GREEN invites artists to submit works of art that confront ecological issues on a local, regional, national, and/or global level for exhibit June 12- August 27, 2010. The exhibition objectives are to present a collection that reveals the complex nature of environmental issues and to generate productive dialogue about the natural world. The jury seeks visually stunning and philosophically compelling creations that educate, enlighten, and
inspire stewardship of the earth. The call is open to environmental art in its broadest sense, including but not limited to green art, eco-art, land art, recycled art, renewable energy art, and any other form of art that explores environmental issues. All media welcome; new media encouraged. Indoor and outdoor works will be considered. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2010. For further information and to download a prospectus please visit www.annmariegarden.org/ArtsBuilding/CallForEntries/prospecti/finalprospectus. pdf GREEN TOO, a complementary component of GREEN, July 16 - October 8, 2010, invites artists to propose small to large scale installations for the 3300 sq. ft. Mezzanine Gallery. The jury is interested in installations that physically immerse the audience in environmental issues. To
learn more about GREEN TOO, please refer to the separate online prospectus. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2010. Indoor works only will be considered for GREEN TOO. Also, the deadline for Artsfest, Annmarie Gardens’ premier juried art show is March 31, 2010. Join over 150 national artists for this wonderful weekend outdoor arts festival held September 18 & 19, 2010. Artsfest brings together some of the country’s most accomplished artists for a weekend of art, music, food, and fine brews at the beautiful Garden. Music and entertainment acts perform continuously throughout the garden and an outstanding array of food and drink for every palate will be available. Applications are open for Artists, Art & Nature Organizations, Performing Artists, and Food Vendors For complete details about Artsfest rules and information please download an application at http://www.annmariegarden.org/Events/Artsfest/index.htm
Build Your Own Canoe
Your chance is now to build a 16-foot wooden canoe. The Calvert Marine Museum and Patuxent Small Craft Guild are scheduling requests for the “Build a Boat by Appointment” program through December 2010. Choose two consecutive Saturdays and invite your family and friends to join in the fun. Hours of class are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No experience necessary. With simple hand Photo Courtesy of Butch Garren tools and guidance from experienced instructors, your canoe and paddles will be assembled and ready to paint at the end of the second Saturday. A fee of $600 for Calvert Marine Museum members and $650 for non-members includes all materials necessary to complete one canoe and two paddles. Youth groups and children ten years and up are welcome in the company of an adult. The Calvert Marine Museum offers a similar class in building a 12-foot rowing skiff. The cost for the skiff is $950 for members and $1,000 for non-members. A sailing version, including sail, spars, daggerboard, and rudder is an option for an additional $800. Financial assistance is available to qualified applicants from the Melvin Conant Memorial Youth Fund. The Fund was established in 2004 to encourage young people, particularly those in need, to participate in programs offered by the Calvert Marine Museum’s Patuxent Small Craft Center. For more information, details, and scheduling, please contact George Surgent at 410-586-2700 or gsurgent@comcast.net. For more information about events and programs at the Calvert Marine Museum, please visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.
Local Businesses Needed for Trails Guidebook The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is now accepting applications and renewals for the fourth edition of the Southern Maryland Trails guidebook. SMADC is looking for artists, farmers, vintners, chefs and owners of eligible local business who would like to be included in the upcoming edition of Southern Maryland Trails: Earth, Art, Imagination. The popular local guidebook features things hand made, home grown and authentically Southern Maryland. Review site criteria and download an application or renewal at www.somdtrails.com The Trails book is offered free to the public, however, there is a $50 renewal fee for current Trails partners and a $75 application fee for new partners to be included in the upcoming book. Applications are due before March 31, 2010. To learn more about additional programs and resources, contact SMADC, P.O. Box 745, Hughesville, MD 20637; phone: 301-274-1922; email cbergmark@smadc.com.
Thursday, March-2010
9
Spotlight On
Comedy Hypnotist Show Will Benefit PTSA
Calvert Career Center Career Fair On Wednesday, March 24, the Calvert Career Center will be holding its annual student Career Fair. This event provides Career Center students with the opportunity to meet with representatives from businesses, unions, post-secondary institutions and professional organizations. Students have the opportunity to discuss potential employment with these businesses, and the business representatives have the opportunity to inform students what qualifications are required for employment. Many Calvert Career Center students have mastered entry level skills in their programs, such as graphic arts, the construction trades (CAD, carpentry, electricity, home improvement, masonry, welding, plumbing, heating and air conditioning), cosmetology, food production and management, health and biosciences, information technology, engineering technology and automotive technology, said Principal Tony Navarro in a press release. Last year over 30 employers met with students during the day-long event. Interested businesses may call Carolyn Hobbs, Career and College Readiness, at 410.535.7465 or email her at hobbsc@calvertnet.k12.md.us for Career Fair registration information or to obtain information on employing Calvert Career Center students.
Imagine taking a dream vacation to Hawaii, driving in the car of your dreams, or even winning the lottery; all in one night! This is what will happen on Thursday, March 25, as Calvert High School presents a unique comedy experience to Maryland audiences. The school will feature Jason Linett, a nationally-known comedy hypnotist, who will present one show as a fundraiser for the PTSA at 6:30pm. “The hypnosis show combines the fun of audience participation with the incredible abilities of the mind,” Jason Linett, in a press release. “It’s the ultimate reality show.” Audiences can expect to see willing volunteers rapidly induced into a hypnotic trance and then given funny suggestions. “I don’t embarrass the volunteers, and I don’t even let them embarrass themselves,’ said Linett, who lives in Alexandria, Va. Some of Linett’s favorite suggestions during the show include turning himself invisible and turning volunteers Submitted Photo into celebrity impersonators. Linett has performed at Jason Linett works his magic on stage. schools, comedy venues, and corporate events across the country. sale now for $6.00, with the proceeds going to benefit the “Fundraising events are always my favorite,” Linett school’s PTSA. Call (410) 535-7330 for more details. said. “There’s no better feeling than putting on a show that Jason Linett is a Certified Hypnotist with the National a school can be proud to present, and helping students raise Guild of Hypnotists, the largest hypnotherapy organization the funds for a great cause.” in the world. He is also the author of nearly a dozen selfThe clean, family-comedy show will be presented help audio hypnosis programs ranging from weight loss in the auditorium of Calvert High School, located at 600 to smoking cessation. More information can be found at Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick, MD. Tickets are on www.MagicForTheMind.com
2010 Computer Bowl
Margo Shelton
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Submitted Photo Appeal Elementary’s Computer Bowl Team placed 3rd in the 2010 competition. Team members include 4th and 5th graders. Pictured from left is Arley Shepherd, Chloe Papanicolas, Melanie Baugher, Brianna Shegogue, Miles Hupp, Logan Woods, Jacob Sarachene and Coach Christine Lee.
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10
INSURANCE
Thursday, March-2010
Continuing Drum Point Special Tax District Someone once said “everyone has a right to the facts, but everyone should not make up their own”. The recent article in the Recorder about stopping special tax districts is another example of opinion and not FACT. After serving 15 years on the Drum Point Property Owners Association board of directors, it is astounding how many people simply cannot grasp the essence of the current roads turnover issue in Drum Point (or any other commonly owned community). I offer some important background for every property owner and elected official. The question comes up as to why the county allowed developers to build “private roads” in the first place. My opinion is that was purely politics and profit. The obvious solution is for the county to take over ALL private roads. There are 17 communities with private roads in Calvert County. White Sands still has private roads despite a “road tax district”. DPPOA has tried to get the county to take the roads, but was continually advised that the county would never take our roads. FACT, Drum Point property owners pay the same real estate tax rates as other county homeowners, why doesn’t the county equally maintain “private roads”? Can the county take over just one community? FACT, DPPOA was incorporated in June 1972, long before the STD was made law. Read the Articles of Incorporation and find out what DPPOA is chartered to do for the entire community. FACT, the STD was created and passed to aid all Maryland communities in order to separately maintain their assets including amenities and administration. FACT, the STD levy is only one of several revenue streams for the community. Read the state law! It is not only for Drum Point. Read the four operating agreements between the county and Drum Point. FACT, in 12 years of agreements, there is/are/were no objectives or provisions for county takeover of roads. Who promised any takeover? FACT, DPPOA proposed STD IV (budgeted at $125 per lot) to the public and the Board of County Commissioners’ this past June. The BOCC amended STD III instead, and changed the annual levy to $50 and requested new budgets, all without any further public hearings. During the fall, the BOCC also imposed several new restrictive “guidelines” for STD spending concerning administrative spending and amenities. FACT, amenities have been maintained over the past 12 years with STD money. The BOCC has admitted no errors nor has it offered any explanations of its restrictive actions for the past 8 months. Whether the BOCC actions were justified or not, the newly signed STD III (amended) operating agreement has the identical provisions as the past three agreements. No more, no less. FACT, DPPOA will continue to expend the STD monies in accordance with the signed agreement and budgets and with the full approval and oversight of the county staff and BOCC. FACT, a draft agreement in December, had a provision (article IV) to move SOME roads to the county (IF) brought up to (new) standards. SOME roads, not all roads! At a potential cost of over $2 million, ($1600 per lot) this was of course rejected by DPPOA. Existing monies are already allocated to other projects per STD III. FACT, even if SOME roads were turned over to the county, DPPOA would still have to maintain the remaining 10-12 miles of roads and all the common lots and the beach and the boat ramp. These “amenities” cannot be locked away; they are for the use of all owners and not just SOME owners. FACT, DPPOA by law does represent all the property owners in Drum Point. All property owners are members of the association. All members “in good standing” can vote on all issues. Members approve of all budgets and expenditures. There will be an upcoming mail ballot on roads turnover sent to all members. DPPOA continues to work solely to support all the property owners and the community. FACT, in Drum Point there are no other organized groups (much less recognized by any authority) representing any number of owners on any issue or on record making any public statements. Individual opinions prevail. The essence of Drum Point road turnover is that the county has no intention of stepping forward on all roads. Any proposition will never be a complete turnover. DPPOA will have to continue to maintain the entire community and remaining roads. DPPOA needs the STD revenue to do just that. It needs the STD law to be eligible for FEMA and MEMA assistance. The STD makes DPPOA eligible for other community and non-profit grants. The state STD law must not be eliminated. Max Munger Drum Point
Drum Point Scare Tactics and Half Truths
This letter is in reply to recent letters sent by those who support the Drum Point Property Owners Association and not the community and property owners. Drum Point for some 12 years has been rebuilding its infrastructure with monies raised through the use of a Special Tax District and I admit the results are impressive. The time has now come for the roads to be given to the county, which was the original selling point of the special district. The Association, however, will have no purpose to exist once this is done and now wants to keep the roads, appeal to the legislature to have our covenants changed and mandatory association fees assessed to each lot owner so they will not have to ask permission to spend our money as they do with STD funds. A fellow property owner in his letter stated that the STD fee is only $50 per lot. He left out that DPPOA wanted that figure to be closer to $200 per lot. He went on to state that turning over the roads would cost $2 million dollars but he didn’t say that DPPOA has over $500,000 left from STD 3, which hasn’t been spent and that was saved even after doing repairs and maintenance. I can only assume he forgot about that money and using the numbers provided by DPPOA if we need $2 million total his number we already have $500,000 that lowers it to $1.5 million between some 1200 lot owners that would be $1250 per lot owner if we stretch payments
out for 5 years that would be $250 per lot owner per year and no need for any more STD’s. Now my numbers may not be exact or correct as I said I got them form the Drum Point Property Owners Association. The $500,000 number I was told at the December meeting I attended might be closer to $600,000. I hear people talking about spending on our amenities, what are they? The community owns a small beach and a boat ramp, lock the gate at the beach and gate the ramp, charge a fee to the few who use it, let the users form their own group to manage it and maintain it or give it to the county. The supporters of and DPPOA have finally stopped claiming to represent property owners. They only point out that they can’t spend our money as they see fit. The lot owners who originally were against the Special Tax District said once the Association gets the money we will never be able to stop them they will always want more. I and most of the fellow property owners say it is time to stop the STD as it has been administered it has done its job and it is time for our county government to step up and take our roads, all of them and we are willing to pay for the privilege. Arthur Dawson Drum Point
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Cover On The
Will cliff-side homes be condemned? Will shoreline control measures actually harm the endangered Puritan Tiger beetle? Is the beetle truly endangered? Will Drum Point disappear if erosion is controlled on the Ranch Club cliffs? These are a few of the many unanswered questions that were raised during a four-hour town hall meeting held Feb. 20 on the topic of shoreline erosion and the Puritan tiger beetle. Attending were more than 250 residents concerned about the cliff erosion problem facing Chesapeake Ranch Estates property owners and other county residents. The meeting was arranged by Maryland House of Delegates Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell at the Christian Crossroads Church in St. Leonard, and featured a panel of experts in government and professional capacities. About 90 homes in the “Ranch Club” are effectively moving dangerously close to a cliff front overlooking the Chesapeake Bay due to shoreline erosion, but federal and state mandates for the last 20-plus years have prevented homeowners from taking steps to curtail the erosion and protect their homes. One of the main reasons they are being stopped from fixing the problem is the claim that shoreline erosion control measures will damage the habitat of the e nd a nge re d Puritan tiger beetle living on the cliff face. But not all are in agreement that this tiA citizen holds up a sign showing the ger beetle is truly endansize of the beetles to the panel. gered, or that a significant amount actually live on the cliff, or that shoreline erosion control measures will damage their habitat. Lidia Cucurull, PhD, a program scientist for NOAA, and a Ranch Club resident speaking as a private citizen, said during the town hall that she thoroughly investigated the three existing studies covering the Puritan Tiger beetle in Calvert County and they contain “very weak science.”
On The Cover Questions, Accusations Fly At Cliff Erosion Town Hall Meeting “This is not called science, this is called speculation,” she said. Cucurull said the studies were not sufficiently “peer reviewed” by objective parties. “We believe the effort should be made to first understand what’s the rationale for declaring that the Puritan tiger beetle is indeed an endangered species,” Cucurull said. “With emphasis (placed) on providing a true peer review, with reviewers and authors from outside the very small community that Photos By Sean Rice produced, validated and apCalvert County Commissioners Linda Kelley, left, Gerald Clark, and Maryland proved these reports.” Cucurull also touched State Senator Roy Dyson. from the crowd, which for the majority of the on a question that was remeeting remained calm at the request of Delepeatedly asked during the meeting; With federal law gate O’Donnell, who mediated the discussion. preventing beetle counters from getting close to the Clark said another problem arises from cliff, how can the public be sure there truly are ennot fixing the entire shoreline at one time. dangered beetles on these cliffs? “There is long-shore transportation of ma“I had laser surgery in my eyes and I’m still terial, sand moves from north to south …if you incapable of seeing something like this,” she said, protect that … whole section of cliffs, what will mocking the claim that the half-inch beetles are spothappen is Drum Point will disappear eventuted by experts from 25 feet away. ally,” Clark claimed. “These are trained individuals with high exO’Donnell issued an immediate rebuttal. pertise in identifying species,” said Glen Therres, “I think there may some difference of an endangered species expert with the Department opinion there,” O’Donnell said. “I don’t think of Natural Resources (DNR). “We’re not making the if we solve this erosion problem … Drum Point data up, it is the species we’re talking about.” is going to “How can you see it?” shouted a man in the disappear.” front row, holding a sign depicting half-inch sized John Grifbeetles. fin, secretary “I know what the size is, sir, thank you,” of Maryland Therres responded. “I have three trained people that DNR, several can differential between an insect this big (holding times dealt with his fingers slightly apart) at two feet, 25 feet. You and angry questions I can’t do it, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.” shouted from About an hour later, after numerous additional the crowd. questions and jeers from the crowd, Therres said his One of the experts do use hand-held telescopes to help see the most repeatbeetles. ed questions “You can believe it or not,” he said. from audience Bill Clark, district manager for the Calvert members that County Soil Conservation District, said residents had better believe that permanently fixing the erosion problem will be very expensive. “On the high cliffs that you have on the Chesapeake Bay, there’s only one thing that’s going to protect that cliff if you don’t want it to cave in, it’s an old adage we use – ‘big rock, don’t move’,” Clark said. “What you’re looking at to protect that cliff is going to be better than $2,000 a linear foot. So if you get past the Purtian beetle issue, can you afford $2,000 a linear foot? That’s what it’s going to take; I’ve been there. At a 100-foot frontage, that’s $200,000,” Clark continued. “If you can get the permit to do it, the question is, can you afford it.” Clark’s comment drew shouts Citizens lined up at microphones to ask questions of the panel of experts.
received no answer, was: “Is this a regulatory taking” of property, which asks if the government is intentionally laying on regulations that will result in these cliff-side homes being abandoned. “I say this respectfully. Where does government responsibility end and individual responsibility start? Asked Griffin, several hours into the meeting. The comment immediately drew some shouts from the crowd. “Let me finish. I’m not here to debate with you, I’m just trying to give you some feedback.” The comment prompted several people to again line up at the microphones to answer him, asserting they are asking the government for nothing else than permission to protect their lands, and the government is stopping them from doing just that. Bill Ryan, an expert in geotechnical engineering and current president of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers, said he is responsible for the closing of Golden West Way in the Ranch Club, and he soon will be looking at homes. “As soon as me as a professional engineer becomes aware of a situation like that, I have to take action,” he said of the road. ‘Next thing I’m going to take a look at is these 90 homes and determine which ones are safe to live in and which ones are not, because the last thing we want is another death on our hands.” “Certainly within the next two weeks, it will be done,” Ryan said of his intention to begin inspecting homes and declaring which are currently unsafe to live in.
After questions from the crowd, Ryan conceded that he cannot literally condemn homes, but he can issue his professional recommendation that the home is unsafe to live in. “I don’t want to lessen the seriousness of this situation, because its very real and it’s very dangerous,” he said. “Hang on, hang on,” Delegate O’Donnell called out. “I need to stop this right now. You have no governmental authority to make any of these decisions. Mr. Ryan cannot make a decision to condemn people’s homes unilaterally.” As the marathon meeting came to a close, O’Donnell asked residents with pending permit request for shoreline erosion control to alert his office, so he can work on them specifically. He also said he has been in touch with, and received vows of support from Congressman Steny Hoyer and the offices of Sens. Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski. Earlier in the meeting, O’Donnell read portions of an editorial written in The Washington Times about a Lusby couple who went head-to-head with state and federal officials over building a stone revetment on their property to protect against erosions, and the surprise
House Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell
roadblock set up by the supposed presence of the endangered Puritan tiger beetle. O’Donnell read from the editorial: “‘If it comes right down to what carries a heavier weight, the needs of the beetles or the needs of the human race, says Calvert County delegate George Owings III, I’m siding with the human race. At some point logic has to take over.’” That editorial from the Washington Times was dated Monday, Sept. 9, 1991. Almost 20 years later and it could have been written today.” By Sean Rice (ScG) info@somdpublishing.net
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Thursday, March-2010
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See SPOT Save
Mary Keeler, a volunteer at SPOT thrift shop in St. Leonard.
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Thursday, March-2010
St. Leonard Thrift Store Raises Money for Animals, Awareness There are plenty of trinkets to choose from at the SPOT (Stop Pet Overpopulation Thrift Shop), a small store literally overflowing with pairs of jeans, shoes, costume jewelry, musical instruments, and odd household items of every kind. But Mary Keeler, who is mother to the store’s owner, Ellen McCormack-Ament, has a great affection for the overflow of items. “None of this is junk,” she said, looking around and smiling. “Somebody had these things in their home, they used them, wore them, loved them … there’s a lot of history here.” But history isn’t the only thing generated by this charity thrift shop. SPOT, which will be celebrating six years in business next week, also generates proceeds for free and low-cost spaying and neutering services for cats and dogs in the area. “I’ve always been involved in animal rescue, my whole life,” said Ellen. “We [my family] had been doing it for years and years. But I was getting frustrated because it seemed like it was never-ending … we thought the best thing to do was to control the population, and the best way to do that is by spaying and neutering, but it’ll stop people from doing it if it costs $300 … so we give it to people for free.” This is a way for Calvert residents to fix their pets, and it could be one of the best ways to curb overpopulation at shelters, said Ellen, emphasizing the staggering numbers of homeless or unwanted pets, many of which are bought or adopted on impulse. (When the movie 101 Dalmations came out, for example, shelters reported seeing a dramatic spike in the number of dalmations being brought in, mostly because their owners decided they weren’t up to the task of caring for them.) “I remember that happening when that movie about chihuahuas came out. They started seeing hundreds of them,” remarked Ellen. “It’s very sad,” especially considering that stays at the animal shelter rarely end well. The American Humane Society (where Ellen
and her mother are life-long members) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reported that approximately 3.7 million animals (roughly 64 percent) were euthanized in the nation’s shelters in 2008, though Ellen said she doesn’t think that most people expect their former pets to be one of the unlucky ones. “They think that it’s going to be okay, because they want it to be okay,” said Ellen, “but spaying and neutering helps with that, too. It helps with behavior problems, like rowdy male dogs, and people will be more likely to keep them, because they’ll be behaving better.” As far as the shop goes, Ellen said that donations come in all shapes and sizes. The shop has seen diamond jewelry, antique weapons, prosthetic limbs and even a few pairs of silicone breast implants (“I couldn’t believe that someone would give me their breasts,” said Ellen, laughing, “but there are all kinds, I guess.”), but with that the company can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for animal charities in the area, and the volunteers who run the shop are encouraged to keep their focus on making money. And they’re always looking for extra help. “We tell people this isn’t a hands-on animal group. It’s different. There are no pets here, and none that need to be walked or cared for. This is all about making money to provide pets with assistance.” And Ellen says the slumping economy coupled with the current housing crisis has made these donations all the more necessary. “People are returning animals like crazy, and people are asking for more services than ever,” she said. And SPOT is providing more low-cost and free services than ever, with 977 dogs and cats spayed and neutered in 2009. For more information on SPOT and Southern Maryland Spay & Neuter, call 410-562-6516 or visit www.spayspot.org. By AndreA Shiell (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Photos By Andrea Shiell Volunteers at the SPOT thrift shop in St. Leonard will be celebrating six years in business as they continue raising money to curb pet overpopulation in the area. From left is Michelle Claires, Kim Martin, Pat McNett, Judy Trainer, Mary Keeler and Ellen McCormack.
P ages P
ast
By Joyce Baki Everyone has a favorite saying. Ever wonder how those sayings got their start? Living “high on the hog.” Said today one would believe that you are affluent and living a life of luxury. The best cuts of meat on a pig come from the back and upper leg. In the “old days” it was only the wealthy that could afford this cut. The paupers ate the belly pork and trotters. It is easy to see where this phrase originates. That person is “three sheets to the wind.” This is said often about someone that has had
AT For centuries people have used wood floors in their homes to add warmth, elegance and charm. Hardwood floors never go out of fashion and can add real value to your home. But until now some rooms, such as bathrooms and basements, were not considered good fits for wood floors because of humidity concerns. That’s because wood swells like a sponge when it absorbs moisture and contracts as it dries out, causing dimensional variations in wood materials.
Origins of Sayings
a bit too much to drink. This phraseoriginated with sailors – but not in the way you might think. Sheets are not sails, as landlubbers might expect, but actually ropes. The ropes are attached to the lower corners of sails to hold them in place. If three sheets (ropes) come loose and begin blowing wildly, then the sails will flap and the boat will lurch – like a drunken sailor. If you “pull out all the stops” you will try to make every possible effort to do something. It is believed that this saying has its origins in pipe organs – the musical kind. Music from pipe organs occurs through the flow of air in the pipes. Pulling them all out in-
creases the musical volume. So if you pulled out the stops, sweet music would come out of the pipes. When you “spill the beans” you tend to let a secret out. This originated with the Greeks who had an old voting system which would use dark and light beans to determine the outcome. If someone accidently dropped the bag, they would “spill the beans” revealing the secret vote. He (or she) is “no spring chicken.” Chicken farmers know that chickens born in the spring bring better prices then those that had gone through the winter. Buyers would complain that a tough fowl was “no spring chicken.” The term now is used to represent
birds (or people) past their “plump and tender years.” That person “rubs me the wrong way.” In colonial times many manor homes had wide oak-board floors that servants would wash and then wipe dry. It may sound simple, but if it was not done on the grain, it would streak the floors. And of course the owner would be furious. So you don’t want to rub anyone the wrong way. Bringing home the bacon – most people say this phrase about earning money. This term came from a contest that still occurs in some county fairs. The contestants would chase a greased pig in an effort to catch it. The one that did would win a cash prize, thus
he would “bring home the bacon.” We tend to live in a righthanded world. Many years ago anything “left” was considered sinister, mysterious, dangerous or evil. Innkeepers would push the left side of the bed against the wall so guests would have to get up on the “right side of the bed.” Today people who “get up on the wrong side of the bed” are usually very irritable. Many of us have been touched by the “green-eyed monster” of jealousy. This phrase originated with Shakespeare. In Act III of “Othello,” Shakespeare used a cat’s green eyes to represent jealousy, referring to it as “the greeneyed monster” in the play. The rest, as they say, is history.
Wood Flooring in Every Room of Your Home? A simple way to prevent dimensional variations in wood is to control air temperature and relative humidity using a humidifier or an air exchanger. However, in some situations, such as in bathrooms and basements, this may be hard to achieve and floorboards will contract and expand. The solution for homeowners looking for wood flooring in these rooms is a product with enhanced dimensional stability that is less susceptible to changing conditions -- engineered wood flooring.
The versatility of engineered wood f looring According to Michel Collin, Marketing Director at Mercier Wood Flooring, a leading manufacturer of quality wood flooring, engineered flooring is made of plywood with a thin hardwood surface layer glued on top. Each layer of the plywood is glued so that the grain runs perpendicular to the next. This limits the contracting and swelling action as the movement of each layer is counteracted by the opposite movement of the next layer, thereby enhancing dimensional stability. This is most evident in Mercier engineered
flooring, Collin explained, as unlike most engineered flooring, which is composed of three to five layers, Mercier’s contains seven crossbanded layers for optimum stability. “Engineered wood floors are constructed differently from solid wood floors and offer some advantages,” he added. “Thanks to advancements in manufacturing technology, engineered wood floors can be used in almost any room in the home. This includes installing over dry, concrete slabs and some types of existing flooring. So now homeowners can enjoy the beauty of a real hardwood floor in areas they never thought possible before with solid wood flooring.” Most engineered wood floors
are pre-finished at the factory, which eliminates the mess, extra time and fumes associated with applying the finish coats at home. Collin notes that engineered flooring is not meant as a substitute for solid hardwood flooring. It is designed for applications where solid wood won’t perform as well. Engineered flooring is also a great choice for renovations because it can be glued directly onto an existing floor. “Our engineered wood flooring is perfect anywhere,” Collin added. “Its versatility and timeless appeal make it an ideal match in any decor, from the basement to the bedroom.” More information on engineered wood flooring is available at www.mercierflooring. com.
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Thursday, March-2010
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Matthew Calvin, Sr., 54
Qwadarius Gantt, 16
Matthew Calvin, Sr., 54 of North Beach, MD passed away on February 12, 2010 at his residence. He was born on February 15, 1955 in Prince Frederick, MD to the late Hayes and Catherine Calvin. Matthew is survived by his children, Matthew Calvin, Jr. of LaPlata, MD and Jessica Calvin Slater of Owings Mills, MD; significant other, Cindy DiCarlo of Beltsville, MD and siblings, Carol Gettier of Great Falls, VA, Cathy Brown of Culpeper, VA, Hayes Calvin, Jr. of Mechanicsville, MD, and Connie Lepore of Orange Park, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Samuel Calvin. The family received friends on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Matthew’s memory to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Attn: Membership Department, 6 Herndon Ave., Annapolis, MD 21403 or by going to www.cbf.org .
Qwadarius Gantt, 16, of Lusby, MD went to his peaceful resting place on February 8, 2010 at 12:01 pm at Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC. Qwadarius Taiveon Tobias Gantt was born on October 20, 1993 to Shanova Coby and Grailen Gantt at Calvert Memorial Hospital in Calvert County Maryland. Qwadarius was preceded in death by his uncle (Ryan Coby), his GreatGrandmothers (Vivian Wills) and (Alice Adams), his Great-Grandfathers (Warren Gantt) and (Wilson Coby) and his GreatGreat Grandfather (John Jones) and many more he will meet in Resurrection; God Bless, Rest in Peace. Qwadarius received his education at Calvert County School in Dares Beach, Maryland. Qwadarius had 16 years here with us. Although Darius was born a sick child, he had his bad days, but his
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good days outweighed his bad days. Still through God he remained strong, regardless of what he went through; through it all he was a fighter until the end. His life was cut short, but he left us a lifetime full of so many memories, memories that will be there until time indefinite. Qwadarius was a very special person to all who knew him. He would touch your heart with things that are as precious as a smile, and he had a smile that would light up a room. His laughter would carry on with you every time we heard it to help uplift our spirits. Darius would laugh the hardest at his uncle Kevin; sometimes without a word being said. Darius also loved to collect monkeys which would always make him smile. Qwadarius knew he had a family that loved him so much. We loved him from our hearts right from the start. Darius loved the joy of being around his siblings and cousins. He had a very special bond with his Uncle Brian. He leaves to cherish a very devoted mother; (Shanova Coby), his father (Grailen Gantt) and a very special person who stood by his side through his toughest times (Timothy Butler) his second Dad. Four Sisters’, (Charne), (Tobriana), (Ayanna) and (Shaniya Gantt). One Brother; (Daejon Gantt), One Great Grandmother; (Kate Coby), One Great-Grandfather (Robert Wills), Two Grandmother’s; (Joyce Wills) and (Marilyn Adams), Two Grandfather’s; (Robert Coby Sr.) and (Grailen Gantt), Three Aunts; (Venus Wheatley), (Regina Coby) and (Ikea Height), Five Uncles; (Shawn Brown), (Robert Coby Jr.), (Scott Gantt), (Donell Coby) and (Brian Brooks), One Uncle In-Law; (Kevin Wheatley), One Aunt In-Law; (Natasha Coby), Thirteen Cousins; (Quanta’ Parker), (Kevonte Wheatley), (Bretyia Wheatley), (Lenaira Hall), (Derzyah Brown), (Shamari Brown), (Brandon Coby), (Mariyhia Coby), (Scott Gantt), (Alexis Gantt), (JacQuez Gantt), (Dominique Gantt) and (India Gantt), a very special cousin Jonathan Reid Jr., a very special God-Mother Aunt Noveen Wills, and a very special Thanks to Darius’s nurse “Mr. Sunday whom did a very tremendous job taking care of him”. A host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends whom will cherish memories until we meet again! A funeral service was held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Bethel Way of the Cross Church, Huntingtown, MD with Bishop Darnell Easton and Elder Charles Hall officiating. The interment was held at Holland Cemetery, Huntingtown, MD. The pallbearers were Anthony Butler, Barry Parran, Marquis Cheeks, Shiraz Parker, Paul Parker, and Quinn Freeland. Funeral arrangements were provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Zoe Johnson, 77 Zoe Cowling Houghton Johnson, 77, of Lusby, MD formerly of Silver Spring, MD passed away peacefully at her residence on February 27, 2010. She was born on September 6, 1932 in Kingsville, TX to the late Verna Woodall Cowling and James
Kelley Cowling. She married Lt. (USN) Robert Jaquette Houghton in 1952 in Silver Spring, MD, with whom she had five children. In 1972 she married Leo Delbert Johnson in Kensington, MD who preceded her in death on October 13, 1992. Zoe graduated from Roosevelt High School in Silver Spring, MD in 1949 and went on to attend George Washington University in Washington, DC graduating in 1951. She moved in 1976 from Montgomery County to St. Mary’s County and settled in Calvert County. She was an Accountant for East-West Lincoln / Mercury for over 15 years retiring in 1977. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Faith Cowling Reid. Zoe is survived by her children, Leslie Frost of Howden, Tasmania, Australia, Susan Bologna of Westminster, MD, Robert Houghton, Jr. of Las Flores, CA, James Houghton of Sarasota, FL, and David Houghton of Lusby, MD and 10 grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 7 PM in the Rausch Funeral Home Chapel, 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD. Memorial Contributions can be made in Zoe’s memory to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 or www. calverthospice.org. For more information please visit www. rauschfuneralhomes.com .
Gen. Henry Miley, Jr., U.S. Army, 95 General Henry A. Miley, Jr. U.S. Army (Ret), 95, of Tampa, Fl and Lusby, MD. passed away at his home in Florida February 6, 2010. Miley was born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 14, 1915. He graduated from historic Boston Latin School and began his military career at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from the Academy in June 1940 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Coast Artillery Corps. His first station was at Fort Monroe, Virginia, where he was assigned to the 2nd Coast Artillery Regiment. In December 1941, he moved with the 57th Coast Artillery to Hawaii, to
ley worked for the American Defense Preparedness Association in Washington DC. He lived in Lusby, MD for 35 years as he enjoyed retirement with trips to Spain, China and throughout the USA. The Miley’s eventually built a home in Tampa, Fl. Where they spent winters while traveling back to the Dc area to be with his children and grandchildren. General Miley was married three times, first to Margaret Gadsden Miley from 1940 until her death in 1975. His second marriage was to Jewel Miley from 1978 till her death in 1984. He married his third wife, Lillah Brooks Miley in 1985 and she is living at their home in Tampa Florida. He is also survived by his children, Henry Miley, III, of Lessburg, Va., Melissa G. Miley, of Stuarts Draft Va., and step son Ken Brooks of Lexington Park, MD Grandfather of, Sarah and Margaret Miley, step grandfather of Alan B. and Mackenzie D. Brooks, great grandfather of Caroline Miley. He is also survived by a sister, Ruth M. Lally of Boston MA. He was predeceased by his son Phillip Miley, brother Daniel W. Miley and sister Jean Miley Schreibstein. Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Tuesday May 25, 2010, 10:45 AM in Fort Myers Chapel, with interment with full military honors to follow in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York. Arrangements by Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Port Republic, MD.
Walter Jones, 97 Walt e r Jones, 97, of Huntingtown, MD passed away on February 6, 2010 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Fr e d e r ick , MD. Wa lter Franklin Jones, Sr. was born in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland on September 2, 1912, to the late William and Lena (Morsell) Jones. Walter was one of nine sons and three daughters. Walter attended the public schools of Calvert County and married the late Janie Sophia Jones on September 4, 1937. From that union they were blessed with four children. Together with their chil-
dren they worshipped at St. Edmonds United Methodist Church and Plum Point United Methodist Church. He frequently worshipped at Christ is the Answer Church in Annapolis, Maryland and Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. until his stroke in July 2007. Even when he was unable to attend church, church was brought to him through DVD recordings of church services at Mt. Gilead, televangelism and gospel CDs. He loved the Lord and believed God had him in his hands for he lived to be 97 years, 5 months and 4 days young! Walter worked as a foreman doing construction work. He was a member of the Local #74 Laborers Union. Together he and Janie were chef cooks for many years and enjoyed working alongside each other on the farm. Walter was a gentle giant with a sense of humor. He had such a big heart. Fondly known as Gramps, Hard Knot, Unc and Cool Papa to name a few. Family was important to him. It didn’t matter if you shared his blood line or not, he made you feel like you were one of his own. He greeted everyone with a smile, handshake, open arms and a hug. He was a friend to us all. Walter was blessed with so many visiting angels and they all took their jobs seriously. When some of his great-grands would visit they took pride in participating in his care. Dominique would suction, talk and pray with him. Semaj with her pink gloves (pink being her favorite color) would pass baby wipes and lotion his arms and legs all the while talking to him and 3 year old CJ would be on sound alert. If he heard Gramps coughing or making any noise, he would seek us out sometimes yelling. Uncle Fauré, Aunt Tee, Aunt Joyce - Gramps is calling you, he needs help, go check on him. Deion and Alysa would keep chatter and laughter in his room constantly peeking up on him. Now whenever Gramps was in the hospital, Ruby and Zara were on Unc Patrol - keeping the staff on their toes and Mac would have prayers. Nurse James “JB” would take care of Gramps whenever we (Joyce, Tawanna, Fauré and Wesley) had to be away from the house. Donnell and Carlon “Pee Wee” 24/7 aides on call assisting in changing Gramps, filling the kerosene stoves whenever Fauré was running late, as well as going to the dump and snow removal. Aunt Juanita, the faithful telephone angel, calling and checking in. And then there were Aunt Dorothy and Cousin Zelma, food angels. Whenever
they felt we were overwhelmed, they would send a truckload of food to sustain and keep us so that we could focus on Gramps. Walter was a blessing and a joy to know. We thank God for blessing us to make his last days comfortable in his own home. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lena (Morsell) Jones, his wife, Janie, his son, Walter Jr. (Carol Ann), his son-in-law Raymond Rice, his grandson, Andre, his greatgranddaughter, Amarie, his sisters and brothers-in-law Ada Gorman (Warren Gorman), Marybelle Brown (Wilford Brown, Sr.) and Alice Parran (Hamilton); his brothers and sisters-in-law Leroy (Kate), Genious (Mary), Joseph (Henrietta), Benjamin, Rudolph, Earle and William; and a sister-inlaw Gertrude Jones. The foundation for Walter’s life was his belief in God and his loving, devoted and supportive family. His long and fruitful life came to an end when he was peacefully called home on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 10:14 pm at Calvert Memorial Hospital in Prince Frederick, Maryland. He leaves to celebrate his life his children, Earl (Sandra), Joyce, Wesley and James “JB”; cherished memories to his grandchildren, Wanda,
Ricardo, Roxanne (Emerson), Fauré (Tawanna), Michelle, Damian, Darrell, Kevin (Angie), James, Imani, and Ché; his great-grandchildren, Brittney, Dominique, Tiara, Tré, Bria, Semaj, Deion, CJ, Alysa and Malik. He is also survived by his brother, Ralph; sisters-in-law Dorothy, Gertrude, Theo, Juanita, Corinna, Maude and Alice; brothers-in-law, Joseph and Samuel; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Funeral service was held on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Rev. Leroy Gilbert, Ph.D., officiating. The interment was at Young’s Church Cemetery, Huntingtown, MD. The pallbearers were James Beals, Jr., Archie Gorman, Emerson Gross, Hamilton Parran, Jr., Kevin Brooks, Patrick Green, Gregory Gross, and Joseph Parran, Sr. The honorary pallbearers were James Beals, Sr., Genious Gorman, Joseph Jones, Paul Jones, Samuel Jones, William Edward Jones, Carlon Green, Louis Gross, MacArthur Jones, Rayfield Jones, Sidney Jones, and Ralph Parran, Sr. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
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garrison the north shore of Oahu. Miley returned to the U.S. in late 1942 and, after a tour at the Anti-Aircraft School, was assigned to the 33rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group. He remained with this organization through its training phases at Fort Bliss, Texas and Desert Training Center. In February 1944, his outfit moved to New Guinea, where it participated in the leap-frog operations, executed by the Army along the northern coast of that island. In January 1945, Miley was detailed to the Ordnance Corps and left New Guinea and Artillery for Manila and Ordnance. He remained there until September 1946 in command, successively of the 189th Ordnance Battalion and the Ordnance General Supply Depot. Following World War II, Miley served a year on the faculty of the Ordnance School at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and in 1947 embarked on advanced education tour at Northwestern University. He received his Master’s Degree in June 1949 and remained an additional year at Evanston, pursuing advanced studies in economics and statistics. In 1950, Miley was transferred to Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia, where he served as comptroller and then as Works Manager. After three years at Frankford, Miley went to Heidelberg, Germany, for a three-year tour on the staff of the USAREUR Ordnance Officer. Miley returned to the U.S. in June 1956, attended the Army War College and in 1957 moved to Washington, D.C. to become chief of tank-automotive procurement in the Office of the Chief of Ordnance. In December 1961, he became Commander of the Advanced Weapons Support Command, Pirmasens, Germany. In March 1963, he was reassigned to Heidelberg, where he served as USAREUR Ordnance Officer. Returning to the U.S. in March 1964, Miley was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Materiel Command as Deputy Director, Procurement and Production. In August 1966 he was reassigned as Assistant DCSLOG (Programs and Budget), HQDA. Miley remained in this position until June 1969, when he was named Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command, and promoted to the rank of lieutenant general. On 1 November 1970, he was promoted to the rank of full general and became the Commander of AMC until his retirement on 5 February 1975. After retirement, General Mi-
Individual ID: 187718
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Over 1800 square feet of finished space on a half acre. New roof, newer appliances, and flooring, updated bath. Lots of closet and storage space. This property qualifies for 100% financing. Community ammenities include private beaches, club house, recreation areas and much more. There’s still time to receive the $8000 tax credit. Call 240-434-2971 or email janet.weaver@c21nm.com for more information. Equal Housing Opportunity. Price: $204,900.
Real Estate Rentals 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1 Den furnished luxury condo at Oyster Bay for rent! Beautifully furnished - warm and inviting - just waiting for you! The condo features a contemporary kitchen and granite countertops, stainless appliances, and a breakfast nook. There is a gas fireplace in the living room for those cold winter nights! You will love the large master bedroom & bathroom suite and enjoy the convenience of a washer and dryer in the unit. This unit includes free access to tennis courts , an exercise facility, swimming pool, boat slip, and more!! Also. ask about townhome available in Mill Creek! $1700.00/month + utilities. $1700 security deposit required. Call Gloria or Mary Ellen at 410-326-4251
This Waterfront Condo has Fantastic Views of Solomons Harbor from your living room, dinning room, kitchen and master bedroom. A 39ft. deep water boat slip, swimming pool, tennis courts and a clubhouse with fitness room, elevator and covered parking! 2100 sq. ft. Three Bedrooms with closet space galore! Two and Ί baths, Master bath has whirlpool tub with separate shower and private toilet, Kitchen has granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, Living room has built-in bookshelves, and a wood burning fireplace. Covered parking space for one vehicle and a storage area in the parking garage. A Wonderful Up Scale Waterfront Community! Great Calvert County Schools! Rent: $2000. Call 410-326-9307.
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Pilkington wins SMAC wrestling title Patuxent freshman Zack Pilkington won the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference’s 103pound weight class championship February 20 at North Point High School in Waldorf. Pilkington took a decision over Northern’s Brant Leadbetter, giving the Panthers a conference champion.
Smith wins fourth state high jump title Patuxent senior Amina Smith won her fourth Maryland class 2A indoor track high jump championship on February 22 at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex. Smith duplicated her SMAC record-setting jump of 5 feet, 8 inches to complete her championship sweep.
Spring Fling Tennis The Spring Fling tennis tournament will be held April 17-18 at Cove Point Park. The tournament is open to men and women. For more information, call Bryan Howell at 410-586-3115 or Peter Siegert at 410-326-4822, or go to www.calverttennis.com .
Pax River Silver Stars Girls AAU Basketball 2010 Spring/Summer Tryouts When: Sunday, March 14, 2010 and Sunday, March 21, 2010 Where: Margarent Brent Recreation Center Time: 2pm - 4pm 2pm - 3pm Middle School 6th/7th/8th Grade 3pm - 4pm High School 9th/10th/11th Grade FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT SAVANNAH WEBB @ 301-247-3152 / 301737-1792 or savweb@msn.com
Panther Girls Fall Short In 2A South First Round Forward LaChrisha Hill led Patuxent 17 points, but it wasn’t enough as Southern High School (Anne Arundel County) edged the Panthers 48-40 Friday night in the 2A South regional first round game. “I am proud that they continued to fight throughout the season,” Panthers head coach Chris Turlington said of his team. “Obviously, I am not happy with the record, but I will say that they should be proud of their progress from last year to this year.” After winning just one game in the previous three seasons combined, the Patuxent girls won three this season, but Turlington believes his girls can – and will – win more next season. “Folks judge us by our record, and that is understandable,” he says. “However, there are so many other elements to the season and to the program that need to be assessed. Patuxent jumped out to a 7-0 lead, thanks to some offensive adjustments that included back door cuts, but the Bulldogs quickly caught on. “When they adjusted, it gave us some wide open jumpers, and that’s where we had trouble,” Turlington explained. “They started to hit a couple of shots, and before you know it, the game was tied. We were forced to adjust offensively, and it became a grind after that.” Even with the tough loss, Turlington is positive about the direction the Patuxent girls will be heading in. “I think that the future is bright. We’re graduating nine seniors this year, and there is no doubt that they will be missed,” he said. “However, when you look at the make up of the rest of the squad, we only had one junior, and the rest were sophomores, and the sophomores received a lot of valuable minutes. So in terms of returning players, the program should have girls that are familiar with each other and understand their expectations.” By Chris stevens (Ct) info@somdpublishing.net
Photo By Frank Marquart LaChrisha Hill scored 17 points in Patuxent’s first round game on Friday night.
Panther Boys Struggle In Regional Loss Quinn Trudo scored eight points in the Panthers’ 50-37 loss to Long Reach in the 2A South first round Saturday night. Photo By Sean Rice
The Patuxent High School boys’ basketball team stayed as close as they could to host Long Reach in a 2A South Regional first round game Saturday night, but came up on the short end of 50-37, ending their season. “We just flat out missed shots inside,” Panthers head coach Lou Bruno said of an 8-for-40 shooting mark in the paint that contributed to the loss. “That has been a big issue the whole year. Most of the games were in the 50’s. I figured out that if we would have averaged 56 points a game we would have been 12-10. ” Sophomore guard Jalen Scayles led Patuxent with 14 points while senior guard Quinn Trudo added eight points in the loss. Bruno was pleased with the defensive effort of his team, especially in terms of points allowed. “We played good defense the entire season,” Bruno said. “We only gave up 70 points once and that was to [SMAC champion] Thomas Stone.” For Bruno, he considered his first season at the helm to be successful, but he feels bad that his seniors didn’t get more wins in their final season. “My only frustration was that the kids didn’t get a few more wins, not for me but for themselves because they were a good bunch of kids and worked very hard for me,” he said. “I will miss the seniors because I have known them for four years and I wish they could have had more success.” By Chris stevens (Ct) info@ somdpublishing.net
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Out About Wednesday Feb. 3- March 28
• “Take a Seat.” Through March 28 the CalvART Gallery presents “Take a Seat.” Gallery artists have designed and decorated chairs for a special “chair-ity” sale. You can submit a bid or purchase outright any of the specially marked chairs with the proceeds benefiting Project Echo, Hospice and the Arts Council. The gallery, located in the Prince Frederick Shopping Center, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.calvARTgallery.org.
Sunday, March 7 • Celtic Concert featuring Le Vent du Nord The Celtic Society of Southern Maryland proudly presents a Celtic Concert featuring Le Vent du Nord on Sunday, March 7 at the Calvert Marine Museum beginning at 7:30 p.m. The band will offer workshops in fiddle and feet, guitar and accordion during the day. For more information on the concert and workshops, please visit www. cssm.org or call 443-975-0972.
Tuesday, March 9 • Kids Just Want to Have Fun – Pizza Reading, discussion and projects for
children in K - 3rd grade, 7:00-8:00pm. Please register. Calvert Library Southern Branch, 20 Appeal Way, Lusby, 410-326-5289.
Saturday, March 13 • Wild Auction Battle Creek Nature Center Education Society hosts their annual Wild Auction. This live auction always has great – and very different - items. Consider a birthday party at the Battle Creek Nature Center; camping at Kings Landing Park; a bowl carved by James Scott from Wye Oak; a framed print by wildlife artist Robert Bateman; or an Owl Walk led by one of the Nature Center’s naturalists. It will be a great evening of fun and a wonderful way to support the Battle Creek Nature Center Education Society. • PEM Talk: Stop Global Warming: DON’T Go Green! Maryland environmental activist Mike Tidwell believes the “Go Green” mania in America is actually hurting efforts to fight global warming. What we really need -- a la the Civil Rights movement -- are “green” laws that finally and rapidly phase out the violent use of fossil fuels in America. Free in the Calvert Marine Museum auditorium, 3 p.m. Sponsored by The Boeing Company, and the Southern Maryland Heritage Area
Consortium and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. See www.calvertmarinemuseum.com for more information.
Wednesday, March 17 • St. Patrick’s Day at DiGiovanni’s By the Bay DiGiovanni’s will offer authentic Irish Celtic music performed by Larry Tierney, AKA Lorcan Tiernan the Bar of Toberroe, who will throw in a wee bit of folk, rock and fun. Irish specials will be offered by Chef Anna Maria. And check their website, www.digiovannisrestaurant.com, for a list of the wine classes offered by Dee Peters. Both basic and advanced classes are offered. • The Osprey Are Coming! On St. Patrick’s Day start looking for the Ospreys to arrive. Search near water for Osprey nests, look to the skies to welcome them home, visit the Osprey nest in the Calvert Marine Museum from 10-11 a.m., and learn about migration through stories, craft, and movement. Fee: $4 for members, $5 for non-members. Space is limited. Pre-registration suggested. Call 410-326-2042 ext. 41.
Thursday, March 18 • Southern Book Group: The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith. Precious Romatswe has opened Botswana’s first detective agency staffed by women. 2:00-3:30pm. Calvert Library Southern Branch, 20 Appeal Way, Lusby, 410-326-5289.
Saturday, March 20 • Fossil Hunter Did you know that shark teeth are not the only fossils found locally? In Calvert County you can find stingray, whale, dolphin, sea turtle, and even crocodile fossils from 8 to 20 million years ago. Learn the clues paleontologists use to identify one kind of fossil from another. If you’re in grades 2nd through 5th, join us at Calvert Library, Prince Frederick and find out how to identify fossils like the experts. 11:00am-12:00pm. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.
Saturday, March 27 • 10th Annual Taste of Solomons Solomons restaurants will tempt you with tasty tidbits from menu items. Along with the culinary delights, there are offerings of cocktails (and mocktails), art, artisans, vendors and services a “real taste of Solomons.” The Taste of
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Solomons runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. but plan to stay late and dine at the restaurant that has provided you with the greatest temptation! Tickets for the tasting are $4 per tasting and are available at participating restaurants and the Solomons Visitor Center. (www.solomonsmaryland.com)
Monday, March 29 • Turtle Talks Get a close-up look at our local turtles from box turtles to snappers to our resident Diamondback Terrapins. Join an interpreter in the Discovery Room about life as a turtle, and touch a terrapin at our touch tank. 15-minute program runs from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the hour. See www.calvertmarinemuseum.com for more information.
Saturday April 3 • Fossil Egg Hunt Discover hidden fossil eggs throughout the Calvert Marine Museum at 10 a.m. For children age 3 – 7. Please bring your own basket for collecting eggs. Participants are awarded a prize, and may keep the fossils! Admission required. See www.calvertmarinemuseum.com for more information.
Monday, April 5 • Otter Breakfast Learn about otter enrichment, habitat, and the mischief these mammals get into with their playful curiosity at the Calvert Marine Museum beginning at 9 a.m.. Go behind the scenes to talk with a keeper and observe a feeding. A continental breakfast will be provided. Children must be 8 years old and accompanied by an adult to participate. Space is limited, pre-registration required. Fee is $15 per person, $10 for members, and includes museum admission. Call 410-326-2042 ext. 41 to register.
Saturday, April 18 • 25th Annual Opening Day Celebration, Discovering Archaeology Jefferson Patterson Park, St. Leonard, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join us as we celebrate our 25th season of activities and education at JPPM. Discover the where, what, and how of archaeology, as we highlight our new exhibit “The FAQ’s of Archaeology”. Tour the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory. Learn about archaeology through educational walks, activities, and demonstrations. For additional information call 410586-8501, or email jppm@mdp.state. md.us. Free admission.
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Local Son Stomps the Yard Justin Myles rubbed his hands together excitedly as he sat down to enjoy a meal while on break from the road, ordering off the Mexican-American menu in order to mitigate what may have been a dramatic break from his healthy diet. He does have to stay in shape, after all. His dancing career demands it. Justin started dancing at the age of three with his mother, Gracie Myles, owner of Gracie’s Guys and Gals Dance Studio in Hollywood, and later started switching between learning tap routines and playing drums. “I picked up a drumstick when I was seven,” he said explaining the first song he learned to play. “The first song I learned how to play … was an easy 4-4 beat, and it was the Batman song by Prince,” he said, mimicking the 80s club beat that set the song apart from its 1960s television roots. “I was always messing around with the drums, but that was the first … I just remember we had to sneak around [my father] to play,” he said, laughing. “When we saw his truck come into the driveway we knew we had like three more beats and we’d be done.” It was probably for the best that Justin’s parents endured their son’s passions, from his beginnings playing 80s hits in the basement and dancing at his mother’s studio, to his study as a drum line regular at Chopticon High School. And now one can view the marriage of his obsessions by seeing him perform
in Stomp, the popular off-Broadway show that features athletic dancers wielding sticks, stones, trash cans, brooms and other implements of destruction to craft danceable rhythms for the audience. Of course, he didn’t just land that gig overnight, he said. “I worked my way up. I started in St. Mary’s County, doing just what the kids are doing now in my mom’s studio. I have lot of credit to give to her, as far as the opportunity to perform a lot,” he said. “That was the breeding grounds for good practice … and I really enjoyed it. And I auditioned for a show called Tap Dogs my junior year in high school.” Once he’d been accepted into the semi-professional world of dancing, Justin said he began making regular trips out of state to train for the off-Broadway show, later moving on to accept dancing gigs at (Paramount’s) King’s Dominion,. “I didn’t realize it was really a dance career,” he said, explaining that he spent most of his high school career juggling both his rock band, Haze, and performances with his high school band in addition to chorus and dancing. “But that’s what it became.” Of course, Justin said that’s not all he’s into. In addition to playing, Justin has been trying his hand at
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Justin Myles
producing, most notably with pals Matt Garrett and Matt Vivlamore and their production company, Meerkat Sound (www.meerkatsound.com). “For me it’s kind of like a hometown part-time job,” he said. “All three of us have a love for music, and we have a love for production, live sound, recording and mixing bands live, and we all have a third in the company. Right now
Submitted Photos
it’s kind of small but we have gigs every weekend.” As for Justin’s own music, he admitted it took him two and a half years to complete his own CD, “This Genre,” a sprawling opus that seems to include a little bit of everything from acoustic rock to rap. “I’ve had a lot of artists say ‘well that’s good to just get it all out there’ and get it out of my system … then I can typecast myself,” though it’s doubtful he ever will, he said. Justin said his tour with Stomp will likely keep him from performing music in the area until this summer, but in the meantime, he’s happy to just be making lots of noise. Justin Myles will be performing in Stomp at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore from March 16 to 28. For more information on the show, go to www.stomponline.com. For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com/venue/172363. By AndreA Shiell (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Canine Activities That Cure Cabin Fever By Ann Bowman Now that we are experiencing the depths of winter, it is important to stay active for our own health and to make sure we provide opportunities for exercise for our canine friends. Taking a walk can be rejuvenating both physically and mentally for us, and when we include our dogs, the health benefits of being active affect them as well. Many dog owners in Southern Maryland take advantage of the beautiful paved pathways through Annmarie Garden in Calvert County where leashed dogs are welcome. Flag Ponds Nature Park also allows dogs at this time of year and provides extensive paths where people and their dogs can enjoy the beautiful woods and beach along the Chesapeake Bay. Point Lookout State Park has a beach area designated for dogs that is available year round. If walking is not your thing, an invigorating game of fetch will provide mental stimulation and exercise for your dog. If you don’t have space at home, you can take your dog to one of the parks in the area that allow dogs off leash. Grays Road Dog Park in
Prince Frederick has two run areas, one for larger dogs and one for small dogs. Many dog owners belong to groups that provide opportunities for various competitions including diving off docks to retrieve and return a toy or stick. Southern Maryland Search and Rescue Dog (SMSARD) welcomes those dog owners who are interested in enrolling their dogs in classes to learn search and rescue skills. Other owners have their dogs learn obedience and earn good citizen certificates. Channeling winter pent up energy in one of these activities is always worthwhile and an admirable contribution of service to the community while being fun for both the owner and the dog. When the weather is mild, even in the winter, retrievers often welcome a game of fetch along the water. Sporting warm coats of fur that naturally repel water, retrievers love bounding into the water to retrieve a floating toy, ball, or stick. Many dogs that don’t swim still enjoy running along the beach where they can check out all the wonderful smells associated with the water. Always have your dog’s leash on hand for quickly restraining your pet if necessary. For many dogs, no monetary investment is needed for providing exercise. But if your dog does not have a heavy coat, there
are many types of coats, both warm and waterproof, that will keep your dog comfortable while outside during the winter months. There are boots to protect your dog’s feet if you take your dog for long hikes over rocky or icy terrain. Paw rubs also protect the pads, especially important in areas where chemi-
cals have been put on the ground to combat icy conditions. So take advantage of the invigorating winter weather, provide exercise for your dog, and get outside. You and your dog will both benefit. Ann Bowman is owner of Clipper’s Canine Café in Solomons Island.
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It’s a Doggy Dog World ... For the Time Being The age-old rivalry between “man’s best friend” and the pet with “nine lives” continues. It seems this year the dog is edging out the cat as Americans’ favorite pet. According to a new poll by the Associated Press, Americans prefer dogs to cats overwhelmingly. What’s more, dog people are far less tolerant of cats than cat people are of dogs, it seems. The poll also indicated men are more likely to choose dogs as pets than women are. The reason many people prefer dogs to cats is their loyalty and their need for human interaction. Cats do require affection
and interaction, say experts, but they may be content to go off on their own for some time as well. Dogs are also more readily trainable and will do tricks and follow commands to please their owners. Many cats will not. Cat lovers, however, appreciate the independence of their pets and that cats generally require less daily upkeep than their canine counterparts. Litter box training negates daily walks, and cats can groom themselves and generally be content if left alone for a short duration of time. That isn’t to say the tides may change in time for next year. Meows may outweigh bow-wows again in popularity soon enough.
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