2010-04-01

See Page 16, and 17 for CouPon SPeCialS!

www.somd.com

Thursday, april 1, 2010

Southern Maryland Gangs on the Rise?

State Signs Contract For Crab Quota Study Story Page 4

Photo By Frank Marquart

Ehrlich Plans To Enter Maryland Governor’s Race Story Page 5

Man Indicted For Fast Food Burglaries

Story Page 12

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

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Your Paper...

Your Thoughts Do you think the costs for teacher pensions should be transferred from the State to the County?

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Tim Storch, 46, a banker from Leonardtown said the State should continue to pay for pensions. “I think they should stay with the State,” he said. “I think part of the problem right now is the federal government is not funding the states, so they aren’t funding the counties ... I think you’ll just put one more level between federal funding and teacher pensions if you move the cost from the State to the County.”

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“I think in today’s financial situation … the state and the county should reach a compromise and come to some agreement that won’t hurt teacher pensions,” said Bridget Lawrence, 43, a childcare provider from California. “As long as teacher retirements aren’t hurt, they should battle it out between themselves.”

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Tim Mooney, a teacher from St. Clements, said, “I guess I would be in favor of some sort of compromise … I think maybe the County should assume some of the cost of it.”

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The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

On T he Covers ON THE FRONT

This photo illustration by Frank Marquart show activites conducted by gang members and criminal factions.

ON THE BACK

From left to right Christie Ford, Drew Gordon, Margaret Lillie, Dan Swain, Katie Phipps and Nick Basko go on a run at St. Mary’s College. SMC hosts its first 24-hour run next weekend.

“It is an extraordinary debt,” -House Majority Leader Stenny Hoyer, talking about the national debt.

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County News Obituaries Money Defense and Military Editorial/Opinion Crime and Punishment Education Feature Story Newsmakers Community Community Calendar Columns Church Services Directory Entertainment Games Sports Desk Lacrosse Cross Country

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The County Times

ews

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Ivory bar soap floating was a mistake. They had been mixing the soap formula causing excess air bubbles that made it float. Customers wrote and told how much they loved that it floated, and it has floated ever since.

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un Fact

State Contracts With Environmental Group To Study Quota On Crabs

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

The Department of Natural Resources has contracted with the Environmental Defense Fund to examine whether the state should have a quota on the yearly catch of hard crabs from the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding watershed.

But leaders in the watermen’s community say that de facto quota systems already exist and that they are weary of what they feel would be further restrictions on their industry.

“What the department is starting to do is to limit the harvest of female crabs and probably all crabs as well,” said Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Watermen’s Association. “They would like to implement a quota system on the crab industry for a yearly catch.”

Zinn said that the quota, if approved, could be determined per each waterman by how much they have harvested over the past several years.

Watermen who have been successful in harvesting crabs could be limited to the maximum of their previous harvests, Zinn said, but watermen who have held back from crabbing to perhaps more profitable harvesting of other seafood might have to buy a quota level from the state because they have no recent harvest records.

Those watermen would be at a disadvantage in a good harvesting season, Zinn said, who added that DNR was already having enough trouble enforcing laws on the books

now because of tight manpower resources. have to be the choice of the industry, O’Connell been strained for several years over how to “I see problems with a quota system,” said, and that the state was not looking to im- manage the fisheries. “We’re not going to push Zinn said. “I don’t see how they’ll enforce a pose it. catch shares on the industry.” yearly catch quota.”

“We’ve been saying this really is an inBut there were already restrictions on the dustry choice,” O’Connell said, acknowledgguyleonard@countytimes.net crab harvest, he said, since DNR has a basket ing that trust between watermen and DNR has limit on female crabs and watermen are only allowed to work for eight hours a day, six days a week to harvest males.

Tom O’Connell, head of DNR’s fisheries division, said that the current investigation could take several years to pan out and that any proposals floated now are not firm recommendations.

“Our department has not put forth any proposals on catch shares,” O’Connell said on plans to install a kind of quota system.

But, he said, the study could help both the agency and watermen better understand the benefits of catch share programs.

One such benefit, O’Connell said, was that with the implementation of the catch share program other regulations currently in place could be removed and allow watermen for freedom to harvest crabs when they wished during the season.

The main goal of any management plan when it came to harvesting the Maryland blue crab, O’Connell said, was to ensure that no more than 46 percent of the population was taken out of Photo by Frank Marquart the water.

Any catch share program would The state Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Defense Fund are studying the feasibility of catch share programs to manage the Maryland blue crab

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

The County Times

ews

Today’s Newsmakers In Brief On the constitutional challenges states have made to recent health care reform

On the problem of homeless people disrupting businesses in Lexington Park

“We’ll see what the Supreme Court says. I think the contention is inaccurate.”

“We’re making some arrests but that’s not the answer.

Treatment… that’s the answer.”

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron

Ehrlich Says He Will Run For Md. Governor

Brian Witte Associated Press Writer Guy Leonard Staff Writer

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)- Former Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich said Tuesday he will challenge Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley in November’s election, setting up a rematch between Maryland’s two biggest political foes.

“Within the last two months, I arrived at this decision after an awful lot of thought,” Ehrlich said.

The former governor said that for a long time after losing his 2006 re-election bid to O’Malley, he believed the state had shifted to the far left. He said he often expressed doubts he would run in 2010. Maryland is a tough state for the GOP in statewide races because Democrats outnumber Republicans in voter registration by a 2-1 margin.

But Ehrlich noted that he sensed a change last year, and he mentioned Maryland’s economic struggles as key reasons why he wants to run because “there is a real sense of concern about the direction our state is taking.”

“Clearly, the environment did change in 2009, and I first became aware of that through independent poll results that were given to me,” the former governor said.

Ehrlich, 52, declined to comment in detail about polling results or fundraising, but he said the poll numbers “were good enough that we’re having this discussion here today.”

For now, Ehrlich is significantly behind in fundraising. The campaign for O’Malley and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown reported having about $5.7 million on hand in January. Ehrlich reported a cash balance of $141,778 in January, but aides have pointed out Ehrlich waited until March 2002 to announce his plans to run in that year’s race, and that didn’t harm fundraising efforts then.

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

The state’s economic condition will be a key issue. Ehrlich cited a doubling of unemployment over the past four years, $1.4 billion in tax increases approved in 2007 at the urging of O’Malley, and the state’s budget deficit, which Ehrlich said “has reached very dangerous levels.”

Ehrlich, who became Maryland’s first Republican governor in a generation in 2002 when he defeated then-Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, has been testing the waters for months by traveling around the state to meet with voters.

In Maryland’s 2006 governor’s race, Ehrlich lost his re-election bid with 46 percent of the vote to 53 percent for then-Baltimore Mayor O’Malley.

O’Malley, for his part, has avoided detailed comments about a rematch. Instead, he underscored that he is focusing on the legislative session that runs through April 12.

“I look forward to the upcoming campaign and a healthy debate about moving Maryland forward,” O’Malley said in a statement issued by his campaign on Tuesday.

O’Malley has made job creation the core of his legislative agenda. Last week, he signed emergency legislation creating a $5,000 tax credit for Maryland employers who hire an unemployed resident. The governor included $20 million in the budget for the initiative.

“We’re glad Ehrlich has finally announced,” said Tom Russell, O’Malley’s campaign manager. “Running against a big-spending politician turned special interest lobbyist should provide a good contrast with the tough leadership and real progress achieved by the O’Malley/Brown administration.”

Michael Cain, a political science professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, said that he expected Ehrlich to do well in Southern Maryland and in outlying parts of the state as he did in 2002 when he first took the governor’s seat.

The challenge for the GOP candidate,

Cain said, would be for him to do better in the Baltimore/Washington corridor where he lost support in his reelection bid in 2006.

Still, he said Ehrlich might be able to pick up momentum by tapping into the mood of dissatisfaction sweeping the country.

“A lot of people think the climate is different,” Cain said. “It could be a good year for Republicans.”

Cain predicted that politics in Maryland this year could be a bellweather for the nation if the state GOP gets more seats in Annapolis and the governor’s mansion and also Democratic Congressman Frank Kratovil is unable to hold onto his seat.

If those three things happen, Cain said, the Democrats could be in real trouble nationally.

Republicans cheered the announcement. Republican House Leader Anthony O’Donnell said he was “excited about the prospect of a significant change in the direction that Maryland is heading.”

Audrey Scott, chair of the Maryland Republican Party, said it was the announcement she had been hoping for.

“I think everyone knows Gov. Ehrlich is our best chance to take back the governor’s mansion and the capital, and I think that his four years as governor were marked by tremendous success.”

Ehrlich said he will formally announce his candidacy April 7 in Montgomery County, the state’s largest jurisdiction and O’Malley’s boyhood home. Ehrlich also will appear that night in his hometown of Arbutus, a Baltimore suburb.

Ehrlich said he has not decided on a running mate.

Since 2007, Ehrlich has been working as a consultant for the law firm of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice in Baltimore.

He also has had a Saturday radio show on Former Gov. Robert Ehrlich WBAL-AM with his wife Kendel.

Officials: Homeless Problem Continues To Worsen

Human services providers here in St. Mary’s County say that the need for what they offer, whether it is shelter for the homeless, medical assistance or food stamps, is continuing to rise above last year’s levels.

Lanny Lancaster, director of the Three Oaks homeless shelter in Lexington Park says that the most recent count of the homeless here and in Charles and Calvert counties is finished and the numbers are much higher in the tricounty area.

According to the latest count there are 3,169 homeless people in the region compared with 2,560 from 2009.

Lancaster said that breakdowns for those numbers were not available for each county, but

here in St. Mary’s he expects those numbers to be much higher than previous years in concordance with the survey.

“All you have to do is look at the emergency needs we’re trying to provide,” Lancaster told The County Times. “We’re totally swamped, we just can’t keep up.”

Ella May Russell, director of the local Department of Social Services said that just in the last three month requests locally in St. Mary’s for food stamps have risen by 42 percent, while requests for medical assistance have increased by 82 percent since the beginning of the year.

Kathleen O’Brien, director of Walden Sierra, Inc. told House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D) Tuesday at a meeting of service providers that homelessness has reached a new level even here in relatively affluent St. Mary’s.

“We’ve never had it to the numbers that

we’ve seen in it in the last few years,” O’Brien said.

In 2009 the final number of homeless in this county came to 1,198, while in 2008 it was 1,884.

But those 2009 numbers were called into question last year by officials, including Lancaster, because not all of the human services agencies in the county participated in the survey, which can require their staff to go out in the community and find homeless.

In one case, Lancaster said, the local Housing Authority eliminated some 300 people from their list of homeless in 2009 because they did not fill out and return a questionnaire designed to assess their situation.

“Our instincts tell us… that the vast majority of those people are still homeless,” Lancaster said.

The survey process is something required by the federal government to access funding, Lancaster said, but is far from a reliable source for truly counting the homeless population because not all agencies that deal with the homeless participate in the count.

“This is the worst way in the world to count the homeless,” Lancaster said. “It doesn’t give us a true baseline.”

This year’s count is likely to be more accurate that previous years, however, he said, because of a new information management system that helped eliminate double counting of the homeless.

Lancaster said that previous counts of homeless could have been slightly inflated. guyleonard@countytimes.net

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

6

ews Hoyer Hounded At Patuxent Partnership Event

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

House Majority Steny H. Hoyer came to Lexington Park Monday to introduce a speaker at a Patuxent Partnership event but was first greeted with jeers from local detractors calling for his ouster from the U.S. Congress.

“I brought my fan club with me,” Hoyer told attendees before introducing Freeman Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus who spoke on the importance of students learning math and science to bolster the workforce. “I’ve got a feeling they’ll be with me for a few months.”

Outside protestors, between 16 and 25 of them, protested Hoyer’s leadership in Congress on issues from the controversial health care reform vote to massive government

the bill’s changes to the country’s health system will contribute to the country’s having a $12.7 billion debt by 2020 He agreed that the debt was massive but blamed Republicans for much of the strife.

He also noted that steps by the Obama administration to place a spending freeze on non-national security spending and a commission to study and report on the debt situation after the 2010 all pointed to a push to address the looming issues.

“It is an extraordinary debt,” Hoyer said.

Todd Eberly a political science professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland said that the health care bill was a good one because it had provisions like eliminating pre-existing conditions as a consideration for insurers to provide coverage.

But, he said, the contentions that the bill

Photo by Guy Leonard Protestors line Route 235 in front of the J.T. Daugherty Center in Lexington Park to protest House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer who attended a Patuxent Partnership event

spending.

“Steny Hoyer, you embarrass your own county,” said David Willenborg through a megaphone to local traffic on Route 235.

“Vote Hoyer out!”

Willenborg, a county Republican Central Committee chairman and GOP organizer, said the weather had broken just enough to allow their protest, which drew quite a few honks from motorists as well as thumbs up signs.

“It stopped raining,” Willenborg said on the sidewalk astride the J.T. Daugherty Conference Center. “Maybe it’s a message that we’re going work that needs to be done.

Hoyer took their protestations in stride.

“They have a right to express their opinion,” Hoyer said. “I’m not going to delude myself into thinking I have 100 percent support.”

Hoyer defended the health care vote that took place last week, the most sweeping change to the health care industry in some 40 years, as one that would reduce the country’s deficit by about $143 billion over the next 10 years, though critics, with support of Congressional Budget Office [CBO] numbers, have said that

would produce savings were inaccurate.

“As currently written this bill will not save us money,” Eberly said. “They [Congress] know these reductions in the deficit aren’t real.”

Eberly said that CBO assessments of the bill they received were based in part on reforms to reduce Medicare payments to doctors, which the White House has already said would not be the case.

“They write one law to get a score from the CBO, then they write another…” Eberly said. “It gives members [of Congress] cover.”

Eberly also said that Democrats, who passed the legislation on a strict and close party line vote, had done an “abysmal” job selling the bill to citizens.

Recent national polls show that a majority of Americans oppose the legislation and even support its repeal.

“Regardless of whether it’s a good bill or a bad bill they’re [Democrats] going to face serious legitimacy questions because of the way that passed it,” Eberly said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

7

Thursday, April 1, 2010

The County Times

To The Editor:

Editorial: Legal Ads: Maybe It's Time For Maryland Maryland State Highway Administration St. Mary County / State of Maryland Communications Radio To Rethink Its Business Plan Tower Informational Public Meeting

By Marta Mossburg

Rolling Stone writer Matt Taibbi famously described Goldman Sachs as a "great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money."

His July article detailed how the history of the financial crisis reads like a "Who's Who" of the investment bank's graduates.

If Taibbi were to make the same analogy of the 50 states, Maryland could compete for top honor. The latest figures show that total direct federal expenditures grew 73 percent in Maryland from 2000 to 2008 from $45 billion to $78 billion.

Nationally, federal spending in all the states grew 65 percent from 2000 to 2008, so Maryland is taking more than its share of massive increases in federal largesse. The figures reveal federal dollars are 30 percent of the state economy.

Employment and income statistics show Maryland's flush position as the Hoover of national tax dollars is becoming more of a curse than a blessing. The Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that income rose in Maryland in 2009 while all but five states and Washington, D.C. saw a decline. At the same time, unemployment is rising and foreclosures are skyrocketing. Maryland unemployment rose to 7.7 percent in February from 7.5 percent in January and has the 10th-worst foreclosure rate in the country.

While rising income is a good thing, especially in a feeble economy, it's not so good if rising federal salaries are the only reason for it. The federal government said the gain is in part from state residents working in Washington because wages paid by Maryland businesses fell in 2009.

If the only wage growth is in government, which does not create wealth but redistributes it, Maryland is in trouble, especially when combined with the fact that the private sector grew more slowly than the public sector during the past 10 years. The growing lopsidedness means fewer people in the state will generate wealth than consume it.

Baltimore City is the apotheosis of an economy fueled by handouts. Anger always simmered beneath the surface over the city's sucking of resources from other parts of the state, but now it is boiling over in Montgomery County and other donor counties as funding for roads and schools dries up. It's not that far-fetched to imagine tea partiers across the nation marching on Annapolis like they did in Searchlight, Nev., last week to protest Maryland becoming the nation's Baltimore City. Why should such a rich state, they could argue, take all of the spoils?

Besides, even though many argue government is the state's savior, data show the opposite is true. Millionaires are moving out of the state -- and so is everyone else. IRS data shows that about 20,632 more people left Maryland than came to the state from 2007 to 2008. And the average household income of those leaving during that time was $56,454, compared to an average household income of $49,927 for arriving households.

Those trends have been going on for the last five years.

A shrinking tax base will require the state to extract more from those who remain.

That ultimately means higher taxes and/or fewer services. With the state facing a $30 billion unfunded liability for state employee pensions and other retirement benefits, it also means that more tax dollars will be allocated away from core government services to fund benefits.

If government is not making Maryland rich, as the IRS data show, and only a lucky few who work for the federal government are seeing higher wages, isn't it time to reconsider whether Maryland's high-tax, big-government model is the optimal business plan?

Being a parasite on national taxpayers only works so long as a complacent America accepts the deal. Being a place that generates private jobs ensures a steady stream of highly educated, wealthy people will move to Maryland and fill tax coffers.

State legislators can wait until 50,000 people start to leave each year, or they can stop denying the question exists. Let the debate begin.

Marta H. Mossburg is a senior fellow at the Maryland Public Policy Institute and a fellow at the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity.

The State of Maryland invites interested persons to attend an Informational Public Meeting regarding the proposed construction of one new public safety radio communications tower on County property. The proposed site is located at 19241 St. Georges Church Road Valley Lee, St. Mary’s County, MD 20692 The proposed tower will be 330 Ft tall with medium intensity lighting.

The Informational Meeting will acquaint the public with the radio tower project to improve existing communications systems and meet future communications needs for County and State agencies, including: Police, Fire, EMS, Transportation, and Natural Resources agencies.

WHEN:

April 26, 2010 – 6: 30 p.m. to 8: 30 p.m.

WHERE:

CONTACT:

Valley Lee Fire Department Address: 45245 Drayden Road Valley Lee, MD, MD 20692 Denis McElligott, Director – Department of Information Technology 301 W. Preston Street Baltimore, MD. 21201 Denis.McElligott@doit.state.md.us (410) 767-0875

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!

4-1-2010

COMMISSIONERS OF LEONARDTOWN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Leonardtown Mayor and Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 12, 2010 at 4:15 pm at the Town Office, 41660 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD on the following two ordinances: Ordinance #145 - Revised Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and Ordinance #146 - Revised Comprehensive Zoning Map. The purpose of the hearing will be to present for public review and receive public comment and the recommendation from the Leonardtown Planning and Zoning Board regarding the proposed revised Leonardtown Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Comprehensive Zoning Map. Copies of the documents are available for public review at the Town office. The public is invited to attend, or to send written comments to be received by April 12, 2010 at 3:30 pm to the Commissioners of Leonardtown, POB 1, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Special accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities upon request.

By Authority: Laschelle E. McKay, Town Administrator.

4-1-2010

Let’s Work Together To Make St. Mary’s a Better Place As a relatively new comer to St. Mary’s County I have two or three concerns that affect other county residents. Today’s bank robbery in Lexington Park, the clogged highways on Route 235 as police officials try to catch the bad guys. Other St. Mary’s County banks have been robbed in the recent past.

Let’s cooperate in fighting crimes in Charles and St. Mary’s County. Be watchful of your surroundings. Be aware of strangers and suspicious looking individuals.

The other concern is the Solomons Island

Bridge. When some drives have car or medical problems on the bridge, there is no place to pull over! Local traffic gets backed up. It affects me personally as a senior citizen. Our leader in exercise class can’t get to work.

Please encourage your readers to help find solutions to these problems.

Thank you for your time.

Margie Myers St. Mary’s County

Letters Continued On Page 11

P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636 News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: 301-373-4125

James Manning McKay - Founder Eric McKay -Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@countytimes.net Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager..............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Sean Rice - Associate Editor.....................................................seanrice@countytimes.net Angie Stalcup - Graphic Artist.......................................angiestalcup@countytimes.net Andrea Shiell - Reporter - Education, Entertainment...andreashiell@countytimes.net Chris Stevens - Reporter - Sports......................................chrisstevens@countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Reporter - Government, Crime...............guyleonard@countytimes.net Sales Representatives......................................................................sales@countytimes.net

for the love of

Money Company

Wal-Mart Harley Davidson Best Buy Lockheed Martin BAE Systems Computer Science Corp.

Dyncorp International Inc. General Dynamics Corp.

Mantech International Corp.

Northrop Grunman Corp.

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

One month after Michael Jackson passed away, his Facebook Page has become the first (by a big margin) to reach 10 million fans.

Symbol

Close 3/31/2010

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$55.60 $28.07 $42.57 $83.22 $5.61 $54.49 $11.49 $77.20 $48.83 $65.57

$56.06 $16.97 $28.11 $84.08 $5.41 $35.14 $15.17 $57.59 $54.19 $45.04

Change

-0.82% 65.41% 51.44% -1.02% 3.70% 55.07% -24.26% 34.05% -9.89% 45.58%

Young Professionals Initiative of St. Mary’s County Meeting April 8

The Young Professionals Initiative of St. Mary’s County (YPI-SMC) is a group dedicated to attracting and retaining young professionals in Southern Maryland. YPI-SMC hosts social and community events in the interest of young professionals.

Please encourage young professionals in your organization to come and be a part of this exciting organization on Thursday, April 8 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Technology Security Associates meeting room (22685 Three Notch Road, Ste E, California, MD 20619).

YPI-SMC needs the input of young professionals to plan events and make a difference in St. Mary’s County. If you have any questions call 443-838-6429 or email programs@ypi-smc.org or check out its website at www.ypi-smc.org.

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Askey Educates Dental Group About Fraud Possibilities

By Chris Stevens and Sean Rice Staff Writers

from that business if they think someone is watching.”

The St. Mary’s County Group of dentists Last month, Robert W. Askey, CPA, CFE, meets regularly to discuss both medical and CFFA provided valuable information regarding business issues they face in today’s business occupational fraud and forensic accounting to environment. Askey was invited to speak with the group of St. Mary’s County dentists. the group both because of Askey’s specialized The speaking engagement was designed training in the area of fraud detection and preto inform local dentists the risks involved vention, as well as Askey, Askey & Associates, with occupational fraud in today’s economic CPA, LLC’s forensic assistance provided to one downturn. of the dental group’s own members in the investigation and prosecution of an embezzlement scheme that occurred in that dental practice.

Small businesses such as family owned dental practices are vulnerable targets for unethical employees. Small businesses generally have inadequate internal controls over assets such as cash and owners place far too much trust on individual employees to be honest and ethical in these very difficult financial times.

Askey, Askey & Associates use an extensive forensic accounting program to aid small businesses in keeping their records and money safe.

“We use accounting and auditing skills to provide an analysis of financial records in conjunction with dispute resolutions, as well as fraud and theft investigation,” Askey said “Our damage measurement methods can determine the extent of financial loss and illegal accounting practices.”

In troubled economic, forensic accounting is a must-have in order to keep small businesses open and viable.

Robert W. Askey, CPA, CFE, CFFA “Specialized training and certification in the areas of fraud detection and forensic accounting are now necessary tools of our trade,” he said. “Current economic condi“93 percent of the people who commit tions coupled with simple greed and man’s need fraud are doing it for the first time,” Askey for financial survival require that we be propsays. erly trained in these areas to combat what will “Most people who work in a business likely be an increase in incidents of thefts and are not going to be inclined to try and steal embezzlements into the near future.”

Facebook Marketing Presentation at New PAX River Officers Club/Conference Center – April 15

James Moran Branch Manager E-mail: jmoran@gofirsthome.com Office/Cell: 301-752-6876

Darren Rickwood Mortgage Consultant E-mail: drickwood@gofirsthome.com Office/Cell: 443-532-5660

Our Twitter presentation in February was enlightening, and by popular demand, we’re bringing you Facebook. Gary Younger, Public Affairs Specialist and Senior Strategist for the Department of the Army, will describe the nuts and bolts of using Facebook as a PR and marketing tool. Join the Public Relations Individuals of Southern Maryland (http://www. prismonline.info/ ) at a luncheon meeting to be held at River’s Edge at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, on Thursday, April 15, at noon. This event is $15 for PRISM members and $20 for non-members. The cost includes the presentation and lunch.

Gary Younger, U.S. Army Reserve Public Affairs specialist in Arlington, Va., will provide insight and information on using Facebook to accomplish your goals for in-reach, outreach, and electronic high-fives! Younger will discuss how the Army Reserves use Facebook (Facebook.com/myarmyreserve) and will reveal how you can use this social marketing tool to communicate with your audience. What are some advantages and disadvantages of creating a fan page for your organization? How can you find and “friend” folks in Southern Maryland? How often, and

what kind of information should you post? What are the tools to measure the impact of your Facebook page?

If you attend this event you’ll learn how you can use Facebook and take advantage of this open channel of communication to converse with new potential customers.

We must have your RSVP by April 6 so you can get on the Naval Base.

Please contact Alyssa Radcliff at alyssa@alyssaradcliff.com to reserve your space at this PRISM presentation. Join PRISM to save $5 on lunch when you pay the $20 annual membership fee.

9

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Smartronix Live Feed Camera Useful For Military Applications

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

A special camera developed by local contractor Smartronix that has been tested by U.S. Army parachutists to transfer live video feed of a Veterans Day parachute drop last year could have more serious applications on the modern battlefield, its designers say.

The unit, known as Cadet Cam, got its start as part of a project to monitor the physical challenges that cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point went through during exercises and drills.

The jump last year by the elite U.S. Army’s Black Knights team showed that the camera system, that sits on the front of gear worn by a soldier, can send back exactly what a soldier wearing it sees.

Rich Newberry, program manager of the Smartronix products group, said that the unit can even monitor biometric information from a soldier to include heart rate, blood pressure and other vital signs.

“They [U.S. Army] wanted to build a package that would send data from a parachutist down to the ground,” Newberry said of the unit’s wireless technology. “It lets them known what’s going on. Are they injured, shot, scared or what?”

The camera unit, which has attachments that look directly down from the sky when a parachutist is dropping as well as a straight ahead view from the helmet, can have applications for infantrymen and even for special operations personnel.

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“ It allows for connectivity without human interaction,” Newberry said.

That can be useful for determining whether a team member is incapacitated or dead after a parachute jump, he said.

“If you’ve got 10 guys and you’re picking up 10 heartbeats you know your whole team is alive,” Newberry said.

“This project is typical of the type of tasks the Engineering Solutions group loves to work,” said Alan Parris, executive vice president of Smartronix, of the speed with which engineers developed the unit.

“Working closely with the specialist onsite at West Point, the single transport case system was designed and prototyped within four months from concept to prototype suite.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

“Green Hornet” To Make Earth Day Appearance At Pax River

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The U.S. Navy is adopting a new strategy to save energy and to demonstrate how that applies to aircraft a specially outfitted F/A 18 Super Hornet, dubbed the Green Hornet, will take flight April 22 using a biofuel blend, according to a Navair press release.

The flight of the Green Hornet is important, the press release stated, because it is a

crucial step in getting to the operational use of biofuels by the U.S. Navy, particularly in war fighting systems like the Super Hornet.

“The flight will demonstrate that our systems can work on biofuel,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in the release. “After it is successful, and we are absolutely confident that it will be, we will move to expand biofuel testing to our marine gas turbine engines and to the engines of our tactical vehicles.”

The plant the navy uses to derive the biofuel is the U.S.-grown camelina sativa plant, the release stated, which is not used as a food source but is renewable. The objective of the test is to ensure that there is no difference in how the biofuel blend performs when compared to standard petroleum-based JP-5 aviation fuel.

The navy’s goal by 2016 is to sail a “Great Green Fleet” of nuclear ships using both hybrid electric and biofuels and aircraft flying solely on biofuels, the release stated.

F/A 18 Super Hornet, dubbed the Green Hornet, will take flight April 22 using a biofuel blend.

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guyleonard@countytimes.

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The County Times

Arthur Allan, 56 Arthur Berry Allan, 56, of Great Mills, MD died March 25, 2010 at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Born on October 31, 1953 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of the late Mary Edna (Berry) Allan and Thomas Andrew Allan.

He is survived by his six sisters, Judith Lee Kurucz, Marsha Ann Stanton, Janice Darlene Aldridge, Beverly June Randolph, Lois Jane Mills, and Gayle Denise Allan. He is also survived by his Aunt Christine (Berry) Puegh, numerous cousins, and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his oldest sister, Carol Marie Eichelberg.

Arthur, “Art”, “Bud”, or “Buddy” was a 1972 graduate of Great Mills High School where he was a star football player; voted the most valuable player, All-Conference, SMAC in his senior year. Arthur spent the majority of his career in all aspects of residential and commercial construction to include work as a commercial building inspector in Washington, DC. He will be remembered

as an avid golfer, card player, and sports fan and was happiest when he had his hands in the dirt as he loved working in his gardens and tending to his cows.

Family will receive friends for Arthur’s Life Celebration on Thursday, April 1, 2010 from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: American Cancer Society, Relay for Life - The Allan Family Team, 45110 Nalley Road, Hollywood, MD 20636 and/or Second District Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

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

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Margaret Curtis, 89 Margaret Gertrude Curtis, 89 of Lexington Park, MD, and formerly of Medley’s Neck, MD died on March 30, 2010 at Coryell Memorial Hospital in Gatesville, TX. Born December 9, 1921 in Medley’s Neck, MD, she was the

daughter of the late Buster and Rosie Mills.

She was the loving wife of the late Peter X. Curtis who preceded her in death in 1959.

She is survived by her children; Peter X. Curtis of Mount Vernon, VA, George F. Curtis and his wife Shirley of Mechanicsville, MD, Margaret A. Curtis of Lexington Park, MD, Wendell Curtis and his wife Debra of Lexington Park, MD, Sheila Shavers and her husband Lester of Gatesville, TX and Brenda Manns and her husband Daryl of Baltimore, MD as well as 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Darnell Curtis and her sisters Rosie Day and Mary Digs. Margaret was a cook for The Roost restaurant for 40 years. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Lexington Park, MD where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M with Fr. Jack Kennealy officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be

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Franklin Briscoe, Troy Barnes, John D. Curtis, Sheldon Curtis, Byron Young and Duvale Mason.

Daren Curtis and Keith Curtis will be honorary pallbearers. Condolences may be left to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Geoffrey Havens, 46 Geoffrey Paul Havens, 46 of Mechanicsville, MD died on March 28, 2010 in Southern MD. Born on August 15, 1963 in Saigon, Vietnam, he was the son of Ellen Ann Havens of Dameron, MD and the late George Patterson Havens. He has resided in the Washington, DC area since 1975 coming from Tanzanea, Africa.

Geoffrey was a 1982 graduate of Great Mills High School. Mr. Havens was self-employed as a home builder, Havens Builders, building and renovating homes in Washington, DC. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Melissa Lee Thompson Havens, children, Kaitlyn Marie and Gregory Bright Havens, all of Mechanicsville, MD, siblings, George P. Havens, Jr. of Lusby, MD, Bibiana, Jr. and Gregory P. Havens, both of Dameron, MD, Elizabeth Havens of Burke, VA, Betty Ann Havens of Silver Spring, MD, and Julianna Havens of Lexington Park, MD. Family received friends to Celebrate Geoffrey’s Life on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at BrinsfieldEchols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD where Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Robert E. Paulen officiating. Interment will be private.

Serving as Honorary pallbearers will be: George and Gregory Havens, Daren and Bright Thompson, Clark Smith, Luis and Juan Jose Arevalo, Robert Corbin and Steve and Mike Barker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his son, Gregory Bright Havens, C/O M&T Bank, 37660 Mohawk Drive, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.

Maurine Hogaboom, 98

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Maurine Holbert Hogaboom, 98 of Solomons, MD formerly of St. Mary’s City, MD, passed away on March 29, 2010 at Hermitage @ St. Johns Creek.

For arrangements please call the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD at 301-475-5588.

Charlotte Keeney, 88 Charlotte T. Keeney, 88, of St. Inigoes, MD died, March 23, 2010 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 6, 1922 in York, PA and lived there for 84 years until she moved to St.

10

Inigoes, MD where she resided with her daughter and son in law.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Keeney. They were married for 65 years.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Roach and her husband, Charles of St. Inigoes, MD, her five grandchildren; Kim Garrett and her husband, Bonn, Katrina Jacobs, Les Roach, Michael Jacobs and his wife Michelle and Terri Marlette and her husband Chris, and her three great grandchildren; Brianna Church, Grayson Garrett and Pilar Marlette.

A graveside service was held Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Christ United Methodist Church Cemetery in Jacobus, PA. The service was officiated by Rev. Fred Walthour.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

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

Emmitt “Frankie” Lampkin, 83 E m mitt Franklin “Frankie” Lampkin, 83, of Piney Point, MD, died Mar. 16, 2010 at Wa s h i n g t o n Hospital Center. Born July 3, 1926, in Piney Point, MD he was the son of the late Thomas Franklin and Birdie Lorena Poe Lampkin. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at St. George’s Island United Methodist Church, Piney Point, MD. Condolences may be left to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Mary Taylor, 72 M a r y Ann Taylor, 72 of California, MD died on March 27, 2010 at her residence. Born January 22, 1938 in Mecha n icsv il le, MD, she was the daughter of the late John Paul and Elizabeth R. Holt Miles. She was the loving wife of the late John Henry Taylor, Jr. whom she married on May 30, 1954 in Leonardtown, MD and who preceded in death on August 1, 2009. She is survived by her children; Catherine Taylor of Great Mills, MD, Charles Taylor and John Taylor, Jr., both of Leonardtown, MD, George Taylor of California, MD, Mary Dorsey, Thomas Taylor, Robert Taylor and James

11

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

To The Editor Continued:

Continued Taylor, all of Lexington Park, MD and Joseph P. Taylor of Baltimore, MD, as well as 23 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings; John P. Miles, Jr., Joseph F. Miles, Raymona W. Miles, Joseph T. Miles and David L. Miles, all of Hollywood, MD, Thomas E. Miles of Temple Hills, MD, Margaret R. Bonds of Callaway, MD, Evelyn T. Wilson of Baltimore, MD and Eleanor L. Moland of Forth Worth, TX. A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, Mary Ann managed and worked at the Leonardtown HI’s Convenience Store for 41 years. The family received friends on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, MD where a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated. Interment followed in the Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD. Pallbearers were Craig Miles, James Dorsey, Jr., Michael Hebb, Darwin Scriber, Joseph Taylor and James Taylor, Jr. Condolences may be left to the family at www.mgfh. com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.

Hubert “Clint” Warren, 82 Hubert “Clint” Warren, 82 of Coltons Point, MD died March 23, 2010 after a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Born august 30, 1927 in Stokes, NC, he was the son of the late Hubert O. and Frances E. Warren.

Clint was raised on a tobacco farm during the Great Depression with seven siblings. He moved to Washington, DC after WWII and his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy.

He met his wife Pat, driving a trolley car. She asked for directions, he asked for her phone number. Clint worked uninterrupted with C&P Telephone for 37 years, earning numerous commendations and the respect of his peers for adherence to the adage that a job well done is reward in and of itself. A dedicated husband and father, he will survive in the life lessons and ethics he imbued in those closets to him.

Clint is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Patsy Sue Warren; two sons; C. Jeff (Julie) Warren of Charlotte, NC and David S. (Donna) Warren, of Millersville, MD; four grandchildren; Daniel, Olivia, Ethan and Grant Warren, siblings; Susie Alexander of Greenville, NC, Mae Milke of Prince Frederick, MD, Madeline Ventre of Coltons Point, MD, Doris Genaro of Olney, MD, Betty Lou Bergmann of Rockville, MD and Ronnie Warren

Access to Health Care is a Basic Human Right

of Rocky Mount, NC, Clint was preceded in death by one brother, T.G. Warren of Greenville, NC. Family received friends for Clint’s Life Celebration on Monday, March 29, 2010 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD where a Funeral Service were conducted. Interment will be held on April 5, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com

As a resident of Congressional District 5, and as a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, I’m thrilled that the Health Care Reform bill has finally become law! This law brings good news to cancer patients and their families. First, there is a new emphasis on disease prevention, such as reducing or eliminating out-ofpocket costs for lifesaving cancer screenings. Second, the law will ultimately ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care, regardless of any preexisting health condition. And third, a patient’s quality of life is enhanced – the law will ensure such things as access to treatment for pain. Our thanks go out to Senator Barbara Mikulski, Senator Ben Cardin, and Congressman Steny Hoyer for their support and hard work on this issue.

Cancer strikes equally on both sides of the political aisle. Health care reform should be about patients, not about big industries or political theory. This new law represents a

Eugene “Gene” Wilkinson, 75

Is Christianity a Hoax?

During Lent, there is much discussion about Christianity and Jesus. Some people say the Bible is just stories, but put yourself in the place of Jesus’ first followers and decide for yourself.

A major part of Christianity is the belief that Jesus is the Son of God who lived on earth, died for our sins, and rose from the dead. He and His first followers were Jewish, a people who for many centuries heard Commandments and prophecies from God and witnessed His miracles. Some followers had been with Jesus for three years and had seen some prophecies about a Promised Messiah fulfilled in His miracles and teachings. But despite all they witnessed, did they really believe He was the Promised Messiah? Would they have fled when He was arrested in the garden if they really believed? Would Peter have denied knowing Jesus if he really believed? Did they really believe after Jesus was crucified, while they were hiding, fearful that they would be killed next? Would Thomas have doubted if he really believed?

It has been said that “It isn’t what you do just after something bad happens that really matters, but what you do in the following days, weeks, months and years.” When Jesus was killed, it was the worst thing that happened in His follower’s lives. Their leader, with the wisdom and power, has been killed. The Romans and their own people, the Jews, were against them. If captured, they risked being scourged and crucified the way Jesus was in the movie “The passion of the Christ”. What would you have done if you had been a follower of Jesus?

If Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead, His followers would probably have decided that they had followed a false leader. They would probably have changed their identities

Eugene “Gene” William Wilkinson, 75, of Mecha n icsville, MD, died Mar. 26, 2010 at St. Mary’s Hospital. Born April 16, 1934, in Wa sh i ng t on , DC he was the son of the late Eugene William and Ruth Cecelia Wilkinson. He was the loving husband of Sylvia Lorraine Wilkinson whom he married on Oct. 6, 1956 at St. Francis Church in Washington, DC. He is also survived by his two children, Stephen Wilkinson of King George, VA and David Wilkinson of Leonardtown, MD, as well as his sister Joan Downs of Clinton, MD. Eugene “Gene” graduated from Anacostia High School in 1952. Gene moved to St. Mary’s County in 1976 from Hillcrest Heights, MD. He worked for the C & P Telephone Co., which is now known as Verizon as a telephone installer, & repairman, which he retired from in 1985, and he was a Volunteer fireman. The family received friends on Monday, March 29, 2010 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers were said. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 30, in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating.

Interment followed at Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers were Stephen Wilkinson, David Wilkinson and William Stephens. Condolences may be left to the family at www. mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

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huge improvement over the previous status quo for people fighting life-threatening diseases. Access to health care is a basic human right – it should not be driven solely by shareholders and profit.

Senator Mikulski, Senator Cardin, and Congressman Hoyer did what is right, not what is necessarily popular. Is it a perfect law? No. But the law represents our first steps toward taking care of those in need. Fighting cancer is hard.

Finding help shouldn’t be.

Respectfully, Sue Lyddon-Hayes, Volunteer District Media Chair American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Leonardtown, Maryland

What Is Your Faith Based Upon?

or moved to another country and started a new life. That would have been the end of the Christian religion.

Instead, after they saw Jesus’ greatest miracle, His resurrection, they knew positively that He was the Messiah. And after the Holy Spirit descended on them on Pentecost, they boldly began fulfilling the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19,20 NKJV “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them...teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you...”. They weren’t afraid of death anymore, despite being threatened, beaten, jailed, exiled or killed. Even after Stephen was stoned to death, James died by the sword, and Peter was crucified, they would not back down. They were willing to die rather than give up their Christian faith.

The simple fact that the Christian religion still exists attests to the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. His followers weren’t stupid. They knew what they saw with their own eyes, and they showed with their lives what they believed in and were willing to die for. They wouldn’t have died for a hoax any more than you would have.

Christianity is the only religion that says that God (Jesus) came down to earth and proved that He was God by fulfilling prophecies and performing miracles. Other religions are based on tradition, myths or the belief that a person saw a vision with no prophecies fulfilled or miracles performed.

So, what is your faith based on and what are you willing to die for?

Robert Boudreaux Waldorf, Md

Predicting the Effects of Health Care Legislation

Well, it’s happened. We now have Obamacare. What are we going to do about it? I don’t think the American proletariat recognizes as yet the ramifications of this new socialist imposition on our lives. It won’t be long, however, before the affects begin to make themselves felt.

There are two things that wake the American people up with a start. First, a major war. If the United States is attacked, the people rise as one to combat the enemy. I’ve been there for such uprisings in WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Trade Towers. The second thing that wakes up Americans like no other is when you reach into their pockets and steal their money, calling the thefts “tax increases.”

AMERICANS! PREPARE TO BE RUDELY AWAKENED! At this point I’d like to make some predictions. I hope every one of them will never come true, but I’m willing to put my money (whatever is left after Obama is through with me) where my mouth is.

Prediction #1: Within the next six months the American public will come to understand the immediate tax impact they will face under this new health plan.

Prediction #2: Within the next year employees will discover their employers are canceling employee coverage’s, forcing employees to accept government health in-

surance. Employers who continue their employee coverage will require employees to pay more for the coverage. Insurance rates will increase for everyone.

Prediction #3: Medicare and Medicaid recipients will encounter increasing difficulty in finding doctors who will accept them as patients. Turning to the government for help will find the government establishing parameters of care and medical coverage that hastens death by slowing availability of care.

Prediction #4: Economic conditions in the USA will continue to deteriorate. Foreign countries will refuse to loan our government money. Unemployment will increase to more than 15%. Inflation will rise.

Prediction #5: Within the next 36 months, unless in some presently unforeseen way, Obamacare is rescinded, repealed, or in some manner eliminated, civil uprising will occur. These uprisings will make the Watts. Plainfields, and Detroit riots of the 60’s and 70’s seem like Boy Scout outings.

Let’s see if any or all of the above predictions come to pass.

James Hilbert Mechanicsville, Md

The County Times

Briefs

Man Charged With Mechanicsville Burglary On March 28, 2010 Dfc. Shawn Cathcart responded to a burglar alarm at the Southern Maryland Child Care Resource Center in Mechanicsville. Upon arrival Cathcart found the glass door broken with a handicap sign which had once been posted in front of the building. The building was cleared and found to be unoccupied. A K-9 track was conducted and located Gary Eugene Fortney, 50, of no fixed address hiding in the wooded area several hundred yards behind the business. Further investigation revealed Fortney to be in alleged possession of property, which was taken from the Southern Maryland Child Care Resource Center. Fortney was arrested and charged with second degree burglary, theft and destruction of property.

Valley Lee Man Arrested For Trespassing On March 28, 2010 Deputy K. Flelage responded to a residence of Fox Chase Drive for a report of a trespasser. Investigation revealed Michael Aloysious Mason, 35, of Valley Lee to be on the property. The owner of the property told Mason to leave the property and Mason refused.

As Flelage was attempting to investigate the situation Mason began to yell and curse attracting the attention of other residents who lived in the surrounding apartment. Mason was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing.

Man Charged With Possession Of Suspected Crack Cocaine On March 28, 2010 Deputy T. Seyfried was assisting Deputy M. Boyer with a suspicious vehicle complaint in the area of Three Notch Road in California. Investigation revealed the occupants of the vehicle were in the area to allegedly purchase a controlled dangerous substance.

The occupants provided the deputies with a description of the vehicle, which the seller of the controlled dangerous substance would be driving. A short time later the suspect vehicle arrived in the area. The vehicle was driven by Mathew Tokuji Mikesell, 30, of Piney Point. Further investigation revealed Mikesell was in alleged possession of a controlled dangerous substance, suspected crack cocaine and controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia. Mikesell was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.

Philip H. Dorsey III Attorney at Law

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12

Man Indicted In Dual Fast Food Burglaries

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

his shoulder while entering a new code to access the store’s safe, court documents allege.

On January 8, police said that while Neal was working the closing shift that the

A grand jury has indicted a man who allegedly stole more than $4,000 in two separate burglaries at a local fast food restaurant in January.

Jeremie Lamar Neal, 25, of Lexington Park has been charged with two counts of second-degree burglary, two counts of theft and one count of malicious destruction of property.

The second-degree burglary charges carry a maximum 15 year prison sentence.

According to charging documents written by law officers after Neal’s arrest in late January, Neal, an employee of the Wendy’s on Great Mills Road, was seen close to the manager’s office one day before the first burglary, January 1.

The code to the safe was left out on the desk by a manager mistakenly, charging documents stated, and could have been viewed by anyone who went into the office.

Just two days before the January 8 burglary, Neal was speaking with a visit- Jeremie Lamar Neal ing manager and asking questions about safe was opened with the manager’s new security cameras at the store, the alarm code while the manager was not on duty. system and about the penalties from steal- Det. Leo Nims stated in the charging docing from the company, charging docu- uments that several witnesses have impliments stated. cated Neal in the burglaries, alleging that The manager thought the ques- they had seen him with large amounts of tions were strange in nature, court pa- money or bragging how he had come into pers showed, and he told police that Neal possession of nearly $5,000 cash in a little had also asked questions about the first less than a month. burglary.

The manager told police that Neal guyleonard@countytimes.net was providing him with details of the first burglary that as a supervisor he was not privy to and also caught Neal looking over

Investigators Set To Close Mechanicsville Boat Arson

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

-Serious Personal Injury Cases-

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Investigators with the regional office of the State Fire Marshal are ready to bring charges against a suspect in the March 26 arson fire that damaged a sailboat in Mechanicsville.

Deputy Fire Marshal John Nelson, the lead investigator on the case, would not release the name of the suspect because they had not been charged as of press time.

Nelson also declined to release any suspected motive for the arson.

“Charges are pending for seconddegree arson,” Nelson told The County Times.

This is the fourth arson fire in St. Mary’s County since the beginning of the year, which is about average for that kind of criminal activity, Nelson said.

The other arsons include a house fire in Mechanicsville that took place next to the Big Dogs Paradise bar earlier in March, as well as a trailer fire in Charlotte Hall that was intentionally set behind the farmer’s market there, Nelson said.

Of all those cases, the boat fire is the

only one that is set to come to closure, Nelson said.

“All of the others are open cases,” he said.

According to press releases from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, county deputies responded to a residence on Dixon Way last week after a call came in about the burning.

State investigators found that the 30foot sailboat had sustained damage to the interior rear area of the boat.

Investigators estimated that the damage to the boat amounted to $3,000. No one was injured in the blaze, fire marshal reports stated.

Nelson said that no accelerant was used to start the blaze.

“It was an open f lame that ignited combustibles in the boat,” Nelson said.

Investigators have developed just one suspect, Nelson said, and no other accomplices are under investigation.

The house arson March 10 in Mechanicsville was the second fire at that site to take place in a week, though the first fire was ruled accidental as a result of an unattended kerosene heater. guyleonard@countytimes.net

13

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

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Know

In The

Education

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010 Canadian researchers have found that Einstein's brain was 15% wider than normal.

Come Sail Away

SMCM Hosting Spirit of America Program

By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

At the end of the course the pilot group will be invited to Webster Field to sail with the Coast Guard.

Brown, who is also the Director of Sailing Center Chesapeake, said that the program was a great tool for exposing kids to careers

Several boats floated in the pool at the Michael O’Brien Athletics Center at St. Mary’s College of Maryland on Tuesday for the first day of the Spirit of America boating program, where middle school students will now get a chance to learn boating safety.

As instructors Guy Barbato and Stovy Brown put it, getting the sailboats in the swimming pool had been a challenge, as the boats not only had to be cleaned and unrigged, but “then there are all logistics of getting the sailboat in here. There are concrete floors instead of soft ramps,” said Brown, adding that the clearance between the tops of the masts and the ceiling had also been tough to negotiate.

It all seems worth it though, as pushing each boat into the chlorinated water helps further the Spirit of America program, a brainchild of the National Water Safety Congress that’s supported by the Coast Guard.

“Our program just started this past year in ’09’10, and it’s the first salt-water program for the east coast,” said Barbato, explaining that it had started in Middle School students participate in the first session of the Spirit of America boater safety Ohio in 1995 but only recently moved into this area. program at SMCM, where two more boating camps will be held this summer.

A pilot class of eight middle school kids was recruited from St. Michael’s School and Spring Ridge Middle School, but they hope to add as many as 60 students a year in the Coast Guard. in future classes.

“17,000 kids have gone through this program, and five percent “This is our pilot with eight kids,” he said, “We wanted to kind of them, when they graduated high school, have enlisted in the Coast of get a feel for it and see what the logistics will be, and hopefully Guard,” he said, “so it’s a great recruiting tool for them.” this summer we’ll be able to host two camps with 30 kids each.”

Barbato, who teaches science at Leonardtown High School, Barbato, a science teacher from Leonardtown High School, is said the program would also help expose students to one of Southern currently training to teach the Maryland basic boating course so that Maryland’s greatest recreational activities. instructors will be able to better fit the test into the their students’ “We’re surrounded by water. It’s really our biggest asset, but schedules, but for now students must pass it before signing up.

I’m surprised by how few kids get to go out and enjoy it,” said BarThe program focuses on all aspects of water and boating safety, bato. “It’s amazing how many of my teenagers say there’s nothing to said Barbato. do in St. Mary’s County … and I say ‘are you kidding?’”

“Today we’re starting out with some basic water safety stuff,” he said. “They’ll practice pulling each other out of the water using For more information on the program and how to sign up for lifejackets, and we’ll get them in the sailboat, capsize it in the pool, the summer session, go to www.spiritofamerica95.org or www.sailand teach them how to drive it when it’s capsized.” ingcenterchesapeake.org.

Students Campaign to ” e l t t o B e h t “Kick

By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

As part of a project where they were asked to campaign on a common environmental issue, Leonardtown High School seniors Jenna Cullins, Ashley Kobisk and An Nuyen decided to focus on a common item that can create a lot of environmental havoc – water bottles.

“Basically at the beginning of the year we were told we needed to have an action plan … we have to educate the public on some practice they can do to help the environment,” said Jenna, “so ’Kick the Bottle’ is our little theme.”

From left to right: LHS seniors Ashley Kobisk, An Nuyen and Jenna Cullins.

Jenna, Ashley and An contacted The County Times as the media arm of their project, which they recently completed for Kimberly Egbert’s AP Environmental Science class.

Since 80 percent of plastic water bottles are not recycled, “They create over 3 billion pounds of waste a year,” said An. “It’s not just that it creates a lot of waste, but it uses a lot of our energy. We use more water making and manufacturing and transporting bottled water than is actually in the water.”

And some of the numbers the students rounded up with their research surprised them. Bottled water uses 175 times more energy, 170 times more oil, and creates 200 times more greenhouse emissions than tap water. And 40 percent of all bottled water is actually just bottled tap water, they said.

“Some companies are just filling your bottles with tap water and selling it as bottled water,” said Jenna. “We found out that Dasani and Aquafina, which are owned by Pepsi and Coke, they actually get their water from a tap.”

Americans are paying exorbitant prices for this dressed up tap water, too, consuming 8.6 billion gallons of the stuff each year. The girls added that since most bottled water is imported, the cost of transporting and manufacturing amounts to $10 per gallon, whereas tap water only costs $.002 per gallon.

Jenna said that the next step for the girls’ project would be wider distribution of their material in the form of posters and pamphlets, and a Power Point presentation that will be attended by Principal David O’Neill and Superintendent Michael Martirano later in the school year.

14

un Fact

Forrest Center Adopts New Logo, Motto, Mascot Staff and students at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center recently began looking at the possibility of updating the school’s branding. As part of the process, they voted on several options for a new logo. The results of the vote gave the school more than just a new logo and motto. For the first time in the school’s history, the Forrest Center will have official school colors and a mascot.

Gold and black were selected as the school colors, and

the new Forrest Center brand includes a school mascot, a bulldog, meant to represent a student body that’s fierce and strongwilled.

Amber Miedzinski, a 2009 graduate of the Forrest Center’s graphic communications program, designed the new logo while attending the Forrest Center. Through a lesson on corporate branding in Ms. Kim Clements’ graphic communications class, Miedzinski applied the skills she learned to create a new distinctive logo, a golden “swoop” with the school’s name written in black letters, and the school’s new motto, “Real World, Real Learning,” that exemplifies high-tech, modern education.

Miedzninski is presently enrolled at the College of Southern Maryland where she earned 9 college credits by completing the graphic communications program at the Forrest Center. At the end of the year, she plans to transfer to the Maryland Institute College of Art to pursue her dream of becoming a comic illustrator.

Choir and Chamber Singers to Perform Verdi’s Requiem

The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Choir, Chamber Singers, and Orchestra, under the baton of Provost and Choral Director Larry Vote, will weave together the rich emotions of Verdi’s Requiem at a concert at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 11, 2010, at the college’s Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center.

The requiem, which runs from loss and sorrow to forgiveness, hope and joy, was first performed in 1874 to mark the death of an Italian poet Giuseppe Verdi admired.

The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call 240-895-4498.

Parent Involvement Awards Semifinalists Announced The semifinalists for the state of Maryland’s third annual Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards were announced in a press release issued by the Maryland State Department of Education last week. Individuals from each Maryland county were listed, including Rachel Fedderson, the semifinalist from St. Mary’s County.

“Even in the third year of this award, I am completely in awe of what parents across our state are capable of achieving within schools and the school system,” said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick. “And we, as a Department, have greatly benefited from the innovative and inspiring work these parents are doing.”

The 2010 Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards will be presented in a special celebration on Thursday, May 6 at Loch Raven High School in Towson. Five finalists and a statewide winner will be announced at the award ceremony.

15

Thursday, April 1, 2010

The County Times

Artist-in-Residence Discusses Influence

A city’s architecture reflects its cultural heritage, but also its health. That is what fascinates artist Mark Iwinski and influences his work.

His previous works feature sculptures, prints, drawings and frescoes, and have been shown across the country, including the Springfield Art Museum; the Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie; the Peninsula Fine Arts Center in Newport News; group exhibitions at the Milwaukee Art Museum; and an exhibition in 2006, “Ghost Trees and Crosscuts: Intersections Between Forest and History,” at the Wriston Art Center at Lawrence University.

Iwinski, this spring’s artist-in-residence at St. Mary’s College, will discuss his work at 4:45 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2010, in Room 321 of the college’s library. This lecture is free and open to the public.

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The County Times

Cover On The

Thursday, April 1, 2010

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

The County Times

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Gang, Criminal Faction Recruiting A Big Concern For Local Law Enforcement In Southern Maryland

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In the wake of a shooting in Calvert County that police say was between two local criminal gangs, the issue of either small local criminal factions or even members of national gangs operating in the region could become a pressing problem.

Right now the situation is contained, local county sheriffs and detectives say, but that could change if smaller bands of local criminals and members of national gangs already here to decide to expand their operation.

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Three Lusby residents, Marquis Angelo Glover, 16, Aris Xavier Curtis, 19, and Trevon Nakeem Benjamin, 17, were arrested on charges of attempted first-degree murder, first degree assault and other weapons violations, after police say a gang-related shooting occurred in Chesapeake Ranch Estates.

activity in St. Mary’s County.

It must be a group of three people or more with a common name or signs that commit crimes in furtherance of

the group, O’Neill said.

Currently, he said, there are 45 validated gang members in St. Mary’s County that have an affiliation with either a local criminal faction, as police prefer to think of them, or a national gang, O’Neill said.

“We’re in the process of validating 25 more,” O’Neill said.

The key to nabbing suspected gang members, St. Mary’s County Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron said, and getting them enhanced penalties for their crimes is to prove that they are committing crimes in furtherance of their organization.

So far there is little evidence of that, Cameron said.

“They’re members [of gangs] but the question is, is their criminality supporting the gang,” Cameron said.

The biggest concern, he said, was that gangs might organize and seek new members locally, either for membership in homegrown groups or national gangs.

“It’s alarming that we have a gang presence,” Cameron said. “And that’s our concern. Are they going to Photo Illustration by Frank Marquart try and create a

franchise?”

Local criminal faction members can be found in groups like The Boom Squad and The Outsiders, Cameron said, but they cannot be labeled as gangs since the crimes allegedly committed by their members are not done to strengthen the overall group.

But that did not diminish their danger to the public.

Members of both groups were involved in a dispute that led to a trailer part shooting back in 2007 and individual members continue to be involved in low-level drug dealing, Cameron said.

The two local factions have also taken part in numerous mutual assaults at local convenience stores and restaurants, Cameron said.

A suspect in a recent robbery of a fast food restaurant in Lexington Park is also a validated Bloods gang member, Cameron said, and other nationally recognized gang members in St. Mary’s include members of the Crips gang as well as the Latin Kings.

MS-13 gang members often come to Point Lookout State Park for purported recreation, Cameron said, but they are not engaged in organized activity.

Members of two outlaw motorcycle gangs, the Phantoms and the Iron Horsemen, also reside here in the county, the sheriff said.

In Calvert County, where police say a head on collision between two vehicles led to a shooting between two rival criminal factions, there are even more gang members than in St. Mary’s County.

According to Lt. Steve Jones, commander of the Calvert sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Team, there are 73 validated gang members there of one kind or another spread across nine different groups.

“We’ve verified that there are some well known gangs and some local ones,” Jones said. We take it very seriously, one gang is too much.”

So far the criminal activity from these groups has focused mostly on each other and not on citizens.

“We have some violence between them,” Jones said, who did want to release the names of gangs to deny them prestige. “But most of it is gang on

gang.”

Chris Parsons, O’Neill’s counterpart in the Southern Maryland Information Center (SMIC) which works to track gangs and cross-border criminal enterprises, said that for now gang violence is under control but time could change that.

The recent shooting was a wake up call, too, he said.

“This is the first case of violence to that level,” Parsons said. “At this point we don’t have a gang problem but the potential is there.”

Law enforcement officers say that the creation of SMIC back in 2008 has helped keep them well informed of gang and criminal faction activity in the region.

Intelligence from SMIC was responsible for the quick arrest of suspects in the recent shooting at the Chesapeake Ranch Estates, Jones said.

“We’d be way behind if it weren’t for the intelligence we gathered,” Jones said, which includes residences, hangouts, alliances and conf licts of gang members.

“We knew where they slept if not where they lived,” Jones said of the latest suspect arrests. “They’re going to go where they think they can hide.”

But even gang members turn on each other once they’re in jail, Jones said, and that is often law enforcement’s best source of intelligence.

In St. Mary’s County officers work in the local jail to extract the same information, and often it is not a difficult procedure.

“Everybody wants to talk,” O’Neill said. “It’s a two-way street, it’s a conversation. We want to know about them and they want to know about us.

“They feel important at that point.”

That intelligence gathering, Cameron said, is what can keep law enforcement ahead of gang activity.

“When you know the players, you understand the criminality,” Cameron said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

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Newsmakers

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

18

Women at Work

Patuxent Habitat for Humanity Kicks Off First Women Build

By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

Patuxent Habitat for Humanity is getting ready for their next build in Calvert County, where they will be building a home for residents Chris and Crystal Jones and their two children. Part of this building effort though will be the heavy recruitment of females to volunteer on building crews, as the organization prepares to participate in the area’s first Women Build, which is to begin on May 8.

At a kick-off meeting held last Wednesday at Patuxent Presbyterian Church in California for area business people and prospective volunteers, Dan Doherty, President of Patuxent Habitat for Humanity, explained the details of the Women Build, a national effort during the week leading up to Mother’s Day that seeks out a majority of female volunteers for all aspects of the building effort, the main point of which is to get more women involved with Habitat’s overall mission.

“I view us as a catalyst … we help bring the community together to help those families and those children who might not otherwise be able to be homeowners,” said Doherty, adding that the group has built 11 homes in the area since 2003, and bringing

volunteers of all stripes together for the effort was essential.

“As I tell a lot of folks, you wouldn’t want to live in a house that I laid out for you, or did more than the walls for,” said Doherty, “so we need professional carpenters, professional electricians, professional plumbers, professional dry wallers, and volunteers from those areas.”

In 2009, 25,000 women built 253 homes for Habitat for Humanity, said Barbara Zeiller, Secretary for Patuxent Habitat, adding that, to date, the organization has built more than 1,400 houses worldwide.

“Our families and the people we serve are what makes this worthwhile. The women are the head of the household in the majority of the families that we serve here. They’re single moms with children who are now able to live in a home where they can raise their families in a safe environment.”

Families applying for Habitat housing must reside in either Calvert or St. Mary’s County, they must have regular income and they must reside in inadequate housing, which can be classified in a number of different ways.

“Most of our families live in substandard conditions. They’re overcrowded, they’re poorly heated

or cooled, they’re unsafe, they’re in disrepair, or they’re spending a disproportionate amount on their rent from their income,” said Zeiller, adding that good credit was another condition for eligibility, but that credit counseling and improvement programs were available for prospective families in the area.

“We’re here to describe to you a way to make a difference … women can help Habitat increase its capacity and serve more families,” said Zeiller, adding that a lack of construction experience shouldn’t discourage women from volunteering.

“When I first joined Habitat I didn’t have any skills in construction,” she said. “But at each job site there are people there helping us …

I never thought I could do that before and it was a fabulous experience. Just because you’ve never done it before, don’t be discouraged. You’ll find a way you can make a contribution and you’ll really have a good time.”

Though this build would focus on recruiting women, men shouldn’t feel left out, said Doherty.

“May 8 is a big day for us, and I want to mention that this is not about excluding men, but including women,” said Doherty.

Basic training classes for volunteers will be held at the Lowe’s in

Photo Courtesy of Patuxent Habitat for Humanity

California, Md. on April 17 and May 1 at 9 a.m. The first day of building will begin on May 8, and the house will take 16-18 weeks to complete.

For more information on how to volunteer, or to register for the Women Build, call 301-863-6227 or email info@patuxenthabitat.org.

19

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Chris Warren Appointed as ReStore Manager The Patuxent Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Chris Warren as ReStore Manager, effective March 23, 2010.

The ReStore, located in Lexington Park, is a retail store selling new and gently used furnishings and building materials to the community. The items are donated by individuals and businesses and the store is staffed by volunteers. Revenues help build homes.

Warren described this as a slight departure from his former work experience owning and managing a skateboard shop with branches in Lexington Park and Waldorf, which has since closed down, but said he was excited to begin working with Habitat.

“This is literally my first day,” Warren told The County Times at Habitat’s March 24 meeting for the upcoming Women Build, which is to begin in Calvert County on May 8. “So I still have a lot to learn, but I’m happy to be here.”

The Patuxent Habitat for Humanity affiliate has built eleven homes since its inception in 2003 and is set to make a greater impact upon the workforce housing needs of the Calvert and St. Mary’s County communities. “The Patuxent Habitat for Humanity ReStore has become an important part of our mission,” said Dan Doherty, president, board of directors. “Chris brings valuable experience and great enthusiasm to continue the successful Lexington Park operation and expand into Calvert County.”

The County Times

Community

American Legion and Ridge Post Celebrate Birthdays

Submitted Photo

Ridge Post 255 celebrated The American Legion’s 91st Birthday and Ridge Post’s 60th birthday with a party.

Commander Skip Disharoon and President Ann Thomas cut the birthday cake.

NARFE, Chapter 969 Luncheon/ Meeting April 14, 10:00 a.m., is the deadline for making reservations for the St. Mary’s County Chapter 969, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) luncheon/ meeting. The luncheon/meeting will be held at Olde Breton Inn in Leonardtown, Friday, April 16. The cost of the luncheon buffet is $14.50. The social hour begins at 11:00 a.m. and lunch is at noon.

The speaker at the April luncheon/meeting will be Ted Jensen, President, NARFE Maryland Federation.

Reservations for lunch are required – call Judy Loflin, 301872-0064. Members will be charged for the cost of lunch if reservations are not kept or cancelled by the deadline.

If you are interested in only attending the meeting, it begins at 12:45 p.m.

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

20

Heal h

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Ask for help Building new habits is hard, and you don't have to do it alone. There are fitness resources galore both in your public library and on the Internet. It's also a good idea to consult your physician for any exercise tips or suggestions.

21

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Thursday, April 1 • So. Md. Mobile Compassion Center St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Mechanicsville) – 10 a.m.

Basic need items are provided free of charge to those seeking assistance. Nominal donations for items are requested from visitors who can afford it. If you need additional information please call 301-884-5184.

• Lecture/Concert St. Mary’s College (Auerbach Auditorium) – 12 noon Pianist Brian Ganz will be giving one of his popular piano talks on the life and music of Frédéric Chopin to celebrate the anniversary of Chopin’s 200th birthday. The music talk is free and open to the public.

• Lecture: “Obama’s War: al-Qaeda, Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

St. Mary’s College (Auerback Auditorium) – 6 p.m.

Bruce Riedel, a former CIA officer and senior foreign policy fellow at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings Institute, and former senior advisor to three US presidents on Middle East and South Asian issues, will give a lecture at St. Mary’s College of Maryland Thursday, April 1, entitled, “Obama’s War: al-Qaeda, Afghanistan and Pakistan.” The lecture will take place at 6 p.m.

in the Auerbach Auditorium of St. Mary’s Hall and it is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Democracy. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Alicia Lyons at 240-895-6432 or arlyons@ smcm.edu.

• Staying Connected With Your Teen (SCT) Potomac Building, Governmental Center Campus (Room 14) – 6:30 p.m.

This series of workshops will run for five consecutive Thursdays for parents and teens from 12-17 years old. SCT helps parents manage their teenager’s behavior by encouraging growth towards independence. The programs will include workbooks and video-based discussions. For more information contact Walter Biscoe at 301-475-4200, ext. 1847 or walter. biscoe@co.saint-marys.md.us.

• Am. Legion Post 221 Meeting AL Post 221 (Avenue) – 8 p.m.

For more information call Gail Murdock at 301-884-4071.

• Newtowne Players: “The Importance of Being Ernest” Three Notch Theater (Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.

Reservations are recommended. Please make reservations for the show by calling 301.737.5447 or visiting www.newtowneplayers.org.

L ibrary

Items

• Evening Storytimes and Lego fun planned An evening storytime is scheduled on April 1 at Leonardtown at 6 p.m. and at Charlotte Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Following Leonardtown’s storytime at 6:30 p.m. families can build Lego creations while listening to a story. Lexington Park’s evening storytime on April 7 will be a Lego storytime also. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Legos are provided at both libraries.

• Opening reception held for local artist The public is invited to the opening reception for local artist Suzanne Shelden on April 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lexington Park Library Art Gallery. Her show, called “Tour de Four: Route 4” consists of a series of paintings featuring the best known barns and landscapes along Route 4 in Southern Maryland and will be on display until May 15. Artists interested in displaying their artwork are asked to contact Candy Cummings at 301-863-6693.

• Teens can help plan teen programs Teens can meet other teens while helping to plan teen library programs at the TAG (Teen Advisory Group) meetings. Charlotte Hall’s will be April 8 at 5 p.m.; Leonardtown’s will be April 8 at 5:30 p.m. and Lexington Park’s will be April 13 at 5:30 p.m. Snacks are provided.

• Children’s author to speak at BooksAlive!

Pamela Duncan Edwards will be this year’s featured author for the library’s annual BooksAlive! celebration on Sunday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at Lexington Park. Edwards has written many children’s books including “Warthogs Paint,” “Roar,” and “Some Smug Slug.” Book sales and signing will follow the program. This free program is funded from proceeds of the sale of the cookbook, “300 Years of Black Cooking in St. Mary’s County Maryland.”

• Libraries offer book discussions The public is invited to any of the following book discussions: Richard Russo’s book, “Bridge of Sighs” on April 5 at 7 p.m. at Charlotte Hall; Debby Applegate’s book, “The Most Famous Man in America: The Biography of Henry Ward Beecher” on April 12 at 6 p.m. at Lexington Park; and Marilynne Roberson’s book, “Gilead” on April 15 at 7 p.m. at Leonardtown. Copies of the books are available at the library hosting the book discussion.

Friday, April 2 • So. Md. Mobile Compassion Center St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Mechanicsville) – 10 a.m.

• First Friday in Leonardtown Leonardtown Businesses – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Art galleries, restaurants and other businesses offer live music, book signings, poetry readings and free food. Visit www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com for more information and specials for this month.

• Artist Opening: Karen Vaughen, Angie Wathen and Keith Wood Northend Gallery (Leonardtown) – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Artist opening featuring finger food and an oldies band playing outside. For more information call 301-475-3130.

• Art Show Reception: Sue Stevenson Creek Side Gallery (Leonardtown) – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Local watercolorist Sue Stevenson will have an artist reception on First Friday, April 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Her work will be on display at Creek Side Gallery, which is located in Leonardtown at the Maryland Antiques Center. Call 301-475-1960 or contact Sue Stevenson at watercolorsbysue@comcast.net for more information.

• Texas Hold’Em Tournament VFW Post 2632 (California) – 7 p.m.

• Card Party Mechanicsville Rescue Squad – 7:30 p.m.

Refreshments will be available. Players must be 16 years

of age or older to play. $5 admission. Call 301-884-4108 for more information.

• Jazz Concert St. Mary’s College (Montgomery Hall, Rm 25) – 8 p.m.

The combo will be led by director Don Stapleson, accomplished saxophonist and flutist. Concert is free and open to the public.

• Newtowne Players: “The Importance of Being Ernest” Three Notch Theater (Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.

Please make reservations for the show by calling 301.737.5447 or visiting www.newtowneplayers.org.

Saturday, April 3 • 3rd Annual We’re Looking For Trouble 5k Run/Fun Walk & Kids Fun/Run Three Notch Trail (Charlotte Hall) – 9 a.m. $20 early registration, $25 on race day, $10 for Kids Fun Run (under 10yrs old). For more information go to www.active.com/ running/charlottle-hall-md/3rd-annual-werelooking-for-trouble-5k-runwalk-and-kidsfun-run-2010.

Annual Easter Festival • Leonard Hall Recreation Center (Leonardtown) – 9 a.m.

Easter egg hunt (ages 0-adult), egg decoration contests, demonstrations, rides, drawings, crafts, face painting, concessions, vendors and appearances by the Easter Bunny.

This is a rain or shine event. Amusements provided by Pony Express. 9:00am registration for the egg hunt opens, 10:00 Hunt begins Fee: $1.00 for the hunt, $2.00 for Easter Bunny Pictures, $1.00 Raffle chances for many wonderful prizes. Some attractions will also have a small fee. For more information call Recreation and Parks at 301-475-4200 x1800.

• Lighthouse Open House Point Lookout State Park (Scotland) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Self-guided tours of the lighthouse are open to the public. Admission. Call 301-8725688 for more information.

• So. Md. Mobile Compassion Center St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Mechanicsville) – 10 a.m.

• Community Easter Egg Hunt Hollywood Vol. Rescue Squad – 11 a.m.

Games, Prizes and light refreshments.

Bring your Easter Basket. Event is free.

• St. Mary’s County Republican Central Committee Lincoln-Reagan Dinner J.T. Daugherty Conference Center, 6:00 p.m.

Special Guest Speaker, Governor Robert Ehrlich, Jr. Keynote Speaker, MD GOP Chairman Audrey Scott. Advance reservations required by April 13, 2010. Call Mary Burke- Russell, 301-373-4334 or Maryell23@ aol.com. $60 per individual • Newtowne Players: “The Importance of Being Ernest” Three Notch Theater (Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.

Please make reservations for the show by calling 301.737.5447 or visiting www.newtowneplayers.org.

Sunday, April 4 • Deep Stack Texas Hold’Em Bennett Building, 24930 Old Three Notch Rd (Hollywood) – 2 p.m.

• Newtowne Players: “The Importance of Being Ernest” Three Notch Theater (Lexington Park) – 3:30 p.m.

Please make reservations for the show by calling 301.737.5447 or visiting www.newtowneplayers.org.

Monday, April 5 • Dog Obedience Classes / Puppy Kindergarten County Fairgrounds (Leonardtown) – 7 p.m.

Saint Mary’s County Dept. of Recreation and Parks is sponsoring Puppy Kindergarten, Basic, and Advanced Dog Obedience Classes. For more information call 301-475-4200.

• No Limit Texas Hold’Em Bounty Tournament St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge (California) – 7 p.m.

• No Limit Texas Hold’Em Cash Game Sunshine’s Oasis (formerly Monk’s Inn) – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 6 • Medicare Seminar Garvey Senior Activity Center (Leonardtown) – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The St. Mary’s County Department of Aging will hold a “Welcome To Medicare” seminar at the Garvey Senior Activity Center in Leonardtown from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

The seminar will cover Medicare Part A, B, C, and D, supplemental insurance policies, Medicare Savings Programs, and more. To register call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

• Preschool Open House Good Samaritan Lutheran Church (Lexington Park) – 6 p.m.

Rays of Light Christian Preschool is having an open house, now enrolling for 34 year old program. For more information go to www.raysoflightpreschool.com or call 301-863-4740.

• St. Mary’s Relay for Life Teams’ Meeting Leonardtown Middle School Media Center – 6 p.m.

Meetings are open to the public and all ages are welcome to attend. For more information go to www.stmarysrelay.org.

• Am. Legion Post 221 Meeting AL Post 221 (Avenue) – 7 p.m.

Visit the Post website at http://www.alpost221.webs.com/. Call Christina Barbour at (301) 904_5876 for more information.

Wednesday, April 7 • Nature Time at Greenwell Greenwell State Park (Hollywood) – 10 a.m.

This week’s theme is “Bunny Hunt.”

Pre-registration (no later than 24 hours in advance) is required via email - lpranzo@ greenwellfoundation.org -- or by calling the Greenwell Foundation office at 301-373-9775.

• St. Mary’s County Camera Club Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (California) – 7 p.m.

Meeting and program will be a talk by Mark Aksoy on “Photo Judging.”

• Special Olympics NL Texas Hold’Em Bennett Building, 24930 Old Three Notch Rd (Hollywood) – 7 p.m.

Book Review “Big Girls Do Cry” by Carl Weber c.2010, Kensington Dafina

$24.00 / $29.45 Canada

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Contributing Writer You should never have eaten that last slice of cake.

Once you got the shirt home, the color looked awful on you. Yes, those pants make you look fat. Oh, if only you had chosen the cruise instead of the dude ranch! Dating that geeky guy from the office seemed like a good idea at the time. You wish you had listened to your

instincts.

Throughout your life, you’ve had a thousand regrets. But, as you’ll see in the new novel “Big Girls Do Cry” by Carl Weber, things could be worse. You’ve never asked your sister to carry your baby.

Ever since Egypt married Rashad, all she wanted was to be a mommy. They had talked about a family for months and they tried and tried, but it wasn’t until the miscarriage that Egypt found out she

An American Icon

By Theresa Morr Contributing Writer

only place in the lower 48 states where wild bison have survived since prehistoric times. If you’ve ever visited Yellowstone, you probably saw small groups of bison either grazing or taking a “bath” in a sand wallow. They’ll even lumber down the middle of the highway, while cars in both directions come to a standstill until the animal decides where it wants to go. Despite their enormous size, a bison can run 35 to 40 miles an hour.

Although though the words “bison” and “buffalo” are used interchangeably, a bison is not a buffalo. Only Asian water buffaloes and the African (Cape) buffaloes are true buffaloes. The word “buffalo” is said to come from “les bouefs,” which the French gave to oxen or cattle, and the name evolved to “buffler,” “boeffle,” and “buffalol.” Even the early American explorers called the animal “buffalo.”

Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming have adopted the American Bison as its official state animal. State seals, flags, and logos often sport the bison as well.

Even sports teams have adopted the bison (“buffalo”) as its mascot, such as the Buffalo Bills. And if you’re a coin collector, you might be lucky enough to have some “buffalo” nickels, which feature the bison on one side and an American Indian on the other. Bison is also becoming a popular meat on restaurant menus. If you have a chance to sample a bison burger, a bowl of bison chili or stew, go for it. I’ve tried all three and wasn’t disappointed.

The National Bison Association recently reported that bison herds are now in every state except Rhode Island.

In Monkton, Maryland, just north of Baltimore, Gunpowder Bison & Trading, provides meat to area restaurants.

The company maintains a herd of about 200 animals at any given time.

For more things bison, check out www.storyofthebison.com Comments to Kikusan2@comcast.net.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

A 10-gallon hat barely holds 6 pints.

330 pages couldn’t carry a baby. Rashad made

e r u t a e F e r u t Crea Do you recognize this big, shaggy, rugged looking animal with the short thick neck and curved horns; a creature with a broad head, massive hump, and that weighs a ton or more? It’s the American Bison, a symbol of the old west, cowboys, and Indians.

In the early 19th century, millions of bison roamed the Great Plains. But when settlers and fur trappers arrived, huge numbers of these animals were slaughtered. Enormous herds were reduced to less than a thousand bison and on the brink of extinction. In 1889, the federal government passed strict game laws to protect dwindling herds.

Naturalist and wild life illustrator, Ernest Thompson (a.k.a. “Black Wolf”) Seton, estimated that 40 to 60 million bison once roamed the North American Continent, south to Mexico, when Columbus arrived in the New World.

According to the National Park Service archives, “…They were part of the largest community of wild animals that the world has ever known….” Today, the American Bison number around 30,000 in conservation herds and about 500,000 in commercial herds where they are raised for meat.

Bison played a crucial role in the lives of the Plains Indians. In addition to providing food, the animals’ hides were used for clothing and shelter. Depending on the size of the bison, it took about 18 hides to construct a tepee for an average family. To soften hides, they were “brain tanned,” a process where the hides were soaked in the brains of the animal. The brains acted as a lubricant and softened the hides as they dried.

Since thread did not exist, “sinew” (long fibers from muscles) was used to hold the hides together. Tools, weapons, household and ceremonial items were crafted from the horns. The bison was revered by the natives who believed the powerful animal was supernatural and existed in great numbers beneath the earth. Each year, a bison calling ceremony was performed to lure the animals from their underground shelters.

Yellowstone National Park is the

The County Times

sure she had everything – a magnificent Virginia mansion, clothes, romantic trips – and Egypt couldn’t give him the one thing he asked her for.

But the solution to her problem was down the hall from their bedroom. Isis, Egypt’s sister, had moved to Richmond to get away from the married man she was in love with, back in Queens. Tony wouldn’t leave his wife, so when Egypt asked Isis to be a surrogate for her and Rashad, Isis knew it was the answer to her dreams.

Years before, Rashad had been Isis’ man but then Tony came into the picture. Isis gave Rashad up to be with Tony, and Rashad let Egypt heal his broken heart. As Isis saw it, she would get Rashad back if she gave him a son, or she would end up with Tony because of his jealousy.

It was a win-win situation for her, no matter how you cut it.

On the other side of town, Lorraine, Egypt’s boss, was heartsick.

As if it wasn’t bad enough that her husband, Leon, was lousy in bed, he was lousy in bed with another woman. Leon denied stepping out on her, but there was no other explanation for the plus-size panties Lorraine discovered all over the house.

Thank goodness for Jerome.

Long ago – before he came out of the closet and admitted he was gay – he and Lorraine had been lovers. Now they were best friends and Lorraine knew she could rely on him. Jerome knew exactly what to do with a cheating snake like Leon…

Sexy, snarky, and sinfully delicious, “Big Girls Do Cry” is one of those novels that makes you scream out loud because the story’s so good and the plotline, so twisty. Author Carl Weber gives his characters traits you’ll love to hate, and it’s easy to get caught up in their scheming, steaming lives. Once I started this

22

un Fact

book, I was in trouble: it was hard to do anything else but read.

Perfect for vacation – whether away or in your mind – “Big Girls Do Cry” is trashy, flashy fun. Pick it up and save it for the beach. Reading it will be something you won’t regret.

Wanderings of an

Aimless

Now, I can say I’ve seen everything

By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer My husband and I have been running the roads to Baltimore the last two months. It is usually afternoon by the time we leave this particular doctor’s office, and we need to get a bite to eat and we try to find a new area to explore. Might as well make a day of it, right?

Two weeks ago my husband was given a new medication to try which has made a huge difference in his level of energy. Now, instead of always driving around exploring afterwards, we can walk around occasionally.

Exploring new areas comes easy for us, since we never take the same route home twice. One time we were having a lively discussion on I 695, he missed our exit and somehow by various twists and turns ended up in Annapolis. We found a nice free wine-tasting, where I tasted for both of us. Another time we left Baltimore, he received a quick call, again we missed our exit, and took another way back home. I was probably looking at the scenery and not watching road signs at all. But we do find the neatest little places that way.

Our first Baltimore walking excursion led us down to the Lexington Market, just a few blocks away. My husband had never been there. The Maryland Revolutionary War hero, John Eager Howard gave part of his land to start the market in 1782, and it has been operating ever since. The Lexington Market is a vast warren of food vendor stalls and eateries. The smells, the sounds – it’s heaven to me. As you walk by the stalls, many handed down through the generations, you hear, ”Honey, try some fried chicken.” “Fish, fish!”, “Who’s next!”, “Order up!” But all from many places at one time. Aromas of every ethnic and regional cuisine envelop you.

We wandered through the stalls several times, not having any idea what we wanted to eat. Well, we did want to eat quite a bit of the food we saw, but of course

d

Min

what smelled the best was usually the least healthy. We finally found ourselves in a much larger open seafood market. They had everything you could imagine and not just seafood. Signs proclaimed muskrat, opossum and alligator when in season. A large raw oyster bar was in front of us. I found a man and asked if they also sold food to eat as well, he just pointed behind me. It was a restaurant, but you had to stand at the tables to eat. The whole area is called Faidley’s Seafood, in business since 1886.

I saw this man walking around keeping a watchful eye on Faidley’s with an unlit cigar in his mouth. I told my husband I have to get a picture of this man. So I asked, he said yes, and we struck up a conversation.

He told me that his wife was the Grand daughter of Mr. Faidley, and that they were the owners. We not only had a great crab cake, but left with some great Baltimore history and a copy of the book “Baltimore’s Lexington Market” (which still smells like a fried crab cake). The world is full of interesting characters.

The second excursion, last Thursday, took us to Little Italy. Actually we were trying to get to the Inner Harbor, but again, a few missed turns and there we were.

I don’t even need to tell you about the aromas there. We thought we would walk across the street to the Harbor and come back to Little Italy to eat. But before walking all that way, I had to stop and use a restroom. Luckily, we parked right in front of Vaccaro’s Bakery. I’m of the mind set that you purchase something to use a restroom when out of town, so I bought three cookies. As I was in the restroom – I looked up. There was a flat screen TV in front of me, tuned to the Food network of course.

It was a little unsettling to have Rachel Ray in the room with me, but now I can say I have seen everything.

To each new day’s adventure, Shelby Please send comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com.

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Benjamin Stoddert Continued-By Linda Reno Contributing Writer “When the regiments of Gen. Washington were disbanded for incorporation among the other troops, Mr. Stoddert, with the rank of Major, resigned his commission for the purpose of occupying the post of first secretary to the board of war of Congress. He continued for a length of time in this office, entirely manag-

A Journey Through Time

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010 ing that department, with an ability which gained him great reputation in Congress. As soon as he returned to his native state, its legislature elected him in their council, in which he continued as long as he could be of real utility. When he resigned, he settled in George-Town, and engaged so extensively in commerce, that he imported goods for most of the leading merchants in Baltimore. As soon as the troubles with the French government commenced, and it was determined by congress to have a navy, President Adams called on Mr. Stoddert to be its first Secretary, in Philadelphia - carrying into office his energy, his candor, his patriotism and judgment.

Mr. Adams became influenced by his views, and a navy arose, as if from secret contrivance. His disregarding all

party views in the selection of the officers, the pains he took to animate their love of honor and of country, were acknowledged by all, and are published to the world by the gallantry of those who have given to the United States the glory of naval triumphs.

When the war was ended, he left his office to close his private affairs, which he had left so prosperous. His devotion to the public had been truly such, that he was totally ignorant of their being miserably managed -plunged in difficulties and connected with speculators, to a degree which would have at once crushed to entire ruin, and other man. Full of the high integrity which disdains not paying that which is due- -- with eight unprovided and indulged children, he encountered for several years such

The

Chronicle

agonies, that a few days before his death, at the house of his son-in-law, he declared, that the frequent and severe pains of his side and of his old wounds, had been great blessings to him by suspending his reflections on his once prosperous concerns that he had endured too much for human nature; was worn out, and waited the rest of death, as he then believed his creditors would all be paid. Those hands which for so many years gave so much good to others. -- that heart which was so often warmed by admiration to the poor and patronizing all who had merit and enterprise, suffered in the end with intolerable severity, because of his most extraordinary excellence.

His services as a soldier -- his value as an able statesman -- the Roman purity with which he interested himself in everything for the public good, are not more remarkable than this conduct in private life. So tender to his children, with whom he was a familiar companion, constantly laboring to ingrate in their minds his spotless spirit; so merciful to his slaves, who all loved him; so temperate, so kind to his neighbors; so tolerant of the failings of others; yet himself so strict, and at his heart so pious, that he must be a welcome guest in Heaven, while his example on earth will benefit all who will learn to walk in his ways.”

Georgetown, Dec. 20, 1813.

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY CATHOLIC

ANGLICAN CATHOLIC The Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord is at the heart of Christianity. It is the foundation of our belief at Saint Anne’s Church.

It is the foundation for building a strong family with a uniting faith.

PENTECOSTAL

St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church 43927 St. John’s Rd Hollywood, MD 20636 Easter Vigil – Saturday, April 3, 2010 – 8:00pm

April 1 – Maundy Thursday

Easter Morning – Sunday, April 4, 2010 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am & 11:30am

7:00 p.m. - Celebration of the Lord’s Supper And the Solemn Stripping of the Altar

301-373-2281 Email: stjohnschurch1@verizon.net Website: wwwrebuildsjs.com

April 2 – Good Friday 12 Noon – Morning Prayer & Litany 7:00 p.m. – The Mass of the Pre-Sanctified Homily and Veneration of the Cross

COMMUNITY CHURCH

April 3 – Holy Saturday 10:00 a.m. – Morning Prayer

April 4 – Easter Day 10:00 a. m. – Solemn Sung Eucharist of the Resurrection

St. Mary’s Parish

Come and worship with us in the beauty, solemnity and majesty of the traditional Anglican Liturgy.

Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Mary’s City, MD St. Mary’s Chapel, Ridge, MD 301-862-4597

Holy Week & Easter Service Schedule

Maundy Thursday Foot Washing and Holy Eucharist

Saint Anne’s Anglican Catholic Church Dent Memorial Chapel, Charlotte Hall Road The Rt. Rev. William McClean, Jr. – Rector

BAPTIST CHURCH

TRINITY EPISCOPOL

301-934-6873 or 301-934-3260

BIBLE CHURCH SAYSF Bible Church “Seek And Ye Shall Find”

46544 Rue Purchase Road • Lexington Park, MD 20653 301-862-3755 • saysf@saysf.org

Welcome to Our Special Easter Activities Good Friday Service with Communion 7:00pm

Easter Sunday Worship Services 8:30am & 11:00am

Sunday School (all ages) 10:00am No Sunday Evening Activities

BRETHREN Grace Chapel (Meeting at Mechanicsville Elementary School) Pastor Carl Snyder Easter Worship Service: 10:00 am Phone: 301-884-3504 • Website: www.gracechapelsomd.com John 8:32 Member of fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches

EPISCOPAL

All Faith Episcopal Church Easter 8:00 a.m. Traditional service w/out music Service 9:15 a.m. Easter egg hunt for the children Times: 10:30 a.m. Semi-traditional service with music 301-884-3773 or www.allfaithchurch.com 38885 New Market Turner Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659

To Advertise in the Church Services Directory, Call The County Times at 301-373-4125

(Commemorates the Passover meal of the Last Supper and Jesus’ institution of the Holy Eucharist) 7 pm @ Trinity Church

Good Friday

(Recalls Christ’s Passion & Death on the Cross) Noon – Stations of the Cross @ Trinity Church 7 pm – Good Friday Liturgy & Communion from the Pre-Sanctified (Note: A small amount of incense will be used at the 7 pm service)

Easter Sunday

Bring a bell to ring when we proclaim Christ’s Resurrection!

The Great Vigil & First Eucharist of Easter 5:30 am @ St. Mary’s Chapel Buffet Breakfast @ Spinnaker’s Restaurant Festival Eucharist, Coffee Hour & Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 am @ Trinity Church

UNITED METHODIST

The County Times The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or entertainment announcements, or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail andreashiell@countytimes.net.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Thursday, April 1 • Fair Warning Irish Pub Band CJ’s Back Room (Lusby) – 5 p.m.

• Dave Norris DB McMillan’s (California) – 6 p.m.

Why Being Ernest is So Important Newtowne Players Present a Trivial Comedy for Serious People

• DJ McNa$ty Big Dogs Paradise (Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m.

• Ladies DJ Night Hula’s Bungalow (California) – 8 p.m.

Friday, April 2

By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer

• Fair Warning Irish Pub Band Donovan’s Pub (California) – 5 p.m.

What is it about the name Ernest? A name literally meaning “serious” doesn’t seem all that enchanting – at least not by today’s standards – but perhaps the Victorian ladies in Oscar Wilde’s most famous play saw things differently back in the day. After all, in a society obsessed with class and outward appearances, a serious name may have been required for serious relationships.

• Dave Norris DB McMillan’s (California) – 6 p.m.

• DJ Charlie Thompson Toot’s Bar (Hollywood) – 7:30 p.m.

• DJ Chris Big Dogs Paradise (Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m.

• Live Jazz Night Chef’s American Bistro (California) – 8 p.m.

• Mike Mead Ruddy Duck Brewery (Solomons) – 8 p.m.

Richard Milla (John Worthing) and Jennifer Meisinger (Gwendolyn Fairfax).

Photo By Andrea Shiell

Aaron Meisinger (Algernon) and Dawn Weber (Lady Bracknell).

Such is one of the core conundrums of “The Importance of Being Ernest,” which is currently showing at Three Notch Theater in Lexington Park. The question of what’s in a name, just as the question of what’s in a person’s social standing, begs serious consideration, though as far as Victorian theater in concerned, there are few scripts that can answer the issue with as many laughs as this one.

The play follows the exploits of two gentlemen, Algernon Moncrieff and Ernest Worthing, as Algernon discovers that Ernest’s real name is John (or Jack), and his friend has been masquerading as Ernest whilst in the city, and keeping the name Jack while in the country to visit his ward, a young lady named Cecily.

Cecily has heard of Ernest, however, and knows him as Jack’s wild and estranged brother, a man she’s conveniently never met.

Meanwhile, Algernon is maintaining his own deception, using a fictional invalid friend named Bunbury to escape boring or dreadful social engagements (a practice he calls “going Bunburying”).

The hoax has been successful for these two, but things begin to unravel when Jack falls in love with a socialite named Gwendolyn, and her mother, Lady Bracknell, begins interrogating him to see if he’s of sufficient social standing to marry her daughter. Jack already has one strike against him, the fact that he was adopted

after being discovered in a cloakroom near an unfashionable stop at Victoria Station. Also, Gwendolyn knows him only as Ernest, and she swears that his is the perfect name, and she could never love him if he were called anything else.

So Jack must find a way to become Ernest without arousing any suspicion from the people who know him by his real name. This is made even harder when Algernon decides to drop in unexpectedly on Jack’s ward, Cecily, masquerading as “uncle Ernest” in the flesh.

Wilde’s most enduring masterpiece is, of course, a serious statement on class division and Victorian hypocrisy, but director Valarie Green said she saw other issues at work in the play.

“People keep asking me if class issues can work today,” she said, commenting on which issues she thought were most relevant to modern audiences, “but there are other issues that pop up, like gender roles, and I think that definitely is something we should work on today.”

Green said the thought of tackling one of her favorite scripts had caused concern when she first got involved with the production, since the script is so well known and the jokes are so decidedly British.

But the humor translates well with this cast.

Dawn Weber plays a hilarious Lady Bracknell, owning the role like a true Tory. And Richard Milla and Aaron Meisinger work well together as Jack and Algernon, each commanding their characters without the smarmy slapstick you might expect from Americans who are trying to act British.

And as for that age-old question of what’s in a name, it may just be easiest to say that any name, if properly invoked, can cause comedy, and there’s always music in the moniker.

“The Importance of Being Ernest” is showing at Three Notch Theater in Lexington Park until April 11. For show schedules and reservations, call 301-737-5447 or go to www. newtowneplayers.org.

• The Craze Memories (Waldorf) – 9 p.m.

• Nuttin’ Fancy Band Drift Away Bar & Grill (Cobb Island) – 9 p.m.

• Surreal Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (Lusby) – 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 3 • Fair Warning Irish Pub Band DB McMillan’s (California) – 6 p.m.

• Damion Wolfe Ruddy Duck Brewery (Solomons) – 7 p.m.

• DJ Charlie Thompson Toot’s Bar (Hollywood) – 7:30 p.m.

• DJ Mango Lexington Lounge (Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.

• The California Ramblers Anderson’s Bar (Clements) – 8 p.m.

• Absinthe / Car 54 / Frankie & the Actions Hotel Charles (Hughesville) – 9 p.m.

• Bone Scott’s II (Welcome) – 9 p.m.

Applebee’s (California) – 9 p.m.

• Miles From Clever Cryer’s Back Road Inn (Leonardtown) – 9 p.m.* • No Green JellyBeenz Big Dogs Paradise (Mechanicsville) – 9 p.m.

• Nuttin’ Fancy Band Huntt’s Tavern (Pomfret) – 9 p.m.

• Roadhouse Band Lisa’s Pub (Indian Head) – 9 p.m.

• Sum-Bich Blue Dog Saloon (Port Tobacco) – 9 p.m.

• Vinyl Rhino Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (Lusby) – 9 p.m.

Sunday, April 4 • California Ramblers/Bluegrass Brothers Am. Legion Post 238 (Hughesville) – 12 noon • Down River Band Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (Lusby) – 12 noon • Spoken Word Poetry & Live Music Night Chef’s American Bistro (California) – 5 p.m.*

Monday, April 5 • Mason Sebastian DB McMillan’s (California) – 5 p.m.

• Open Mic Night Scott’s II (Welcome) – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 6 • Fair Warning Irish Pub Band DB McMillan’s (California) – 6 p.m.

• Patty, Carl & Rose Ruddy Duck Brewery (Solomons) – 7 p.m.

• Open Mic Night Martini’s Lounge (White Plains) – 9 p.m.*

Wednesday, April 7 • Fair Warning Irish Pub Band CJ’s Back Room (Lusby) – 5 p.m.

• Captain John DB McMillan’s (California) – 5:30 p.m.

• Karaoke with DJ Harry Big Dogs Paradise (Mechanicsville) – 7 p.m.

• Open Mic Night Hula’s Bungalow (California) – 8 p.m.

• Full Steam Apehanger’s Bar (Bel Alton) – 9 p.m.

• Wolf’s Open Blues Jam Beach Cove Restaurant (Chesapeake Beach) – 8 p.m.

• Karaoke with DJ Tommy T & DJ T

*CALL TO CONFIRM

n O g Goin

For family and community events, see our calendar in the community section on page 21.

What’s

Photo By Andrea Shiell

24

In Entertainment

25

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

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Advertising That Works!

To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: classifieds@countytimes.net or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The County Times is published each Thursday.

Classifieds Real Estate COMPLETELY RENOVATED in 2009 to include New Roof, Siding, Windows and Doors.

COMPLETELY RENOVATED INSIDE AND OUT Spacious 4 Bedroom 3 ½ Bath Custom Built Home. Master Bathroom has a Jacuzzi Tub ,a Separate Shower with Double Bowl Sink and a Walk in Closet. Features a Wrap Around Porch Formal Entry, And a Great Room with Cathedral Ceilings. A Large Kitchen all New Stainless Steel Appliances, and a Built in Desk. Has New Heat and Air Systems . 10 Minutes From Patuxent Naval Base, 5 Minutes From Shopping and in the Leonardtown School District. Separate Garage and Workshop Included. This House Sits on a Private Large Partially Shaded Level Lot no HOA. Call 301-904-6588 or 301-373-5502.

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Beautiful 3 level townhome located in a great family neighborhood. 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Walkout basement is unfinished and roughed in for a 3rd bedroom, a full bathroom, and living space. New Laminate Flooring, New Upgraded Side by Side Refridgerator and Dishwasher, Garage, Deck on Second Level over looking bike path and woods. Poured patio under deck. Perfect Location!!! If interested, call 301247-7058. Price: $189,000.

Real Estate Rentals Spacious 3 Bedroom 2 Bath rambler (1,450 sf); new hardwood and ceramic flooring. Total electric w/individual room heat controls, high efficiency central air. On safe, private farm setting off of White’s Neck Creek. Large yard. No smokers, no pets. Rent ranges from $1,250 - $1,450 depending on occupancy. $1,250 deposit + first month rent, acceptable credit and criminal background check. 301-769-2467. Leave Message.

Help Wanted We are looking for Assistant Tae Kwon Do Instructors. If you have any martial arts expericence(Tae Kwon Do, Karate..), that will be great for the job. If you don’t have any experience and want to learn to be an assistant just call me at 240-298-7449. Master Shim.

Vehicles 1989 Nissan 240sx. Automatic, $1500 or best offer. If interested, please call 240-925-9717.

also needed: - Teachers Aide

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Deadlines for Classifieds are Tuesday at 12 pm.

Important The County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The County Times reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The County Times. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day of the first publication ran.

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

ner

KiddKioer CLUES ACROSS 1. Adult male swan 4. Expresses surprise 7. Founder of Babism 10. Oil cartel 12. Daminozide 14. Characterized by unity 15. E. Greek island 17. Valley 18. New Rochelle college 19. 1st Am. Sec. of State 22. Martes zibellinas 23. Sharp in taste 24. World’s longest river 25. Photojournalist Jacob A. 26. Head bob 27. Tennessee 28. Tree cutting tools 29. Molten metal scum 31. Western State 32. Small crude shelter 33. Murre genus 35. The former ruler of Afghanistan

37. Sleeping noise 39. Sporting theater 41. 4th thursday in Nov. 45. Stitched borders 46. C____van: fine leather 47. Cut from a larger piece 48. Before 49. ____sade: fortification 50. The land around a house 51. Manuscripts (abbr.)

52. ___ student, learns healing 53. S.E. Asian country: ___s

CLUES DOWN

1. The amount paid 2. Moonfish 3. Deplore 4. Islamic pilgrimages 5. Wings 6. One of two equal parts 7. Encouraging morale 8. Aggravates

9. Seedpod of a legume 11. Ways to put things together 13. Be____: lovelorn 16. Unhealthy looking 18. In an annoying way 20. They are planted or sown 21. Pinna 28. Last names 29. Flows into Lake Chad 30. Luminous flux units 33. Theater guides 34. Built by Noah 36. A type of tire 38. Employee stock ownership plan 39. Keep away from 40. Spinal bones 41. Not us 42. Metric weight unit 43. Inactive 44. Tokyo

Last Week’s Puzzles Solutions

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27

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Fr

The m o

Thurs., Apr. 1 Baseball North Point at Great Mills, 4 p.m.

Boys’ Lacrosse St. Mary’s Ryken vs.

Bishop McNamara at St. Mary’s College, 4 p.m.

Fri., Apr. 2 Track and Field St. Mary’s Ryken at Christopher Newport University

Sat., Apr. 3 Baseball Chopticon Tournament Chopticon vs. Westlake, 9 a.m.

Leonardtown vs. Lackey, 11 a.m.

Consolation Game, 2 p.m.

Championship Game, 4:30 p.m.

St. Mary’s Ryken at Patuxent, noon Boys’ Lacrosse St. Mary’s Ryken vs. Kent Island at North Harford Stadium, noon Softball Leonardtown Tournament Leonardtown vs. Patuxent, 9 a.m.

Chopticon vs. Great Mills, 11 a.m.

Consolation Game, 1 p.m.

Championship Game, 3 p.m.

Track and Field St. Mary’s Ryken at Christopher Newport University

Tues., Apr. 6 Baseball Chopticon at St. Mary’s Ryken, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ Lacrosse Calvert at Chopticon, 6:30 p.m.

Patuxent at Great Mills, 6:30 p.m.

Girls’ Lacrosse Great Mills at Patuxent, 6:30 p.m.

Wed., Apr. 7 Baseball Chopticon at La Plata, 4:30 p.m.

Calvert at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ Lacrosse Leonardtown at C. Milton Wright, 3:30 p.m.

St. Mary’s Ryken vs. The Calverton School at St. Mary’s College, 4 p.m.

Mixed Tennis Great Mills at Calvert, 4 p.m.

Softball Chopticon at La Plata, 4:30 p.m.

Calvert at Great Mills, 4:30 p.m.

Wed., Mar. 24 Baseball Huntingtown 9, Leonardtown 4 Girls’ Lacrosse Calvert 8, Chopticon 7 St. Mary’s Ryken 12, Bishop O’Connell 11 (overtime) Mixed Tennis Patuxent 6, Chopticon 3 Northern 5, Great Mills 4 Leonardtown 5, Huntingtown 3

SPORTS DESK

McNabb Deserves Better Treatment

By Chris Stevens Staff Writer

I could completely understand if Donovan McNabb were to be traded away by the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys or a team with the tradition of winning, a case full of Super Bowl trophies and success to make demands to run somebody out of town.

The Philadelphia Eagles? No way. In case you haven’t noticed, the Eagles are shopping their starting quarterback for the last decadeplus all spring and summer long, with the Oakland Raiders emerging as the top suitor for No. 5’s talents.

That in itself is a bad thing for McNabb, considering the way Al Davis is currently running what was once the National Football League’s most feared team into the ground.

As a lady friend of mine put it, “It’s like being asked to the prom by the ugliest guy ever – just stay home.”

What makes all of this even more confusing, other than dealing a quarterback that still has more good years than bad left, is the unbelievable treatment McNabb has received from the Philadelphia fans, who of course have a reputation of being hard on their athletes.

However, let’s examine the McNabb era by comparison to what happened before him. After the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 to 1998 (the year before he arrived), the Eagles made the NFC championship game and Super Bowl once (in the same season, 1980). They only won the NFC East twice, also in 1980 and 1988 as well.

Since McNabb touched down in Philly in 1999, the Eagles have won five NFC East crowns, appeared in five NFC title games and Super Bowl XXXIX, where they lost 24-21 to the New England Patriots. Sounds like a successful run, wouldn’t you agree?

Yet and still, no Philly athlete, no matter how controversial (Allen Iverson), how spoiled (Eric Lindros) or how aloof (Mike Schmidt) has sparked the ire of the fans and media like Donovan McNabb has.

He was viciously booed on draft day

Softball Chopticon 8, Patuxent 2 Northern 15, Great Mills 1 (five innings) Huntingtown 9, Leonardtown 1

when Eagles fans felt that management should have spent the second pick in said draft on running back Ricky Williams, who arguably was the best college football player in the nation at that time. Considering what we know now about “Sticky Icky Ricky,” which player would you rather have? It must also be noted that five quarterbacks (Tim Couch, McNabb, Akili Smith, Daunte Culpepper and Cade McNown) were selected in the first 12 slots of the 1999 draft. Only McNabb and Culpepper were still active as of the end of last season.

He’s also had to deal with the birdbrained (pun intended) play-calling of Andy Reid and the refusal of upper management to spend money to bring in serious name-brand talent on the offensive side of the ball. The refusal to pay Terrell Owens, who was still a top receiver at that time, began unnecessary drama and somehow, McNabb got the blame for the situation.

It wasn’t until recently when the Eagles had the foresight to pick DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin in back-to-back drafts to give Donovan some quality targets to throw to. It

hasn’t helped that the Eagles’ run game has been non-existent and is even more up in the air after they released Brian Westbrook earlier this year.

Even if the Eagles were to find a deal and send McNabb on his way, the options at quarterback are actually quite thin. Kevin Kolb is inexperienced, although admittedly talented.

Michael Vick is still shaking the rust off after spending two full seasons away from the game, and even at full strength, he may only be good in a limited Wildcat-style role.

Still, McNabb continues to say and do the right things, indicators of a true professional.

He says he wants to finish his career in Philadelphia and help the Eagles finally win that Super Bowl trophy. One would think that would be difficult to do if a team and city is ready to run a player out of town the way Philadelphia seems ready to do to Donovan McNabb.

Questions? Comments? Complaints?

Send ‘em all to Chris at chrisstevens@countytimes.net.

Girls’ Lacrosse Huntingtown 16, Great Mills 2 Tennis DeMatha 7, St. Mary’s Ryken 2

Fri., Mar. 26

Thurs., Mar. 25

Boys’ Lacrosse Northern 10, Leonardtown 0 DeMatha 8, St. Mary’s Ryken 7

Boys’ Lacrosse Patuxent 13, Chopticon 5

Girls’ Lacrosse St. Mary’s Ryken 12, Elizabeth Seton 11

Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can’t be wrong!

The County Times

Top-Ranked Salisbury Claims Win Over Seahawks

St. Mary’s City, Md. – Three Sea Gulls tallied five points as No. 1 Salisbury University remained undefeated with a 20-8 Capital Athletic Conference women’s lacrosse victory over St. Mary’s College of Maryland Sunday afternoon.

In conjunction with Sunday’s game, the Seahawks hosted their 2nd Annual Breast The St. Mary’s College women’s lacrosse team donned pink jerCancer Awareness Game and seys for their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game Sunday raised proceeds for Climb for afternoon. while Fallon-Oben added a goal and an assist.

Hope through pink t-shirt sales The two teams scored within 30 seconds and a 50/50 raffle. Last season, St. Mary’s donated over $3700 to Climb for Hope (www. of each other as Rhodey struck at 28:57 followed by Mirkin at 28:27. Junior midfielder climbforhope.com).

Junior attacker Logan Bilderback (Arnold, Aileen McCausland (Phoenix, Md./Hereford) Md./Broadneck) found the back of the net five sparked a 4-0 run for the Sea Gulls before times while junior attacker Trish DiGirolomo sophomore attacker Melissa Mayer (Crofton, (Davidsonville, Md./Spalding) dished out five Md./South River) and first-year midfielder Erin assists. Senior attacker Kim Cudmore also fin- Shackelford (Annapolis, Md./Annapolis) conished with five points as Cudmore scored once verted on their respective free-position shots and helped out on four others. Seniors Beth to slow down Salisbury. The Sea Gulls then Rhodey (Fallston, Md./Notre Dame Prep) and netted the next four goals, including two in 10 Jessica Chmielewski (Woodbine, Md./South seconds, to seal the win.

Salisbury edged the Seahawks in both Carroll) also put forth a strong effort for Salisshots (31-30) and ground balls (21-17) while St. bury with four points each.

Three goals from Rhodey and a pair from Mary’s claimed draw controls, 16-14, as Mirkin Bilderback helped the Sea Gulls (11-0, 3-0 won four and Fallon-Oben and junior defender CAC) post a 6-0 margin with 13:57 remaining Arianna Larrimore (Stevensville, Md./Kent Isin the first half. Junior midfielder Aubrey Mir- land) each had three.

Junior Julie Ann Caulfield (Drexel Hill, kin (Ashton, Md./Sherwood) interrupted Salisbury’s scoring when she took a feed from se- Pa./Upper Darby) picked up four saves in the nior captain Nora Fallon-Oben (Silver Spring, first half for the Sea Gulls while first-years Keli Md./St. John’s College [D.C.]) at 12:19. The Berkman (Salisbury, Md./James M. Bennett) visitors outscored St. Mary’s, 3-2, in the 9:55 of and Ali Meeks (Pasadena, Md.) combined for 10 stops in the second half. the first half to own a 9-3 halftime advantage.

Junior Jamie Roberts (Rockville, Md./ Mirkin and first-year midfielder Lauriann Parker (Woodbine, Md./Glenelg) paced SMCM Barrie) made nine stops in the loss with four (2-7, 0-2 CAC) in scoring with two goals apiece ground balls and one caused turnover.

Local High School Baseball and Softball Tournaments Taking Place on Saturday Leonardtown and Chopticon will be hosting their annual softball and baseball tournaments all day Saturday. The Leonardtown softball tournament includes the three St. Mary’s County public schools (Chopticon, Great Mills and Leonardtown) along with Patuxent High School of Calvert County.

Leonardtown and Patuxent will square off to start the day’s action at 9 a.m., while Great Mills and Patuxent will battle at 11 a.m. The loser from the first two games will play in the consolation game at 1 p.m. The winners of the first two games will meet in the championship game, scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.

The Chopticon baseball tournament will be comprised of Chopticon and Leonardtown along Henry E. Lackey High School and Westlake High School of Charles County.

The first game will see the host Braves take on Westlake at 9 a.m., with Lackey and Leonardtown to follow at 11:30 a.m. The consolation game between the losing teams of the first two games is scheduled for 2 p.m. and the championship game between the winners at 4:30.

Youth Flag Football Registration Concludes Saturday The Southern Maryland Youth Football League will be offering its flag football program this year. Online registration is already available, and walk-in registration will occur at Chancellor’s Run Park, Leonard Hall Recreation Center and Margaret Brent Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 27 and April 3. The registration fee is $25.

For more information, go to www.smyfl.net or e-mail flag@smyfl.net.

Tennis League Seeking Team Captains St Mary’s County USTA Tennis League is looking for Captains and 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 rated players for Adult men and women teams. Season runs from May-July. Must be a USTA member and have reached eighteen (18) years of age prior to, or during, the 2010 calendar year.

Contact Mai-Liem Slade if interested, mlslade@md.metrocast.net or 301-481-2305.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

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Leonardtown Tops La Plata and Chopticon in Track Meet

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Lacrosse Thursday, April 1, 2010

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The County Times

Braves Struggle in Season-Opening Loss

By Chris Stevens Staff Writer

tally prepared,” junior attacker Dean Holtzbeirlein said. “They played a good zone defense and we’re just used to ‘13.’ Our crease got banged up a lot.”

The Braves, missing starting goalie Garrett Conley (illness) and attacker Nick Furhmann (knee) still were able to keep pace with the Panthers. Each time Patuxent scored a goal, Chopticon answered, with Macoy Mattare tying the game for the last time at 5 in the middle of the third period.

Sean Keating scored twice while Holtzbeirlein, Drew Gantt and Mattare added

MORGANZA – Chopticon boys’ lacrosse coach Mike Boyle wouldn’t use injuries as an excuse or a reason for Thursday’s 13-5 loss to Patuxent to open the season.

He realized that a lack of stick work cost the Braves, as turnovers led to easy attacks on the net for the Panthers.

“We couldn’t hold on to the ball,” Boyle said. “We played defense the entire fourth quarter because we just had too many unforced turnovers.”

The Braves were tied at 5 before Patuxent blitzed them eight straight goals spanning the end of the third and entire fourth quarter to run away with the victory.

Boyle credited the Panthers’ defense for causing some mistakes, but felt his team had a lot to do with its own struggles. “[Patuxent] got up by three goals and they were laying back like a good team would,” he said. “We just need to work on our stick skills. Putting down the stick in May and picking it up in March showed today.”

Photo By Chris Stevens “We were exhausted and not men- Dean Holtzbeirlein of Chopticon makes a move towards the net as Patuxent’s Gordon Muldoon defends.

goals for Chopticon.

The Panthers responded with eight straight goals, spanning from the 11:35 mark of the third quarter to the last 10 seconds of the fourth to come out top and give Chopticon what Boyle felt was a needed awakening.

“They needed that wake-up call,” he said of the loss. “We just have to put in a little

more effort.

“We’re going to play throw and catch a lot to get our skills up and get some conditioning,” Holtzbeirlein said of the team’s plans to improve. chrisstevens@countytimes.net

Knights Drop Close One to DeMatha

By Chris Stevens Staff Writer

It was another one for the history books as the St. Mary’s Ryken boys’ lacrosse team and DeMatha battled Friday afternoon in Prince George’s County, Md. The Knights came out on the short end of an 8-7 thriller, but head coach John Sothoron was proud of his team’s effort.

“It was one of the greatest games I’ve ever been involved with,” Sothoron said of a game that saw Ryken tie it up twice in the fourth quarter before the defending WCAC champion Stags got the winning goal with two and a half minutes to go in the contest.

“Our kids played a really good game and I’m proud of their effort.”

The Knights (2-1 on the season, 1-1 in WCAC play) got two goals apiece from Matthew Boutin, Brian Frank and Peter Martin, with Will Fejes finding the net as well. Junior Austin Spaulding handed out four assists for Ryken also. Defensively, Chris Rixey and goaltender Owen Murphy, who stopped 15 shots, led the charge.

Sothoron believes that a few correctable mistakes from Friday’s epic battle will help the team get better over the course of the season.

“We’ve got to work on face-offs and we made some mental mistakes that DeMatha was good enough to take advantage of,” he said. “But as the season progresses, we’re going to progress and get better.”

The schedule for the Knights gets busier as this week wears on. Wednesday’s game against St. John’s College High School (too late for inclusion in this week’s edition of the

County Times) was moved from St. Mary’s College to St. John’s because of the rain.

The Knights will return to SMC today to play Bishop McNamara at 4 p.m.

Add in a weekend tournament at Harford County and Sothoron will find out very quickly about his team’s mental and physical toughness.

“It’s such a short season to begin with, and with the rain, we’re just trying to do the best we can to make-up games,” he said.

Even with the stress and strain of altered scheduling, there is one good thing about the make-up games in the eyes of the Ryken players.

“They’re playing more games than we have practices,” Sothoron said with a chuckle.

“The guys really like that.”

Rixey earns honor Senior defenseman Chris Rixey earned a nod as one of LAXPower.com’s Eastern Region players of the week for his efforts in the Knights’ loss to DeMatha on Friday. Rixey recorded four takeaways and now has nine for the season as well as 13 ground balls.

In addition, Rixey has only allowed one player he has defended to score a goal this season.

“The first thing DeMatha’s coach asked me after the game was ‘Who is your defenseman? He is something special,’” Head coach John Sothoron said. “Chris is a great player and great kid. That’s why he’ll be playing Division I lacrosse (At Navy) next year.” chrisstevens@countytimes.net

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The Braves’ Tony Graham makes a move downfield during Chopticon’s 13-5 los to Patuxent Thursday afternoon.

www.kinggeorgespeedway.com If you have any questions please contact Bryan & Trisha Thomas • 301-475-5787 40501 Bishop Rd, Mechanicsville MD 20659 (mailing) • Kgskarts09@yahoo.com

The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

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Seahawks Running for Veterans Next Weekend

By Chris Stevens Staff Writer ST. MARY’S CITY – When the St. Mary’s College men’s and women’s crosscountry teams held their first meetings back in August, the first topic was not how well the team could do in its first season as a program, or how they would adjust to not having a home course in place yet.

Photo By Frank Marquart

St. Mary’s College cross-country coach Tom Fisher says the school prides itself on community service, which is why the school will donate proceeds from its 24-hour run to Southern Maryland Vacations for Vets.

“We talked about fundraising and how we could make ourselves known in the community,” said head coach Tom Fisher, who

organized the first annual 24-hour run to take place at the college next Friday and Saturday.

“The school and athletic programs, we pride ourselves on community service.”

Thanks to a link in the athletic office’s administration, Southern Maryland Vacation for Vets will benefit as half of the proceeds from next weekend’s run will take place will be donated to that program.

“Getting involved in the community is important because we don’t want people in Southern Maryland to think we’re secluded down here,” said freshman Dan Swain of Baltimore.

“We want to do a good job of building a good rapport with the community because other schools have a real problem doing that,” added junior Christie Ford of Annapolis, also noting that the team has spent a lot of time reading to children at various schools in St. Mary’s County.

As for the team, which completed its first season by finishing fourth (men) and fifth (women) in the Capital Athletic Conference meet in November, the challenge has been running all of their events away from the school (they are in the process of charting a home course, however) and working together as a team.

“We were all freshmen on this year’s team, so we had to figure out how to fit in with each other,” Swain said.

“It’s been an interesting experience,” said Ford, who was a part of the cross-country club before SMC added it as a varsity sport. “We tried to create team unity and make ourselves a real team.”

For anyone interested in donating, attending or even running, contact Tom Fisher by office phone (240-895-2131) or cell (607-4344361) or by e-mail at twfisher@smcm.edu. chrisstevens@countytimes.net

Photo By Frank Marquart

The St. Mary’s College cross-country team has fun and plans to make a name for themselves in the Southern Maryland community. From left to right Christie Ford, Drew Gordon, Margaret Lillie, Dan Swain, Katie Phipps and Nick Basko.

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The County Times

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Tallman to Coach, Smith to Play in Raiders’ Eversole Headed to Wingate Capital Classic

By Chris Stevens Staff Writer

By Chris Stevens Staff Writer St. Mary’s Ryken boys’ basketball coach Dave Tallman and senior point guard Kai Smith will represent the school in the 37th annual Capital Classic All-Star game on Thursday, April 15 at American University in Washington, D.C. Tallman was honored to be selected, giving kudos to those around him for the success Ryken had this past season.

Frank Marquart File Photo

Kai Smith will play in the 37th Annual Capital Classic

Seven hours away from home for any college freshman is a difficult concept to grasp, but Leonardtown senior Rachel Eversole is ready to face it head-on.

“The biggest adjustment will be the distance,” Eversole said after signing her letter of intent to play college soccer at Wingate University in North Carolina. “It’s a seven-hour drive from home, but I’ll just have to get used to that.”

Eversole, a key defender on the Leonardtown girls’ soccer class 4A state championship team of 2008, decided on Wingate very early in the recruitment process because of the hot weather North Carolina usually has and the warm welcome she received when she visited the school in December.

“It was a perfect area for me,” she said.

“Everyone was so friendly, the school has a very nice feeling to it.”

Eversole, who is undecided on a major as Photo By Chris Stevens of press time, says that adjustments on the field Accompanied by mother Treva, father Joe, coach Jennifer Henderson, and will include conditiong, the speed of the game principal David O’Neill, Leonardtown senior Rachel Eversole signs her letter and playing with new teammates. Yet, she is of intent to play soccer at Wingate University. confident in the abilities and characteristics that she will bring to the Lady Bulldogs’ soccer program.

“Coach [Jennifer] Henderson has taught me so much about work ethic, so I just have to keep that going,” she said. “Wingate is getting a hard-working, confident and team-hearted player. I’m excited for the new season and what I can bring to the team.”

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“I give credit to my assistants and the players,” Tallman said. “David Kiefer (my head assistant) did an excellent job taking over our defense this year and really brought great insight.”

Tallman also believed the team’s success came from the players’ willingness to listen to the coaching staff.

“The players bought in to our philosophies and worked extremely hard,” he said.

The Knights won a school-record 18 games this past season, and also set a record in Washington Catholic Athletic Conference play with a 10-8 record, the 10 wins being the most ever.

Tallman will coach the District AllStars, of which Smith is a member. The District All-Stars will take on the Suburban All-Stars at Bender Arena at 6 p.m., followed by the Capital All-Stars vs. the United States All-Stars at 8 p.m.

For more information on the Capital Classic, go to www.thecapitalclassic.com.

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THURSDAY April 1, 2010

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