February, 2011
Priceless
Gazette
Southern Calvert Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard
‘Don ’t L et the Bedbugs Bite ’
Story Page 12
N octurnal P ests M aking a C omeback
So. Calvert Gazette To Begin Printing Video
Story Page 5
Catholic Schools Week Underway Photo By Frank Marquart
Story Page 19
On T he Cover
Blaine Lessard, a master K9 handler, and his bedbugsniffing dog Max can find the pests in a room within two minutes.
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Also Inside
Local News
8 Community 11 Sports 12
Cover Story
education
Calvert County Commissioner Steve Weems holds a proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners recognizing Catholic Schools Week in Calvert County.
14 Letters 15 Locals 16 Obituaries 18 Education Patuxent’s Jacob Robertson goes up for two points over Great Mills’ Michael Johnson, during Patuxent’s 55-54 loss to Great Mills on January 21.
20 History 21
Out & About
22 Hunting 23 Entertainment
newsmakers
out & about
Poker players at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 on Chancellors Run Road consider their hands during a game of Omaha hold ‘em, a variation of the widely popular Texas hold ‘em.
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or e-mail us at info@countytimes.net Thursday, February-2011
FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 21 IN OUT AND ABOUT
February 4- 6 2011 Island s n o Solom eport Tide R
Day
High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time /Low Time Feet Sunset Visibl
F 4 4 4 4
High Low High Low
% Moon
2:31 AM 0.8 7:08 AM Rise 7:37 AM 8:43 AM -0.2 5:31 PM Set 7:19 PM 3:14 PM 1.0 9:38 PM -0.1
0
Sa 5 High 3:14 AM 0.8 7:07 AM Rise 8:02 AM 5 Low 9:23 AM -0.1 5:33 PM Set 8:16 PM 5 High 3:46 PM 1.0 5 Low 10:04 PM -0.1
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Su 6 High 3:56 AM 0.9 7:06 AM Rise 8:26 AM 6 Low 10:05 AM -0.1 5:34 PM Set 9:13 PM 6 High 4:17 PM 0.9 6 Low 10:30 PM -0.1
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February 11-13 2011 Day
High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time /Low Time Feet Sunset Visibl
% Moon
F 11 Low 12:55 AM 11 High 7:46 AM 11 Low 2:52 PM 11 High 7:46 PM
-0.1 7:01 AM Set 1:06 AM 1.0 5:39 PM Rise 11:00 AM 0.1 0.6
45
Sa 12 Low 1:46 AM 12 High 8:42 AM 12 Low 3:58 PM 12 High 8:44 PM
-0.1 7:00 AM Set 2:06 AM 1.0 5:40 PM Rise 11:47 AM 0.1 0.6
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Su 13 Low 2:45 AM 13 High 9:42 AM 13 Low 4:56 PM 13 High 9:43 PM
-0.1 6:59 AM Set 3:04 AM 1.1 5:42 PM Rise 12:41 PM 0.1 0.6
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PEPCO Projects Draws More Opposition
A project that would establish a major electricity transfer line through Calvert County to boost power reliability to the region at a cheaper price has brought the commissioner board down on the side of the opposition, stating that the proposal does not protect a local watershed and does not jibe with the county’s own zoning ordinance. The Calvert Board of Commissioners signed a petition last week asking that the Public Service Commission, which approves such projects as the Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway (MAPP), to intervene on the county’s behalf. “The [commissioner board] understands the need for reliable power and improvements to our nations infrastructure. Unfortunately the land upon which PEPCO intends to construct the improvements is located at the headwaters of Parkers Creek, one of the largest and most environmentally sensitive creeks in Calvert County,” said Commissioner Susan Shaw (R-Huntingtown) in a prepared statement. “Much of the land surrounding Parkers Creek has been preserved from development as part of an effort to maintain the creek and the surrounding area in their natural condition and to protect the water quality of
the creek.” Shaw also said that PEPCO has not effectively communicated its intentions to Calvert County residents. The commissioners are the latest group to oppose the project, which is estimated to cost about $1.2 billion and stretch across Maryland, Virginia and Delaware but would not actually provide any power for Calvert County. PEPCO, which is owned by PHI, has stated that the region relies on a power transmission system that is overtaxed and needs the upgrade to keep power flowing efficiently. The MAPP project would run for 152 miles from Possum Point in Virginia to Indian River in Delaware with about 4 miles of its length passing through Calvert County. PEPCO intends to build a power station that would convert alternating current to direct current electricity; but the station’s size at 34 acres, along with a planned 65-foot building as part of the project improvements, is a major issue for county government. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Report: State May Need to Hike Property Taxes to Pay Debts
LOCAL NEWS MD Boating Safety Education Offered
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Solomons Flotilla 23-2, will present a four-session Maryland Boating Safety Education course at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, 24005 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Feb. 8-17. Class will begin at 6:30 pm each evening, and will end by 9 pm. This course satisfies the MD Boating Safety Education requirement for persons born after July 1, 1972, and graduates of this course will receive the MD Boater Safety Education certificate. This certificate must be carried by any person born after July 1, 1972 while that person operates a registered vessel in MD waters. Students must attend all four sessions and pass a final examination in order to obtain the certificate. Topics include: Introduction to Boating Terms, Boating Equipment, Boat Trailering, Boat Handling Underway, Navigation Aids, Boating Emergencies, MD Boating Laws, Jet Ski Operation, Water Skiing Regulations, Hunting and Fishing. Contact Gary Smith at 410-326-8377 or fsope.232@hotmail.com to preregister. Course administration fee is $25.
A new budget report by state analysts reveals that the source of funds to pay down public debt, the report stated that state may have to raise property taxes or make even more cuts those revenues will likely be inadequate to pay down the debt to basic services like education and public safety, to the tune service in coming years. of about $1 billion, in order to cover Maryland’s increasing The latest report only adds to concerns that the state’s public debt, much of which is tied up in construction projects. fiscal woes continue to mount, despite steps by the O’Malley The report stated that increasing property taxes to administration to reduce the structural deficit of fixed costs $0.133 per $100 dollars of the assessable base was one option that the state must pay each year but that also increase with to bridge a projected gap between declining revenues and a 5 time. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net percent increase in the amount of debt service the state pays each year. This rate would apply for fiscal 2013. The projections in the report also show that property tax would have to be increased to the rate of $0.175 per $100 of assessable base to cover debt service in fiscal 2016. The current state tax rate, in fiscal 2012, is $0.112 for every $100 of the assessable base, the report stated. The report also showed that the state is reaching its legal limit on how much money it can spend to pay down its debts; the state’s ceiling for paying off its debt service cannot exceed 8 Gary Simpson percent of the state’s revenues, Katie Facchina while its overall debt cannot 7480 Crain Highway exceed 4 percent of the state’s La Plata, MD 20646 income. 301-934-8437 Property tax revenues state wide are expected to drop from $965 million to $715 million in just five years, the report states. April Hancock If taxes do not increase, the PO Box 407 An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP report stated, by 2013 legislators Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Seated: Lisa Squires, Bryans Road, MD 20616 will have to dip into the state’s Susan Ennis, Donna Burris 301-743-9000 general fund for $132 million to pay debt services; that is projected to increase to $398 million by fiscal 2016. Auto - Home - Business - Life The report estimates that Leonardtown & LaPlata • Bus: (301) 475-3151 with declining property tax revenues, which is the primary www.danburris.com
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LOCAL NEWS Calvert Bank Robbery
Serenade Your Love with a Singing Valentine
Suspect Caught
On Aug. 30, 2010 an African American male walked into the Maryland Bank & Trust located at 691 Prince Frederick Blvd, Prince Frederick, MD where he passed the teller a note announcing that it was a robbery and that he was armed. He left the bank after obtaining $1,100 in cash. During the investigation of the robbery, coordination was made with the Anne Arundel County Police Department and Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office who were investigating similar bank robberies believed to be committed by the same individual. A suspect was developed who was identified as Jamie Clarence Tongue, 26 of Harwood, MD. On Jan. 30, Tongue was arrested for the bank robbery and charged with Armed Robbery, Robbery, Theft over $1000, Assault 2nd Degree and Delivering a Writing that Threatens Injury with the Intent to Obtain Money. Tongue is currently incarcerated in the Anne Arundel County Detention Center. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Detective Mark Fitzgerald of the Calvert Investigative Team at the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office at 410-535-1600 ext. 2772.
Fathers & Sons Vocal Quartet from left: Jeremy Reyno, Jason Leavitt, David Reyno and Jon Leavitt
Want to surprise your sweetie with a Valentine’s gift they’ll always remember? Consider a singing valentine. Local barbershop quartet Fathers and Sons is again offering singing Valentines on February 13 and 14 in Calvert County. All money raised benefits Calvert Hospice. To date, they’ve donated over $6,500 raised by performing the special Valentines. This the fifth year that Fathers and Sons will meander about, serenading sweethearts, both female and male, at workplaces, homes, restaurants, bars or wherever you want on Valentine’s Day. Fathers and Sons is made up of Dave Reyno of Owings who is sings bass, his son, Jeremy Reyno of Prince Frederick, a tenor, John Leavitt of Owings, a baritone, and his son, Jason, also of Owings who sings lead and carries the tune. They present the Singing Valentines wearing the traditional barbershop quartet uniform: red Meet singles who share the same interests! shirts, black pants, and white ties. Singles Events held for Premium Members The elder Reyno tells (background checks required for all Premium Members) The Southern Calvert Gazzette how the Singing Valentines work. “We offer four different songs and you have a choice: ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart,’ ‘Wild Irish Rose,’ ‘Heart of My Heart,’ and ‘I Love You Truly.’ What we do is show up where you tell us and find the Valetine recipient, sing them a couple of songs, give them a red rose and a bag of candies. It’s very sweet.” The cost of a Singing
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Thursday, February-2011
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Valentine is $50 and all money raised is donated to Calvert Hospice. “We have a lot of scheduling to do and usually get in 20-25 a day,” Reyno explains. “We say Calvert County, but we have been known to go into Southern Anne Arundel County if we can fit it in the schedule. One year we did a Valentine’s party in Deale at the very end of the day. But what we try to do is the Northern part of the county half of the day and the Southern half the other, otherwise we’d waste all our time in travel. And we’re stretching it into two days so we can raise more money – both the 13th and the 14th. We start at about 9:00 a.m. and finish around 9:00 p.m. both days so it’s a lot of juggling.” One of the most unusual Singing Valentines they ever presented was at the Calvert County Jail in Barstow. “No, it was not for an inmate,” Reyno laughs. “It was for an employee, and everyone really enjoyed it.” “We’ve had some awkward ones, too,” Reyno says. “Sometimes it’s kinda weird when we’re asked to sing to guys, but we all have a great time.” “We have a gentleman who is a repeat customer and we’re still trying to figure him out. We sing for the people he sends us to and always their happy faces turn to ‘oh, geez’ faces when we tell them he sent us,” Reyno laughs. “But oh, well! It’s all for a good cause.” As for the strangest, Reyno says, “There was one we did for a lady in Dunkirk and it brought tears to her eyes. ‘ How romantic’ she said over and over. Then, we told her who it was from. You should have seen the look on her face – the smile turned to a frown! It obviously wasn’t from the person she wanted - or expected!” Reyno adds, “Most people take the Singing Valentines very well and just love it!” The rest of the year, Fathers and Sons keep busy. Reyno says, “We’ve sung the National Anthem and God Bless America at Camden Yards, and at the beginning of Bowie Bay Sox and Blue Crabs games. We’re also hoping to sing for the Washington Capitals this year.” They also sang recently at a 90th birthday party, and have performed at Asbury Solomons, area senior centers, and Alzheimer wards at nursing facilities and hospitals. “It’s very touching when the folks start remembering the old songs and singing along,” Reyno adds. Interested in following them? “We have a Facebook page, so search for ‘Fathers and Sons Quartet’ and you’ll be able to find out where we’re performing next. By Diane
Burr (CC) info@somdpublishing.net
Do on Fifth
LOCAL NEWS High-Tech BARCODES ALLOW SO. CALVERT GAZETTE TO PRINT VIDEO
Wondering what those geometric checkerboard designs are that have started to appear in magazines and newspapers? If you own a Blackberry, Android, or iPhone, you’re going to love this. The Southern Calvert Gazette is using a new technology called “linkblots” developed by Envidient, Inc., a hi-tech startup located in Maryland. linkblots allows the Gazette to create special 2D barcodes called Quick Response codes (QR codes) that work with smartphones to display online content like videos and websites to our readers.
What is a QRcode?
Most people see barcodes in the supermarket everyday. A QRcode is like a barcode on steroids. Normal barcodes contains only vertical lines. A QRcode encodes information both vertically and horizontally so it contains a lot more information. More importantly you don’t need a laser scanner to read a QRcode. QRcodes are scanned with mobile phone cameras. If you have an internet-capable smartphone, you can scan a QRcode and immediately begin watching the encoded video, which is stored on the Internet and streamed directly to your smartphone.
How do I use them?
oto
Scan QR Code With Smarthpone for Video Sample
You will need two items to view the linkblots codes we use in the Gazette: • A Mobile smartphone (Blackberry, Android, or iPhone) equipped with a camera; and • A QRcode Reader App/Barcode – You can download a free one from your App store. We have printed a QRcode in this article for you to try - Before you can view it, you’ll need to make sure you have a QRcode reader on your smartphone. Use the web browser on your smartphone to visit http://m.linkblots.com and click on the link to download a QR code reader for your phone. Once you have installed the QR code reader, do the following: • Open the QRcode/Barcode reader on your
Roy Rogers Restaurant in Solomons wants to get the word out that they welcome any bona fide non-profit organization to take advantage of their fundraising program. “We’ll take groups from Huntingtown to St. Mary’s County,” said Donna Wagner, who oversees the program. Approximately two years ago, Roy Rogers owner Patience Barton, decided helping local organizations raise funds was another way she could contribute to the community. Wagner says all an organization has to do is to talk to any one of the managers on duty. Currently, the restaurant has designated every Monday and Tuesday from 5 pm to 9 pm as a potential fundraising day. Photo by Corrin Howe In order to receive 25 percent of the sales during the fundraising hours, Wagner says the restaurant has a few requirements. First a member of the organization must remain on site during the funDowell Elementary School 5th grade teachers are draiser. Second, on site during their recent fundraiser for the annual the organization Fifth Grade Field Trip at the end of the year. must advertise the event, including bringing a copy of the flyer to Roy Rogers. And finally, the representative must let the manager know they are there. Unlike some local businesses, Roy Rogers does not require customers to say they are there for the fundraising event. Instead, all sales from exactly 5 pm until the end of the fundraiser are included in the percentage the club
earns. “As long as the organization advertises well, we do see an increase in sales,” said Wagner. Patuxent High School groups and Dowell Elementary are the two most active organizations to take advantage of the fundraisers. Wagner recommends the groups pick a color or a theme and ask all their participants to come dressed so that they and the restaurant can see how effective their advertising has been. “Dowell dresses up as cowboys and they usually have a good turn out.” The Patuxent High School Marching Band set up out front and played during their recent fundraiser. “We don’t care what they do as long as it is safe and doesn’t interfere with the business. We want them to make it a good time for everyone.” Besides the local schools, Wagner said they’ve helped the Boy Scouts, Calvert School of Dance, and churches. “We are doing the largest percentage of any of the local businesses,” said Wagner. The fundraisers are a win/ win for everyone. The group receives money for a little bit investment into advertising and remaining onsite while the restaurant can receive more business on traditionally slower days. Another advantage to their fundraising program, according to Wagner, is they offer it year round. Even if kids are not in school, their clubs can still raise money, they just have to advertise it well and send reminders. Currently the fundraising days are booked through the end of March and the only limit on the number of times an organization can schedule a fundraisers is once a month. “We find if they do it more than once a month, the excitement is no longer there,” said Wagner. “The younger kids love to come out and see their friends and see their teachers.” By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net
Why is the Gazette using these now?
According to nationwide statistics, over 20% of our readers own smartphones. QR codes are a great way to bring additional content to you, our readers, while you read the print edition. The beauty of QR codes is that they allow you to quickly access information on the go. Do you have a suggestions on how else we might use them? Let us know at info@somdpublishing.net
corner
Roy Rogers Events Donate 25 Percent
smartphone. You will see the camera screen open up as if you were going to snap a photo. • Point your phone camera at the QRcode until you see it in the camera screen. If you are using the iPhone or the Android, wait until the phone reads the QRcode – it will tell you. If you are using the Blackberry, you’ll need to click it like you are taking a picture and wait for it to scan. • If your phone is scanning the code correctly, you will see a link. Click to follow the link and you will be taken to our QRcode test video. The Southern Calvert Gazette will be placing a wide variety of videos, audios, and picture slide shows in the paper to augment our normal print articles in the coming weeks. Everything from movie previews, to sporting event highlights, to campaign interviews are now possible – and will ONLY be available in the Southern Maryland Publishing family of newspapers.
commissioners By Susan Shaw, County Commissioner
Now that the County Commissioners are oriented, what kinds of actions are required? In other words, how does a new Commissioner begin? Routine actions continue despite election cycles. Routine agenda items include awarding contracts for all the items and services that a County government uses. Some contracts have implications for capital projects, like awarding contracts for architecture and engineering for a future capital project. The previous Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) may have decided to move forward with a project while the new BOCC may require more information before they can endorse the decision of the previous BOCC, especially given the negative budget forecast that County revenues will be decreasing over the next four years. An example is Chesapeake Hills Golf Course, where actions are likely to be controversial, yet a decision is required. Commissioners serve on various Boards and Commissions that are important to County government and to you, like the Economic Development Commission, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and many others. The new BOCC made those important assignments. Numerous “hot” topics lurk on the horizon, including Calvert Cliffs’ third reactor, the Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway (MAPP), actions of the MD General Assembly that directly affect us and our budget and especially the future of education funding and more. All of these areas add up to a lot! Stay tuned for future developments.
Thursday, February-2011
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LOCAL NEWS By Nick Garrett
The 428th session of the Maryland General Assembly convened with a proverbial pall because of a looming budget deficit that could soon spiral into a crisis if not addressed
with more permanency. There is currently a 1.6 billion dollar budget deficit and $33 billion dollars in unfunded state employee pension benefits. In his legislative preview, our own Senate President Mike Miller reached out to his colleagues about how to tackle the state’s fiscal woes as a team. He outlined options such as spending reductions and transfer options from special fund balances and new revenues.
One option that is clearly off the table is a tax increase. Governor Martin O’Malley has renewed his commitment to Marylanders not raise taxes. He and the General Assembly seem to share the desire to balance the budget without cutting funding to education, libraries, and important public institutions. As for our delegation, Senators Miller and Roy Dyson, as well as Delegates Tony O’Donnell and Mark Fisher seem clear on the issue and are proceeding with solutions in mind. Miller and O’Donnell are already floating legislative ideas to work toward a fix and Senator Dyson is approaching the session with a firm resolve to analyzing each situation through the lens of its effect on the taxpayer and balancing the budget. While Delegate Fisher is still getting his bearings in Annapolis, his position seems firm that he is going to make himself part of the solution and not the problem. He has commented, “One of my primary concerns of late is Maryland’s budget deficit.” Even though Senator Miller shared his desire to solve Maryland’s debt and deficit as a team with his colleagues, not all areas
Annapolis Session May be Tough on Farmers Maryland Senator Roy Dyson (D-Calvert, St. Mary’s) told members of the local farming community last week that lobbying efforts against arsenic in chicken feed and mandates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up the Chesapeake Bay could spell trouble for their industry. While raising poultry is mostly confined to the Eastern Shore of the state, farmers in Southern Maryland produce corn and soybeans that are sold as feed to support the massive chicken farming interests that make up much of the state’s economy. Sen. Roy Dyson told farmers at a legislative dinner for the St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau on Jan. 14 that his office has already been lobbied by groups that want to ban arsenic in chicken feed. He said he would not support a state ban on the element found in poultry feed because it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a way of preventing diseases in chickens. “There’s a whole network throughout the state that will try to prohibit the use of arsenic in chicken feed in Maryland,” said Dyson (D-Great Mills). “This may be extreme, but it could drive the broiler industry out of Maryland.” Dyson went on to say that if the broiler industry headed for another state that their absence would cause the “collapse” of Maryland’s agricultural industry. Tighter controls on nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, key ingredients in fertilizers used in agriculture, could also spell more burdens for farmers since the EPA is requiring at least a 25 percent reduction in nitrogen and a 24 percent reduction in phosphorus entering the entire watershed. Maryland is just one of the states required to submit a plan to curb nutrient and sediment pollution into the Chesapeake Bay by 2025 and now individual counties are busy putting together plans as to how they will contribute to the reductions at the local level. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@som-
dpublishing.net
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Come On, Ya’ll! Cut It Out!
Thursday, February-2011
of the state are as lucky as we are in their delegations’ approach to spending. If one goes to the Maryland General Assembly website and looks at many of the bills that have been proposed so far, one would think there is no problem at all! Many delegates have submitted bills asking for hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars, in bonding authority for new projects for his or her district. In past years, this would have been status quo and is just part of the process. Some projects make the cut while others fall. In a year such as this one, with such large fiscal challenges, many feel it borders on insanity to introduce bonding authority for new projects. Since we are coming off the heels of such a dramatic election season where fiscal responsibility was at the core of the people’s mandate, we can be happy about the efforts of our delegation to correct this matter. That being said, as Marylanders, we should hold those elected officials accountable. Those who think taxpayers should pay for any new projects across the state right now while we are facing cuts to vital services and debt that could damage our long-term financial health should think twice. In short, it’s time to get our house in order because we cannot
kick the can down the street any longer. You can be part of the solution too by communicating about the legislation being proposed for passage this year. Go to the State Legislature’s website at www.mlis. state.md.us and navigate the proceedings of both the State Senate and the House of Delegates. As bills are introduced, they appear instantly as do any changes that occur along the way. Write letters and call those Delegates and Senators who are not trying to be part of the debt solution. In closing, I am not suggesting that our delegation is perfect and has never proposed spending or that some spending isn’t completely necessary. There is, however, a tone to this debate that is reaching its apex and the time is now for legislators to look forward and implement new habits for bills with heavy fiscal notes. The bills I have seen go in so far indicate that in spite of the recent election results, many delegates just didn’t get the memo. Nick Garrett is the owner of The Garrett Music Academy in Owings, a published author, and has served and continues to serve on various boards and commissions in Calvert County.
Southern Maryland is Facing Fences
After months of preparation, research and planning, the Facing Fences exhibit held its grand opening at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The exhibit is a collaborative effort between the college, the Between Fences traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution and the tri-county area as a whole. Jean Drzyzgula, a sophomore at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, said there was work being done on the actual exhibit from halfway through the semester until 10 minutes before the show opened. “It was great,” Drzyzgula said. “It really brought together the college and the community to a larger extent.” There are pieces in the college’s Boyden Gallery about Scientist Cliffs in Calvert County and the borders the United States shares with Canada and Mexico, showing fences are as much of a concern close to home as they are in international issues. Joe Urgo, the president of St. Mary’s College, called the
exhibit “a tremendous college community collaboration.” He said the exhibit shows how few fences there are between the community and the college. “It’s kind of interesting to look at what constitutes boundaries and people’s perspective on that,” said Judy Angelheart from Lusby who came down to see the exhibit’s grand opening. Regina Faden, the executive director of St. Mary’s City and the instructor of the Intro to Museum Studies Class, said it “feels wonderful” to finally have the exhibit up and open to the public. She also said it was good for the students to see a project they worked on be successfully executed. “I’m sure it’s going to be gratifying for the students,” Faden said. The exhibit will be up until March 4. For more information, visit http://www.smcm.edu/boydengallery/current_ exhibition.html. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
LOCAL NEWS
Banquet Held in Kelley’s Honor A crowd of residents and local and state officials issued a farewell send-off to former Calvert County Commissioner Linda Kelley on Sunday, Jan. 30, at the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire House. Delegate Tony O’Donnell and former Secretary of Veterans Affairs George Owings were the Masters of Ceremonies for the luncheon, sponsored by the Calvert County Republican Central Committee. “The leadership that Linda Kelley provided was key to bringing growth under control in Calvert County, saving our taxpaying citizens huge sums of money in not having to build more expensive schools,” said Frank McCabe, Chairman of the Central Committee.
Photos by Cheryl Emery
Care Net Moving From Lusby to Prince Frederick Care Net Pregnancy Center is moving its Calvert office from Lusby to Prince Frederick. This past weekend volunteers continued to prepare the new office space behind Adam’s Ribs on Route 4 with the hopes of obtaining the occupancy permit within a week. It was an emotional day for Center Director Cindy Fehrman as she stood in the middle of cans of paint, tools and construction mess. She switched back and forth between being bubbly to close to tears as she talked about the hundreds of hours volunteers have donated to creating the new office space. “I hate to talk about all the big donations because people like Mary who come down and paint for one hour out of her busy week are just as important. Besides the many volunteers, local businesses also donated supplies and materials which significantly defrayed the cost of the new office space. A number of factors went into the decision to relocate the office from the southern end of the county. Fehrman researched demographics and looked at one month’s “blue sheet” of clients finding 14 out of 17
new clients came from Prince Frederick. “Dr. Nasher was a wonderful landlord, but it got to the point we hand to make a decision,” said Fehrman. “We wanted to be centrally located in the county. At the time our first location was perfect outside the CRE. As the years have gone on we started getting referrals from the Health Department.” Fehrman is excited about the new office and location. The office is located on the ground floor where their prior office had 17 steps. “It was hard on pregnant moms carrying a toddler on her hip and holding the hand of another child.” The larger space allows them to offer limited ultrasounds with a portable machine purchased with funds donated by the Knights of Columbus. “I am excited about the new location for our Calvert County office for two primary reasons: the larger office space will enable us to better serve those facing a crisis pregnancy and the new location will enable us to reach more people in need of our services,” said Rich Good, member of Care Net’s local Board of Directors. Care Net is a national organization
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Thursday, February-2011
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Community ‘Tigers in the Cliffs’ The Calvert Marine Museum will present the fifth PEM Talk (Paleontology, the Environment & Maritime History) in The Calvert Cliffs Conundrum series on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 2:30 p.m. Dr. Michael Fenster and Dr. Barry Kinsley will present Tigers in the Cliffs: The Role of Calvert Cliffs as an Ecosystem for the Endangered Puritan Tiger Beetle. One of the most controversial cliff dwellers, this small beetle has become the Dr. Michael Fenster target of great indignation, recrimination, and blame – but what do we really know about them? Drs. Fenster and Kinsley, both professors at RandolphMacon College in Virginia, have done extensive research on the Puritan tiger beetle and are prepared to share their findings. Dr. Michael S. Fenster is a professor of geology and Chair of the Environmental Studies Program at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and specializes in coastal, estuarine, and nearshore dynamics. Dr. Barry Kinsley is a professor of biology at Randolph-Macon and has done extensive research on the Puritan tiger beetle. The PEM Talks series is FREE and funded by Bob and Betty Currie, with additional support from Holiday Inn Solomons. PEM refers to paleontology, the environment, and maritime history, the three themes covered by the mu- Dr. Barry Kinsley seum’s exhibits. It is being filmed by Real Life Delivered for distribution on the museum website. Visit the website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com for more information. The last lecture in the series is Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and military with valid I.D., and $2 for children ages 5 – 12; children under 5 and museum members are always admitted free.
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Thursday, February-2011
Patient Finds Relief with ‘Trager Approach’
“I used to be a queen of multi-tasking said. before being diagnosed with stage four kid“What was remarkable about that time period was ney disease. I was depressed. I couldn’t get that she had a certain amount of Trager sessions and was out of bed,” Sharon Fossett raves about “The receiving a lot of benefit and the doctor said ‘stop Trager Trager Approach” to her many painful ail- do aqua physical therapy.’ In that period things kind of ments. “I literally crawled in here because I couldn’t bear deteriorated,” Eno said. “It was a good test. Before and any weight on this side. I was overwhelmed when I stood after. It’s so hard to isolate that it’s just Trager that is up. I think I even did a jig,” working for Sharon but the combination of these things Her recent diagnosis of kidney disease forced her to there was a marked difference for Sharon.” stop many of the pain medications she was using to man“The other thing Sharon told me which stood out age painful conditions including Lupus, arthritis, gout, a when she first came to see me was her friends were wontorn meniscus, a broken toe and fibromyalgia. dering what the heck happened to her that they didn’t “I was definitely in solid stage four kidney disease. Between my doctor taking me off medications interfering with the kidney and adhering to a very strict diet I was able to move it into stage three without dialysis. When I came to Tracey, I was so desperate for relief.” Tracey Eno, of Inner Peace, is a certified Trager Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist. “I couldn’t take pain medication. It was the very first session I walked out of here and didn’t even limp. But I couldn’t figure out how it worked because it didn’t hurt,” Fosett said. According to the Website provided by Eno, The Trager Approach has “one aspect of the work, usually referred to as the ‘table work,’ you, the client, lie on a well-padded table in a safe, comfortable environment while your body is supported and gently moved within its pain-free range of movement and natural rhythm.” Eno further explains, “Trager im- Tracey Eno, left, of Inner Peace listens to Sharon Fossett show proof that the Trager parts feelings of lightness, openness, Approach worked for her ailments. and peace that resonate throughout your body. It relaxes muscle tension, soothes the central nervous system, loosens the joints and recognize her with all the energy she had and how easily massages the internal organs.” she moved.” “I don’t understand how she can do ‘hands-on’ therMost insurance companies do not recognize “Body apy and not hurt,” said Fossett. “I was hooked on the first Movement” or massage therapy as legitimate forms of try and I was making really good progress until I went treatment. Fossett spoke to her company who agreed to to the rheumatologist and the only reason I went was be- consider her documentation for the benefits of The Trager cause my kidney doctor wanted my lupus managed. “ Approach. The forced break from her weekly sessions Fossett said the specialist made her stop Trager and provided her with before and after medical test results instead put her on aqua therapy and medications she was along with her own subjective experience. Her family not previously taking. and friends are also sold that Trager is the right Approach “I did a nose dive as far as the pain coming back for her. again. My husband, for the time period I was off (Trager), Inner Peace practices out of several different locawould say how much longer before you go again? It was tions in Prince Frederick and Solomons. For more inforthat obvious that I wasn’t getting any results off tradi- mation about The Trager Approach call 443-624-8022. tional medical criteria she (the doctor) was using,” Fosett By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net
Cops Look to Curb Super Bowl Drunk Driving
Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans and Lt. Randy Stephens, Commander of the Prince Frederick Maryland State Police Barrack are reminding motorists that they have scheduled extra DUI enforcement efforts this weekend, in anticipation of impaired drivers leaving Super Bowl parties. “A little planning can prevent a tragedy,” stated Lt. Stephens. “Members of the Calvert County Traffic Safety Council have dedicated many hours to raising awareness of the need to use a sober driver, especially during times of the year when drinking is more likely to occur. Maryland State Police Troopers will be enforcing the
DUI laws for those motorists that don’t use that advice.” Sheriff Evans added, “We are also requesting that motorists call 911 if they see an impaired driver on the road. Between those motorists and increased manpower, we hope to prevent the tragedies that we’ve seen in Calvert County following previous Super Bowl games.” These efforts will be conducted by law enforcement officers on overtime, and efforts will be funded by the Maryland Highway Safety Office’s Community Traffic Safety Program grant funds, which are distributed by the Calvert County Traffic Safety Council, a press release states.
Drop Off Program Nets 700+ Pounds of Drugs Prescription drug disposal programs developed through a local public/private partnership have ensured the proper disposal of more than 700 pounds of prescription medications in just the first year of operation. Participating Calvert County pharmacies collected 600 pounds of unused prescription drugs in 2010 while county residents dropped off more than 146 pounds of medications at a Calvert County Sheriff’s Office drop box, a press release states. The effort is a response to a rise in prescription medication abuse and news about the presence of pharmaceuticals in water supplies. The proper disposal of unused medications can combat both problems by removing drugs from circulation and offering a safe alternative to simply flushing them down the drain.
A local working group led by the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA) has spearheaded the effort. “The first-year results for this program are phenomenal,” CAASA Coordinator Candice D’Agostino, said in a release. “Our partnering organizations developed easy, effective ways for residents to dispose of unused medications so they don’t end up in landfills or in the wrong hands. We hope to build on this success and increase awareness so we can combat the rise of illegal prescription drug use along with the presence of pharmaceuticals in the Chesapeake Bay and drinking water sources.” Two community pharmacies, Chesapeake Pharmacy of Chesapeake Beach and Calvert-Arundel Pharmacy in Owings, are part of Maryland’s “Take-Back” Program and accept the return of non-narcotic pre-
School is OUT, Art is IN!
Take advantage of Annmarie’s newest evolving program to inspire and encourage children during days when schools are closed. Come to Annmarie and meet new friends, make great artwork, learn new things, and escape out-of-school boredom! Our SCHOOL’S OUT dates correspond with both Calvert County and St. Mary’s County public school calendars. Week-long camps are offered during Spring Break, and all summer long in a variety of themes and media. Art and Shadow (Calvert Schools closed) Age Group: Grades 1-3 - Friday, Feb 4, 9 am - 4 pm. Enjoy a day of shadow play as we celebrate Punxsutawney Phil and learn all about light and shadow in art. Shadow puppets, silhouette portraits, and more will help us understand how great artists use shadows in their work. Pack a lunch, dress for a mess, and get ready to get creative! Presidents and Portraiture Age Group: Grades 1-3 - Monday, Feb 21, 9 am - 4 pm. Come celebrate President’s Day with us as we study presidential portraits, hear strange stories, and create our own unique portraits of ourselves and each other. Pack a lunch, dress for a mess, and get ready to strike a pose! Come in your best presidential costume for added artistic flair! Fooled You! Op Art and Trompe l’oeil (St. Mary’s Schools Closed) Age
Group: Grades 1-3 - Friday, Apr 1, 9 am - 4 pm. Let’s celebrate April Fool’s Day by exploring art that’s meant to fool your eye. We’ll learn all about Op Art and make interesting geometric patterns that seem to wiggle and shake. We’ll explore trompe l’oeil and try to create our own realistic scenes. Pack a lunch, dress for a mess, and get ready to paint your way to a day of deceptive fun! Spring Break Art-Around the World! April 18-22; 9am-4pm each day. Grades 1-3. Join Annmarie Instructors each day for a different themed art experience around the world! Sign up for one day or for all five fun filled sessions! All unique and inspirational. Pack a lunch, dress for a mess and get ready to get your hands dirty! Monday, April 18 - 9am-4pm; Native American Art- beads, fibers, clay and more! Tuesday, April 19 - 9am-4pm; The Art of Asia- calligraphy, scroll-making origami and more! Wednesday, April 20 - 9am-4pm; The Art of Australia- create your own musical instruments to play! Thursday, April 21 - 9am-4pm; African Art Adventure- make a mask, sculpt clay and make cloth! Friday, April 22 - 9am-4pm; The Art of Europe- make an artsy passport for your travels. For more information, visit www.annmariegarden.org.
Community
scriptions, over-thecounter drugs and supplements. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office maintains a “24/7” pharmaceuticals drop box at its headquarters on Church Street in Prince Frederick that can be utilized at any time with no questions asked. County residents may also dispose of unused pharmaceuticals through one of the quarterly household hazardous waste disposal events sponsored by the Calvert County Division of Solid Waste. These oneday events give residents the opportunity to safely dispose of a wide variety of hazardous chemicals and substances, including unused medications. Household hazardous waste disposal events for 2011 are scheduled for March 26
and September 17 at the Mt. Hope Community Center and for June 25 and November 19 at the Appeal Landfill. For further information, the working group developed a brochure entitled “Prescription Drug Abuse: Proper Disposal Methods” which details the issue of prescription drug abuse, provides guidelines for proper disposal and offers resource information. The brochure is available at local pharmacies, doctors’ offices and in the offices of participating agencies. For more information, contact the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc., at 410-535-FREE or visit www.co.cal. md.us/residents/health/caasa.
2011 Visitors Guide Now Available The 2011 Calvert County Visitors Guide is now available. The Visitors Guide contains information on shopping, restaurants and county visitor attractions like Breezy Point Beach & Campground, Annmarie Garden, Calvert Marine Museum, Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, historic churches, five local wineries and many other places of interest. The Guide also features contact information and details on charter boating,
marinas, boat ramps, campgrounds, golf courses, accommodations and biking/hiking trails as well as a listing of major events throughout the year. To receive free copies of the 2011 Visitors Guide or for more information on county attractions and events, please contact the Calvert County, Maryland, Department of Economic Development at 410.535.4583 or 800.331.9771 or via e-mail at info@ecalvert.com. Visit online at www.ecalvert.com.
comedy invasion February 19, 2011
7:00 p.m. - Doors Open • 8:00 p.m. - Show begins Location: Huntingtown High School Auditorium 4125 North Solomons Island Road Huntingtown, Maryland
for Project Graduation
Sebastian Maniscalco Keith Alberstadt
One of the most respected entertainers in the stand-up community today, Sebastian is no stranger to television. On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he has appeared as the unforgettable style correspondent providing hilarious grooming advise to unsuspecting airline passengers and churchgoers. Other television appearances include The Savages, Tim Meadows’ The Very Funny Show, Comedy Central‘s Premium Blend, Showtime’s Comics without Borders, and the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He was hand- picked to be a part of Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show.
Keith has performed on The Late Show with David Letterman, Last Comic Standing, Country Music Television’s Greatest Redneck Moments, and Funniest Video Countdown. He has a likeable personality and down-to-earth charm that invites people into his brand of humor--one that is smart, but not brainy, and relatable, but not hacky. Keith shares his witty insight on everything, all the while doing it with a mischievous smile that quickly becomes infectious.
Tickets: $25 in advance - seating is limited $15 in advance for students ages 13 to 18 Visit the following locations for tickets: Educate & Celebrate, Prince Frederick; Richard’s Bayside Florist, North Beach; CAASA Office, Prince Frederick; Lotus Kitchen, Solomons Island Show Rating: PG13
Sponsored by: Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. For information call: 410-535-3733
Thursday, February-2011
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Community Forest Stewardship Plan Help Available The wise use and management of our woodlands for a variety of benefits is called Forest Stewardship. These benefits include clean water, abundant wildlife habitat, timber products, clean air, woodland beauty and economic vitality. With 76 percent of Maryland’s forests being privately owned, private landowners are essential in wisely managing and conserving this precious resource. The Maryland DNR-Forest Service can assist these landowners by developing a Forest Stewardship Plan. A Stewardship Plan is a valuable tool used by landowners to manage their woodlands. The plan tells the landowners what type and how many trees are on their property and how well they are growing. The plan also advises the landowner on what forestry practices will work best to accomplish the landowner’s objectives for the property. Some examples of recommended forestry practices are commercial timber harvest recommendations, wildlife habitat improvement projects, trail creation and maintenance, tree planting and riparian areas/watershed management. By having a Stewardship Plan written by the Forest Service, the landowner may also qualify for a reduced tax assessment on the wooded portions of the property. Through several programs with the Maryland Dept. of Assessment & Taxation and the DNR-Forest Service itself, landowners can lower their taxes to that of a woodland-agricultural assessment.
Grammy Winner Coming to Southern Maryland Grammy Award winner, Marty Raybon, is coming to perform at American Legion Post 238 in Hughesville on Feb. 20. Among his contemporaries, Raybon is considered to possess one the purest natural country voices in the business, a press release states. Raybon is best known for his long time career in country music with the award winning Country group, Shenandoah. Gary Levox, lead vocalist of Rascal Flatts, calls Raybon “The greatest singer on the planet to this day!” Country music star, Josh Turner, calls Raybon: “One of the best soul singers in music. He gets inside a song and turns it inside out. When you listen to him sing, he makes every word sound important and makes you feel as though he is singing straight to you. I love everything he’s done. He’s a great singer, a great artist, and a great man.” Throughout his epic journey, spanning nearly three decades, Raybon has produced a remarkable list of career accomplishments including; multiple number one singles, top selling albums, CMA, ACM, IBMA, and Grammy Awards, along with scores of other accolades. Collectively, his contributions to the recording industry have sold well into the millions and he has performed literally thousands of live concerts at four corners of the earth. Along with Raybon, show host Jay Armsworthy will join local Bluegrass favorite, Charlie Thompson. They will be performing some old favorites that they occasionally sing whenever they get together.
The show will be held on Sunday Feb. 20, at the American Legion Post 238 in Hughesville, on the corner of Rt. 381 & Rt. 231. It begins at 2 p.m. with the doors opening at Noon. Tickets are only $15 per person. Children under 12 free with a paid adult. A Fried Chicken dinner will be served by the Sons of the American Legion from noon until 1:45 pm for an additional cost. There will also be 50/50 raffles and door prizes. The American Legion is handicap accessible. For more information and directions, go to www. americanlegionbluegrass.com or call 301-737-3004. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Pre-purchased tickets will be held at the door for pick up on the day of the show. Also non-perishable food donations will be accepted for the Helping Hands Food Bank in Southern Maryland.
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Thursday, February-2011
Sp rts Patuxent Boys Suffer Heartbreak at Great Mills Friday January 21‘s boys’ basketball game at Great Mills High School looked to be a stirring comeback for the Patuxent hoops team. Instead, the Hornets snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, converting a last second lay-up for a 55-54 that left Panthers coach Lou Bruno openly frustrated and hurt for his players. “A loss like this hurts so bad because they deserved to win,” Bruno said afterwards. “My boys are always great, they play hard for me.” The Panthers fell behind early, but had an incredible third quarter rally, led by senior guard Brandon Durbin and senior forward John Clyburn. Durbin canned three consecutive three-point shots early in the quarter and Clyburn added three inside baskets to help the Panthers (2-13 overall, 1-5 in Southern Maryland Athletic Conference games) pull even at 42 heading into the fourth quarter. Clyburn led the Panthers with 14, while Durbin and Jacob Robertson added 13 and 10 points respectively. “Brandon’s been playing good the last four or five games and when he gets hot, it changes a game,” Bruno said. “John just has a motor. He’s always working hard for us.” Patuxent took that momentum into a seesaw fourth quarter that saw several lead changes throughout. The Panthers took their final lead with 19 seconds left in the game as Robertson deposited a Travez Lee miss to put Patuxent ahead 54-53. Great Mills ran the clock down and when it seemed like Patuxent was go-
ing steal a win, Great Mills’ DeAndre Berry got the ball and scored as time ran out. “They scored at the end, that’s what happens sometimes,” Bruno said. “I’m just heartbroken for these guys. I guess it’s supposed to make us stronger.”
By Chris Stevens (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
The Panthers’ Brandon Durbin, shown here going for a lay-up, scored 11 of his 13 points in the third quarter of a recent game against Great Mills.
John Clyburn led Patuxent with 14 points in their 55-54 loss to Great Mills January 21.
Thursday, February-2011
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Infestations Pop
g u b d e B STORY
By Corrin M. Howe Contributing Writer
An official with the St. Mary’s County Health Department said the office has started receiving complaint reports in the last year from citizens reporting bedbugs in homes and businesses. The last generation put their children to bed saying, “Good“Absolutely, it’s been on the rise for about a year,” said Vic night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.” Krasnokutsky, Environmental Sanitarian Manager with St. Mary’s Pest control practices in the United States after World War II County Health Department, when asked if there’s been a resuruntil recently made this bedtime saying an empty platitude. How- gence of bedbugs locally. ever, in the last decade bedbugs have made a comeback in major “We tend to get these in the form of consumer complaints, it cities on the East Coast and began popping up in Southern Mary- not really a reportable disease issue. It’s a nuisance issue,” Krasland about two years ago. nokutsky said. Krasnokutsky said citizens have called the Health Department to either issue a complaint about suspected bedbugs in commercial businesses, such as hotels, or to ask for advice on how to remove the pest from their homes. “We have had some complaints about some commercial facilities,” he said. “We go out there and try to confirm the problem, then we tell them to get a professional pest control outfit that will do a survey, do remediation and then report back to us.” The resurgence is resulting in boon on business for pest control services and related industries. “We’ve doubled the number of homes we’ve treated since last year,” said Joe Lyons, co-owner of Arrow American Pest Control of Dunkirk. Bedbugs feed on human blood but are not known to cause major health problems other than skin rashes or allergic reactions. According to Michael J. Raupp, professor of entomology at University of Maryland in College Park, bedbugs are “excellent hitchhikers” which many believe is part of the reason why bedbugs are now an issue again in the United States, although they are “part of everyday life in many parts of the world.” Why are bedbugs a problem again after being virtually eradicated? “That’s the million dollar question,” according to Kaupp “Many pest control companies changed the way they went about their practices in hotels, nursing homes and multi-complex residences.” Lyons said pest control companies are not spraying with “pyrethriod,” a synthetic insecticide which has been found in acute levels in sediments and waterways. Raupp agrees. “What they used before for ants and roaches probably had a residual effect on the bedbug population. They shifted away from these practices, which is a Photo by Frank Marquart good thing because of the environment. However, many of
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Thursday, February-2011
Popping Up in SOMD
the new treatments include traps. Bedbugs don’t come to traps so they are able to survive better.” In addition to a change in treating for bedbugs, experts in the field believe the increase in global travel factors heavily into the bedbug population. Lyons says bedbugs remain prevalent in Asia, Africa, Central and South America and Europe. “It’s like having a cold. Once a certain number of people have cold; it is easier to transfer the cold to many more,” says Raupp. Bedbugs are being found in hotels, motels, universities, daycares, office buildings, airplanes, retail stores and homes. These insects typically live 10 to 20 feet from their food source, lay up to one to five eggs a day and up to 541 in a life time. They do need blood to go through each one of their six stages of life. Lyons says to pull out a penny and look at the date. A bedbug is the size of the last two numbers of the year the coin was printed. Not everyone will have a reaction to a bedbug bite. Those who do will have red marks typically in a line along their arms and legs where the bugs line up along the mattress and feed off a human. Bedbugs primarily are found in the mattress, and usually a higher concentration of them around the corners; however,
STORY
they are also found in the bed springs, headboard, night stands, can survive behind picture frames, along base boards, in cracks and crevices freezing temand in carpets. peratures, but not heat. “If you find bedbugs you need to call in professionals, this is “Americans don’t live with bugs. Since it hasn’t been much of not a kind of bug you can treat on your own,” said Raupp. Further- a problem in America the science for dealing with bedbugs isn’t more, it is better to call in the experts as soon as possible because there,” said Morris. However, she is confident such science is about the amount of time and money necessary to get rid of them in- 10 years out. creases the longer the problem is ignored. One of the newest industry approaches to eradicating bedbugs Bonnie Morris, Lyon’s partner in Arrow American Pest Con- from a home or hotel is a heat trailer, which Arrow-American Pest trol, recently returned from a conference on how the pest control has recently started using. Part of the pre-work for property owners industry is dealing with bedbugs. “The whole protocol for how to is to box items. These boxes and furniture go into the trailer which handle bedbugs is a rigorous process for both the property owner is heated to about 130 degrees to kill not only bedbugs, but fleas and the pest control company.” and dust mites too. First the property owner calls her company out to confirm All those interviewed say prevention is the best approach to there is a bedbug infestation. In the past, her partner Lyons has bedbugs. When traveling and staying in different places, pull up the done manual inspections, which can take approximately 90 min- mattress cover and look for evidence, usually down in the corners. utes per room. Now Arrow American subcontracts with a scent in- Bedbugs are about the size of the tip of a pencil and will be in large vestigation canine. numbers. Also, brown pinpoint stains on the mattress is usually Blaine Lessard, a master K9 handler, and his dog Max can find blood leached from the human and bedbug. bedbugs in a room within two minutes. Use the luggage racks provided by the hotels, don’t put your Lessard, who has trained nine bedbug dogs and six handlers, luggage on the bed, on the floor or even unpack and put the items says his dogs are trained similarly to law enforcement narcotic in the drawers. Instead keep all your clothes in your suitcase, in dogs. specially designed bedbug bags available for purchase. (These bags “A dog’s scent is 16,000 better than humans. And they can sort out smells. For example when a person walks into a room they can smell a cake baking. A dog can be trained to sniff specific ingredients such as vanilla, eggs flour. They are rewarded with food so they come to associate the unique scent of a bedbug with reward.” Lessard and Max have been up and down the east coast, primarily in New York, where the first resurgence of bedbug infestations started about a decade ago. Recent media reports indicate bedbugs where found in AMC movie theaters in Times Square, Niketown on 57 Avenue and Google headquarters. Both Lyons and Lessard started receiving calls about bedbugs in Southern Maryland about two years ago. Since then their cases have doubled. “Two years I didn’t have any cases in Lexington Park. Last year I had five and this year I’ve had 12,” said Lessard. In fact, he is under contract with a couple hotels in St. Mary’s County to bring his dog in for a regular sweeps. “This is the only proactive way to (handle) bedbugs, there is no other preventative maintenance.” He and his dogs have searched over 70,000 rooms on east coast from Manhattan to Virginia Beach. Five years ago, he did not expect to have more expertise in the area of scent investigation of bedbugs than most. Besides helping to detect bedbugs in hotels, offices, retail Photo by Frank Marquart business and other areas, he also trains scent dogs. It takes about Blaine Lessard, a master K9 handler, and his bedbug-sniffing dog Max can find the pests in a room within two minutes. four months to train the dog and about a week to train the dog and its handler. When contacting a company which uses scent dogs, Lessard are designed to melt away in the wash cycle.) When you get home recommends asking if the dog is certified because not all dogs are don’t bring your luggage inside. Instead immediately wash all conproperly trained. Third Party Testing is a company that does certify tents in the washing machine and dryer, the heat will kill them. If scent dogs and it is based in La Plata. it is summer time, but the suitcase itself in a plastic bag and leave Lyons subcontracts for bedbug dogs, but cautions that they do it outside in the garage or on the deck for a few days. Don’t forget have one major disadvantage; they can only smell bugs at lower lev- about kids going to camps or coming home from college doors and els. A trained pest control inspector still needs to check up higher apartments. Lyons treated a home where the daughter brought bedinto the cracks and crevices around ceilings. bugs home from college. “People are in denial when they find bedbugs and don’t take “As soon as you detect, seek professional help. If you are in care of them right away,” said Lyon’s partner, Morris. multi-unit housing contact the landlord, manager or home owners The pest control industry has been experimenting with differ- associations immediately,” said Raupp. “This is not a problem the ent ways to treat bedbugs. So far, they’ve discovered that bedbugs average homeowner is equipped to deal with.”
Thursday, February-2011
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Editor
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell…
S
L
TER T E to the
Confederate Flag is Nothing to Be Ashamed Of You know what? I’m tired of people feeling like they have to walk on eggshells because some people feel it’s politically correct to be ashamed of the Confederate Flag. That flag is part of who we are. It represents a very important time in our young history as a nation. Yes, plantation owners used slaves as a part of their agriculture, but at the time, many others in Europe, Africa, and all over the world did as well. Does that mean it was right? Well, it wasn’t right that cars back in the 60’s didn’t have seat belts, either. I don’t believe Mr. Nutwell made the (Calvert) County look bad due to his display of the flag. Was it prudent of the (TV) news reporter to tape the story with the dead bird hanging in the background? Obviously, if it was someone’s pet that had been lost and they just happen to watch that “news story” on TV, it would most probably have been a sad occasion. I think the story could have been handled differently in that case, and for the (TV) reporter not to even be able to get the Sheriff’s name correct was very poor work indeed. But let’s not feel bad because there are flannel shirt-wearing hunters in our county that choose to wave an historic flag that will forever be a part of our culture and history. Let’s not be ashamed for being who we are. We are Americans. We work hard, and sometimes we play hard, but my God don’t think its something we should be ashamed of. Those people that would cast disparities about the Stars and Bars probably know nothing about what it really represents. It’s an important part of our history. Let’s don’t lose our identity, America. God Bless us all. Brian Blanche Baden, MD
Publisher Thomas McKay Associate Publisher Eric McKay Editor Sean Rice Office Manager Tobie Pulliam Graphic Artist Angie Stalcup Advertising suzannep@somdpublishing.net Email info@somdpublishing.net Phone 301-373-4125 Staff Writers Guy Leonard Sarah Miller Chris Stevens Corrin Howe
Government Correspondent Community Correspondent Sports Correspondent Community Correspondent
Contributing Writers Joyce Baki Keith McGuire
Let’s look at the ending of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law from a practical, realistic perspective. I can only speak from twenty years of military service in the U.S. Air Force. On occasion, I lived in open bay barracks where bunks were double stacked, eight to a a side – a total of thirty-two men in one room. The best living quarters I enjoyed as a single airman or as an unaccompanied married man on overseas or temporary duty tours were those in which I shared a room with one other airman. The worst locations required hanging our clothes on open racks and stuffing things in foot lockers. The best gave us built-in wall lockers. I can see it now: My new roommate checks in. He (I think it’s a he – he’s wearing makeup). He opens one suitcase and the doors to his wall locker. First he neatly hangs his uniforms and puts away his military sox, ties, and underwear. Then he opens his other suitcase and removes some dresses, blouses, a couple of purses, and several pairs shoes – high heels, sandals, and a pretty pair of slippers. He then asks me if there are two medicine cabinets in our shared bathroom. I affirm that there is. He is overjoyed because he needs a good bit of room for his cosmetics he tells me. I’m faced with a quandary. I’m extremely unhappy with my new roommate. I can’t stand his perfume. I don’t need him to tell me he is a homosexual. To me, it’s pretty obvious, but in case I’m a knuckle-dragging Neanderthal macho nasty man, he tells me he is “gay” and hopes this will have no affect on our ability to “get along.” I grunt and go back to reading my book. I have a problem. If I go to my Flight Sergeant and ask for a room change I’m afraid that he will refuse for fear that granting my request will identify both he and I as homophobic bigots. On the other hand, he may feel it his duty to report me to his supervisor as a homophobic bigot. On the third hand, I can be quiet about my feelings and wait until my hitch is up and I can leave the military even though it had been my desire to make it a career. I realize there is a multitude of “gays” in our society who are either unrecognizable as gay, or only suspected to be gay, by the straight people around them. I also realize that courage under fire hass nothing to do with sexual orientation. However, like the old saying, “In for a penny, in for a pound,” once this law is enacted, the situation I describe above IS not only possible, but highly probable, given the Liberal desire shown so often in the past to create an incident where some form of discrimination can be alleged to exist. I see in the elimination of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law another victory in the Liberal’s efforts to weaken our military through affecting the morale of the troops, regardless of what the military leaders warn about the adverse effects this will have. James H. Hilbert Mechanicsville, MD
Catholic School Enriched My Life Hi. I am Ensun Choi, senior student at Saint Mary’s Ryken. While writing this class assignment for my religion class, I realized ho much I was affected by my current Catholic school and how much it enriched my life. So I want to share with you about my story. As a foreign exchange student, everything was unfamiliar when I first came to U.S. From choosing a school to adapting to a new environment, it was very difficult for me to overcome my language barrier and other cultural differences. Because I did not have much information about American high schools, I decided to go my current school, St. Mary’s Ryken, following my aunt’s suggestion. When I first came to this school, I did not have any difficulties going to school. Even
Thursday, February-2011
Eunsun Choi, Senior St. Mary’s Ryken High School
First Taste of Catholicism Came From School
Southern Calvert Gazette P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636
Southern Calvert Gazette is a bi-weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Southern Calvert County. The Southern Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every other Thursday of the month. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. Southern Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. Southern Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers.
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though I had no faith in Catholic and had family who believes Buddhism religions, they look upon me without any bias. When we had Mass, at first, I did not know what the purpose of the Mass was, and also did not know how I should act during Mass. Becoming senior, I studied and stayed in this school for three years. Now, so many things have been changed compared to my sophomore year. I never called myself outgoing when I was younger, now I try to participate in many activities that may help others. I attended March for Life this Monday and had a great time believing our effort can make a difference in the future regardless of my religion. This school programs gave me confidence and eyes to look at others without bias. I appreciate so much about what it gave to me and how it enriched my life.
My name is YooNa Son. I’m from South Korea. I never had learned about what the Catholic is before I came here to Ryken. The first thing that I appreciate was coming to Ryken where I could have a wonderful opportunity to know about Catholic. The first year at Ryken I had to take a theology class which was mandatory religious class. In my life, that was the first time I learned about the Bible. To get to know a God, Jesus Chris has made my life enriched. Since I study abroad being away from my hometown, I had lots of hard-
ships and sometimes loneliness. Because there is always a God around me, I was not alone anymore. I really appreciate about it. The most impressive thing was going to retreat with classmates and instructors. It helped me to be sustained and be happy that will be remembered in my mind forever. It was a fabulous experience and education of Catholic at Ryken. Yoo Na Son, Senior St. Mary’s Ryken
Texas Hold ‘em a Fixture in Southern Maryland It’s not a fad, it’s not a flash in the pan and it’s not going away anytime soon. Like it or not, poker games have become a weekly ritual for many people in Southern Maryland. Joe Barrick, the drummer for the locally based Sam Grow Band, said he would make a living of playing poker if he could. “When we’re not playing music, we’re playing poker,” said Barrick, of Solomons. Most of the local games are Texas hold ‘em, a specific type of poker. In Texas hold ‘em, each player is dealt two cards and they decide whether they’re in or out. The dealer then lays three cards on the table, known as the flop, which are considered community cards. There’s another round of betting, then the dealer lays down another card, the turn. A fifth and final card, the river, is laid on the table after the round of betting closes after the turn. The player with the best hand, or the best bluff, wins the pot after the river. One of the reason’s poker and other table games are so popular is because they’re not based entirely on luck. Rusty Williams, another local hold ‘em player, said he likes card games as opposed to slot machines and scratch offs because he feels like he has more of a say on whether he wins or looses. “It’s all about strategy,” he said. He said instead of pushing a button over and over, or pulling a lever and hoping you get lucky, card games are more cerebral. You have to remember the rules and what combinations are higher than others, as well as being able to do a certain amount
Nancy Schmitt rakes in a pot after winning a hand a the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 in California.
of mental math to figure out percentages and probabilities. It takes skill to play card games and, unlike with slot machines, the more you play the better you’ll get. There are several local venues in the county to play poker or other table games, and even Bingo. One place is the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 on Chancellors Run Road, California, which holds a game on Sundays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. Patricia Conlon, the manger of the lodge, said on an average night between 30 and 40 people will come in to play, with Fridays being their slow night for the week because of how many places have poker games on Fridays. “We kind of share the wealth,” she said. “Just about every non-profit has a poker night.” Poker games aren’t only played in halls and local venues. “We’ve played at a million friend’s houses,” Barrick said. Williams said many of the venues for poker in the area donate a certain percentage to charities to get around the fact that table games are, for the most part, banned in Maryland. One way to get a poker game or casino night legalized at a public venue is to go through the sheriff’s office and set up a benefit game, where 100 percent of the profits go toward a charitable organization. “As a general matter, table games and roulettes are banned,” said Holly Knepper, the assistant attorney general with the Maryland State Lottery, but when it comes to benefit games, like poker fundraisers and bingo nights, the indi-
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vidual counties determines the standards governing them. Cindy Allen, the Public Information Officer with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s office, said the benefit games in St. Mary’s County have to be set up and run by members of the organization. For example, a poker night for the Special Olympics has to be set up and run by people who work for the Special Olympics. Places that host poker games and casino nights and take a cut of the profits to be used for something other than the charity are not doing so legally. Allen said that was what the problem with pull-tab machines came from, the places that had a machine were taking a cut of the money and saying it was for the upkeep of the machine, or rental of the space it was in. What doesn’t have to be donated to charity are the payouts and prizes that go to winners. “Casino nights have to pay out,” Allen said. So long at the bulk of the money the bingo night, or other gaming event, takes in is given to charity. While charitable games are legal in some capacity, other games are banned across the board in Maryland. Carole Everett, the director of communications with the Maryland State Lottery, said the fact that table games are not allowed in Maryland whole other forms of gambling, like scratch off tickets and the lottery, are legal is due to legislative regulations. “We’re just carrying out what the legislature has deemed appropriate for Maryland,” Everett said. She said the laws would have to be changed to allow for legalized non-charitable table games. The individual counties determine the charitable games, and the laws governing them, Everett said. “One has nothing to do with the other,” she said. Barrick said legalized gambling would bring in revenue and jobs for the state, and he doesn’t see the negative associations with gambling, like drinking and crime, being much of an issue. According to him, the benefits to legalizing gambling across the board would far outweigh any negative impact if could have. “They generate jobs and they generate prosperity,” Barrick said. Williams agrees with Barrick and said table games should have been legalized when pull-tabs, scratch offs and the state lottery were legalized. “If you’re gonna legalize one, you should legalize them all,” he said. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Thursday, February-2011
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Delores Bowe, 68 Delores Collier Bowe, 68, of Lusby, MD, formerly of Wa s h i n g ton, D. C. was called home to be with the Lord on January 17, 2011 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince
Frederick, MD. She was born on August 23, 1942 in Charlottesville, VA to the late Lewis Lloyd Collier and Mavis Mozelle Morris Collier. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband Eugene “Papa” Bowe. Delores is survived by her children, Donna Avelar of Carolina Beach, NC and Dawn Hammons of Lusby, MD; sisters, Elnora Sheler, Venita Johnson both of WV and Carolyn Bellafiore of DE; two grandchildren, Aleigha and James Hammons of Lusby, MD; sonin-law Steven Hammons of Lusby, MD and numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. The family received friends on Friday, January 21, 2011 from 5:00 – 6:00 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD. Funeral Services followed at 6:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Randall Casto officiating. Interment was held on Monday, January 24, 2011, 1:00 PM at Holly Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Charlottesville, VA. Memorial contributions may be made in Delores memory to AsburySolomons Benevolent Care Fund, 11100 Asbury Circle, Solomons, MD 20688, or to Rivers Edge Church, Muskogee, OK.
Madaline Calloway, 59 Ma d ali ne “Mattie” Rosa Calloway, 59, of Lusby died on January 11, 2011 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown. She was born in Wa s h i n g t o n , DC on April 16, 1951 to the late Upton and Marguerite
Powers Crosby. She previously resided in Clinton,
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MD. She was a homemaker whose hobbies included doting on her grandchildren, crocheting and cooking, especially her famous chili and vegetable soup. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, George Calloway; son George and wife Drema of King George, VA; daughter Christine and husband Rick Alvey, also of King George; brother, Lewis Crosby of Wayson’s Corner; sisters Patricia and husband Henry Milstead of Harrisburg, PA; Emma Lou Gearheart of Wayson’s Corner, MD and Dorothy Petrillo, also of Wayson’s Corner and eight grandchildren. Two sons, George, Jr. and Earl Calloway predeceased her. Services were held on January 15, 2011 at Raymond-Wood Funeral Home. Rev. Charles Adair officiated. Interment was private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org. Arrangements provided by Raymond-Wood Funeral Home, Dunkirk.
Michelle Dare, 40 Michelle Kathleen Dare, 40, of Solomons, MD, passed away suddenly at her residence on January 27, 2011. She was born on September 8, 1970 in Prince Frederick, MD to Jerry Calvin Dare and Sharon Lee Arrington. Michelle is survived by her devoted mother Peggy Shenton of Solomons, MD; beloved daughters, Katie Nicole Van Ness of Leonardtown, MD and Brittany Arlene Gross and her husband David of Roanoke, VA; sisters, Crystal Anne Rippey of Roanoke, VA, Stacy Wilson, Dominique Wilson and Aixin Wilson; brother Tracy Wilson. The family received friends on Monday, January 31, 2011 from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm in the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A. 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD. A service of Christian Burial celebrating Michelle’s life followed at 6:00 pm with Fr. Richard Gardiner officiating. Interment will be private. Honorary Pallbearers are Denise Crivella, Tim Perdue, Jonathan Stuart, Knute Crivella, Russell Tennyson and Michael King. Memorial contributions may be made in Michelle’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 1041 Rt #3 N, Bldg A, Gambrills, Maryland 21054
Thursday, February-2011
http://www.cancer.org or to Calvert Animal Welfare League, C. A. W. L., PO Box 1660, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 http://www.cawlrescue.org. For more information please visit www. rauschfuneralhomes.com .
Ethel Grover, 88 Mrs. Ethel M Grover formerly of Solomon’s Maryland went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 23, 2011 on her 88th birthday. Ethel was the Postmistress of the S ol o m o n’s post office from where she retired in 1979. Throughout the years she also worked at the Mine Warfare Test Center which is now the Navy Recreation Center, the J C Lore and Sons Oyster House and the Maryland National Bank. She was preceded in death by her husband (William R “Tody” Grover) and her only son (William Robert “Bobby” Grover). She was one of twin daughters born to John E and Grace V McCready of Lusby also deceased. Ethel leaves behind her daughter Terry Grover Edwards and husband Ken, grandson Ryan F Bowen and granddaughter Tamara S Porch and husband Waverly and three precious grandchildren – Jaycie Lynn, Cameron Jace and Sadie Grace Porch. She was the twin sister to Erma Lee Breeden, and her other sisters include Marie M Lyons, Vivian L Ward, Eunice M Habig, and Annie E Batchelor and one aunt Velma Dowell. She was also the sister to Donas H McCready, Harold L McCready, John B McCready and the late C Dudley McCready and James E McCready. She also leaves behind her wonderful companion and caregiver of four years Ms Louisiana Hambrick of Wilson, NC and her lifetime family friend Pauline Grover and Nalda M Lankford. The family received friends on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 from 1:30 – 3PM and 5 -7 PM in the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD. Funeral Services were Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Carl Poole officiating. Interment followed in the St. Paul United Methodist Cemetery, Lusby, MD. Due to extreme cold temperatures the family requests in lieu of f lowers a memorial donation in her memory to
the following: Local Disaster Relief Fund in memory of Ethel M Grover, American Red Cross, 100 N Peartree Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610 or by calling 919-231-1602.
Nathaniel Holland, 60 Nathaniel Holland, 60, of Sunderland, MD passed away on January 4, 2011 at Calvert County Nursing Center, Prince Frederick, MD. God in his infinite wisdom dispatched his angels and now he is free from all pain and suffering and has eternal rest. Nathaniel Edward Holland, known as “Fish” of Sunderland, Maryland was born on June 14, 1928 to the late Lola Wills and Edward Holland. Nathaniel was educated in the Calvert County public schools system. In his early years he attended Mt. Hope United Methodist Church in Sunderland, Maryland. He was employed with The Maryland State Highway Commission and construction companies. He also farmed and landscaped. He enjoyed listening to music and T.V. Game shows. He found great joy in spending time with his family and friends; He was always happy to entertain visitors and would spend hours talking and reminiscing about the “good old days.” Nathaniel loved cars especially his Ford Falcon and Ford Maverick. He was always ready to take a ride. Fish will always be remembered for the fun limericks he sang about himself and his “little Salandis” as he like to call his son philander. His unique knack for making others laugh will truly be missed by all. He leaves to cherish his memory Sons: Philander & Sherman Holland; Grandchildren: Desonya Sellman, Iman, Jayden & Demetrius Holland; Brothers: Clyde W., Wilson L., George C. Holland & Lee S. Wills (Melvalee), Sisters: Ida A. Chambers (Carroll), Mary Helen Jones, Theresa E. Holland, Mary L. Holland-Savoy (James), Geraldine Sharps (Richard), Elizabeth Holloway (Roy), Christine Wills, Madeline Spriggs, Katina Giles; Aunts: Dorothy Pinkney & Laura Holland; a Loving and Devoted friend Alberta Sewell, a special cousin Cheryl Gorman-Plater, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Preceding him in death were Brothers: Carroll & Edward Holland,
Leroy Jones, and Montgomery Wills; Sisters: Rita Wills, Audrey Hall & Queenie Smith as well as a very special cousin Odell S. Gorman. Funeral services were held on Monday, January 10, 2011, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Gethsemane Holiness Church, Huntingtown, MD with Elder Robert Watts, eulogist. The interment was held at Ernestine Jones Cemetery in Chesapeake Beach, MD Pallbearers were Larry Brown, Kermit Gray, Sherman Holland, Mark Jones, Glen Parran, and Delante Scott. The honorary pallbearers were Anthony Barnes, Pondell Beverly, George Holland, and Robert Winfield Holland. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Shirley Rice, 86 Shirley A. Rice, 86, of Prince Freder ick, MD passed away on January 5, 2011 at Calvert County Nursing Center, Prince Frederick, MD. Shirley was born to the late Ella Johnson and Jack Hurley on January 11, 1924. She attended public schools in Calvert County. She later met the late Herbert L. Rice whom she spent many, many year with. Although she never gave birth to her own, she was a mother to her niece: Linda Jean, nephew: Wilbur and Warren, greatnephew: Cory, other relatives, friends, and most importantly her two stepchildren: Calvin Rice and the late Leon Rice. Shirley was a domestic worker and traveled from Maryland to Virginia. During the years she attended many churches. She loved to hear the word of God. She was baptized on March 7, 2006 along with her late sister Ollie Chew. Reverend Alice Thompson proudly performed the ceremony at Calvert Memorial Hospital. Shirley enjoyed listening to gospel music (specifically the Silvertones), giving wise advice to others and being with family. She loved keeping her refrigerator full and counting her money. She made sure she knew where her money was before anyone left her sight. Her favorite phrases were “Where’s my money” and “Do you need anything honey?” in her soft tone dragging out the “ney” in honey! Shirley is preceded in death b y the
love of her life Herbert L. Rice, both parents; Jack Hurley and Ella Johnson. Her three brothers: Jesse Fletcher, Calvin Hurley, and Louis Chew Jr., two sisters: Ollie and Louise Chew, one brother-in-law: Louis Chew Sr., one sister-in-law: Elnor Fletcher, five nieces: Judy, Minnie, Elaine, Caroline, and Betty, three nephews: Oscar James, Alonzo, and James. She leaves a legacy of love to sixteen nephews; Douglas, Ronald, Alvin, Leonard, Frankie, Estep, Donald, Warren, Arthur, Allen, Carl, Page, Joseph, John, Wilbur, and Tony. Eight nieces; Rosalee, Patricia, Beverly, Linda Jean, Mildred, Ella, Mary, and Barbara Jean. She also leaves memories to cherish to a host of great-nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral service was held on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 12:00 PM at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Minister Lowell Thomas officiating. The interment was at Holland Cemetery, Huntingtown, MD. The pallbearers were her nephews.
Sylvia Sporn, 96 Sylvia Sporn, 96, of Sunderland, formerly of Silver Spring, MD, died at her home on January 15, 2011. She was born in New York on June 9, 1914 to the late Louis and Leua Taub Salzman. She married Robert Sporn in 1951. They spent 51 years together until his death in 2002. She was an elementary school teacher in Montgomery County and her hobbies included painting and swimming. She is survived by her son-in-law, Lloyd Wright of Sunderland; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, daughter, Debbie Wright predeceased her in 2010. Services were held on January 21, 2011 at Raymond-Wood Funeral Home. Rev. Rick Hancock, Pastor of Dunkirk Baptist Church, officiated. Interment was private. Arrangements provided by Raymond-Wood Funeral Home, Dunkirk.
William Russell Spriggs was born on February 10, 1940, in Anne Arundel County, MD to the late James Ellsworth Spriggs and Mary Spriggs Whittington. William was the fifth of nine children. William, who was affectionately known as “Poose”, was a quiet and kind person who enjoyed doing whatever was asked of him. Poose enjoyed life sitting at home watching television with his mother and enjoyed laughter with his many nieces and nephews when they visited. He shared a special bond with his nephew Purnell; they were like two peas in a pod. Poose was a member of Peter’s United Methodist Church. He enjoyed coming to church and listening to music. Poose leaves fond memories to his mother Mary Spriggs Whittington, two sisters Toye and Genevieve Spriggs, four sister-in-laws; Shirley, Madeline, Carolyn, and Valerie Spriggs, three Aunts; Carrie Hall, Helen Wallace, and Dorothy Spriggs. A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brothers; Lawrence, Robert, Everett, Henry, Walter, and Frank. Also, his step-father, Daniel Whittington. Poose will be sorely missed by all. Funeral service was held on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 11:00 AM at Peter’s United Methodist Church, Dunkirk, MD with Pastor Robert L. Johnson officiating. The interment was held at Spriggs Cemetery in Dunkirk, MD. The pallbearers were John Jacks, Jr., Dwayne Spriggs, Larry Spriggs, Sr., Oswald Spriggs, Roderickus Spriggs, and Ronald Spriggs. Honorary pallbearers were Purnell Spriggs and Roosevelt Rice. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.
Robert Parr, 86
Robert Dean Parr, 86, of Solomons, MD, formerly of College Park, MD, died on On January 15, 2011. He was the loving father of Luanna Villanueva (Dick), Nicholas Parr (Beverly), Cindy Bell (Christopher) and Deborah Emery; beloved grandfather of Robert Villanueva, Christina Frain, C. Nichol Pape, Celeste Pedroni, Jeff Bell and the late Mateo Villanueva; great grandfather of David Pape, Justin Pape, Kristina Sherard, Sofia Pedroni and Alanya Pedroni. Visitation and funeral services were held at Lee Funeral Home, Owings on Jan. 27, and burial followed at Southern Memorial Gardens, Dunkirk. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1850 York Road, Ste. D, Timonium, MD 21093.
Where Life and Heritage are Celebrated
During a difficult time… still your best choice.
William Spriggs, 70 William Russell “Poose” Spriggs, 70, of Dunkirk, MD transitioned from this life into eternal life on Sunday January 9th, 2011 at the Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis. MD.
Susan Bullock, 95
Susan May Bullock of Prince Frederick, Maryland died on Sunday, January 30, 2011, at the age of 95. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 25, 1915, to Jozef and Mario Katec. Susan was preceded in death by her husband, the late William Bullock, two brothers and one sister. She is survived by one niece, two nephews and one grandniece. Susan lived in Prince Georges County prior to moving to Calvert County 14 years ago. She was employed at Lerner’s Women Clothing Store in Washington, DC for a number of years. She spent her later years as a volunteer for the Red Cross during blood drives and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary. Susan loved to travel and vacation to Florida and Canada. Hand sewing, interior decorating and Chinese Art were just a few of her hobbies. The family invites friends to Lee Funeral Home, Owings, on Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. until the start of Funeral Services at 12:30 pm. Interment will be at Maryland Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Nicholas Lutheran Church – General Fund, 1450 Plum Point Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639-9215.
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Thursday, February-2011
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Spotlight On
Calvert Schools Receive More Than Time
SMECO’s Knowledge Bowl Winners Announced
The Southern Maryland Energy Cooperation (SMECO) recently hosted the 17th annual Elementary School Knowledge Bowl. Forty-six teams of fourth and fifth graders from 27 elementary schools in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties competed, totaling 350 students in all. “It’s part of our commitment to helping our students in the math and science fields,” said tom Dennison, the spokesman for SMECO. The Elementary Knowledge Bowl quiz tested the students’ knowledge of mathematics, history, grammar and current affairs, among other things. The students worked in teams of six and each team was given one hour to complete the 75-question quiz. The Elementary Knowledge Bowl is sponsored by SMECO and the Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s county school systems. The overall winners in the tri-county area was William B. Wade Elementary School, Charles County, in first place, Sunderland Elementary School, Calvert County, in second place and Malcolm Elementary, Charles County, in third place. There were also winners announced by individual counties. In Calvert County, the first place winner was Sunderland Elementary, second place was Dowell Elementary and third place was Beach Elementary. The teacher in charge of Sunderland Elementary’s team was Kevin Lamb, a physical education teacher. The current school year is Lamb’s first with Sunderland Elementary. “I was very pleased with their [the students’] performance and how well they worked together,” Lamb said. In addition to using the practice test provided by SMECO, Lamb said the students used various trivia sites, including quizzes from “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader”, to brush up on general knowledge. For St. Mary’s County, first place was Hollywood Elementary, second place was Green Holly Elementary and third place was Dynard Elementary. Virginia Meadows, an Instructional Resource teacher with Hollywood Elementary and the advisor for the SMECO Knowledge Bowl team for that school, said she and the students were pleased to have placed first in the county. “It was very exciting, the students were very happy with that,” Meadows said. She said the test was general knowledge, so the students had to bone up on a lot of different topics, because they didn’t know what questions would be asked specifically and how many questions there would be on certain topics. To help as a study guide, Meadows said they had a test from a couple of years ago. “It was very multi faceted,” Meadows said. “They [the students] did a lot on their own.” By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
The Community Bank of Tri County recently decided to donate more than their time to the Calvert County Public Schools. Jim DiMisa, the executive vice-president and the Chief Operating Officer for the bank, said the Calvert County Public Schools academy of finance received a check for $500 from the Community Bank of TriCounty during at the Chamber of Commerce After Hours on Jan 13. “We have branch managers or lending officers go into the schools and teach a class on financial literacy,” DiMisa said. He said he thought the program was good for the students, there was a lot of positive feedback and he thought the time was right to try to something a little more. “We thought it would be great to give them a monetary donation as well,” DiMisa said. The money can be used to purchase books and other teaching aids, DiMisa said. The people from the
bank come in to teach the students about managing their finances and about things like the annual percentage rate (APR) and the annual percentage yield (APY). “It’s a great opportunity for financial literacy,” DiMisa said. Jack Smith, Superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools, said the money will be used to fund trips and speakers for the students in the academy of finance completer course. There are academies of finance in each high school in Calvert County, and students in the academy of finance can complete a state or national completer course. He said any sort of time or money individuals and companies can provide is welcome. There are also places that provide internship opportunities for students, which is required for the academy of finance. “Any sort of support they want to provide we appreciate,” Smith said. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
Bill Pasenelli, President of Community Bank, left, and Dr. Jack Smith, Calvert County Public Schools Superintendent.
‘What Counts’ Forum Starts Tonight The Calvert County Board of Education began heavily advertising December 2010 for a public forum scheduled for Feb 3, to find out what the citizens value about the public schools and what factors contribute to student success. “What Counts” is the moniker given to the meeting held in Huntingtown High School cafeteria from 7 to 9 p.m. “The sessions are interactive. We’ll have six participants per table discussing the two questions in the press release,” said Gail Hoerauf-Bennett, Calvert County Public School spokesperson. Board President William “Bill” Chambers said the whole concept came while the board was seeking a Master Board Certification. “We want to engage all the stakeholders in a very structured meeting where everyone gets a seat at the table so to speak,” said Chambers. The format comes from the Maryland Association of
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Boards of Education, which has been used in other counties in the state. The overall meeting is facilitated by MABE while staff and local citizen volunteers will facilitate each individual group. Each table will discuss “What do you value in Calvert County Public Schools? And what factors do you think contribute to student success?” Then they will prioritize the ideas generated by their discussion and submit their responses to the Board. Board of Education members will be at the meeting but not participating. “The facilitators are there to make sure the tables stay on topic and on focus. We want this to be positive and not turn into gripe sessions. Everything is up for grabs. Anything related to education.” For example, the citizens are free to talk about academic resources in the classroom, the physical plant of the
schools, athletic facilities and funding resources. “The results go back to the Board, which will be using the priorities when making budget and policy decisions,” said Bennett. The forum is open to parents, community leaders, school system staff, and other interested citizens. “This won’t be the only What Counts we do,” said Chambers. Participants were asked to RSVP but anyone is welcome to come. As of Monday, more than 100 citizens had already called to indicate their participation. Those wishing to come are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early to register since the meeting will begin promptly at 7 pm. Those having more questions can contact Bennett at bennettg@calvertnet.k12.md.us or 410-535-7620. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.
net
Catholic Schools Week Underway
Schools all over the country are winding up Catholic School Week, an annual national event for Catholic schools. The schools on each side of the bridge are recognizing the week with various activities and special days.
On Tuesday the students had a tag day where they can pay a dollar to dress out of uniform for a day, in red, white or blue. The money raised from the tag day will go to the Wounded Warriors Program, Sister Carolyn Marie said. Wednesday saw Mad Science day and the St. Jude’s Math-a-thon, which raised money for St. Jude’s Medical research Center. Today the eighth grade students will “see what it’s like on the other side of the desk,” Sister Carolyn Marie said. They will be teacher for a day, with each of the students acting as teachers or administration and presenting the lesson plans the teachers had planned. The regular teachers will also be on hand, evaluating the students and providing support as necessary. Tomorrow is the culmination of the activities, with the prizes for door decorations, the guesses for the amount of stars on a poster and the forecast for who will win the Super Bowl being presented. There are two taPhoto courtesy of Gladys Nehf Calvert County Commissioner Steve Weems holds a proclamation from bles set up at the school, the Board of County Commissioners recognizing Catholic Schools week in one for the Packers and Calvert County, and congratulating Our Lady Star of the Sea School for its one for the Steelers, accomplishments. where students can put In Calvert County, Our Lady Star a can of food on the table for the team of the Sea School has been getting into they think will win. Sister Carolyn Mathe swing of things since Sunday, when rie said one can is one vote, but students the eighth grade students presented the are not limited to bringing one can. At readings at Sunday Mass. the end of the week, the food will be The theme for the Catholic School donated to SMILE. Week is “A+ For America - Catholic There will also be an open house Schools,” which Sister Carolyn Marie, Friday from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The principal at Our Lady Star of the Sea, first grade students will be leading the said gives recognition to the quality ed- 8:15 mass, which includes the readings, ucation students receive from Catholic the collections and leading the singing. schools. Sister Carolyn Marie said the acThere are different activities each tivities, in addition to being fun for the day of the week for the students at Our students, are meant to show them how Lady. Monday was the opening day they can get involved in the community. and two Calvert County Commission“It’s a double prong thing,” she ers spoke – including Steve Weems (R), said. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpuban alumni of Our Lady Star of the Sea lishing.net School.
Spotlight On
Student Opportunities With ‘Destination Pax River’ Students looking to get a foot in the door with military jobs now have an opportunity during the summer. Kathy Glockner, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) educational outreach coordinator with the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, said the opportunities for summer employment and internships are for high school and college students. “Our primary focus of our jobs is growing the next generation of scientists and engineers,” Glockner said. The summer opportunities are a way for NAVAIR and other affiliated programs to reach out to students in the classroom, Glockner said. Of the students hired, 87 percent are college students, Glockner said. The other 23 percent are high school students. “There’s enough out there to make it worth student’s while to apply,” Glockner said. Glockner said the students who are employed by NAVAIR for the summer wouldn’t just be doing clerical work, either. They will be getting hands on experience in the programs they are working with. Glockner said they employ a ‘get them young, get them for life’ policy in recruiting students who have not yet completed their educations.
“We really are looking for students who are interested in science and technology careers,” she said. She said there are also scholarship opportunities for students, some of which include their tuitions paid fully. She said one common misconception from students thinking about applying for scholarships is they would be required to join the military. She said they can be employed as civilians, and they are under no obligation to join the military. “We have a critical shortage of scientists and engineers, particularly engineers, in our country,” Glockner said. The deadline for the Paid Student Programs for high school students was Feb. 1, but there is no published deadline for NAWCAD and NAVAIR college summer employment program. Glockner said they are looking for students who perform well in school and have high GPAs, as well as being involved in extracurricular activities. They are particularly interested in students involved in robotics and the STEM project. Students interested in submitting resumes for consideration should go to jobs. navair.navy.mil. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@ somdpublishing.net
STEM Scholarships Available Applications for Marine Corps Aviation Association John Glenn Squadron Scholarships are due no later than March 15. Tri-county area high school seniors pursuing STEM-based degrees may apply. Visit www.mcaa-jgs.org and click the “Scholarship Program” button for details. Since 2007 the Marine Corps Aviation Association John Glenn Squadron at Naval Air Station Patuxent River has been able to award $102,000 in scholarships to 27 students, ranging from $2,500 to $6,000, due to the generous contributions of local businesses and individuals.
Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can’t be wrong!
Thursday, February-2011
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George Washington
Zachary Taylor
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Thursday, February-2011
Presidents Have Had Their Day in Calvert By Joyce Baki
You have seen it many times, “George Washington slept here,” however Calvert County does have many ties to presidents and yes, some slept here. Louisa Catherine Adams, wife of John Quincy Adams, was born February 12, 1775, in London, England. Louisa was the daughter of Joshua Johnson, an American merchant, and Catherine Nuth-Johnson, an Englishwoman. She was the only foreign-born first lady and the granddaughter of Thomas Johnson and Dorcas Sedgwick Johnson of Calvert County. The Johnson family had a farm located near the mouth of St. Leonard’s Creek. After growing up in St. Leonard, Joshua Johnson went to Annapolis where he became a partner in a tobacco business with friends. He was later sent to London where he met and married Catherine Nuth. When the Revolutionary War broke out Joshua and Catherine moved their young family to France. Although born in London and raised in France and England, Louisa never had any doubts that America was her home. When the war ended the family returned to London and it was there that she met the young diplomat, John Quincy Adams. They married on July 26, 1797, at All Hallows Barking, London, England. John Q. and Louisa Adams had four children. Their son, George Washington Adams, was a lawyer and John Adams II was a presidential aide. Charles Francis Adams was a diplomat, public official and author and their daughter Louisa died at an early age. Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams was first lady of the United States from March 4, 1825, to March 4, 1829. Thomas Johnson, Joshua Johnson’s brother, became a very important man in Maryland. Thomas, like Joshua, grew up on the family farm known as Brewhouse or Johnson’s Fresh. Born in 1732, he was sent to Annapolis to study and became friends with a young man named George Washington with whom he would have a lifelong friendship. Johnson became a lawyer and married Ann Jennings, the daughter of Thomas Jennings, a prominent Annapolis lawyer. After moving to Frederick to take up his law practice, he was elected to the Provincial Assembly and he served in both the first and second Continental Congresses. It was Thomas Johnson who made the speech nominating his friend George Washington as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Armies. Thomas Johnson was elected first governor of Maryland in 1777. He served as governor until 1779 and in 1789 President George Washington nominated Thomas Johnson to be the first federal judge for Maryland, but Johnson declined. On November 7, 1791, he was confirmed by the United States Senate to a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. He served on the court until January 16, 1793, when poor health caused him to resign. In 1801 he was named the chief judge for the District of Columbia. Margaret “Peggy” Mackall Smith was born on September 21, 1788, in St. Leonard on her family’s farm. Her father was Major Walter Smith who had fought in the Revolutionary War. Her mother was Ann Mackall whose family had “Godsgrace” in Cal-
vert County. Major Smith died in 1804 and not long after, Margaret went to visit her sister in Kentucky, probably in an effort to find a husband since she was 21 and not married. She was introduced to a young soldier, Zachary Taylor, by a friend from Calvert County, Dr. Alexander Duke. They married on June 21, 1810. Their marriage was a happy one and Peggy, a devout Episcopalian, prayed regularly for her husband to be kept safe on his journeys. Known as “old rough and ready,” Zachary Taylor served forty years in the United States Army. In 1848, Taylor received the Whig nomination for President and defeated Lewis Cass and Martin Van Buren in the election. Peggy prayed that Zachary would not win because she did not want the social life that came with the presidency. As first lady she was reclusive and left many official hostess duties to her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Taylor. Zachary Taylor only served as President for 19 months and died in office of gastroenteritis. The only son of Zachary and Margaret Taylor, Richard, became a lieutenant general in the Confederate Army. One of their five daughters, Sarah Knox Taylor, married Jefferson Davis against her father’s wishes in 1835. Sarah died of malaria three months after her marriage without having reconciled with her father. Believed to have been the favorite sailing vessel of President John F. Kennedy, the Manitou was known as the “floating White House” from 19621963. Manitou, which means “spirit of the water,” was built in 1937 by M.M. Davis of Solomons, Md. It was a Marconi rigged yawl, named after Manitou Passage in Lake Michigan. At 62 feet long and almost 14 feet wide, the deck is comprised of solid teak fastened to mahogany beams. The hull planking is all mahogany fastened with bronze to oak frames and cruising speed is nine miles per hour. M.M. Davis and Sons Shipyard was started by Marcellus Mitchell Davis in 1883 and in 1924 he turned it over to his son, Clarence Davis. The company produced many boats including some used by the United States Navy as patrol vessels during World War I and World War II. After the death of Clarence Davis in 1936, the boatyard was purchased by George Townsend of Greenwich, Connecticut and in 1946 the boatyard began building CruisAlong boats. Employees purchased the company in 1954 and changed the name of the company to Cruis-Along Boats in 1957. It was acquired by Century Boats in 1962 and closed in 1965. Ventnor Boats leased the property until 1970. The shipyard located at the foot of Florence Avenue is now leased by Dominion LNG as a tugboat terminal. Kennedy aboard the Manitou
Calvert County is Red Hot with February Events By Joyce Baki
The first Friday of every month is the First FREE Friday program at the Calvert Marine Museum and the museum is open free to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. Each month special entertainment and activities will be featured. Performing Friday, February 4, is the Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition. Visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com for details. The Maker’s Market at Annmarie Sculpture Garden is THE place to find handmade, homemade, or homegrown products like arts and crafts, hanging baskets, organic skin care products, farm-fresh produce, cut flowers, baked
Out&About
What could be sweeter than wine and chocolate? Participating wineries along the Patuxent Wine Trail invite you to enjoy special wine and chocolate pairings on Saturday, February 12, and Sunday, February 13. Five participating wineries will pair their wines with selected chocolates or will host local chocolate vendors. From complex and deep bittersweet to smooth and buttery white, chocolate can excite and enhance the wine-tasting experience. Wine lovers, foodies and chocolate lovers are invited to explore these unique pairings. Participating wineries include: Cove Point Winery, Fridays Creek, Perigeaux, Running Hare Vineyard and Port of Leonardtown. For more information, visit individual winery Web sites, or the Patuxent Wine Trail Facebook page for a full listing.
Want to make a big splash with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day? For a $50 donation to Calvert Hospice, the quartet Fathers and Sons will serenade your sweetheart at home, work or any other venue in Calvert County. For less than the cost of a dozen roses you receive a choice of two songs plus a rose and candy that will be presented to your special someone. For more information, visit www. calverthospice.org.
On Saturday, February 26, at the Calvert Marine Museum’s, “Shaken Not Stirred” 2011 Bugeye Ball, you
If you are looking for a night of entertainment and laughter, gather your family and friends for the 6th annual “Comedy Invasion For Project Graduation” presented by Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) on Saturday, February 19, at Huntingtown High School. CAASA is excited to present comedians Sebastian Maniscalco (from Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show) and Keith Alberstadt (from Last Comic Standing). This event assists in funding Project Graduation, an all-night alcohol-free and drug-free celebration for graduating seniors in Calvert County. For more information call 410-535-3733. On Sunday, February 20, at 2 p.m., Calvert Marine Museum’s Sunday Conversations with Chesapeake Authors series features William Poe, author of African-Americans of Calvert County. Poe documents one of the oldest African-American communities in Maryland, established when the first settlers arrived. The beautiful photographs and documents in this book give a glimpse into the past of these proud people and their descendents. (www.calvertmarinemuseum.com ) Over 200 participants helped create a stunning, unique collaborative community art project at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center during its annual MLK Days event. Caryl Henry Alexander guided visitors in their journey to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The stunning mural is on display now in the Main Gallery of Annmarie in conjunction with the new exhibit CELEBRATE!, a mixed media exhibit in honor of Black History Month. The exhibit features the work of Southern Maryland artists Doug Reynolds, Dona Baker, Elaine Wallace and Stephanie Garrison. Become part of a community that collaborates, celebrates and cultivates culture at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center. Visit today and make your imprint! (www.annmariegarden.org)
goods, batik and fleece clothing, handmade soaps and candles, herbal teas, ornaments, folk art, handmade gifts and more. On Saturday, February 5, enjoy a special indoor Valentine Maker’s Market from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and find the perfect gift for your sweetie. (www.annmariegarden.org)
Frederick Shopping Center at Routes 4 and 231. (www. calvartgallery.org)
will enjoy an evening of dining, dancing, and adventure. Scrumptious Mediterranean cuisine and specialty cocktails prepared by Ken Upton of Ken’s Creative Kitchen will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. See the museum transformed into an exotic Monte Carlo casino, try your luck at the gaming tables for prizes and dance the night away to live music. Tickets are $150 each and proceeds benefit the museum preservation efforts. (www.calvertmarinemuseum.com) Do you like rock-n-roll and have a passion for animals? The Fabulous Hubcaps will host a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Calvert County on Saturday, March 5, at the Holiday Inn Solomons beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at the Fishing Creek Kennel in Sunderland or Pepper’s Pet Pantry in Solomons. Food and drinks will be available for purchase and there will also be a silent auction and raffle items. For more information, call 410-286-2679 or visit online www. humanesocietyofcalvertcounty.org.
During February, Black History Month, CalvART Gallery highlights guest artist Tim Hinton and his show “The Legends: A Tribute to Historic Black Jockeys.” When we think of horse racing, names like Secretariat !"# "$%&'# ()*+#!, )- *&./#0! *)$'!, 10#(#'!( come up but few are aware that African-Americans dominated the sport for many years. At the first Kentucky Derby, for example, 13 of the 15 jockeys were black. These jockeys won many races across the country and are often overlooked or forgotten. Hinton has created an artistic tribute to these sports legends in a se!"#$%&'()*$+"*!#,%-.%/*+%,0#1/2 ries of paintings that powerfully capture nine of these racing greats. These stunning, life-like im/#$%&3#45*6#&0+*75*89:: * (6 ages will help ensure these jockeys are honored 3G&06 0&--.# *&(" /+.;*,")'(/*#$*<=>9*16 for generations to come. The show runs from 6 3 February 9 through 27. A special reception for 0+'5 (+.#'! '6 23432 "&(# +.-'3#4*'((*/.-.6.(/ *!+) $0* $ the artist will be held on Saturday, February 12, -)-) 31 & 0 ) 7883").+2&,320+/#33933().)%)'(:3%23;<=>> from 5 - 8 p.m. at CalvART Gallery in the Prince
Rock-n-Roll for Rescues
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A Warm Hole In The Ground
By Keith McGuire
Picture a pit, 18 feet long, four feet deep and four feet wide. Fix a bench in the pit along its length and cover the top with long stalks of dry grain and weeds. It’s dark and the temperature outside on this 500 acre Eastern Shore farm is 21 degrees with a slight breeze that makes it feel like 10 degrees. The pit looks uninviting and cold. The guide has done little to make it warm, but that will change. 500 artificial snow goose decoys were arranged over an acre of ground surrounding the pit. Their presence generated some warm excitement among our group and made the pit more inviting. We were hunting with Tom Marvel’s Chesapeake Guide Service, a premier Kent County waterfowl guide. Six of us climbed into the hole in the ground and sat on the bench with our shotguns, ammo, snacks and warm drinks. The guide joined us. It was not exactly comfy, but more comfortable than the open field. It was pre-dawn and the sun’s early light was just beginning a glow on the eastern horizon. The guide told us to hurry and load our guns because the snow geese will fly at first light. He would frequently pop his head above the weed cover of the pit for an early look at anything that might be flying our way. He instructed us to stay low until he called the shot. Then he said, “Stand up through the cover like a man. Don’t be timid about it!” We laughed and teased one another about who might be timid. No one was cold. The guide became excited as he scanned the south eastern sky. He grabbed his call and trumpeted goose sounds unlike any I had ever heard. It was the sound of a master musician to my ears. He ducked down in the blind and said, “Get ready! You guys are about to learn what 50,000 geese sounds like.” The noise was amazing. I could get glimpses of the sky through the cover of the pit. Wave after wave of snow geese were flying over at different heights. Suddenly, the guide yelled, “Take ‘em!” and we jumped up to see 1,000 geese low above us. We all fired heavy loads of 12 gauge steel into the crowd of geese and 8 fell from the sky. The Matt Hoehn, Don McDougall, Keith McGuire, Scott McGuire, Richard noise was deafening and I was glad that I had taken time to Everson, Jr. and Richard Everson, Sr. with their 22 snow geese.
Fur and Feathers
put in ear plugs. More were coming! We got back down into the pit and quickly reloaded. Many of the geese passed this field, which had already been fairly well devastated by their constant foraging of winter greenery. They were headed to a neighboring farm that had fresh fields of winter wheat. Eastern Shore farmers abhor the snow goose onslaught. The geese can quickly destroy a winter cover crop by eating the green stalks and blades and pulling up the plant by its roots. Soon there was a single “Boom!” from the direction of the targeted farm and thousands of snow geese were in the air once again. This time, they were headed back in our direction. The guide, once again, played a tune on his goose call and said, “Get ready. Take ‘em!” This flock was much bigger. Geese were everywhere! In the confusion only five geese fell. We laughed and joked about our terrible shooting for a short while when we were told to get ready again! Amazing! We finished by 9:30 AM with 22 geese. The field was beginning to thaw in the morning sun as we climbed out of the warm pit to a stiff chilling breeze. We noted that there was not a single inch of ground without a goose footprint in the mud. Snow geese were still flying this way and that with tundra swans and Canada geese mixed in. It was time for breakfast! I will be offering stories of hunting adventures in future articles for this column. If you have a particularly interesting story, drop me an email at riverdancekeith@hotmail. com. Be safe and enjoy the season.
Newtowne Players Cast Shadow of ‘Doubt’
When an old-fashioned, stern nun goes up against a charismatic and presumably popular pastor with a chilling accusation, it sets the stage for much drama and, as the title indicates, doubt. “Doubt: A Parable,” written by John Patrick Shanley and directed by Bil Scarafia, is the latest play to hit the stage at Three Notch Theatre in Lexington Park. Opening night was Jan. 28 and the play will be preformed Thursday through Sunday until Feb. 13. The play opens with a sermon, delivered by Father Flynn, played by Brian Donohue in his debut performance with the Newtowne Players. To set the tone of the play, the sermon is about doubt and the effects of doubt in a person’s life. “What to you do when you’re not sure?” Father Flynn asks his assembled
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congregation in the opening line of the play. He ends with a statement for the congregation to consider, which summarizes one of the messages of the play, as well as the stance of one of the main characters, Sister Aloysious, played by Joanne McDonald, who goes up against Father Flynn armed with nothing more than her certainty. “Doubt can be a bond as powerful, and as sustaining, as certainty,” Father Flynn says. Missy Bell plays Sister James, the young, naive nun who teaches the eighthgrade class that Donald Muller, a never-seen but nonetheless important character, attends. She brings to Sister Aloysious’s attention the private meeting Father Flynn had with Donald in the rectory, and Donald’s strange behavior upon returning to class. Sister James’s observation sets the rest of the play in motion as Sister Aloysious embarks on her campaign to ferret out the truth. Shemika Berry portrays Donald’s
Thursday, February-2011
mother, Mrs. Muller, and rounds out the four-person cast. Mrs. Muller is the smallest part in the play, but she is no less important to how the events unfold and she has no less to loose than Father Flynn or Sister Aloysious. “It was interesting to see how important this small character is to the over arching story,” Berry said. The play is set in a church and private school in the Bronx in 1964. Using rotating sets, the small stage at Three Notch Theatre alternately becomes Sister Aloysious’s office as principal of the school, the pulpit where Father Flynn delivers two sermons, and the courtyard. Doubt is not a comedy by any stretch of the imagination, but surprisingly the stern, arguably cold, Sister Aloysious is the one to break the tension and make people laugh with one-liners delivered deadpan. The character herself doesn’t mean to be amusing, but McDonald’s delivery of her lines keeps tense situations from becoming downright uncomfortable for the viewers while staying in character and keeping the story moving
along. “Doubt: A Parable” subtly explores all kinds of doubt in different ways from different people. Nobody in the play is immune to doubt in some capacity and at sometime. There is also secondary theme, subtler but no less important, about the loss of innocence. “Doubt” isn’t a play an individual can come away from with a clear-cut idea of who was right and who was wrong. There is no ‘the bad guy got what he deserved and everyone lived happily ever after’ ending. Instead, it serves to explore the gray areas of the human condition. Reservations are recommended. To make reservations, visit www.newtowneplayers.org. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows begin at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students, senior citizens and the military. Thursday shows are $10 general admission. Light refreshments and beverages are also available for purchase at the theatre. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net
The Day the Music Died – February 3, 1959
Early Rock ‘n’ Roll Icons Spurred Music Revolution Rock ‘n’ roll was still in its infancy when the tragic crash of a four-seat airplane on February 3, 1959 claimed the lives of three of its biggest icons: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson, aka “The Big Bopper.” The three were killed on a bitter cold evening following a concert scheduled at the last minute at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. More than a decade later, the beginning lyrics from Don McLean’s hit song, “American Pie,” captured the lingering sentiment of many around the world. Of course, the good news was that rock ‘n’ roll didn’t die and grew beyond anyone’s imagination. This special column is a departure from my usual focus on the local music scene —and for several good reasons. First, the music of these artists is as pervasive and popular today as it was then. Tunes like “Peggy Sue,” “It’s So Easy to Fall in Love,” “La Bamba” and “Chantilly Lace” have become part of American culture. Chances are when you hear these songs you smile, tap your feet and know the words to sing along. The inspiring stories and accomplishments of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, in particular, are worthy of remembering and should not
fade away. It’s important, too, that younger generations understand and appreciate the huge contribution that these artists made to rock ‘n’ roll as an established musical genre. The infectious quality of their music influenced many of the greatest bands of all time, and continues today. The first smash hit of the Rolling Stones and the feature song on their first album was Holly’s “Not Fade Away.” The Beatles recorded another Holly hit, “Words of Love,” on their Beatles for Sale album and honed their skills by performing other Holly hits on stage in their early days in Hamburg and Liverpool. “Come On, Let’s Go” by Ritchie Valens was covered by The Ramones and Los Lobos. Even Led Zeppelin recorded an obvious variation of Valens’ “Ooh My Head,” called “Boogie with Stu,” on their Physical Graffiti album. At only 17 years of age, Ritchie Valens was the youngest of the victims. He was born in Pacoima, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. After joining a local band named The Silhouettes when he was 16, he came to the attention of Bob Keane, owner and President of a small Hollywood record label called Del-Fi Records. Valens’ recording career was to last only eight months. During this time, however, he scored several huge hits, most notably “La Bamba,” “Come On Let’s Go,” and “Donna,” while touring nationally and appearing twice on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. Valens is considered the first Latino crossover artist to ever have commercial success in mainstream rock ‘n’ roll. His most influential recording, “La Bamba,” was sung entirely in Spanish and blended traditional Latin American music with rock. He has served as an inspiration to countess Latino artists, including Carlos Santana. In 1987 Lou Diamond Phillips starred as Ritchie Valens in the film, La Bamba, depicting the last several years of his young life. Los Lobos performed most of the music in the film. Valens was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Only a few years older than Valens, Buddy Holly was just 22 when he died in the crash. Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, he was initially influenced by bluegrass and was performing with a classmate under the name “Buddy and Bob” by junior high. After seeing Elvis Presley perform in Lubbock in 1955, Holly began changing his music to rockabilly and then gravitated to rock ‘n’ roll. Decca Records signed Holly to a contract in 1956, and soon thereafter he formed his own band, The Crickets. After releasing several singles, including an early version of “That’ll Be the Day” that failed to chart, Decca decided not to renew his contract. Holly then hired Norm Petty as his manager and the band began recording at Petty’s studios in Clovis, New Mexico. Petty is famous for recording several other unknown Texas singers, including Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings and Buddy Knox. Holly released three albums during the year and a half of his success, but a backlog of other recordings of mixed quality continued to be released years after his death. Holly has been described by one music critic (Bruce Elder) as “the single most influential creative force in early rock and roll.” He was an early inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #13 among “The Fifty Greatest Artists of All Time” in 2004. Holly’s life story was portrayed in a 1978 movie called The Buddy Holly Story, starring Gary Busey as Buddy Holly. Paul McCartney later produced his own tribute to Holly in 1985 called The Real Buddy Holly Story to correct inaccuracies in the earlier movie. By Jonathan Pugh (CC) info@somdpublishing.net
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