Wednesday April 20, 2011
www.somd.com
P olice Show S on Took Heroic A ctions To S ave Jones Story Page 13
State Study Sheds Light on Per Pupil Funding Story Page 6
Police: Teenager Threatens To Set Fire To Family Home Story Page 9
Photo By Frank Marquart
What’s Inside
The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
On T he Covers
ON THE FRONT
Police reports show that Commissioner Cindy Jones indeed attempted suicide April 6, refuting family claims that she collapsed on the family property from exhaustion.
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ON THE BACK
More than 2,000 participated in the annual Run and Fun marathon for Hospice on the morning of Saturday, April 16.
“It puts a big question mark out there as to why,” Wood told The County Times. “This one bounces off Friday and they have their first meeting Monday… it doesn’t give people time to prepare.” Angel Systems Inc.
www.ANGELSYSTEMS.com
Del. John F. Wood, on the governor’s septic system task force being formed right after the legislative session
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Watch
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P.O. Box 304 20775 Old Great Mills Rd. Great Mills, MD 20634
Teachers picket before schools to remind the community of the April 26 Board of County Commissioners budget hearing. SEE PAGE 15
Don’t let unwanteD
Decorations swarm your tree this season!
county
St. Michaels School students learn how to make religious icons and the history behind them. See Page 12
The Tiki Bar in Solomons Island opened for the season last Friday, drawing thousands of visitors to converge on the island bar, including many St. Mary’s County residents. From left is Linda Loving of Callaway, John Holmes of Leonardtown, Crystal Currie, of Callaway, Crystal Nelson of Hollywood, Shane Weasenforth of Lexington Park, Greg Casoni of Hollywood and Bobby Burch of Hollywood. The group of friends comes down every year for the annual Tiki Bar opening day.
Also Inside
4 County News 7 Letters 8 Money 9 Crime 10 Obituaries 12 Education 13 Feature Story 14 Newsmakers 15 Community 16 Business Directory 18 Community Calendar 19 Entertainment Calendar 20 Entertainment 21 Fishing 22 Bleachers 23 Sports News Matt Laidley Gary Simpson Katie Facchina 7800 Crain Highway La Plata, MD 20646 301-934-8437
events calendar For The Community Calendar See Page 18 For Events Happening This Week.
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The County Times
The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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ews Jones Getting Support Town Takes Action on From Local GOP Property Maintenance By Guy Leonard Staff Writer With police reports confirming that Commissioner Cindy Jones attempted suicide April 6, refuting the family’s statements that she only collapsed from exhaustion, local GOP organizations still say they are supporting the embattled commissioner, but one close to Jones called on her to make a statement now that the police investigation has finished. “We do expect her to be honest,” said Deb Ray, president of the Republican Women in St. Mary’s, who counted herself as Jones’ friend. “I would think that we the citizens would expect … our politicians to be honest in their dealings with us. “I think she needs to be called on to make a statement about the truth, to resolve the issues,” Ray said. Attempts to contact Cindy Jones through e-mail and by phone for comment were not successful as of press time Tuesday. She said that the decision for Jones to remain in office, which the family’s statements have indicated she will do, is ultimately up to her and it will be up to the public to decide what to believe. “The people will decide for themselves,” Ray said. “The people of St. Mary’s County are forgiving and understanding in this … I know of no pressure for her to resign. We’re supporting Cindy and want her to get better.” After reading last week’s statement from
the family and then learning of the details of police reports, Ray said that she was still unsure what the whole truth of the matter was. “It’s a difficult situation, I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle,” Ray told The County Times. David Willenborg, chair of the county’s Republican Central Committee, said that the organization is also supporting Jones. “She was resoundingly elected and we stand behind the voters’ choice,” Willenborg said. “We’re doing nothing in regards to reviewing any process needed in anybody stepping down. “We’re going to take a reactionary stance; we’re going to be there to support her,” he said. Willenborg said that if Jones were to step down then the Republican Central Committee would submit a list of four names to Gov. Martin O’Malley, who would then choose one of the names to serve as a replacement. The governor could reject all four names, he said, and the process would begin again until a new commissioner was chosen. But creating a list is not something the GOP committee wants to have to do, he said. “We hope we won’t have to go through that process,” Willenborg said. Mary Burke-Russell, vice chair of the central committee, said that the vote was unanimous among committee members to support Jones in staying on as a commissioner. “If that was her desire we stand behind her,” Burke-Russell said.
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Leonardtown Planning and Zoning Commission voted to send several key ordinance changes that require more cleaning and maintenance on vacant properties in town limits and send certain sign uses to a hearing before the Town Council, but there are still no changes that could force property owners to tear down dilapidated structures. The final approval for the changes must come from the town council. Town Administrator Laschelle McKay said during the Monday meeting that the issues are complex when it came to the town taking such authority. “It’s a really difficult thing,” McKay said. “It’s going to be coming back to the town council … but we’re gathering information right now.” The town government has been researching methods used by other jurisdictions to deal with vacant, abandoned or dilapidated property but has not found the right method for the town to use. Town planning commission member Jack Candela said that such an ordinance change was key for the town. “There should be something in the zoning ordinance to deal with that,” Candela said. One of the ordinance changes includes giving the town the authority to remove illegally parked or abandoned vehicles in town limits: another change restricts electronic signs that “have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights, or other illuminating devices which change light intensity, brightness or color.” Also it restricts the use of beacons or search lights for advertising purposes and further electronic signs are limited to 24 square feet of space and must not operate in a distracting manner with scrolling or rapid, repeated blinking messages, for example. The changes received a unanimous vote of the three-member quorum in attendance at Monday’s public hearing but went with the recommendation that workforce housing regulations be re-examined to not restrict density further as the changes recommend. “We hurt our chances of having some affordable housing downtown,” commission member Hayden Hammett said of such a restriction. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
ews
Sunbrella
Commissioners Kept Distance FABRIC MARINE/OUTDOOR During Jones Incident By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Interviews with county commissioners following revelations from police investigations that their colleague Cindy Jones attempted to kill herself due to pressure from the job show that elected officials and county employees took a hands off approach to dealing with the situation, in many cases avoiding all together informing the public of facts and even avoiding asking questions to ascertain exactly what happened. Of the four commissioners called by The County Times, three responded, with Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell, declining to return several phone calls for comment. Commissioner Larry Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) said Saturday that commissioners were first informed of the reports of attempted suicide by acting County Administrator Sue Sabo, but that he did not ask for any information beyond that point. The information from Sabo was general in nature, Jarboe said, and did not have specific details. He said that before police reports came to light, there were two versions of what happened that day and that it would have been difficult for the county to make a statement. Now that more information had been revealed, that would probably change with commissioners either making a statement as a board or individually with the option not to comment. Jarboe said that the refutation of the family’s statements by police reports would make the political life of Jones that much harder if she planned to return, as the family has indicated. “It looks like the young man [who made the 911 call] is a hero to say the least,” Jarboe said. “I think the public has universally come to the conclusion that with the police reports there’s a [credibility] problem. “She can embark on a political comeback, which is more difficult because of her husband’s press release, or she can resign,” he said. Sabo said that she was informed of the initial 911 call and told both Russell and Jarboe, she said she did not hear the actual call and was not able to substantiate whether it was an actual suicide attempt. Despite new information from police reports, Sabo said that the county did not intend to furnish any statement regarding the incident; she also said that the county did not provide an offer or any assistance to the Jones family in crafting its own statement. “I still consider it to be a personal, private
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matter,” Sabo said. Commissioner Dan Morris (R-Mechanicsville) said Friday that he went to see Jones in the hospital the same day of the incident, though he said that he was informed by Cindy Jones’ husband that she had suffered an accident and that he should come to help console her. Morris said he considers Jones to be a friend as well as a colleague and did not ask any questions of her about the events that lead to her hospitalization. “I didn’t think it was appropriate to ask her questions,” Morris said, adding that he saw no evidence to lead him to believe Jones had attempted to kill herself. “When I saw her I saw nothing to indicate that,” he said. He said he also told acting County Administrator Sue Sabo that “as far as I know it was an accident” and did not pressure anyone in the county government to come out with a statement regarding the incident. “I don’t know if I ever knew the truth,” Morris said, when asked when he found out what really happened. “I never was privy to any inside information. “Whether I believed him [Brian Jones] or not is not the issue; I didn’t want to aggravate the situation” by asking questions. “I was just glad to see her alive and that she was OK.” Commissioner Todd Morgan (R-Great Mills), had been critical in the press regarding reports about Jones trying to commit suicide, telling the Enterprise newspaper paper the media was “malicious.” He told The County Times on Friday that he had no reason to doubt the story from the family. “Everyone heard the rumors, but I discounted them,” Morgan said, adding that he initially believed Brian Jones’ statement. “How could I second guess what her husband said?” Morgan also said he knew of no directives to county employees on how to respond to media queries regarding the rumors of attempted suicide. When informed of what the police reports revealed, Morgan said Friday that he had not had time to review them and could not comment. “I hate to comment on something I haven’t read,” Morgan said. He continued by saying that he did not believe the county government could have reacted differently than it did in response to the circumstances surrounding the incident. Editor Sean Rice contributed to this story.
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The County Times
ews Study Warns of High Cost of Bay Cleanup By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A study commissioned by the Maryland State Builders Association states that the push to clean up the Chesapeake Bay as mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will shrink Maryland’s economy by $10 billion and cost each household almost $10,000. The report comes out at a time when counties are busy formulating the second phase of what is known as the Watershed Implementation Plan, which directs what individual jurisdictions will do to reduce pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment going into the bay. According to the study, the Maryland Department of Environment’s estimate that the state’s portion of the cleanup will cost $11 billion is conservative and that implementing the plan could cost the state about 65,000 jobs over the next six years. This would have the affect of costing the state about $21 billion, the equivalent of $9,750 per household, the study argues. “Clearly the findings of this report are cause for concern,” said Steve Seaw-
right, the state builders association president. “We believe the focus of bay cleanup should center on the leading causes of pollution and the most economically beneficial reduction measures that can be put in place now with the limited resources available.” Estimates in St. Mary’s County by planning officials have gone as high as $300 million in costs over the next decade to clean up the county’s portion of pollutants. Senator Roy Dyson (D-Dist.29) said that he did not believe the Obama administration’s plans to implement the bay cleanup as first mandated would go forward, since congressional Republicans have removed much funding from the federal budget. Dyson said he wanted to see some kind of clean up strategy but said that other jurisdictions like Pennsylvania had to be made to help. The American Farm Bureau Federation and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau are now suing the EPA in federal court over worries that the tight limits on pollutants from farm operations could severely hurt their industry.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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State Figures Shed New Light on Student Spending Commissioner Says School Budget Shows No Planned Layoffs
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Figures released by the state’s Department of Legislative Services show that while the county ranks the lowest, out of all 24 jurisdictions in per pupil funding in one metric, it does not tell the whole story about how much effort the county is putting into funding education with local dollars, the county’s chief financial officer told the Board of County Commissioners on April 12. The clarification is important since the news of the county’s apparent bottom ranking in per pupil funding has become a hot button issue in the debate over how much the county is spending in the fiscal 2012 budget for education. According to the state’s study, titled as an “Overview of Maryland Local Government, Finances and Demographic Information” St. Mary’s ranks 12th out of all jurisdictions for receiving state education aid and 16th when it comes to receiving federal money. Elaine Kramer, county CFO, said in a later interview with The County Times that the bottom ranking of St. Mary’s was accurate if the $8 million in fund balance the county schools system is using now in fiscal 2011 is not taken into account. But with that $8 million the outlook for pupil spending now was better, Kramer said. “I’ve heard quotes that we’re last in per pupil funding and that’s not really the case,” she said. According to one portion of the state study, just $12,034 is allocated for each pupil in public schools in total from all sources, but the actual amount that the county spends of its own money outmatches Baltimore City, which only spends $2,618 of its own money per student and it receives the highest overall portion of combined per pupil funding in the state, but is also the lowest performing. St. Mary’s County spent $4,616 of its own money per pupil this fiscal year, the state report showed.
“[Being] dead last is not a reflection of the county’s funding,” Kramer said. Commissioner Todd Morgan, who has been critical of the push for more education funding in a time of uniform fiscal belt tightening across the county, said that the report helped clarify facts and figures that were seemingly at odds. “Elaine Kramer did a good job of analyzing statistical irregularities,” Morgan (R-Great Mills) said. Morgan also expressed frustration with the school system earlier in the commissioners’ meeting over a fund transfer by school finance officials of $3.4 million into the system’s restricted fund. Morgan said their request to use federal funds to fund the school system’s operations this fiscal year and thereby transfer there own funds to fiscal 2012 for pay increases for tenured teachers amounted to “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” Morgan said that the school system’s own budget submitted in mid-March showed that they had no plans to lay off paraeducators, though they have publicly said that some of their jobs could be eliminated because of budget constraints. “You can call it whatever you want, it’s a pay raise,” Morgan said. “How can you threaten to cut [paraeducators] and give pay raises to the tenured staff? “The budget says in black and white that no one’s getting cut.” But Gregory Nourse, fiscal services director for the Board of Education, disputed Morgan’s claims and said that $3 million in the schools’ fiscal 2012 budget was going to fund salary increases for teachers this fiscal year and not fiscal 2012 “There’s nobody getting anything July 1 [the beginning of fiscal 2012],” Nourse said. “No one is getting any kind of pay raise in 2012… that’s the misunderstanding.” guyleonard@countytimes.net
Governor Sets Up Septic Task Force By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Governor Martin O’Malley (D) may not have gotten his way with a septic system ban this legislative session in Annapolis, but the issue is far from over. O’Malley announced Monday that he has ordered a task force be assembled to study the issue and report on the impacts septic systems have on the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Whether to restrict new septic systems in the state’s rural areas was one of the most contentious issues this year, with building industry lobbyists and elected officials from both Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore opposing the measure. The bill died in committee for lack of support. The governor’s task force calls for a broadbased membership from many fields, including agriculture, science, business and environmental groups. “There’s greater recognition now for the societal costs of sprawl development on septic. Continuing down the same path will undercut the progress we’ve made on restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay and will overburden our farmers and other industries that are making changes to limit pollution in our waterways,” O’Malley said in a prepared statement Monday. According to the governor’s office there are
411,000 state households on septic systems, and the total nitrogen load going into the watershed is expected to increase by 36 percent over the next quarter-century. Reducing nitrogen loads by 21 percent by 2020 is one of the top priorities of the federally mandated bay cleanup effort, the governor’s office said. Del. John F. Wood (D-Dist. 29A) said that passage of such restrictions would hurt an already suffering construction industry and shut down development options in the state’s most rural areas, St. Mary’s County included. He also questioned why the task force was getting started so quickly, since it usually takes two to three months to establish one after the year’s legislative session ended. “It puts a big question mark out there as to why,” Wood told The County Times. “This one bounces off Friday and they have their first meeting Monday… it doesn’t give people time to prepare. “It’s trying to shove this down people’s throats,” Wood said. The governor’s statement of the task force getting underway included one state senator and two delegates from metropolitan areas of the state; there were no other announcements of other members. “Whoever else is on this committee, no one else seems to know,” Wood said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The County Times
Editorial: County Government Struggling for Leadership Legal
Three of the five county commissioners are new to the job. One commissioner with experience, the president of the Board, a nice guy, over the past four years has relied largely on others to provide direction. The other commissioner with experience has isolated himself from every board he has ever served on, rather than offer policy solutions to the big issues, he reserves himself so to criticize the others. The County Administrator, the top hired gun responsible for the day to day operations of county government is out on long term medical leave. The Public Information Officer, the person responsible for communications for county government is out, her contract was not renewed by the commissioners. Making things worse, the board is wrestling with adopting its first county budget, a $200 million over expansion of government services that the recipients of feel is not enough. The biggest recipient, the Board of Education, is immersed with pent up demands from the past three years. Led not so much by the elected school board members but more so by the school system’s top hired gun, the Superintendent who has extraordinary leadership skills, and even more so by the Education Employees Union, who are well organized, experts in the arena of public policy, have a very effective battle plan, and are lead by experience. For the past three years, because their friends, the Democrats were in charge, a Democratic governor, Democratic senator, Democratic delegates, and a Democratic board of county commissioners, the teachers union sat quietly as education was underfunded year after year. Per pupil funding in St. Mary’s County fell to last place in the state of Maryland over the past three years, yet the teachers union stayed relatively silent. Last year, the Democratic board of commissioners, with funding in last place in the state, offered and gave absolutely no increase in education funding over the prior year. Yet, as county budget processes go, it was a rather easy budget with almost no resistance from education. This year is different, with four of the five county commissioners Republicans, the gloves are off and the teachers union intends to make up for lost time, finally they can execute the well organized and publicly effective battle plan. And they are. Recently the Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Martirano, the one who represents “management” on behalf of the taxpayers when negotiating with the teachers union for pay and other benefits, which taxpayers will have to pay for, was standing shoulder to shoulder with the teachers union at their candle light vigil demanding the taxpayers pay more. Then last week, the Superintendent made it clear, this battle is not with the President of the Board, the lone Democrat, whom he embraced and declared has always been supportive of education despite the fact that his prior Democratic board had underfunded education so badly that St. Mary’s County was now the lowest funded in the state. This all got to be too much for one of the new county commissioners, Cindy Jones, who became embattled by the job, lost control of her life, and because she lost control tried to end her life. Certainly no one drove Ms. Jones to the point where she would be forced to take such drastic action. The degree of her actions was self inflicted and everyone hopes she can get the proper assistance to see her and her family through this. Unfortunately for Mrs. Jones no one in county government has provided the support and leadership necessary to get her and her family through this extraordinarily difficult time. We were well aware last Tuesday when the Jones’ family released the press statement essentially placing their 14-year-old son, who made the 911 call, and his ADHD condition at the center of a huge misunderstanding, that the Jones’ were not being upfront, but we did not have clear evidence at the time. Our immediate concern was for the protection of a minor. We immediately sent a written request to the sherriff’s office to release the police reports from the scene. We were also concerned from reading the press statement that the composer was not a professional public information specialist but rather someone acting in vain to create a false impression. After contacting all the county commissioners and the acting county administrator, it became clear that everyone in government had stepped away from Commissioner Jones’ problem, that no professional assistance was made available to her or her family. As an elected official she had a right to receive professional advice and assistance in dealing with job related problems. The county had a duty in this extraordinary set of events to make sure a public information professional was working with the family and county government to clearly and correctly address the issue so that the public was properly informed, and so that the commissioner and her family could be given options for dealing with this problem that would ultimately lead to a responsible and accurate press statement. By no means does the lack of support from county government offer an excuse for what the Jones’ did, but good leadership would have recognized the horrific challenge the freshman commissioner and her family were facing and made certain they had the proper resources available. While Commissioner President Russell has refused to answer the County Times’ questions concerning this matter, we did learn that on Sunday Commissioner Russell told someone that he has not even spoken to Commissioner Jones since the attempted suicide occurred. We find this to be shameful, but unfortunately none of the other commissioners offered much else.
To The Editor:
Notice of Public Hearing
The Leonardtown Mayor and Town Council will hold a public hearing on May 9, 2011 at 4:10 p.m. in the Town Office, located at 41660 Courthouse Dr., Leonardtown, MD. The purpose of the hearing is to present for public review and comment comprehensive changes to the Leonardtown Zoning Ordinance, the Sign Ordinance, and changes to Chapter 112 and 147 of the Leonardtown Code. All interested parties are encouraged to attend or to submit written comments by 4:00 p.m. on May 9, 2011 to the Commissioners of Leonardtown, POB 1, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Special accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities upon request. By Authority: Laschelle E. McKay, Town Administrator. 4-20-2011
Ignore Scare Tactics
I’ve been reading quite a bit over the past few weeks about our County’s budget issues. I was particularly impressed by Commissioner Morgan’s recent comments, it’s been a long time since any Commissioner has spoken so openly and explained the issues in a straightforward manner. We all know the importance of a balanced budget. Balanced also means everybody gets treated fairly, not “scream the loudest, get the most.” It is unfortunate that some of the teachers and their union have decided, again, to take on all challengers and engage in their usual rhetoric of scare tactics and intimidation. We face difficult times and instead of working together they chose to battle. As former Commissioner Jarboe said last week, “Pigs at the trough.” I support Commissioner Morgan and the BOCC, keep up the good work for all of our citizens. Robin East Great Mills, MD
Public Schools Need Funding The current quality of education in the St. Mary’s County Public Schools is in danger due to a $14.2 million budget deficit for the 20112012 school year. What could that mean for school-aged children? It could mean increased class sizes, longer walks to bus stops, reduction of much needed programs, delayed textbook purchases, elimination of some teachers, (reassignment of some instructional resource teachers), para-educators, building service workers, and secretarial positions to name a few. The question to concerned citizens is DO YOU WANT THIS TO HAPPEN? If the answer is yes, stop reading this now. If the answer is no, continue to read. Here are some probable outcomes: • Increased class sizes - individual attention per student will diminish; which means less attention for students regardless of social, physical, and intellectual abilities and discipline problems may increase • Reduction of academic and other programs - currently programs meet the needs of students over a wide range of abilities and interests • Delays in textbook purchases - most subjects require up-to-date material that allows students to compete in a rapidly changing world • Reduction in support staff - building service workers maintain a clean, safe, healthy environment and secretarial/clerical staff are critical for organizing and maintaining numerous school responsibilities • Reduction of bus services - fewer stops cause longer walks to those bus stops and increased danger for students due to early morning and evening hours (darkness/traffic) – possible reduction in availability for field trips and sport-
ing events. The $14.2 million budget deficit is not a “wish list for new initiatives”! It is not extra money; it would barely keep the education system funded at this year’s level. It does not take into account the fuel/electricity increases and student population increases. The schools electric bill for this year averaged $375,000 per month and transportation fuel costs for buses averages $15,000 per day. These are just examples of how much money it takes to run the St. Mary’s County Public Schools. These, with all the other component parts, are important to run a quality school system. It is a sad fact that St. Mary’s County is the 11th wealthiest county in the state of Maryland yet ranks last, 24th out of 24 jurisdictions in the State of Maryland in per pupil expenditure. You, the citizens, must let the Board of County Commissioners know that children in St. Mary’s County deserve the best education possible. Write, e-mail, call, and speak to the commissioners so that they know education is vitally important. Finally, please attend the Public Hearing on the Budget at 6:00 pm on April 26, 2011 at Great Mills High School and voice your concerns. Linda Chakales, Laura Clements, Joey Hoopengardner, Pat Friend, Jack Hazuda, Janet Kellam, Elizabeth Morris, Anna Moseley, Harold Siskind Members of the Board of Directors of St. Mary’s County Public Schools Retirees Association
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The County Times
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, May 1, 2011 12:00pm – 3:00pm
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"Senior Nutrition: The Joy of Eating Well and Aging Well"
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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“We are so fortunate in this country, and we cannot forget our friends and colleagues in other geographic regions that were affected by this catastrophe,” Javaid said in a press release. Smartronix also holds bi-annual American Red Cross blood drives in the Smartronix Corporate Headquarters in Hollywood, MD. Smartronix is a global professional solutions provider specializing in NetOps, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software Solutions, Mission-Focused Engineering, and Health IT. Headquartered in Hollywood, Maryland, Smartronix operates 12 offices in the U.S. in addition to strategic locations internationally.
Seating Limited Not Just By Space By Sarah Miller Staff Writer
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A number of restaurants are built in the development districts and their seating capacity is set in part by the size of the building. For establishments built outside the development districts, though, setting the seating capacity is not so simple. Daryl Calvano, the director of environmental health, said for smaller establishments built in the rural preservation district or town centers, the capacity the health department will allow is determined by their septic system. The capacity based on septic systems is based on a projected flow into and out of the septic system. If not balanced properly, Calvano said the septic system could fail prematurely and back up into the kitchens or other parts of the restaurant, which would warrant an immediate shutdown of the establishment. Along with the septic system, the land the establishment is build on can play a large factor. “Soil characteristics play a large role in
the size of the building and the seating capacity,” Calvano said. Some soil compositions allow for more flow than others, Calvano said. Even though the septic systems needed for establishments that can not hook up to public sewer can limit the capacity in a place, Calvano said he wound not discourage people from starting businesses outside the development districts. For the most part, Calvano said once they set a limit for an establishment, “it’s not often we have to go in and gain compliance.” The restaurant owners mainly adhere to the capacity they are given. Dan Ichniowski, the assistant director of the Metropolitan Commission (METCOM) said the capacity, as well as being limited by septic capacity, can also be limited by the type of restaurant. He said different flow estimates are assigned to different categories, like fast food and sit down restaurants, as well as places that prepare their own food on site as opposed to off site. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
Three Local Musicians For Entertainment Booking Agency
Do you need to hire some entertainment but don’t know where to find it? Three veterans of the local music scene have opened a booking agency to “Buy Local” for quality music, whether the musicians are the best local talent or bands from the DC/ Baltimore area, a press release states. Southern Maryland Music and Events can book any kind of music and can accommodate virtually any budget. The company handles all the details, including matching the music to your kind of event, booking the band, preparing contracts, handling the money and producing publicity. The agency can book individual events, such as weddings, parties or fundraisers, or, for nightclubs or other kind of venues, the company can do all the recurring bookings, freeing up time for business owners. The Agency will work with professional event planners as well as volunteer event managers. Randy Richie, Robin Guyther and Mickey Ramos are local musicians who have experience booking local and national acts for
events. “Since we are all performers, we know what can go wrong, or just be irritating, so we know what’s important to the client and the performers,” Guyther said in a press release.” Throughout our careers, we have seen most everything that can go wrong with entertainment events, so we know what to look for and what to avoid.” Richie explained the first step for the agency was to establish a database of bands and other entertainers, “which we are constantly working on. I think we’re up to about 60 bands playing all styles of music. Any performers that are interested in our help should contact us.” The agency is currently located in Leonardtown. Anyone looking for entertainment; any performers who want to be included in the their database; or anyone who wants more information about the agency its booking policies, can contact Robin Guyther at 301 904-4452.
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The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Briefs Police Make Arrest For Prescription Fraud At Pharmacy
On April 14 deputies responded to Tidewarter Pharmacy for a complaint of prescription fraud. The pharmacy reported a prescription was called into the pharmacy for Brittany Michelle Wood, 22, of Mechanicsville. The pharmacist contacted the doctor who had allegedly called in the prescription and the doctor verified she did not call in the prescription for Wood, police stated. As deputies were speaking with the pharmacist, Wood entered the pharmacy. Deputies began speaking with Wood, who at first was cooperative, but then ran into the deputy as she attempted to flee the pharmacy, police report. Deputies told Wood she was under arrest but she allegedly resisted. Wood was subdued, arrested and charged with attempting to obtain a prescription by fraud and resisting arrest.
Three Arrested For Drugs After Vehicle Search
On April 14 at approximately 11:50 p.m. deputies responded to Connelly Street in Leonardtown for a suspicious occupied vehicle. Upon arrival deputies observed a green Lincoln Town Car occupied by three individuals. The three men were identified as Travis Renard Snyder, 22, of Leonardtown, Jermaine Yadell Short, 22, of Mechanicsville and Deondre Augustus Hawkins 20 of Lexington Park. As deputies were speaking with the men they noticed what appeared to be flakes of suspected marijuana on Snyder’s shirt. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed suspected marijuana and controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia inside the vehicle, police alleged. Snyder, Short and Hawkins were all arrested and charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, marijuana.
Police: Man Arrested After Brandishing BB Gun
On April 15 at approximately 2:15 a.m. deputies responded to a local pub in Great Mills for a report of a man with a gun. Investigation revealed Michael Charles Jones, 39, of Lexington Park was engaged in a verbal dispute with another individual inside of the bar. Jones lifted his shirt and exposed a handgun to threaten the other individual, police alleged. Jones’s conduct caused the pub’s manager to clear the business for the safety of others, police reported. Jones exited the pub and was sitting in a vehicle parked in the parking lot of the business when deputies arrived. Deputies contacted Jones, who was intoxicated, police said, and located the handgun. Upon further inspection deputies realized the handgun was a BB gun which resembled a semi-automatic handgun. Jones was arrested for being intoxicated and endangering the lives of others.
Philip H. Dorsey III Attorney at Law
Police: Man Threatened to Burn Down Family Home By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
to reside with his mother and grandmother and obey house rules as well as obey all laws by Judge Christy Holt Chesser.
A California man has been released on bail after being arrested last week for allegguyleonard@countytimes.net edly threatening to set fire to the home that he, his mother and grandmother reside in on Autumn Leaf Way. Anthony Michael Yorke, 19, faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of threatening to commit arson. Yorke may also face a $10,000 fine in addition to a prison sentence. Charging documents filed against Yorke by Dep. Patrick Handy in the county District Court allege that the defendant became angry with his grandmother after she refused to allow him to use her vehicle. The defendant’s mother, Teresa V. YorkeCecil, told Handy that she was on the second floor of their home when the defendant held an ignited cigarette lighter up to the wall and yelled: “I will burn this [expletive] house down!” charging documents alleged. Court papers stated that no fire was actually set and that there were no burn marks as a result of the flame being held up to the wall. The defendant’s grandmother, Mary Alice Yorke, listed as a witness in charging documents, said that she could hear the defendant say he would burn the house down, court papers allege. Yorke was released after he posted $7,500 Anthony Michael Yorke bond, court records show, and he was ordered
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Carol Abell, 72 Carol A. Abell, 72 of Lusby, MD passed away on April 13, 2011 at Calvert Memorial Hospital. Born March 20, 1939 in Salt Lake City, UT, she was the daughter of the late Pauline Sheen and Alvin Allred. Carol married Thomas Abell on June 30, 1962 at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Valley Lee. She retired from the US Air Force as an E9 after 20 years of service. She worked very hard and got many awards. Carol loved to shop and spend time with her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and was known for making the best lasagna, and chocolate chip cookies in the world. Carol was a very loving mother and wife, and her grandchildren (best gift she ever received) were the apple of her eye. Carol is survived by her husband, Thomas Abell, daughter Kathy (Kenny) Burch, brother, Curt Allred, and grandchildren, Katie Huber and Thomas Burch. Carol was loved and will be missed by her family and friends more than we can express. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 1 p.m. in St. George’s Episcopal Church with Father Greg Syler officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. George’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 30, Valley Lee, MD 20692
Vallie Baker, 94 Vallie (Johnson) Baker, 94 of Leonardtown, MD died April 17, 2011 at St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, MD. Born in Moultrie, GA on December 27, 1916, Mrs. Baker was one of 11 children of the late Daniel Johnson and Rilla Pyle. A bookkeeper and long time resident of Orlando, FL, Waverly, FL and Lakeland, FL, she lived in Southern Maryland for the final 14 years of her 94-year lifespan. The last of the Johnson girls, she outlived her three husbands, Elsie Ricks, George Jones, and Melvin Baker. She is survived by her son Jerry Ricks of Avenue, MD, grandchildren; Jerry Ricks, Jr. of Seattle, WA, Melissa Ricks of Gig Harbor, WA, Robert Hicks of Abingdon, VA and Kristin Cooperstock of Waldorf, MD. Her surviving great grandchildren are Cleo Ricks of Abingdon, VA and Joshua, Jessica, and Kayla Cooperstock of Waldorf, MD. Family Memorial Services will be held at dates and places not yet determined.
Chris Biggs, Infant Chris Joseph “Little Man” Biggs, Infant, of Leonardtown, MD, died April 14, 2011 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Born April 14, 2011 in St. Mary’s Hospital, he was the son of Jacob Biggs and Jessica Hall both of Leonardtown, MD. He is also survived by his grandparents Patty and Dale Hall of Leonardtown, MD; Carol Biggs of North Beach, MD and Charles E. Biggs of Delaware. A Graveside Service was held on Tues-
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
day, April 19, 2011 in St. John’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Hollywood, MD with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Contributions in memory of Chris may be made to the Children’s Hospital Foundation, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20010. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.mgfh.com.
John Ford, 58 John David “Johnny” Ford, 58 of Leonardtown, MD was lost to us on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at the Washington Hospital Center after a brief illness. He passed away peacefully with his family at his side. Johnny is loved and missed by his children, Johnny Jr. and Jake, his long time partner Samantha, brothers, Tom, Dan, Bud, and Billy, sister, Kelly and his step-dad, Bill Shubert. He was the third child of the late C.A. “Stake” Ford, Sr. and Beverly M. Shubert. In his position as County Ambassador, he traveled far and wide, spreading goodwill and bad jokes. A man of independent means, he was able to travel fairly extensively, having breached the peace and tranquility of such places as Cancun, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Aruba, Cozomel, Key West and the Bahamas. He might be the only person asked to not return to Disney World. Johnny was a pitcher of dubious talent and was a member of our county’s Softball Hall of Fame. He was twice named Sportsman of the Year. A man with a bad hip, he would dance every set effortlessly. To have a party, cookout or blowout was to be the end result of any endeavor. His ability to spout useless trivia was a direct result of watching endless Jeopardy reruns. A generous man, anyone could get anything he had. He was a life-long resident of St. Mary’s County, a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout, Talent Scout, and Indian Scout. He’d lead a parade or follow one with a shovel. John David “Johnny” Ford, you will always be remembered and loved. Losing you hurts us all. Zipper’s Bucksnort # was 155. Family received friends for Johnny’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 with prayers recited. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Katherine Fraizer, 65 Katherine Fayrene Frazier, 65, of Leonardtown, MD died April 12, 2011 in Leonardtown, MD. Born December 21, 1945 in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of the late James Virgil and Fayrene Hallmark Mattingly, Sr. She was the loving wife of Terry W. Frazier whom she married on February 12, 1964, he preceded her in death on January 1, 1989. Kathy is survived by her children Jeffrey Scott Frazier and Tracey Frazier Mattingly, as well as 2 grandchildren, Holly Frazier Summers and David Alexander Mattingly. She is also survived by her siblings, James Virgil Mattingly, Jr. of Arlington, VA., Rosemary M. Cox and Patricia M. Robrecht of Leonardtown, MD., and Frances Farrell of
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Longview, TX. She was preceded in death by her brother, John Andrew Mattingly, Sr. Kathy graduated from the St. Mary’s Academy in 1963, and worked as a Business Financial Manager for the United States Navy, Patuxent River, MD., retiring on February 5, 2002 after 39 years of service. After retiring from government service, she enjoyed watching her grandson Alex and volunteering her time to the St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary and Gift Shop. She looked forward to the hospital bazaar, where she would display her crafts. Kathy spent many hours making floral arrangements that she donated to the gift shop for resale. She spent 2 terms as Treasurer and President of the St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, and was Chairman of the Auxiliary Golf Tournament and many other fundraisers. She was also active in the Fraternal Order of Police in Great Mills, MD. The family received friends on Thursday, April 14, 2011 in Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers were recited. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, MD on Friday, April 15, 2011 with Fr. John Dakes officiating. Interment was private. Pallbearers were Brett Frazier, Christopher B. Cox, Jim Robrecht, Jr., Brian Frazier, Jim Robrecht, III and Kyle Robrecht. Honorary Pallbearer were David Randall Mattingly. Contributions in memory of Kathy may be made to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation 5272 River Rd. Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20816 and/or St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary P.O. Box 527 Leonardtown, MD 20650. To send a condolence to the family please visit our website at www.mgfh.com.
Sharon Hayman, 66 Sharon Anne Hayman, 66, of Waldorf, MD, died April 13, 2011 in the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Born May 29, 1944 in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Robert McKinney and Catherine Ellen Moore. She was the loving wife of the late William Handy Hayman, who preceded her in death on February 1, 2000. Mrs. Hayman is survived by her daughters; Debra A. Campbell, Shelly M. Scott and Christie A. Hall. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mrs. Hayman lived in St. Mary’s County from 1996 to 2010, before moving to Charles County. She was employed by Dunkirk Family Practice for four years as an Administrative Assistant. Mrs. Hayman was a member of New Life Church in La Plata, MD and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and visiting Chincoteague Island, VA. She also enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren. A Memorial Service for Mrs. Haymen will be held at a later date. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.mgfh.com.
Billie Jennings, 80 Billie (Mary Anne) Jennings, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Cedar Lane Apartments, Leonardtown, MD Billie was born Mary Anne Thomas on August 21, 1930 in Washington, DC to Beniti Magdalene Peacock and Charles Stewart Thomas. Her father nicknamed her Billie because she was the fourth girl, and he was hoping for a boy. She attended St. Theresa’s grade school in Anacostia in Washington, DC. Billie was a 1948
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The County Times
Continued graduate of Notre Dame Academy in Washington, DC. She attended Business School and worked at the Navy Yard in Washington DC. Billie married the love of her life, Joseph (Joe) Thomas Jennings, on June 5, 1954 in Washington DC. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2004. In addition to her parents and husband, her sisters, Lucille Dabbs and Bette McCarthy, preceded her in death. Billie spent the first couple of years of her marriage to Joe as the wife of a Naval Officer. Joe’s Naval civilian career brought him to Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and they settled in St. Mary’s County, Maryland in 1959 where they enjoyed thousands of sunsets overlooking the St. Mary’s River. After raising her children and seeing them through their school years, Billie went to work for Sobstad Sails in Solomons, MD utilizing her sewing skills repairing sails, making boat covers & sail covers where she stayed until 1996. Billie was a faithful member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in St. Mary’s City and was responsible for the beauty of the church with her unique and amazing ability to arrange flowers into works of art. Billie was an active member of the St. Mary’s County Garden Club, Women’s Club of St. Mary’s County, St. Ignatius Society and the St. Mary’s River Yacht Club. Billie loved her gardening, sewing, and needlepointing, cooking and being a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Billie is survived by her three children Debbie (Scott) Styles of St. Mary’s City, Vaughn (Debbie Jo) Jennings of Compton and Bryan (Meg) Jennings of Norton Shores, MI; seven grand children: Elizabeth Styles, Travis, Nicole and Courtney Jennings, and Leah, Sarah & Clair Jennings. She also is survived by her sister, Helen Early, her brother-in-law, Francis Jennings, her sister-in-law Mary Ann Brinton and many nieces and nephews. Shortly after her husband Joe’s death, Billie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She stayed in her home for a short while and then moved to Cedar Lane Apartments where she lived for 5 ½ years. Cedar Lane became her home, where she was very happy. She always had a smile on her face and loved all of the wonderful staff. The last couple of years, Billie was confined to a wheel chair, so spent many hours sitting in the Health clinic with the “girls”, where they laughed even when they didn’t know why they were laughing. They brightened each other’s day. The care that she received at Cedar Lane was phenomenal. Her family knew that she was loved and cared for, which was very comforting to the family. The family will receive friends for Billie’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in St. Mary’s City with the Rev. Scott Woods officiating. Interment will follow at St. James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Cedar Lane, 22680 Cedar Lane Court, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Mildred Jurovaty, 90 Mildred Bean Jurovaty, 90, of St. Mary’s City, died April 12, 2011 at her residence surrounded by her family. Born February 1, 1921 in Great Mills, MD, she was the daughter of the late James Alphonsus and Daisy Hebb Bean. She was married for 66 years to Frank J. Jurovaty, who preceded her in death on February 12,
2008. In addition to her parents and late husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters Ann Marie Bean, Inez E. McConnell, James Franklin Bean, Sr., Beatrice A. Newbold, Joseph Luke Bean, Henrietta M. Moffatt, William B. Bean, Sr., and L. Hebb
Bean. She is survived by her sisters, Sr. Mary Grace Bean, West Hartford, CT; Evelyn Norris of California, MD; and Dolores Pinno of Great Mills, MD as well as many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Jurovaty graduated from Great Mills High School in 1938 and began her working career in Washington, DC, later was employed as a civil servant at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and retired in 1973 as the Postmaster of the St. Mary’s City Post Office. She enjoyed her family and friends, gardening, dancing, the river, traveling, and flower decorating at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. The family received friends on Sunday, April 17, 2011 in St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, St. Mary’s City, MD where prayers were recited. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, April 18, 2011 in St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church with Fr. Scott Woods officiating and Deacon Anthony Sweeney assisting. Interment took place in St. James Cemetery, Lexington Park, MD. Pallbearers were her nephews Jimmy Bean, Bobby Bean, Kevin Newbold, Billy Bean, Donald Bean, Kenny Bean, Carl Bean, Michael Norris, Raymond Norris, Roy Norris, and Paul Norris. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Cecilia Church Food Pantry, St. Cecilia Church Charitable Programs and/or First District Catholic Aid Society, St. Cecilia Church at 47950 Mattapany Road, P.O. Box 429, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.mgfh.com.
Charles Poe, 88 Charles Robert Poe, 88, of Lexington Park, MD, died April 12, 2011. Born March 16, 1923 in St. George’s Island, MD he was the son of the late Albert Franklin and Eva Estelle Poe. He was the husband of Delores Virginia Poe whom he married on December 29, 1944 and whom preceded him in death on January 18, 2003. He is survived by his children; Betty Johnson (Willie) and Pat Stocking (Les) both of Hollywood, MD, Ronnie Poe (Jo Anne) and Donnie Poe (Patty) both of Lexington Park, MD, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Web Poe, Toadie Poe, Roland Poe, Lena Denney all of St. George’s Island, and Myrtle Russell of Piney Point, MD. He was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County and made his living as a Waterman and Steamfitter for Local Union 602. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on July 21, 1946. Mr. Poe enjoyed crabbing, fishing, oystering and cutting his grass. The family received friends on Friday, April 15, 2011 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers were recited. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Saturday, April 16,
2011 in St. John’s Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers were Wade Johnson, Benny Johnson, Ashley Johnson, Grant Johnson, Joey Lacey and Andy Stocking. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.mgfh.com.
Elbert Willey, 89 Elbert Monroe Willey 89, died at his home on Willey Way in Hollywood, Maryland on April 17, 2011. He was the son of the late Charles Edward Willey and Ethel Bramble Fletcher Willey and the husband of the late Billie Mildred Smith Willey. Elbert is survived by son Robert Fletcher Willey and daughter-in-law Iris Grace Hall-Willey, son David Monroe Willey and daughter-in-law Judy Pilkerton Willey, his daughter Kathy Willey Glockner and son-in-law Ron Glockner as well as numerous step grandchildren, great grandchildren and his Jack Russell terrier Bear. Elbert was born on January 24, 1922 in Wicomico, Maryland and grew up on a tobacco farm in Charles County. He graduated from La Plata High School in 1940 and immediately enlisted in the Navy. He was aboard the U.S.S. Kearny when it was torpedoed off the coast of Iceland on October 17, 1941. It was able to proceed under its own power into Reykjavik where it was repaired in the harbor under arduous conditions. After torpedo school he went to Brazil and boarded the USS Memphis and took part in patrol operations in the south Atlantic and neutrality patrol of Fort de France, Martinique. His next assignment was the conversion of a Matson line cargo ship to a repair ship, which was, renamed the USS Briareus. The ship was reconfigured as a floating dry dock and he transited the
Panama Canal aboard arriving in Pearl Harbor in January 1944 where it made repairs on 18 ships. He attained the rank of Chief before he was 21 and was the youngest Chief in the Navy. He remained in the Pacific aboard the Briareus for the rest of the war. After the war he boarded the USS Delta in Japan and later the USS Fred T. Berry in Hong Kong and mustered out of the Navy after six years of service. He occasionally commented that he was surprised that he survived the war and didn’t want to take any more chances. His favorite Navy expression was “when your ship sails, consider all loves lost and all debts paid” He married Billie Mildred Smith on August 23 1946 and worked in Washington DC as a street car driver. They later came to Saint Mary’s County where he worked at the torpedo test range in Piney Point, Maryland. He became a supervisory electronics technician at the Naval Air Test Center in 1963 and retired in 1977. At the age of 50 he began riding horses and had an active life of showing, trail riding and fox chasing. He was a charter member and treasurer of the Saint Mary’s Riding Club, and field master and board member of the De La Brooke Foxhounds W. He founded Hickory Hollow Saddlery which he operated until 2004 and he continued gardening, boarding horses and raising hay at his farm in Hollywood until his death. Family will receive friends for Elbert’s Life Celebration on Thursday, April 21, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 where a Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Sheldon Reese pastor of the Hollywood United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Joy Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House c/o Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
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The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
In The
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12
Education
Robotics Club Going to St. Louis By Sarah Miller Staff Writer
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A local robotics group, the RoboBees, has discovered that hard work and good public relations pays off in the end. Erik Wood, the mentor for the FIRST Robotics Team 863 RoboBees group, said the group came in fourth at the Baltimore regional contest where they competed against 60 other teams from the east coast, and one team from California. The RoboBees lost in the third match of the final competition, where they were working with the number one team. Photo by Sarah Miller “We took ‘til the very end,” Students from the RoboBees sell light bulbs to raise money during the Earth Day Celebration on the Leonardtown Square. Wood said. In addition to placing fourth, culture of the community and get students inthe RoboBees also won the Chairman’s Award, terested in science and technology, “something which earns them a spot in the national contest that may not be thought of at a young age,” in St. Louis, Mo, starting April 25. Wood said “It’s fantastic,” said Nick Bazemore, a juChanging the culture of the community innior at Leonardtown High School. cludes seeding groups for other robotics teams He said he is pleased that the group gets and making sure all students know they are to go to the national competition before he welcome to be involved in any capacity. graduates. “They don’t have to be math, science or Bazemore said he credits their receiving STEM.” Wood said. the chairman’s award to the work done by the Students from private, public and home students in charge of public relations for the schools in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles RoboBees. Counties are welcome to join the RoboBees, Wood echoed Bazemore’s credit to the Wood said. public relations students, saying the students He said, in total, there have been about 50 who wanted to be involved in the robotic team robotics groups planted in St. Mary’s County. in a support capacity, by filling out applicaThe RoboBees is the only group that takes part tions and helping with other logistics not relatin the FIRST Tech Challenge. ed to building the robot helped get the team to To help support their trip to St. Louis, the the St. Louis competition. They were in charge team has been selling FIRSTGreen brand enof making sure the paperwork the team had to ergy efficient, LED light bulbs and bake sales. turn in to be considered for the Chairman’s For more information, visit www.roAward was in order and submitted on time. bobees.org. The goal of the RoboBees is to change the
Students Icons Displayed at Café des Artistes By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Students from two different Catholic schools in Baltimore and St. Mary’s counties have banded together to teach students about religious icons. Carol Morris, the art teacher at St. Michael’s School in Ridge, said she has been working with her sister and fellow art teacher, Margaret Mackie Zellhofer from the Our Lady of Mount Caramel School in Baltimore, to teach their students about the history of religious icons and how to make them. To celebrate the completion of the art projects, Morris and Zellhofer chose some pieces by students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade to be displayed on the walls of Café des Artistes in Leonardtown. “It’s just really wonderful,” Morris said. Morris said teaching the students about the religious icons involved teaching them church history, bible stories and art all at once. She said they learned about color mixing, as well as the significance of certain colors, and gold leafing, as well as more advanced techniques, like metal embossing. “The students are very proud of their
icons,” Morris said. She said the icons also gain significance to the students. Some students she said she taught in elementary school and are currently in college have told her they still have their icons displayed at home or even in their dorm rooms. Morris said the best part of having the student’s works displayed in a location in the community is that people who know the students personally get a chance to see the works, which gives the students a sense of accomplishment. Lane Friedman, an eighth-grade student at St. Michael’s School, said she’s happy her icon is being displayed at Café des Artistes. “It’s an honor that it was picked,” Friedman said. Morris said it was generous for the restaurant to both show the student’s work and hold a breakfast for the students to come celebrate their accomplishments. The effort that has gone into the icons and in displaying them will make for a special memory the students will have for the rest of their lives. “This makes it really special,” Morris said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Police: Jones’ Son Acted Fast to Save Mother’s Life By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Written reports from five St. Mary’s County sheriff’s office deputies and Bureau of Criminal Investigations detectives reveal that County Commissioner Cindy Jones (R-Valley Lee) admitted to detectives that she attempted to end her own life by hanging in a rabbit house at her home on Usher Lane the afternoon of April 6. The police reports, released to The County Times under a Freedom of Information Act request, detail the evidence collected during the investigation, which contradicts the family’s account that Jones, 45, fainted from exhaustion due to stress incurred as a county commissioner. Brian Jones, Cindy Jones’ husband, told The County Times in a interview last week that their 14-year-old son, upon seeing his mother unconscious in a structure on the property, panicked in telling 911 dispatchers that his mother had tried to hang herself. Brian Jones also distributed an email statement to local media and campaign supporters stating his wife fainted from exhaustion. The statement also pointed out that their 14-year-old son has ADHD. The police reports directly contradict Brian Jones’ statement that his son misinterpreted what he saw when he found his mother unconscious at the family home. Brian Jones also denied that his wife had ever tried to commit suicide. Based on observations on the scene, and interviews with Jones family members, police say Cindy Jones had been drinking beer that day at lunch time before she went into an out structure to attempt hanging herself. A detective observed a bottle of whiskey in the shed where Jones was rescued by her son and emergency responders, police reports stated. Police say commissioner Jones reported she was suffering from the strain of messages criticizing her handling of the budgeting process for school system funding. Entire paragraph-length sections of three police reports have been completely redacted by St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office leadership prior to releasing the material to the County Times. Based on context, it appears the missing information provides more details on why Jones was feeling stressed.
Dep. Shawn Hawks, one of the first officers on the scene, reported that Jones’ 14-year-old son was the one who had found his mother unconscious with a rope around her neck in the barn, and when he was unable to untie the rope, he called 911 to report the incident. Lt. David Yingling reported that the son was searching the home and property for his mother while on the phone with Brian Jones, when he saw his mother through a window unconscious in the shed. The 14-year-old was instructed how to break into the shed and then attempted to free his mother from the nylon rope, police reported. “Upon arrival I located the victim inside a barn and I observed her to be tangled in a rope,” wrote Dep. Robert Gill in his report. “The opposite end of the rope was tied to a roof support. The victim was breathing and alert. I untied the rope from the roof support so it could be untangled from the victim. “While untangling the rope I observed what appeared [to be] significant abrasions around the victim’s neck indicating the rope had been tied around her neck. I also located a partial bottle of alcohol on the ground next to where the victim was laying.” Once at St. Mary’s Hospital detectives Robert Merritt and Steven Koch interviewed Cindy Jones, and took a recorded statement. Merritt reported that Jones told detectives that after consuming beer and liquor April 6 she decided to kill herself by hanging. “She located the rope within a shed on her property, entered a separate out building, tied the rope to the rafter, tied the rope around her neck and laid on the ground, waiting to go unconscious, effectively ending her life,” Merritt’s report read. “She advised the decision to end her life stemmed from stresses of her current employment as a St. Mary’s County Commissioner. Further the specific stressors were false accusations about her being made via e-mail from St. Mary’s County School Board Employees, reference budget cuts/issues.” Merritt’s report goes on to say that Jones told him she had never attempted suicide before “and does not feel that this would occur again.” Dep. Dung Tan Ross reported that he requested a court-ordered emergency evaluation of Cindy Jones after she was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital by ambulance from her home. Editor Sean Rice contributed to this story.
STORY
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Newsmakers
The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
14
History and Book Lover Turns Author
By Corrin M. Howe Contributing Writer Leonardtown author Christine Trent loves to promote her books through personal book signings arranged by friends, book clubs and networking. Recently two friends from Calvert County held a party for her to talk to about a dozen women about her second book, “A Royal Likeness,” a historical fiction about an apprentice to Madame Marie Tussaud, the world famous wax maker. “I enjoy the one-on-one with readers,” Trent said. At this particular party, Trent gave a brief history about how Madame Tussaud became a wax maker and how she went from displaying royal likenesses in her home in France to taking her wax figures on exhibition in England. “You have to remember, in those days people didn’t have the internet, TV or gossip magazines like we do. So unless the king came through their town, the people didn’t know what the royals looked like,” Trent said. The author researched how Madame Tussaud would make both life and death masks of the subjects and explained the process at the book signing held in the home of Laura Allison, owner of Keep It Simple computer training. Trent’s friend, Carolyn McHugh, made a mask ahead of time using a head used in cosmetology schools. Trent used the pieces made by McHugh to demonstrate the art of making realistic wax figurines. Madame Tussaud originally started in France around the time of the French Revolution, according to Trent. Tussaud was not above trolling the cemetery pits after beheadings to get her subjects, but she would have to work fast to get accurate features because of the natural processes dead bodies
Christine Trent stands by one of her Marie Antoinette dresses and her bookcase displaying her two published books.
cycle through. In “A Royal Likeness,” Trent created her fictional character, Marguerite Ashby, who becomes an apprentice to “her old friend, Marie Tussaud, who has established a wax exhibition. When Prime Minister William Pitt commissions a wax figure of Admiral Nelson, Marguerite becomes immersed in a dangerous adventure—and earns the admiration of two very
different men. And as Britain battles to overthrow Napoleon, Marguerite will find her loyalties under fire from all sides.” This is Trent’s second published book in a year. The first was “The Queen’s Dollmaker,” about a fictional doll maker to Marie Antoinette. One of the ways she promotes her first book is by wearing one of the two dresses made in the style of Marie Antoinette. She had a third dress made which is identical to the dress on the cover of “A Royal Likeness.” “It is rare to have two books published in the same year,” Trent said. Trent loves history, particularly around the period of the French Revolution. Most of her research for her stories comes from her own personal library, now nearing 4,000 books. “I have to own them. I buy books everywhere. I haunt used book stores, eBay, people are beginning to donate books to me. I love old books sales. I can find the most unusual things,” Trent said. In fact, one of her two books currently in the works came from one of those unusual finds. According to Trent, the hardest part about promoting her two currently published books is finding the time. She spent three years writing her first book because she did not have an agent or a contract. Since her first book sold and she hired an agent, she has two books she is promoting for sales, a third book she is currently editing with a publication date looming and a fourth book under contract that she must start writing. For more information about Christine Trent go to www. christinetrent.com. info@somd.com
“Students Against Underage Drinking”
Poster Designed by: Danielle Biegner 11th grade Chopticon HS.
The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention funded this project under grant number EUDL-2008-1007. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State of Federal agency
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The County Times
Community
Teachers Lobby For Support at Budget Hearing
Dog Obedience is a Walk in the Fairground
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
By Sarah Miller Staff Writer
By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Friday morning, before school started, teachers could be seen out in front of their respective schools with picket signs in an effort to get support at the public budget hearing on April 26. Wanda Twigg, the president of the Education Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC) said Friday morning was the result of more than a month of planning for the protest. “It’s no easy task to get 1,200 people to do the same thing at the same time,” Twigg said. She said the point of the day was to raise awareness and remind both the teachers and the community as a whole to be at the April 26 Board of County Commissioners budget hearing. She said they also intended to send a message to the Board of County Commissioners that the teachers and St. Mary’s County Public Schools are unhappy with the level of funding they are getting in the current fiscal year and the next one. In addition to picketing before school started, the teachers only worked their seven and a half hours that they get paid for, without taking anything home to grade, working during their lunch period or chaperoning extracurricular events that they don’t get paid to do. “We work to the rule of our contracts,” Twigg said. She said there were no repercussions for individuals who chose not to take part in the protest, and Twigg said “all we can Jennifer Venendaal, a second grade teacher from Hollydo is ask, recommend, organize and encourage.” She said a big part of getting people involved included get- wood Elementary teacher, and her fellow teachers picket along Route 235. ting them to understand “why it is we’re doing what we’re doing.” Photos by Frank Marquart She said EASMC chose Friday because it was the last day before Spring Break, and they wanted everybody to remember to come out to the public hearing on April 26 at Great Mills High School at 6:30 p.m. She said, in the end, almost all the schools and a number of teachers participated in the events on Friday. “I think we were successful,” Twigg said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net Teachers from all over St. Mary’s County come together to remind the community to come to Great Mills High School the evening of April 26.
Spring Cleaning? aids.
Recycle old and unwanted eyeglasses and hearing
The Hollywood Lions Club invites community support of its recycling efforts. Every month the Club collects unwanted eyeglasses, sunglasses and hearing aids. The donated glasses are sent to recycling centers where they are cleaned, sorted by prescription and prepared for distribution in developing countries. Similarly, hearing aids are tested, cleaned, and repaired prior to distribution. The Hollywood Lions Club has convenient collec-
tion boxes in: • California: at Giant Food, McKay’s Food and Drug, Pearl Vision Center and Sterling Optical; and ; • Hollywood at St. John’s Pharmacy and PNC Bank. If interested in learning more about other activities of the Hollywood Lions Club, you may call Dale Snell, at (301-373-3812).
Used Cooking Oil, Grease Accepted at Recycling Centers
The County is pleased to announce reinstatement of the Used Cooking Oil and Kitchen Grease Recycling Program located at the six convenience centers; this service is provided at no cost to the citizens of St. Mary’s County. Greenlight BioFuels of Charlottesville, Virginia will be managing the County’s Used Cooking Oil and Kitchen Grease Recycling Program. For additional information about Greenlight BioFuels, please visit their website
at www.glbiofuels.com. The convenience centers are open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For questions or suggestions about recycling in St. Mary’s County, please call the Department of Public Works and Transportation at (301) 863-8400, extension 3550 or visit their website at www.stmarysmd.com.
Dog owners looking to train their pet, at any level, have the opportunity to do so through the Department of Recreation and Parks. Sandie Greene, the registrar for the parks department, said they hold dog obedience three times per year at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. She said there Photos courtesy of Christina Bishop, St. Mary’s County are no classes in the win- Recreation and Parks. ter because they are held in a building that doesn’t have a heating system. She said, without fail, the classes fill up before they start. “It’s always a popular class all three seasons,” Greene said. She said there are three different classes offered – puppy obedience, basic dog training and advanced dog training. There is also a dog tracking course which is offered occasionally. Greene said puppies have to be 8 weeks or older to be in puppy training, and they learn to play well with others and manners. Basic commands are taught to dogs in the basic class, who have to be older than 6 months. To register a dog in the advanced training class, it has to have passed the basic course. Greene said the advanced course is also called the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Training, and it’s the only class with a test at the end. One thing that’s important for people to remember, Greene said, is the owners are being trained as well as the dogs, and they have to be present at the training at all times. “It’s not doggie daycare,” Greene said. Greene said dog obedience classes have been offered for more than 20 years in St. Mary’s County and Bob DeLuca has taught them for the past few years. “I love the classes,” DeLuca said. “That’s more or less my hobby.” He said the most rewarding part of the classes is seeing out-of-control dogs come out of the training course better behaved. DeLuca said there is no American Kennel Club course for dog trainers, though he used to compete with his Australian Sheepdogs in American Kennel Club events. He said he uses a negative/positive reinforcement method of training, “which is one of the fastest ways to teach obedience.” The negative reinforcement includes training collars and leash correction while the positive reinforcement uses food and praise. The registrations are due by May 18. For more information, or to register for classes, visit the website for the Department of Recreation and Parks at www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/index.asp. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Business
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Classifieds Real Estate A 20 acre lot, with perk, mostly cleared flat land backed with trees- great for a single family with lots of privacy and plenty of room for pasture with a stream running along edge of property, or can be subdivided. In a great location in the middle of Hollywood on a private road in a quite neighborhood. If interested call 301-373-8462 or e-mail jlaowens@aol.com. Price: $349,900.
Real Estate Rentals Cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath home nestled in wooded area. Living Room with gas fireplace and beautiful bright sunroom. Hardwood floors. Large open kitchen with ceramic tile. Shed with power and light. Walk to lake, fishing, beaches close by. On a cul de sac. 1200.00/mo. 410-610-7072.
Small unfurnished one bedroom apt, $900.00 per month, Utilities included. Washer & Dryer on premises. Garage Parking, No Section 8, No Pets, Non Smoker. Minutes from PAX River. Lease and security deposit required. Applicants subject to background check. If interested, call Dana @ 301737-1257 or email dwcullison@smcm.edu
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Ca ll 30 ! d A 1-373 r -4125 to Place You Advertising That Works!
To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: classifieds@countytimes.net or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The County Times is published each Thursday.
Ground Maintenance Tech. Experience in ground maintenance a plus. Valid DL Required. Background check and drug testing required. RT’s Lawn Maintenance. 301-863-5199.
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Hi! I am a gorgeous female tabby. My foster mom says I’m a great help to her when she’s quilting because I like to help pull out her sewing material for her so she can get to it easier! My foster dad says I’m a bit of an energizer bunny because I love to play and be busy and have fun! If you Like a cat that’s happy to see you come home from work each day, that’s me! I love to be petted and rubbed and loved! I love being with people; and am a happy cat. I love my foster home but I need to find a loving home of my own. I am fully vetted and litter box trained, so I’m ready to go to my furever home! Call my foster mom at 301-866-0145 or email her at cowen@md.metrocast.net. The Feral Cat Rescue group needs volunteers and foster homes for other kitties like me who have been left to fend for themselves. They also need adequate outdoor accommodations for kitties who are not used to being around people but need to be fed and sheltered. They can set up a shelter for you if you have the room in your heart and at your home! Call 301-481-0171 or email moonandhunt@hotmail.com if you can help.
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Important
The County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The County Times reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The County Times. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day of the first publication ran.
17
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The County Times
Community
Sen. John Glenn Remembers the Past, Looks to the Future at Pax Museum Banquet
Remembering the past and looking to the future were twin themes of “Evening with Senator and Mrs. John Glenn” April 13 at the River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center on the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, honoring the former astronaut and senator for his service to America. The event, which celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation, was a fundraiser for the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Association’s Capital Campaign Phase II, which will help design and furnish the displays inside the new museum when it is built. PRNAMA Board of Directors President retired Rear Adm. L.F. “Gus” Eggert emphasized the certainty of “when,” noting that the long-planned and now-funded structure “will open in the next year or two. You were all part of making it happen.” He added that the current museum is “the best tourist attraction in Southern Maryland.”
Glen Ives, former base commanding officer, said the museum was “founded almost 40 years ago to showcase the story of naval aviation.” Pax River, he continued, “has fueled the whole spectrum of research, development, test and evaluation.” Military, civilian government and contractor staff are “all unified under one command, wholly dedicated to supporting our armed forces by providing the best equipment so they can accomplish their mission successfully and safely.” Whenever there is a crisis in the world, be it military or natural, “one of the first things a president asks is ‘Where’s the carriers?’” Glenn said. “Naval aviation is the greatest force projector with every capability that ever came down the pike.” During World War II, “naval aviation was vital,” he said. “Naval aviation was always the first air power on the scene. What would have
John Glenn signs autographs after the dinner program concluded.
happened without that capability?” John Glenn graduated from the test pilot school at Pax River in Class 12 in 1954 and he reminisced about pre-computer days, noting “even after the space program started, we did everything by slide rule. Computers were so rare that they had individual names. Com-
puterization has been a major change in naval aviation.” For more information on the museum’s Capital Campaign Phase II, visit http://paxmuseum.com or e-mail association@paxmuseum. com. For more information about the event, call Rick Thompson at 410-535-6967.
Community Invited to Egg Hunt on the Sterling House Lawn The Front Porch Restaurant at the Sterling House will restore a springtime tradition to Leonardtown. Easter Sunday, April 24 from 9:30-11 a.m., all are invited to attend an Easter egg hunt on the lawn of the Sterling House in historic Leonardtown. The event is free and open to the community. The last familial owners of the home, the Sterling Family, held a long-standing custom QBH St M County TImes Half of welcoming extended family andAd:Layout friends into 1
their home to enjoy the festivities of holidays. Mary Theresa “Aunt Theresa” Sterling, known for devotion to her family and to the community, kept the Easter tradition of creating baskets and organizing a children’s egg hunt well into her seventies, a press release states. Current Sterling House owners, Dean Beck and Jo Ann Beck, want to restore this Easter tradition and have plans for offering future seasonal 3/1/11 3:28 PM Page 1 events.
“It is our hope to recreate some of the Sterling family traditions by offering events and celebrations that bring our community together. Leonardtown is returning to a thriving neighborhood and we’d like The Front Porch at the Sterling House to be a gathering place that continues the traditions of the Sterling hospitality,” Dean Beck said. The hunt will be organized into two age groups. Children 2-5 year-old at 10 a.m. and 6-10
year-old at 10:30 a.m. Various prizes for finding the golden egg and the most eggs will be awarded and light refreshments; punch and cookies for the children and mimosas, coffee, tea for adults will be served. For more event information contact Joann Beck (301) 997-0984 or joann@homebuildersmd.com or the Front Porch website www.thefrontporchsomd.com
MHBR No. 103
The County Times
Thursday, April 21 • Book Discussion Calvert Library Southern Branch (20 Appeal Way, Lusby) – 2 p.m. How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gill. At the age of 60, Michael lost everything: his wife, his big house and a high-paying job. At this low point, he went from drinking lattes to serving them, confronting his prejudices and sense of entitlement. Learn what it is like to be a barista and how we are never too old to learn in this true memoir. For more information, call 410-326-5289.
Friday, April 22 • Earth Day Events Woodlawn (16040 Wynne Road, Ridge) – 4 p.m. Meet an oyster rancher, paddle a kayak, spin wool, listen to music and a nature reading and drink some slack wine. Bring your families and picnic dinner to celebrate Mother Earth. For more information, visit www.slackwine.com or call 301-872-5175. • Dave Norris in Concert Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall (37497 Zach Fowler Road, Chaptico) – 7 p.m. The Homespun Coffee House is pleased to present Southern Maryland native David Norris at a special concert. Born and raised in the historic colonial port town of Chaptico, on the western shore of St. Mary’s County, Dave’s tunes have been recorded by such quality artists as Blue Highway, The Seldom Scene, IIIrd Tyme Out, Larry Sparks, Valarie Smith and Liberty Pike, Jim Hurst and Gary Ferguson and Sally Love. Bluegrass Unlimited has described him as “one of the most refreshing new writers in bluegrass music”. “His mellow, crackling ditties have all the pace and timbre of folk, but are spun with bluegrass’s backwoods scales. Admission is $10 for members, and $12 for non-members. Light refreshments will be served. For more information and directions, please go to www.smtmd.org.
Saturday, April 23 • Easter Egg Hunt Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad (43256 Rescue Lane, Hollywood) – 11 a.m. The Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary is sponsoring an Easter Egg hunt at the Rescue Squad Building on Route 235 in Hollywood. Children 12 and under are welcome to participate. There will be games, temporary tattoos, a cupcake walk and more. There will be a boy and girl Easter Basket raffle, door prizes and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Admission is free and light refreshments will be available. • Recycled Art Show Three Notch Theater (21744 S. Coral Drive, Lex-
ington Park) – 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend the Recycled Art Show. The art show will feature an assortment of silent auction art pieces created from items taken from the ReStore. More than 20 local artists are contributing to the event. All proceeds will benefit the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity. The $15 tickets will include light fare and music by DJ Johnny G. Food vendors will also be available. Tickets are available online at www. patuxenthabitat.org or at the ReStore at 21768 South Coral Drive in Lexington Park or at 8900 Chesapeake Avenue in North Beach. For more information, call 301-737-6273. • Annual Easter Festival Leonard Hall Recreation Center (26845 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown) – 9 a.m. The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County and the Department of Recreation and Parks are pleased to invite the public to the annual Easter Festival. Some of the many attractions include a traditional egg hunt and decorating contest for all ages, pony rides, craft making, carnival attractions, free crafts, face painting, games, leisure class demonstrations and more. Most activities are free of charge, though some have a small fee. Food, beverages and crafts will be on sale from community vendors. Citizens are encouraged to come and enjoy a great day of family fun! Prizes will be awarded for various contests and the egg hunt. Kids are also invited to have pictures taken with the Easter Bunny. For more information, call 301-475-4200 ext. 1800 or 1801 for more information or visit the department’s website http://www.co.saintmarys.md.us/ recreate/specialevents.asp.
Sunday, April 24 • Easter Sunday Service Disciples of Faith Christian Life Center Church (22345 Greenview Parkway, Great Mills) – 9 a.m. Pastors John and Beverly Gray will be bestowing special prayers for specific prayer request. Communion served at both services. Dress is casual. There will be a special visitor reception. For more information, visit www.dofclc.org or call 301-866-1430 • Grace and Peace Easter Sunday Worship Grace and Peace Presbyterian Church (at 22646 Benswood Road, California) – 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join with us in the most important of all human activities: the worship of the living God. For more information, visit http://gppopc.org/index.htm or call 301-475-2111.
Monday, April 25 • Colonial Life in Maryland Calvert Marine Museum (14200 Solomons Island Road South, Solomons) – 1 p.m. Learn what life was like for the colonists
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
18
in Maryland. Explore the importance of tobacco and learn some games colonial children played. Fifteen minute programs at the top of every hour from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Admission is free with museum admission. • No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Bounty Tournament St. Mary’s County Elk’s Lodge (45779 Fire Department Lane, Lexington Park) – 7 p.m. Part of the Leaderboard Challenge SpringSummer Season. Anyone can join or play at any time. There is no need to be part of the points system, people can just play to win. Buy-in is $25 for $3,000 in chips. Blinds start at $25/$50 and progress from there every 20 minutes. People earn points for every tournament they participate in. The number of points people earn is determined by how many people are eliminated before them. Number of players receiving the free roll will be determined by the amount of money that accumulates in the pool at the end of the season. Side games available. Food and beverage available for purchase. Please enter through the side of the building. For more information, call the lodge at 301-863-7800 or Linda at 240-925-5697.
Tuesday, April 26 • Support Group for Moms of Kids Affected by Cancer Panera Bread (45250 Worth Avenue, California) – 6:30 p.m. Southern Maryland mothers affected by pediatric cancer are invited to join us for this informal monthly gathering. • Special Olympics Poker Bennett Building (24930 Old Three Notch Road, Hollywood) – 7 p.m. $1-$2 blinds cash game. Dealers will be provided and the high hand is paid nightly. Drinks will be free. Proceeds go to benefit the St. Mary’s Special Olympics and the Center for Life Enrichment. People who would like to help with the Special Olympics should call Mary Lu Bucci at 301-373-3469 or 240-298-0200. For more information about the poker game, call Jim Bucci 301373-6104 before 7 p.m. and 240-298-9616 after.
Wednesday, April 27 • Free Line Dance Lessons Hotel Charles (15100 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville)– 7 p.m. The Boot Scooters of Southern Maryland are offering free Line Dance Lessons. The lessons will be followed by the regular weekly practice session. Anyone interested in obtaining more information about these lessons or are interested in joining the Boot Scooters of Southern Maryland, can contact them through the link on their website at http://www.bootscootersofsomd. blogspot.com/.
L ibrary Items • Libraries to be closed All three libraries will be closed on Good Friday, April 22, and Lexington Park will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 24. Lexington Park only will be closed for staff training on Friday morning, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The other branches will be open. • New fine set for unclaimed holds Every day more than 100 unclaimed items are pulled from the hold shelves and returned making them unavailable to other library users during the hold period. Effective May 2, holds (items requested from other libraries) that are not picked up, extended, or cancelled before the five-day hold period expires will be returned and a fifty cent fine will be charged per item returned. • Book character bonanza highlights storytime characters Each branch will have a book character bonanza based on storytime characters of favorite authors to celebrate Children’s Book Week. Eric Carle is the author for Leonardtown’s program on Apr, 30 at 2:30 p.m., Kevin Henkes at Charlotte Hall’s on May 2 at 10 a.m., and Mo Willems at Lexington Park’s on May 3 at 10 a.m. Registration is requested. • Tweens can chat up book Kids ages 8 to 11 years old can chat up Kathryn Lasky’s book, “The Capture” on Apr. 26 at 6 p.m. at Lexington Park. Registration is requested.
Science Teachers of the Year
SMECO’s Outstanding Science Teachers of the Year, from left: Donna Miller, Windy Hill Middle School, Emily Meny, Esperanza Middle School, Carrie Lamb, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, Nancy Elliott, Southern Middle School, Daryl Faustini, Westlake High School, Jessica Yohe, Chopticon High School, Karen Myers, White Marsh Elementary School, Erin Beauvais, Milton Somers Middle School and Lisa Burkett, Huntingtown High School.
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Thursday, April 21
The County Times • Lisa Lim and Over the Limit Martini’s Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) – 9 p.m.
• Dave Norris DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m.
• Legend The Blue Dog Saloon (7940 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco) – 9 p.m.
• All You Can Eat Mussels Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Merchant’s Lane, Leonardtown) – 5 p.m. • All You Can Drink Ladies Night with DJ Chris Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m.
• Easter Buffet Issac’s Restaurant at Holiday Inn Solomons (155 Holiday Drive, Solomons) – 11 a.m.
Saturday, April 23
• Open on Easter Apehangers Bar and Grill (9100 Crain Highway, Bel Alton) – 12 p.m.
• Fair Warning DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 6 p.m.
• Open Mic Cadillac Jack’s (21367 Great Mills Rd., Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.
• Texas Hold ‘Em Bounty Tournament St. mary’s County Elk’s Lodge (45779 Fire Department Lane, Lexington Park) – 6 p.m.
• Karaoke Dance Party Bowie Applebee’s (410 NW Crain Highway, Bowie) – 9 p.m.
• Randy Richie on Piano Café Des Artistes (41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown) – 6:30 p.m.
• Martini Karaoke with DJ Steve Martini’s Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) – 9 p.m.
• Ballroom and Swing Dance Party House of Dance (24620 Three Notch Road, Hollywood) – 7 p.m. • Diane Daly The Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) – 8 p.m.
• Dave Norris DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m.
• Karaoke Contest and Dance Party Abner’s Crab Houses (3725 Harbor Road, Chesapeake Beach) – 8 p.m.
• Randy Richie on Piano Café Des Artistes (41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown) – 6:30 p.m.
• Music Man Entertainment with Karaoke and Dance Music Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 8:30 p.m.
• Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Mechanicsville Fire House (28165 Hills Club Road, Mechanicsville) – 7 p.m.
• Bent Nickel Farewell Show Anderson’s Bar (23945 Colton Point Road, Clements) – 8:30 p.m.
• Country Night Hotel Charles (15110 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville) – 7:30 p.m.
• Full Steam Martini’s Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) – 9 p.m.
• Big Joe Maher Trio and Basil Jazz Chef’s American Bistro (22576 Macarthur Boulevard, San Souci Plaza suite 314, California) – 8 p.m. • All You Can Drink Night with DJ Chris Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m. • DJ Mike Apehangers Bar and Grill (9100 Crain Highway, Bel Alton) – 9 p.m. • Face Down and Old Skool Memories Nightclub and Bar (2360 Old Washington Road, Waldorf) – 9 p.m. We post nightlife events happening in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. To submit an event for our calendar, e-mail sarahmiller@countytimes.net. Deadline for submissions is Monday by 5 p.m.
• Radio Redline Apehangers Bar and Grill (9100 Crain Highway, Bel Alton) – 9 p.m. • Lost in Paris Hotel Charles (15110 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville) – 9 p.m. • Dee Jay Christian The Blue Dog Saloon (7940 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco) – 9 p.m. • Karaoke with DJ Tommy and DJ T California Applebee’s (45480 Mirimar Way, California) – 9 p.m. • Karaoke on Demand with DJ/KJ Steady Rockin’ Cadillac Jack’s (21367 Great Mills Rd., Lexington Park) – 9:30 p.m.
n O g Goin
For family and community events, see our calendar in the community section on page 18.
What’s
Sunday, April 24
• Karaoke on Demand with DJ/KJ Steady Rockin’ Cadillac Jack’s (21367 Great Mills Rd., Lexington Park) – 9:30 p.m.
• Live Music with Sam Grow Trio Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8 p.m.
Friday, April 22
• Dee Jay Shaun Chef’s American Bistro (22576 Macarthur Boulevard, San Souci Plaza suite 314, California) – 9:30 p.m.
In Entertainment
• Community Easter Egg Hunt The Front Porch (22770 Washington Street, Leonardtown) – 9:30 p.m.
Monday, April 25 • Mason Sebastian DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m. • Family Night Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Merchant’s Lane, Leonardtown) – 5 p.m. • Pizza and Pint Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 7 p.m. • No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Bounty Tournament St. Mary’s County Elk’s Lodge (45779 Fire Department Lane, Lexington Park) – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 26 • Fair Warning DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m. • Team Trivia Night Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Merchant’s Lane, Leonardtown) – 6:30 p.m. • Open Pool Table and a List of Specials Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 7 p.m. • Trivia Night with Daimon Wolfe Island Bar and Grill (16810 Piney Point Road, Piney Point) – 7 p.m. • Open Mic Night Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 27 • Mason Sebastian DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m. • Live Music with Anthony Ryan Country Band Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 7:30 p.m. • Karaoke with DJ Randy Music Man Entertainment Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m. • Comedy Night Martini’s Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) – 8 p.m.
The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
20
The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail sarahmiller@countytimes.net.
Treat Yourself to Some Paranormal Nights at the Point Lookout Lighthouse By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Lovers of history and ghost stories alike have a place to check out in St. Mary’s County. Point Lookout Lighthouse, marking the southern tip of the county, is open to the public once per month, on the first Saturday of the month, from April until November. Individuals wanting to explore the lighthouse can come do so for free. The lighthouse dates back to the 1830s, when the original structure was built. Robert Hall, the president of the Point Lookout Lighthouse Preservation Society, said, but expansions have been made as recently as the late 1920s. He said the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1960. The lighthouse was also under the control of the United States Navy for a time, and then the structure and the surrounding lands were donated to the state and became a part of Point Lookout State Park. The reason people stopped living in the lighthouse was not because the structure had become unsound, but because the well failed and what was coming out of the taps was essentially undiluted sea water. In addition to getting to explore a lighthouse that’s over 100 years old, visitors can also get the chance to talk to Eunice Knott, who lived in the lighthouse with her family as a child when her father was the lighthouse keeper. She said she
has been working with the lighthouse since it opened to the public to share her stories with the community. The historic portion of the lighthouse isn’t its only draw for the community. Hall said people come from all over the tri-county area, and even from out of the state, to see if they can experience the paranormal phenomena there. “Some of it is more legend and lore than reality,” Hall said about the tales of ghost sightings that have circulated in the community and on the Internet. One sighting that he said he has his doubts about is the appearance of Ann Davis, the first female lighthouse keeper, on the Ann Davis staircase. The problem with this is that staircase was constructed after her death, so it really doesn’t make sense for her to be haunting that staircase, Hall said. Knott said she has more than doubts about the haunting. She said she lived in the lighthouse for several years and never once saw an apparition. Visitors don’t have to just take people’s word on the haunting. In addition to the monthly open houses, the Point Lookout Lighthouse hosts paranormal nights from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. A full schedule of the paranormal night events can be found at www.pllps.org under the link “nighttime investigations.” A maximum of 10 people can participate in the paranormal nights, and pre-registration is required. The cost is $50 per person, which is non-refundable. All proceeds go to Point Lookout Lighthouse opened for the season on April 2. The next open house will be May 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
the Point Lookout Lighthouse Preservation Society, Hall said. To make reservations for the paranormal nights, individuals should contact Kim Hammond at kim@ easternparanormalresearch.com. There is a Halloween event scheduled at Point Lookout called “The Spirits of Point Lookout,” that draws upon the Robert Hall shows off the brickwork that makes lore of the ghosts up part of the original lighthouse. of the lighthouse and the ghosts of Civil War soldiers to make for a spooky weekend in October. All the money that comes into the preservation society goes to preserving the lighthouse and keeping everything up and running. Eventually, Hall said they would like to restore the whole building to its 1927 condition, but that would require Joshua Allen Owen helps give tours of the more than the soci- Point Lookout Lighthouse. ety has coming in. “We don’t seem to make a lot of forward progress,” Hall said. All of the work done at the lighthouse is done with volunteers, Hall said, including the tours and the maintenance of the facility. In addition to the paranormal nights, there is merchandise sold at the lighthouse and there will be a 5K marathon in October at the Point Lookout State Park called “Feel the History” to raise funds for the society. For more information, or to volunteer with the Point Lookout Preservation Society, visit www.pllps.org or www. ptlookoutlighthouse.com. The next open house will be May 7 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
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The Ordinary
Local Special Olympians Will Represent U.S. in Greece in June
Angler
Sp rts Spring Has Sprung! Despite the rough start, striper trophy season is underway. Several folks braved the stormy weather on Saturday and managed to catch a few stripers. Travis at The Tackle Box reported that all 10 of the gift certificates were awarded to successful striper anglers over the weekend. He also reported that anglers from shore at the Naval Air Station have caught stripers and a few croakers. The surprise catch was a 24” flounder by Kitt Vongvosai. Wind was a factor this weekend, to be sure. The folks at Buzz’s Marina had a great festival to celebrate the opening of the striper season. Since most boaters took a “wind check” on Saturday the party was on! Festivities continued into Sunday when several anglers were able to get out. Stripers were plentiful on Sunday and most boats returned with their limit in short order. Weather should improve in the coming week and those boaters who don’t have to be at the office should be able to get their piece of the pie. To make matters better, DNR just issued a press release stating that revised fish consumption advisories from the Maryland Department of the Environment show that a healthy diet can include more striped bass than previously recommended. “Anyone who enjoys eating Maryland striped bass will welcome this news,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “This is good news for anglers who catch fish to feed themselves and their families and for businesses that benefit from recreational fishing. It’s also heartening for everyone working to restore the Chesapeake Bay.” MDE data suggest that contaminant levels are even lower in striped bass fillets prepared, as the Department has long recommended, without fatty portions of the fish. The revised advisories also include recommendations on the consump-
tion of bluefish caught in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. DNR also issued a press release about snakeheads that could benefit some lucky anglers. “From now until December 31st, 2011, anyone who catches a Northern snakehead with a hookand-line and posts the catch including a photo of the dead fish on DNR’s Angler’s Log (http:// dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/log. asp) will be entered into a year end drawing. Anglers should report the location of their snakehead catches, as specifically as possible and include a ruler or another measuring device to indicate the size of the fish in the photo. Prizes include a $200 rod and tackle package, a Maryland State Park Passport and a 2012 Potomac River Fishing license. The park passport allows unlimited dayuse entry for up to 10 people in a vehicle, unlimited boat launching at ALL facilities and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.” Might be worth the effort to catch one! Croakers should be reaching full swing in their migration, something a lot of anglers look forward to each year. The most popular baits are bloodworms, squid, and shrimp. Launch your boat at Bushwood or Chaptico and look for the other boats to find the fish. Croakers will also be collecting on the oyster bars in the Bay and Potomac River. Spring has sprung! If you feel compelled to catch a fish, now would be a great time to start. The Spring Gobbler season also started this week for those who prefer to be in the woods. riverdancekeith@hotmail.com.
Thompson’s Seafood Corner Market
(301) 884-5251 Fax (301) 884-2920 Open Tuesday - Sunday
150
ime Only!
$
dT
Olympians since he was in graduate school in Delaware. He played himself as an Academic All-American at Allegheny College, played for Oxford University in England, and then bounced around a few semi-pro teams in America. College coaches have contributed balls, shin guards and shoes for the players Lorraine Glidden, distinguished professor of psychology and human development at St. Mary’s has been appointed a Special Olympics Scholar and will travel to Greece for the Games to present research findings that shows participating in the Special Olympics benefits both the athletes and their parents. The research was published in the February 2011 issue of the journal Intellectual and Development Disabilities.
Special n -I e Mov Discounted Cable Playground Free on Site Storage with Every Apartment
Keith has been a recreational angler on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for over 50 years; he fishes weekly from his small boat during the season, and spends his free time supporting local conservation organizations.
SPECIALS F
HAPPY EASTER
The U.S. Special Olympics Men’s Soccer Team is entirely comprised of Special Olympians from St. Mary’s County, ages 17-29. They have not lost a game to a Special Olympic opponent in eight years. They are coached by John Toner (a Navy civilian engineer at the base), who has led them for the last nine years; and Kenneth Cohen, St. Mary’s College history professor, who has been with the team since last August. Cohen says it is “a very tight team,” a press release states. The team was chosen to represent the U.S. in soccer at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens. Greece, which will be held June 25-July 4, 2011. The team heads over June 19. Cohen has been coaching Special
Limi te
By Keith McGuire
Sp rts
The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Walk to Shopping/ Restaurants
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MARYLAND CRABS NOW AVAILABLE
Holy Thursday • Good Friday Holy Saturday
Fresh, Cleaned Fish • Crab Balls Peeled Steamed Shrimp Fried Oysters Closed
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Call In to Pick Up
All types of Seafood Platters
301-862-5307
Amenity Package Available
Owned and Operated by
Call For More Information: Bella Bailey, Marketing & Leasing MGR.
301-737-0737
23314 Surrey Way • California, Maryland 20619 Fax: 301-737-0853 • leasing@apartmentsofwildewood.com
Sp rts
The County Times
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A View From The
Bleachers In Spite Of You By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Spring. It officially begins with the vernal equinox. This celestial milestone aside, spring’s commencement is often defined more personally. For those stricken with cabin fever, March is close enough; for others it’s April’s arrival (no fooling). One of Southern Maryland’s first acts of spring is the opening of a certain Polynesian-themed roadside watering hole. For me, it’s the world’s best golfers engaging an in-full-bloom Augusta National and chasing one of the coolest “trophies” in the world: the green jacket. In other words, The Masters equals spring. Bandwidth has become a constraint in my relationship with sports. As I’ve rocketed through my 30’s, life has expectedly piled on heightened responsibilities that have been an un-welcomed therapist for my sports-addiction. But, I’ve adapted. Life is now joyously different. When it comes to following sports, I’m like a “Christmas and Easter Christian” now: I skim across the sports calendar immersing only
in the biggest events. The Masters is a sporting Christmas or Easter. And yet even with its “sacred” foothold, through three rounds my interest was dulled this year. With all due respect to contenders like Rory McIlroy and eventual champ Charl Schwartzel, none of them had me juiced for Sunday at The Masters. However, just when I was ready to abandon the tournament for domestic productivity (fancy term for chores), he got really hot on the front nine and surged into contention. Entering the final round seven shots out of the lead, he was an afterthought. In the blink of an eye though, the tournament was his for the taking and I was back on the couch for the duration of the afternoon, matching him fist pump for fist pump, rooting for another historical chapter in the career of The Legend Of The Links himself, Mr. Tiger Woods. But why? Why do I still so passionately root for Tiger Woods? There’s so little to like. The man took infidelity to rock star levels, barely tolerates fans and is rude to the media. He does not enjoy the company of many of his peers, nor do many enjoy his. On the course his language could make a sailor cringe and his mannerisms simulate toddler behavior.
CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY Running the 2nd & 4th Week of Each Month
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And perhaps most significantly, there are simply better golfers right now. So why do I still care so much about this guy? Is it because, as an African American, he’s still a golfing revolutionary that stands for greater diversity and continued advancement in sports and society? That’s part of it, but golf, while not a sport with significant African American representation at the professional level, is very diverse. Throw the names of 50 random golfers in a hat and draw one and you could literally get a name from any continent, save for the big frozen one. Are my reasons selfish? In my lifetime I’ve seen the greatest players in tennis (Roger Federer), hockey (Wayne Gretzky), football (Jerry Rice) and basketball (Michael Jordan). It would be sweet to see Woods break Jack Nicklaus’ record for majors and claim golf’s thrown. So yes, selfishness is a slither of my Tiger worship…but that’s not “it”. Woods still matters because of his competitive drive. Even in his diminished state, he’d step on or over anyone to win. He competes like only one other athlete I’ve seen: Jordan. Ironically, this shared trait yielded similar professional successes and personal flaws. Still, Woods’ stubborn, fighting spirit – unchanged by his success and fortune - is a glimpse of what created and forged America and what will sustain her in a complex future. Keeping score has become something of a societal taboo and often everyone walks away with a trophy. That’s okay in certain situations, but it’s still exhilarating to see someone refusing to rest on their laurels, demanding the best from themselves and obsessively chasing victory. Woods plays every tournament like it’s his first and last, as if he’s proven nothing and has one shot to succeed. I appreciate and respect him for that. That, more than anything else, is why he still matters and why I still root for Tiger Woods the golfer, in spite of Tiger Woods the man. Send comments to rguyjoon@yahoo.com
UNITED CATHOLIC METHODIST
To Advertise in the Church Services Directory, Call The County Times at 301-373-4125
ANGLICAN THE ANGLICAN MISSION OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND Sundays - 9:30 AM 41695 Fenwick Street Unit 3 Leonardtown, MD 20650 301/997-1235 www.amosm.net
BAHA’I FAITH BAHA’I FAITH God is One, Man is One, and All Religions are One
Discussions 3rd Wed. 7-8 Lex Pk Library, Longfellow Rm 301-884-8764 or www.bahai.org
BAPTIST CHURCH
Offering worship and serving opportunities at… First Friendship campus – Ridge 9:00 am Traditional worshipc
HUGHESVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH A member of the Southern Baptist Convention 8505 Leonardtown Road, Hughesville, MD 20637 301-884-8645 or 301-274-3627 Pastor Keith Corrick Associate Pastor Kevin Cullins
• Sunday Morning Worship • Sunday School (all ages) • Sunday Evening Worship & Bible Study • Wednesday Discipleship Classes (Adults, youth & Children)
10:30am 9:15 am 6:00 pm 7:00 pm
CATHOLIC CHURCH St. Cecelia Church 47950 Mattapany Rd, PO Box 429 St. Mary’s City, MD 20686 301-862-4600 Virgil Mass: Sunday: Weekday (M-F): Confessions:
4:30 pm Saturday 8:00 am 7:30 am 3-4 pm Saturday
St George Island campus – Piney Point 9:45 am Children and Adult Sunday School 11:00 am Traditional worship St. Paul’s campus – Leonardtown 8:05 am Traditional worshipna 9:15 am Contemporary worshipnca(ASL Interpreted) 10:45 am Contemporary worshipnca 6:00 pm The Refinery (interactive worship)nc n – nursery provided c- children’s Sunday school also available a- adult Sunday school also available
www.firstsaints.org 301.475.7200
GRACE CHAPEL Grace Chapel 39245 Chaptico Road, Helen MD Pastor Carl Snyder Easter Worship Service: 10:30 am Phone: 301-884-3504 • Website: www.gracechapelsomd.com John 8:32 Member of fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches
23
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sp rts
The County Times
Marathon for Hospice a Success By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Despite the threat of rain and the chill in the air, nearly 2,500 walkers and runners showed up to participate in the 16th annual Run and Fun walk for Hospice. James Dicus, the coordinator of the marathon, said there were 872 individuals who signed up as runners and more than 1,600 who signed up to walk the marathon, which was either 5 or 10 kilometers. Dicus said there were nearly 2,000 people who pre-registered for the event, a new record for the marathon. He said the top three pledge raisers were Anee Raulerson who raised $875, Mark Cornelius who raised $750 and Terri White who raised $576. Runners came from all over the country, and even the world, to participate in the marathon. Dicus said there were people from Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, Florida and California, as well as a runner from Ethiopia who showed up on the overcast Saturday morning. More than 250 women ran the 5k, Dicus said, with 17-year-old Caroline Parris finishing first in 19:47. Ethiopian runner Denissia Gult captured the men’s 5k in 15:40 followed by Paul Chasen of Towson in 17:25. “It’s amazing how people come out to support the event,” Dicus said. Twelve teams competed in the annual Defenders Cup competition tribute to the men and women who work in support of na-
tional defense, Dicus said. The winning team was Smartronix, with Team V-22 finishing second and Wyle Corporation finishing third. This year’s competition was dedicated to the memory of Albert Lewis Barthelme, Jr. a standout athlete from Chopticon High School who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1970. Barthelme’s siblings, Bryan and Kim, presented the trophy, Dicus said. One of the “most impressive” performances was by Chris Krush, a 67 year old man from Hollywood who ran the 5k in 18:54. “That is extremely fast, period, for any age,” Dicus said. For more information, visit www.runforhospice.org. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
Photos by Frank Marquart
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The County Times
WEDNESDAY April 20, 2011
Local Author Promotes Second Book Story Page 14
Robobees Going To World Competition Story Page 12
Hitting the Street for Hospice More than 2000 C ome O ut F or A nnual Hospice F undraiser Story Page 23
Photo By Frank Marquart